“That’s NOT My Dog!”
More than once, this has come out of a client’s mouth in response to the ease at which I can get behaviors. It can be an ego boost to hear the surprise when I get a behavior quikly. But there are a few things to keep in mind as you begin your training journey with […]
Is clicker training just for pros? Five reasons why I think clickers are great for everyone
I’ve been told before that clicker training is too difficult for the general public and that only pros can handle the logistics of holding a clicker while training. I have had students tell me they just couldn’t handle it, and while I don’t push it, I always encourage my clients to give it a try, […]
When the Cue Just Won’t Work
It’s unfortunate, but sometimes we train a cue only to find that it later becomes useless. If you train enough, this may have happened to you. But why does it happen, and what can we do to fix it? In dog training sometimes we forget that the immediate consequence of a behavior is what causes […]
Wanted: Stupid Dogs
Yeah, Baby Z thinks it sounds crazy, too. But is it really? Think about it. Do you really want Lassie as a dog? I would posit that many people do not – not really. They do not want a dog that could make them breakfast and then wash the dishes afterwards, because that dog could […]
Am I A Monster?
I want to make something crystal clear: I do not hate anyone. There are some methods I don’t like. I don’t like seeing dogs in a pinch collar, a shock collar, or a choke collar. I believe these methods to be harmful to the dog, and to the dog owner relationship. I never like to […]
Coercion in Pet Dog Training Leads Dogs To a “Life of Quiet Desperation”
Coercion in Pet Dog Training Leads Dogs To a “Life of Quiet Desperation”.
Reliable Recall: Some Rules to Teaching Your Dog to Come When Called
Coming when called is perhaps the most important thing your dog can learn. It can mean the difference between being lost forever, getting into a road and hit, or just generally making you pull your hair out with worry. There are a few rules you need to keep in mind when you teach your dog […]
Beating a Dead Zebra – Final Note
The apparent success of punishment can be convincing. Punishing will often result in an end to a behavior. It may also result in the temporary suppression of a behavior. At least, as long as the one doling out the punishment is present. Dog pees on the floor, and his owner rubs his nose in it. […]
Crossing Over
I thought it wise to take a break from my current series to explain something about my training methods for those of you who have known me for a long time. I am what they call a “crossover trainer”. What that means is that I once used methods and tools I no longer use. You […]