Blogs by Colleen Safford

Developing a puppy and dog who feels confident when alone is a very important part of pooch parenting. Dogs who do not fee safe and confident while alone, are dogs who will bark and howl relentlessly, destroy a home and even worse mutilate their own body with obsessive licking and chewing.  These are dogs who literally feel a sense of panic when not in the company of their human. 

 Even if your intention is to work from home and take your pocket sized pooch with you on every allowable

 A wee bit over a decade ago, a friend of mine was riding on a subway. She saw a cute young Chihuahua riding in a bag thrown over the shoulder of a trendy Brooklyn vixen.   My dog-loving friend immediately stormed the woman and her dog, "Can I maul (ok, really she said pet) your dog?"    The woman quickly quipped, "Nope.  You can hand her this treat though.  She's fearful of people reaching at her head in the bag."     After some chat, my friend went on to say, "My friend (referring to me)

Your dog learns from every interaction. Over time those interactions shape the habits that your dog develops and practices routinely.  

If your dog barks at you to gain attention, or to tell you that he is hungry and you respond accordingly by petting him, talking to him, or getting up and making him a meal - you are training him to bark. 

In the reverse, if each time your dog barks, you completely ignore the behavior - like you didn't even hear it - instead waiting for

Each and every week, I have countless discussions with new puppy parents about the importance of starting training and socialization early.  

Most recently, a new puppy owner told me that her breeder instructed her to only bring in a dog walker or trainer after 16 weeks of age, when the pup would be vaccinated.  The woman and her puppy were instructed to remain holed up in an NYC apartment for over two months!  I was shocked and a bit angry. How can you give such misguided advice