Resources

Canine Behavior Questionnaire

https://dogwisdomworkshop.com/behavior-problem

This questionnaire helps me to better understand the concerns you have about your dog's behavior. Please answer the questions in as much detail as possible. The information you provide about your dog will be the basis for our behavior consultation.

You can find the questionnaire here.

Please edit and submit this Google Form as soon as you can, so that we can get started with a solution.

Thanks,

Marilyn

Additional Resources For Dog Owners:

Learn more about Dog Training Equipment, Books, Websites, Podcasts, Blogs, Videos, and Facebook.

Recommended Training Equipment

You will not need expensive equipment to successfully train your dog. All you really need are a collar, a leash and food rewards. But choosing the right kind of collar, leash and rewards is very important. Any task goes more smoothly when you use the correct tools. Shop for your training equipment online or at a retail pet supply.

Good equipment should support good training, and not replace it.

Collars

Select a flat buckle type collar, a quick release snap collar, a rolled leather collar, or a martingale.

Leather Buckle Collar

Flat collar with quick release snap

Martingale collar: Tightens just enough to prevent slipping over the dog’s head. Useful for training good leash manners.

Available with or without a quick release snap.

Rolled Leather Collar: Good for long coated dogs. This kind of collar reduces the risk of the collar twisting and causing choking if another dog grabs the collar in play.

*Unacceptable collars are any collar made of chain or having chain parts. Choke collars of any material are unacceptable.

Leashes

Use a 5 or 6-foot leather or fabric leash with a closed loop on one end. The snap should be brass or stainless steel and an appropriate size for the weight of the dog.

A good quality leather leash is expensive but easier to handle.

A fabric leash should be sturdy and feel comfortable in your hand.

Never use a retractable leash. They are dangerous for you and for your dog as well.

*Unacceptable leashes are any made of metal chain. Retractable leashes are also unacceptable.

Long Line

For distance work a 10 – 15-foot line is useful. A long line is exactly like a leash except that it is longer, and it may not have a closed loop at one end so that it can be used as a dragline.

Clicker

A clicker is optional, and you will need special instructions before using one.

In the right circumstances, a clicker is a valuable training tool.

Harnesses

Some dogs do better in a harness.

Important: Always choose a Non-Restrictive harness. A harness that restricts your dog's normal shoulder movement can cause injury and long-term damage. An Easy Walk harness has a ring at the center of the dog’s chest to attach a leash in front. This may reduce pulling since it restricts the dog unnaturally.

For very small dogs a soft harness could be safer than a collar.

This dog is wearing a no-pull harness that unnaturally alters his use of his shoulders. For this reason, I don't recommend this style harness. If your dog pulls, train him to walk on a leash.

A good harness is sturdy and constructed so that it does not restrict the dog’s shoulder movement. The chest piece is vertical, not horizontal and does not interfere with the dog's shoulders. Similar styles are easy to find online.

Treat Pouch

Treat pouches let you carry a supply of treats and have them ready to reward your dog.

This one has a magnetic closure, extra pockets, and a waist belt.

There are many styles on the market. Spending a little more on a treat pouch that does its job correctly is worth the investment.

Treats

For best training results, treats should be:

Smaller than “bitesize”, about the size of a pea when broken apart
Soft and easy to break apart without crumbling
Easy to handle, not messy
Not hard and crunchy like biscuits or kibble that require chewing
Intense flavor and smell to arouse the dog’s interest
Free from colors, preservatives, sugar, and fillers that could be unhealthy for your dog.

Treats from home could include string cheese, cheerios (unsweetened, plain), fresh beef liver boiled or baked.

Websites

https://www.dognition.com/ Dr. Brian Hare's Dognition Lab. Find the Genius in Your Dog.

akc.org The American Kennel Club. Find information about breeds, events, dog news, sports, and the many activities you can enjoy with your dog.

https://positively.com/ Victoria Stillwell provides solid information about how to train your dog using only positive methods.

https://academyfordogtrainers.com/blog Jean Donaldson's website and blog about science-based, cognitive training.

https://www.clickertraining.com/dog-training?source=navbar Karen Pryor teaches all about clicker training

Books

You'll find countless books on dogs and dog training. This reading list includes selected titles by prominent experts and scientists. Their works are based on serious research and experience. These books are among my personal favorites.

The Genius of Dogs, Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods

The Culture Clash, Jean Donaldson

How Dogs Learn, Mary Burch, Ph.D., and Jon S. Bailey, Ph.D.

For the Love of a Dog, Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D.

The Other End of the Leash, Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D.

Inside of a Dog, Alexandra Horowitz

Behavior Problems in Dogs, William E. Campbell

Dogs Behaving Badly, Dr. Nicholas Dodman

The Dog Who Loved Too Much, Dr. Nicholas Dodman

The Intelligence of Dogs, Dr. Stanley Coren

Blogs

http://www.drjensdogblog.com/ Dr. Jennifer Summerfield, veterinarian and dog behavior specialist

https://susangarrettdogagility.com/tag/say-yes-dog-training/ Susan Garrett, International Agility Champion and founder of Say Yes Dog Training

https://www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/ Patricia McConnell writes about dogs from the perspective of a scientist and avid dog lover.

https://suzanneclothier.com/blog/ Suzanne Clothier writes about science-based dog training and emotional balance for the everyday pet owner.

https://www.dogstardaily.com/blogs Dr. Ian Dunbar, is a veterinarian and an advocate of common sense approaches to raising happy dogs.