PEAK9 Dog Training

04/03/2025

A good summary of the "Don't play fetch" posts

There have already been a lot of excellent rebuttals to the latest post on the supposed evils of playing fetch with your dog. While I get the feeling that everyone is sick of the subject by now and I could just refer to the following article I wrote several years ago: https://www.tarynblyth.co.za/playing-fetch-the-new-prime-evil, I have decided to wade in again to particularly address those who have complained about the backlash the post has received. Those of us who have had a strong negative response to the post have been accused of being overly critical and blowing things out of proportion. I feel I need to explain why I believe the backlash to the post is actually warranted.

While I agree that we can be too quick to criticise and pull the work of other trainers apart over minor details and I try not to do that, I found myself deeply disturbed by this anti-fetch post and couldn't ignore it.

Many people have said that the post just calls for some moderation in playing fetch (which is needed) and we are all completely overreacting to someone who is just recommending common sense and balance. But this is not how I read the article at all.

The post in question sets out to systematically analyse the act of a dog fetching something in a way that paints the very behaviour itself as emotionally and physiologically damaging. What is more, the author uses supposed science or scientific theories in the analysis, which gives the impression of authority and expertise. This puts the reader in a position where, if they do not personally understand the concepts and biology being referenced, they are likely to take the post as a factual scientific analysis of the behaviour – when it is certainly not.

I won’t go into great detail about the hormones and neurotransmitters involved in playing fetch this time, because I want to focus more on the theories around predatory behaviour in dogs, which the post seems to be hinged on. However, here is a quote from another fabulous post that did address the biology a bit:

“CLAIM:
Fetch spikes dopamine and cortisol - so it must be harmful.
REALITY:
Yes, hormones are involved. Because fetch is exciting.
Dopamine = anticipation. Not addiction.
Cortisol rises with arousal - just like when your dog trains, plays, or sees a squirrel.
Or heck, cortisol even spikes when your dog gets off his bed in the morning.
Let’s stop panicking about hormones! Hormones are biology, not pathology.
Arousal isn’t the problem. Recovery is.
And by far the majority of dogs recover just fine. Drink, flop, nap, done.”

Julie Naismith: https://www.facebook.com/julienaismithtraining/posts/pfbid0QYE8SsKBttdqs5JtPhm9NtzhZdujCD5Qt7HtjDZ9h72YnSKZiEVk5ao3QeimTPkYl

Okay, so getting that out of the way, let’s look at the crux of the post in question:

Playing fetch gets dogs stuck partway through the predatory motor pattern and therefore creates massive frustration and leaves dogs in a state of arousal.

Hmm….. In response to questions about the post in the comments, the author mentions the theories of Raymond Coppinger, an evolutionary biologist whose work focused on the evolution of the domestic dog and how we come to have the different types of dogs (in looks and behaviour) that we find ourselves living with today. The author claims to get his ideas about predatory motor patterns in dogs from this work, but oddly, he seems to have missed the most important aspect of Coppinger’s theory: that the vast majority of domestic dogs do NOT have full predatory motor patterns: domestic dogs only have remnants of predatory behaviour, as a result of the selective breeding of dogs for specific tasks over thousands of years.

For those not familiar with it, a very brief explanation of Coppinger’s theory is as follows:

All dogs are “juvenilised” wild canids. Early humans favoured canids that did not show strong predatory behaviours, because they were safer to live with, so dogs with weakened or incomplete predatory behaviours evolved to live among people. Humans then realised that different dogs with different remnants of predatory behaviour could be useful for different types of work and selective breeding for these functions began. Dogs that enjoyed stalking and chasing, but not biting or ripping things to pieces, were great for herding. Dogs that enjoyed grabbing and holding, but not ripping to pieces, were great for retrieving, dogs that had virtually no predatory behaviours remaining were great for living with and guarding livestock and dogs that went straight to grab, bite and shake from just looking at something were excellent “pest control”.

