My Hero Dog Training (& Sports)

04/23/2025

04/19/2025

Gizmo, Beau, Maverick and Louie having fun at their Intro to Obstacles class

04/15/2025

What really causes pulling is excitement and lack of training, not the type of gear you're using.

04/07/2025

Dogs Can Learn Hundreds of Words.
Maybe “Balanced” Trainers Should Learn Just One: Respect.

Your dog might be smarter than a toddler, and the latest science is finally catching up to what good trainers have always known: Dogs have much more intellectual depth than we’ve traditionally given them credit for.

After an extensive worldwide search, researchers in a 2023 study led by Dr. Claudia Fugazza at Eötvös Loránd University identified 41 “Gifted Word Learner” (GWL) dogs from around the globe - these dogs showed they are capable of rapidly learning multiple object names.

The dogs underwent rigorous testing under controlled conditions that confirmed they truly grasped specific toy names, without relying on subtle cues or signals from their guardians. The study’s findings revealed remarkable cognitive abilities: these dogs mastered new toy/object names after only a handful of exposures.

On average, these dogs knew about 29 toy names during initial testing, but many quickly expanded their vocabulary. Several surpassed 100 object names, and one dog even learned 125 different names.

Interestingly, these dogs generally learned words spontaneously through playful interactions, not structured training sessions. This implies a natural aptitude rather than simply exceptional training.

Although Border Collies comprised over half the group, the researchers also found this talent in breeds like Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, Corgis, Toy Poodles, and several mixed breeds.

While no single upbringing defined these dogs, shared traits included intense curiosity, a deep love for play, and active engagement with their human guardians.

Notably, professional dog training backgrounds among the guardians weren’t necessary, highlighting that everyday people can cultivate extraordinary abilities in their dogs.

Research like this continues to reshape our view of canine cognition, suggesting we’ve significantly underestimated dogs’ intellectual and communicative potential. (Of course, those who follow this page will not be too surprised by these findings!)

More importantly, these insights have practical implications for training and interacting with our pets:

If dogs naturally flourish in positive, playful environments, it questions outdated practices relying on aversive techniques like punishment or intimidation. Harsh methods could undermine their potential rather than enhance it.

Ultimately, this study encourages all dog guardians to rethink how we engage with our pets. Rather than limiting them to basic skills, we should foster their innate curiosity and intelligence through enjoyable, enriching interactions.

Although the authors of this study suggest this remarkable ability might only exist within a small subset of uniquely gifted dogs, I think it’s much more likely that most dogs have this untapped cognitive potential. Given the right environment, motivation, and communication style, many more dogs might demonstrate similarly impressive word-learning skills. Future research will hopefully explore how widespread this talent truly is.

But it seems, no matter how many studies, or real world examples demonstrate the profound depth, intelligence, and emotional capacity dogs possess, there will always be trainers clinging desperately to outdated methods, still claiming that we need to shock, yank, or intimidate our dogs into compliance or scoff at the idea of dogs granting consent while being taught.

It’s baffling how some in the professional dog training world continue to deny the clear and repeated evidence: dogs thrive, learn faster, and become better partners when we communicate with respect and understanding rather than pain and fear.

At some point, those committed to aversive methods must ask themselves: if dogs are capable of extraordinary cognitive feats, why deliberately undermine their potential with methods rooted in intimidation and punishment and control for control’s sake?

The future of dog-human communication is here, and it starts by acknowledging and embracing the extraordinary minds of dogs everywhere.

Reference: Dror, S., Miklósi, Á., Sommese, A., & Fugazza, C. (2023). “A citizen science model turns anecdotes into evidence by revealing similar characteristics among Gifted Word Learner dogs.” Scientific Reports, 13:21747. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47864-5

04/07/2025

Dogs aren’t “misbehaving”. Their brains might be more like ours than you think… and the evidence continues to support a new approach to training.

Could your dog’s hyperactive behavior actually mirror ADHD in humans?

A comprehensive Finnish study surveyed over 11,000 pet dogs, and discovered striking parallels between canine behaviors and human ADHD symptoms, specifically hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.

Nearly 1 in 5 dogs displayed pronounced inattentive behaviors, and about 15% exhibited significant hyperactivity and impulsivity, far beyond typical puppy energy.

