Good Dogs! ™

Dog Training is People Training All dogs are GOOD DOGS!  We believe it is people who have to be educated to understand dogs on their terms, to "bring out the good" in each dog so we can live together harmoniously. This show explores all aspects of communication between people and dogs --- whether they are K-9 partners in military work, purpose-bred and trained service dogs, competitors in dog sports, or pets --- from a newly-adopted senior dog or young puppy. Tracie is joined by co-host Carol Borden, a veteran of 60 years training people to train dogs. She is the founder of Guardian Angel Medical Service Dogs, which has trained dogs through her college accredited/VA approved curriculum to work inside the Pentagon and other Department of Defense facilities alongside disabled staff members. Carol has also personally competed in the demanding sport of Schutzhund and has trained ex-military and police K-9 handlers to work at Guardian Angel training service dogs. Theme song is "My One Best Friend" by Jasmine Tea. NOTE: The first 77 GOOD DOGS! shows in the library were co-hosted by Tracie with three veteran trainers --- Gayle Watkins, Lise Pratt and Marcy Burke --- who bred agility performance Golden Retrievers. Podcast also available on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon podcasts, and Audible. Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs - Logo-SMALL

Hosted by Tracie Hotchner, Carol Borden


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Practice Counting Your Dog’s Toes

Good Dogs! (11-02-2022) #6116: Tracie wonders why many dogs are so scared in the veterinarian’s office, while her own dogs love it there. Carol talks about acclimating your dog to the vet clinic by first getting the dog used to being handled — by you and then family members and friends — by opening his mouth, lifting his ears, and counting his toes out loud, one by one, touching each one as you go. Then take your puppy or newly adopted dog to the vet’s office without an appointment — give lots of treats, have an upbeat positive attitude yourself. Carol recommends advocating for your dog with the staff about the way they handle him, especially if he has a “nervy” personality and is cautious about new experiences, is generally anxious, or hates being restrained. And NEVER let them take your dog “to the back,” away from you to administer anything.