Category Archives: Fear Free

Choke chains were once common in dog training, but we now know they’re harmful and ineffective. Here’s the word on why from my daughter, trainer Mikkel Becker, and me, in our joint response to a reader. Q: What’s wrong with using a choke chain? It’s how I trained all my previous dogs, but the trainer […]

Great reads for a new year from Fear Free and Fear Free Happy Homes: Special-Needs Pets Conquer Hearts and Homes Special-needs pets often surprise adopters with their ability to overcome challenges. Meet seven dogs and cats who don’t let anything stand in their way. Read more… Why We’re Partners: How Horse and Human Brains Work […]

More great reads this month from Fear Free and Fear Free Happy Homes: “Training” Collars Don’t Work. Here’s What Does Frustrated by your dog’s pulling or other unwanted behaviors on walks? Don’t turn to punishment-based training tools such as choke, prong and electronic collars. Our Fear Free handout shares better, kinder, more effective options. Read […]

More great reads this month from Fear Free and Fear Free Happy Homes: How to Check Your Dog for Ticks The Internet’s full of bad advice about removing ticks from dogs. Here’s a simple, Fear Free approach to a two-minute tick check and safe removal technique. Read more… How Fostering Pets for the Holidays Benefits […]

Some great reads this month from Fear Free and Fear Free Happy Homes: A Fear Free Approach to Helping Pets Adjust to Family Absences As life takes another twist, children are off to school, perhaps even headed off to college, and some parents are departing for the office again. Pets received no advance warning that […]