Dog-Mod: Positive Pet Services

06/29/2022

05/23/2022

Alex, the world’s most famous African Grey parrot, died September 6, 2007, and the world is a sadder place for it. You may be wondering why a column about dog behavior would begin with a memorial to a parrot, but there is an important connection between Alex’s behavior and that of your dog. It w...

04/30/2022

Not our normal post but what a genius idea for pool owners. - the mom

04/29/2022

“Choose the individual, not the breed” A new genetic study involving more than 2,000 dogs suggests that, contrary to popular belief, breed alone is a poor predictor of behaviour:

https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/breed-not-good-predictor-individual-dog-behavior-study-finds-rcna25990

04/05/2022

📷 - unknown

03/07/2022

02/23/2022

Over the years, I’ve worked with a lot of Dogs will bite histories. Most often these bites come from the mentality of people thinking they can just take something from their Dog, and they’ll be fine with it.
Snatching something from an animal without replacing it or trading up for something of greater value or equal value even, is a good way to teach them to guard resources, and a good way to get bitten.
Instead Always Trade Up; always trading up with a Dog, is a great way to teach them that resources are freely provided, and that there is no threat coming from us, of the removal of a resource.
Have all your cues be promises. Safety first, is safety always.

02/23/2022

02/08/2022

Dogs trained with aversive methods are less likely to show a ‘secure base’ effect.

02/03/2022

Some cold temps out there. Keep your pets warm and cozy inside.

02/02/2022

Older dogs with a history of lifelong training perform better on measures of attention.

01/25/2022

Reactivity is especially a problem right now due to pandemic dogs. This is free education from one of the leading canine behaviorist in the field. For owners and trainers both!

01/23/2022

01/14/2022

01/12/2022

An oldie, but a goodie!

01/03/2022

We know dogs are cognitively similar to toddlers in many ways. One of those ways is in their ability to understand our words and expressions.

As captive pets, dogs are dependent on us for all of their basic needs - biological, emotional, and psychological. They look to us for support, guidance, and information about how to navigate the modern world they've found themselves in.

Let's help them out.

Next time your dog sees something in the environment that they're not sure about, think of them as asking you a question. Then answer them.

Example:
Your dog hears the garbage truck outside, runs to the door and alert barks. Instead of distracting them or calling them away, try walking to where they are and saying "yep, it's garbage day!" And then do a "go-find it!" treat scatter.

Be reliable and say the same phrase paired with a find-it or something else your dog enjoys to create a pattern.

Do this throughout the day with each activity and with each "question" your dog has.

Some of us probably already do this. Some of us may think "that sounds bananas!"

Just try it. See for yourself!

In creating patterns and routines, we become someone our dog can hang their hat on. We become predictable.

Predictability is a critical component of adaptation and survival. It enables the brain to save time and energy, lowers anxiety, and has a direct correlation with one's feeling of safety in their world and trust in their relationships.

Be your dog's benevolent life guide and narrator in 2022.

Happy New Year!



Graphic ID: Maroon circular background with the words "Talk To Your Dog" and little conversation bubbles that say:
"Guests are coming over, time for a special treat!"
"We're safe, that's just the neighbor."
"Yep, that's for friend, but we're not saying hi today."
"Thanks for the alert, we're safe!"