Nail clipping
When I asked my client to film while I clipped her dog Elle’s nails, it ended out being an educational session due to Elle’s high level of fear. So I turned it into a film to share with everyone and …
Category: Training and Socialisation Tips
Electronic collar use in our region
On several occasions, I have been informed of retailers selling electronic collars. I have also been told by one owner that they were approached by a shire ranger who gave them an electronic collar to try. Numerous reports have come …
Pebbles in a can???!!!
So yet again, I have seen a dog with a clinical mental health disorder who has been subjected to this bizarre training technique. Many people assume that a dog that is not behaving in a way the client wishes simply …
Studies show that positive reinforcement should be used to train dogs
A review on previous studies shows the harmful effects of punishment and negative reinforcement when training dogs: The effects of using aversive training methods in dogs—A review
Environmental Enrichment of cats part 3: The multi-cat household
It is a myth that cats are not social animals. They can be very social. But, there is a BUT! Cats, just like any individual, like to be able to gain personal space and gain some occasional alone time. Don’t …
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Pets and infants
Many have heard the horrific news a few days ago about a baby being attacked in the face by the family dog: A usually placid dog, it came as a shock to the parents of the child. They love their dog …
Judging the prestigious award for the Association for Pet Dog Trainers
What an honour it was to be asked to co-judge the Susan Wilkins Achievement Award for APDT along with one other behaviour veterinarian. The award aims to acknowledge APDT members making significant contribution to pet dog welfare and the betterment of …
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The history of dominance style training
This video helps give the facts of how dog training has been held back in comparison to the methods used for other animals. It is upsetting to see that it has taken some terrible experiences for owners and their pets …
Training Cats
Of course cats can be trained! Here is an example: People often think that cats can’t be trained. This may be due to the use of punishment and aversive techniques that have been incorporated into much of our animal training …
Basic learning principles
Another interesting article after scientific research: http://phys.org/news/2012-07-urge-rethink-monty-roberts-horse.html#jCp Operant conditioning is what we use when we train an animal. It is also how children learn their behaviours. It is how every individual of every animal species learns to live in a way …