Dog Training
Fetch Rules Cheat Sheet for Judges and Competitors
The Fetch Rules Cheat Sheet for Judges and Competitors by Courteous Canine is your go-to guide for mastering every level of AKC Fetch — from Novice to Retriever. Designed to support both judges and handlers, this quick-reference tool simplifies the rules, requirements, and expectations so everyone can focus on teamwork, accuracy, and fun. At the Novice level, dogs fetch [...]
Dog Training 101: What is Clicker Training?
Dog Training 101: What is Clicker Training? By Angelica Steinker, M.Ed., CDBC, CAP2 edited by Kimberly "Kim" Archer, CPDT-KA, CTDI Clicker training is a training method using a handheld plastic [...]
Tampa Bay Times Interview: Dog’s good manners according to a Lutz expert
By Philip Morgan, Tampa Bay Times Correspondent Originally published by the Tampa Bay Times here. Angelica Steinker loved dogs early on. “When I was little, I begged my parents for [...]
Click & Praise
Click & Praise By Angelica Steinker, M.Ed., C.D.B.C, CAP2 Imagine a reward your dog will never fill up on, a reward that can last exactly as long as you want, [...]
Health & Safety
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 [...]
Reel It In – Why I Don’t Like Retractable Leashes
The article Reel It In – Why I Don’t Like Retractable Leashes outlines the many reasons why experienced trainers and behavior professionals prefer to avoid retractable leashes. Although these devices appear convenient, the author explains [...]
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. Dog guardians searching for effective leash solutions are often [...]
Dog Agility Training
Tampa Dog Trainer: Brenna Fender – Unexpected Effects of Recording and Sharing Your Training Sessions on Social Media
The Unexpected Effects of Recording and Sharing Your Training Sessions on Social Media By Brenna Fender, Tampa Dog Trainer Do you whip out your cell phone at training practice or set up your video camera [...]
Tampa Dog Trainer: Brenna Fender – Is Humility at Odds with Success?
Is Humility at Odds with Success? By Brenna Fender, Tampa Dog Trainer When you walk off an agility course, out of an obedience or rally ring, or away from your dog training class, do you dwell [...]
Tampa Dog Trainer: What’s My Dog Motivation?
What’s My Dog's Motivation? You can’t choose what motivates your dog. By Brenna Fender When I first got my Beagle from Tampa Bay Beagle rescue, I had to carry him off of his comfy spot [...]
Courteous Canine Articles
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Clicker Training for Cats (1/6)
If you’ve ever wondered whether cats can benefit from positive training the same way dogs do, this introduction to Clicker Training for Cats will open the door to a whole new world of feline learning. [...]
Dogs Are Better Partners to Humans Than to Other Dogs
The article Dogs Are Better Partners to Humans Than to Other Dogs explores why domestic dogs often collaborate more effectively with people than with members of their own species. The discussion centers on research comparing [...]
With Her Tail between Her Legs
Rethinking Tail Position in Dogs The article With Her Tail between Her Legs challenges the common belief that a tucked tail always signals fear or discomfort. Many people assume this posture reveals stress, but the [...]
A Milestone for Clara: Socialization Work Pays Off
Overview of “Socialization Work Pays Off” The article Socialization Work Pays Off highlights the powerful impact of thoughtful exposure and confidence-building experiences on a sensitive dog learning to navigate the world. The story follows Clara, [...]
Reel It In – Why I Don’t Like Retractable Leashes
The article Reel It In – Why I Don’t Like Retractable Leashes outlines the many reasons why experienced trainers and behavior professionals prefer to avoid retractable leashes. Although these devices appear convenient, the author explains [...]
UNDERSTANDING “YOU GET WHAT YOU REWARD”
One of the most powerful truths in dog training is UNDERSTANDING “YOU GET WHAT YOU REWARD”, not what you want your dog to do. Dogs learn through consequences, and their behavior is shaped by what [...]
Cognitive Dog Training
Another forward thinking blog by Pam Hogle. Cognitive Dog Training invites readers to look beyond traditional training methods and explore how dogs think, learn, and make decisions. In this article, renowned trainer and educator Pam [...]
Empowering Small Dogs or Puppies in a BIG World!
Empowering Small Dogs or Puppies in a BIG World! starts with understanding just how overwhelming everyday life can feel for a small dog or young puppy. In a space designed for tall humans, loud noises, [...]
Dog Barking: Seek First to Understand, Then Seek to Be Understood
Barking Is Communication, Not Misbehavior Dog Barking: Seek First to Understand, Then Seek to Be Understood reframes barking as communication rather than a problem to stop. Barking is one of the most natural ways dogs [...]
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. Dog guardians searching for effective leash solutions are often [...]
Understanding Dog Vocalizations
Dogs Communicate Through Sound Understanding Dog Vocalizations begins with recognizing that dogs use sound as a primary form of communication. Barking, growling, and whining allow dogs to express emotions, intentions, and needs. When we listen [...]
Do Dogs Have a Negativity Bias?
This is a fascinating article by Linda Case on Negativity Bias and how it probably also applies to dogs. This article helps support the need for positive reinforcement based training! Humans are wired to notice [...]