While the full predatory sequence in a wild canid for the purposes of eating is:
ORIENT – EYE – STALK – CHASE – GRAB BITE – SHAKE BITE – KILL BITE – DISSECT – EAT
Our domestic dogs only have bits and pieces of this genetically programmed into them and very seldom go through this entire sequence. Those that do have a fuller predatory motor pattern SELDOM follow through to actually eating things that they catch. Are there exceptions – yes, of course – but it is not the norm. For more details on this, please see my article on the importance of genetics in understanding behaviour: https://www.tarynblyth.co.za/genetics-and-behaviour

The anti-fetch article hinges on dogs not being able to complete the predatory motor pattern, when our dogs have literally evolved and then been selectively bred to NOT have a full predatory motor pattern and to gain satisfaction from rehearsing those segments of the predatory motor pattern that do remain. When it comes to the few dogs that do have a fairly full predatory motor pattern and may actually be proficient hunters if given the chance, I would challenge you to get them to fetch a ball – spoiler, it probably won't happen. The more “mature – wild type” canids that live amongst us are notoriously bad at retrieving – if it is not alive, they have no interest in chasing it and putting it in their mouths. The entire theory the post is based on makes no sense.

In fact, as a behaviourist, one of the most important things that I look at when assessing whether a dog’s needs are being met, is whether they have a suitable outlet for the remnants of predatory behaviour that is specific to that type of dog. Simplistically, is a pointer getting to point? Is a herder getting to herd? Is a retriever getting to retrieve and is a terrier getting to shake and shred stuff? Of course, modern dogs seldom have the option of rehearsing these behaviours on living things (thank goodness!), so engagement with various toys is where we focus this type of behaviour. For some dogs, this will mean that fetching a ball or other item will be immensely enjoyable and satisfying. Far from being a cause of frustration, activities like playing fetch can alleviate frustration by meeting needs hardwired into our dogs.

Does this mean that every dog should fetch a ball or that we should throw a ball 100 times in a row for dogs that do enjoy the activity? Does it mean that dogs cannot get hurt fetching a ball or that there is no repetitive strain on joints during running, breaking and turning? Does this mean that there are no dogs who will become over-aroused by fetching over and over again or that some dogs will find it hard to stop the game? No, of course not.

Firstly, with any activity for our dogs, we have to keep their physical safety in mind and repetitive ball throwing can impact on physical health and lead to injuries if done in excess. As a Rottweiler owner, with heavier built dogs, I am acutely aware of the potential for injuries and am careful to look after my dogs’ joints and ligaments in any activity we engage in. I have also cautioned some clients who I observed overdoing the ball throwing to tone things down and vary ball activities, out of concern that if they continued on as they were, their dogs would be injured. And yes, you do get certain dogs who have a tendency towards over-arousal and fixation, but I would argue that this propensity was inherent and if it was not brought out by the ball, it would have been brought out by something else. In dogs with true compulsive/addictive type behaviours, it is believed that the chemical reward cascade does not function properly – this is a physiological problem and not the result of exposure to a ball. Ball fetching may not be suitable for a dog with such a predisposition but it didn’t cause the condition and taking away the ball (while that might help) won’t fix it either – the answer in such a case would be far more complex and sadly, not that easy.

Finally, I wanted to mention that it is always a good idea to keep in mind who a post is written by and to dig a little bit into their qualifications and training ideology. I don’t want to use this post to pull the author apart, but I would encourage you go onto his website and check whether he has any listed qualifications. In this regard, please keep in mind that “Cynologist” is not a qualification and simply refers to anyone who works with and “studies” dogs. I would also encourage you to read his training philosophy carefully and see where his background lies. Ask yourself whether this person presents any evidence that they are in a position to expound on biology or neurophysiology. Ask yourself what kind of training methods you think they use or condone. Is this someone who you would take advice from, if you are in the positive reinforcement camp?.

So, in summary, why do I find this post so deeply disturbing:
1. It is presented as scientific fact, when it is anything but
2. It completely misunderstands the very theories it is based on
3. It is alarmist and extreme
4. It risks taking away something which can be beneficial for many dogs and their humans
5. It seems to have been shared without anyone looking into or asking important questions about the author

Is this really something we want to spread amongst the dog-owning public?

