Stonebriar Animal Behavior & Training

09/18/2024

To all of our wonderful followers and clients: I am excited to announce a new phase in my life--semi-retirement! After 30 years of helping pets and their owners, learning and loving each and every one, I will no longer be accepting new clients. I will be here to finish lessons for current clients and to offer support for former clients.

Thank you!

06/06/2024

This:

06/05/2024

Now on to presentation #2: research on developing an ear cleaning protocol for dogs. Really practical stuff!

06/05/2024

We often get questions on the outcomes and side effects of behavioral medications in young dogs. Dr. Sackman presents her study on this. Spoiler alert...pretty effective and minimal side effects, similar to those seen in adult dogs.

06/04/2024

Did you know that the senior research scientist David Mech, whose book into hierarchy in wolf packs created the 'alpha theory' idea, then went on to disprove his own work with a later more naturalistic study? 😮

Although wolves and domestic dogs are worlds apart nowadays, David Mech's original book on captive wolves is still used regularly as evidence for alpha-based and dominance training styles. Touting you need to act like a wolf and an alpha and put your dog in their place so they respect you. However, even if domestic dogs and wolves were closer in how they acted than they are, David Mech went on to do further research and instead found that rather than one domineering 'alpha' wolves actually work as a family group with the parents leading the pack. That doesn't sound that far off our human families really does it? In fact, despite what 'alpha theory' states in regards to an 'alpha' wolf always eating first, in reality wolf parents often feed their youngest, most vulnerable offspring first.

The issue with the first study the book used is it was based on captive wolves and not wild wolves and how they behaved in their natural habitat, once David Mech realised his mistakes he did more research, and with new understanding and data he has since gone on to try and repair the damage his original study has done in how we view wolves, and by extension dogs. This is what scientific study is about, updating with the times and the most up to date information. I give huge props to David Mech for instead of trying to save his ego and stick to what he said in his original work, he has followed the science and admitted the flaws of his original study, bringing new knowledge and research forward.

It is a shame that the original idea is still so prevalent in our cultural knowledge and understanding of wolves, whereas the later study is less well known to the masses. I can only hope that will also change over time by us bringing the more up to date information to the forefront. 🐺

You can check out the study mentioned in the graphic for yourself here: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1343&context=usgsnpwrc

05/21/2024

Always consider the breed NOT their looks.

04/18/2024

What’s the Best Puppy Class for my New Puppy?

We get asked this question quite a bit! People have heard that they must take their puppy to a big group class to ensure that their puppy becomes well-socialized. But they worry that their puppy might get lost in the shuffle in a class full of puppies, or maybe class won’t cover all the things they need for their puppy to learn…so maybe private training would be better?

We have the solution! Our nearly 30 years of training dogs and puppies professionally has led us to one conclusion: your puppy deserves the opportunity to learn at his pace the things which are most important to his future life with you. He also deserves to learn how to cope in our crazy, hectic, modern world. Our Ultimate Puppy Program delivers both!

So, how does it work? Our program teaches new skills and covers important puppy raising topics in 6 private lessons. You’ll meet with our certified instructor every 7-10 days to learn important skills:

• Potty Training
• Mouthing & Nipping
• Enrichment
• Prevention of Separation Anxiety
• Prevention of Resource Guarding
• Socialization—what it is and what it isn’t!
• Polite Greetings
• Walking Politely on Leash
• Coming When Called
• Sit/Down/Stay

Our indoor training studio is safe, fun, and designed for puppies to learn!

While you’re taking your private lessons, you’ll have the opportunity to drop-in to small-size group classes held several convenient times weekly. Each group class allows you to apply the skills you’ve learned in your one-on-one lessons in a small, group environment. We guide you in training and managing your puppy in the real world, with each class covering a new challenge:

• Puppy Manners--Kitchen
• Puppy Manners--Living Room
• Puppy Manners--Vet Office
• Puppy Manners--Out for a Stroll
• Puppy Manners--Grooming
• Puppy Manners--At the Cafe

You and your pup will receive the most complete puppy training curriculum available! Additionally, we offer Puppy Socialization Passports, AKC Star Puppy Testing, and extensive written notes to enhance your learning!

Contact us today to begin your puppy's education!
770-655-3566

Stonebriar Animal Behavior LLC...West Georgia's Training & Behavior Experts!

04/03/2024

Our own little superstar, Hettie, in Carrollton Living magazine this month!