Training Good Dogs

08/26/2024

The argument for science-based training. No need to use aversive techniques or tools in the guardianship of our dogs.

https://eileenanddogs.com/blog/2024/08/26/the-real-facts-about-science-based-dog-training-a-bad-faith-argument/?fbclid=IwY2xjawE5ob9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHfTGfsMb_fDH0bh8kzEsM3UvnPGdEYz1BKgEj1Dz-lM3fjlg9yfmY8UwDw_aem_5cWex2qT0HkFprgJ6FCTFw

In February 2023, Ivan Balabanov gave a podcast called The Real Facts About Science Based Dog Training. There were problems. Let's learn about Gish Gallops.

07/27/2024

This is Tito, the Corgi wonder pup, who is blessed with not only over-the-top cuteness but training chops!

He has officially graduated from puppy school, top of his class in impulse control (stay, leave it), some of the hardest lessons for a young pup to learn.

Congrats, Tito and family!

07/24/2024

Who graduated from puppy school with flying colors? Finn did! Does this Bernedoodle look similar to the one in my previous post? Good eye! He's the half-brother of Huck - get it? Huck & Finn!

They are owned by two sisters, so these siblings get to play and grow up together!

07/22/2024

A high five to Bernedoodle, Huck (right), for graduating from puppy school. He's one smart cookie, and he is all set to keep on learning throughout his adolescence. Kudos to his older brother Teddy for putting up with his puppy antics.

If you're looking for training for your puppy or adolescent, take a look at my website: https://traininggooddogs.com

06/26/2024

Oh, boy, he's a looker. 😍

MACC heartthrob Romeo checking in to embrace the beautiful weather we’re having! As we head into July, Minnesota is going to see higher temperatures over the next few weeks, so pet safety is key! Head to the comments for some tips on keeping your pets comfortable and cool this summer ☀️

Looking for plans this week? MACC offers walk-in adoption hours today from 1-5pm, tomorrow (Thurs) from 1-7pm, Friday from 1-5pm, and Saturday from 11am-3pm.

Adoptable cats: https://bit.ly/macc-adoptable-cats
Adoptable dogs: https://bit.ly/macc-adoptable-dogs

Watch adoptable dogs in playgroups: https://www.youtube.com//playlists

05/07/2024

This sweet Border Collie struggles with reactivity. Here we are doing some "world watching" exercises to remain calm when people and dogs walk by.

03/05/2024

This is 5-month-old Hoka, and she just completed her puppy training with flying colors.

This smart and adorable Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier is full of fun and spanking, such a joy to work with her and her owners.

12/13/2023

Great advice when you meet a dog new to you.

09/22/2023

Good article on how to best work with your dog trainer.

Get the most out of those dog training sessions with these five simple tips from an expert

09/06/2023

This is Jet, a recently adopted sweetheart from Friends of Minneapolis Animal Care & Control. He just completed a round of training through Training Good Dogs.

Jet is settling in nicely with his loving forever home, he hit the jackpot! Thank you for adopting, dear family! All MACC-adopted dogs receive a 20% discount on training services.

09/04/2023

Have you added a puppy or adopted dog to your pack this summer? Harder than you expected? Check out my new advice column here for an informative article - you're not alone!

https://traininggooddogs.com/advice/

08/29/2023

This is Gracy May, one of my adorable clients. She is on her second round of training - and at 6 mos. old she has already mastered sit, "touch" targeting, down, come and mat training. She is a well-mannered pup who loves to learn!

Today we worked on more impulse control (stay), and she's almost got "spin" down as a fun trick.

Coworkers just don't get any cuter than Gracy May.

08/27/2023

I've been working with a client who recently rescued a dog (black dog in picture). This dog came from a lot of trauma, found left to perish in a ditch after being shot. After months of recovery at a vet clinic and a short time in a foster home, my client adopted this resilient dog. To say she's making tremendous strides is an understatement, a testament to the dedication and training my client is providing her dog.

One of the client's training goals was to have a successful meet and greet with her neighbor's dog. We accomplished that at a neutral Sniffspot with careful introductions, where they had plenty of opportunity to play and have fun. Here they are on a splash pad after many rounds of chase and play.

08/23/2023

Friendly reminder, no need push our expectations onto a fearful dog. You can create an enriching environment in your home and yard.

