Posted in Pet Products

1. How to fit each piece of equipment properly so the equipment does not injury the dog, fall off or cause undue stress. 2. How to effectively use the equipment to help accomplish the goal. Trainers should be able to demonstrate the use of the equipment and coach owners in the proper way to use it. 3. Select the least aversive piece of eq… read more

Posted in Pet Products

Trainers should choose the piece of equipment when training a dog that will not cause unnecessary discomfort, distress, pain and most importantly, trauma. Trainers should know how to fit all pieces of equipment and be knowledgeable about the pros and cons of how to use equipment to make the right recommendation. read more

Posted in Pet Products

I do a lot of my pet purchases on line. I thought I'd share some of my favorites with you. Food: www.k9cuisine.com (many times they have free shipping for certain products); www.alphanutrition.com Chew toys: www.whitedogbone.com; www.onlynaturalpet.com Books: www.dogwise.com Prescriptions/Non-Prescriptions: www.NationalPetPharmacy.… read more

Posted in Pet Products

The key behind all pieces of training equipment is to be aware that they are aids and do not take the place of training itself. The human performs training. No training aid can work miracles. When used inhumanely, the most benign piece of equipment can be detrimental to the well-being of your pet. The goal should be to choose the least aversive… read more

Posted in Pet Products

In 2006, APDT did a survey on specific tools used in training. Here is just a very brief synopsis of what came out of the survey. I'll give you the high and low: Clicker: 26% tie (regularly/sometimes); 12% never Food Rewards: 49% Almost Always; 1% (tie) Never or Rarely Life Rewards: 54% Regularly; 1% rarely and 2% never Shock Collars… read more