03/12/2025

"Management in dog training is one of those things that is amazing but so often underestimated. That’s why the Academy decided that March is Management Month and invited students and alumni to write blog posts about management. The resulting posts are full of wit, wisdom, and warmth."

From the archives, by Zazie Todd of Companion Animal Psychology.

https://academyfordogtrainers.com/the-magic-of-management-in-dog-training/

02/06/2025

A wonderful opportunity to educate your children and include them in training. They do tend to be better than us adults.

01/22/2025

My Brew! I always say I hit the jackpot with him as a rescue. He required minimal training—mostly just patience to overcome his fears.

He doesn’t jump on people (Bronx, take note!) and didn't need leash training, he’s pretty much perfect. I taught him "touch" and "sit" just as a foundation.

Now, he needs a bit more training, which is on me. When I initially planned our training priorities, I focused on what fit with my schedule—like skills that were more urgent. One of those priorities wasn't teaching "wait" while I open the back hatch of the Bronco.

Brew doesn’t know this skill, and Bronx gets so excited when Brew jumps out that he forgets to wait, even though he knows the skill. Since trips together usually mean something fun, I let them jump out freely.

I recently enrolled both dogs in an Intro to Barn Hunt class, where only one dog goes in at a time. Can you guess what happened in the first class? Yep, they both jumped out each turn!

But I don’t feel guilty. Training is about prioritizing what's important at the time, with the time you have, and not every skill is necessary for every dog. My mother refers to them as the shoemakers kids.

Dogs can learn at any age! Brew might take a little longer now since we’re counter-conditioning something he's been doing for a while.

So, here I am, writing a training plan for Brew, and later adding Bronx into the plan for step two.

Side note: I was really impressed by the other attendees. When it was Brew’s turn in the first class, he was a little nervous, especially when he noticed some ladies waiting behind a short wall. They picked up on his uncertainty and left the room without me needing to ask. They were so in tune with his body language, and one of them even mentioned she’s doing the class to bond more with her dog. Honestly, I wanted to high five them both! It’s always amazing to see such understanding in other dog guardians.

If you read this far, then here's a laugh. The instructor tells me to get Brew excited. If you know Brew, you know how this goes...I'll try some video in upcoming classes.

Cheryl

01/13/2025

I’ve noticed a lot of dogs recently pulling, biting, or hanging on to their leashes during walks. This can be frustrating, embarrassing, and even unsafe, especially in slippery conditions. As humans, we often react by yanking the leash or saying “no” firmly. However, this can unintentionally encourage the behavior, making it seem like a game or adding frustration for the dog.

So, why are dogs doing this? The first step is understanding the why. What’s the underlying cause of the leash biting or pulling? Identifying the antecedent (the reason for the behavior) is key to finding a solution.

For example, when Bronx was a puppy, he was initially unsure about wearing a collar or being attached to a leash, he kept looking back at it and would chew it. He’s also a master of redirection. While he doesn’t bite the leash anymore, this is a common reason some dogs do. Bronx, being a working breed, LOVES to carry something in his mouth—usually a big stick, though a ball works too. Is your dog like this? Does the breed tend to enjoy carrying things?

Sometimes managing the behavior can be as simple as offering an alternative item to hold on to, or redirecting their energy. Each dog is different, and a qualified trainer can help work with you on a solution.

Remember, always take a step back and ask why before rushing to figure out how to change the behavior. Understanding the cause is the first step toward successful training! 

01/04/2025

Happy 2025! This is our Saturday after vacationing. I'm cold after a 50-degree temperature change, and the dogs are resting after their kennel vacation.

As I look at Bronx, my mind tells me I should take him for a walk since we were out early this morning, and it’s been 7 hours since the last one.

I’ve been becoming more mindful of what I call my "dog guilt." That feeling of not giving enough walks or enrichment to my reactive and senior dogs. The "I should" thoughts sneak in—like I should walk them more, or brave the cold weather to do it, or make sure they’re never bored.

