Improving human-dog relationships through effective communication and customized training. USMC Veteran owned dog training business in Fredericksburg, VA.
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Preparing Gambol to cap his drive and perform a steady, focused yet intense indication during detection work. Once he masters this, next step is to put it all together with target odor. He already has a strong foundation of searching and odor recognition.
Fun lunchtime training session with Gambol
Happy National Puppy Day ...celebrating dogs I have known and loved (even if a couple of them weren’t technically mine) ❤️
Target acquired!
Learning to wear a muzzle, session 2.
We have a vet appointment today and while I don’t anticipate needing a muzzle, it did remind me that I should get back to working on this.
It helps that I’ve taught him to rest his chin in my hand so he understands the concept of putting his face on something and holding it.
Oh, and I hate editing video so don’t mind my fumbling around with the camera for a bit to try to fix the angle. I’m a dog trainer, not a videographer!
Taking some time on this gorgeous Saturday to enjoy the outdoors with Gambol. He doesn’t know we’re training. He just thinks we’re having fun. And isn’t that the point?
Hi. My name is Ivan. I’m handsome and I know it. I’m spending some time with Ariel to learn that I’m, in fact, NOT in charge.
When you find yourself getting frustrated during training because your dog isn’t getting something or doesn’t understand what you want, pause for a second and consider how your dog, lacking human intellect and reasoning, must feel.
We need to give our dogs a lot more credit for willingly engaging in training when they are so often unaware of our goals.
It wouldn’t be true if I said this was Gambol’s first session conditioning the muzzle because we did 4 repetitions before I realized I needed to stop and take some video. However, he had never seen a muzzle until a few hours ago so this video demonstrates just how quick and efficient training can be with the right dog and the right techniques.
It’s incredible how quickly and eagerly this dog learns. After one repetition of clicking for investigating the muzzle, Gambol began consistently offering this behavior. I have worked with him on placing his chin in my palm and pointing and freezing on a target which have similar elements, but I can’t discount how much his inherent clarity and focus contribute to his trainability.
Thank you again Merry K9 Services, LLC for the opportunity to own such a talented pup.
Some indication behavior work with Gambol. I’m using an object that is easy to see because I’m not incorporating any searching or scenting behavior yet. This is simply an exercise to teach a skill to be used later on in various contexts ...point and freeze on target.
What's in your toolbox?
Operant conditioning isn't always the best tool for modifying a dog's behavior. It's important to understand that sometimes we need to change how a dog "feels" rather than simply focusing on teaching a dog what to do or not to do. When we want to change how a dog perceives or responds to something scary or uncomfortable, we can use classical conditioning (also known as Pavlovian conditioning).
Sparkle's owner purchased her as an older puppy and sent her to me for training the same day she arrived from the breeder. One of the first things I noticed about Sparkle was that she was very uncomfortable being picked up. If she thought I was going to lift her, she would flatten out, urinate submissively, display avoidance and displacement behaviors, and appear nearly catatonic. It's impossible to know exactly why Sparkle behaved this way, but I suspect in the past, being picked up was not associated with good experiences. Because of her size, there are going to be situations where Sparkle will need to be picked up and it would be better for everyone if she felt more comfortable with it. So what to do?
First, I stopped picking her up unless absolutely necessary. Second, I moved her to a large pen that didn't require me to bend over to open it. Third, I employed classical conditioning to change her mind about being handled. As you can see, this is still a work in progress. Sparkle had a very strong negative conditioned response to being picked up and that's not going to change overnight. She didn't protest being picked up and never showed any fight or flight behavior. She didn't try to bite or run away. However, continuing to force being picked up on her would just perpetuate the avoidance and displacement behaviors. My goal is to make her enjoy being handled or at least not dread it.
It's important to note the difference in the sequence of events in classical and operant conditioning. When we are changing behavior through use of consequences (operant), we wait for the dog to display a specific behavior and then we reinforce or punish that behavior using pleasant or unpleasant stimuli. When using classical conditioning, what the dog is doing (behavior) doesn't matter. What does matter is what happens after the stimulus we want to condition.
