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 […]
Dogs And Squeaky Toys
Is it OK to let dogs play with squeaky toys? Do squeaky toys teach dogs to kill? You see a lot of weird made-up stuff on the internet about dogs. Every. Day. Let’s compare the facts vs. the made-up feces… Let’s start with wolves vs. Poodles. Yes, that comparison test was done. Wolves pups allowed […]
Have You Visited My PoochMaster Blog Lately?
Do you know I have a second blog, called PoochMaster? There are things I post there that I don’t post on my web page. It is generally a place for lighter stuff, maybe current events. It is for a different audience than people wanting to hire me as a dog trainer. Go check it out!
My Dog Is Reactive Around Other Dogs
Really? Should you make your dog meet strange dogs? On walks? At dog parks? In your neighborhood? In your home? We can impose either reasonable or unreasonable expectations on our dogs. You should learn the difference. How would you feel if I forced you to greet strangers? How would you feel if strangers came up […]