Folsom Zookeepers Test Their Animal Training Skills

By Sophia Yin, DVM, MS Jan 9, 2010 First, the Trainers It’s a sunny morning in Folsom and something odd is happening at the Folsom Zoo.  Zookeepers and staff are waving their arms, flailing their legs, and balancing in weird positions. No, they’re not there to entertain the animals. They’re playing the training game. The game where two people collude to train a third person to... [Read more]

101 Things to Do with a Box

By Sophia Yin, DVM, MS   January 7, 2010 Question: Hi Dr. Yin, Thank you so much for the wealth of information that you provide on your site and through your youtube videos. I’m an aspiring trainer and am in the beginning stages of learning free shaping with clicker training. I watched your youtube video where you free shaped your dog to put her front two feet in a box. It was really helpful... [Read more]

Training Multiple Dogs in a Household to Sit Politely to Go Out

By Sophia Yin, DVM, MS  Jan 2, 2009 Question: Do you have suggestions for training in a multiple dog household? Of my three dogs, two are “sitting to say please” to go out. The other dog refuses. I started letting the two go on out and making the refuser stay until she sits. But she still refuses to sit at the same time as the others. How do I reinforce behaviors properly with three dogs... [Read more]

Finding the Perfect Food Treats

By Sophia Yin, DVM, MS  January 4, 2010 Question: I love watching your videos. What treats do you use in your veterinary practice? They seem pretty irresistible. They also look like they are something that allows them to nibble off small pieces at a time. We have trouble finding something the fearful or anxious dogs will eat. Thanks! Lily from Grand Rapids, Michigan Answer: I use a variety of semi-moist... [Read more]

Does Sleeping Together Mean Pets are Pals?

Jonesy (JRT) tolerates Lucy in his bed Sophia Yin, DVM, MS  December 10, 2009. Clients frequently tell me that they think their cat or dogs like each other but they aren’t sure. They sometimes point out that their pets sleep together, but does that mean they’re best friends? It could but it doesn’t necessarily. They could just be sharing beds because it’s comfortable or convenient.... [Read more]