In this case, I don't care what Sparkle does when I handle her. What matters is what happens after I handle her. Regardless of her response, she gets a very high value food reward (roasted chicken). My goal is to create the association that being handled means chicken is coming and thus, create a positive conditioned response.
This approach can be used in a variety of contexts, for instance: "loading" the clicker, accepting medical procedures, addressing fear or reactivity, or enjoying grooming and nail trims. If you start young and have patience, you will find your dog looks forward to experiences that are often unpleasant.
I hope all the fun you had running through fields and playing in swamp water is worth the bath you’re getting tomorrow, KC!
With so many skillfully edited videos that only show progress and success while omitting struggles and mistakes, we sometimes forget that dog training is a process that is rarely errorless. Dogs get confused and make mistakes. Puppies get overstimulated, distracted, bored, or just reach their threshold and need a break. Trainers lose track of time, raise criteria too quickly, unintentionally change the context, give inconsistent cues, or fail to recognize a change in the dog’s motivational state.
This is a long video but I think it’s valuable to sometimes share an entire training session showing both good and bad. There’s a lot of good going on here and I’m proud of how far this young puppy came in just 2 weeks. However, I believe it’s important to constantly critique myself as a trainer and find ways that I can improve with each dog to create as much clarity and consistency as possible.
- I had never worked on distinguishing between place and kennel with them so close together before. I also changed the location of both the kennel and the place for the video. I believe more sessions working on distinct skills first before combining criteria would have been useful.
- Because the floor is slippery and Roxy doesn’t have the structure and core strength of an adult dog, she has a difficult time holding a sit. I could have put matting down to help her hold position better.
- The session went a bit long for a puppy of her age (~13 weeks) and she started getting distracted. I did notice her throwing her head up to where I keep her water bowl and realized her need for water was competing with her ability to concentrate on commands. I let her drink and then did just a couple more repetitions before ending the session.
- I dislike repeating commands multiple times, which I did in this video. I could justify why I chose to do that at the time, but I would like to minimize this even more in the future. More sessions simply working on the cue for one behavior before adding a second would help.
I know there are more areas where I can improve or things that others would have done differently. I also feel there’s value in seeing the dynamics of a complete training session. Things don’t always go as planned so we must be able to adjust. Notice how I lowered my criteria when I realized it was too challenging for her. When she struggled, instead of waiting for a down in the kennel, I marked and rewarded her just going into it. Criteria can be flexible. We must both raise criteria to teach our dogs to work through difficulties while also being flexible enough to lower criteria when frustration begins to impede learning.
My goal with every dog is to first show them what I want them to do with as much clarity as possible. I use positive reinforcement (typically food) to teach them what they SHOULD do. Once they have a clear understanding of what I expect from them, I then teach them they MUST do what I expect, no matter what. During this stage, I consider the age, temperament, and previous experiences of the dog to determine the best way to enforce behavior. The same tool and method is not appropriate for every dog just as you cannot use a hammer when you actually need a drill. After I have proofed the training in a variety of contexts, I then must teach the owner how to maintain consistency at home where the dog will be most tempted to revert to previous behaviors.
Training is a process that continues for the life of the dog. The time your dog spends with a trainer helps teach them new skills but you must also be committed to applying those skills at home. If you’d like help training your dog or would like to learn more about the process, please contact me to discuss how I can assist.
(Warning: this isn’t an exciting training video ...just three minutes of a dog being a dog 😊)
Gambol provides my morning entertainment while I pick up walnuts. He always makes me smile. ❤️
Thanks again for this awesome boy Merry K9 Services, LLC!
People ask: "At what age should I start training my puppy?"
My answer: "Now!"
Puppies are little sponges and don't have a long history of practicing bad habits and paying attention to distractions that compete for your attention. The earlier you begin training, the easier it will be to instill good behaviors and healthy routines.
Teach your puppy what you want now so you won't struggle to eliminate behaviors you don't want later on.
Like what you see? Your Dog Can Too! Contact me and let me help you learn how to have a better relationship with your dog.
This one really hit me. My older dogs often get the short end of the stick because I’m so busy with client dogs or my puppy. They oblige my needs by acting as patient distractions or confident companions for dogs that are staying with me for training. They get to join us on excursions but usually they’re not the focus of my attention. Tonight, I decided I’m going to make time regularly to give Levi and Diggity more of my undivided attention. They have earned it.
