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tion for being bad, and that’s predictable attention. It’s really important to not give attention for bad behavior. You redirect to good behavior and praise them for that. I fix it so the dog can understand, and the people can understand, and the dog becomes more cooperative. There should be no yelling and no grabbing.

WHATISTHE BIGGEST MISTAKE PEOPLE MAKE WITHTHEIR DOGS?

The biggest mistake is thinking that dogs are easy at all. People have a hard time because they’re coming home and taking care of children, and driving to soccer practice and making dinner and all sorts of things. But they have to take time for the dog, too. If you’re doing it right, it should be inconvenient. Dogs are, in a way, like children. They need direction and attention. You have to teach them to live in your home because they don’t know that innately. They don’t know it’s OK to get on the sofa in this room but not on the other sofa that’s nicer. People always say, “Well, he’s doing this, and he should know better.” Well, no, he doesn’t know better, or he wouldn’t do it. You have to teach, repeat and be patient. It’s hard to be the teacher, and dogs are harder than you think.

HOW DIDYOU GETINTOTHIS BUSINESS?

I started a pet-sitting business, and some of my clients had dogs with bad manners. And I said, “No, you’re not going to jump on me. That’s not how we do things.” So I trained some of the dogs I was pet sitting. Dogs are happier when they think they are doing the right thing and getting attention. I didn’t mean to be the dog trainer, but people wanted it, and my clients started recommending me. It became too much to do both dog sitting and training, so eventually, I eased out of the pet sitting and started building on the dog behavior.

CAN YOU GIVE US ANY OTHERTIPS FOR DOG TRAINING?

Try taking an obedience course. That’s always a big help. Regular routines are huge. Dogs will count on that in a big way. Don’t use a retractable lead. People think it gives the dog more freedom, but it’s actually more dangerous because you have less control. I make it my mission in life to teach people it’s all about teamwork. Sometimes I see my former clients walking with [a retractable leash], and I will pull over and say something to them: “Uh, uh, uh! You shouldn’t be using that retractable leash.” I’m horrible. I’m obnoxious. I care too much.

—RACHEL STONE

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WACKYM’S KITCHEN

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The Store In Lake Highlands

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Brumley Gardens

Rain or shine you will be singing with these beautiful umbrellas. Makes a great gift. Brumley Gardens. 10540 Church Road. brumleygardens.com

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North Dallas Antique Mall

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T.HEE GREETINGS

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Once Upon A Child

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