Routines and Training
Everything about dog training applies to our own behavior and learning. I have a human story for you about the results of a big change in routine. My husband is a pretty good dog trainer. He’s been around behavior science for over 30 years. He has spent quality time with Dr. Bob Bailey, Sue Ailsby, […]
Ancient Animal Training
Xenophon (430 – 354 BCE) wrote a book called The Art of Horsemanship. This guy lived in ancient Greece, before people had last names! I am sharing a few quotes from the book because, even though they were written over 2000 years ago, they are consistent with the documented behavior science we know today. Xenophon […]
Behavior Matters to Your Dog
Some of the most popular behaviors people teach their dogs include sitting/staying until released to eat a meal and sitting before crossing a street when they’re out on a walk. What makes these behaviors so commonly used? What do dogs and dog parents gain from doing them? Do these behaviors matter to dogs? How Obedience […]
What Dogs Like to Do
What Dogs Like to Do = Enrichment Dogs like to do some things that humans don’t particularly care for! Dogs, as a species, have performed these behaviors for generations. These activities are often driven by the tasks humans have carefully bred dogs to help with. Maybe there are ways we can allow dogs to express […]
Learning Together: How Your Dog Can Teach You to Change
Dog owners are really starting to understand that their own behavior is part of the process of behavior change in their dogs. Believe it or not, loving dog parents sometimes take the idea of their own need for learning a little too far. Prospective clients often tell me, “I know – you have to train […]
Pretend Games: Leash Skills Practice
Why would you put leashes on your dogs when you’re taking them from one fenced-in yard to another fenced-in area? Here’s my counter-question: Why would you try to take your dogs for a walk around the block, where you can’t be sure what you’ll encounter and you haven’t practiced your skills in a safe place? […]
Dog Training Requires Thinking: Don’t Believe Everything You Hear!
We are pelted by “facts” in every aspect of our lives. AI is used to create pictures and stories that are pure fantasy but would make us SO happy if they were true. You will also hear and read statements about animal behavior and dog training from real people that are presented as fact but […]
The Shell Game, a.k.a. 3-Card Monte
History of The Shell Game The Shell Game and 3-card Monte are public gambling games in which a con artist with amazing skills at shuffling the three items wins every time. 3-card Monte is played with – you already know this – 3 cards. Bet your money, guess which card is the Queen (the Money […]
Is Your Dog Shedding?
Continuous Shedding Albert, the English Springer Spaniel, is a single-coated dog. He sheds consistently all year long. Hair tumbleweeds are always in the corners of our house! This continuous shedding process is typical of most single-coated dogs. Seasonal Shedding Daisy, Black Dog Extraordinaire, has a double coat with a thick, soft undercoat and a slick, […]
Target Training for Dogs: From Nose Touches to Real-Life Skills
Many dog training program include teaching a “hand target.” Some people call it a “nose target.” This behavior is simply a dog touching your hand with his nose, so either name is correct! What a Target Behavior Looks Like Some people have their dogs ram their noses into their palms. Others have dogs touch the […]