Instinct Dog Behavior & Training

09/20/2023

Is it REALLY that bad to repeat cues when training your dog?

Like most things in dog training (and in life), the real answer is…it depends. Check out our quick guide to learn whether your repetitive cuing with your dog is likely to be helpful, harmful, or neutral.

09/12/2023

If you know a friend, family member, or co-worker with a fearful or aggressive dog, avoid these 3 common mistakes to ensure you’re helping them and their dog feel safe and supported.

06/26/2023

New Dogs Unknown Episode: Over Threshold: Urban Dog Handling

This week we are talking about dogs in urban environments. We discuss some of the most common challenges facing urban dogs, and also some of our favorite hacks for navigating city life to protect and enhance your city dog's welfare; because let's face it, living in an urban environment can be pretty stressful for dogs AND humans.

During the conversation, we also discuss which personality traits, and breeds typically do well with, or find urban environments challenging. We also discuss ways to make living in an urban environment with your dog more enjoyable and less stressful for both of you.

Guests: Stephanie Collingsworth (certified behavior consultant from INSTINCT Portland) and Lauren Jones Wenzel (certified behavior consultant at INSTINCT NJ and Philadelphia)

This week we are talking about dogs in urban environments. We discuss some of the most common challenges facing urban dogs, and also some of our favorite hac...

06/12/2023

New Dogs Unknown Podcast Episode: Exploring Our Breed Stereotypes

Most of us have breed preferences; whether it's how they look and/or the collection of traits we assume the breed to have.

Today we explore if these breed stereotypes are really valid because the existing research on breed and behavior is largely mixed; while breed can influence some behavior, there's a wide range of variability, even within breeds. The science is all over the map.

So we thought it would be fun to explore our breed stereotypes with some breeds today based on our experience of working with thousands of dogs;
German Shepherds (03m8s)
Doodles (10m40s)
Shiba Inus (16m50s)
Pitties (27m05s)
Huskies (38m26s)
Chihuahuas (46m55s)

For each breed, we discuss what behavior challenges we typically see with them, why we love working with the breed, and what are some things to keep top of mind if you are living with or working with one of these breeds.

At the end of the episode (1h01m,15s), we discuss when stereotyping breeds can be helpful, and when it can be harmful.

If you like this episode and want us to cover other breeds in part 2, please comment below!

Guests: Suze Cullinan (President of INSTINCT Northern NJ, Jersey Shore, and Philadelphia), and Dresden Graff (Owner of INSTINCT Fort Worth).

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exploring-our-breed-stereotypes/id1499510501?i=1000616579665

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5BSVvFA8l6hQQcbZ7kuq4r

YoutTube with Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PONC04Kh98

Most of us have breed preferences; whether it's how they look and/or the collection of traits we assume the breed to have.Today we explore if these breed ste...

06/05/2023

"Don't Worry, She's Friendly!"

Leash reactivity (lunging and barking at dogs and people) is one of the most common issues people come to us for help with, and so many of our clients experience a ton of judgment and disparaging comments from other dog owners when out on walks.

People ASSUME things about them and about their dog, based on that reactivity; "What's Wrong with that dog?" or "Why does their owner allow them to keep doing that?", or "They should really get some training". In this episode, we discuss why these assumptions can be exceedingly incorrect, and how you (with your non-reactive dog) may be contributing to the issue.

Whether you have a leash-reactive dog or not, this episode is for you.

Guests: Jessica Wheatcraft, Ella Tirado, Jenna Slutzky

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dont-worry-shes-friendly/id1499510501?i=1000615657808

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0g5zLQ2EmecweFJYuCxzYK

YouTube: https://youtu.be/rIlq0D_sa34

Leash reactivity (lunging and barking at dogs and people) is one of the most common issues people come to us for help with, and so many of our clients experi...

05/29/2023

For the past several decades, dog owners have been inundated with messages that we need to be a "pack leader" or "alpha" with our dogs.

Those specific terms imply that we need to take a power position by actively asserting dominance over our dogs in our daily lives.

So is all of this really necessary? Do dogs need leadership from us? And if so, what does that actually look like?

Ayelet Berger (Certified Behavior Consultant and Co-Owner of INSTINCT Nashville) and Taylor Snead (Certified Behavior Consultant from INSTINCT Portland) join us to discuss.

Apple Podcasts Format: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/does-your-dog-need-a-leader/id1499510501?i=1000614815874

Spotify Format: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1IzZUMTuHgUHfNwQpFECVQ

YouTube with Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2L_UB1c29U

For the past several decades, dog owners have been inundated with messages that we need to be a "pack leader" or "alpha" with our dogs. Those specific terms ...

05/22/2023

It’s okay if you don’t like Nickelback. And it’s okay if your dog doesn’t like fetch.

Acknowledging and accepting your dog’s individual preferences - their likes AND their dislikes - is part of treating them as a true family member, with their own wants and needs.

