Most Popular Q&As

Hello Cindy, I have a year-old German Shepherd. I understand the Continuous, then Variable, then Random Reward System. I have been using the marker training with her. I am finally at the Random Reward System with the Basic Commands sit, down, heel, here, stay, wait, etc... But want to start teaching some new commands like Flip Spin into the heeling position. Do I start over with the continuous reward system with the new commands and keep the Random Reward System for the known command...

Can I use an E-collar to teach the out while playing tug? What would be the side effects?

I’m training a German Shepherd. I am a quadriplegic in a wheelchair. I can’t use my arms or legs but I do have a power wheelchair so I can move a little bit. I can’t run from the dog and feed him with my hand. What I do is spit treats to him. It makes for a great eye Contact but after I give him the first treat, he checks out until I call him back for another command. If I spit a treat at him and he catches it then I can give him another one and he doesn’t check out. But once we miss ...

Hi Cindy. I received the New Style Leerburg agitation harness. What a beautiful harness. Thanks. Which that said….do you have an article on how to properly “fit” the harness?

I have a 7-month-old mal/dutch shepherd puppy and I am just starting to put his behaviors on cue. Up to this point, he looks really good being lured into position and I am about 90% happy with the positions he is ending up in. We are both also having a ton of fun with a lot of engagement. Previously in my routines, we have worked through several different positions/behaviors which seems to keep him more engaged. Lately, I have limited the sessions to one behavior per session and have begun to...

I am considering purchasing the top-matic training equipment. How careful do I have to be with the magnets as far as getting near electronic items? Is there a suggested range? Do they come in a case that allows them to be kept without damaging outside items? Can they damage a car computer if they are in the vehicle? Thx

Hello, I recently started in competitive obedience training with my 5 year old Doberman. He is intact and has never been a problem other than being a very high energy dog. I am very intune with him, watch his every move esp. when we're out and about. He listens very well inhouse and while off leash on our runs through the woods. My problem is that he was doing very well in obedience class until he encountered a female coming in season. His nose was on the mats and being 95 lbs, I could ha...

My question concerns Honest Kitchen Preference - what is your opinion on alfalfa? Preference seems to contain alot of alfalfa and I have heard good things and bad things about alfalfa use in dogs. Is the high amount of alfalfa that is in Preference ok to feed on a daily basis? Thank you!

Hi Cindy, I'm looking for an easy on, adjustable Fly Ball harness with a handle. The one I saw yesterday on a dog was very nice. The handle was leather. Said it came from your company. I have a small standard poodle. Thank you.

Will this Non-Spill bowl work for flat faced breeds, such as my Boston Terriers? The problem I have is that when they drink water their chin gets wet and they drip water all over! I'd love to eliminate this mess, but I'm not sure if it would work in this situation. Please let me know it you have any feedback from any other flat faced breeds. Thanks, Linda

I have an eight week old male brussels and have noticed orange seed like items in his bedding every morning for the past 4 days. He has been wormed at 3 weeks and I haven't noticed him with any since but these "seeds" are very perplexing. What are they?

Hello Cindy, I am writing to you as I know you are one of the top places to ask questions. I do not have a question but an answer in regard to ear implants. I have a super drive GSD, which I imported. I was also told he had weak ears, and all the photos showed his ears standing, but a bit wavy. When I picked him up and the airport, it turned out the dogs ears were floppy, not weak. While working and having his attention, they would go up, but not remain up at all times. I decided to in...

Hey Cindy, Is there a national nosework organization? I would like to start a club here in Vermont so I would love to talk to the correct people about how to do that. I would also love to have someone like Andrew Ramsey come out and do a talk and clinic about the sport. Any help you could give would be great. Thanks, Nathan

Hi Ed, I've enjoyed your website and have ordered a couple of DVDs and high value treats as well. I have a question but can't seem to find it in your FAQ archive. Our 8 week old male GSD arrived this past Wednesday. We also have a 9 year old male Yorkie (3 lbs). Our 14 year old GSD now lives with our adult son (so he can enjoy a stress free life without a rambunctious puppy!). Our older GSD and the Yorkie are the best of friends, and we've never had to worry about the Yorkie's safety. T...

Hi Cindy, I have a question about the Parvaid product.?Can this be used for a 8-10 week old puppy who is currently sick with parvo??If so, would you actually recommend it if the dog has been sick for nearly a week already??And, if so, would the small bottle (1 oz.) be enough, I'm not sure what the dosage is. Thank you so much! Melanie

I currently have a 1 year old Dachshund mix that I just adopted about 2 weeks ago. She knows to go outside and pee and when she pees or poops I praise her and say good job and she gets a treat when she comes in. The problem I am having is, it seems like she will hold her pee until the next time to go out if she has to pee but if she has to poop she just goes. The vet checked her out and said she is healthy and everything seems fine. I can?t make her understand that potty is for outside only. ...

Our new dashound mix 7 month old puppy will bite my husband's legs when we put the kids to bed. Only when it's his turn to tuck them in, he does this. Will not do it to me. Why and how can I fix this? Trying to search the web for answers, but not coming up with anything for this. Thanks a bunch if you can help.

Hi, My chihuahua is 9 years old and keeps taking one biscuit out of his bowl and just places it down in his spot, we cleaned them up at first but now tried leaving it there but he just seems to stock pile them there and never eat them from there only from his bowl. I am wondering what this behaviour means and if we should try anything to stop it? Thank you for your time, Vicki

Hi! I am looking at your full ventilation dog crate. What size are the aluminum bars? Do you use a certain grade that won't stain white dogs (rubbing silver off on their fur)? Thanks, Amanda

What are your thoughts on training aids, working in a sterile environment and cross contamination in nosework?