Dogs are a different species than us. I state this as a fact, because I am often asked to train dogs – or in some cases, untrain dogs – to do thing that are purely dog. There are many, many things that dogs CAN do, which may be why some owners think dogs are capable of not doing certain behaviors. Here are some examples of dog behavior that cannot be changed despite requests to do so… Most male dogs pee standing up, with leg lifted. It is not possible to train such a male dog

Obsession – compulsive preoccupation with a fixed idea or an unwanted feeling or emotion, often accompanied by symptoms of anxiety. On Monday, I met Rocky, a Jack Russell Terrier, hence the definition of obsession. Many dogs become “obsessed” with a toy or other object. Certain Labradors come to mind, the ones that scoop up a tennis ball with such fervor and delight that their eyes really do gleem with excitement. They mouth the ball, prance happily to you and away, daring yo

Teddy, an eight-year-old Border Collie, has his owner well trained. When Teddy’s owner was between jobs, each morning the two would take a ride in the family pickup truck into town to get a coffee and a newspaper at the local Stewart’s shop. Now that Teddy’s owner has a job again, Teddy insists on the morning trip regardless of his owner’s new responsibilities. Here is the script for TEDDY: THE MOVIE: Cue light orchestral music that gradually swells with the appearance of the

Or thinking about moving. Or planning to move. Soon. Your dog, of course, has no idea what cataclysm you are about to inflict on his safe, routine little life. This is tumult of the most alarming kind, in his humble view. He notices that you are distracted. You neglect to walk him. You let him out in the yard and forget to bring him in. His meals are delayed or served too early or once – OMG – missed entirely. Suddenly, boxes appear in inconvenient and sometimes startling pla