Helping Fearful Dogs Part Two: Classical Conditioning or Becoming Wonderfully Not Scary
To me, training is all about developing a solid way of communicating with animals, paying attention to what they are saying with their...
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Shel Graves
Nov 295 min read
Helping Fearful Dogs Part One: Operant Conditioning or Why You Might Teach Your Dog Tricks
To me, training is all about developing a solid way of communicating with animals, paying attention to what they are saying with their...
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Shel Graves
Nov 223 min read
For a Happier Life With Dogs and Cats: Appreciate the Individual
Recently I taught a class at Edmonds College’s Creative Retirement Institute on Animal Behavior: How to Have a Happier Life With Your...
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Shel Graves
Nov 154 min read
To Fence or Not to Fence A: I'm Not a Fan of Invisible Scary Things
Recently, I had a client ask me what I thought about invisible fences. They were not surprised to hear that I am not a fan. One concern...
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Shel Graves
Nov 131 min read
For All Beings: Culture of Compassion, Systems of Compassion
At Shel Graves Animal Consulting, we seek to create a Culture of Compassion and encourage awareness of our Divine connection. We want all...
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Shel Graves
Nov 14 min read
Not all the pie: What to do with a fearful dog (or cat) at Thanksgiving
The holidays are coming. There are going to be a lot of new foods, new people, new decorations, and new things around your house. If you...
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Shel Graves
Oct 252 min read
Bark! by Zazie Todd The Book You Want for Your Fearful Dog
Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog by Zazie Todd is the book (and the knowledge) I wish I had had...
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Shel Graves
Oct 223 min read
The Roller Coaster Effect: Answering the Question About When a Dog Looks Excited But Also Seems Unsure
Oh my goodness. Ears flying. Tongue lolling. Wiggling. Jumping. Spinning. Is there anything better than a dog who is happy and excited?...
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Shel Graves
Oct 113 min read
Doing Our Best for Animals
Hello, I’m celebrating six months as Shel Graves Animal Consulting, Doing Our Best for Animals. Six months in business, woo hoo! The time...
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Shel Graves
Sep 202 min read
Book Review: Breed Differences in Dog Behavior: Why Tails Wag Differently
I have listened to a number of webinars and podcasts on the topic of whether dog breed affects behavior. A favorite is the Enrichment for...
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Shel Graves
Aug 232 min read
Dog Book Review: Play With Your Dog by Pat Miller CPDT, CDBC
Recently, I wrote a review of Dr. Mikel Maria Delgado’s new book Play With Your Cat! published in 2024. Short review: I recommend it! Is...
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Shel Graves
Aug 162 min read
Dog Crates: Woo hoo! or B00 Hoo? Do You Have to Use Them? Crate-Training for Fearful Dogs and House-Training
I have had and worked with a number of dogs who, prior to coming to live with me, spent way too much time confined in a crate. So, I...
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Shel Graves
Aug 95 min read
That Dog behind the Fence and Your Daily Dog Walk: Fenceline Running: “Woo hoo!” or “Boo hoo!” ?
Instead of fenceline running on your walk, try this instead: Take another route! Cross the street. Avoid this interaction. Go quickly by....
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Shel Graves
Jul 272 min read
Sept. 28, Everett: Shel Graves Animal Consulting at Everett Public Library, How to Make Your Dog or Cat Happier
Shel Graves Animal Consulting will be speaking in-person at Everett Public Library. How to Make Your Dog or Cat Happier will be 2 pm,...
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Shel Graves
Jul 232 min read
Sept. 14, Everett: Shel Graves Animal Consulting at Sno-Isle Food Co-op with Fun Activities for Happy Dogs and Cat
Shel Graves Animal Consulting will be at the Sno-Isle Food Co-op 3-5 pm, Sat., Sept. 14 for a free workshop on Fun Activities for Happy...
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Shel Graves
Jul 201 min read
Yes! Quick Answers About Dog and Cat Training and Shel Graves Animal Consulting, Book a Free Discovery Call
Recently, someone asked me if it is worthwhile and possible to train their adult five-year-old rescue dog. The answer is "YES!". Unlike...
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Shel Graves
Jul 204 min read
Animal Chaplains in the News: Tips for Grieving Losses
I've long enjoyed Arts and Culture Reporter Andrea Brown's What's Up With That? feature in Everett's The Daily Herald. Still, it's no...
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Shel Graves
Jul 194 min read
Learning for Dogs, Learning for Cats: There's Always More to Learn about Animal Behavior and the Animals We Love
Remember being in school when there were all those tests with right and wrong answers in a variety of subjects? One of the things I love...
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Shel Graves
Jul 128 min read
Rehoming a Dog. Rehoming a Cat or Other Animal Companion: Help for Difficult Decisions and Emergencies
When we take an animal into our home, into our family, it is meant to be for a lifetime. We want it to be for their lifetime. We work for...
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Shel Graves
Jun 221 min read
CARE's Racial, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion training
Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE) is an organization that prioritizes and amplifies BIPOC and other Marginalized Voices...
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