New Content
The Lost Art of Disagreeing Without Being Disagreeable – An Urgent Need
By Niki Tudge
As business owners, one of our fundamental responsibilities to our clients, our employees and our stakeholders is to ensure that we provide a workplace where civility is not only a priority, but a deep-rooted, daily cultural norm. Manners, respect, consideration, ...
BARKS Podcast with Dr. Kristina Spaulding of Science Matters Academy of Animal Behavior
Join Niki Tudge and PPG Canine Committee chair Judy Luther as they Chat and Chuckle with Dr. Kristina Spaulding of PPG corporate partner, Science Matters Academy of Animal Behavior.
The trio ...
Pups and the Power of Positive Touch
Don't you just love being able to have that closeness with your dog? The snuggling in, the mutual touch, and just really enjoying each other's affection?
But sadly it's not ...
Latest Articles
Fetch More Dollars: Like Peas in a Pod
By John D. Visconti
In a previous article (see Fetch More Dollars: Selling Is Helping, BARKS from the Guild, June 2014, p.59), I discussed the negative association many trainers have with the words ‘selling’ and ‘salesperson.’ Additionally, I pointed out that a professional salesperson is ...
“I Will Never Use the Shock Collar Again!”
By Eileen Anderson
This is a story from a client of one of my professional trainer friends. Let’s call my friend “Phoebe.” My friend had met the client for some coaching for her young, exuberant dog, Raven. But it was a very long distance for the client to come. My friend received this email ...
Perfect Dog? What You Put In Is What You Get Out
So many times people say to me - your dog must be perfectly behaved right? Well...yes, he responds very well to what I ask him to do in various situations, but it doesn't 'just happen.' It's not something that miraculously occurs - it takes work.
Unfortunately, sometimes owners enter the ...
BARKS Podcast with Sally Williams: November 19, 2019
Guest: Sally Williams, cat behavior consultant, owner of The Contented Cat, founding director of The Brodie Fund, founder of The Feline Fine Project and 'mom' to Marlinthebuddhacat
Topic: Pet cancer and its impact on family members.
The diagnosis of cancer in a pet can not only be ...
The Elephant on the Stairs
By Bob McMillan
Positive training is not a new idea. With starts and stops over the last century, it has been used by empathetic individuals to bring out the best in their animal companions. A recent book, Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke, reveals a surprising chapter in the ...
They Call Him Rocket Man
Dog trainers enjoy the privileged opportunity of influencing the life and welfare of other people’s pets. With that comes great responsibility to only use methods and equipment which are modern and effective, while promoting a positive relationship as the dog becomes a full member of the ...
The Miracle Mutt
By Gail Radtke
Changing your career in your 40s is nerve-wracking at the best of times but I was lucky enough to have a very special friend to inspire and guide me towards following my passion. That special someone was Lanie, a Shar-Pei-Chow-Malamute-shepherd-mix girl who completely changed ...
The Power of the Clicker
By Donna Savoie
Dickens’ family purchased him from a breeder when he was five months old. The breeder did not allow the family to see the entire litter nor the dam and sire before they took him, but brought him up a flight of stairs and simply told the family, “I pick this pup for you.” The ...
When Food Toys “Fail”
By Eileen Anderson
How many of us have heard about food-toy failures from our friends and clients? “I tried the Kong with my puppy, but she didn’t like it,” or, “My dog is not smart enough for those puzzle toys!"
There is an ever-increasing variety of food toys for dogs and other animals ...