My Reflections On 2017
I always spend some time and energy at the end of the year thinking about the reasons I have to be grateful. Pictured are some of the many faces I am so appreciative to have had the opportunity to work with this year. What makes my pet training so fulfilling for me is knowing I […]
Use Clarity In Teaching Your Dog’s Name
Sam wanted to pop in again with a message on behalf of all of his friends. Think about how confusing it must be for your non-human companions to try and figure out what it is you want them to do, and what rules you want them to live by, if you are not providing consistent […]
Dog Training Tip: Problem Solving
Just a quick reminder…if are having dog training problems with motivation and your pet is not ‘getting’ what it is that you want him/her to learn, there are SO many possible reasons. It could be the environment is too distracting or your reinforcers are not valued enough or your timing is off or you are […]
Empowerment And Choices: Putting A Leash On A Puppy
“The power to control one’s own outcomes is essential to behavioral health, and the degree to which a behavior reduction procedure preserves learner control is essential to developing a standard of humane, effective practice.” – Dr. Susan Friedman
Why You May Be Having Recall Problems With Your Dog
So often dog owners want to know why they can’t get their dog to come every time he is called no matter what he happens to be doing or where. “He can be stubborn.” “He has a mind of his own.” “His breed is like that.” These are all reasons I’ve heard people use.
Generalization And Discrimination In Dog And Other Pet Training
A dog who jumped at the sound of a heavy box falling to the floor can become frightened by other sudden noises down the road. A dog who has had many different positive interactions with children will come to learn the presence of kids means good things happen.
Are you Teaching Your Dog To Run Away?
Just a reminder, you will see more of the behaviors that you reinforce. If your dog gets a bigger pay off from running away from you, that is a choice you may see more often. If you want to teach your dog a reliable recall, your consistency in teaching your dog that the choice of […]
What Dogs Dislike About Halloween
I really enjoy Halloween. I especially love seeing the little children dressed in costume. There is something so very special about that to me. But, as much as I look forward to the holiday, there are many dogs who would be more than happy to forego the whole night. I’ve written about Halloween in the […]
Understanding Learned Irrevelance
Have you ever felt like you are being completely ignored by your dog when you ask your dog to do something? It happens between two humans too…and the problem has destroyed relationships. It can be so frustrating, grrr! Why is this happening? Is it a case of a suddenly very dumb, obstinate, stubborn, bull headed […]
Do Not Disturb
Parents, please teach your children about the Do Not Disturb sign above dogs that are sleeping and/or contained. Dogs that are sleeping can startle if touched and should be allowed to sleep in peace. Contained dogs (like a dog in a crate, behind a gate, on a tether, or other enclosed space) have no means […]