How to Be the Best Dog Trainer EVER
There’s a joke every dog trainer has heard… a lot. What is the only thing that two dog trainers can agree on? That the third dog trainer is doing it all wrong! I find this unfortunate. Especially for those of us who are trying to make changes in the industry and require that anyone who […]
But I Called A Trainer!
There have been a handful of times I have told potential clients that they probably don’t need me, and that I might not be able to help them. I hate to do it. I have vet bills, too. But there are times that they REALLY don’t need me, or even a board certified veterinary behaviorist. […]
“He’s very protective”
On Losing a Dog
In Terms of Training: Lure vs. Capture
There are several different ways to get a behavior from your dog. In this article I am going to look at two that are very common, and talk about when I use them, and why. Many dog trainers (perhaps even the majority), regardless of methodology, begin training by using the lure and reward method. This […]
The Right Approach
Sometimes the difference between an aggressive dog and an accepting dog is the behavior of the human. Many dogs do not manifest fear in ways that we expect, and we need to pay attention to our body language and theirs in order to make the greeting successful. This is Killian. He’s cute, isn’t he? I’m […]
Time To Walk the Dog!
Spring is here in the beautiful Boston Mountains, and if you are anything like me, you are ready to get out and enjoy it! There isn’t much better than a relaxing hike with your best friend, but for so many, walking the dog is anything but relaxing! I sometimes imagine that, if our dogs could […]
Genetically Predisposed to Aggression?
We’ve all heard the news stories about people being maimed and even killed by pit bulls. So what is the truth about dog breeds and genetic predispositions for aggression? Can aggression be bred into a particular dog? There are certainly biological reasons for aggressions, and genetic abnormalities play a role. For years now trainers have […]
Just QUIT!
By definition, positive reinforcement is rewarding a behavior to increase it’s frequency. So how does a positive reinforcement trainer (R+) address unwanted behavior without resorting to punishment? It’s easier than you think! The first thing you have to do is find out what reward the dog is already getting from the unwanted behavior. Dogs don’t […]
A New Puppy For Christmas
This is a post from a previous year, but is still relevant. The good news is that Rockingham County, NC, where I lived at the time, has lowered the euthanasia rate drastically. Only about 50% of the animals are now dying (down from almost 100% prior to the building of the new shelter). That’s still […]