Bringing Play Back to Sequestered Dogs
One of the most glorious times in a dog trainer’s life is that moment when we gently (if metaphorically) grasp our client’s hands and escort them and their dog into a play session. This is especially the case if the client is a bit wary or unsure—they believe in us, sure, but also trust their […]
The Double Advantage of Reward-Based Training
The science of dog training shows risks to canine welfare from aversive methods, and positive benefits from using rewards Although an increasing number of dog trainers are force-free, there are currently no regulations on dog training and still some on-going debate amongst trainers and dog owners about what is the best method to train a dog. […]
Throw Open the Jailhouse Doors: When and why to choose training over management
As dog trainers, we love management—that is, arranging the dog’s environment to prevent mess-ups. It’s a godsend for a bunch of pesky behaviour issues. We use baby gates, dog-proof rooms, curtains, and crates to provide relief to our clients (and often, their dogs). Management can also protect shy or fearful dogs from experiences that they […]
Ouch! Acquired Bite Inhibition and Puppies
Dogs have extremely strong jaws and powerful bites. Even the smallest of dogs can deliver an injurious bite as an adult, and big dogs can inflict even greater damage. Despite this physical ability, most dog bites do not result in terrible injury. In fact, many leave only a small scratch or a few bruises. Like […]
Talk Softly and Carry a Carrot, Not a Stick
Dog training is a divided profession. We are not like plumbers, orthodontists or termite exterminators who, if you put six in a room, will pretty much agree on how to do their jobs. Dog training camps are more like Republicans and Democrats, all agreeing that the job needs to be done but wildly differing on […]
Lettre ouverte aux propriétaires qui pensent que des gâteries corrompront leur chien
Je comprends. Vous préférez ne pas utiliser de gâteries pour entraîner votre chien, parce qu’il devrait apprendre les bonnes manières sans recevoir quelque chose en retour. Vous pensez que si vous lui donnez des friandises, vous atténuerez la valeur des récompenses bien plus importantes, comme votre approbation. Vous vous dites qu’il ne saura jamais discerner […]
An Open Letter to Owners Who Think Treats are Bribery
I understand. You don’t want to use treats to train your dog because he should learn appropriate behavior without having to be bribed. If you reward him with treats, it degrades more important rewards such as your approval. He’ll never learn right and wrong. You want him to respect you. He’ll also become dependent on […]