Clickity Click Click
Some tips on becoming a great clicker trainer! Clicker training is part of being a positive trainer. So far I have used the clicker for two completely different techniques. One technique is to teach the dog a trick or cue and the other is to start building positive associations for things that may scare my…
6 Phrases to Avoid to Live Your Best Life « Positively Positive
6 Phrases to Avoid to Live Your Best Life [BLOG] « Positively Positive. Recently came across this article and thought that this applies even more so to training your dog. So many people don’t take the time to work with their dogs and look for a “quick fix” – that is why there is such…
Never Stop Learning
This weekend I am attending a two day seminar on dog behavior and training. Day one of the seminar they addressed A LOT! Nature vs Nurture, lots of body language, human body language, myths, dog-dog intros, and play styles. Of course, there is a lot to talk about (more than all day’s worth) all this so…
Loved Now and Forever
I know this isn’t the best quality picture, but I just had to share it. This picture shows just how at peace Loker looks right now. This is a face of pure serenity and happiness. It has been a joy having this dog as my teacher, for without him, change would not have happened.
We had a major break through yesterday on our bike ride. Loker used to get all “puffed up” whenever we approached other people. (Puffed up as in hackles up, ears forward, tail super-straight up.) Before I would correct this behavior, which would always make him escalate even more to barking and growling. The new method I am using is clicking and treating every time we see something that is scary or unusual. This way he has developed a positive association with things that were previously scary. On the bike ride yesterday, we rode by several different types of people. Instead of puffing up, he looked at them and his ears went up, but there were no hackles, growling, or barking! I calmly and happily encouraged him to move forward and continue with focusing on the ride with words like “let’s go” and “good boy” to keep his mind focused on coming with me and not focusing other people too intensely. He did so well! I can feel a change in him and he is not as intimidated by strange people anymore with my encouragement.
Good News For Pets
Good News For Pets | Vets on Behavior Proclaim, Never Use Shock Collar. I recently came across this article through a friend that shared it on Facebook. I never used a shock collar and have always been opposed to it. However, I did use correction type training which is also mentioned in this article. I…
Growing Up
I grew up in a home where my parents had always seen dogs as outdoor only farm dogs. It was not within their understanding to think that dogs should be inside, with humans, on laps or as companions. Despite this, I always had an unusual connection with them. I had the kindest neighbors, they were…
Unashamed
Truth is, while many are ashamed to say they used to use correction based or dominance based training, I find that if someone has the courage to admit there might be a better way of doing something – that they were wrong, it should not be something to be ashamed of. In case there are…