Dogs, E-Collars And Opponent- Process Theory
Can a dog trainer “addict” a dog to an e-collar, meaning causing a dog to want to repeatedly receive an aversive stimulus (of any kind)? Those making those claims are most likely trying to apply Opponent- Processing Theory, postulated by Solomon and Corbit (1974), which generally makes the following argument: Humans: The first time someone […]
Rescued Dog Training
What is the difference when choosing a training program for a rescued dog versus a dog that you purchased from a breeder? Generally, it is important to start with a conversation with a dog trainer to work up a full background picture of your new dog. A good evaluation provides valuable information that can be […]
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 […]