Category Archives: Dog behavior

When the Cue Just Won’t Work

Posted on September 19, 2022 by Dawn

It’s unfortunate, but sometimes we train a cue only to find that it later becomes useless. If you train enough, this may have happened to you. But why does it happen, and what can we do to fix it? In … Continue reading →

Posted in Behavior, Dog behavior, Training methods, Uncategorized, Use of Punishment | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Time To Walk the Dog!

Posted on April 10, 2015 by Dawn

Spring is here in the beautiful Boston Mountains, and if you are anything like me, you are ready to get out and enjoy it! There isn’t much better than a relaxing hike with your best friend, but for so many, … Continue reading →

Posted in Behavior, Dog behavior, Eliminating unwanted behavior, Leash walking, Stop leash pulling, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Just QUIT!

Posted on April 5, 2015 by Dawn

By definition, positive reinforcement is rewarding a behavior to increase it’s frequency.  So how does a positive reinforcement trainer (R+) address unwanted behavior without resorting to punishment?  It’s easier than you think! The first thing you have to do is … Continue reading →

Posted in Behavior, Dog behavior, Eliminating unwanted behavior | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Wanted: Stupid Dogs

Posted on July 3, 2014 by Dawn

Yeah, Baby Z thinks it sounds crazy, too.  But is it really? Think about it.  Do you really want Lassie as a dog?  I would posit that many people do not – not really.  They do not want a dog … Continue reading →

Posted in Behavior, Dog behavior, Training methods | Leave a comment

Am I A Monster?

Posted on April 26, 2014 by Dawn

I want to make something crystal clear:  I do not hate anyone.  There are some methods I don’t like.  I don’t like seeing dogs in a pinch collar, a shock collar, or a choke collar. I believe these methods to … Continue reading →

Posted in Behavior, Dog behavior, Training methods, Uncategorized, Use of Punishment | Leave a comment

YOU HAVE TO SNIFF BUTTS FIRST!

Posted on December 1, 2013 by Dawn

The biggest mistake I see people make when greeting a dog is to rush in and touch the dog before the dog has a moment to figure out who they are or what their intentions are. This can be extremely … Continue reading →

Posted in At the vet's office, Behavior, Dog aggression, Dog behavior, Greeting strangers | Leave a comment