Helping you find harmony with your best four-legged friend
Maria G. Huntoon Canine Consulting Services
  • Home
  • The Current COVID-19 Pandemic
  • About
  • Services
  • Contact
    • New Client Questionnaire
    • Dog Selection Consult Questionnaire
  • Testimonials
  • Training Library
  • Lady'sBestFriendBlog
  • Supply Shop
  • Essential Oils
    • RELAX Essential Oil - Dropper
    • RELAX Essential Oil - Rollerball
    • CONVICTION Essential Oil - Dropper
  • Home
  • The Current COVID-19 Pandemic
  • About
  • Services
  • Contact
    • New Client Questionnaire
    • Dog Selection Consult Questionnaire
  • Testimonials
  • Training Library
  • Lady'sBestFriendBlog
  • Supply Shop
  • Essential Oils
    • RELAX Essential Oil - Dropper
    • RELAX Essential Oil - Rollerball
    • CONVICTION Essential Oil - Dropper
A blog for all things dog-related: training, behavior, fun new doggie items, veterinary information and, of course, ways to enhance your relationship with your best four-legged friend!

Lady's Best Friend

Seeing Your Dog's Point of View

5/17/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Most of us want to help our dogs grow into well-rounded, well-behaved, confident members of our home and society.  To do that, we must give them positive repeated exposures in a way that helps them learn how to handle all of human life’s little nuances.  But sometimes, we tend to forget that a dog’s point of view is very different from our own.  There are some things that don’t naturally make sense to dogs.  Plus, a dog’s senses can be much greater than ours.  Not only can a dog hear a sound at much higher frequencies than humans, but their sense of smell is about 40 times greater than ours as well.  That sure poses A LOT of stimulation out there in the world!  So before you think your dog is crazy for reacting the way he does in response to something that seems normal to you, take a moment to consider your dog’s point of view…
Statues: These curious objects don’t move, they’re extremely stiff, and some even have empty, glaring eyes that never avert their gaze.  These are all signs of concern and a threat among dogs, so it really isn’t a surprise that some of the more insecure or inexperienced dogs bark at, growl, or avoid statues.  It might help if you nonchalantly go check out the statue, without asking your dog to come with you (this is where a long line can be helpful).  You may find that he’ll be curious to check out your new friend!
Picture

Read More
0 Comments

Why Using a Long Line Can Make a Better Walk for You and Your Dog

5/16/2016

1 Comment

 
If you're anything like me, going on a walk with your dog is as much for your dog's benefit as it is for your own.  If I'm stressed or just need a break, taking my dog for a walk can be one of the best ways to instantly give me those endorphins.  It gets us both moving and gives us the exercise and socialization that we need.  But not if we stick to a rigid obedience "heel", where I require him to be at my side "watching me" the whole time - that's more like work than a leisurely outlet for our energy!  So instead of using a short leash and holding him tight and close, I most often choose to walk using a long line.

When I say “long line”, I’m not referring to the metal line that you stake into the ground in your back yard; nor do I mean a retractable leash which is like a shoestring attached to a plastic handle and offers you little control.  I mean a 12-15’ leash made of cotton webbing that looks like a regular leash only much longer.  Sometimes they are referred to as “training leads” and you can often find them online or in a store packaged wrapped in a spiral.  They come in 10’, 15’, 20’, 30’ even 50’ varieties, but 15’ is usually all you need for walking – anything longer is just too much to handle and unnecessary.  I use one of these 15’ long lines almost anytime I take my dog out and about.  He and I both love the flexibility it offers when used correctly, and it makes for a more pleasant outing for both of us!
In a nutshell, here are some of the reasons why using a long line can make for a walk that is more fun and rewarding for you both...

Read More
1 Comment

"Life After Trauma: Helping Your Rescue Dog Bring Out Her Best Self" - 4/26/16

5/6/2016

0 Comments

 
A big "THANK YOU" to all who came out for my "Life After Trauma" presentation at the Marlboro Free Library on Tuesday, April 26th!  Those in attendance had the opportunity to learn about their dog's emotional state, which can be influenced by many factors, and to understand how this emotional state is connected to several common rescue dog (or any dog really!) behaviors - such as jumping and nipping at guests, barking and lunging on leash, separation anxiety and resource guarding.
If you weren't able to make it, stay tuned... we may be doing another one soon!
0 Comments

It’s Finally Acting Like Spring!  Checklist Item #1: What You Need to Know About Ticks, Fleas and Other Creepy Crawlies!

5/5/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Let’s all tell it like it is – fleas and ticks are gross little creatures.  Not only because they crawl into all sorts of tiny cracks and crevices, invade your space, and want to live off of other living beings – eew!  But also because they can cause discomfort and harm to your dog in a variety of ways.  When the weather starts getting nicer, fleas and ticks appreciate it as much as we do (the one thing we have in common) and so they are out in full force – making hiking through the woods or even hanging out in your backyard a challenge.  We all know we should take measures to protect our pets from fleas and ticks, but how do we do that effectively?  To get to the bottom of this, I consulted with Dr. Alisha Selzner of Companion Pet Hospital in Fishkill...

Read More
0 Comments

      Receive behavior support, training tips, vet info and more directly to your inbox with our monthly Lady's Best Friend newsletter!

    Subscribe to Newsletter

    Author

    Maria Huntoon, CBCC-KA
    ​Certified Canine Behavior Consultant
    ​Maria G. Huntoon Canine Consulting Services

    Archives

    April 2020
    August 2019
    July 2019
    April 2019
    February 2019
    February 2018
    December 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Helping You Find Harmony With Your Best Four-Legged Friend!


Picture

Telephone

845-549-0896

Email

maria@mghcanineconsulting.com
Like/follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
Picture
Picture
Picture