Ep. 225: Is Your Dog Really Herding You?

How concerning are behavioral problems with puppies?  Tara and Laura provide examples of true behavioral concerns that can be seen with dogs that are under 6 months of age that are possible red flags for future problems.  They stress knowing the differences between general puppy behavior and true behavioral problems in order to address concerns appropriately and make the right decision for your dog and your household.Sponsored by K9 WorkingmindThis episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWoman.Hear more of her work here: https://tinyurl.com/TheWillaWoman

Should you look into a stay & train to address your dog’s behavior?  Tara and Laura work through different examples of when utilizing a stay and train for a dog is the most beneficial or warranted.  Many owners are told to do a stay and train right away, but don’t see the success after their dog has returned home.  It is important to know if doing a stay and train for your dog will actually help or if it would just be a waste of your money.Sponsored by K9 WorkingmindThis episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWoman.Hear more of her work here: https://tinyurl.com/TheWillaWoman

Should there be expectations when your dogs go camping with you?  Tara and Laura go over different boundaries, expectations, safety precautions, and general information that every dog owner needs to know prior to taking their dog on a camping trip.  Going on a fun vacation with your dog shouldn’t be overly stressful for either party.  It is important to be prepared for as much as possible while also creating a safe environment for your dog through proper obedience and boundaries.Sponsored by K9 WorkingmindThis episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWoman.Hear more of her work here: https://tinyurl.com/TheWillaWoman

Is that nipping at your heels mean your dog is trying to herd you?  This week, Tara and Laura debunk the myth that dogs are trying to herd people or other animals constantly.  They explain what this behavior actually means and how to know if your dog is truly trying to herd someone or if it is an entirely different behavior that should be addressed.  Many dogs are given a pass for this behavior because they are considered a herding breed, but this behavior should be taken seriously before it turns into something more dangerous.Sponsored by K9 WorkingmindThis episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWoman.Hear more of her work here: https://tinyurl.com/TheWillaWoman

When is your dog’s age the reason for their behavior?  This week, Tara and Laura break down the different behaviors and challenges you may see from your dog at the different life stages.  They explain how many behaviors can be overlooked as “puppy behavior” when their dog is already past the puppy stage in life.  Understanding your dog and what behavior is acceptable helps you to set proper boundaries and expectations for your dog’s life.Sponsored by K9 WorkingmindThis episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWoman.Hear more of her work here: https://tinyurl.com/TheWillaWoman

What does it mean to challenge your dog? This week, Tara and Laura cover a listener-requested topic to expand on what it looks like to challenge your dog, both from the human side and how your dog may perceive this behavior. They discuss how it can affect a dog's behavior, your relationship with your dog, and ways many owners may not even realize they are challenging their dog.Sponsored by K9 WorkingmindThis episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWoman.Hear more of her work here: https://tinyurl.com/TheWillaWoman

Why are you blaming yourself?  This week, Tara and Laura work to help owners take less of the blame for their dog’s behavior.  Most owners don’t know dog communication or body language, so no owner should blame themselves for something they didn’t know.  Seeking a professional to help with those behaviors can be a great way to educate yourself in order to correct this miscommunication, but it’s important to not feel guilty about what you did not already know.Sponsored by K9 WorkingmindThis episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWoman.Hear more of her work here: https://tinyurl.com/TheWillaWoman

Are you uncomfortable with your own training choices for your dog?  This episode, Tara and Laura discuss how some the training techniques and/or gear is being “covered up” or hidden in order to not have judgement from other people.  If you think what you are doing or using with your dog is the right thing, then you shouldn’t feel the need to hide it.  If you do, maybe it is time to stop and think of why.Sponsored by K9 WorkingmindThis episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWoman.Hear more of her work here: https://tinyurl.com/TheWillaWoman

What’s the worst that could happen?  This week, Tara and Laura cover why letting little behavioral things go can end up causing major issues later.  The more success your dog gains with a simple behavior can increase their confidence to continue and push farther.  They go over why addressing concerns earlier can make sure the behavior doesn’t become a habit or escalate to something more dangerous.Sponsored by K9 WorkingmindThis episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWoman.Hear more of her work here: https://tinyurl.com/TheWillaWoman

Is it you or the dog?  This week, Tara and Laura explain why sometimes it seems like every dog you own may have similar issues.  They discuss the importance of knowing a dog’s personality, confidence, and how many owners can cause these issues without realizing it.  Whether it is reactivity, resource guarding, protective behaviors, or anything else, making sure that you aren’t repeating mistakes that are causing the behaviors to occur in every dog is extremely important.Sponsored by K9 WorkingmindThis episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWoman.Hear more of her work here: https://tinyurl.com/TheWillaWoman