A clicker is a tool used to communicate exactness to a dog. It’s the bridge between the moment a dog executes a behavior to the reward he gets after the click. It’s a communication device. Always pair the click with a reward. Otherwise, your clicker will soon become useless. Besides building behaviors, clicker training can salvage them. Here is a 30-second example of how helpful a well timed click can be. And be assured, Dudley got a treat after the {Read More}
AKC Community Canine Title Announced
August 27, 2013 by
Here are some excerpts from a letter the AKC sent out today regarding a new CGC opportunity. AKC ADDS NEW ADVANCED LEVEL TO CANINE GOOD CITIZEN® PROGRAM With the introduction of AKC Community Canine, the AKC’s CGC program now provides a comprehensive three- level training program for dogs and their owners. Beginning with AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, progressing to Canine Good Citizen and now to AKC Community Canine, the CGC program trains dogs through all stages of life to be well {Read More}
Cues vs. Commands
August 26, 2013 by
What’s the difference between a cue and a command? Being a crossover trainer, that is someone who started training dogs when commanding was all that was taught to someone who now trains without force or pain, I can tell you there’s a big difference between the two words. Though both cuing and commanding refer to hand or verbal signals given to the dog to request a behavior. A command assumes forceful control over a dog. What follows an unfulfilled command {Read More}
Hemostat and Muzzle
July 20, 2013 by
This is a hemostat and having one around the house for emergencies is an excellent idea when you’re a dog parent. Take for example a recent incident I had. Before I go into it, though, a moment of explanation about the dog who prompted me to write this blog post because she is the reason behind the most recent hemostat use. She’s a senior Dobermann, somewhere between ten and eleven. I am sure she was the runt of her litter. {Read More}
Behavior is Expensive
June 17, 2013 by
The other night, while I was preoccupied and going through the motions of pre-meal prep, I accidentally gave my Dobie’s thyroxine and Meloxicam to my BC. She just gulped it down as if it were *her* maintenance drugs. And I stood there, you know that moment? You cannot believe you just did what you did and to undo it would be much more work than you have energy for. My first thought, will my fist fit down her throat? Nyet. {Read More}