What did you do with your dog(s) today?
Nothing more attractive than a wet doodle
Let’s talk heeling ...
When training an animated, prancing heel, do you first teach proper position and then bring animation and rhythm in later once the dog knows how to find and maintain position? Or do you focus on enthusiastic movement and then refine position once the dog is moving as you want?
And more importantly, WHY? Is your preference based upon personal experience or observation? Or is it based upon studies examining the best way to learn motor skills?
Sometimes, the distractions come to you ...
Having my a/c replaced (finally!) and using the opportunity to proof the dogs around some strangers and noisy distractions.
Sophie wasn’t bothered at all and even though she really wanted to go check out what the guys were doing and say hello, she was a good girl and exercised great impulse control.
Wish your dog had better manners and was more obedience at home and in public? Let me show you that Your Dog Can Too!
I debated whether or not to share this but I believe some important lessons can be learned from this video. I hope this video and the related stories will serve as eye openers to both clients that they must scrutinize potential trainers and also to fellow trainers that we must police our own.
First and foremost, this kind of training is abusive, absolutely unacceptable, and puts responsible use of e-collars in jeopardy. This news report shows clips of the original video (link in comments) which is even more disturbing.
Second, dog training is not something that should be franchised like a fast food restaurant. This business model lends itself to putting dogs in the hands of inexperienced trainers to keep up with client volume. Profit becomes more important than quality. Dogs are not clones. Each one is different. You cannot apply a cookie cutter method and expect each dog to fall into line and adhere to your agenda. Just as importantly, trainers are not clones. You can’t teach a human how to read, communicate with, and change the behavior of an animal in 17 days. I grew up learning how to train dogs from my mother who has been working with dogs for over 40 years. I’ve been training dogs professionally for almost 18 years. I’m still well aware that my knowledge and skills will be challenged regularly and there is always something more I can learn. I can’t imagine leaving a new trainer to train dogs alone after a few months, let alone a few weeks.
Lastly, I believe this emphasizes how important it is for clients to ask the right questions and not just trust their dogs in the hands of anyone. It’s a huge responsibility to be entrusted with the well-being of someone’s beloved pet. There are trainers out there who see dollar signs and don’t put enough thought into how they treat their own dogs, let alone someone else’s. Don’t be afraid to be a pain. Pry! Ask about training methods, daily routines, experience, and qualifications. Ask for references. Don’t just be awed by fancy videos. Find someone who understands dog behavior and ask them what they think of the trainer’s work. Ask for a demonstration. Meet the trainer. Pay for a private lesson to watch the trainer interact with your dog. DO YOUR HOMEWORK!! Would you let your child spend 2-6 weeks with a stranger without vetting them first?
Fellow dog trainers, we need to do better in order to improve our industry as a whole. Fellow dog owners, we need to do our homework before trusting our dogs in the hands of a stranger. Improper, abusive handling of dogs as seen in the video is detrimental to everyone. It needs to stop.
The value of a solid recall ...right after I call Levi and KC, if you look closely, you can see a deer take off from the break in the trees at the bottom of the hill.
Why do I spend time teaching dogs commands that they already “know”? KD's Coaching for Dog Owners demonstrates clearly how what we think we’re teaching is not always what the dog is learning. Before you call your dog disobedient, make sure you’re both speaking the same language.
Prancing puppy!
Working on getting that cadence down and finding basic position with Gambol.
Even though I’ve been busy with seminars, private lessons, and my board and train clients, I still make time every day to get some work in with Gambol. Not only is he a super nice working puppy, I really love his personality, too. I truly look forward to and enjoy working him.
Like what you see? Let me help you build a strong foundation with your dog and take your training to the next level. Your Dog Can Too!
Remember: If you’re not training your dog, your dog is training you!
Thinking about adding a new dog or puppy to your family? Before you make your decision, there are some factors you should consider about your lifestyle and what you're looking for in a canine companion. If you'd like some expert guidance to help you navigate this journey, check out my post on Cedar Mountain Farm's blog: 10 Things to Consider When Choosing a Dog.
