DogCentric Life

22/01/2025

Canine enrichment doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Dogs thrive on activities that challenge their minds and engage their senses, but that doesn’t mean you need to splurge on expensive toys or gadgets to meet those needs. In fact, some of the best canine enrichment activities can be created with items you already have at home! Whether your dog loves to sniff, chew, or problem-solve, there are plenty of ways to keep them busy while sticking to a budget. Not only do these activities provide mental stimulation, but they also strengthen the bond between you and your dog.

Here are some simple, creative, and budget-friendly ideas to keep your dog happy and mentally stimulated — all for about $5 or less (depending on where you shop)!

Canine enrichment doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Here are some budget-friendly ideas to keep your dog happy and mentally sharp — all for about $5 or less...

14/01/2025

When it comes to dog training, the way you communicate with your dog makes all the difference in the world. While it might seem natural to correct bad behavior with a stern “No!” or “Bad dog!”… the truth is, focusing on rewarding good behavior is far more effective. Positive reinforcement not only creates a stronger bond between you and your dog but also leads to more reliable training results.

Let’s take a look at why saying something like “Good dog!”… or providing positive praise… is better than scolding and how this approach benefits both you and your dog.

Using positive reinforcement & rewarding good behavior not only creates a stronger bond between you and your dog, it leads to more reliable training results...

13/01/2025

Most of us go through our daily activities without even thinking about it. You get up in the morning, shower, brush your teeth, eat breakfast and head out the door to work, the gym or to run errands. Many of those activities you don’t even think about… they’re just routine… as long as no one throws a wrench in the works! For a number of us, routine is what keeps us sane. Now it may seem strange, but your new puppy needs structure in their day too. Creating a routine for your puppy helps them settle into their new home faster making life easier for you!

Many daily activities you do are just routine... no thinking needed! Your new puppy needs routine in their day too. Let's create a daily schedule for them...

13/01/2025

So, you finally brought home that adorable bundle of fur you’ve been dreaming about – your new puppy! Congratulations on adding an exciting addition to your family! However, now that the initial excitement has settled, you might find yourself wondering… “What do I do next?” Don’t worry… I’ve got you covered. In this guide, I’ll walk you through some essential steps to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new puppy.

You just got a new puppy and now that the initial excitement has settled, are you wondering... "What do I do next?" Don't worry... I've got you covered...

13/01/2025

Do you hear the click-click-click of your dog’s nails when they walk across the floor? Time for a nail trim! If your dog doesn’t have issues with having their nails trimmed you can easily learn to do it yourself and save some $$

Want to learn how to safely trim your dog's nails? Doing this ensures that long nails don't negatively affect your dog...

09/01/2025

Whether you’re teaching your dog the basics, or addressing behavioral issues, incorporating the 3 D’s can significantly increase your likelihood of success. The 3 D’s – Duration, Distance and Distraction – are key elements that will help you significantly in training your dog to perform any behavior… at least those that a dog is able to do!

The 3 D's - Duration, Distance and Distraction - are key elements that will give you the ability to train your dog to perform any behavior that dogs can do...

09/01/2025

Have you ever wondered why the training cues you give your dog may work in some locations, but not others? For example, you go to dog training class and your dog learns to sit. They actually seem to have mastered it by your standards! Every time you ask them to sit they respond immediately and perfectly! You get home and are eager to show off what they learned. You ask your dog to sit and your dog looks at you like you’re an alien from another planet and has no idea what you’re saying. Sound familiar? Well… this has to do with generalization… and it shows the importance of this concept to ensure that your dog’s behaviors are reliable across various environments both with and without distractions.

Ever find yourself wondering why your dog will "SIT" in dog training class, but seems to forget this skill at home? This has to do with "generalization"...

06/01/2025

Over the years, through the study of canine behavior, the techniques used in dog training have evolved considerably. What is now considered “modern dog training methods” use positive reinforcement, which are scientifically proven to be both successful for training purposes, and beneficial for the human-dog relationship. On the flip-side are the ‘old school’ methods, based in aversive dog training techniques, which have been proven to carry many potential risks for your dog.

For those that might be leaning toward, or actually using, aversive techniques, be sure you take the time to make sure you fully understand that there are potential risks of using these methods. Part of my goal here today is to hopefully change at least one person’s mind when it comes to using aversive methods. So, without further ado, let’s look at some examples and explore them a little further so that you can see the potential risks to your dog… yourself… and those around you.



https://dogcentriclife.com/aversive-dog-training-why-you-need-to-know-the-risks/

06/01/2025

Positive reinforcement is an incredibly effective way to train dogs and other animals. When we reinforce a behavior, according to learning theory, there is an increased likelihood that the behavior will continue to happen, or, increase in frequency. However, it is important to mention that reinforcement doesn’t necessarily have to come from you. So yes, when you ask your dog to sit and he does… and you give him a treat… you are reinforcing the behavior of sitting, but there are plenty of behaviors that are reinforced WITHOUT your help. Let’s discuss reinforcers to better understand the categories that they are divided into: intrinsic and extrinsic reinforcers.

There are two categories of reinforcers: intrinsic and extrinsic reinforcers... let's discuss so that you understand how each can affect behavior...

05/01/2025

Dogs, like people, are more likely to repeat behaviors when they get something rewarding in return. Think of it like going to work—you do it because you earn a paycheck. Without that reward, would you keep showing up? Probably not!

This same principle is at the heart of positive reinforcement dog training. When you reward your dog with something they love—like a tasty treat, a favorite toy, or praise—they learn that good things happen when they follow your cues. For instance, if you ask your dog to “sit,” and they do, rewarding them teaches them that sitting on cue is worth their effort. A clicker can make this process even more effective.

In this guide, we’ll explore specifically what clicker training is, why it works so well and how you can easily get started.

Clicker training uses a small handheld device that makes a distinct “click” sound at the exact moment your dog gets performs the desired behavior...

05/01/2025

As the new year begins, it’s the perfect time to set some resolutions – even for our dogs! While we might focus on hitting the gym or eating healthier, our dogs have their own unique (and often hilarious) goals in mind. Have you ever wondered what they might resolve to do differently in the year ahead? Here’s a fun list of New Year’s resolutions, straight from the doggy brain...

The new year brings about the perfect time to set some resolutions - even for our dogs! Here’s a fun list of resolutions, straight from the doggy brain...