Positive Reinforcement Training Techniques Positive reinforcement training makes learning fun for dogs and can be easily practiced from home! Keep in mind that timing is everything – the reward your dog receives for practicing a desired behavior must be given immediately. Delaying rewards will lead to confusion and slowed learning. Remember to find what motivates your dog and…
Monthly Archives:September 2023
Resource Guarding Although it can be scary, resource guarding among dogs is an inherent and natural behavior. It’s important to note that resource guarding holds an evolutionary significance. For thousands of years, prior to domestication, dogs needed to guard their food sources from other scavengers in order to survive. Although most domesticated dogs don’t have to…
Force Free Dog Training Force free dog training is a science-based training style that reinforces desired behaviors and routines for your dog while minimizing unwanted ones. This training methodology discourages the use of physical force, bark collars, choke collars, chain collars, prong collars, and electronic collars. Basically, force free trainers do not use or recommend using any tactics designed…
Why do dogs hump? Humping is also referred to as “mounting”, and dogs do it for a variety of reasons! It’s important to understand that this behavior is completely natural, normal, and often has nothing to do with sex or dominance. Reasons a dog mounts can include stress, anxiety, and play. An overstimulating environment, changes…
Walking, running, and playing are natural physical exercises essential to a dog’s health and happiness. However, enrichment for dogs is crucial for satisfying mental and emotional needs as well. Enrichment activities simultaneously prevent many unwanted behaviors that may be caused by boredom and anxiety. Much like us, your dog too needs mental stimulation through enrichment for dogs. What is Enrichment…
Stress is a commonly used term to describe mental strain or anxiety. When humans experience stress, we tend to engage in activities to help alleviate that stress – and so do dogs! Did you know your dog can become stressed and anxious too? Knowing the behaviors and body language that dogs display when stressed (also known…
