I get a call from a gentleman that has just adopted a puppy. He tells me he has had many dogs throughout his life and that he is well-versed in “all things dogs,” but he feels that this time around he needs some help because he is not sure how to handle his young keep’s…
As a dog professional, I work with all sorts of clients and their dogs. Yet, if there is one thing that I regularly hear from my clients, is that they would like to be able to engage and work with their dogs more, but they are not sure how to go about it. And this reason is the inspiration…
Teaching your dog to wait without dashing out the door or jumping off the car seat is really a must-train behavior for any dog. Not only can learning this save your dog’s life, but in the process your pup is also learning some self-control. I have seen time and time again, how dogs thrive when…
Head halters are quite useful tools. It helps with dogs that are large and strong that pull on leash. But most importantly head-halters are a must for those dogs that for whatever reason lunge and pull towards other dogs or people. I am amazed to see how, when used correctly, head-halters can become the difference…
I am behind a closed door and I cannot attend to my dog Deuce at that moment. He has followed me around and now he is lying on the other side of the door gently pawing it and barking. I asked him to stop (the barking and pawing) and immediately after that I tell him…
I don’t know about you, but I really do not like to walk dogs that pull on leash. I find that when this happens the walk just lost its relaxing quality. Perhaps other people do not feel the same about their dogs walking on a loose leash. Dogs pulling on a leash is so ubiquitous…
Waiting areas at most veterinarian clinics are stressful places for both people and dogs. They tend to be on the small side and with little in the form of design to ensure dogs have some safe distance from other dogs. The leash, acting as a barrier, prevents dogs to engage in natural greeting behaviors. The…
Join me for these two upcoming classes this October: From Tiny to Mighty! Teaching your small-breed dog to be comfortable, and confident in their world. Conversation Starters – The Required First Steps for Off-leash Freedom with Your Dog Here are more details on each! From Tiny to Mighty! Tiny dogs often have a bad reputation….
Recently I was asked in class by a participant if she could stop using treats and instead praise her dog to motivate her to do the behaviors they were learning. I know that every single trainer that uses food as a reinforcer has heard this same question thousands of times. A different variation to the…
Is it best to “add” or to “subtract” when dog training? This is indeed an interesting question. By adding I mean presenting a reinforcer as a consequence for behavior. By subtracting I mean removing a reinforcer as a consequence for behavior. In my view, the answer is that both modalities are of use when teaching…