Happy Pup Training

26/01/2025

We believe diversity is a source of strength, equity is worth pursuing, inclusive practices foster humanity and progress, women's and LGBTQ+ rights are human rights, retaining control over our outcomes is fundamental, and kindness reflects true character. We reaffirm our commitment to foster inclusivity in training and behavior. In 2025, we will expand our scholarship opportunities for those who represent and/or support underserved and underrepresented communities. We will continue to evaluate and explore ways to further support this through our various platforms and brands in the weeks, months, and years ahead. More: https://bit.ly/4jKjlCD

05/01/2025

This woman changed my life and my relationships with the people and animals in it in a profound way and I am forever grateful for her.

We are deeply saddened to learn of Karen Pryor's passing. She was a pioneer in animal training and behaviour whose contributions have shaped modern dog training as we know it. Her innovative approach and entrepreneurial spirit transformed the industry, paving the way for countless trainers and animals to benefit from science-based, positive reinforcement methods.

Karen’s work extended far beyond the Karen Pryor Academy, which has educated and inspired trainers worldwide. Her book, Don’t Shoot the Dog, introduced an entire generation of trainers to the principles of clicker training and remains a cornerstone of dog training literature. The annual Clicker Expos she founded became vital opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and community-building within the field. Her legacy also includes Reaching the Animal Mind, a profound exploration of the science and art of animal training.

Karen’s vision, intelligence, and compassion revolutionised how we communicate with and understand our canine companions. Her contributions have had a lasting impact on the lives of trainers and the dogs they work and live with. She will be greatly missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire and guide the animal training community for generations to come.

Our thoughts are with Karen’s family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.

https://karenwpryor.com/

31/12/2024

Amen!

When strangers touch our dogs without consent, it can be unsettling for them—much like an unexpected touch feels to us. Dogs deserve respect and agency over their bodies. Politely guiding others to wait for the dog’s signals, like approaching willingly or leaning in, helps ensure interactions are safe and comfortable.

14/12/2024

13/12/2024

Not all dogs jump for joy, some jumping can be exploratory, a quest for comfort, or even aggressive. That’s why the solutions to stop your dog from jumping will vary.

17/11/2024

15/11/2024

14/11/2024

Yay!

10/11/2024

Thinking about bringing a puppy home? Stay up-to-date with socialization guidelines!

10/11/2024

The relationship between dogs and humans has evolved significantly over the centuries. Once revered primarily for their practical roles in hunting, herding, or guarding, dogs have now become an integral part of many families, providing companionship, loyalty, and unconditional love. As our understan...

29/10/2024

There is an ongoing animal shelter crisis brewing in the US. Solving it requires a multipronged approach from numerous volunteers.

29/10/2024

28/10/2024

True

Horse Tricks Club provides online training and a friendly community, focusing on trust and fun to strengthen horse-human bonds through unique activities.

16/10/2024

ABILITY TO COPE MORE IMPORTANT THAN OBEDIENCE.

🟡In today’s fast-paced world, there’s often too much emphasis on ensuring dogs are obedient, while their ability to cope with an increasingly chaotic environment is overlooked. While being well trained is important, it should be secondary to helping our dogs develop resilience and emotional stability. The modern world presents dogs with constant noise, busy streets, and frequent changes to their environment, which can lead to anxiety or stress if they aren’t prepared to cope with these challenges.

🔴Research supports the idea that emotionally balanced dogs are more adaptable and capable of learning. A 2019 study from the University of Helsinki found that training that focuses on a dog’s emotional state, rather than just their behaviour, leads to a stronger overall ability to handle stress and unfamiliar situations. Dogs that are trained solely for obedience without addressing their mental resilience can often struggle in unpredictable environments, which increases the risk of behavioural issues.

🟢When dogs are allowed to learn to cope first, their ability to navigate a busy world with confidence vastly improves. And more confident dogs respond better to training cues, not out of fear or command alone, but because they trust us and understand how to manage their environment. Building that foundation makes all other training a natural extension, rather than the primary focus.

🟣If we want our dogs to be truly well-adjusted, we must prioritise their emotional well-being and coping abilities. By shifting the focus, we are ensuring that dogs not only follow commands but also feel calm and capable in an ever-busier world.