I had been looking forward to that night for several months, since the day I first heard about the upcoming performance one of my favorite local bands. My friends and I got there over two hours early to reserve our spot, before heading across the street to get dinner. By the time we got back to our seats, the concert area was filled. There was not even space for two more chairs. I could hardly wait for the music to start. Then, in the empty seats in front of us, a man joined his party with his leashed dog. Let’s just say, my long-anticipated evening suddenly got off to an unexpected, unwelcome turn. And that is how I will begin this post that will talk about flooding and learned helplessness as it pertains to dog training. [Read more…] about Understanding Flooding And Learned Helplessness In Training
puppy socialization
Habituation vs Sensitization In Dog Training
I know some people who live not far from one of the flight paths going to and away from the airport. I remember us having a discussion one time about how annoying I thought it’d be to hear that loud noise so often. The response I would hear was the same response I got from people I know who live or work near a railroad crossing – that, ‘you get used to it.’ In this article, I hope to give you a better understanding of habituation vs sensitization and how it can impact your dog training. [Read more…] about Habituation vs Sensitization In Dog Training
Understanding Puppy Fear Periods
Getting Your Puppy Off To The Right Start
If you have just brought a puppy into your home, NOW is the time to begin to build your relationship in a fun, loving and nurturing way. Your puppy needs to learn from you that his world is safe, that his needs will be met, and that YOU are worth listening to because good things happen when he does. [Read more…] about Getting Your Puppy Off To The Right Start
Socializing A Puppy During The Coronavirus Pandemic
For puppies, what they experience – or don’t experience – sets the foundation (in addition to their genetics) for the rest of their life when it comes to so much like whether novel sights, sounds, people and things will frighten them, create no reaction, or cause a positive emotional response. Or whether they will be able to rest in a confinement space like a crate. Or whether they will want to pay attention to their family even when there are a lot of distractions. The list can go on.
That being said, early socialization is the greatest gift you can give to your new companion. It should be a very high priority. [Read more…] about Socializing A Puppy During The Coronavirus Pandemic
Dawson’s Untold Story: Living With Canine Anxiety Issues
My dear Dawson has changed my life in so many ways, given me a greater understanding of behavior, and helped me to have even deeper empathy for others who have a dog with anxiety issues, fear, or other behavioral problems. He has taught me important lessons in love, acceptance of imperfections, and being open to new paths in life. [Read more…] about Dawson’s Untold Story: Living With Canine Anxiety Issues