In dog training, can you use multiple cues for the same behavior? It is not only perfectly OK to teach multiple cues for the same behavior, it can be very helpful. [Read more…] about Can You Use Multiple Cues For The Same Behavior?
positive reinforcement in dog training
Your Dog’s Basic Needs Piggy Bank
Have you ever stopped to think about your personal needs, those parts of your life that help you to feel satisfied, fulfilled, happy and safe? Ask yourself, “Are you investing in your dog’s basic needs piggy bank?” (or really any captive animal you share your life with) Those are things that really should be considered every day that you share with your pet because they speak to your pet’s quality of life, your relationship with your pet, and minimizing problem behaviors…and stress. Ask yourself, “Am I investing enough into my dog’s basic needs piggy bank?” [Read more…] about Your Dog’s Basic Needs Piggy Bank
Reminder: Practice Using Positive Reinforcement Everyday
My reminder to you: [Read more…] about Reminder: Practice Using Positive Reinforcement Everyday
Good Dog Training Habits Build Good Dog Manners
In my dog training, I help such a broad range of people to have a well-mannered dog or with help for their dog’s behavioral issues like fear. Much of how I do that is coaching people on how to train their dog more effectively. Good dog training habits build good dog manners. [Read more…] about Good Dog Training Habits Build Good Dog Manners
Why Your Dog Only Leaves It For Dinner
Two of the foundation behaviors I like to teach are recall (coming when called) and leave it or wait (meaning leave something alone).
Often a dog will learn to come to the cue of TREAT or will wait for his dinner upon hearing the cue LEAVE IT, but will not reliably do those behaviors at other times. I hear from pet owners about how their dog is really great at sitting while they prepare their dog’s meal and waiting until the food bowl is on the ground to go to it. I also often hear about dogs that will come quickly when called with a cue that is something like, “Treat!” or “Greenie!”.
However, those same people do not have reliability when it comes to asking their dog to come with any other word at any other time; and they do not have reliability when it comes to their dog waiting to greet visitors or to grab something from the ground.
Why Your Dog May Only ‘Leave It’ When It Comes To Dinner
Well, for one, in those specific circumstances, pet owners are very motivated to teach their dog what they want their dog to do. They are focused on getting the outcome they want to see. [Read more…] about Why Your Dog Only Leaves It For Dinner
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. [Read more…] about A Dog Training Lesson From Cheetos