Today I'm here to tell you, to give you permission, to not walk your dog. Wait, what? Don't all dogs need walks? I'm here to say, no. We've been taught to believe that dogs need walks but if your dog is afraid of outside or doesn't enjoy walks, then don't do them! Forcing your dog to go on a walk if they're afraid will not make them less afraid and could actually make them worse. Read more in this week's post: https://rescuedbytraining.com/2023/08/21/no-walking/

08/22/2023

Hearing success stories from clients is the BEST. This is Otso, a young border collie I worked with earlier this year. One of our focus areas was cooperative care, he was hesitant with nail clips and grooming. An update from his owner:

"Just wanted to share Otso had his first full grooming today and did awesome! It was a mobile groomer so they came to our house, which helps a ton, but still! Proud pup mama."

07/03/2023

This is a great video explaining the scientific debunking of "alpha theory" in wolves, which was (and unfortunately still is) used widely in dog training.

You do not need to dominate your dog. In fact, creating fear is quite counterintuitive to learning. Being a benevolent leader is so much more effective and creates a lasting positive relationship with your dog.

The Alpha Dog Theory has been categorically disproven several times and this video covers where this idea comes from. The video explains why early wolf resea...

06/09/2023

With temperatures rising, be careful with walks, play and keeping dogs outside!

05/31/2023

Good news!

Two recent drug approvals mean a novel treatment for the control of canine osteoarthritis (OA) pain and an oral vaccine against the wildlife spread of Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease, will soon hit the market.

05/17/2023

Check out my new advice column, sharing how our "why" in training is so important.

https://traininggooddogs.com/advice/

03/22/2023

Latest advice column post: The Power of Choice

Find out more here: https://traininggooddogs.com/advice/

The idea of providing choices to your dog may seem like a foreign concept, especially when we’re often focused on obedience from our four-legged friends. Having a foundation of training and obedience skills is important for the overall health and safety of your dog, but compelling them to do things they do not like (and certainly don’t understand) can be detrimental to your relationship with them. Let’s explore.

Without thinking about it, we humans unintentionally can create “friction” with our beloved dogs. Grabbing collars, swooping in to pick up small dogs or taking them to dog parks, breweries or public spaces where they aren’t comfortable are examples of activities we should consider. Each should be separately evaluated to gauge whether our dog actually enjoys the experience. It can be the human equivalent of forcing your young child to kiss Aunt Edna or hug Uncle Joe…they’ll do it because you told them to, but it can cause issues in the future. As the owner, giving your dog agency and choice in activities can go a long way in furthering your relationship with them.

Allowing your dog to choose can be as simple as: Letting them lead the way on a walk or sniffari, choices in toys or games they like to play, and providing an acceptable spot where they’re allowed to dig.

Of course, there are things your dog must do, like go to the vet, even if they aren’t yet comfortable with it (yet). However, when they literally or figuratively put the brakes on, it’s time to pay attention. It’s in these instances where training can benefit you and your dog by creating positive associations and a stronger bond. Now I know why my pediatrician gave me a lollipop at the end of every visit.

03/05/2023

Introducing Training Good Dogs' "Advice" Column. Occasionally I will post my thoughts on the relationships we have with our dogs. Check out my inaugural post on my website: https://traininggooddogs.com/advice/

Share your thoughts in comments below.

02/12/2023

Jade and Heather chilling at Venn Brewing Company after picking up (of course, dog-related) books at our fav book store Comma, a bookshop and getting Jade a hedgehog toy at Copilot Dog Outfitters.

Spring will be here soon, here's to many pawtio experiences with Doc, Jade and friends.

02/05/2023

Dog trainer funny. 😁

01/24/2023

I am so thrilled to share my new dog training business, Training Good Dogs. If you're a fellow dog lover and are interested in learning more about what motivates your pooch and training tips, I hope you'll join me on this journey.

My services can be found on my new website at https://traininggooddogs.com/, where I share my philosophy and Jade Approved dog items. Let me know what you think!

One doesn't do this alone, I've had a lot of wonderful help along the way. Parker Philips graciously created my logo, accurately portraying a dog as the hero in this life we share with them. Also, Marge Meyer Consulting for website creation. Last, but surely not least, the hubs. Doc shares my passion for all things dogs, never batting an eye when I decided to become a certified dog trainer.

Speaking of certification - I should be done in just a few months. Stay tuned!

Welcome! I am Heather Christopherson, a positive reinforcement dog trainer offering training sessions for you and your dog companion in your home. I provide training for puppies, as well as basic-to-advanced skills training for adolescent to adult dogs. At 5 years of age my parents gave in to my ple...