Category Archives: Dog Training methods
It’s not just “bad advice”
Although I do not have much time for it anymore, I used to frequent various online dog-themed forums or communities. It’s something I enjoyed doing and these communities were where I met some amazing friends and colleagues. I spent most … Continue reading
Reassurance isn’t the same as reinforcement
I am absolutely terrified of spiders… I once came home at 5:30am after a night of… trouble making (this is a total lie, I was a huge nerd and was out playing Dungeons and Dragons with friends). I parked my … Continue reading
Let’s Rally?
I am absolutely the first to admit that I have slacked off on Rio’s obedience skills. He doesn’t really have a solid “front,” he doesn’t have a good stay, he bounces up on his downs semi-regularly, he doesn’t have a … Continue reading
One of my difficult training issues…
I have had chase for just under three weeks and he learned down reasonably well within about 3 days with a few sessions a day (that may or may not have actually included ‘down’). That is a FAR cry from … Continue reading
It’s all in the mechanics…
I know I’ve said it before, “It’s all in the time and effort you put into the training” and as much as I do believe it… there’s something that has to be said about how we do our training. I’m … Continue reading
Building focus
I am frequently asked the question about how to deal with a dog who doesn’t acknowledge that there is a handler at the end of the leash when outside. It takes patience, cheese/chicken/hotdogs, a clicker, and time. It’s actually pretty … Continue reading
Tugging for Training…
I’m of the opinion that most dogs who have highly arousing jobs (herding dogs, hunting dogs, police dogs, performance dogs) must learn how to work while in drive mode. Border collies learn that they must have some impulse control around … Continue reading
The Proof is In the Pudding!
This past weekend was a “holiday” weekend in the US. It was Columbus Day… though to most of the US, it’s just another day off and a reason for shopping the big weekend sales (and really, I can’t say I … Continue reading
Sometimes it really is about the energy…
First a reminder Tug Toy Caption Contest Ends Saturday 11:59pm (EST)–you should go and enter if you haven’t yet! I was recently reminded about how important energy is when working with dogs. Now I’m not talking the type of … Continue reading
Having expectations doesn’t make the dog suffer…
I am not going to lie, I have very high expectations of my dogs. I expect them to eliminate in the proper place (outside), to behave in potentially crowded public spaces around people and dogs, to be reliable on-leash and … Continue reading