Training and Dog-Care Resources

Stacy's Training Tips

"Training doesn't limit a dog. Training frees a dog.
My dog, being trained, is free - free to walk with me, free to ride with me,
free to play off-leash with other dogs, free to learn and run.
An untrained dog is "free" to sit in the backyard
where he can get into as little trouble as possible."
- Sue Ailsby

General Training

Three Truths About Dogs - Read this first to gain insight into dog behavior.

Quick Fix Tools - A little management goes a long way to helping with behavior problems.

Six Secrets to a Good Dog - Keys to your dog's good behavior.

I Never Thought It Would Work, But It Did! - Things you can do to improve your dog's behavior, even if you doubt it

Stress Signs in Dogs - How to read subtle body language.

Don't Say "No!"...? - What clicker trainers really advise to stop bad habits.

Finding Time to Train - Use your daily routine to improve your dog's behavior.

Dog Body Language - Learn to understand what your dog is "saying"

Longer-Term Tools - train incompatible behaviors to solve common problems.

Get Started with Clicker Training  - learn how to use this powerful and fun tool!

One-Week Attention "Fix" - Teach your dog to focus on you, not distractions.

Target Training - teaching your dog to find and follow a target - more useful than you might guess!

Friendly Dogs - Prevent aggression and maintain good canine mental health

Games you can play to increase obedience - and have fun!

Dog Parks - what you should know before you go, and where the San Jose-area ones are.

Breeding Your Dog - If you're considering this adventure, be prepared! Guest article by Wendy Dreyer

Mostly for Puppies and New Dogs

Puppy Play-Biting - is your puppy biting you and playing too roughly? Check here for solutions!

House-proofing Your Dog — teach your dog to act appropriately in your house, including what not to chew.

Housetraining Your Dog — teach your dog where to go to the bathroom.

Before You Get Your Puppy - advice from Dr. Ian Dunbar (PDF file)

Problem Solving

Barking - different kinds of barking and ways you can reduce it or use it. 

Separation Anxiety/Alone training - how to teach your dog to be comfortable when you're gone.

Training The Deaf Dog - just because your dog can't hear doesn't mean that training has to be difficult!

Special/Seasonal

Independence Day - enjoy the Fourth of July independent of fear and worry!

Surviving the Halloween Nightmare - have a safe and happy Halloween with your dog!

Holiday Tips - have safe and happy winter holidays!

Understanding Clicker Training

What is Clicker Training - a short introduction

Stacy's Animal Trainer's Guide - the theory behind animal training