Heather DeCanio, CTDI, AACE - Trick Dog Instructor & Animal Actor Evaluator

23/05/2022

20/04/2022

𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗦 𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗕𝗘𝗥𝗬?

By one of its definitions, "anything given to persuade or influence", sure! But that's about as far as it goes because using food in dog training is SO much more, and without the negative connotation. Hundreds of dog trainers use treats in training because it serves as a communication tool, motivator, paycheck, and directly contributes to forming a positive association between the dog and handler, the action, thing, and/or environment being worked on. Would you show up to work excited if you didn't receive a paycheck? Treats can also reduce or eliminate the need to physically manipulate or force an animal to meet your desires or requirements. Think dolphins getting health-checked or getting your dog into the car.

𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁?

No. The fallacy that if you begin giving your dog treats for a behavior, that you must always give your dog a treat in order to complete that behavior is false. This theory is largely spread by owners fearful of what might happen so that their efforts would go to waste, or by those who do not know how to properly and strategically use and phase out treats. That said, many people choose to continue to do something that is most effective the large majority of the time - to give their dogs periodic treats as a reward and reminder that their efforts are correct and appreciated.

During the learning process, a new behavior becomes interesting, then familiar, and eventually essentially muscle memory once it's learned. During training, treats are used differently in phases, until they are mostly or completely stopped. Less commonly, toys can be used instead for dogs more driven by play. Praise and petting is another reward, albeit one not typically as motivating as food - at least in the beginning.

Lastly, while we have the general idea of what food can do for drive, do we know the what, when, and how to utilize that drive most efficiently and productively? That's where trainers come in. The unpredictability in the "middle" stages of phasing treats out actually INCREASE the dog's drive and engagement, just like the science behind why we will continue to gamble and play a slot machine time after time, hoping for the payout. How are you creating a positive experience and rewarding YOUR dog for their engagement?

15/04/2022

03/04/2022

Attention friends and clients! Now that I'm no longer a full-time pet sitter and there's a more fitting avenue to connect those of you interested in tricks and the general type of dog training methods I like to share and learn about, I'm weighing the benefits of both options and considering disusing this page. Regardless, the new group will likely remain a better suited arena as it connects you to other locals vs revolving solely around me. So if you'd like the link, please shoot me a quick PM!

To all of you that have or might, at any point, trusted me with your home and pets, I sincerely thank you as I'm grateful for your business, the opportunities, and all of the learnings that resulted. In the beginning, it was a strange concept being in "stranger's" homes without them present as it's something I wouldn't be able to do myself, and I would never betray that trust. I continue to be a student of dog behavior, personal development, and continued education across the board. This year, two of my top goals are to get certified in dog first aid and project management. I wish everyone well in your own endeavors in all that you pursue as well. Much love 🥂💖🐾

09/03/2022

This family had recently suffered a loss in their immediate family and was beyond grateful to have found me in order to be able to take a long overdue mental health trip. This was the beginning of life after sickness for them and one of the clients that made what I did so meaningful. I almost turned them down because we had a lot of construction going on at the time, but I decided to make accommodations as needed. It isn't just about the business. ♥

22/02/2022

I love this so much. But because of its applicability across the board - not exclusively dog training.

18/02/2022

💯💯

16/02/2022

Well it seems as though I have lost my dear Buddy dog to a family of 5+ in Ohio. For those that don't know, Buddy is the origin story that brought me out of pet-sitting and to Balanced Paws as without him, I wouldn't even know BP existed. You will be missed, Bud... 😔🫂

15/02/2022

I said that I would provide an update in the new year... So of January, I am now the Office Manager (and assistant trainer) of Balanced Paws K9 Training. I may be teaching tricks classes as well after the first trial series. I normally keep my work and personal life very separate, so I haven't yet decided if or how much I will incorporate on Facebook, however if you are interested in following us on Instagram, you can follow this video and check us out 😉😘🐾

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CZiTN1PF898/?utm_medium=copy_link

Cavendish Music • Funny Song

17/01/2022

Apparently I took pics instead of a video of Buddy jumping on the treadmill with Mike on his own :)

02/01/2022

Announcing... a new specialty trick title, That's My Name!
A special dog has a special name. Come up with 25 tricks starting with the letters of your pup's name (any combination of their first, last, or registered name). See a preview of what your title will look like in the comments.

