The Myth of Reinforcing Fear

Reinforcing Fear, The Academy of Pet Careers

The Myth of Reinforcing Fear There is a school of thought in the training world that says you shouldn’t comfort or give treats to a frightened dog because you are reinforcing fear. For example, if your dog is frightened while getting groomed, you should not stroke them or distract them with treats because this could…

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Noise Phobia in Dogs

Noise Phobia In Dogs, The Academy of Pet Careers

How to Help Your Dog’s Fear of Loud Noises Is your dog afraid of loud noises? Does she pant, pace, drool, shake, try to hide or try to escape whenever the thunder booms or the pops and bangs from fireworks happen? Noise phobia in dogs is a serious problem in some households. My dog used…

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The Benefits of Using a Dog Muzzle

Dog Muzzle, The Academy of Pet Careers

At The Academy of Pet Careers, all students (both grooming and training) learn to acclimate dogs to wearing a muzzle because it’s such an important skill to have. And as a professional trainer and behavior consultant, I believe that every dog should learn to be comfortable wearing a muzzle.   Many people cringe at the…

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How to Help Your Dog Overcome A Fear of Nail Trims

Fear of Nail Trims, The Academy of Pet Careers

Nail trimming is often one of the scariest parts of the dog grooming process for the dog, but it’s also a part that is critical for the health of any pet, whether they have long hair or short hair. If you have a dog that is scared of having his nails trimmed, there are several…

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Do Dog Groomers Need To Be Licensed?

Do dog groomers need to be licensed?

Navigating the world of professional dog grooming can sometimes feel like trying to find a lost tennis ball in a bustling dog park. It’s full of excitement, opportunities, and quite a few confusing terms to boot. One such term that tends to prick up the ears of aspiring groomers is the “dog groomer license”.  …

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How to Control and Live with a Shedding Dog

Dog Shedding

Unless you have a dog with hair that must be trimmed periodically, or you have a hairless breed, you deal with shedding. All dogs with fur shed, some more than others. Each breed’s coat is unique, but when it comes to shedding, there are essentially three types of coat, and ways of preventing shedding. Short…

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4 Tricks to Bonding with Your Adopted Dog

bonding with your adopted dog

The day you bring home your new dog is exciting, exhilarating, and more than a little bit scary. Whether your new dog is a puppy, young adult, or mature dog, you quickly realize how little you know your new best friend. Judging from the confused but affectionate expression on your dog’s face, she is feeling…

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