When It Comes To Training, Practice Often

Practice Builds Confidence

Solving Dog, Parrot & Other Pet Behavior Problems Positively

Something to give you thought…

Pet training: It all comes down to motivation

As living beings, we always have a reason for our behavior.  Our behavior either helps us gain more of what we value or helps give us distance from what is negative to us. When it comes to behavior management, you can either motivate an animal with a   behavior consequence that adds  enrichment or with a […]

Make Your Own Parrot Toy – Easy Enrichment

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to come up with ways to keep your pet parrot busy. Here is an idea for a parrot enrichment toy (a foraging activity for your parrot) that you can easily make at home.

Stop Nipping – Teaching Your Puppy Bite Inhibition

Oh those adorable puppies! We love to hold them, play with them and aw at them. But we don’t love marks on our skin or holes in our clothes when those very sharp baby teeth grab hold.

Training: On Solving Pet Behavior Problems In Positive Ways

(NOTE: This is one of my Hyde Park Living columns.) Have you ever tried to stop an unwanted pet behavior by simply ignoring it?

Petting A Dog – The Consent To Pet Test

If you share your life with a dog, then you no doubt understand the magical affect of petting him. There has even been research to show the benefits to humans from being close to and touching pets.

Making Your Own Interactive Dog Toy

Providing pet enrichment is so important when it comes to preventing behavior issues and quality of life. You can make your own interactive dog toy. Here is an example of a low cost foraging toy I made for our dog, Sam.

My Challenge To Pet Owners

My challenge to you: Instead of being annoyed at your pet’s unwanted behavior, and punishing it. Pay attention to catch your pet in the act of wanted behavior, and reinforce heavily.  Focus on making the wanted behavior easier and more valuable. And guess which behavior you’ll see more of?