Top Dog Behavior and Training

Watch this before introducing your dog to water! Prevent injuries and stress by following these tips:💧 Play games with your dog near the water (if it is safe to do so) to get them comfortable with the space💧 Allow your dog to go into the water at their own pace💧 Fight the urge to carry your dog into the water or attempt to lure them further than they are ready for💧 allow your dog to retreat on their terms and let you know when they have had enough for the day Have questions about introducing your dog to water?Shoot us a message!#watersafety #dogsafety #forcefreedogtraining #forcefreetraining #positivereinforcementdogtraining #southernoregon #roguevalley #oregondogs

Watch this before introducing your dog to water! Prevent injuries and stress by following these tips: 💧 Play games with your dog near the water (if it is safe to do so) to get them comfortable with the space 💧 Allow your dog to go into the water at their own pace 💧 Fight the urge to carry your dog into the water or attempt to lure them further than they are ready for 💧 Allow your dog to retreat on their terms and let you know when they have had enough for the day Have questions about introducing your dog to water? Shoot us a message!

How did we use ONE word to help teach this reactive Labrador puppy attentive loose leash manners? We taught "Look"! In this instance "look" means to look at the handler and is used to help maintain communication between dog and guardian to help prevent pulling before it starts and associate being close with rewards. Rather than reacting to the pulling once it happens, we are working to teach the walking position we prefer! (And save our shoulders in the process) "Look" or "Watch Me" is a fantastic versatile skill to teach and we use it in so many other ways like working through reactivity, practicing off-leash skills, and learning "leave it"!

Why you CAN (and should) give your dog affection, even if it is a reward! First thing's first, why is this bad advice in the first place? The idea of ONLY ever giving affection as a reward is rooted in the "no free lunch" theory. This is and outdated technique that says your dog must work for every piece of food they receive. This is a ultimately a form of applied "negative reinforcement", a methodology that studies have shown leads to increased frustration, learned helplessness, and emotional and mental damage. While not as graphic or obvious as tools like shock or prong collars, this methodology is still a form of coercion and can lead to lasting psychological damage.

Look how much they've grown in only 5 weeks! My favorite part of teaching Puppy Preschool is seeing how much these puppies grow and change over the short time we have together! Charlie and Finley became best friends the first day of puppy class! Their after-class play time taught everyone a lot about reading body language, appropriate play, and what happens when puppies lose teeth! Finley was nicknamed "The Tooth Fairy" after assisting Charlie in removing a few loose teeth😅 Is your puppy ready for preschool? Shoot us a DM to register!

Do you have to be the "Alpha" or "Pack Leader"?

"Alpha"⁠ "Pack Leader"⁠ "Dominance"⁠ ⁠ All of these terms are based off of a study conducted 50 years ago that has been disproven and debunked for 30+ years!⁠ ⁠ Where did this even come from?⁠ ⁠ Most of the science behind today's use of the word "alpha" can be linked back to studies done in the 60's and 70's that were done on unrelated male wolves in small enclosures with limited resources. This entire set up is already a stretch from the reality of wolf packs, which are made up of familial groups.⁠ ⁠ In 1970, the book 'The Wolf: Ecology and Behavior of an Endangered Species', written by researcher David Mech, was published and popularized the "alpha" concept.⁠ ⁠ Mech has made it public on his website that he has repeatedly asked the publisher to stop printing his book because so much of the information is outdated, including the concept behind the alpha wolf, and yet the book is still being sold.⁠ And, even if the "alpha" theory wasn't completely disproven by the scientific community, you are not a dog and your dog doesn't think you're a dog so the hierarchy wouldn't extend to you anyway!

Cooperative Care: Consent-Based Paw Handling

What is consent-based paw handling?⁠ ⁠ Your dog's paws may be handled in a variety of stressful situations:⁠ checking for foxtails, clipping nails, cleaning off mud.⁠ ⁠ Wouldn't it be so much easier if your dog CHOSE to have this done and work with you rather than against you?⁠ ⁠ This is Lucy's first-time practicing consent-based paw handling.⁠ ⁠ We started by teaching Lucy "paw", to put her paw in my hand on cue. This was heavily rewarded to start to build up a strong reinforcement history.⁠ ⁠ Once she was ready, I started to pet her paw while it was in my hand. As long as her paw was in my hand, she is getting rewards at regular intervals. As soon as Lucy feels uncomfortable or wants to opt-out of this experience, she has total freedom to remove her paw and I will not start again until she chooses to put her paw back on my hand.⁠ ⁠ During our first session of this (about 10 minutes) I was able to check between her toes and paw pad with Lucy's full participation!⁠ ⁠ As we continue working, we will start introducing towels and nail clippers and eventually start to decrease the frequency of rewards as Lucy becomes more comfortable with having her paws handled.⁠ ⁠ Are you wanting to make grooming, handling, or vet visits easier on you and your pup?⁠ ⁠ Shoot us a message to learn more about cooperative care training!

