We're all looking for ways to streamline our daily activities and make our lives easier. Before TV remote controls, people had to physically walk to the television to change the channel. Many conveniences have changed our lives with the push of a button.  Is the push of a button a one-size-fits-all solution to all problems? Just because we can, does it mean we should? Let's consider dogs barking inside the home. Indoor barking could be triggered by a host of reasons including fear and territorial aggression. With the push of a button, an electrical shock or spray of citronella can stop th ..read more

People often reduce dogs to being domesticated wolves with wild wolf-like tendencies. But why? Wolves are incredibly beautiful and mysterious. Perhaps we feel closer to nature if we compare our own dogs to wolves? Does it advance training if we compare our dogs to wolves? Some under-educated trainers and well-meaning neighbors or family members may give you bad advice based on such comparisons ..read more

I do not like micromanaging others. I loathe being micromanaged by someone. However, I recognize that some folks love being micromanaged and micromanaging others. If you fall into the pro-micromanagement camp, then you want an obedient dog. If you are in the anti-micromanagement camp, then you want a well-behaved dog. What’s the difference?  ..read more

I had the pleasure of giving a Zoom presentation to 9yo - 12yo children attending a virtual animal-centric summer camp hosted by a local animal shelter in 2021. Inspired by the Olympics, I shared how to use a simple “touch” behavior to guide your pet through a homemade obstacle course plus trick training. I recorded my presentation and am sharing it here with you as a VLOG. The same techniques in this video can be used for both dogs and cats. Let the games begin! Fun activities for dogs and their people inspired by the Olympics ..read more

Don’t you just love summer? The beach, lemonade, sunshine… and feeling instantly sticky as soon as you step outside your door. Anyone else have the heat dome blues? On some hot and humid days, the last thing you want to do is take your dog for a walk. Then there are the countless dogs who can’t tolerate being out in the heat for long periods, like brachycephalic dogs (dogs who have very short muzzles). So how can we help our canine companions during the dog days of summer? You might already know this about us, but we love providing feeding enrichment for dogs here at Behavior United. It is a g ..read more

Because I said so. You may have used this phrase with a partner, child, or stranger. You were likely exhausted when you said this to someone. You didn’t have the patience nor resilience to explain your position.  Dogs say it too. And I imagine that they too have reached their stress limit when they say, “Because I said so.”  Think of an empty bucket that fills with stress as the day progresses. Your dog barks while watching dogs parade in front of his home. Your dog barks at the letter carrier delivering mail. Your dog barks when the delivery person knocks on your door and leaves a ..read more

March 26, 2024 marks Behavior United’s 6 year business anniversary and Jackie Moyano’s 11th year as a dog trainer. Let’s look back to how Jackie pivoted from a long career in respiratory therapy to dog training! Jackie is a dog trainer because of her cat and mom. In 2007 her mom passed away from breast cancer. Suddenly, life for Jackie was so finite. Why was she wasting time in a career she no longer enjoyed? What did she enjoy? She didn’t know what her next step was, but she knew she didn’t want to be a respiratory therapist for the rest of her life. Time to make another dream come true, beca ..read more

Does harnessing and leashing up your dog have you feeling like you're wrestling an alligator? Does your dog grab the leash and thrash while on a walk? What's up with that?  Harness Hurdles The harness might not be the best fit for your dog. Does the harness strap cut across your dog's shoulder? If so, this can impinge shoulder movement. This can be uncomfortable if not downright painful.  Consider purchasing a harness that allows your dog's shoulders to move freely.  Perhaps your dog did not receive proper socialization when it comes to handling and equipment. Perhaps your dog w ..read more

Some young dogs are the life of the party with other dogs, only to become more dog selective as they age. This is very typical and should be considered if your dog is going to the “principal’s office” at doggie daycare or being put in “time out” at the dog park on the regular. If your dog is so over dog parks and doggie daycare, don’t despair! Just because your dog isn’t thriving in a larger group dog setting, doesn’t mean your dog wouldn’t enjoy a smaller group of pals. Create small neighborhood dog play dates, like the one with my neighborhood friends called Lunch Bunch. It all started with ..read more

Potty training and potty breaks in the winter can present extra challenges. Continue to follow the potty training gold standards of crating, direct supervision, setting timers (pottying within 20 minutes of eating, drinking, playing, waking up), starting the walk/fun after pottying, and feeding high value treats as soon as your dog finishes pottying outside. Our tips below are designed to help you survive potty training and potty breaks in snowy, rainy, wintry mix weather.   If you have to put on layers, it may take you longer than normal to get outside. Rather than play “Beat The Clock ..read more