Adapted from my original post on Facebook at #SOSResourceWednesday If you intend to get started in modern dog training, one of the foundational books that you must read is The Other End of the Leash by Patricia McConnell .   (The other is Don’t Shoot the Dog by Karen Pryor , which I will discuss later.)     They are not how-to books nor are they required reading if you only want your pet to be well behaved, but if you are interested in the history and philosophy behind how dogs learn and how humans teach them, these books are unparalleled.   It is tempting to say that Dr. McConnell’s book looks at the fundamental differences in communication between human and animal, but it is more nuanced than that.   What she really addresses is the differences between the canine animal and the primate animal – our habits, preferences, languages, and cultures.   The conflicts that arise between us, she posits, are the fault not of power struggle, bullheaded...

  Last week, I wrote about how awesome Kong dog toys are and how nice it is that my dogs chew on them.   You know what’s not nice and awesome? Kong dog beds, and my dogs chewing on them.   It’s not an uncommon problem.   Puppies like to chew and they are perfectly happy to chew on, well, anything that they can put in their mouths.   For those of us who crate train our puppies – which I highly recommend! – this management strategy can curb a lot of unwanted chewing and keep the pup safely away from dangerous items.   But we feel bad sending our cute little fluffballs to puppy jail so not only do we train our dogs to enjoy the crate, but we also make it comfortable with cuddly toys, warm blankets, and plush beds.   And then what do the little bastards do? Render absolutely everything we give them into a mountain of shredded fabric and stuffing, drenched in excrement, all the while they screech like tormented souls and rattle the bars of their canine ...

Adapted from my original post on Facebook at #SOSResourceWednesday   I collect dog toys. Don't judge me.   It could be worse; some people collect creepy porcelain dolls.   There are times when I feel that my collection is more for my amusement than it is for the dogs’ amusement, but then, the dogs are also for my amusement and they are easily amused by dead leaves, so if I choose to amuse myself by purchasing brightly-colored plastic and rubber contraptions for them, then that is my own business.   Anyway.   When it comes to keeping dogs out of trouble, Kong is king.   It’s the original stuffable, durable chew toy.   Fill it will premade treats, peanut butter, wet or dry dog food, or get a recipe from Kong’s website to keep your dog entertained and out of trouble.   Other brands with similar toys include West Paw , Planet Dog , Bullymake and SodaPup .   Some people – usually clients, occasionally beleaguered friends and rel...