Brandy reminded me of something today:

Remember to scout out the lay of the land before proceeding with a reactive dog!

I was getting ready to take Nico to his chiropractor (Anne Crawshaw), and decided I’d take Brandy for a quick walk/loose-leash-walking training session before we “abandoned” her (left her behind with a pig’s ear ).

Brandy has been doing so well on our practice walks that I haven’t been using the front-clip harness, just her buckle collar. (more…)

I had the pleasure of attending a seminar on “Advanced Canine Behavior” presented by Patricia McConnell on June 17.

Topics included the effects of genetics, anatomy and physiology, the brain, and the external environment on behavior. Fascinating stuff! The “Nature versus Nurture” debate is definitely not one that can be answered in terms of either/or.

Some quick “soundbites” from my notes: (more…)

On my way to an appointment with a client, I was listening to NPR morning news, and heard this piece about Tibetan Terriers and Batten disease:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5497047

Batten Disease is a tragic genetic disorder that results in the breakdown of the entire nervous system. In the United States, about 1,000 children are diagnosed with the disease each year. Few live into their twenties.

So what’s the connection with Tibetan Terriers? (more…)