I'm shifting my perspective: I’m doing my best, and they’re well cared for. Some days it's more walks or hikes, and other days less. Some days I have time to teach a new trick or do nose work, and other days I don’t. And that’s okay.

If you're feeling guilty, remember: you're doing your best too.

12/10/2024

I saw this question on another post, I thought it was a good one.

"From your dogs point of view, what is the purpose of their walk?

I take my dogs for an hour-long walk before work to keep them entertained and tired throughout the day. After work, they get another walk since they've been indoors for eight hours. This is my routine, but is it their purpose of a walk?

I think my dogs would say sniffing, digging, and playing.

Thoughts on your dogs point of view purpose of their walks? Is it different than yours?

Are they receiving that purpose?

11/22/2024

Word of Mouth: A Powerful Tool for Choosing Dog Trainers

Word of mouth remains one of the top ways people find trainers or training facilities. I often hear, "A friend recommended this place because it worked for their dog."

While recommendations can be valuable, it’s important to dig deeper. Here are key questions to ask when considering a trainer or facility:

🔹 How does it work?

Are shock collars, choke chains, or other aversive methods used?

Is food or positive reinforcement part of the training, or not allowed?

Does the dog seem to enjoy the training, or are they simply avoiding punishment?

🔹 What about the dog-human relationship?

Is the bond between the dog and their guardian improving through training?

Does the dog remain engaged and eager to participate?

🔹 Trainer’s qualifications:

Have they pursued continued education or attended recent conferences to stay updated?

Now, some food for thought:

When I was a child, punishments like being spanked or having my mouth washed with soap were common forms of my discipline. It worked in the sense that I "obeyed," but it was out of fear, not understanding. That approach shaped my behavior—and my relationship with my parents.

Times have changed. Research and science have shed light on the long-term effects of punishment-based methods, and more humane, evidence-based practices are now encouraged. So why hasn’t this shift fully reached the dog training world?

Our dogs aren’t soldiers in an army or police force. They’re companions who deserve to be trained with kindness and respect, not fear and force. Just like we upgrade our technology, we must upgrade our training methods.

💡 The next time someone says, "This worked for my dog," ask how it worked. Look beyond big training facilities or social media fame. A large following doesn’t always mean effective or ethical methods.

Take the time to research. Just as you would when buying a car or a house, ensure the person training your dog shares your values and treats your pet with the compassion they deserve.

👉 Training your dog is about building trust, not fear.

11/19/2024

Occasionally someone pops along here with the idea that I have no practical experience with dogs, couldn't handle a working dog and that's why I don't understand why 'tools' are needed for some dog breeds.

I was in a bite suit and operationally searching for live explosives with dogs decades ago. Working breeds are easier to train with positive reinforcement because they are literally born to work. Dogs don't need prong collars - poor trainers do - because they haven't learned or skilled up enough.

And if you can't teach a companion breed to volunteer something, by using a marker, you have a long way to go with your training. I would say you're not a dog trainer, because that's brain work. A prong collar is not brain work.

If you think you need to expose an innocent dog to a prong collar you don't. You need to learn more.

It really is as simple as that.

And here endeth the lesson.

All dogs deserve safety.

It's a welfare right.

Don't poke the bear.

I am the bear 🐻😅

11/19/2024

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10/29/2024

Halloween decor gets bigger, brighter, nosier, and better every year!

Keep in mind that this decor changes our dogs environments out on walks. You may notice fear, uncertainty, and reactions of flight, fight or freeze.

Dogs don't know what halloween decor is. They only notice now there is a new strange object that could be moving, making noise or worse, hard eye staring at them.

Also, remember it looks different in the dark. Dogs may be OK in the day, but feel differently about this weird decor at night.

Keep a distance and move away if you find your dog uncertain. Help them feel safe. Not all dogs need to go right up to something to boost confidence. You can do it from further away.

Happy Halloween, and stay safe.

Cheryl

10/21/2024

My lovely boy Bronx met a porcupine this weekend.