Also, please visit Cedar Mountain Farm on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter on www.cedarmountain.farm to receive updates on events, activities, AND my upcoming workshops planned for the fall. The farm is a gorgeous event and wedding venue. I look forward to my lessons with Camilla and her dogs because I'm able to escape the city and traffic and enjoy the peaceful, rustic atmosphere on the farm.
Are you thinking about adding a canine companion to your life but you're not really sure what factors should guide your decision? Maybe you've never owned a dog before and you don't know where to start. Perhaps you want to add another dog to your household and you want to make sure your choice is we
Penny didn’t love her bath, but she got some time to roll around in the grass while she was drying. Now she’s silky soft, smelling great, and as cute as ever for her reunion with her family and adopted brother, Parker.
Teaching a dog to respond appropriately to pressure doesn’t have to be stressful or painful. They simply need to understand that to relieve the pressure, they must move with rather than resist it, and when they do, their efforts will be rewarded. Anyone who has worked with horses is likely familiar with the concept of yielding to pressure.
In this video, I’m introducing Penny to negative reinforcement via leash pressure. When she yields to the pressure, I relieve the tension in the leash, mark her behavior with the clicker, and then deliver a food reward as positive reinforcement. Watch how Penny’s body language remains relaxed and she’s clearly engaged, focused, and enthusiastic. I don’t want pressure to inhibit behavior resulting in a dog that’s shut down. Instead, I want pressure to motivate and create expectation of reward.
When using negative reinforcement, I use the least amount of force necessary and my goal is for the dog to move in harmony with me rather than oppose my movement. I always teach behaviors using positive reinforcement (rewards) but I also want the dogs to understand how to respond to pressure with motivation and enthusiasm. It’s all about balance.
Parker wasn’t too thrilled to get a bath but he was such a good boy and is now looking so handsome, smelling so clean, and significantly less muddy. I’m excited to bring Parker home to his family this evening and teach them everything he has learned.
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Preparing Gambol to cap his drive and perform a steady, focused yet intense indication during detection work. Once he masters this, next step is to put it all together with target odor. He already has a strong foundation of searching and odor recognition.
Fun lunchtime training session with Gambol
Target acquired!
Learning to wear a muzzle, session 2. We have a vet appointment today and while I don’t anticipate needing a muzzle, it did remind me that I should get back to working on this. It helps that I’ve taught him to rest his chin in my hand so he understands the concept of putting his face on something and holding it. Oh, and I hate editing video so don’t mind my fumbling around with the camera for a bit to try to fix the angle. I’m a dog trainer, not a videographer!
Taking some time on this gorgeous Saturday to enjoy the outdoors with Gambol. He doesn’t know we’re training. He just thinks we’re having fun. And isn’t that the point?
It wouldn’t be true if I said this was Gambol’s first session conditioning the muzzle because we did 4 repetitions before I realized I needed to stop and take some video. However, he had never seen a muzzle until a few hours ago so this video demonstrates just how quick and efficient training can be with the right dog and the right techniques. It’s incredible how quickly and eagerly this dog learns. After one repetition of clicking for investigating the muzzle, Gambol began consistently offering this behavior. I have worked with him on placing his chin in my palm and pointing and freezing on a target which have similar elements, but I can’t discount how much his inherent clarity and focus contribute to his trainability. Thank you again Merry K9 Services, LLC for the opportunity to own such a talented pup.
Some indication behavior work with Gambol. I’m using an object that is easy to see because I’m not incorporating any searching or scenting behavior yet. This is simply an exercise to teach a skill to be used later on in various contexts ...point and freeze on target.
