To me, dog training is not really about commands, but rather it is about how to live well with our dogs. In this, I found the many Zen-like life lessons in Kung Fu Panda to be extremely useful. Here are five important Zen lessons of panda kung fu applied to dog training.
Dogs and Humans – Treating a Dog Like a Human
Dogs are amazing companions. That is why we are tempted to treat a dog like a human. However, humanizing a dog can often bring disastrous results. Similarly, when humans pretend to be dogs, the results are just as bad.
How to Stop Your Dog from Pulling
Dogs generally pull us during walks because they are excited, happy, and want to explore. Other times, a dog may pull to get to prey, or to run away from a threat. We can teach our dog not to pull by showing him that pulling results in standing still, whereas being calm results in moving forward.
Fun Dog Toys – My Dog’s Favorite Interactive Toys
Dogs need physical and mental exercise every day, or they may grow bored and get destructive. One great way to exercise our dog, is to get them some fun interactive food toys, and to play some fun games with them. Here are some of my dog’s favorite toys.
Dog Socialization – What, Why, How
What is dog socialization? Is dog socialization necessary, or just another parental fad? How should we socialize our dogs?
Dog Obedience Training Facts and Myths
I had a difficult time with my Shiba Inu when he was young, and when I started looking around for information, I found a lot of conflicting opinions on dog training and dog behavior. Some people think we should dominate our dog, others believe in rewarding a dog with food, and some try growling and biting like a dog. In this article, we try to sort out what is fact and what is myth.
When to Get a Second Dog,
How to Pick the Right One
Will getting a second dog help to calm my first dog? Should I get another dog? How do I pick a new dog? I talk about my experiences on getting a second dog, including how long I waited, what breed I chose, and how I found a compatible companion for my existing dog.
Puppy Biting – Managing Excitement and Self-Control
Puppies like biting everything, including you and your prized belongings. The more excited a puppy is, the harder and more likely he is to bite. Here, we discuss how we can control puppy biting by managing his excitement level and teaching him self-control.
How Dogs Learn, How Dogs Think
Dogs are not human. They do not learn in exactly the same way that we learn, nor do they think in exactly the same way as we think. Here, we consider how dogs think, and how they learn. By observing our dogs and expanding our knowledge of their behavior, we can better communicate with them and forge a strong and lasting bond.
Stop Your Dog from Jumping on People
Why do dogs jump on people? Is it because of dominance or simple playfulness? In this article, we explore why dogs jump, and what are some common methods to stop our dog from jumping on us and on others.