Cookbook Dog Training
An alarming trend in the dog training industry is the marketing of these online “become a dog trainer” franchises and systems. The dogs are going to suffer the consequences. They will give you a “cookbook” of how to train dogs. Then offer some kind of “certification” that you are now a good dog trainer. I […]
Games People Play (With Their Dogs)
Play is an essential part of being a dog. No one needs to create a dog that plays. It is already in them. Some dogs don’t play because they weren’t encouraged to do so; are not well; are old and don’t have it in them to engage any more; or they just don’t want to […]
Are Dog Beds Or Crates “Dens”?
Putting a puppy or dog in a crate and “letting them cry it out” is the wrong approach. It is cruel and unnecessary. New dogs are especially vulnerable to bad experiences and imagine the association you are making… you are using the crate as a trap, the dog doesn’t know you, the dog doesn’t know […]
Dog Dominance Theory Debunked?
Has “dominance theory”, extrapolated from the study of wolves, been debunked for both wolves and dogs? First, let’s define “dominance”. Dominance is “Social interactive behaviors regarding status/ rank” (Armin Winkler, Rivanna K9 Services LLC). Do the wolf experts claim there is no such thing as status or rank in wolf groups (also known as packs)? […]
Dogs And Treats For Training Purposes
The Typical Claims About Using Dog Treats For Training: So, what is the deal? What is right and what is wrong? Is it OK to use treats in training? Of course it is OK. These claims are all false. Treat training has valid uses throughout training process. I think that sometimes the objection to the […]
R+ Dog Training Explained And Demystified
Let’s say your requirement for hiring a dog trainer is that you only want to use positive reinforcement (R+) training. What does that mean for your dog? Instrumental Learning: All skills are learned using reinforcement, and all undesired variations that can’t be replaced with reinforcement are limited using Punishment. The use of only positive reinforcement […]
How Long Does It Take To Train A Dog?
How many lessons does it take to train a dog? I understand why this question comes up: budget, setting expectations, maybe shopping around for answers and programs, who can do it fastest, etc. Here’s my viewpoint. How long does it take to create a dog that does real work? IAADP Minimum Training Standards for a […]
Dogs And Pack Walks
Remember a few years ago there were all these dog trainers filming themselves doing “pack walks” with groups of dogs? The trainer was in the lead, and a group of off leash dogs were following them, as if the trainer was some kind of Pied Piper or “Alpha” wolf pack leader on a hunt. You […]
How Well Is Your Dog Trained?
How do you assess your dog’s level of training? Here’s how I do it. Thus, if I see a dog that won’t respond to any communication, then the dog is completely untrained. If the dog must be lured with a visible treat, then it is just a beginner. If the dog can work without a […]
Dogs And Space / Proximity
Is it wrong to allow a dog to be at your feet in the kitchen when you are preparing their food bowl? Some trainers would say, “yes” … based upon… what exactly? Does a dog that is close to you when preparing their food not respect you? And further, should you drive your dog away […]