Northwest Dog Training

04/20/2022

10/31/2021

Thoughts from a dog trainer and human in training:

Here's how negative reinforcement works in the dog world: In order to use negative reinforcement, something aversive has to be applied first so that it can then be removed contingent on the dog doing the behavior you are teaching.

In other words, apply something painful, uncomfortable or some undesirable impact to the dog/animal. That is taken away when the dog performs to the human standard. So you teach the dog that in order to make the unwanted thing NOT happen, the dog must conform to the command given.

In the human world, we see this all the time. People are treated horribly, yelled at, cussed at, blamed, pushed away, etc. That 'treatment' is taken away (and sometimes affection, attention, feigned respect is temporarily shown) when the person does the thing that meets approval. The stopping of the yelling or negative treatment will stop conditionally if all things the person wants are received. As people, we naturally want love and acceptance so it is a easy and somewhat addictive trap to fall into. Humans will start to predict (with fear) what will happen if they aren't meeting approval and the knee jerk reaction is to anticipate and try to stop the negative before it happens. With dogs as well as humans, more often than not, the person(s) applying the negative reinforcer is/are always looking for new ways to apply it. This is a pattern that can go on for years.

I'm sure you have all seen the videos of frightened animals or dogs that were abused. They live in fear of the negative reinforcer or the person administering it. With animals, it is incredibly painful to watch dogs shiver in a corner from fear of "the next time".

People create this same fear in family members, employees, kids that are bullied at school, etc. They relish in the power it creates and the damage that it does. It is mean. It is evil. Sometimes, the damage done is so bad that it tears into your heart. You want to heal the injured soul. You want them to know they are worthy of love. They are worthy of kind language, soft words, a gentle touch, kindness and respect.

At the end of the day, you are your actions, the words you use, the intent in which you speak or type them and joy or regret you have for your choices. Unfortunately there are those that choose horrible words intentionally and hurtfully. The swirl of negativity and drama is intended to derail your happiness, or at a minimum, to get from you what they want. You have no control over who they are or when this will happen. But you......you can rise up. You can be the person who uses positive reinforcement to combat the negative. Decide to bring joy to those who deserve your love. For those that don't, wish them peace and happiness. Surround yourself with people that truly care about who you are and how you are.

Please be kind to each other. If you can't be kind, please don't intentionally be mean. You sometimes think you know the whole story about someone, but I guarantee that you don't. Open your heart to listen.

There are people and animals out there that have lived their lives being subjected to negative reinforcement. Let them know they matter. Be kind. Be the difference they need in their lives. What a wonderful life-changing gift you can give.

05/29/2020

03/29/2020

Finding our way...together
https://nwdogtraining.com/blog/

02/26/2020

Please help if you can ❤️

Salem Pet Professionals has placed a pet food donation barrel at Soapy Paws. When the barrel becomes full, we will transport the food to the Meals on Wheels folks. They will include the pet food on their deliveries and provide for meals for cats and dogs in need. You can drop off food (and cat litter) at Soapy Paws, 3870 Commercial St. SE in Salem. Say hello to the great people at Soapy Paws. Bring your pup in for grooming or bathe him yourself. If you ever wished you had a power washer you could use on your dog--your wish has come true at Soapy Paws. Regarding the food donations: canned food is best as bags of kibble might be too distracting for the sensitive noses of the clients (dogs). Tightly wrapped treats are acceptable too. Please, no damaged items. Thanks for sharing.

12/27/2019

12/27/2019

12/27/2019

Happy New Year! Instead of resolutions, how about commitments? If you are ready to commit to a better relationship with your dog and to have some fun learning new things together, schedule a time to discuss how you can make this year be the year of the dog......AND YOU!!!!

11/29/2019

It's not Black Friday...it's FURRY FRIDAY! Give the gift of dog training to someone special. Puppy, adult dog, special task training, therapy work...we've got a training program that will fit under that tree or in that stocking! Contact today thru Dec 24th and we will design a perfect training package for gift giving along with a Treat Basket for that special someone and their furry friend! (971)599-3649 or email at [email protected]

11/03/2019

In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn't merely try to train him to be semi human. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog. ~Edward Hoagland

10/03/2019

Do you know what your dog is trying to tell you? Learn how to communicate what you want to your dog (and vice versa) . Open the door to a whole new level of understanding for both of you!

09/19/2019

Food for thought:
When you and your dog look at each other, levels of the hormone oxytocin — sometimes described as the love hormone — increase in both you and your dog
Dogs can discriminate between emotional expressions on human faces and body postures
Dogs distinguish between the verbal and emotional components of speech and process emotional cues and meanings of words in different hemispheres of the brain, similar to humans
Dogs and their owners have synchronized long-term stress levels, and dogs are more likely to be overweight if their owners are, too

08/27/2019

Do you have a special task you'd like to train your dog to do? Perhaps something that would make your life a little easier? Training your dog can not only be rewarding for you, but it can be really fun for your dog too! Feel free to reach out to me to discuss how training can be life changing for your relationship with your furry friend!

08/07/2019

Just a reminder when going for a walk with your dogs in summer, do so in early morning or early evening. The pavement can burn pads of feet. There are also some great booties out there!

07/01/2019

Please keep this in mind when you run into the store or stop for a quick errand. 6 minutes......

Never leave your dog in a car on a hot day—and make sure you recognize the warning signs of heatstroke.

06/20/2019

July 2nd....hoping that's the day my ortho gets me out of this splint and I can get this show on the road. I have some remodeling of my new training facility to do!!! Send those good vibes my way please!!❤️

05/16/2019

Sorry folks for the lack of posts here or blog. Broke my wrist in 2 places and I am one-handed for the next 6-8 weeks more.

04/18/2019

What does color look like to your dog?

https://ethology.eu/the-dogs-color-vision-and-what-it-means-for-our-training/?fbclid=IwAR0mrBMEWNFoczUFU3S7RWzax2bajLS30UMyCrSHQv_fOrcvI6HCSCKekbo

Do dogs see colors? Does that affect our dog training in any way? Dogs find it difficult to distinguish between certain reds and greens.

02/18/2019

What promises have you made lately? The commitment you make to training today, will pay off for a lifetime.
https://nwdogtraining.com/blog/

01/22/2019

This sweet baby is all grown up and has been trained to assist a Veteran with mobility issues. Seems like yesterday. Miss that silly face!

01/08/2019

January is National Train Your Dog Month! Have you thought about ways to enrich your relationship with your dog? Is there a trick you'd like to teach your dog? Are there problems you'd like to work on? Would you like to teach your dog perhaps to pick up his/her own toys and put them away? Would you like to teach a dog to help you with a task that you struggle with? Think outside the box. Teaching can feel like play to your dog and can make your bond stronger!

12/27/2016

11/16/2016

What amazing creatures! Unlock your dog's potential!

Just how powerful is a dog's sense of smell.? Today, search dog Fern is going to test out her senses to see if she can find a canister filled with pork meat ...