It’s pretty hard to spot a target dog just by looking at them. Generally, they are very good dogs! They listen well and want to be right. They often have something sweet or special about them that people are drawn to. Unfortunately, they tend to be consistently bullied by other dogs. What’s a target dog? A target dog is a dog that is routinely picked on or bullied by other dogs. No matter what they do, it seems target dogs … Read More
Resource guarding is when a dog protects his or her food, toys, bones, people, car, personal space, or anything else he or she finds to be important. Dogs can guard things from other dogs, people, or both other dogs and people. Resource guarding is a common behavior in many dogs and ranges from mild to severe. Genetics play a strong role in whether a dog will resource guard. You can often spot signs of resource guarding in puppies as young … Read More
I’ve been going to several homes lately for private dog training lessons for inter-pack dog aggression resulting in dog fights. Dog owners often add new dogs to their homes around the holidays, and it’s not always a match made in heaven. Aggression can start at any time, and for any reason. Adding a new dog to the pack can certainly shake things up, but conflict can also arise between dogs that have lived together for years. Perhaps the warning signs … Read More
Wags & Wiggles Online Dog Training Classroom Online dog training classes are the latest resource for dog owners, allowing access to certified professional trainers who are highly skilled and current in the latest methods without having to travel or change their work schedule to attend class. For 20 years, Wags & Wiggles has run group training classes in Orange County, California. Owners Laurie Zurborg and Ranaye Kahn have helped new puppy owners transform their barking, jumping, and nipping puppies into wonderful … Read More
I am in the process of potty training the newest dog in my home. Between the dogs I have owned, rescue dogs, and client’s dogs, I have completed the potty training process for around 50 dogs in my home. I have learned many tricks to make the process go fast! Pick the Spot If you want to potty train your puppy fast, pick a spot that is appealing to them. Sniffing and moving around is what stimulates a dog to potty. If you … Read More
5 Simple Ways to Stop Bad Dog Behavior Stopping bad dog behavior can be as easy as giving the dog a different job, changing the dog’s environment, using management tools, changing the consequences, or changing the conditions. 1. Give the Dog a Job There is an antecedent (event, cue) causing your dog to exhibit bad behavior. For instance, Bobby the Border Collie tends to chase the kids while they are swimming. He only does this behavior when the kids are … Read More
Reasons to Avoid Shock Collars and Punishment Punishment and shock collars are hot topics for dog owners and trainers. I have recently heard debates at dog parks, at a local dog restaurant, and at my veterinarian’s office. People seem to be talking about it everywhere! I try not to tell people what they should or shouldn’t do. I prefer to give people all of the data associated with their specific problem and then decide together the best course of action. … Read More
Preparing to Spay/Neuter Your Dog? Read Fancy and Fiesta’s Story! This spay/neuter article is based on personal experience – you should always consult with your veterinarian about your individual dog. The time recently came to spay our girls Fancy (Sheltie, age 2) and Fiesta (Aussie, age 5). We wanted to do our best to minimize their discomfort and our anxiety. We’re sharing some information with you so you can prepare for spaying or neutering your dog. There are actually several … Read More
New Puppy Series: Your Puppy’s First 5 Training Cues Did you recently bring home a new puppy? This blog mini-series is for you! In this post, we go over the first five training cues you should teach your new puppy! The new puppy in the pictures is Logic, the newest addition to the Zurborg family! 1. Eye contact We want to train our dogs to look at our face when we say their name. If your dog is looking at … Read More
New Puppy Series: When Vacuums Attack! How to Help Your Puppy Overcome Fear Did you recently bring home a new puppy? This blog mini-series is for you! In this post, we go over how to help your new puppy overcome fear. The new puppy in the pictures is Logic, the newest addition to the Zurborg family! Logic’s New Fear The day Logic turned three months old, he suddenly noticed the vacuum. We had previously been vacuuming around his pen while … Read More