Category: dog whisperer
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 [...]
“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 [...]
How To Say “No!” In Dog Language (Effectively)
It was only after several owners pointed out to me that I never say "No" to their dogs, that I even considered that fact. "Is it okay that I say 'No'?" they ask. "Does it work when you say [...]
Pain or Intimidation in Dog Training – Beware!
Everyone with any sense knows not to hit their dog. I recently contributed so-called "expert opinion" to an article explaining why. It ain't rocket science. Here's what I wrote. _________________ Hitting, or causing your dog pain or fear in [...]
Fear/Anxiety Dos and Don’ts, Part V: The Big To-Do(s)
Canine Fear/Anxiety Dos and Don’ts Part V: The Big To-Do(s) Finally, a few big "Dos" for your fearful or anxious dog: 1. Obedience exercises. Fearful dogs in trigger situations can be helped by giving them something else to focus [...]