Positive Reinforcement Puppy and Dog Training and Behaviour Modification. Positive Reinforcement Based Training
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11/06/2024
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DON’T FORCE ME TO BE SOCIAL!
It may be really disappointing and frustrating when our dogs are not the social beings we expected them to be.
Many believe dogs should just naturally get along with other dogs, after all they’re the same species.
Some believe the “unsociable” dog has a behaviour problem that needs to be “fixed”.
Early, appropriately timed and correct socialisation is vitally important, but sometimes despite all of this, some dogs are just not that sociable.
Sometimes this can be improved, especially if the cause is from a negative experience, but genetics, breed tendencies, individual personalities, health and age all contribute to tolerance and sociability, which also change throughout life.
If we, as a human species, don’t get along with everyone we meet, how can we expect our dogs to?
Do we label every person that has an argument, doesn’t make friends with everyone they meet, doesn’t like every other person, prefers not to socialise - as having a problem that needs to be fixed?
Why is it so easy to accept that every individual person is different than to accept that every individual dog is different?
When we have done what we can to improve our dogs’ social skills, we need to accept and acknowledge our dogs for the individuals they are, allow and respect their choice of whether to be sociable or not and never force interactions that a dog is not comfortable with.
09/23/2024
Welcome spunky little Gus.
09/19/2024
It is getting even cuter over here. Charlie and Evie are out for a neighbourhood walk.
07/06/2024
Today we say see you later to Brook. She is heading home to Toronto with her family.
06/05/2024
My lunch dates.
06/04/2024
ESSENTIAL ENRICHMENT
Imagine being kept in the same space each and every day. You know every blade of grass, every scent, every brick, every piece of fence. You have no books to read, no TV to watch, no one to talk to, no interaction with the outside world and absolutely nothing to do.
Would this situation begin to affect your behaviour and influence your emotional, mental or physical state? What about our dogs?
Many dogs live in this type of environment and yet we wonder why they develop behaviour problems, bark excessively, destroy the garden, become over excited, over aroused or maybe just shut down or sleep all day having completely lost interest in the world.
Many behaviour problems are caused by boredom, a lack of mental and physical stimulation or being confined to the same space every day.
Providing enrichment for dogs is so important for their wellbeing and really doesn’t require that much effort from us.
There are so many simple ways to provide enrichment. An online search for DIY enrichment ideas will provide lots of ideas.
Older dogs may enjoy a ride in the car, sitting at a window watching the world go by, bringing the outside in – sticks, cones, grass etc. from different areas placed in a box for them to rummage through and smell, dinner in the park, or even just playing some doggie music will make a difference.
“Chronic inescapable boredom can be extremely aversive, and under-stimulation can harm neural, cognitive and behavioral flexibility.” - A biological perspective on animal boredom and suggestions for its scientific investigation by Charlotte Burn - The Royal Veterinary College
This is something I do for my dogs and encourage clients to do with their dogs l, especially those who struggle on neighbourhood walks. Great read.
I first heard the term “decompression walk” used by Sarah Stremming on her Cog-Dog Radio podcast. I remember finding myself exclaiming “yes” over and over and over again as I listened to her describe it. Up until that moment, I never considered that what I had been doing with my dog, and wha...
05/15/2024
JUST SHAKE IT OFF
Dogs constantly communicate through their body language.
A “shake off” is one of the many types of body language and is one of the easier ones to notice.
The shake off can provide us with important insights as to how our dogs are feeling.
Besides being a very effective way to get rid of dirt, pesky bugs and water - dogs can remove up to 70% of water in one single shake off - the shake off is often seen just after something that a dog needs a mental reset from.
It’s a way to flush out adrenaline and could be compared to us taking a deep breath to reset our nervous system and calm ourselves down.
Dogs instinctively know they feel better when they just shake it all off!
It’s their way of saying “Phew, I’m glad that’s over, now I can put it behind me and move on”.
Shaking off is a positive way to calm down, reset and cope with stress – be that negative or positive stress.
Sometimes a shake off could be due to an underlying medical reason like an ear infection, allergy, itching or pain.
If you notice a shake off, look at what has just happened beforehand. This will provide a good clue as to what it is that your dog needs to reset from.
05/09/2024
We had an update from Benji's dad. He is doing very well and he is very smart. He is enjoying yacht life in Florida.
05/08/2024
These babies have been under my Strawberry plant for a couple weeks now. I accidently found them while trying to transplant an off shoot. They should be ready to move on soon so I can plant the rest of my garden.
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Running out George's energy to help him settle for the evening. How are you creating a happy and quiet dog for your Happy New Years Eve?
George's playdate with Atlas. Altas and his family are on week 3 of our family dog program. Visit our website to find out more about the family dog program and how it can help your family and your puppy or dog. www.fullpawtentialdog.com
Positive Reinforcement Based Training Servicing the Kitchener - Waterloo, Cambridge, Wellesley, Ayr and surrounding area.
Our dog training pilosophy is based on setting your dog up for success while using proven, gentle, reward-based training!
We’ll teach you how to train your dog using proven positive methods that are fun, easy and get results. Our mission is to help you build trust and make everyday life more enjoyable. We train with positive reinforcement and a word that captures the behaviour you want to reward (same concept as clicker training). Once your dog understands that the behavior he’s offering (like sit) earns a reward he’ll be more likely to repeat that behaviour. This method is fun, builds confidence, produces an eager learner and opens up communication that produces remarkable results.
Just like people, each dog has her own personality and method of learning. We listen to your concerns and goals, coach you through the training process and help you find real life solutions that both of you can live with. We’ll help you discover what does or doesn’t motivate your dog and how to transition away from treats to life rewards. We’re committed to training without the use of fear, pain, intimidation and force.
We will respond to your questions with easy to understand answers and safe, practical solutions whether it’s about dog training, behaviour, equipment or general care. We’re here to encourage you every step of the way! Even after the training is over we offer lifetime “technical support” over the phone or via email.