Dogs Behaving Better

15/05/2025

Doing it right is so much more than doing whatever appears to “work.”
The question has to be How does it work. If aversives are involved, there are about 20 potential undesirable outcomes.

Training a dog ethically requires empathy, patience, and a focus on the dog’s well-being.

Always be aware of their confidence levels, as failure can impact their sense of self-worth.

It’s essential to ensure they are challenged but set up for success.

A safe, motivating environment, plenty of play, and consistent learning are key.

10/05/2025

This is one element of TTouch, to help animals increase balance, confidence, and connection, thereby improving behavior.

10/05/2025

So true! Create a routine with exercise & potty, then nap time.

05/05/2025

I wish everyone understood positive training—and we could put those aversive tools and techniques in the trash where they belong.

I stand by this statement. There is no place for shock or prong collars in dog training. The science shows they have risks for dogs' welfare, and the reward-based trainers show that you simply don't need to use aversive methods. And dominance training has been out-dated for some time. So stick to reward-based methods, which work, and don't have the risks of aversives. Often, this means using treats as positive reinforcement.

If you want to know more about the science on this, take a look at my book Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog, which is available from all good bookstores, or have a browse of my website, where I've written about many of the studies.

Get Bark!: https://amzn.to/4iOEPMT
Visit my website: https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/index.html

05/05/2025

In case you haven’t seen them yet, I’ve just done 4 new Free downloadable guides for people who may be struggling with
— puppies
— unruly teens (6-18 mos.)
— loose-leash walking
— leash reactivity

Here they are!

Free guides for puppies, adolescents, no-pull walks, and leash reactivity

04/05/2025

And if stress and emotions are high, thinking and learning just don't work. So corrections are pointless and may be abusive.

02/05/2025

I love sharing the Find It game. It's the Swiss Army Knife of training--and helps avoid meltdowns.

"Find It" is one of our all-time favorite games to recommend for clients because it can meet multiple needs for your dog at once!

In our latest podcast episode, Emily will explain how to teach the 'Find It' game to dogs with no prior scent work experience. Some things she covers includes:

🐾 step-by-step instructions for teaching the game

🐾 how to navigate various terrains

🐾 how to recognize when a dog is distracted, giving up, or getting tired

Episode 112 is now available on Enrichment For The Real World Podcast! Tune in on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you podcast!

🎧 https://petharmonytraining.com/podcast-episode-112-try-it-find-it-from-scratch/

01/05/2025

Need 1:1 help with exposures that feel safe to your dog and that make progress towards your goals?

I have a new Free guide for leash reactivity, and a program to address it!

27/04/2025

Miniature Dachshund Valerie was just rescued, over a YEAR after going missing on Kangaroo Island, Australia! How long could your dog survive without human help??

News that a miniature Dachshund is still alive after going missing more than a year set me thinking about how dogs survive without people.

20/04/2025

Positive dog training isn't just about teaching commands.

It’s about building trust, confidence, and self-belief in your dog, all while ensuring that the methods used are force-free and non-invasive.

This approach nurtures a healthy relationship and creates a safe, cooperative environment for both you and your dog.

20/04/2025

An excellent dog trainer is ethical, empathetic, and highly educated.

They value hands-off teaching and take pride in kindness, always listening and considering both the dog’s and the owner’s needs.

These qualities ensure that the dog’s welfare and the bond between dog and human are respected and nurtured.

17/04/2025

Bite prevention has nothing to do with obedience training.