25 tricks spelling letters of their name.https://domorewithyourdog.com/DogTricks/product/thats-my-name/

20/12/2021

Positive Reinforcement Training

Positive reinforcement training methods strengthen the relationship between you and your dog as you collaborate toward a shared goal in an encouraging, fear-free environment as this method leads to a more confident dog and higher behavior retention. The dog participates in the learning process with a positive attitude and enjoys working and interacting with the trainer, instead of fearing or being confused about what NOT to do as undesired behavior is not punished.

Dogs are motivated by the desire for reward or pleasure vs. fear or avoidance. You may have seen that confused or fearful dogs often get discouraged or shut down. This, in turn, can not only impede or end training sessions, but makes sessions (and you) less predictable for your dog, limiting their confidence-building potential due to negative surprises. A dog doesn't learn as much when he gets it wrong then gets discouraged, similar to how a child doesn't. When they feel they can trust you for clear direction without repercussions for being confused or distracted, the more potential for success there is to be had.

Dogs do what WORKS… what works to get them something they get pleasure or value out of. This is why it is up to us to build value (to them) in what we would rather they get pleasure out of. It is not automatic. Many of the things we desire from our dogs do not come naturally, so must be taught. Teaching requires flexibility and adjustments to fit each individual learner's pace and style. It is up to us, not our dogs, to be the leader in bridging the gap between how humans and dogs communicate.

19/12/2021

❤️🐶🐕‍🦺🐾

08/12/2021

Fall pics! I am a bit behind.
To provide a related update - as some of you know, after two years, I moved from pet sitting full-time to a reduced part-time schedule around September. As hard as it is for me to be the one initiating "break-ups" with my regular and favorite clients especially, beginning this month, I must make another reduction to mostly "emergency backup" sitter only for my Rover clients in order to align 2022 goals with actions. This will afford me less distraction and disruptions due to a smoother, consistent schedule, and a few more hours in the week dedicated to this year's priorities - both personal and professional, including new roles at Balanced Paws (will post at a later date). Happy holiday season, everyone!

29/11/2021

Siblings! Tip: for leashes that can also be used as head halters when appropriate, look for 3/8" thickness or less.

Rescue Rope Leads for &

26/11/2021

Where there is a will, there is a way to lay by HD. He dragged his blanket out from his doggy bedroom 🛌

26/11/2021

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/feb/16/the-westminster-dog-show-fails-the-animals-it-profits-from-heres-why

America’s iconic dog show encourages breeding for beauty over health. It says a lot about our society’s fixation on aesthetics and status at the cost of empathy

24/11/2021

The gear is in!

24/11/2021

17/11/2021

❤️ my
Slip collar harness + 2nd slip collar for a second point of contact. This escape artist pup cannot pull out of either of these points like he can the owner's fabric harnesses. Safety first.

13/11/2021

New news! I am excited to announce that I am now a (and I believe Knoxville's only) Animal Actor Certified Evaluator (AACE)...!

Students cannot be evaluated until the new year when the program is officially rolled out and I have work to do myself as well, but I am certified and will be providing more info soon!

31/10/2021

Is Buddy or the crate upside down?

31/10/2021

I am obsessed with my new custom multifunctional leash from Rescue Rope Leads ! Check them out!

14/10/2021

WILL save dog pants. Fixed.

04/10/2021

I have mixed feelings about retractable leashes since I use them, however I am more responsible than most and therein only use them in certain specific, low-distraction environments for potty walks only (not structured longer walks). I do not use them with strong pullers and am not sure I've ever left the house with them; anywhere around the block or further, non-retractable leashes are used.

In any case, one of my strongest pieces of advice for ANY and type of leash: never let your dog go around a corner or building BEFORE you. I had a run-in just recently with a neighbor who did this and her dog was immediately reactive and would have attacked my dog had both of us not reacted quickly as well as had good control over the dogs. An inattentive walker moseying around or on their phone would have had a lawsuit or injured dog. This happens ALL the time... Just ask your local vet's office.

Going back to the Flexi leashes, I have to agree that unless you are an extremely responsible owner only using them in low-distraction, non-busy environments on an adult, well-trained (loose-leashing walking) dog, that they should not be used. And unquestionably never for walk training. This trainer shares why.