🚩 DOG TRAINER RED FLAGS 🚩 1. "I've owned dogs my whole life" Dog training is a behavioral science and the dog training industry is completely unregulated, anyone can call themselves a dog trainer whether they are knowledgable or not. Certifications, continued education, and other credentials help to ensure your trainer is knowledgable and continues to stay up-to-date on the newest science-backed methods and information. 2. "Balanced" training methods Multiple studies have shown that punishment-based and punishment/reward-based, aka "balanced", training methods increase stress and compromise physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. 3. Dogs need punishment or "corrections" to learn Studies show that the use of "corrections" or punishment for "wrong" or undesired behavior actually makes training more confusing for the dog, weakens your bond with your dog, increases stress, and is completely unnecessary to the learning process. 4. Aversive tools like prong, choke, and shock/STIM/e-collars These tools function by decreasing undesired behavior through pain or "discomfort". Multiple studies detail the lasting fallout associated with the use of these tools like increased anxiety, increased aggression, and decreased overall wellbeing. 5. "Pack Leader", "Dominance" All of these statements rely on an outdated theory that has been debunked for over 30+ years! 6. Some breeds can't learn without "tough love" Force Free and Positive Reinforcement, methods backed by research, can be used successfully on any dog, breed, or species! These same methods are used in zoos to safely handle and work with crocodiles, tigers, bears, and more! 7. You are "too soft", kindness is weakness There is nothing "weak" about showing the animal you love kindness and refusing to knowingly do harm. 8. Pressures you into using methods you are uncomfortable with You are your dog's advocate! If you are unsure about what is being asked of you, ask questions (to a certified trainer, not just

Looking for a professional, certified dog trainer? ⁠⁠Wanting someone who utilizes effective, humane, and science-backed training methods you can feel good about?⁠⁠ We have you covered!⁠⁠Shoot us a message to learn more!

Stop Feeding Your Dog (and Cat) DRY Kibble!⁠⁠ Kibble was created for our convenience, not the optimal health of our pets.⁠⁠ Kibble is lacking in moisture, an essential element of your pet's diet that aids in digestion and helps to prevent damage to organs like the kidneys.⁠⁠There are a ton of fun ways to add additional moisture to your pet's diet while also adding nutrients and variety!⁠ Canned Food⁠, Fresh Meats⁠, Pumpkin Puree⁠, Bone Broth⁠, Raw Goat Milk⁠⁠, and so much more! If you are unable to add a topper to each of your pet's meals, soaking the kibble in warm water before feeding can add the moisture they need and help to make the food more enticing.⁠⁠⁠ #petnutrition #petfood #dogfood #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcenttraining #forcefree #forcefreedogtraining #southernoregon #southernoregonlife #medfordoregon #ashlandoregon #jacksonvilleoregon

Happy National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day! How cute are these dog treats! I absolutely would have eaten one myself had no one told me! Well, now I'm off to find a cookie of my own!#nationalchocolatechipcookieday #nationalcookieday #chocolatechipcookies #chocolatechipcookieday #southernoregon #southernoregonlocals #medfordoregon #ashlandoregon #jacksonvilleoregon

Register now for our upcoming group classes! ✅ Puppy Preschool ✅ Beginner Obedience ✅ AKC Canine Good Citizen All training is done using the most effective, humane, and science-backed methods taught by a certified dog trainer! Message us or visit www.topdogbehavior to get registered today!

Will Letting Your Dog Win Tug-of-War Create Behaviro Problems?

Will letting your dog win tug-of-war create behavior problems? The short answer: no! So why is this something that I hear all the time from trainers and pet parents alike? It often comes down to 2 things: an outdated, debunked methodology and the human ego! (And trusting poor advice from people promoting the first 2 things) Don't be a sore loser and let your dog win!

Can You Mix Kibble and Raw Food?

