Behavior Problems

I think I bored a new client the other day. You see, when I start working with a new client I always spend about 20 minutes explaining how dog training works. Part of the explanation is about classical and operant conditioning. “Classical conditioning is learning by association and operant conditioning is learning by consequence,” I said as I gave her the handout. She stifled a yawn and said, “Thank you,” and put her hand up to cover her mouth. “Uh oh,” I thought. Time to get up and start working with the dogs. I guess I am a geek when… Read the rest

I was an extremely lucky kid growing up. I grew up on the Lees River in Swansea, MA and was able to spend summers swimming and playing around the water. Because I grew up by the water I can do most water sports. Swim, scuba dive, sail, snorkel, row, fish, water ski, you name it, I can do it. This made very comfortable around water… a little too comfortable. You see, one day I was water skiing with my brother-in-law and some friends on the South Wattuppa Pond in Fall River. We had been skiing for a few hours when… Read the rest

We all know Will Ferrell as a talented comedian but did you know he trains dogs. He also uses a clicker. Here is the video: Hope that gave you a chuckle. Anyway, if you want your dog to listen to you better than Will Ferrell’s dogs now is the time to take advantage of some of my most popular courses. WHY? By making a donation of any size to a shelter I am helping you can choose any of the following courses: * Ultimate Online Recall Course * Leash Walking Secrets Course * Ultimate Online Obedience Course * Good K9… Read the rest

Ever heard the term, “reactive dog?” It has become a very popular term and it is used to describe a dog that barks, lunges, growls or acts aggressive towards other dogs or strangers. I’ll be holding a class on this for a local shelter next month and spent some time yesterday writing some information on it to distribute. Here is some of what I wrote about what will be covered in the class: What you need to know about cross associations and how this common occurrence develops into aggressive behavior on leash. (And how one simple, easy to follow tip… Read the rest

Can you believe that there are trainers out there that actually disagree with me? Yes, I am as shocked as you are but yesterday’s email struck a cord and the backlash was fast and furious. ADTM was under fire yesterday taking it from all sides. BUT….. …….no worries. I’ll stay the course and promise to continue to clear the confusion about dog training and help you out. Yesterday I made some recommendations about finding a group obedience class. My observations were on point, succinct, timely and incredibly useful. And I still recieved email from other dog trainers that disagreed with… Read the rest