Respectful Communications Animal Training

23/01/2025

It is always important to understand the motivation and reward for any behavior before you can work on changing it. Punishment stops behavior only long enough for you to go away, then the animal (or even a teenage human), will do the behavior again when they think you aren’t looking.

Rewarding a behavior makes it occur again as the learner is expecting a reward. Food, toys, play, or access to other wanted resources works best. Eventually you can move from a high level of reinforcement to a variable rate of reinforcement (like a slot machine does) to keep the learner motivated and ready to repeat the behavior in anticipation of a reward.

Instead of relying on punishment and sq**rt bottles, a more effective training approach involves understanding the purpose of the behavior and providing better alternatives. For example, if the cat jumps on the kitchen counter, identify the motivation behind the behavior. It could be the smell of food, a desire for a better view out the window, a need for elevated safety, or a bid for the cat parent’s attention. Once the underlying reason is determined, a suitable alternative can be provided. If the behavior stems from a problem in the environment, such as a cat being ambushed by another cat, positive behavior techniques should be employed to diffuse the situation. Squirting the cat with water is not part of a sound and loving training plan.

Cats respond to positive training but it’s crucial to start the process by recognizing that every behavior serves a purpose. Cats don’t misbehave out of spite or defiance. Behavior makes sense to them. Proper training strengthens the bond, restores confidence, and reduces stress.

17/01/2025

For the safest animal training possible make sure your trainer is educated in body language communicating fear, stress, or anxiety.

17/01/2025

New year - New you!

Many people make New Year's Resolutions with the goal of improving themselves. For instance you may be looking for a dog trainer to help you improve your life with your dog. If you are, have you asked your potential dog trainer what their New Year's resolutions are for their training business? Some trainers will look at you with a quizzical look or talk about things they are going to do to improve their lives, but what are they going to do for you? Are they going to continue selling you their 5, 10, or even 30 year past training history or are they planning on actually taking some current dog trainer education courses to add value to what they offer you? The educated trainer has your best interests in mind and offers the most benefits to your family.

Respectful Communications Animal Training LLC isn't stuck in 1995. They offer training with professionals who take yearly continuing education courses to keep the information they give you relevant to our changing world. With Respectful Communications Animal Training LLC you get the safest, most up-to-date information, training hacks, and experience for you and your pet.

Linda Ross
Lead Trainer
Certified Family Dog Mediator
Elite Fear Free® Certified Professional
Fear Free® Animal Trainer
Fear Free® Certified - Equine
Fear Free® Certified - Avian
Low Stress Handling® Certified - Silver

Respectful Communications Animal Training LLC
(678) 809-3647
RespectfulCommunications.com

Education - Skills - Experience
Everything you need for the safest and most valuable training experience possible

Member of the No Force Dog Training Group

16/01/2025

What is your pet trying to tell you? Have you really stopped to listen?

If your cat is displaying a behavior that is unwanted, identify the underlying cause. Is the behavior due to an undiagnosed medical issue? Is the cat trying to communicate something is wrong? Is the cat doing the best he can under the circumstances in the current environment? Is it a natural, instinctive behavior being displayed in an unwanted way because you haven’t met the cat’s needs? Here are a couple of examples. A cat who eliminates outside of the litter box isn’t being stupid or spiteful. Maybe the cat has a medical issue and is in pain or perhaps associates the pain with the box itself. Another reason for litter box avoidance is that the box conditions may not be tolerable, or perhaps the cat is being ambushed by another cat when in the box. If furniture scratching is the concern keep in mind that scratching is a natural, and very beneficial aspect of cat health. If the sofa is the target, it may mean you don’t have a scratching post or perhaps it’s not one that meets the cat’s needs. Look at behavior being displayed from the cat’s point of view. There’s always a reason for the behavior. Your job is to figure out what your cat is getting from it so you can provide a better option. In other words: think like a cat!

04/01/2025

What fearful dogs need most is empathy, understanding, and someone to listen to them. As a Fear Free Certified professional and a Certified Low Stress Handling Certified - Silver professional I offer fearful dogs the option to tell me what they need to feel safe. I am here to listen and offer support as I help them navigate their way through their stress.

Today I heartily celebrate you dog guardians dealing with canine reactive behaviour!

Because (and bear with me)

Loud reactive behaviour is telling us clearly what our dogs need, how they feel and when they feel it.

These dogs are actually the positive reactors because they can’t be ignored, they are confident to be demanding the space they need.

They are amazing canine communicators in a situation they simply cannot feel safe in.

We are seeing a dog who is not afraid to show us their feelings, because while the situation itself doesn't feel safe, our presence doesn't stop them having a voice.

And

If your dog reacts with fear, tries to run away or hide when something particular comes into their environment I want to commend you for reading this.

The internal reactors, the dogs who freeze, they are less of a problem to us but actually, they are having more of a problem.

They feel helpless, they hide inside and expect to be hurt, with no control over the environment at all.

These dogs are much worse off than the ones who shout and holler for their space, because their fear is often ignored.

Yet the fact that you’re reading this means that your scared friend is being empathised with, and being understood by a person who really wants to help them recover.

They while they might feel helpless, you have got their back!

Very special people understand that reactivity is a coping strategy.

Very special people work day after day to help their dogs feel safe and heard.

Special souls don't give up on dogs with reactivity, don't expect it to be trained out in no time, don't blame the dog and don't give in.

Whether your friend is scared and shouty, shut down and silent or a mixture of both.

I thank you for being their friend.

You're doing something magnificent.

You are amazing!

02/01/2025

We often hear the phrases ‘small dog syndrome’ or ‘he thinks he’s bigger than he is’.
The truth is smaller dogs can get louder because they need to shout to be heard. Because they get it rough.

They get manhandled, laughed at and lifted from their feet without warning. The smallest often have the littlest control over their lives. These dogs are very aware of their size and that’s why they need to make sure they are heard.

01/01/2025

Instead of seeing these behaviors as ones that need "modification" look for signs of pain, fear, stress, or anxiety. Dogs don't speak human languages so they need you to stop - look - listen to what they are saying in their own language. Sometimes veterinary visits are needed to rule out a physical disorder or pain.

Recognising signs of pain in dogs is crucial, as they often mask discomfort. Common indicators include changes in behaviour, such as increased irritability, withdrawal, or reduced activity.

Physical signs include limping, stiffness, trembling, or difficulty standing up or lying down.

Dogs in pain may vocalise through whining, yelping, or growling. They might also exhibit changes in appetite or drinking habits, excessive licking or biting at a specific area, and altered breathing patterns, like panting.

Subtle signs include pinned-back ears, squinting eyes, or a lowered tail. Observing these signs and seeking veterinary attention promptly ensures your dog’s comfort and well-being.

25/12/2024

Wishing all of our friends, family, clients, and colleagues a safe and very Merry Christmas! Thank you for your support and patronage.