The Opposite of Force
The concept of choice has become extremely popular in positive reinforcement–based dog training. Many trainers use the word often, and it sounds appealing. Choice feels like the opposite of force, so it seems humane and empowering for dogs. However, the full article explores why this idea is more complex than it first appears. In some training setups, “choice” can involve situations where the dog is [...]
Teaching Deaf (and Blind) Dogs to Use Their Mouths Gently
Read the full article By Debbie Bauer HERE Teaching Deaf (and Blind) Dogs to Use Their Mouths Gently is an important topic for anyone living with deaf or blind/deaf dogs. Many guardians notice rough mouthing in puppyhood and adolescence. This behavior is normal, but it must be guided early. Dogs use their mouths to explore, play, and communicate. Because of this, they need help learning [...]
So Easy to Miscue…
This article takes a closer look at how easily human influence can alter the results of canine scent detection, making it So Easy to Miscue during real-world searches. It explains how dogs often respond to subtle shifts in their handler’s attention, movement, or assumptions, even when neither person intends to guide the outcome. Research and field observations show that dogs may alert simply because they [...]
How to Teach Your Deaf (and Blind) Dog to Wake Up Gently
Understanding the Goal The article How to Teach Your Deaf (and Blind) Dog to Wake Up Gently explains how to help dogs with hearing or vision loss wake in a calm and confident way. Many people worry that these dogs may react strongly when startled, yet most respond well when they learn that touch predicts something pleasant. The author encourages caregivers to shape these positive [...]
6 Ways to Take Fetch to the Next Level
A fun article on playing fetch with your dog by John Gilpatrick Dogs go crazy for fetch. For some, not even an unwatched roasted chicken on the kitchen table can bring as much excitement as the feeling of the breeze rushing through his fur while clasping his teeth around a soft, plush toy thrown to him. “Dogs find playing fetch so fun, in part, because [...]
Cognitive Dog Training
Another forward thinking blog by Pam Hogle. I first started teaching about what I called cognitive dog training several years ago. I didn’t invent it; I simply named what a lot of positive, forward-thinking dog trainers were already doing. Cognitive dog training enlists the dog as a partner in learning; it is not about training so much as it is is about teaching. It’s also [...]
There are no short cuts
A wonderful blog on training short cuts written by one of the masters: Kay Laurence. When we are working with an animal our own needs can direct our choices and decisions. We focus on outcomes and the end goal which is commonly revolves around us. The dog that no longer causes discomfort when pulling their leash, the dog that instantly responds to our demands, the [...]
It is Unwise to Say, “Just Ignore the Problem Behavior!”
Niki Tudge shares some important information about the misguided advice of "ignoring unwanted behavior". Ignoring a problem behavior is just one part of the equation; at the same time, an incompatible or alternative behavior must be reinforced (c) CanStock Photo/websubstance By Niki Tudge Last week, while perusing my Facebook news feed while I drank my morning coffee, I came across a link to [...]
Why Prong Collars Hurt
Thank you Eileen Anderson for writing an informative blog on the physics of a prong collar. Please see additional note at the bottom of the post. Prong collars, also called pinch collars, are metal chain collars for dogs that include links of prongs whose ends press into the dog’s neck. When a dog pulls on leash, moves out of position, or is “corrected” with a [...]
“Naughty” Dog Or Normal Dog?
by Anna Francesca Bradley In spite of the various labels commonly assigned to them, dogs do not deliberately set out to make their s’ lives difficult. Photo: Susan Nilson I’ve lost count as to how many times I’ve heard that Fido is ‘really naughty,’ ‘he’s doing it deliberately,’ ‘he’s trying to spite me,’ or, if an has more than one dog, ‘they’re trying [...]
The Problem with Punishment
Punishment comes at a price. Learn more about this by reading this blog by Anna Francesca Bradley. Punishment generates negative emotions of frustration, anger, anxiety, fear and causes pain; a far better approach is to work with your dog and not against (c) CanStock Photo/adogslifephoto Fortunately today, thanks to force free advocating organizations like Pet Professional Guild, there is much more awareness of [...]
Local Enhancement and Socially Facilitated Behaviors in Dogs
PPG has posted another outstanding blog by Eileen Anderson! If you are dog training geek, be sure to give this a read! This post started out as one thing and transformed into another as I went along, as many of mine do. I have been familiar for a while with the term local enhancement for a type of social learning in dogs. I had some [...]