Like humans, these traits were more common in younger dogs and males, with social isolation amplifying the symptoms.

Breed differences also emerged: Dogs historically bred for active roles (like terriers and working breeds like German Shepherds) showed higher tendencies toward hyperactivity and impulsivity, while companion breeds showed lower levels. Interestingly, breeds not specifically selected for intense tasks often scored higher in inattention, which is evidence that selective breeding can shape canine cognition significantly.

Still, it’s really important that we don’t oversimplify this. Every dog is an individual, and breed alone never tells the whole story.

Beyond genetics, the environment plays a substantial role. Dogs left alone frequently exhibited increased hyperactivity and attention issues, highlighting the importance of enrichment and social engagement.

Moreover, this research unveiled critical links between “ADHD-like” behaviors and anxiety-related issues in dogs, including obsessive-compulsive tendencies and aggression. Dogs displaying extreme impulsivity or inattention often showed coexisting anxiety or fear-based behaviors, so there could be a potential underlying neurobiological connection. This mirrors findings in human ADHD, where anxiety and compulsive behaviors often coexist.

Why is this significant? It underscores the critical need for compassionate, positive, neuroaffirming training methods rather than outdated, punitive approaches. Aversive techniques, such as leash corrections or shock collars, have been shown to heighten stress and exacerbate behavioral problems, making ADHD-like symptoms worse.

Conversely, structured, positive, enrichment-focused approaches help these dogs channel their energy constructively, significantly improving their focus and emotional stability.

It’s important to clarify that “ADHD-like” doesn’t mean your dog has human ADHD. It’s an analogy that helps us understand their behavior better without anthropomorphizing. Recognizing these behaviors allows us to better support dogs struggling with focus and impulsivity, and improve their quality of life through targeted, humane training.

This research invites us to shift our mindset: Dogs often labeled as “stubborn” or “unmanageable” might actually be neurologically predisposed to hyperactivity or distraction.

Rather than applying harsher discipline, we should lean into empathy, structure, and enriching activities. This evidence supports what many trainers and behaviorists already advocate: understanding and positive engagement, not punishment, bring out the best in our dogs.

Source: Sulkama, S., Puurunen, J., Salonen, M. et al. Canine hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention share similar demographic risk factors and behavioural comorbidities with human ADHD. Transl Psychiatry 11, 501 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-021-01626-x

"Training methods based on punishment compromise dog welfare, study finds." ScienceDaily, 17 December 2020. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/12/201217095536.htm

Related: Salonen, M., Sulkama, S., Mikkola, S. et al. Prevalence, comorbidity, and breed differences in canine anxiety in 13,700 Finnish pet dogs. Sci Rep 10, 2962 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-59837-z

A couple of articles discussing the study referenced in this post:
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/931717
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/10/211015184215.htm

04/04/2025

Fear is not disobedience. If your dog is afraid in a situation, like when around strangers or loud noises, do not expect them to "listen" to you asking them to do something like sit or stop barking.

Your dog isn't disobeying your request to sit or stop barking because he's disobedient. He's afraid and has bigger things to worry about than your request for him to sit.

Read more in my post: https://rescuedbytraining.com/2022/01/31/fearnotdisobedience/

04/02/2025

Dogs Don’t Want Enrichment. They Want Fulfillment.

Dogs aren’t just looking for entertainment, they’re seeking experiences that resonate with who they truly are as individuals.

A 2022 study (doi: 10.3390/ani12020141) looked closely at how different enrichment activities, experiences designed to meet a dog’s mental, emotional, and physical needs, impact stress and happiness levels.

Researchers observed a small group of assistance dogs engaging in various enrichment activities, from social play with other dogs to interactive toys, food puzzles, and bonding time with humans. They found that different activities had distinct effects on dog behavior, highlighting that no single form of enrichment is universally best for every dog.

Why does this matter? Because our dogs have unique personalities, preferences, and emotional needs. For some dogs, nothing beats social play, roughhousing and playing chase with another dog is their ultimate joy. For others, interactive puzzles or games of fetch provide the perfect blend of mental stimulation and stress relief.

