Power of Dog Training - Seattle WA

05/01/2025

Today, we honor the incredible life and legacy of Karen Pryor, a pioneer who transformed the world of animal training and left an indelible mark on our industry.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that Karen Pryor’s groundbreaking work paved the way for trainers like myself, and countless others, to advocate for humane, effective training methods. While the fight for positive change would still continue, her visionary efforts undoubtedly accelerated the progress, bringing us to this better place much sooner than we might have otherwise achieved.

Karen Pryor was one of the first to show the world that animals don’t need to be trained with violence or fear. Her work with marine mammals in the 1960s, grounded in science and compassion, paved the way for positive reinforcement techniques that continue to shape the industry.

She didn’t just teach us how to train better; she taught us to see animals as sentient beings, deserving of respect, patience, and understanding.

Her book Don’t Shoot the Dog! remains a cornerstone in the field of behavioral psychology and animal training, introducing the world to the principles of operant conditioning and the power of positive reinforcement. The Karen Pryor Academy, founded in 2007, has trained thousands of professionals, ensuring her legacy endures in the hands of those committed to ethical training practices.

She laid the foundation for a movement that prioritizes trust, connection, and kindness. The positive changes we see in the industry today, our collective rejection of outdated, punitive methods, are a direct result of her fearless advocacy and unwavering belief in a better way.

Her work changed our field, but more importantly, it changed the way we connect with the animals who share our lives.

Thank you, Karen, for showing us what’s possible when science and compassion come together.

Your legacy will continue to inspire us, and we’ll strive to honor your memory by carrying your vision of compassion for animals forward. Rest in peace, and thank you for everything.

Zak George

03/01/2025

The agency took in more than 60 animals rescued from a home in Roy earlier this month.

07/12/2024

These are such great gifts for Christmas! Please share and support Kira. Without her virtual assistance and support, I would have probably given up on trying to maintain my own business, she has kept me in the training business and helping many pups, cats and their human families.

03/12/2024

Hi, this is Kira, Elisa's assistant. If you're looking to support a new small biz this Cyber Monday, please check out my Etsy store for my selection of hundreds of personalizable dog ornaments 50% off! https://winterwhisp.etsy.com

In my store's search box, you can search for your dog's breed or search "dog photo" for custom photo ornaments. I have ceramic ornaments with custom photos or dog breed art, sleds, vibrant acrylic mosaic dog breeds, and funny dog quotes!

All ornaments are 50% off through the holidays, but please try to order ASAP to get yours by Christmas! Thank you! 🐾❤️

PS: I have cats, too!

01/10/2024

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25348065/

Dogs are known to consistently follow human pointing gestures. In this study, we asked whether dogs "automatically" do this or whether they flexibly adjust their behavior depending upon the reliability of the pointer, demonstrated in an immediately preceding event. We tested pet dogs in a version of...

18/09/2024

Thanks Zak George

The power of 'YES'

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/TLXYNmSs6Td5Fge4/?mibextid=xfxF2i

19/08/2024

These tools... They come with a price.

07/04/2024

Learning from my favorites so I can help more humans and their best fur pals.

Clicker Expo Portland 2024

12/01/2024

Life of a former outdoor dog. Ten years ago I cried when it was 19 degrees and she was so cold on the other side of the fence. It felt hopeless because animal protection laws are a joke. A year later, she was finally mine and I'm so grateful she survived. Please bring your pets inside and wrap them in blankets, they are sentient little creatures who deserve better.

02/01/2024

100%

27/12/2023

Happy New Year dear ones. May this year bring great health and happiness to you and your furry companions.

24/12/2023

My heart hurts when I see this unnecessary combo and it adds to my depression and anxiety struggles. I see your body language little friends, I feel you from across the park. 💔

If you're relying on tools/equipment for most of your training, you're doing it wrong.

If your "training" equipment is for anything more than attaching your lead/leash to prevent your dog from running away/going to far, you are using painful/uncomfortable/annoying sensations to change behaviour.

Begs the question, if prong collars and e-collars are sooooo effective, what do we need both? Because they're not.

Equipment for management, then train the behaviour you want using positive reinforcement training.