What's in your toolbox? Operant conditioning isn't always the best tool for modifying a dog's behavior. It's important to understand that sometimes we need to change how a dog "feels" rather than simply focusing on teaching a dog what to do or not to do. When we want to change how a dog perceives or responds to something scary or uncomfortable, we can use classical conditioning (also known as Pavlovian conditioning). Sparkle's owner purchased her as an older puppy and sent her to me for training the same day she arrived from the breeder. One of the first things I noticed about Sparkle was that she was very uncomfortable being picked up. If she thought I was going to lift her, she would flatten out, urinate submissively, display avoidance and displacement behaviors, and appear nearly catatonic. It's impossible to know exactly why Sparkle behaved this way, but I suspect in the past, being picked up was not associated with good experiences. Because of her size, there are going to be situations where Sparkle will need to be picked up and it would be better for everyone if she felt more comfortable with it. So what to do? First, I stopped picking her up unless absolutely necessary. Second, I moved her to a large pen that didn't require me to bend over to open it. Third, I employed classical conditioning to change her mind about being handled. As you can see, this is still a work in progress. Sparkle had a very strong negative conditioned response to being picked up and that's not going to change overnight. She didn't protest being picked up and never showed any fight or flight behavior. She didn't try to bite or run away. However, continuing to force being picked up on her would just perpetuate the avoidance and displacement behaviors. My goal is to make her enjoy being handled or at least not dread it. It's important to note the difference in the sequence of events in classical and operant conditioning. When we are changing behavior through use of consequences (ope
With so many skillfully edited videos that only show progress and success while omitting struggles and mistakes, we sometimes forget that dog training is a process that is rarely errorless. Dogs get confused and make mistakes. Puppies get overstimulated, distracted, bored, or just reach their threshold and need a break. Trainers lose track of time, raise criteria too quickly, unintentionally change the context, give inconsistent cues, or fail to recognize a change in the dog’s motivational state. This is a long video but I think it’s valuable to sometimes share an entire training session showing both good and bad. There’s a lot of good going on here and I’m proud of how far this young puppy came in just 2 weeks. However, I believe it’s important to constantly critique myself as a trainer and find ways that I can improve with each dog to create as much clarity and consistency as possible. - I had never worked on distinguishing between place and kennel with them so close together before. I also changed the location of both the kennel and the place for the video. I believe more sessions working on distinct skills first before combining criteria would have been useful. - Because the floor is slippery and Roxy doesn’t have the structure and core strength of an adult dog, she has a difficult time holding a sit. I could have put matting down to help her hold position better. - The session went a bit long for a puppy of her age (~13 weeks) and she started getting distracted. I did notice her throwing her head up to where I keep her water bowl and realized her need for water was competing with her ability to concentrate on commands. I let her drink and then did just a couple more repetitions before ending the session. - I dislike repeating commands multiple times, which I did in this video. I could justify why I chose to do that at the time, but I would like to minimize this even more in the future. More sessions simply working on the cue for one behavi
(Warning: this isn’t an exciting training video ...just three minutes of a dog being a dog 😊) Gambol provides my morning entertainment while I pick up walnuts. He always makes me smile. ❤️ Thanks again for this awesome boy Merry K9 Services, LLC!
People ask: "At what age should I start training my puppy?" My answer: "Now!" Puppies are little sponges and don't have a long history of practicing bad habits and paying attention to distractions that compete for your attention. The earlier you begin training, the easier it will be to instill good behaviors and healthy routines. Teach your puppy what you want now so you won't struggle to eliminate behaviors you don't want later on. Like what you see? Your Dog Can Too! Contact me and let me help you learn how to have a better relationship with your dog.
The value of a solid recall ...right after I call Levi and KC, if you look closely, you can see a deer take off from the break in the trees at the bottom of the hill. #yourdogcantoo #obedience #dogtraining #cockapoo #borderjack #labrador #lovefxbg #fxbgva
Prancing puppy! Working on getting that cadence down and finding basic position with Gambol. Even though I’ve been busy with seminars, private lessons, and my board and train clients, I still make time every day to get some work in with Gambol. Not only is he a super nice working puppy, I really love his personality, too. I truly look forward to and enjoy working him. Like what you see? Let me help you build a strong foundation with your dog and take your training to the next level. Your Dog Can Too! Remember: If you’re not training your dog, your dog is training you!
