Why Bootleg Reinforcement Challenges Dog Trainers
You may have heard of bootleg as it refers to unregulated booze but I bet you didn’t know bootleg can also be a cause for major challenge when it comes to dog training, and changing the behavior of really any living species. I am referring to bootleg reinforcement. Here is a scientific definition: With bootleg […]
Dawson Searches For His Meal
Instead of feeding him from his bowl, I often feed Dawson either through games, toys, activities or training. As you can see in this video, I think he enjoys this dog scent game a lot. If he didn’t I know I would need to change what I am doing or how I am doing it. […]
The Sit Challenge
In dog training, when it comes to teaching your dog behaviors, remember it is the reinforcement history that a behavior has that builds value and strength of that behavior. With that in mind this dog sit challenge practices a lot of repetitions of your dog sitting in a quick amount of time. How many times […]
How To Give Your Dog Enrichment
Enrichment is an important element when it comes to quality of life for captive and companion animals by reducing stress, providing needed mental and physical stimulation, encouraging species-typical behaviors, and empowering animals.
A Dog Training Lesson From Cheetos
I have a real weakness for some types of food that are not good for me…like Cheetos and yogurt covered nuts. It is why I do not have it in my house. Eating that stuff in large quantity causes my pants to get tighter and can make me bloated the next day.
Watch My Presentation At This Dog Summit
I am truly honored to have been asked to be among 25+ experts presenting at an upcoming virtual Summit, Dog Health Secrets, on dog behavior, health and grooming.
From The Field: Enrichment Builds Confidence
Sometimes I share stories and photos from the field. And today, I’ve got to share this of dear Alfie. I love seeing his happy body language in these videos. Alfie is so lucky to have such wonderful parents. When I first met him, he had his tail down and didn’t come to me. He was […]
Failing To Stop Your Dog’s Behavior May Create A Resilient Problem
Here is something to think about. Each time that you try to try to stop your pet from doing something you don’t like, you are making it that much more difficult to change the behavior in the future. In fact, you more than likely are actually making that unwanted behavior even strong and more resilient. […]
When Rolled Over, Does Your Dog Always Want A Rub?
There are so many different circumstances when I have seen a dog roll over to expose his belly. At night time, my Dawson often jumps next to me on the sofa only to roll over in a total state of relaxation and will stay in that position for as long as I will continue to […]
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 […]