Why did you name your company “TailLights”?
There is a magical legend that dogs will lead us into the afterlife by the Lights on Their Tails. Related to this legend, is the refreshing idea of a culture based on Gross National Happiness.
What should I consider when seeking advice about my puppy or dog?
Know thyself. Why do you have a dog? What kind of relationship do you envision with your dog?
If you answered that you enjoy the company of dogs and like to engage in unique human-canine conversations, you will understand why coercive, dominance-based, alpha dog, asphyxiating “correction” techniques won’t do.
If you answered that your dog is one of your best friends, you will understand why choke and pinch collars, shock collars, anti-bark collars, spray bottles, shaker cans, noisy thrown items, and various other aversive tools are generally not useful and may weaken your bond with your dog.
If you would like your dog to trust you as his or her guide in a human-centric environment, then you will understand why submissive pinning, rolling, poking, prodding, provoking, ear pinching, muzzle grabbing, placing fingers down the throat of mouthy puppies, spanking, yelling, and similar tactics are outrageous assaults on dogs.
If you love your dog and understand that dogs are thinking, feeling, emotionally responsive beings, then you will carefully contemplate your own emotional needs so that your dog will be allowed the freedom to think doggie thoughts and do doggie things under your benevolent leadership.
If you look forward to having your dog as a companion for life, and/or are considering participating in dog shows or competitive dog sports, then you will understand why teamwork and a strong foundation based on a history of positive reinforcement is essential to success. Read more here about the “dominance model” and pet dog behavior.
Ok, got it. But how do I know a dog trainer or dog behavior consultant is qualified to advise me?
Your trainer or behavior consultant should be well versed in the science of how dogs learn. The CCPDT (Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers) ensures a trainer has knowledge of the science of learning, has extensive hours of experience, and has recommendations from clients, colleagues and veterinarians.
Your dog trainer should be a Professional member of the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers). The APDT is an international, professional organization of individual trainers who are committed to becoming better trainers through education.
A dog behavior consultant should be fully competent in the areas of assessment and interpretation of dog behavior, awareness of the impact of human behavior and attitudes on dog behavior, behavioral science, general animal behavior, canine biology, and canine specific behavior. The IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants) is an organization dedicated to ascertaining the skills of member candidates and certifying members as animal behavior consultants.
Why should I consider a private consultation in place of or in addition to a group class?
Many puppies, dogs and their handlers find group classes overwhelming. However, when both ends of the leash have a bit of knowledge and a bit of confidence about how to behave in a highly stimulating environment, such as a group class, true learning is enhanced.
What if I think I would enjoy a group class?
Having an initial private consultation sets both dog and handler up to succeed in handling group class with calm, effective strategies.
An initial consultation will give you solid information about an appropriate training plan for your individual dog. TailLights offers small, customized classes for private clients whose dogs are ready to learn in a group environment.
What about my new puppy? Everyone says I should enroll in a puppy class.
The good news is more and more veterinarians and new puppy owners understand the need for early puppy education and socialization. The less-than-good news is in how and when that early education is commonly delivered.
Puppies are learning from the moment they are born, and their brains are amazingly open (“plastic”) for about 16 weeks. Considering that many people pick up new puppies from a breeder at about 8 weeks, about half the time to super-proof your puppy behaviorally is already gone! This is why a private puppy consultation is recommended as soon as your puppy comes home.
Additionally, TailLights offers customized puppy groups for private clients. With your veterinarian’s ok, your puppy joins a small group class for early training, appropriate socialization opportunities, and for developing stress recovery skills.
Please contact us, and a Puppy Profile will be sent for you to complete along with information on consult location options and fees.
I have an adult dog with behavior problems. Is it too late?
It is never too late in a dog’s life to learn new behaviors. Many dog owners do not realize that a common obstacle to learning (internalizing) new behaviors is anxiety and fear, and that these evil twins are frequently at the root of a dog’s inappropriate behavior.
A private consultation will help you understand why your dog may be anxious or fearful, and what you can do to help your troubled dog. The first step in scheduling is to complete a Behavior Profile and History.
Please contact us, and the Behavior Profile/History will be sent for you to complete along with information on consult location options and fees.
I know dogs and have had dogs for years and years. Now I find I have a dog whose behavior absolutely baffles me.
In recent years, researchers all over the globe have begun studying the domestic dog and the human-animal bond, coming up with some fascinating data. Equally interesting is the fact that there is an explosion of knowledge in the field of neuroscience: technology is allowing scientists to view the brain at work, helping us understand the connection between body, mind, emotions, and behavior.
We live in a very exciting time when it comes to accessing and understanding the inner emotional world of our canine friends. Unfortunately, myths about dogs abound, and die hard. Consider this an invitation to open your mind to a “thinking change” about dog behavior. Your dog will notice.
