PAWSability Center

24/07/2024

As many of you all know I have another job. As a friendly reminder, please *do not* call my other job and expect me to give you an immediate dog training appointment. I am often booked weeks in advance. We are often swamped 8-5 and I have a strict separation of shelter work and private training.

Picture of my foster cat Queen Purrsephone and her kittens 🐈‍⬛

04/04/2024

Service Dog users, checkout these vests and Laura's great video (and other content)
Ruffwear please sponsor some DOGGY U content; I can see amazing things happening with this partnership!!

🐕‍🦺 Behavior Interruptions & Alerts Course: https://courses.doggyu.com/p/bia🦮 Service Dog 101 Course: https://courses.doggyu.com/p/service-dog-101👉🏽 Sig...

25/03/2024

25/03/2024

How cool 🐑

We call this one: "Home schooling the kids," canine style

Shepherds, farmers, and ranchers will tell you that puppies learn by watching the behaviors of experienced dogs. By observing, they gather useful information and helpful “data” when there seems to be an advantage in mimicking that behavior. This is why shepherds, for example, will allow puppies to watch their parent working sheep.

This type of learning is called allelomimetic behavior, observational learning, or social learning, and it capitalizes on a dog’s inborn predisposition to want to be with other dogs, follow their lead, and do the same things.

When Anna Scandurra in the Department of Biology at the University of Naples and her team did research on the issue, they worked with 50 Labrador Retrievers who lived at home with their owners, none of whom were professional handlers or trainers. The team wondered if an untrained dog could learn a new obedience command after seeing it demonstrated by a dog who already knew the command. There are more details to such a study, of course, but the conclusion is that of the dogs who observed a demonstrator dog, 62.5% performed the task correctly in the test phase, as compared to only 23.5% of the dogs who did not get to observe the demonstration. “In conclusion our results suggest that observational learning could be useful in dog training.” Their findings were accepted for publication by the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science.

Not everyone, however, agrees that dogs can learn simply by watching. It’s been pointed out that four conditions are necessary for observational learning: Attention, retention, motivation, and production. A pup has to pay attention to the dog performing the modeled behavior; She has to retain the information gathered about the behavior while watching, she has to be motivated to reproduce the behavior in a time and place different from the original time she saw it, and she has to reproduce the behavior.

That being said, evidence suggests to us that ranchers and shepherds know what they’re doing. An earlier study from 1997 conducted by Slabbert and Rasa found that pups between the ages of 9-12 weeks who were permitted to watch their narcotics-detecting mums at work proved to be more capable at learning the same skills at six months of age than control puppies the same age who weren’t previously allowed to watch their mothers working.

By now, the experienced dog owners among you will be thinking that it’s just as easy to pick up undesirable behaviors from watching a “naughty” dog in action as it is the behaviors we actually want, and you’d be right. A word from the wise, then: Be careful what your puppy observes in other dogs!

Image: This photo has appeared all over the Internet unattributed for years, and we’d love to give proper credit. Anyone?

16/03/2024

Hobbes used almost all of his brain power during his session today and needed a mid session nap 💙
A++ work buddy

01/03/2024

💻 Online classes!
Sign up now to get some awesome training sessions in with the wonderful Ayoka Bubar Cpdt-Ka! 🐾

I've got some upcoming online classes going live!

Control Unleashed and AKC/CKC Rally Obedience!

Sign up soon, space is limited!

https://ayokabubar.com/services/

25/02/2024

Sniffaris for the win! Grab a long line, treats, put your dog on a harness and go enjoy the outdoors 🏔️ ☀️

Shake it…shake it off…

A recent study by two researchers in France looked at sniffing, pulse rate, and leash length on walks. Sixty-one dogs were taken on three separate walks, five minutes each walk, once with a 1.5m leash, once with a 5m leash, and once without a leash at all (walk order was randomized for each dog). Off-leash dogs sniffed the most, more than 3x as long as the dogs on short leashes. Dogs on long leashes spent nearly as much time as unleashed dogs sniffing, almost 3x as long as dogs on short leashes.

