Success in Training Amanda Hall-Phillips, DVM Ensuring that you have a successful training session starts before you even engage with your dog. Have your treats broken up to pea sized pieces and set them aside so...
Bringing Home a New Dog Amanda Hall-Phillips, DVM Whether you have just gotten a new puppy or adopted an older dog, you'll want to start training them as soon as possible. Training from an early age is certainly...
Separation Anxiety in Dogs Amanda Hall-Phillips, DVM Separation anxiety is a common behavioral issue in dogs that can profoundly impact both the pet and it's human family.
The Essential Role of Puppy Classes Amanda Hall-Phillips, DVM One of the most effective and impactful steps you can take is enrolling your puppy in a puppy class. While this may seem like a simple recommendation, the benefits of...
The Evolution of Positive Reinforcement in Dog Training Amanda Hall-Phillips, DVM Positive reinforcement, the technique of encouraging desired behaviors through rewards, has a rich history that reveals much about our evolving relationship with dogs.
Debunking Alpha Dog Theory Amanda Hall-Phillips, DVM The alpha dog theory, once a cornerstone of dog training, has been largely discredited by modern research. Understanding that dogs are not driven by a need to submit to an...
Babies and Dogs Amanda Hall-Phillips, DVM Have a baby on the way or considering bringing a new dog into your home with young children? Here are some helpful articles and resources to help keep everyone safe....
The Growl Amanda Hall-Phillips, DVM A behavior complaint that I often hear from clients is that the dog is growling at their children. The pet’s parents are often on the verge of rehoming the dog...
Stress-Free Vet Appointments Amanda Hall-Phillips, DVM Creating a Stress-Free Vet Appointment for Your Dog Taking your dog to the veterinarian can sometimes be a nerve-wracking experience for both you and your pet. However, with a few...
When a Medical Problem is a Behavior Problem Amanda Hall-Phillips, DVM Through the years I have seen so many behavioral cases whose owners have been through multiple trainers, spent thousands of dollars in board and train programs and the problem is...
Your Dog Isn't Broken - Your Dog is a Dog! Amanda Hall-Phillips, DVM There is so much that comes with being a responsible dog owner. It is much more than simply feeding, watering, and vetting your dog. It is building a bond, training,...
Why I Only Work with Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainers Amanda Hall-Phillips, DVM The short answer is that the day I graduated from veterinary school I took an oath that said: “do no harm”. Using punishment in training or in the behavioral modification...