Welcome to WiggleBums!
What is WiggleBums? WiggleBums is all about helping owners build, repair and maintain their relationships with their dogs by teaching them how to understand and communicate with them. Many of the problems people have with their pets are due to a misunderstanding of normal canine behavior. My favorite analogy is that of being dropped into a foreign country, unable to speak the language, but needing to communicate basic needs -- how do you communicate when your hosts don't speak your language?  For that matter, how do you understand a being that doesn't even speak? 

What does 'dog-friendly' mean for you and your dog?
'Dog-Friendly' means that the methods used to work with your dog are based on a positive-reinforcement theory model -- one that's been scientifically proven to be the most effective and least risky in terms of adverse reactions and resulting problem  behaviors.  And, these methods have been shown to be helpful for improving the human-animal bond, while resulting in measurably higher levels of obedience than traditional, force-based methods*. At WiggleBums, 'dog-friendly' also means 'dog-fun'!  Working with your dog doesn't need to be tedious or  boring; when it's fun, your dog learns faster and your bond gets stronger -- you'll really enjoy the time you spend together!

I knew you'd ask sooner or later!  WiggleBums is named for my English Cocker Spaniel, Snickers... Snick is the embodiment of HAPPY!  He loves to be with people, loves life, loves to learn and his bum never stops wiggling!

Legislation Alert!
Your Help Is Needed!

Recently, FlexPetz, a company that profits from renting dogs out for an hour, day or weekend announced plans to open in the Boston area in the spring of 2008. Rent-a-Pet companies send a dangerous message to the public, that dogs can be viewed as disposable commodities and can be rented like a car or bicycle. Such a message could lead to a higher rate of abandonment and relinquishment of pets to animal shelters. As well, constant relocation and re-adaptation of 'rental dogs' is stressful and confusing for dogs.  Renters are strangers to the dog, and as such will not have the background or understanding of the individual dog’s needs, habits, or behaviors. This can cause many problems, for both the dog and the renters.

Please join WiggleBums! and other notable animal care professionals in urging your state representatives and senators to support An Act Prohibiting the Renting of Pets, House Docket 4864. To determine your representatives by city/town, please access the Massachusetts Legislature Information Page here.

Thank You for Your Support!

Jo has attained the title of Certified Dog Behavior Consultant from the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and is the only CDBC on the North Shore!  Read more about CDBC Certification here.

Jo has attained CPDT Certification from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers!  Read more about CPDT Certification here.

WiggleBums! supports the No Shock Collar Coalition.  

If you'd like to add your name to the growing list of professional dog trainers, behavior consultants, pet parents and others willing to take a stand against the use of electric shock collars for training and controlling behavior in dogs, sign up here.

Check out dogBoston.com! 

Jo is the resident columnist on dogBoston.com, Boston's Guide to dog-friendly restaurants, parks, and events.

 

* 'Dog Training Methods: Their Use, Effectiveness and Interaction With Behaviour and Welfare', Animal Welfare #13,2004; Hiby, Rooney and Bradshaw.