Hook, Line, and Sinker: How Not-So-Positive Trainers Use Positive Reinforcement to Reel in Clients
Why does anyone want to have his or her dog trained? For many dog owners, it’s either to make a behavior improve, or to prevent unwanted behaviors from developing. For some it’s because they want to do fun things with their dog. Regardless of the reason, there is a level …Read More
What I Am Trying To Say
This is a quick and easy guide to understanding what your dog is trying to tell you through body and vocal language. It’s so important that we learn how to listen to our dogs, and not just ask them to listen to us.
When a dog is saying ” I’m happy …Read More
Why You Should Say No to Shock Collars
Shock or electric collars are devices placed around a dog’s neck which connect to a handheld transmitter which remotely delivers varying levels of electric shocks to the dog’s neck. Having already been deemed illegal as abusive tools by many countries such as Finland, parts of Canada and parts of the …Read More
Chaining Your Dog Up Is Plain Wrong
Chaining Your Dog is cruel, inhumane and has no place in our society that claims to be civilized. Dogs deserve better than being treated as unwanted garbage!
I am constantly surprised at the number of my clients who regularly chain or tie their dog in the backyard for long periods of time …Read More
Breeds Specific Issues
Study after study has shown that a dog’s breed is not a major factor that contributes to aggression, and yet breed-specific legislation still targets specific dog breeds all over the world. How a dog is socialized, raised, trained, the mental and physical stimulation he receives, owner responsibility and individual behavioral …Read More
Why Dogs Barks
The Science Dog hits the nail on the head again!
How Many Barks does a Nuisance Dog Make?
According to a paper that I read recently, nuisance barking is identified as a major, worldwide behavior problem that affects 1 in 3 dogs, is a frequent cause of neighbor disputes, and is a common …Read More
Speaking Up
In my personal life, I am a very direct and honest person. I sometimes unintentionally offend those who prefer a more subtle approach. But in my professional life, my opinions are much more tempered. I can’t educate if I am not heard. Shaping works on people too. But I don’t …Read More
Door Issues
The door is the epicenter of some common nuisance behaviors in dogs, particularly door dashing and unwanted barking. With positive training and a little patience, these are both behaviors that can be improved and potentially eliminated.
Door Dashing
Door dashing is a very common behavior that can have obvious dangerous consequences. The first …Read More
Your Canine’s Cognition
Canine Cognition is how a dog’s mind processes the world around it. Knowing your dog’s cognitive style will help you understand what drives him, how he learns and what he needs from you to make learning easier. Cognitive science is the study of the mind and intelligence, embracing philosophy, psychology, …Read More
Handling Leash Aggression
Leash Aggression
Leash lunging, leash reactivity and leash aggression are all behaviors that are caused by a dog feeling restrained, frustrated and uncomfortable in a social situation while attached to a leash. In normal circumstances, an unleashed dog would be able to put sufficient distance between himself and a fear source. …Read More