by Gordon Fontaine | Oct 29, 2020
Do you have to be the Alpha? Many people have heard that in order to train a dog, you must become their “alpha,” based on the belief that dogs are descended from wolves and need a strong pack leader (alpha). Even popular TV shows like The Dog Whisperer have...
by Gordon Fontaine | Sep 10, 2020
Thousands of videos and books have been made explaining Everything you need to know, before and after, getting a new puppy, from the original by that name, written by Dr. Ian Dunbar, to other fantastic books like Dr. Sophia Yin’s Perfect Puppy in 7 days. This new...
by Gordon Fontaine | Apr 24, 2020
The nature of how dogs learn must be considered when training Dogs learn by trial and error. In the wild or in people’s homes, they are motivated by figuring out what works and what doesn’t work. Contrary to what some people say, they don’t feel guilt the way humans...
by Gordon Fontaine | Jan 31, 2020
If you are a well-read new puppy owner you know the Socialization Period for puppies is between the ages of 3-14 weeks. This is the time in their lives when they are the most open and accepting to new experiences, people, places, and things. During this critical...
by Gordon Fontaine | Nov 13, 2019
The methods you choose for training your dog matter. Dog training in general has boiled down into two camps, with the all-positive-all-the-time (think: treats and clickers) at one extreme and on the other side, alpha-dog methods that encourage “dominance or...
by Gordon Fontaine | Mar 8, 2019
Controlling outcomes by Rewarding, Interrupting, Preventing, Ignoring, and Managing. A Zen Human Makes a Zen Dog Zen Dog Training is focused on how we as people interact with our dogs—which is the key to successful training. Our Games and Solutions are carefully...
by Gordon Fontaine | Jan 17, 2019
Successful dog daycares understand canine body language and have a systematic process to evaluate potential dogs. Staff members have the resources to determine which dogs are a good fit for the group, and know what types of temperament and play styles that should be...
by Gordon Fontaine | Dec 5, 2018
Is your dog a resource guarder? Have you ever seen your dog hoarding food or guarding an object? Does your dog growl when you get close to their food, or refuse to give up a toy? If that is so, your dog is a resource guarder. Luckily, Zen Dog Training offers useful...
by Gordon Fontaine | Apr 10, 2018
Solving Separation Anxiety Solving separation anxiety can be tough. Acting destructive or barking and crying when left alone is often a combination of demand behavior and anxiety. At Zen Dog Training, the most important lesson for solving separation anxiety is having...
by Gordon Fontaine | Mar 21, 2018
Is your dog a jumper? Many dog owners have trouble with happy, over-excited dogs who greet people on the street and visitors by jumping up in excitement. At Zen Dog Training we have the ideal training solution for almost effortless obedience! Why do dogs jump up? Dogs...
