Category: Dog Training Tips
Why “Luring” With Treats Isn’t How You Want To Obedience Train Your Dog
The vast majority of modern-day trainers will teach obedience commands by "luring" the dog to do the desired behavior. Usually with edible treats, but the same can be done with a ball, squeaky, tug toy, bone, or other desirable [...]
The Failure Of Treat-Focused, “Purely Positive” Dog Training
So-called "purely positive" training is a huge new fad. It means you only reward your dog's good behavior; you never correct the bad. Most purely positive trainers are what I call "treat-focused", centering around giving the dog edible treats [...]
When is Crate-Training Helpful? (Not as Often as You Think!)
If you believe everything you read on the internet, you'll get the impression you're a bad dog owner if you don't "crate train" your new puppy or rescue. I disagree. Crating can definitely have its place, and its benefits. Problem [...]
Why Walk Your Dog? (The Answer May Surprise You!)
All good owners know they need to walk their dog. Granted, there are exceptions … like the nice lady who called me because her dog was chewing and destroying the house, and then looked surprised when I told her the problem [...]
“Don’ts” When Training Recall (“Come!”)
In my last post I explained why what I call "Leading" is a more helpful obedience ritual to have mastered than recall ("Come") when taking your dog offleash. Still, "Come" can be a very useful command, particularly in various [...]
Edible Treats vs. Situational Rewards
I consider myself a non-"treat-focused" dog trainer. This can be helpful when working with phobic or anxiety-ridden dogs who won't accept treats in key trigger situations, or also with hyper or dominant/demanding dogs who are more in need of calmness [...]
Between Punitive And Purely Positive Dog Training
Yesterday I had a case that to me perfectly encapsulates the current state of dog training in the US. I'd been called to help a herding breed mix with serious leash-aggression. This beautiful two-year-old who was sweet and cuddly [...]
Are There Disadvantages to Adopting a “Shelter Dog”? (NO!)
I recently contributed my opinion to an article on the pros and cons of adopting "shelter dogs". It amazes me how frequently new owners I meet attribute particular problems or characteristics of their dogs to the fact that they [...]
Dogs In The Workplace: Potential Problems And Simple Solutions
I recently contributed opinion to a journalist about potential problems of dogs in the workplace. Dogs at the office or other workplace are increasingly popular: they create a homey and inviting environment, lower blood pressure, and encourage friendly office [...]