Even dogs of the same breed, or even littermates, can have completely different enrichment preferences - an important reminder that oversimplifying a dog’s needs or motivation based solely on breed can miss the mark.

Recognizing these individual differences is exactly why it’s crucial to pay attention to what genuinely motivates and fulfills the dog in front of you, in both training and enrichment.

What should you take away from this?

Enrichment isn’t about following a one-size-fits-all checklist. It’s about observing your dog and discovering what makes them feel truly fulfilled.

This approach, rooted in neuroaffirming practices, respects your dog’s natural inclinations and emotional well-being. It acknowledges that your dog’s brain, and the way they experience joy, relaxation, and connection, is beautifully individual.

When you optimize your dog’s preferred experiences based on their individual joys and needs, you’re not just improving their quality of life; you’re making your own life easier and more rewarding, too.

Ultimately, this study reinforces a critical point we’ve long advocated: dogs deserve activities that genuinely celebrate who they are as individuals.

Our job isn’t to push them toward what’s convenient or common, but to listen, observe, and actually enrich their lives in ways that are consistent with the individual’s unique nature.

What are the ultimate satisfying activities for your dogs? I’d love to hear your experiences!

Source: Hunt RL, Whiteside H, Prankel S. Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Dog Behaviour: Pilot Study. Animals (Basel). 2022 Jan 7;12(2):141. doi: 10.3390/ani12020141. PMID: 35049764; PMCID: PMC8772568.

04/02/2025

"A dog’s mental performance dramatically improves when they feel secure, motivated, and positively encouraged rather than intimidated or pressured"

Dogs aren’t breed stereotypes or simple training robots. They’re individuals with unique minds and extraordinary problem-solving abilities.

New research highlights just how distinct each dog’s intelligence truly is, emphasizing that cognitive abilities vary not just by breed, but significantly from one individual to another. (“Age-related effects on a hierarchical structure of canine cognition,” Bognár et al. 2024, link below)

While the primary aim of this research was to understand how cognitive abilities change across a dog’s lifespan, the remarkable individual differences highlighted also strongly support the value of individualized, compassionate approaches to training.

Dogs showed remarkable individual differences in cognitive performance. Although this research didn’t directly test breed stereotypes, the wide variation observed underscores that broad breed-based generalizations about intelligence or trainability oversimplify each dog’s true complexity and individuality.

Scientists tested a diverse group of dogs across various cognitive tasks, including memory games, puzzle toys, and decision-making challenges, to measure skills like memory, learning, reasoning, and overall mental processing.

Intelligence, they found, isn’t a one-size-fits-all trait.

In my experience, neither is training. Effective teaching adapts to each dog’s unique personality, motivation, and learning style, always without resorting to intentional force.

A dog’s mental performance dramatically improves when they feel secure, motivated, and positively encouraged rather than intimidated or pressured.

This study is consistent with what force-free, evidence based trainers have long advocated: compassion isn’t just kinder, it’s scientifically smarter, too.

Dogs who learn through individualized, positively affirming training not only perform better immediately but also develop deeper, more resilient problem-solving abilities over time.

Encouraging their curiosity and guiding them intelligently and compassionately is what unlocks the true potential inside.

Interestingly, the study also revealed intelligence doesn’t uniformly decline with age. Healthy senior dogs retained impressive cognitive skills, adapting quickly and continuing to learn new tasks.

This research adds to the body of scientific evidence that dogs thrive under positive reinforcement and neuroaffirming conditions which are methods designed to support and celebrate natural brain function and emotional well-being.

It highlights the importance of treating dogs as thinking, problem-solving INDIVIDUALS rather than training robots or breed stereotypes.

As guardians, trainers, and advocates, we have both the opportunity and the responsibility to recognize and nurture the incredible intelligence within every dog.

One practical way I encourage independent thinking during everyday walks: instead of hurrying past distractions, pause and let your dog investigate new scents, textures, or safe objects along the way. Watch how they respond and gently support thoughtful decisions. Small moments like these build confidence and nurture intelligence.

Tell me your thoughts and experiences below!

Source: “Age-related effects on a hierarchical structure of canine cognition,” Bognár et al. 2024, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-024-01123-1

04/02/2025

A perfect run for Jen & Legend!

03/29/2025