This study also found that sniffing resulted in lowered pulse rates, and the more intensely they sniffed, the more their pulse rates lowered. Pulse rate was also lowered when dogs “shook off” during walks on all leash lengths. The “shake off” behavior was often seen when the dog’s pulse rate was particularly high.

Read more about it below!

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1HX77kp2HBDiTxmq/?mibextid=Le6z7H

https://www.tuftsyourdog.com/everydaydogcare/giving-your-dog-time-to-sniff-on-walks-will-literally-soothe-his-heart/

What else can we learn about dogs from their walking behavior? Take your best friend on a Sniffari and see what you observe!

10/02/2024

This is going to be great!! 🐾

The Big Feelings Puppy Virtual Workshop is this Sunday Feb 11th at 1pm CT!

Fear of Missing out( FOMO)! Mine! Give me now! If this sounds familiar, you may have a Big Feelings Puppy. We love dogs with Big Feelings, and we also know they can be challenging and frustrating without the right expectations, tools, and clear communication. In this 60 - 90 minute interactive virtual workshop we teach you how to triage life skills, focus on preventing FOMO, tackle tantrums, and lay the foundation for cooperative and clear communication.

The format will be short sessions of instruction followed by working with your dog while getting real-time feedback. After the workshop participants will be invited to join a private Facebook group where they can post videos for feedback. There will be a 30-minute live Question and Answer session 2 weeks after the workshop.

Topics of instruction include:

Expectation setting
Patterns for clarity
Learning to take turns
Foundations for relaxing while exciting things happen

Register at
https://nonstopdog.com/events

06/02/2024

4 reasons why punishment should be avoided - according to neuroscience 🧠

❤️‍🩹 Neuroplasticity: Recent studies in neuroscience have emphasized the importance of neuroplasticity in learning. Positive reinforcement can effectively shape behavior by reinforcing desirable neural pathways, rather than relying on punishment which does not directly promote the formation of these beneficial connections.

❤️‍🩹 Stress on the Brain: Research has shown that stress and anxiety can have a significant negative impact on brain function and learning. Punishment in dog training can induce stress, potentially impairing the dog's ability to learn and form positive associations with training. This is in line with the understanding that a stressed brain is less capable of effective learning and memory formation, as indicated by recent neuroscience findings.

❤️‍🩹 Dopamine in Learning: Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, plays a critical role in the reward and motivation systems of the brain. Positive reinforcement in dog training can increase dopamine release, which enhances the dog's motivation and pleasure in learning. Punishment does not engage the reward system in the same way, underscoring the efficacy of positive reinforcement.

❤️‍🩹 Cognitive and Emotional Effects: Emerging research also highlights the complex cognitive and emotional responses animals have to different stimuli. Punishment has been identified as more likely to lead to fear, anxiety, and aggression - all of which are not conducive to learning. In contrast, training methods that focus on positive reinforcement can foster a more positive emotional state, facilitating better learning and stronger bonds between the dog and guardian.

Modern neuroscience research supports the notion that punishment is not necessary in dog training. Instead, it advocates for methods that leverage the brain's capacity for neuroplasticity, engage the reward system, and create a positive learning environment. These approaches are more aligned with how the brain learns and adapts, leading to more effective and humane training practices.

ℹ️ Follow .plus.dogs for more modern, evidence based advice on dogs

04/02/2024

Love this!

23/01/2024

Worth a reshare 🤣

15/01/2024

Muzzle Misconceptions from Trust Your Dog 🐾

04/01/2024

Since 2010, January has been known as ! What are your training goals for this month or for 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣ in general?
Ruh (Roo) and I will continue to work on our herding skills and work towards our Fenzi TEAM Titles 🏅
I'd love to work on our disc foundations too, but my arm would need to cooperate first 😅

21/12/2023

Checkout this FREE and awesome ebook thanks to Know Dogs Allowed Canine Enterprises!
Also checkout Kate Knows Dogs

19/12/2023

Did you know anyone can open a dog training school and anyone can call themself a dog trainer because the dog training industry unregulated 😬 It can be confusing when trying to find evidence based resources on how to pick a dog trainer. Thankfully the Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior has put together a great informative handout on how to choose a trainer! https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/How-to-Choose-a-Trainer-Position-Statement.pdf

04/11/2023

It's been a great time training these cuties, and working with their owners! 