Dog and Puppy Frequently Asked Questions
Why did you name your company “TailLights”?
There is a magical legend that dogs will lead us into the afterlife by the Lights on Their Tails. Related to this legend, is the refreshing idea of a culture based on Gross National Happiness.
What should I consider when seeking advice about my puppy or dog?
Know thyself. Why do you have a dog? What kind of relationship do you envision with your dog?
If you answered that you enjoy the company of dogs and like to engage in unique human-canine conversations, you will understand why coercive, dominance-based, alpha dog, asphyxiating “correction” techniques won’t do.
If you answered that your dog is one of your best friends, you will understand why choke and pinch collars, shock collars, anti-bark collars, spray bottles, shaker cans, noisy thrown items, and various other aversive tools are generally not useful and may weaken your bond with your dog.
If you would like your dog to trust you as his or her guide in a human-centric environment, then you will understand why submissive pinning, rolling, poking, prodding, provoking, ear pinching, muzzle grabbing, placing fingers down the throat of mouthy puppies, spanking, yelling, and similar tactics are outrageous assaults on dogs.
If you love your dog and understand that dogs are thinking, feeling, emotionally responsive beings, then you will carefully contemplate your own emotional needs so that your dog will be allowed the freedom to think doggie thoughts and do doggie things under your benevolent leadership.
If you look forward to having your dog as a companion for life, and/or are considering participating in dog shows or competitive dog sports, then you will understand why teamwork and a strong foundation based on a history of positive reinforcement is essential to success. Read more here about the “dominance model” and pet dog behavior.
Ok, got it. But how do I know a dog trainer or dog behavior consultant is qualified to advise me?
Your trainer or behavior consultant should be well versed in the science of how dogs learn. The CCPDT (Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers) ensures a trainer has knowledge of the science of learning, has extensive hours of experience, and has recommendations from clients, colleagues and veterinarians.
Your dog trainer should be a Professional member of the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers). The APDT is an international, professional organization of individual trainers who are committed to becoming better trainers through education.
A dog behavior consultant should be fully competent in the areas of assessment and interpretation of dog behavior, awareness of the impact of human behavior and attitudes on dog behavior, behavioral science, general animal behavior, canine biology, and canine specific behavior. The IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants) is an organization dedicated to ascertaining the skills of member candidates and certifying members as animal behavior consultants.
Why should I consider a private consultation in place of or in addition to a group class?
Many puppies, dogs and their handlers find group classes overwhelming. However, when both ends of the leash have a bit of knowledge and a bit of confidence about how to behave in a highly stimulating environment, such as a group class, true learning is enhanced.
What if I think I would enjoy a group class?
Having an initial private consultation sets both dog and handler up to succeed in handling group class with calm, effective strategies.
An initial consultation will give you solid information about an appropriate training plan for your individual dog. TailLights offers small, customized classes for private clients whose dogs are ready to learn in a group environment.
What about my new puppy? Everyone says I should enroll in a puppy class.
The good news is more and more veterinarians and new puppy owners understand the need for early puppy education and socialization. The less-than-good news is in how and when that early education is commonly delivered.
Puppies are learning from the moment they are born, and their brains are amazingly open (“plastic”) for about 16 weeks. Considering that many people pick up new puppies from a breeder at about 8 weeks, about half the time to super-proof your puppy behaviorally is already gone! This is why a private puppy consultation is recommended as soon as your puppy comes home.
Additionally, TailLights offers customized puppy groups for private clients. With your veterinarian’s ok, your puppy joins a small group class for early training, appropriate socialization opportunities, and for developing stress recovery skills.
Please contact us, and a Puppy Profile will be sent for you to complete along with information on consult location options and fees.
I have an adult dog with behavior problems. Is it too late?
It is never too late in a dog’s life to learn new behaviors. Many dog owners do not realize that a common obstacle to learning (internalizing) new behaviors is anxiety and fear, and that these evil twins are frequently at the root of a dog’s inappropriate behavior.
A private consultation will help you understand why your dog may be anxious or fearful, and what you can do to help your troubled dog. The first step in scheduling is to complete a Behavior Profile and History.
Please contact us, and the Behavior Profile/History will be sent for you to complete along with information on consult location options and fees.
I know dogs and have had dogs for years and years. Now I find I have a dog whose behavior absolutely baffles me.
In recent years, researchers all over the globe have begun studying the domestic dog and the human-animal bond, coming up with some fascinating data. Equally interesting is the fact that there is an explosion of knowledge in the field of neuroscience: technology is allowing scientists to view the brain at work, helping us understand the connection between body, mind, emotions, and behavior.
We live in a very exciting time when it comes to accessing and understanding the inner emotional world of our canine friends. Unfortunately, myths about dogs abound, and die hard. Consider this an invitation to open your mind to a “thinking change” about dog behavior. Your dog will notice.