Quills in a face must be uncomfortable and some pain. Keep this in mind while I tell the story at the vet.

First off, the vet staff were great. However, the veterinarian could have approached Bronx in a better way than how he did.

Waiting in a new unknown waiting room with quills in his face a large man with a deep voice confidently walks in and stares at Bronx in the eyes and says in a deep voice "what did you do?"

I know my dog very well. I knew in that second Bronx would respond with barking and lunging. Which he did. My priority was moving Bronx, where he felt safe and protecting him.

The veterinarian asks if he's aggressive because he obviously is acting in an aggressive way. My response: "Well ya, when you walk into a room over him, stare him in directly in the eyes and raise your voice, yes he will be, and I don't blame him." I also know that pain can change behavior. Sometimes, I assume others in animal industries know how our body language and tones can affect animals.

The moral of this story. Always be your dogs advocate, even if it has to be with professionals in an industry. Remember, pain affects behavior.

Bronx is fine, wild, and crazy again. I'm not sure he learned his lesson with those porcupine's though.

2 skunks and 1 porcupine for the win so far. Good thing I love him 💙

Cheryl

10/02/2024

While Brew takes a senior nap on our walk, I admit I scroll through social media. Some groups that were "suggested" for me were dog behaviour advice and dog reactivity groups.
I'm certain there is good info in these as well with short video posts of training. Even I post those.

The reality is though that all dog training needs a training plan. A step by step plan created for your dog. A summary of a behaviour or skill doesn't help teaching your dog. One of the many crucial things I took away from graduating from the Academy for Dog Trainers is how important it is to create and follow a step by step plan. Even teaching sit has a plan, recall has a plan (without a shock collar! What?!), resource guarding has a plan, reactivity has a training plan.

As lovely as these groups and tidbits of videos are, they will never be as effective as working with a qualified trainer who can create and help you follow the steps of a plan.

Plans help you know when your dog is ready to move forward, where they are struggling, or if you're moving too fast.

Consider how dogs learn and how to set them and yourselves up for success while watching these videos and reading responses in those groups.

Cheryl

09/23/2024

Bronx ventured on another hike this weekend that was pretty busy despite early snow. He was remarkable for the size of the path, and number of people and dogs. Keeping people's privacy in mind I took 2 videos of us on the path. The first video our crew was ahead of and he may have been trying to catch up to them. The second you see him doing a bum sniff with another dog and moving along his way with neutral body language. We finished off with seeing how he would do at the Pomeroy hotel relaxing outdoors while I rewarded myself.

This did NOT happen overnight and did not happen with a 6-8 week class. Working with reactivity is a time commitment outside of a class and when the class or private sessions end.

I had to ask myself if I had the time or was able to make sacrifices for time to work with Bronx.

Was I able to have a balance of my own mental health and being able to help him? I had days where I had thoughts of rehoming, questioning if I could help him, and some days resenting him.

One thing that I did for Bronx's reactivity to get him here.

Worked with my vet to start him on meds just over a year ago.

There is a stigma on behaviour meds unfortunately. I am the first one that will stand up and say I don't want my dog drugged to the point he isn't himself.

Why I chose meds. As soon as Bronx got outside he was wired. I tried to work with him on my steps and in front of the house but he was so worked up and would become triggered stacked that he wasn't able to take food and wasn't able to learn. There is science behind this with cortisol levels and stress that I won't be digging into this post.

If you work closely with your vet and be your dog's advocate through it meds can be such a useful tool for behaviour modification. We started Bronx on a low dosage of fluoxetine while I was training him with desentization, counter conditioning, management of his environment and importantly rest. We ended up increasing the dosage over time and adding in gabapentin. He was on meds for under a year and I monitored his health and state during it all. He was still the same silly Bronxy and I bet no one knew he was on meds. We worked on a plan to take him off and here is he today.

This post is not to endorse all reactive dogs needing meds and what meds are best for each, these happened to have worked for Bronx. Meds are nothing to be ashamed about and if pet guardians, trainers and vets work together it can be helpful. I do recommend working with both a trainer and vet together with a plan to be successful.

