Kiss My Mutt Training & Boarding

Gambling is addictive because of intermittent reinforcement Rewards come unpredictably, which makes people keep playing, chasing that next win. Dogs learn the same way. If a behavior like jumping up sometimes gets attention and sometimes doesn’t, it actually makes the behavior stronger and harder to break. That unpredictability creates persistence. Want a behavior to stick? Reward it unpredictably. Want it to fade? Remove the reinforcement completely. #torontodogs #Riverdale #thebeaches #doodle #shepherd #positivereinforcement #puppytraining #balancedtraining #dogmoms

𝗧𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁.. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 I simply advised Luna's mom to stay a little more connected to her throughout play (don't out-run her too much) Luna is just learning that playing with her people is awesome - but that also means she isn't yet willing to put in too much effort that doesn't yield reward. In the first clip, Luna felt too deeked out and gave up! Also, reward Luna's best efforts (ie. chasing or jumping for the toy) by giving her the toy (or in this case, stick).. Focus more on teasing in close quarters.. Than large scale dodging - you can only do that when the dog is more determined to work for the toy to keep the game going Throughout the game, I'm encouraging Luna's mom to take turns lightly tugging (Luna would give up if you pull too hard too soon) & to let her "win" (drop the toy for her to possess) We will layer in toy retrieval & having her work harder before obtaining the toy as her play drive increases. Adding in these layers will provide opportunity for Luna's parents to better fulfill her! #portugesefila #cattledog #saintmiguelcattledog #dogtraining #Torontodogmoms #Riverdale #etobicoke #positivereinforcement #puppytraining

I can't explain how much has gone into making this transformation possible - and don't be fooled by this short clip, it is far from over. 🫶 Chumba's training didn't begin until much later in life, after years of being in flight mode outside. On top of that, she has a tick borne illness and there are a ton of factors in her environment that we cannot adjust that may help speed along the process. But to see Chumba going from.. • Constant flight mode, unable to eat/play/think/engage/train, tail tucked, darting from cars, bikes, people, strollers, etc.. 😨 To.. • Tail wagging, playful, sniffing, eating, eager, engaging, comfortable with many old triggers, full of life-skills & able to bounce back from scary moments.. 🤯 Wow!!! This all wouldn't of been possible without the help, creativity and dedication from @dog.star.familycaninecoaching who has played a big roll in Chumba's rehab! (Apprentices be getting thrown into the deep end and THRIVING)! 🏊‍♀️🏊‍♀️🏊‍♀️ Thank you to Chumba's family for trusting us! #behaviormodification #bernedoodle #citydogs #transformation #beforeandafter #dogtraining #torontodogs #lima #forcefreetrainer

Well.. she would've been if I wasn't 2 steps ahead of her. Recognizing when your dog is ABOUT to make a bit choice, is crucial in good timing. My Rottweiler× was repeatedly coming in way too hot when trying to play with the Viszla. Noticing the intensity in her body language and recalling her to take a breather before she makes contact, was very important.. If she got to pursue the Viszla with that intensity, many things could go wrong - • She could get intrinsically reinforced for being pushy and the dog trying to escape her .. this could create a habit and make it her go-to play style • Even though she was playing, she could've started a fight, if the other dog wasn't going to tolerate it • She could've accidentally hurt the other dog - she was over stimulated and not thinking clearly - an easy recipe for a disaster.. especially at 85lbs Reliable recall is essential for safe play & off leash freedom You can't have all gas ⛽️ & no breaks 🛑 After recalling her a few times & getting her to take a breath through scatter feeding, she started making better choices with the Viszla. Ps. The chihuahua barking in the background is having the time of her life Recorded by @wandering.and.marketing #torontodogs #dogtraining #rottweiler #chihuhuahua #viszla #highpark #Riverdale

Leading from a place of presence, listening & observing. #dogtraining #lima #positivereinforcement #torontodogmom

Autonomy is the cornerstone of effective training. By allowing your dog to think and make choices, you're encouraging them to become confident problem solvers and active participants in their own education. Empowering your dog with autonomy not only enhances their learning experience but strengthens your bond. For some, autonomy may look like regular off leash hikes in nature For others, it may look like a 15 foot leash 3× a week in alleyways & quiet parks Find what works for you & your dog & do what you can Your dog will benefit from it #dogtraining #torontodogmoms #torontodogs #puppytraining #aggressivedog #agility #sportdogs #adoptorshopresponsibly #snackleader #trainhumane

I can't tell you how often I get to a clients house.. They're telling me about their dogs leash reactivity outside.. While their dog is panicking about me being inside their house - barking, lunging & retreating, even nipping me Meanwhile, they're ignoring their dog (until I ask them to leash or crate their dog) because they've been told to act like it's no big deal - not to act anxious so your dog won't be anxious. But your dog is too panicked to get that message They need your intervention, support & guidance. Your lack of advocating for & guiding your dog inside of the house is absolutely connected to your dogs reactivity outside of the house. Your dog is always learning from their environment & that includes you Every moment is an opportunity to demonstrate to your dog that YOU'VE GOT THIS that you've got THEM If you're not 100% confident on how to demonstrate this to your dog, it's OKAY to ask for help!