Category Archives: Dog Training

Learning Mandarin Chinese With Our Dog

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Teaching our dog mandarin chineseHave you ever tried to learn a second or third language? If you are not living in a country where you are completely surrounded by the new language, with people speaking to you, seeing signs everywhere, it can be quite a challenge to learn a new language.

My hubby and I are learning to speak mandarin chinese, but we are here in the U.S. We are not surrounded by people speaking chinese. We do have friends from Taiwan who have returned to their part of the world. We will keep in touch with them and look forward to visiting Taiwan in the future. We have a favorite chinese restaurant and enjoy our attempts to use our mandarin when visiting.

We decided to begin our education by using the same books that are utilized by the foreign language class at our local university, so we will learn pinyin and also learn to write chinese characters. In addition to a weekly study group we have with friends and a private tutor, we are also using online resources. I have found many resources on YouTube and some websites with free basic chinese lessons. Today I found the site LearnChineseEZ. They show you words and phrases in english and then in pinyin with a sound link so you can hear the pronunciation.  I listen and repeat, it has come in quite handy.  And of course google translate is very helpful, but you have to make sure of the accuracy.  I think one of my favorite tools is an online learning tool,  Quizlet, which provides study tools and games which can be used for learning anything, but is especially fantastic for learning languages.  Using Quizlet, I made up my own set of words and phrases and use the flashcard feature, the scatter game and the tests.  I have found many useful apps for my iphone, including an app for quizlet so I can practice my sets while on the go.

One advantage for us is that we are doing this as a family. Our dog, Blue Belle, will become a part of the learning process. We can speak to each other in chinese and we can speak to Belle. How long do you think it will take for Blue Belle to comprehend our new speech? She is such a smart dog, I think she will pick up on the new lingo rather quickly.

How about you guys? Have any of you taught your dogs a new language?

Dog‑Friendly Training: Why Ian Dunbar’s Approach Still Matters

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From Ted Partner Series – “Dog Trainer Ian Dunbar asks us to see the world through the eyes of our beloved dogs. By knowing our pets’ perspective, we can build their love and trust. It’s a message that resonates well beyond the animal world.”

He sounds like he really knows what he is talking about. We like this guy.

When it comes to understanding how dogs think, feel, and learn, veterinarian and animal behaviorist Ian Dunbar has been ahead of the curve for decades. His approach is simple but powerful: train with kindness, focus on communication, and teach humans just as much as dogs.

Dunbar’s philosophy centers on seeing the world from your dog’s point of view. Instead of relying on punishment or force, he encourages positive reinforcement, clear communication, and early socialization — all things that help build a strong, healthy bond between dogs and their families.

If you’re looking for dog‑friendly training methods that strengthen trust and improve behavior, his work is a wonderful place to start.

Learn more: Sirius Dog Training — Ian Dunbar’s official site.

He has written many books about dog training. Find them here at Amazon.

Maggie’s First Training Class at Petco: A Recommendation From Our Early Dog Days

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Back in 2009, our sweet Maggie was young, energetic, and very much in need of some structure. We loved her enthusiasm, but we also knew we needed help teaching her the basics — and building the kind of communication that makes life easier for everyone.

We enrolled her in a beginner training class at Petco, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made during her puppy years.

The classes were simple, positive, and focused on helping dogs succeed. Maggie learned foundational cues like sit, stay, and come, but the real joy was watching her confidence grow. She loved the praise, the treats, and the feeling of getting things right. And we loved learning how to communicate with her in a way she understood.

Those early sessions didn’t just teach obedience — they helped us build trust. They were the first steps in forming the bond that shaped Maggie’s entire life with us.

If you’re looking for a beginner‑friendly, positive training option, Petco’s group classes can be a great place to start. They’re accessible, affordable, and especially helpful for new dog owners who want guidance and support.

Dog trainer, Victoria, praises Maggie as she completes her 6 week basic dog training course at Petco.

Dog trainer at Petco.

For 1 hour a week Murry, Julie & Maggie focused on basic commands such as sit, stay, down, wait, come, and the all important command to stay away from CATS – “leave it!”.

dog obedience class
Maggie graduates from dog obedience school.

Even though Maggie had some training before we adopted her, we could tell that more was needed.  I would say we needed the training just as much as our pet.

During the first class we learned an important lesson to make trips in the car more enjoyable. 

This is Maggie before the training — She gets into the back seat, even though she loves to ride in the car she was all over the place.  Trying to get to the front seat, barking at bicycles, barking at dogs, barking at innocent mother’s pushing their baby strollers.

On the first day of training this is what we learned to do:

  • We brought along a spray bottle of water to squirt Maggie when she misbehaved.  It only took one time to teach her to cease and desist.
  • The other method we used is the leave it command.  As we passed a noisy motorcycle we would say “leave it, Maggie, leave it” and as we successfully passed by the former object of distress Maggie was praised with a “good girl” and given a treat.

It has been a few months since her graduation and Maggie is doing great.  I would say the most important aspect of keeping her under control is for us to focus on our part of her training.  We need to take time from our day to give her commands and praise and to take her for walks.  She loves to go to the park. 

We will keep up our personal training and definitely recommend Victoria as a first class trainer at Petco on Federal Way in Boise.

Do you have a Dog Training Comment?  Please let us know.