training

Pet Training 101; learn how to teach your dog or cat everything from the essential commands to party tricks.

Building a Dog Agility Course
I used to love doing agility with Beau. Every so often, when the agility bug hits, I check out locally posted premium lists and run through my many reasons that I can't enter: I can't afford it, Badger doesn't have weaves, I can't afford it, it's too far to travel and get back to milk goats, I can't afford it, I really don't feel like someone playing "embarrass the human" again so soon . . . However, in 2023, I talked myself into two "For Exhibition Only" entries for Badger at an agility trial in Louisiana, just a couple of hours away. Those entries revealed all the flaws he had that needed correcting before we trialed for real--and I do mean ALL the flaws. "Embarrass the human?" No. Let's true "humiliate the human so badly that she doubts all of her skill as a dog trainer!" But being as resilient (stubborn/gullible/pathetic) as I am, I resolved to work harder on his focus and his weave poles and put away the idea of competing for a while.
By Kimberly J Egan9 months ago in Petlife
How can you help your dog feel less nervous around people. AI-Generated.
Dogs Get Nervous. That’s Not the Problem. Look, I’ve trained dogs for years. I’ve worked with police K9s, rescue pups who’ve never seen a kind human, and spoiled suburban dogs who still think Aunt Karen is the Grim Reaper.
By Erica 9 months ago in Petlife
How to train a dog to stop whining in public. AI-Generated.
Let’s cut to the chase. Your dog is whining in public. People are staring. You’re uncomfortable. They’re uncomfortable. And your dog? Definitely not having a great time either.
By Erica 9 months ago in Petlife
Are dogs OK alone for 12 hours?. AI-Generated.
Dogs Are Not Couch Potatoes by Design Dogs are not furniture. They weren’t designed to be left in silence staring at the same wall while you work two shifts and hit happy hour.
By Erica 9 months ago in Petlife
Why does your dog freak out in public? And what to do about It. AI-Generated.
What “Freaking Out” Really Means We say "freaking out" like it's a meltdown. But for your dog, it's usually not anger or stubbornness. It’s anxiety. Overload. Fear. A dog who is lunging, barking, or whining isn't trying to ruin your walk—they're trying to cope. It’s the dog version of a panic attack.
By Erica 9 months ago in Petlife
How to stop a dog from being anxious in public - A guide from a dog trainer who's seen It all. AI-Generated.
First, Understand the Root of Your Dog's Anxiety An anxious dog isn’t being dramatic. They’re being honest. Dogs are creatures of habit, scent, sound. Public spaces — loud cars, unfamiliar dogs, crowds, screaming kids — mess with all of that. What feels “normal” to you is chaos to them.
By Erica 9 months ago in Petlife
How to train your dog to relax in public? A step-by-step guide. AI-Generated.
1. Start with Basic Obedience at Home Before you even think about venturing into public spaces, your dog should have a basic grasp of obedience commands. A well-trained dog, even in stressful situations, is far easier to manage. If your dog can sit, stay, or come when called at home, you’ve got a solid foundation to build on.
By Erica 9 months ago in Petlife
The 7 Most Beautiful Snakes That Crawl the Earth.
The Contents Table The Serpent's Beauty as an Introduction Blue Malaysian Coral Snake (Calliophis bivirgatus) Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus caninus)
By Krypton 9 months ago in Petlife
How to stop your dog from running up to people and barking. AI-Generated.
Your Dog’s Not Broken. But They’re Not Right Either. Dogs aren’t robots. They’re not apps with settings you can toggle on and off. They’re living, emotional creatures—and when they charge strangers barking, they’re not being evil.
By Erica 9 months ago in Petlife
What kind of dogs can be left alone for 12 hours?. AI-Generated.
What kind of dog can be left alone for 12 hours without falling into a spiral of loneliness, chaos, or, worse, destruction?
By Erica 9 months ago in Petlife
Why does my dog nibble on other dogs' ears?. AI-Generated.
1. Playful Behavior For many dogs, nibbling on ears is part of their social play. If you’ve ever watched puppies interact with each other, you know they often engage in what looks like a tug-of-war with their sibling’s ears, tails, and even paws. This is a normal part of their play, allowing them to learn how to control their bite strength and socialize with one another.
By Erica 9 months ago in Petlife
10 Yellow Snakes and Their Special Features.
Yellow snakes, with their vibrant hues, captivate enthusiasts and researchers alike. Their coloration serves various purposes, from camouflage to warning predators. Let's explore ten notable yellow snakes, delving into their unique characteristics and habitats.
By Krypton 9 months ago in Petlife