As a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, I talk with many people about different methods used to train their dogs. Being a trainer that works on scientifically supported methods of building confidence, creating replacement behaviors, and decreasing anxiety and aggression with reward-based training, I am firmly against any use of force and intimidation. I often hear the following comment from people:…
Now that you have read about the benefits of using a clicker to train your dog, it is time to teach him just what the clicker means by charging the clicker. Charging the clicker means that he learns that the click precedes a treat. Practice the following activity in an environment with few distractions. You are not asking your dog…
If you have attended a group class or private lesson with your dog, you might have heard of clicker training. A clicker is a small device that fits in the palm of your hand and emits an audible sound. Once trained to the clicker, it allows a slight time gap between when the dog performs the desired behavior and when…
Unwanted jumping is one of the most frequent problems faced by dog owners. Dogs jump on people for many reasons, the most common being that the dog wants attention. Although we may not mean to, when we tell our dog to stop jumping, we are actually increasing the likelihood that the jumping will continue in the future. This is because…
Cooperative care has become a frequently used term in the positive reinforcement world of animal training. This is where an animal has a choice in his care and is an active participant. It is even used with animals in zoos. Do a quick internet search and you will find videos of tigers, alligators, and hyenas participating in physical examinations and…
Doggy daycares have been popping up all over the country at a surprising rate. With the many different daycares that are in your area, how do you choose which is the best one? Would it surprise you to learn that there are no regulations in New York State for the doggy daycare industry? Yes, you read that right. Anyone can…