Training Techniques
Environmental Desensitization – Helping a Student’s Dog
When you are working on helping your dog become less reactive towards other dogs, a factor that often comes about is having difficulty even having them focus on you rather than the environment. One reason this can happen is a dog’s distress about being in outdoor locations where many of their triggers (stressors) have been in the past. Another reason might be being overstimulated by all the novel smells and sights in the new place. Still another reason may be the expectation that the environment is one in which independent play takes place, not training activities that are focus-dependent.
Recently a client contacted me asking for help with her reactivity class training homework with her dog…
Read MoreWhen can I stop using the…
Today I thought I’d address a question that we occasionally get asked by clients…
“At what point can I stop using (the clicker/treats) with my dog for the behavior I am working on improving?”
This is actually a really interesting question to answer since it brings to light several aspects of dog learning and helps everyone understand better why dogs are motivated to do certain behaviors. In the example below (jumping up on the person when exiting the crate) here’s how I answered…
Read MoreHappy Howl-o-Ween! Halloween Pet Safety
When I was young, Halloween was one of my favorite celebrations. Not so much because of the candy (although it was definitely a bonus) but because of the chance to be someone (or something) completely different from my usual everyday self. It’s a great time to play with costume make-up, wear funky clothing, and put…
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