Positively | Victoria Stilwell | Forum

Just a quick question spooky...does someone patting/hugging or otherwise comforting you when you a frightened or scared increase or decrease your fear? If you are like me I think you will find that providing comfort does not reinforce being afraid. What will reinforce fear is if you show your own fe...

Shelters and rescues are usually required to Spay/neuter all animals before adopting...including puppies and kittens 12-14 weeks in age. If you are getting a dog from a rescue or shelter assume then it will be neutered. If purchasing from a breeder there is a whole other set of issues to consider: s...

As you mentioned it looks like he is associating the leash with negative consequences. I would help your friends to ditch the head halter as that may also be triggering some of the discomfort. A body harness like the easy walk or sensation harness are very useful in teach dogs how to walk properly o...

There is nothing wrong with having goals, as long as your frame them properly. Instead of focusing on where you want to be 6 months from now, focus on the tasks you want to accomplish. A great place to start are the individual test for AKC's Canine Good Citizen. Again these are all very basic steps,...

Its been hectic for me with work and not working school and such that it finally feels good to get back to a normal routine....at least somewhat normal. Lets see now updates...oh yeah, My eldest dog Chloe passed last feb. She was the angelic therapy dog who worked with developmentally disabled adult...

Apollo is a wonderful loving dog who gets along with every other dog as long as they are on the same side of the fence http://agiledogs.smugmug.com/Pets/Dog-Park-2014/i-xhrWGdt/0/X2/20140805Apollo0913-X2.jpg http://agiledogs.smugmug.com/Pets/Dog-Park-2014/i-MfSzbn7/0/X2/20140805Apollo0914-X2.jpg I t...

I had to move the image and that broke the link.

In addition to the advice given by jacksdad and nettle I will only add that you also need to work hard to be your dog's protector and prevent other off lead dogs from approaching. This may mean yelling body blocking oncoming off-lead dogs in an effort to shoo them away. I have known people who carry...

Don't forget the people that walk their dog up a mountain trail in 100F weather carrying no water for their dog. The dogs had to be carried down, suffered severe heat exhaustion and had burnt the pads on all 4 paws. This is atrail where you will often find forgotten bagged poos along the trail. Owne...

As some of you know I professionally photograph performance dog sports. After taking a few serious courses at a local college I thought I would try something a little different at a flyball tourny. I am going for a more fine art look and not that's my dog look (not that a photo cannot be both) http:...

I would make sure she is getting enough water, but with it being hot we do become somewhat of a mobile salt lick for our dogs

Patience is a real virtue. Often times just as our dogs may not understand the task we lay before them neither to their handlers whom we are advising. I suspect in most cases the information is coming too quickly for her to absorb and that perhaps a chance to slow down would be helpful and beneficia...

Based on what you have described with this trainer. I know I would not stay in her classes. I see no value in staying with a trainer who does not share the same training philosophy. Certainly I would avoid walking through the heat of the day...its been real hot where I live. Leave it and Drop it are...

I'm not a big fan of gentle leaders as well as the three dogs I have tried one with were more leash aggressive towards other dogs with it than without it. I used a sensi-harness and for all 3 dogs they walk well with it on. Without the harness only 2 of my 3 walk nicely. Apollo sounds a lot like Jas...

I'm sure its been posted before but I just saw this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWAK0J8Uhzk


Driving dogs from New Zealand. Good thing minis come in automatic.