Many of the serious behavior problems seen in adult dogs are rooted in incomplete or improper socialization. Yet adopters of young puppies often don’t learn what socialization really is, or why it’s so important, until it’s too late. Socialization in canine developmental terms isn’t just hanging out with other dogs. It’s a time-sensitive process that needs to be well under way before your puppy is 12 weeks old.

Lynda used to think a dog’s breed had nothing to do with its behavior. Making any assumption based on breed felt wrong to her, like some kind of unfair profiling. But the more she studied canine behavior, the more she began to recognize the importance of genetics in our most beloved companions. Read on to learn the three reasons YOU should care.

The other day I sat down at my home computer and found the following poorly-spelled list up on the screen. Apparently our dog has learned to type (and use hyperlinks!), and he has some holiday requests. Behold! I give you: Chauncey Billups Vanderhoff's 2013 Christmas List - The Twelve Days of Chauncey! (With a brief explanation of each item from me.)

There are a ton of different methods which gives the illusion that there are countless ways to train a dog. Despite that impression, the fact is that training basic dog behavior falls into one or a combination of three categories: 1) Lure-Reward, 2) Compulsion-Praise, and 3) Marker-Training. I’m 6 days away from a loooong overdue vacation, meaning I’m …