Dogs are naturally competent in training us humans. The only ingredients needed are a kind human soul and a dog who is curious and happily tries new behaviors. Our responses to the dog’s actions determine if he is training us or we are training him. The real question is: who is initiating the order of […]
“Slow and steady wins the race” is the moral of Aesop’s fable entitled The Hare and the Tortoise. This thinking also applies to raising a puppy and changing behaviors in an adolescent or adult dog. Working with each individual animal’s temperament, learning strengths, motivators, emotional states, and thresholds is important in achieving reliable results. It’s […]
People add a canine friend to their lives to enhance so many activities. It’s all more fun with a dog! Taking a walk with a canine companion is one of those great joys. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore and enjoy the natural world together. Leash walking doesn’t happen naturally for many dogs. The […]
We all enjoy a bit of one-sided banter with our dogs. They make for wonderful listeners, never interrupting or offering unsolicited advice. It’s hard to remember, though, that dogs have a limited language capability and most of what he say to them lands, as “blah blah”. It’s worth reminding ourselves of our friends’ limitations when […]
Dogs can lose enthusiasm for their food after a time. Sometimes this is a result of constant accessibility. Sometimes, the food simply isn’t all that palatable. Puppies become distracted by the flurry of household activities in the mornings and evenings. Unless they are famished, people and objects are more compelling. Unfortunately, with puppies, structured mealtimes […]
Dogs repeat behaviors that result in gratification for them. These behaviors work! Unlike humans, dogs do not outgrow behaviors, but rather grow into them. Owners often inadvertently reinforce undesirable behaviors. Reinforcement makes any behavior stronger. The manner in which you respond to your dog’s behaviors determines whether good or bad habits will prevail. Dogs do […]
When a dog truly loves the company of children, someone made a diligent and stupendous effort at socializing that animal. Young children, especially, can present to dogs as strange, little beings. They resemble adult humans, but with unpredictable movements and voice patterns. Dogs are easily pulled into the kid-energy of the environment. An understanding of […]
When early guarding behaviors go unrecognized, they can intensify. Dogs do what works for them: if a side-eye warning fails, and a valued object is removed, the dog learns that he must be clearer in his communication. No one misses the message of a growl, lip curl, or air snap. A contact bite is not […]
Harmonious is the house where the dog willingly goes into his crate when directed and is content with the door closed. Humans who are uncomfortable with the notion of confinement for the dog may be unaware of the benefits. Once adjusted to it, many dogs choose to hang out in the crate and accept owner-requested […]
Dogs learn best when conditions for the individual animal are set up appropriately and humans facilitate communications. Amidst stimulation overloads, dogs either lose their marbles with a complete lack of focus on the handler or shut down and are incapable of learning. Neither of these extremes makes for a productive training session. Right Place. Effective […]