Don’t miss this week’s Dogs Unknown episode, “Glorified Cattle?”, where we have a sometimes uncomfortable conversation about the strange duality of pet dogs, simultaneously cast in roles as both family members and captive animals.

05/16/2023

If you have a dog & kid household, make it a priority to help your child learn and embrace these 5 safety rules.

As you teach, remember to always model the behavior you want your child to learn, and to use careful management and supervision to ensure everyone is set up for success!

Our free Dogs & Kids course in our Online School is packed with lots of additional info and guidance to help parents and caretakers manage their dog-and-kid household safely and peacefully. (https://onlineschool.instinctdogtraining.com)

05/15/2023

Today's episode is all about separation anxiety in dogs. This is absolutely one of the most common reasons that folks might reach out to a dog behavior professional for help. It's also one of the issues that can be truly one of the most stressful (and sometimes feel debilitating) and can have a big negative impact on welfare on both ends of the leash.

Despite it being a really common issue, separation anxiety is often a little bit misunderstood when it comes both to the factors that can contribute to why it's happening in the first place and also the ways to treat it or help improve it.

So today we are very privileged to be joined by a powerhouse guest lineup to help us clear up some of these misconceptions about separation anxiety and share with listeners more about what it really is, why it happens, and paths to move forward.

We discuss:
- What is Separation Anxiety (and what it isn't) - Causes of Separation Anxiety (perceived and actual)
- Prevalence in Separation Anxiety in companion dogs - Treatment/Intervention options
- Common derailers of progress
- Success rates and timelines
- How to get started

Guests:
- Malena DeMartini-Price is renowned in the dog training world for her expertise in dog separation anxiety issues. She is the author of the books Treating Separation Anxiety in Dogs, as well as Separation Anxiety in Dogs – Next-Generation Treatment Protocols and Practices. She is also the founder of the Separation Anxiety Training Certificate Program (CSAT). https://malenademartini.com/

- Dr. Chris Pachel DACVB (Veterinary Behaviorist), Co-Founder and Co-Owner of INSTINCT Portland and Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland. https://www.drpachel.com/

- Dr. Emily Levine DACVB (Veterinary Behaviorist), Co-Founder and Co-Owner of INSTINCT NJ/PA and Animal Behavior Clinic of NJ https://animalbehaviorclinicnj.com/

Hosts Brian Burton and Sarah Fraser are Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of INSTINCT Dog Behavior & Training. Both are Certified Dog Behavior Consultants and have Master's degrees in Animal Behavior from Hunter College/CUNY.

Youtube (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3xJy2GB3Ec

Apple Podcasts (Audio): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dogs-unknown/id1499510501

Spotify (Audio): https://open.spotify.com/show/3V7spm3U704MPHqqN12gpe

Today's episode is all about separation anxiety in dogs. This is absolutely one of the most common reasons that folks might reach out to a dog behavior profe...

05/13/2023

We see you, amazing humans! And we’re here to provide support and guidance to help you on your journey with your dog.

05/09/2023

If you’ve noticed a recent uptick in your dog’s on-leash reactivity, it may be due to the the increased activity that comes along with warmer weather.

More dogs and kids are out and about, and spring skateboards and scooters are out in full force.

If this increased busy-ness is impacting your reactive dog, take a step back and revisit some of your foundation training:

✅ Make sure you’re rewarding unprompted attention throughout the walk
✅ Temporarily avoid busier areas and times of day
✅ Give your dog a little extra space when encountering triggers

Need additional help? Sign up for our free Leash Reactive Dog course in our Online School (https://onlineschool.instinctdogtraining.com)

05/08/2023

Dogs Uknown S3E6 "I Don't Like My Dog" is now live!

Apple Podcasts Format: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../dogs-unknown/id1499510501

Spotify Format: https://open.spotify.com/show/3V7spm3U704MPHqqN12gpe

YouTube (click on thumbnail below)

When we get a dog, we generally expect to fall madly in love and experience this instant, one-of-a-kind connection with them.
But what happens when you and your dog just don’t mesh?

How do you form a positive relationship with a dog who you - truthfully - just don’t like very much?

In today's episode, we tackle this semi-taboo topic to explore the reasons WHY you may find yourself disliking your current dog, and what you can do to build (or rebuild) a positive bond.
Guests:
- Dr. Chris Pachel DACVB (Veterinary Behaviorist), Co-Founder and Co-Owner of INSTINCT Portland and Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland. He's also VP of Veterinary Behavior at INSTINCT.

- Ayelet Berger CDBC, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of INSTINCT Nashville

- Lauren Jones-Wenzel, CDBC, Certified Behavior Consultant at INSTINCT NJ and INSTINCT Philadelphia

Hosts Brian Burton and Sarah Fraser are Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of INSTINCT Dog Behavior & Training. Both are Certified Dog Behavior Consultants and have Master's degrees in Animal Behavior from Hunter College/CUNY.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Siqs8BmVWGQ

When we get a dog, we generally expect to fall madly in love and experience this instant, one-of-a-kind connection with them.But what happens when you and yo...