Dog Training – Teaching Skills With Find It Game

When you make learning fun, you get an enthusiastic student. In this game of Find It (or I call it ‘Go Get It’), I am training our family dog, Sam, with lots of positive reinforcement to sit, stay, release, get it, come (recall).

My Dog Training – Thanksgiving Column Was On Jay Leno

What a neat surprise to learn my recent column on training your dog for Thanksgiving was shown on the Jay Leno Show. Below is a clip. Watch around the one minute mark.

In Pet Training, Clarity Counts

In pet training, clarity counts. Remember, it is pretty tough for an animal who doesn’t speak human to understand what we want them to do. When teaching, remember clear two-way communication is so important. Teach with small steps and great reinforcement for good choices.

Honoring African Grey Alex – Win A Copy Of His Memoir DVD

In his lifetime Alex, the African Grey parrot, had become more widely acclaimed than many Hollywood celebrities. To millions of people across the globe he was the icon for animal intelligence. He and his human counterpart, Dr. Irene Pepperberg were among the great partners in the field of animal-behavior science research.

Training Your Dog For A Stress-Free, Beg-Free Thanksgiving

There is no meal of the year that quite compares to that of Thanksgiving. As you’re preparing for your Thanksgiving, if you do not want your dog begging at the dinner table, the time to plan for success is now.

Building Brilliance Through Dog Training

Positive practice refers to a high rate of repetition of the behavior that produces a high rate of reinforcement. It may sometimes take hundreds of repetitions under different circumstances to really build fluency (doing the behavior without hesitation).

Preventing Dog From Dashing Out The Door

I don’t practice Sam’s waiting at the door because I want to dominate him. I practice because self control is a great skill to have and in the case of a doorway, can keep him safe. Besides lessons are a great bonding and enrichment exercise.

Solving Mouthing Problem Of Great Pyrenees Puppy

I was asked this question by Karie, and I thought I’d write a post to answer her so that she and others can learn from it. Karie’s question: I have a 22 week old Great Pyrenees, had him since he was 4 weeks old. When we pet him, at any time, he tries to put […]

A Tip For Solving Dog And Pet Behavior Problems

I have heard the story so very often. “I want my dog to stop jumping on people.” “I want dog to stop chewing on my shoe.” “I want my bird to stop screaming.”

All Parrots Will Talk – Myth Or Fact?

Yes, I will be the first to admit I love my little talking companion, Barnaby, who happens to be a Timneh African Grey. He is quite the little chatterbox and I find it endearing. If you click play on the video below, you’ll hear a sample of one of our morning conversations.