Using Play In Dog Training
When you think about pet training and behavior management, do you also think about playing? Think about it for a minute. Think about how much more engaged you are in an activity or a conversation (and tuning out the outside distractions) when you are laughing and being challenged.
If Trainers Can Teach Wild Animals Without Coercion, Pet Owners Can Too
I was watching a video of a trainer at a park and wanted to share this thought I had. Definitely something to give you thought…trainers of large, undomesticated animals teach behaviors without physical correction. If they can do that, we can do that too with out pets. It is how we build a love for […]
A Dog Training Tip: Practice Consistency
Sam wanted to pop in again. He has a feeling many of his friends are just as confused. It is important to remember, we have a lot to do with the success of our pets. If we don’t provide clear criteria and cues on what behaviors we want to see (and reinforcement for those behaviors), […]
Kathy Sdao: Teaching and Loving Your Older Dog
I found a picture the other day of our dear Butch doing a behavior he was most known for, sitting up with his front paws in the air. It was something we didn’t need to teach. Butch would walk up to anyone and just sit like that, and undoubtedly we got a lot of questions […]
Cincinnati Fundraiser To Raise Money For Canine Cancer Research
Chris Pike, director of marketing & promotions for the National Canine Cancer Foundation, shared his story with me last year – a very personal reason for wanting to help raise money to fight a disease many other dog owners will experience.
Effectiveness Is Not Enough In Animal Training
I was one of more than 500 trainers from across the globe who convened on Dearborn, Michigan in March for the Karen Pryer Clicker Training Expo. It was a phenomenal opportunity to learn from some of the best trainers and behaviorists whose focus is on modifying behavior in the most positive way. What also made […]
How To Stop Your Dog From Jumping On People
(my Hyde Park Living column) I was talking with a friend the other day about a very large ten month old puppy she was visiting. The minute Linda walked into the house 60 pounds of pure love was on top of her. A habit that was started months earlier when little Henry was a small, […]
Considerations Before Buying Or Adopting A Puppy
I’ve heard so often from people who specifically looked for a certain breed of puppy to bring into their family with expectations for that dog’s temperament. It’s important to remember that, just as with people, every puppy is an individual. That’s why we say behavior is the study of one. And even the most accepting […]
Dog Training Tip For Independent Thinkers
Do you live with a furry, independent thinker? Have you ever tried teaching through shaping? It’s a fun way to get your dog engaged in the learning process. I explain in this blog post.
Dog Training: Teaching Your Dog To Come When Called
Are there times that your dog turns a deaf ear when you call him to come? Like when he is outside smelling flowers, in pursuit of a squirrel or playing in leaves? It can be pretty frustrating, I know. People will tell me their dog is stubborn or obstinate or it is something about that […]