09/16/2024

This weekend was a major breakthrough for Bronx's reactivity.

I'm an avid hiker, and having my dogs join is important to me. Bronx first joined as a puppy in a backpack. Around 14 months, he was on his first "walking" hike. He lunged and barked at people and dogs during the whole hike. I had a hard decision to make to not put him in that environment until he was ready or even ever.

He is now 3 and a half months. He and I worked on his reactivity for around 2 years in an environment successful for him (not hiking trails) to get where we did this weekend. Reactivity is not a quick fix and is a journey that is so rewarding.

He absolutely smashed this hike this weekend. I can't even think of a way to show how proud I am of him. I spread Sloans ashes at Galatea lakes every year. This year, I decided to bring Bronx. I was alone, so I had the attention to train or if it went sideways to leave.

⭐️ He moved over and most times offered a sit for people to pass

⭐️ He ignored the people ahead of us and the ones we passed

⭐️ He ignored every dog on leash with the exception of a small reaction to a dog that reacted first. He recovered quickly and went on our way. Wasn't triggered stacked after

⭐️ He politely greeted 2 dogs that were offleash, and we were unable to avoid

⭐️ He gave Rottie love to the people who were OMG a Rottie!

He was a hiking dog superstar!

Is he "cured" from reactivity. No. I personally don't believe reactivity is something that can be 100% fixed.

Working together on this journey definitely helped him feel comfortable in the environment and enjoy the hike. I am looking forward to more this fall.

I haven't once needed to use pain, shock, jerking, bonking, or any type of physical force or forcing him near his triggers to get here. We are here to prove that those are not needed to work on reactivity. Also, I used food. Did he need food on this hike? Did I bribe him? Nope. I did reward him, though, as he deserved the praise.

Big or small, I will keep celebrating our wins 🏆

09/03/2024

What I now know about reactivity.

- I don't have to train every single moment of our walks.

It's important to include:

Decompression time
Activities we both enjoy
Environments without or far from triggers
Bonding to build trust and safety

Each good walk makes the next one better.

I would always stress with Sloan (my first reactive dog) that I had to work on counter conditioning every single walk multiple times in order for him to learn. I stopped enjoying one of my favorite things to do with him. If you find this, a good alternative can be renting a private offleash park where you both can relax.

Cheryl and Bronxy

08/27/2024

I have great intentions of posting more content than I actually do. I have many videos and photos of Bronxy for educational purposes. To be honest, I open social media and get big feelings of what I see as training methods, trainers arguing who is right and training vocabulary. The word command is an example of what triggers my nerves. Our dogs are pets, not in the army. Then, I close it right away and focus on my time with my dogs that I enjoy.

I wish I knew with Sloan my first reactive dog what I know now. I can't imagine being a dog guardian and having to go through all the content on training these days and figuring out the correct way to train my dog.

In the end, it's what each trainer thinks is the right way to train. It's their personal bias of how to train a dog. There are some great trainers that post such valuable info. And some that, in my personal bias, are uneducated, don't care to be educated, and show off for social media purposes instead of the well-being of the dog.

I understand why Bronxy gets big feelings, which are labeled as leash reactivity or barrier reactivity, or what I also learn is his breed and species. But if I didn't have the knowledge and education I have, I have thought that I probably would have thrown on a prong or shock collar to "control" or "fix" him. Or command him to stay calm on a mat while I walk his triggers around him. That one is me being sarcastic of what I see is called training.

I've decided to start offering content of what I wish I knew as a "reactive" dog guardian and what I've learned from 2 "reactive" dogs.

I appreciate what both of my Rottweilers have taught me and how I can relate to how they are when triggered with big feelings. How I so much enjoy my time with Bronx on our walks lately now that I've accepted him as how he feels.

Intuition is huge, so follow it when choosing a trainer and do what's best for you.

Today, though, here is a photo of my happy Rottweiler on a harness and a treat bag loving our walk.

Cheryl