What is a Cue?
As trainers using only force-free training techniques, our clients are always puzzled when we talk about “cueing” a dog. We use the word Cue instead of Command. Why, you ask? Command implies that if the dog doesn’t do what we ask, something dire will happen. In force-free training, if the dog doesn’t perform the behavior I merely […]
Teaching & Training…..What’s the Difference?
by Brad Waggoner Yes, I’m a dog trainer by profession though the title is a bit misleading. When it comes to learning new skills and becoming proficient at them, there are two different things going on. There’s the acquisition of new skills (learning) and there’s the honing of those new skills (becoming fluent). So how […]
A Growl is a Good Thing
Has your dog ever growled? If so, you’re not alone. Whether it’s in one of our group classes or in an in-home behavior consultation, people seem to be either embarrassed or angry because their dog has growled. Just as it’s unrealistic for a person to go through their entire life and never raise their voice, […]
It’s Never Too Early….and Never Too Late
Personally, I can’t think of many things more fun than working with and training a dog, especially my own dog. Nothing like adding a new puppy to your family to bring home the fact that training certainly needs to happen in order for the little one to adjust to your home. My girl, Willow, […]
A Reliable Rocket Recall: Teach It, Train It, Practice It….and Practice Some More!
At our most recent Play in the Pasture session, an off leash, outdoor social for clients and their dogs, my girl, Willow, joined in the fun. In addition to the the socialization experience of helping her to continue to enjoy the company of a variety of other dogs, I also use the time to practice Recall. Over […]
Hot Dog! Let’s Leave It.
One of the more useful behaviors a dog can learn is to leave things alone when asked. Dogs and especially puppies, explore the world with their mouth. Leave It is one of the very first exercises I began working on with Willow when she joined our home. The cue, Leave It, as a finished behavior […]
Wait, it’s important!
Nothing like having a new puppy in the house to remind you how many things a dog needs to know to live happily in our human world. Oh the things that Gibson knew that I had trained and eventually took for granted and the things Willow does not yet know. There’s a big gap. The […]
Beware of Superdog Syndrome
There’s a menacing problem in the pet dog world and I’m going to attempt to do my best to keep this from happening again in our own home. Yes, it occurred once 3 years ago….January 31, 2009. The truth is, a great many dogs are affected by this syndrome, including many of our clients’ dogs. […]
Hiking With Your Dog…..are you ready?
Ahhhh, early autumn and changing leaves! As the days get cooler, my thoughts turn to hiking with my dog. I’m fortunate to live in an area where I can easily walk outside of the fenced acreage around my home and hit a few trails. I love being out of doors and so does my dog! […]
Storm Phobias & Anxiety….not to be taken lightly
Many of our friends and clients know that we’ve been on a journey to identify solutions to relieve the severe anxiety our three year old Aussie, Cody, experiences during a thunderstorm. We periodically discuss his situation in classes and private behavior consulting sessions in order to help others understand that the anxiety a dog experiences […]
