Canine Nation

Correcting bad behaviour in our dogs can be like putting out a fire. We have to act swiftly and decisively. But if we don’t know a little bit about behavioural science, we could end up making things worse instead of better. Inspired by Dr. Susan Friedman, this article looks at what our options are when […]

There are a few common phrases that float around in the dog training world that get my hackles up. One of those phrases is “I use whatever training technique my dogs need.” Not all training techniques are equal in how they impact your dog and your relationship with him.

There are a few common phrases that float around in the dog training world that get my hackles up. One of those phrases is “I use whatever training technique my dogs need.” Not all training techniques are equal in how they impact your dog and your relationship with him.

Petra Wingate is a great dog trainer. She has been teaching puppy and agility classes for the past few years. Darcie Jennings is a great friend and has been training dogs and their owners through her CommuniCanine business for over 13 years. As we often do, the three of us sat down to talk about dogs and dog training. But this time, Petra decided to record it and also prepared some questions for us to discuss.

Petra Wingate is a great dog trainer. She has been teaching puppy and agility classes for the past few years. Darcie Jennings is a great friend and has been training dogs and their owners through her CommuniCanine business for over 13 years. As we often do, the three of us sat down to talk about dogs and dog training. But this time, Petra decided to record it and also prepared some questions for us to discuss.

What if your dog offered you a behaviour you didn’t ask for? What if it was a good idea? Being smart enough to catch your dog doing something right is good for both of you. You get what you want and your dog gets to flex his creative muscles!

What if your dog offered you a behaviour you didn’t ask for? What if it was a good idea? Being smart enough to catch your dog doing something right is good for both of you. You get what you want and your dog gets to flex his creative muscles!

“Sit.” “Down.” “Fetch.” These are things that most people associate with dog training. But is there more we can teach our dogs beyond simple behaviours? You might be surprised that you already do! And there might be more you can teach them.

“Sit.” “Down.” “Fetch.” These are things that most people associate with dog training. But is there more we can teach our dogs beyond simple behaviours? You might be surprised that you already do! And there might be more you can teach them.

Crossing over to positive training can be frustrating. Abandoning old techniques for new is uncomfortable. Especially when you aren’t good at the new stuff. Dog trainer Eric Brad has found that sticking with positive training is well worth the effort for the rewards that come later.

Crossing over to positive training can be frustrating. Abandoning old techniques for new is uncomfortable. Especially when you aren’t good at the new stuff. Dog trainer Eric Brad has found that sticking with positive training is well worth the effort for the rewards that come later.

Do you ask your dog to do things for you or do you tell them to do them? How we think about working with our dogs matters. It affects our expectations and can lead to cooperation or conflict. It seems to be an AND/OR proposition.

Do you ask your dog to do things for you or do you tell them to do them? How we think about working with our dogs matters. It affects our expectations and can lead to cooperation or conflict. It seems to be an AND/OR proposition.

Is it more ethical or moral to use positive dog training? For Eric Brad, the reasons are less lofty and more practical. And sometimes the simplest reasons can be the most compelling.

Is it more ethical or moral to use positive dog training? For Eric Brad, the reasons are less lofty and more practical. And sometimes the simplest reasons can be the most compelling.