12/10/2023

Join the fabulous Ayoka Bubar Cpdt-Ka, CCUI of Herd Is The Word to learn about herding instinct tests and more!

"Whether you are herding curious, or an experienced herding person, this community will have something for you!

Join Ayoka Bubar BA, CPDT-KA, CCUI and herding enthusiast in this dedicated All-Breed Herding Community where Patrons can participate in exciting educational opportunities such as interviews and webinars with all breed herding and dog sport experts.

Subscribe now for a herding related interviews, webinars and other herding related content.

https://patreon.com/HerdIsTheWord

Ever wonder what happens at a herding instinct test?

Join Ayoka and learn all about them!

You don't have to have a border collie to participate and earn a certificate but knowing the jargon, process and what to expect will make your whole experience more fun!

Some topics will include:

✅️ Basic herding terminology
✅️ Common instinct test procedures
✅️ What equipment to bring to an instinct test
✅️ How to find tests in your area
✅️ Farm/herding etiquette

Sign up for this webinar in one of 2 ways - Links in comments.

1️⃣ Join the Herd is the Word Patreon at the Learners Level for just $10 CAD/month.

2️⃣ Purchase this webinar for a one time payment of $24.99 CAD

07/09/2023

Tonight I worked with Emily and her family!

23/08/2023

one-more-itis (it’s terminal)

05/08/2023

If you hike with your dogs, you NEED this!

28/07/2023

Check out this 🌟 FREE 🌟 webinar!

This webinar is brought to you by the one and only, Amber! ✨

Join us for this FREE webinar all about one of our favorite activities - patio sipping and dining with our dogs by our sides! 🫶🏼 If you are looking forward to lots of cool weather patio time with your dog this Fall, you won't want to miss this introduction to brewery and restaurant manners. Amber, creator of the Drink With Your Dog® Project, will share tips and tricks to make your patio experience with your dog enjoyable for everyone - you, your pups, the brewery staff, and the people sitting next to you. 🍻

This webinar is live on our website! If you want to learn all about patio sipping & dinning with your furry friends by your side, this webinar is for YOU 🫵🏼. If for some reason you miss the live webinar, it will be recorded for your convenience. Click the link below to join in on the fun! ⬇️
https://summitdogtraining.as.me/schedule.php?appointmentType=50057950

21/07/2023

Checkout former foster puppy Pago, now Retter's socialization trips! 🐾

The critical socialization window for puppies is within their first few months of life. In this time, they are tiny little sponges- absorbing everything around them without any preconceived fears or worries. This is why we LOVE getting baby candidates! It gives us the most control over how they experience the world.

Young puppies like Retter who have not completed their core puppy vaccine protocols are at risk of serious diseases if they were allowed to traverse dog-trafficked areas.

But what about that critical socialization window?

We absolutely love utilizing dog strollers to help with this! The stroller allows young puppies to see and experience the world without risk of illness.

Raising Tomorrow’s Heroes is much more than just training and playing. To save the world, they have to see it first!

——

👉 Help raise tomorrow’s heroes!
❤️ tinyurl.com/KK9IncDONATE
🐕‍🦺 www.kaisercanine.com
🎁 www.kaisercanineshop.com

25/06/2023

A great post from our friend Katie at Wise Mind Canine

16/06/2023

Congratulations to our puppy owners and their puppies who all passed their AKC Puppy STAR

11/06/2023

We're all learning as we go. Shaming a guardian for a dog they already have isn't productive, kind, or compassionate, and it shuts down communication! We all have different reasons for choosing our companion animals. Many guardians don't know how harmful and dangerous puppy mills are or the inherent risks of "backyard breeding." I hope that more future clients talk with me about how to choose a dog. Until then, I approach each situation with empathy, support, and expertise for the human and canine client. ❤️

31/05/2023

Congratulations to the Basics & Beyond Level 1 Obedience class for graduating! Everyone made great improvements and they even learned how to teach their dog to read!! 😏

24/05/2023

Tonight in our AKC CGC class we added the cue "nope" to our come fronts. This is a great way to keep stranger from interacting with your dog, whether your dog is an overly social greeter or prefers pets from just you 🐾