Are you looking to start incorporating raw into your pet's meals? Starting your raw journey can be overwhelming, so we are here to help! Schedule a nutrition consultation with our certified pet nutritionist to get your questions answered, discuss raw feeding options, and find the best fit for you! Not sure if you're ready to schedule a consultation? Check out our free online resources on our website including handouts available for download and informative videos on our blog! Give this page a follow for more raw feeding, nutrition, and training tips! #rawdietforcats #rawdogfood #rawfoodforpets #barfdiet #petnutrition #petfoodmatters #buildabetterbowl

Do These Training Tools Cause Pain?

Do Prong Collars, Choke Collars, and Shock/STIM/E-Collars cause your dog pain?⁠ ⁠ A common myth I hear from compulsion, aversive, "balanced" or force-based trainers is that the tools they use do not cause your dog pain.⁠ ⁠ "Don't worry", they'll say, "Put it on your hand, arm, or neck, you'll see that it doesn't hurt you, so it won't hurt your dog"⁠ ⁠ The truth is, if these tools truly didn't hurt, they wouldn't work.⁠ ⁠ Aversive training tools utilize a quadrant of Operant Conditioning called "Positive Punishment". This term is used to describe something ADDED to the environment to DECREASE a behavior by making the dog work to ACTIVELY AVOID the added stimulus.⁠ ⁠ This means, by definition, the tools used must be painful enough or uncomfortable enough to make your dog go out of their way to avoid it being used.⁠ ⁠ No ifs, ands, or buts.⁠ ⁠ That is how the tools are DESIGNED to work.⁠ ⁠ Yes, even if "properly used".⁠ ⁠ Additionally, these tools don't teach your dog anything but how to avoid the pain or discomfort that is being inflicted on them. This leads to "sneaky" behavior and "loopholes", a reliance on the aversive tool to maintain their "training", and inevitable behavior and training fallout including increased anxiety and increased aggression.⁠ ⁠ Last but not least, the list of countries that have banned these tools entirely continues to grow! Countless studies have shown that the use of aversive-based training methods and tools leads to compromised animal welfare and can damage your dog mentally, emotionally, and physically.⁠ ⁠ Show me the studies!⁠ You can find links to 25+ studies on different training methods and tools and how they affect your dog on our website!

Will Comforting Your Dog Create Behavior Problems?⁠ Your dog is either going to feel comfortable expressing their fear to you or they won't, but that won't change the way that they feel.⁠⁠ Comfort your dog.⁠ Help them seek refuge from the scary sights and sounds.⁠ Offer treats and toys as a fun distraction.⁠⁠ Above all else, DO NOT PUNISH YOUR DOG FOR EXPRESSING VERY REAL EMOTIONS.⁠⁠⁠ #4thofjuly #fourthofjuly #fireworks #oregondogtrainer #medfordoregon #dogtrainingtips #dogtrainingadvice #dogtrainer #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcenttraining #forcefree #forcefreedogtraining #southernoregon #southernoregonlocals

Foxtail/Cheatgrass PSA:⁠⁠ This abscess was most likely caused by a foxtail. The vet's theory is that a foxtail had worked its way in through Luna's eye or mouth, causing her eye to swell up. Then the swelling migrated to the side of her head as the foxtail continued to move throughout her body and landed in the side of her head where an abscess grew.⁠⁠ This abscess required an exploratory surgery, drainage tubes in Luna's head, and two weeks of cones, crate rest, and constant cleaning.⁠⁠I am pretty diligent about checking her over for foxtails (yes, even her mouth) and yet this still happened. ⁠⁠Go inspect your dogs!⁠⁠ Note: This happened Summer of 2020. Luna is A-okay now and only has a few scars as reminders of this expensive scare!

I'm so excited to have the oppurtunity to work with you and your dog, and I can't wait to hear from you!

Stop Feeding Your Dog (and Cat) DRY Kibble!

Stop Feeding Your Dog (and Cat) DRY Kibble!⁠ ⁠ Kibble was created for our convenience, not the optimal health of our pets.⁠ ⁠ Kibble is lacking in moisture, an essential element of your pet's diet that aids in digestion and helps to prevent damage to organs like the kidneys.⁠ ⁠ There are a ton of fun ways to add additional moisture to your pet's diet while also adding nutrients and variety!⁠ ⁠ If you are unable to add a topper to each of your pet's meals, soaking the kibble in warm water before feeding can add the moisture they need and help to make the food more enticing.

What is your dog named after? (Be sure to ✨like✨ this reel if you want to know where my other dogs' names come from!) #dogtrainer #dogtraining #forcefree #forcefreetraining #forcefreetrainer #oregondogs #southernoregon #southernoregonlife