I’ve been told a time or two that I’m soft with dogs. It was meant in kindness but the intention was to suggest that I needed to be harder on the dogs. I used to be offended and hurt by this comment. I thought I must be doing something wrong! But my instincts told me I was doing just fine … Read More
No ‘dog whispering’. Just train the dog!
We all know about the idea that a select few just ‘have it ‘ with dogs. A ‘special way’, ‘dog whisperer’ and on it goes. Don’t sell yourself short because the truth is, everyone can train dogs, but it just might be a trainers style (you), their nuances, that stands out more than others. Every trainer and every dog guardian connects … Read More
Moving through the grief
Still moving through the grief of letting Sadie Mae go. 6 weeks since I’ve become dogLESS. Taking 1 day at a time as I’ve done with the passing of all my dogs. However, the most notable difference this time: no other dog to distract me. No excited greetings when I come through the door. No whining, shoe carrying, wiggly butt to … Read More
Brain Games
My favorite exercise for dogs is engaging them mentally. In addition to exercise and spending some time together outside, the ‘find it’ game engages Sadie Mae in a deeper way on our walks. I use a treat or ball or a stick as the object(s) to search and find. I also use brain stimulating games in the house. These are … Read More
Premack Principle: Give the dog what he wants in order to get what you want!
The Premack Principle Definition: more probable behaviors will reinforce less probable behaviors I love the Premack Principle. I’ve really taken to applying it to Sadie Mae’s training and teaching my clients to use it in their own dog’s training regime. It might be a little hard to understand at first but when you see it in action, its easy … Read More