Teaching a dog to respond appropriately to pressure doesn’t have to be stressful or painful. They simply need to understand that to relieve the pressure, they must move with rather than resist it, and when they do, their efforts will be rewarded. Anyone who has worked with horses is likely familiar with the concept of yielding to pressure. In this video, I’m introducing Penny to negative reinforcement via leash pressure. When she yields to the pressure, I relieve the tension in the leash, mark her behavior with the clicker, and then deliver a food reward as positive reinforcement. Watch how Penny’s body language remains relaxed and she’s clearly engaged, focused, and enthusiastic. I don’t want pressure to inhibit behavior resulting in a dog that’s shut down. Instead, I want pressure to motivate and create expectation of reward. When using negative reinforcement, I use the least amount of force necessary and my goal is for the dog to move in harmony with me rather than oppose my movement. I always teach behaviors using positive reinforcement (rewards) but I also want the dogs to understand how to respond to pressure with motivation and enthusiasm. It’s all about balance.
A little recall work with Gambol and the Treat & Train on this beautiful Saturday evening. Jonathan Merry, this boy just continues to impress me. I can’t thank you enough for trusting me with him. I highly recommend anyone who is looking for a stable, social, intense working puppy contact Merry K9 Services, LLC.
Doing some casting with Parker. Why? Because it’s good for his mind and body! Parker is done with my foundation obedience program but he’s boarding with me for a few extra days. I thought this was a good opportunity to practice obedience skills while also teaching him something new. He’s so eager to learn and engage me, he certainly makes training fun! Do you want to go above and beyond basic pet obedience skills! All that’s required is effort, commitment, and consistency. If Parker can do it, Your Dog Can Too! Remember, if you’re not training your dog, your dog is training you.
Amazing work by my client, Kate, and Bolt! I am continually impressed by her creativity, patience, and ability to communicate her training goals so clearly to Bolt. There are people who have been training for years who are unable to accomplish such advanced behaviors. I’m so proud! And this is why I say, “Your dog can too!” If you commit the time and effort, I will teach you how to not only have a well behaved companion, but to also take that training to the next level.
A beautiful morning to hang with Parker, whose tail never seems to stop. #yourdogcantoo #dachshund #scruffy #dogtraining #obediencetraining #fxbgva #lovefxbg
Parker and I started work on the place command this evening. I wasn’t intending to video our first session but he picked it up so quickly, I figured I should pause and start recording. This guy is such a little firecracker. I love his enthusiasm!
I drove to NJ to bring Max back to his owner and I’ll be staying a couple weeks to visit with family, provide follow-up lessons to Max’s owner, and do a few behavior consultations. While I’m here, I’m taking advantage of the new environment to work on Gambol’s training around new distractions. Gambol is about 4.5 months old now so I’m keeping things easy and not spending too much time working on any one behavior. My goal is to create an inventory of various behaviors using luring and shaping. I firmly believe if you lay a solid foundation when your puppy is young, you will be rewarded with a more focused, engaged, and well behaved dog in the long run. Remember, if you’re not training your dog, your dog is training you!
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My name is Ariel Peldunas and I want to help you better understand and communicate with your dog.
I grew up learning to train dogs from my mother, also a professional trainer. While working with dogs and other animals has always been my passion, I have spent the last 18 years training dogs professionally for military, police, search and rescue, and civilian clients. In addition to refining my skills through practical application, I have studied human and animal behavior academically while earning a B.S. in biology and neuroscience. My desire is to learn as much as possible about behavior, learning theory, and effective communication so I can share that with my clients and help improve the relationships and lives of the dogs and humans I am lucky enough to work with.
My approach to training is not a one-size-fits all, quick fix method. In fact, I do not have a “method”. My approach is to treat each dog and human as an individual. I evaluate the temperament and behavior of your dog and tailor my training to suit your needs. Once your dog has learned the necessary skills to lead a balanced and healthy life, I then dedicate my time to teaching you how to provide structure and effective communication to have the best relationship you can with your dog.
All of my training courses include follow-up lessons to ensure what your dog learns during his/her time with me is maintained once your dog returns home. My ideal client is one who is willing to dedicate time and effort to learn to train and communicate with their dog. It is simply ineffective and unfair to expect a dog to behave properly if his/her owner is not invested in the process as well. If you are looking for an easy solution to your dog’s behavior problems that doesn’t require any work on your part, I’m not the trainer for you. However, if you truly desire the best relationship possible with your dog and want to learn skills that can be applied for the lifetime of your dog and with other dogs you may share your life with in the future, I would love to help you.
I look forward to working with you and helping to create more balanced pets and more happy, knowledgeable owners.
- Ariel
