Pulling or reacting to passers by while on a leash is such a common complaint I hear from people about life with their dog. And, understandably so. If you have ever been that person on the other end, you know it can turn what was supposed to be a care free walk into a major stressor very quickly. [Read more…] about Tips For Teaching Your Dog Loose Leash Walking
Cincinnati dog training with positive reinforcement
Are You Really Training With Reinforcers?
The other day I was outside with a client and her dog, teaching different behaviors on their driveway. She had gone to the effort of buying, cooking and cutting up little pieces of chicken just for training. It was a lot of extra work and expense on her part but I taught her the importance of using high value reinforcers in teaching and strengthening behaviors. [Read more…] about Are You Really Training With Reinforcers?
Choice And Empowerment In Dog Training
Choice and empowerment are two words I am likely to use in describing dog training (or training other animals). Empowerment is about giving our animals as much control over their behaviors as possible. That means teaching, not by force but by choice. Instead of pushing a dog into a down, I can either capture him lying down or lure him into that position and then teach him that decision to lay down was an awesome choice by giving him something he values afterwards. [Read more…] about Choice And Empowerment In Dog Training
Dog Food As Enrichment
I often talk about the benefits of feeding at least a portion of your dog’s food, through training and activities including dog food puzzle and chew toys. When we bring animals into our homes, we need to remember that enrichment is such an important piece of setting ourselves, our pets, and our relationship up for success. Providing our pets with opportunities to problem solve, exercise their minds and bodies, and use their senses allows them to expend energy they need to use in positive ways and also adds to their quality of life. If you don’t believe me, read my blog post about scientific research that demonstrated it. [Read more…] about Dog Food As Enrichment
Practicing Behavior Fluency
When you teach using positive consequences to behavior, you get a student who wants to engage, learn and listen. [Read more…] about Practicing Behavior Fluency
Teaching Moments Abound
My reminder to you…every moment of every day is a teaching and learning opportunity for you and your pet. Reinforcers are all around. They are that chance to go outside, to play ball, to clip on a leash, to greet a human, to chew or sniff. They are powerful tools in your behavior change toolbox because every time that you pair one of those valued life experiences with a behavior, you are adding value to that behavior…and you are giving your pet reason to do that behavior again, and again. [Read more…] about Teaching Moments Abound