You might think I don’t like dog parks judging from the title of this post. I own a reactive dog so dog parks are the last place she and I would like to visit. Having said that, I think they have their place for certain dogs and dog guardians. But let me point out a few things for you to … Read More
Training the Reactive Dog with the “Chuck It”
I’ve made a video to show you how I play fetch with Sadie Mae. She’s always been a ball chaser but the “chuck it” triggers her excitable behavior. I believe dog training is happening all the time. There are tons of opportunities to ask for respect, to teach, and to lead, and working with triggers can be a time to train AND … Read More
Obedience Training With A Reactive Dog
Premack principle to train self control: reward what you want from the dog with what the dog wants. ‘Eat your peas and you can have ice cream’
The Yellow Dog Project
If your a dog enthusiast and you’re on FaceBook, no doubt you’re heard of The Yellow Dog Project. This program is gaining momentum and its possible you’ve seen an information poster around town, at dog parks, vet hospitals or pet supply stores. The Yellow Dog Project promotes the use of a yellow ribbon tied to a dog’s leash or harness … Read More
Dog Behavior: Labels and Perception
Dogs have come along way from living on the outskirts of human settlements to sleeping on our beds. We plan holidays around them, we feed them gourmet food and we carry them in purses. Sometimes we anthropomorphize (humanize) them and when we do that, we tend to forget the most important thing about our relationship with them and that is; … Read More
The truth about ‘Positive Methods’
When you look for a dog trainer these days, you often read “Positive methods” somewhere in their marketing literature. Yes, positive methods can mean treats and praise but what it is not is the absence of consequences for the dog. This is where “positive methods” is misunderstood. There’s always a consequence to behavior and choices and it is no different for dogs. Hence, there is … Read More