What is Your Dog Thinking?

What is Your Dog Thinking?

Why Does My Dog Do That?
[caption id="attachment_151" align="alignright" width="213"] Dogs are always learning about their world.[/caption] Can you tell what your dog is thinking? Can you know what he knows? Dog owners often make assumptions about what their dog is thinking. But here's the thing.  Scientists have been working on this question for a long time. They are discovering a lot about how dogs think, what emotions they feel and how they learn.  We still have a lot to learn about dogs! So let's agree that we can't know for sure what a dog is thinking or what he knows. After all, it's difficult enough to understand what another human is thinking, let alone an animal of a different species! How often are we totally wrong when we assume we know what another person is…
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Five Personal Qualities To Expect From Your Dog Trainer

Five Personal Qualities To Expect From Your Dog Trainer

How Dog Trainers Help You
What personal qualities should you expect from your dog trainer? [caption id="attachment_143" align="alignright" width="205"] Your dog is smarter than you think! He needs a smart trainer![/caption] Obviously, a dog trainer has to know what he's talking about, but that's just the beginning. They must master their craft, understand the science of how dogs learn and be able to apply their knowledge in unique situations.  But these are things that most people could learn if they wanted to.  Although it's absolutely necessary, knowledge alone isn't enough. When knowledge is combined with essential personal qualities, the result is someone who will provide exceptional service. Love for People and Dogs Someone who claims to love dogs and dislike people isn't going to meet the first qualification as a dog trainer.  The goal is…
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My Dog Looks Guilty, But What Is He Really Thinking?

My Dog Looks Guilty, But What Is He Really Thinking?

Why Does My Dog Do That?
[caption id="attachment_117" align="alignleft" width="275"] Is this dog guilty or afraid?[/caption] Assuming that your dog looks guilty is always an incorrect assumption. He lowers his head, looks away, tucks his tail and flattens his ears. What is causing your normally friendly, happy-go-lucky dog to behave like this? Is it because of the shoe he chewed an hour ago or the trash he overturned this morning after you went to work? Does he remember his earlier misdeed as soon as you begin scolding him about it and does he "know he was wrong"? Or is he trying to tell you that you're being scary and he wishes you would be nice again? Dog owners often translate a dog's behavior into human terms - treating the dog as if he were an adult human…
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Your Imaginary “Perfect” Dog

Your Imaginary “Perfect” Dog

How Dog Trainers Help You
We all have an imaginary dog that is "perfect"! [caption id="attachment_55" align="alignright" width="275"] Imagine your "perfect" dog.[/caption] But it's the everyday imperfections that make our real life dog endearing, funny and sometimes frustrating!  We might expect our "perfect" dog to think and act like a person because we view him as a part of the family. We feel so emotionally bonded to our dogs that we forget that they are a different species.   But dogs were born to think and feel and act like their canine ancestors. We, on the other hand, think and feel and act like humans. Many owners become frustrated when that gap between the species causes a breakdown in communication.  The difficulties only get worse because of the strong emotional bond between people and their dogs. …
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