We’ve all met (and maybe even live with) a dog overcome with what we in the dog training business have dubbed a “greeting disorder.” This is the dog that answers the door with an over-the-top exuberant welcoming ritual complete with jumps, barks and invasive sniffing. Some dog owners view this as simply part of their particular dog’s personality, and reluctantly tolerate it. Others find it annoying, but tolerate it because their dog isn’t showing any true “bad” behaviors. Regardless, there’s bound to be a time when it’s not appropriate, or at the very least, super embarrassing (think invasive sniff on that not-really-a-dog-person person). So, what to do? First, download this Dog in Trai

New puppy? Keep in mind: from day one puppy is learning both good and bad habits. Between five and 10 months of age many puppies move into adolescence, and any problem behaviors you haven’t dealt with are bound to intensify. Puppy problems don’t go away on their own; they tend to get worse. That said, focus on the following areas: Household Manners Housetraining, chewtoy-training, and teaching your puppy alternatives to natural (but undesirable) behaviors, such jumping, nipping, recreational barking or destructive chewing, is your most urgent priority. From day one, try managing the puppy’s environment so mistakes are virtually impossible to make. Create a confinement schedule and have p

We thought this column – a rerun of Ask the Trainer from last year’s holiday season – would be helpful. Ann will post a new column next month. Enjoy! As dog lovers we tend to be extremely tolerant of what some might perceive as “unmannerly” behavior by our dogs. We’re used to our bulldog’s habit of smooshing his face (and sometimes-droolly mouth) up against our leg to say “welcome home.” We don’t mind when our yorkie jumps into our lap as we settle on the couch. And when our exuberant golden thrusts her nose “south of the border” we understand that she’s just reacquainting herself with us after a long day. While these normal dog behaviors might be no big deal on a regular day, imagine a

If you’re like me, you probably don’t often think about personal space, that is, until someone invades it uninvited. Dogs, on the other hand, are acutely aware of their personal space, and usually have no problem communicating this to a fellow canine when it’s being invaded. We see this in any manner of growls, snarls and snaps, and the message is clear, “Move it!” As humans we tend to be more “polite” to our fellow citizens, our signals more subtle. Where things get confusing inter-species is when we humans, who regularly encourage the invasion of our personal space by our dogs (to us it’s affection), change the rules about when to encroach or not encroach on our bubble. Most people don

This installment of Ask the Trainer is about meeting your dog’s exercise requirements. Wait! Don’t click away – I know it’s a touchy subject, but I have some new ideas which don’t require you to recast yourself as “athlete.” But seriously, the first question I ask when someone calls me about training is the dreaded question about exercise and mental stimulation. How much is your dog getting and is it enough? I say “dreaded” because chances are the dog isn’t getting what it needs to be balanced (after all, people are only calling me if they’re having problems), and most owners are aware of this and feel some level of guilt. Unfortunately, however, lack of exercise is the number one cause

Q: We just got a dog and we’re on the fence about using a crate. The staff at the shelter said we should, but the dog is housebroken, so is a crate really necessary? A: Necessary, maybe not. Strongly recommended? Absolutely! The crate is one of those dog management tools that most trainers consider essential because of the many purposes it serves. If used correctly, the crate represents a haven for your dog, a place where he feels secure to relax and rest. Dogs have a den instinct, and the crate is the perfect place for a dog to settle for the night, a nap, or just for some recreational chew-toy time. Some other crate benefits: --Starting in puppyhood, the crate is an excellent housebre

Last month the Ask the Trainer column gave advice on what to consider before adopting a dog, such as what energy level and exercise requirements would best suit your family’s lifestyle. Assuming you have honestly appraised the resources and time you have to give a dog, and you have identified your ideal physical characteristics (big or small, short hair or long, slobbery or not) and compatibility requirements (cat/kid/dog-friendly), then you’re ready to begin the search! Whether you’re seeking a mixed breed or a purebred (according to the ASPCA, approximately 25 percent of dogs in shelters are purebreds), you’re sure to find your ideal canine companion at a shelter or rescue organization.

Q: I have a 9 month old Lab-Pit mix I adopted three months ago from the shelter. He’s a really sweet dog and plays well with my neighbor’s dog, also a lab mix. We live near a fenced-in dog park and I’d really love to take him so he can socialize with more dogs, but a couple friends have had really bad experiences at dog parks and I’m nervous about going. Any advice? A: Great question! Dog professionals are all over the place on the question of dog parks. Depending on whom you ask, dog parks are the highlight of your dog’s day or the ideal setting for trauma, injury and lawsuits. I personally enjoy exercising and socializing my clients’ and my own dogs at the dog park, but I also know it’s

As dog lovers we tend to be extremely tolerant of what some might perceive as “unmannerly” behavior by our dogs. We’re used to our bulldog’s habit of smooshing his face (and sometimes-droolly mouth) up against our leg to say “welcome home.” We don’t mind when our yorkie jumps into our lap as we settle on the couch. And when our exuberant golden thrusts her nose “south of the border” we understand that she’s just reacquainting herself with us after a long day. While these normal dog behaviors might be no big deal on a regular day, imagine a gathering in your home for a special occasion (not to stress you out, but the holidays are here) and suddenly your dog is embarrassing you all over the

Q. I have a three year old Pomeranian/Bichon. She is overall a great dog, but I have a really hard time with her on walks. When she sees another dog she goes crazy and barks and whines. It's really loud and embarrassing. She is fine at the dog parks and doesn't act out, but when she can't go say hi, she freaks! She does this in the car too and it is really distracting. Help! What can I do?! A. It probably isn’t all that comforting to know, but there are many, many owners who share your frustration and embarrassment every single time they take their dog for a walk. You’d be surprised how many people walk their dogs at unusual hours – even drive to empty lots or out-of-the-way locations - t

Welcome to The Local Bark’s new column, “Ask the Trainer.” The training team at The Local Bark has been working with dogs and their owners for more than 10 years on issues ranging from basic obedience to severe behavioral problems. There is no single training style, philosophy, or tool that fits all dogs or all dog owners. Kristin Minnie, trainer and owner of The Local Bark, and I bring a variety of philosophies and experiences to each and every client. Our goal with this column is to be able to answer questions about dog-related issues – both common and uncommon – that will help dog owners not only have well-behaved dogs but also achieve a balanced, healthy relationship with them. At th

In recognition of national “Adopt a Shelter Dog Month”, all October the Animal Shelter is holding several informational and training sessions to raise awareness of the often misunderstood group of dogs known as pit bulls and related breeds, which make up a large percentage of adoptable dogs in almost every shelter. The shelter has already offered several sessions throughout the month and on October 30 will celebrate the positive aspects of the breed with a showcase of several pit bulls that are Certified Assisted Therapy dogs. “We are pleased to be holding this first time event to attempt to provide factual information and dispel stereotypes and myths about pit bulls, and to highlight wha