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]
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]
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]
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]
By Sophia Yin, DVM, MS December 1, 2010 I’ve heard that a tired dog is a behaved dog. Will exercise solve most of my dog’s problems? Dogs are natural athletes and as such need exercise every day; however, exercise is not a substitute for training. In fact, for many dogs, vigorous exercise just gets them into better shape. For instance my Jack Russell Terrier can easily run 18 miles... [Read more]
The dogs pose in front of Sam Elliot's store (the black lab) Sunday November 22, 2009 by Sophia Yin, DVM I remember in highschool math class thinking, math wouldn’t be so bad if it weren’t for the word problems. Now, as an adult, I think, if you can’t do the word problems, which represent math in real life, you don’t really know math. Similarly, with dog training classes,... [Read more]
Lucy at 8 weeks of age Nov 22, 2009 By Dr. Sophia Yin When we last left off, I’d dropped Lucy, the 8 week old Australian Cattledog with my parents after taking a week to train her through the puppy learn to earn program at my house. Before I brought her down, she seemed virtually perfect. She would automatically sit to be petted, to get her leash on, to go out the door, to have her toy... [Read more]
Stockxpert.com By Sophia Yin, DVM The Holiday Season is always filled with unexpected expenses. Like monsoons in Manilla, you never know exactly when and how one’s going to hit. Will it be more gift-giving than planned or higher heating costs than last year? Well, if you’re an out-of-luck pet owner, it could be a surprise veterinary bill, because believe it or not, the season to be jolly... [Read more]
Stockxpert.com QUESTION: My 8 week old puppy won’t sleep in her cage and when ever she is in it she whines even if I’m still beside her and no body can sleep what should we do? ANSWER: Brittany, it’s a good thing that you’re asking now rather than waiting several more months when the behavior is even worse. This is a common problem that many new puppy owners have. And it’s... [Read more]
By Sophia Yin, DVM, MS Nov 2009 Question: HELP!!! I have 2 dogs, an 8 year old purebred black lab, and a 5 year old lab mix named Bernie. We also have 2 lovely boys ages 5 and 3. Recently Bernie has demonstrated aggression toward our 3 year old, granted the actions are always ALWAYS after our 3 year old has been rolling on him, but I’m not sure what to do. Bernie is a good dog, but I’m... [Read more]
