Posted in Behavior & Training

Aggression and treating aggression, especially when dealing with under-socialized dogs and dogs with very hard mouths is time-sensitive, long-winded and more often than not unsuccessful than other behavior problems. You cannot fix or cure aggression problems. You don't wipe the slate clean. You cannot kill the behavior. You can only modify it… read more

Posted in Behavior & Training

If you think behaviors and explanations for behaviors are simple you will most likely be led into simple-minded ways of treating dogs. I always tell new trainers starting in the field that the next time they give a simple answer to a complex problem, they should think twice. It might come back to bite you in the butt - literally! read more

Posted in Behavior & Training

Emotional sensitivity, age, maturity and much more all come into play when it comes to how dogs learn. Young dogs simply do not have the attention span of older dogs. They will become bored and frustrated much more quickly than an older dog. Emotionally sensitive dogs tend to stress easier which will also affect their ability to learn. You must… read more

Posted in Behavior & Training

Whenever an animal is stressed, the value of your reinforcer will go down. Many pets will have a reduction in their appetite. Think about when you are training your dog and suddenly he won't take a treat. Highly stressed dogs are typically unable to eat or play so their ability to socialize and interact or be handled will go down as well. O… read more

Posted in Behavior & Training

Behaviors are often related to confusion, stress and in many circumstances the environment and experience. Sometimes changes in our own behavior will have a great affect on the dog's behavior as well. Giving attention to our pets is not the same as "spoiling them." Too many people think they spoil their dogs but, in my mind, I don't see it as … read more