Blog — training

Many of my clients are concerned that if they don’t train their dog to be obedient, he might become the “boss” of the household. They fear nipping will turn into aggression. They worry their dog is going to get out of control, display bad manners, or become unmanageable. On the other hand, my biggest concern is always this: does this dog feel safe? Does this dog trust his handler? Is the dog able to express natural behaviors without being punished or reprimanded? A dog who feels secure can develop a deep attachment with his owner, and therefore naturally becomes obedient. Without...

Calm: Gives you mental fortitude.  If you are not calm, you can’t learn, and training is as much, if not more, founded in learning about your dog as it is teaching him anything. Calmness creates space for observation. Your calmness also helps your dog feel safe.   Neutral: Unattached to outcomes. If you remain emotionally neutral, you can remain present with what’s happening right here, right now. Observe your dog and ask yourself questions. Asking questions is a great way to to train yourself to be responsive to the dog. Just think: if I want my dog to respond to me, I...

A lot of people are rescuing dogs today and with good reason! Giving a dog a second chance is a wonderful and fulfilling mission. It can also come with many challenges. In this talk, we focus on how to integrate your new dog into the home, and what kind of obedience or behavioral work they might need to come into harmony with your household. Where: Pet Life in South Portland, Maine When: April 20th, 1 pm Who: Leah Twitchell of Canine Movement Lab RSVP: Facebook Event

During this free lecture we will discuss how to tap into your dog's natural drives in order to train him in a connected and holistic manner. Whether your dog has tons of prey-drive or play-drive, we want to capture the natural flow of their energy in order to train him in a way that is positive and fun.