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dog training tip
Understanding Positive Reinforcement: More than Giving Treats
Positive reinforcement is a concept many of us have heard of, especially when it comes to training our furry companions. The basic idea is simple: reward a behavior you want to see more of, and it’s likely to be repeated. However, when it comes to addressing aggression in dogs, the application of positive reinforcement isn’t…
Two Essential Aspects Overlooked in Tackling Dog Aggression
In the intricate realm of addressing canine aggression, two fundamental aspects often evade the spotlight, yet serve as the bedrock for effective intervention. While strategies like desensitization and counter-conditioning rightfully garner attention, their efficacy hinges on mastering these foundational elements. Embarking on a journey to understand and address aggression in dogs necessitates a keen appreciation…
The Sit-stay: danger in focusing only on Outward Behavior
Some trainers have said it doesn’t matter what the dog is feeling, it only matters that they behave. This can be reassuring for dog owners because understanding the inner workings of our canine companions can often feel like a labyrinth complete mystery. But focusing solely on a dog’s outward behavior without considering their internal state…
Why Reactivity is Often a Warning Sign for Aggressive Behavior in Dogs
If you are learning about dog aggression, you could be forgiven for thinking reactivity is the same as aggression. It seems like the terms are often interchanged. However, there are differences: reactivity in dogs refers to an overreaction to a stimulus, such as another dog, a person, noise or even touch. On the other hand,…
[VIDEO] Make a Target Stick Work For You
Using a target stick is not essential for treating dog aggression. However they can be very useful for training! And training can be fun – especially this kind. It works by teaching the dog to touch the end of the target stick or pole. This way you can teach your dog to follow it. This is useful for encouraging…
[VIDEO] Who Else Wants to Teach a Dog to Drop it?
Teaching a Dog to Drop it Teaching your dog how to drop things when asked is very useful! Dogs routinely pick things up things in their mouths, from forbidden food to your underwear. Some dogs are even little thieves that will bury their heads into your guest’s purse when you are not looking, only to enjoy the…
Dog training tip: training a dog that isn’t food motivated
This dog-training article about food motivation (see below) was written originally some time ago, and yet trainers still struggle with clients and others that insist their dogs are not food motivated (or worse – using food for training leads to euthanasia – yikes!) If you are new to training, you might be confused about who’s…
How to stop a dog from jumping up
If you have problems stopping your dog from jumping up you are not alone!  But it’s not always an easy problem to correct.  We have some some strategies to make it easier. But before we get into how you can change your dog’s behavior, it helps to understand why they do it. Why do dogs jump up?…
Crazy dog at the door? Trick or treat!
Hallowe’en comes every year. Â If you have a dog that goes crazy at the door, Halloween is a nightmare. Â At best you can hope to take your dog somewhere else where there are no tricker-treaters (good luck!). Â Or perhaps you can hide out in your house with the house dark as if no one is…