If you don't have a picture in your mind of the behavior you want and what you want that behavior to look like, there's absolutely no way the dog is going to know. Clearly defining what it is that you're looking for is is one of the most important parts of consistency.
Read MoreToday we are going to talk about the myths and sort of rigid ideas and dogma that is somehow been adopted into dog training, and we are not sure why, and we don't know where they came from. And some of them, we do, and some of them may have made sense before, but they don't now. Or they may still make sense, but it doesn't mean that they're mandatory or that they're applicable to every situation.
Read MoreInterrupting play might feel counterintuitive, but it's a vital skill for any dog owner. Kim highlighted the need to stop play when a dog starts targeting another dog instead of the toy. Laura echoed this, mentioning her positive reinforcement strategy of rewarding dogs for staying close and not engaging in unwanted chasing. Kim further elaborated on teaching a "stay" command during ball play, ensuring all dogs get a turn without triggering unwanted chases.
Read MoreEver find yourself correcting your dog after they've already done something you don't want? This podcast explains why this common scenario – like a dog jumping on a guest and then being told to sit – can actually set your dog up for failure. Discover why waiting for the "bad" behavior before intervening can create a cycle that undermines your training goals.
Read More"Think you need hours of dedicated training? Think again. We're 'lazy trainers' who get results by integrating training into daily activities. Discover how to teach essential commands without disrupting your busy schedule."
Read MoreAs dog owners, we often encounter challenges when our canine companions exhibit fear or reactivity. Whether it's shyness around strangers or aggression towards other dogs, these behaviors can be difficult to manage and can even put our pets and others at risk. In this 2nd part of our 2 part podcast, we'll address fear and reactivity in dogs, drawing insights from experienced trainers Laura Bourhenne and Kim Rinehardt.
Read MoreWhen we choose to be caretakers of animals we make a contract with them. That contract says you will not put your dog into an uncomfortable/unnecessary situation. What we mean by that is if we are in public with our dogs and somebody wants to pet or interact with your dog, it is your duty to know your dog well enough, and read your dog’s body language to determine if he is comfortable with the person and wants to be petted.
Read MoreSuch a simple question with a not so simple answer. As Laura & Kim discuss this topic, you’ll hear why just blurting out “yes” may not be the best option. No matter how friendly your dog is under normal circumstances, there may be situations when he isn’t comfortable having a stranger pet or interact with him...
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