Positive Note Dog Training

18/01/2024

Josie and I were guests on a local cable access show. I answered questions about K9 Nose Work. Josie was a good girl and paid attention for about 30 minutes. She and I did a little demo at the end. For more information about K9 Nose Work check out www.k9nosework.com

In this episode, our 120th, we welcome Tracey Costa from Taunton, Massachusetts. Ms. Costa, a canine nose work instructor and a member of the National Associ...

22/10/2023

I love the products from West Paw Design! Looks like they have done it again and have created a fun family game that includes the dog! What a fun way to get the kids (and adults) involved in playing with the dog!

Ahem. Someone has been missing from family game night--but not anymore! Now, your pup gets to be the life of the party. Unleash the fun (and even sneak in a little training) with this simple, high-energy game where humans laugh, dogs win, and best friends matter most.

21/08/2023

This is Zeus. Isn't he handsome?! His parents are being proactive as they are working on getting Zeus prepared for his Dad's return to the office. A big "YES" for being proactive!

06/05/2023

Thank you, Jean!

It is gaslighting to be told that, by taking a clear ethical stance against the use of aversives, we somehow injure trainers who do use aversives. A new blog post by Academy founder Jean Donaldson.

https://www.academyfordogtrainers.com/uncategorized/reality-testing/

04/05/2023

Emails have been sent for the ELITE and L1I EST trials in Foxboro. Check your spam/junk folder in case you didn't receive an email. If it's not in your spam folder, check to see if you have blocked these kinds of emails. Waitlist is published on positivenotedogtraining.com. Thank you everyone for entering our trials!

03/04/2023

Spencer has earned an advanced degree in "Puppy Dog Eyes". He uses this skill often and to great effect. Try to ignore him, I dare ya!

02/03/2023

Reward-based methods aren't just for sunny days and easy dogs and puppies. They are for all dogs. Because they work for teaching behaviours and resolving behaviour issues. More here: https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2019/11/reward-based-dog-training-isnt-just-for.html

24/01/2023

Treat Tuesday - Pork roast $3.49/lb. More treats per pound AND a better quality than store bought.

22/01/2023

Why should you work with a Certified K9 Nose Work Instructor or a Certified Professional Dog Trainer?

1. They are Certified! Untold hours of training and continuing education units ensure that a client receives the most current information. A Certified Instructor's education never stops!
2. Has liability jnsurance.
3. Has a plan for you and your dog.
4. A Certified Instructor is proud of their experience and will share it with you.
5. Is part of a large, supportive network of other Certified Instructors.

To find a Certified K9 Nose Work Instructor in your area, go to: https://k9nosework.com/

To find a Certified Professional Dog Trainer go to: https://www.ccpdt.org/

Interested in getting your dog started?

06/12/2022

https://youtu.be/OIjMBfhyNDE
Tough Love: A Mediation on Dominance & Dogs

This 2012 documentary feature (produced by Anchorhold Films & Tower Hill Films) traces the history of the “alpha dog” concept from its origins in 1940’s wolf studies to its current popularity among ordinary dog owners and professional trainers.
"Your relationship with your dog should be fun." - Dr. Sophia Yin

This 2012 documentary feature (produced by Anchorhold Films & Tower Hill Films) traces the history of the “alpha dog” concept from its origins in 1940’s wolf...

28/10/2022

Two articles about the alphabet soup found after a dog trainer's name and credentials. I am not a "whisperer" or a "behaviorist". The former is bunk, the latter is used by a veterinarian behaviorist.

https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/lifestyle/human-focus/professional-dog-training-titles/

https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/behavior/qualified-professionals-for-dog-aggression-modification/

dog fear aggression, professional dog trainers, trainers for aggressive dogs

29/09/2022

If we thought of all training as tricks, I think I would be unemployed. 🤣
I was playing with Josie and she offered the behavior of putting her paws on my feet. One day later, I have her walking forward.
What tricks have you done today?

05/09/2022

NW1 & NW3 Bristol, RI trial confirmations and wait list emails have gone out! Check Spam/Junk folder if you don't see it.

23/08/2022

It's okay if your dog plays with their food. 🤣 How are you using your dog's meal today?

20/08/2022

This is my idea of the Dog days of Summer. Presented by size. I think they are brilliant! Many thanks to the pet parents that have shared their puppers with me!

19/08/2022

Gizmo says, "Happy Friday! I'm a smart puppy!"

17/07/2022

Let's talk treats. Dogs like meat. Least expensive treat you can make is from pork. 2 1/4 pounds for $2.45. I'm using my griddle to cook but you can easily use your oven or stove top. Once it is cut up, I freeze it for future use. What treat have you made for your dog?

14/07/2022

The anatomy of a dog bite - very interesting! https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/animal-emotions/202206/dog-bites-behavior-dogs-and-humans-attack?fbclid=IwAR1OGDpiYIGV7EYBkE4G789KATEvzikmzYu0F-jL7NAbxDf1O0hZKWJ_y_c

Ethological analyses of videos preceding dog bites offer a goldmine of data.

07/07/2022

The word "alpha" is a trigger for me. The word "dominant" is also tossed around with alpha. I don't like using "Alpha" or "Dominant" because it is typically used to describe bad behavior or undesirable behavior in dogs. When I hear Alpha or Dominant used in a sentence it is because dog parents are witnessing an undesirable behavior in their puppy. I am sharing a post from the scientist that coined the term "Alpha" with you. His greatest wish is to retract that term. Unfortunately, we humans identify very strongly with the words alpha and dominant. In the attached video, he says, "We've learned a lot since then."
http://davemech.org/wolf-news-and-information/

Wolf News and Information News The most current, accurate, and objective wolf news can be found on the website of the International Wolf Center (www.wolf.org) Mech books Mech articles Scientific publications (.pdf) Popular publications (.pdf) Downloadable articles Schenkel’s 1948 Wolf Expression S...

19/05/2022

Pro training puppy tip - Do not allow your puppy to greet every dog or human while on leash. Fallout can be dog reactivity, pulling on leash and a young dog that doesn't follow your cues.

Leashes create frustration and dogs have difficulty communicating. The best thing you can do is make YOU the most important thing in your puppy's life.

The picture below is of 8 month old Josie watching a family and a few dogs walk past. She remained quiet and in her "wait" position as they moved past.

28/04/2022

I find the word "socialization" is used incorrectly. Many people seem to think socialization means dogs interacting with other dogs and other people. That is just a very small part of socialization. Josie was "socialized" to the vacuum as a very young puppy. Her observations of the vacuum were positive and brief. Great dog training is like watching grass grow....slow and steady wins the race!