Ahhhhhhhhhh, retractable leashes… a hot topic that inspired me to write down some brief thoughts…As most people who know me know, I HATE flexi-leashes. This might be the one dog training tool that I absolutely cannot find ANY value in; (even silly ones usually at least have some kind of foundati...

29/09/2021

An off-leash dog seen as a reactive dog parent

Reply to .am.audrey.lol something reactive dog owners really understand

29/09/2021

27/09/2021

PSA: Not all dogs need to like other dogs all the time.

Your dog does not have to like every dog they meet along the street, much less get along with everyone at a dog park. It is OK for them to be cautious or a little guarded with some (pending no aggression or other severe behaviors at hand, of course).

Do you like every human you meet? Would you want to be forced around those you do not? Yes, in a perfect world everyone, dog and human, would get along; I know we want to see things through that light. However, it is perfectly acceptable and okay for your dog to not adore every human or dog they meet. Sometimes, we just need to be an advocate for our dog and respect their personal space by not forcing interaction.

18/09/2021

Wow, lookie here

US $57.32 15%OFF | Solid wood material dog kennel dog bed smooth polished teddy dog kennel golden retriever detachable pet bed solid wood cat kenne

15/09/2021

What percentage of the time does your dog listen to you?

If your dog doesn't typically respond by the second ask (around the house or in low-distraction environments, especially), there are likely things you can change to increase the value of your asks and the attention your dog gives you.

One great habit to get into as a pet parent is pausing. When you ask anything of your dog, pause and wait for their decision. Habits such as pursuing them without giving them this opportunity, or repeating the ask over and over again actually DISCOURAGES them from listening to you the first time. Complete the ask, wait, then enforce. If they listen - integrate some form of positivity in for this follow-through. Is your dog getting something out of it by obeying? Enforcement of your ask could mean anything from rewarding them in some fashion for listening, to enforcing your ask by going and bringing them physically to where you'd like them to be. The more times you repeat an ask, without reinforcement, is the more chances you've given your dog to opt out and not take you seriously both this time and in the future.

If your dog often chooses not to listen, reflect on whether you may have unintentionally either not created enough value for them TO listen, or potentially created a negative association with listening to you (a "lose-lose" situation in your dog's eyes). They may feel that whether they listen or decide not to - that there's nothing in it for them either way.

Set you and your dog up for success by making these choices easier for your dog by asking yourself, "What's in it for them?" What things does my dog value?

Lastly, ensure that you are as consistent as possible with word and phrase associations so that you are not punishing your dog for being confused or scared to get it wrong. Try to always use the same language so that your dog immediately knows when you are talking to THEM and what you are talking ABOUT.

01/09/2021

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMRSVFQQs/
This is one of the very reasons your "It's OK, he's friendly" dog should not be off-leash in most public areas. Not every other dog is approachable, just as not every human is. Protect AND be an advocate for your dog. Both handlers were responsible for this incident here.

🚩 Red flag body language 🚩 TW: dog attack

04/08/2021

Peekaboo! This is Rosie girl... She is rightly timid around new people and her favorite things in the world are sticks and anything chewable (even if us hoomans don't agree).

25/07/2021

We like close-ups and we cannot lie... 🎶

24/07/2021

23/07/2021

There isn’t a single dog on the planet that wouldn’t bite, no matter how high it’s threshold

20/07/2021

DID YOU KNOW?

The dominance theory is essentially a wives tale that was unfounded, yet caught on widely and has been disproven for some time (including by the person it originated from). What people interpret as dominant is usually the dog being rude, intimidating, or having a lack of social skills. A dog wanting to manage others' behaviors can be because the dog lacks confidence and social skills so wants to control the environment as a result. It could be their overcompensation for believing they need to step up as the pack leader. It could be misguided, mismanaged energy. There are a variety of possible reasons behind this overt thinking and behavior. Forcing a dog possessing strong behaviors to submit to you in and of itself can make the behavior worse, cause confusion in the dog, and cause harm to your leadership role and relationship with the dog.

If you ever feel your dog or home environment, in part due to your dog, is out of control, please know that you must open your heart and mind to investing the time to learn about better options and habits in order to make your home a healthier, happier place for both human and dog. It may take more or less than you think, but please study up or consult with a professional if you ever find yourself in this kind of situation. You made a lifelong commitment to your pooch, and you both deserve the outcome that can be achieved!

14/07/2021

Are you a giver, matcher, or taker?

Here is the clearcut formula for making connections that last.