How to Change Unwanted Behaviors
A lot of people come to dog training classes or private lessons to help learn how to stop unwanted behavior. I wanted to write this blog to help you understand how we address behavior change, specifically for unwanted behaviors. There are four ways to address unwanted behaviors that I will go over for you in…
Read MoreSocial Learning
Today I want to discuss a topic I’ve been thinking about a lot since being home on quarantine. Social learning, which means learning that happens through modeling or imitating behavior observed by another person or, in this case, dog. Social learning started to be studied after the original pieces of learning theory (classical conditioning: learning…
Read MoreVirtual Training Services
I hope this blog post finds you safe and well! I wanted to introduce my new virtual training services to you today. Things are uncertain here in the Lehigh Valley but training your dog doesn’t have to be! I am now offering several options for online training to help you get started today. The first…
Read MoreHow Dogs Learn 101
Let’s start our dog training journey from the beginning by talking about how our dogs learn. Studies in canine behavior started in the late 1800’s, moved to the early 1900’s with Pavlov’s dogs and continued on to B.F. Skinner in the 1950’s. Since then dog trainers have been using these principles of Learning Theory to…
Read MoreTips for Keeping Dogs on Crate Rest Happy
If your dog has been prescribed a period of crate rest or limited activity, here are some ideas to keep them entertained. Remember, do not attempt any of these suggestions if they are contrary to your vet’s orders. In addition, always supervise your pet to ensure they are safely engaging in these activities. Think Outside…
Read MoreWhat to Teach Your Puppy First
You got a new puppy! How exciting! Did you know that training can start immediately? Because every interaction is training. What we reinforce with our pups will continue. So, what should you focus on reinforcing first? Name recognition: Your puppy has a new name, so it’s essential to help them learn that name. Start by…
Read MoreThe Elephant in the Training Room: Saying No to Our Dogs
There is a lot of debate, even here between dog trainers in the Lehigh Valley, about whether we should say no to our dogs in response to undesirable behavior or for doing an incorrect behavior. So I’ve decided to give you my take. Do I say no to my own dogs? Absolutely. I am a…
Read MoreNew Program Packages
Hello there and thanks for visiting my blog! I wanted to take a minute today and highlight each of the new programs I’ve just developed. These new program packages are designed with busy families in mind, to help you achieve your training goals with your dog as quickly as possible. The first in our new…
Read MoreCanine Enrichment
You may have heard this buzzword, “enrichment,” recently. It’s all the rage. Hopefully, you’ve been a little curious to learn more about what it is. Lucky you, that’s what we are going to discuss in today’s blog! Enrichment means “the action of improving or enhancing the quality or value of something.” In this case we…
Read MoreMy #1 Dog Training Tip
January is National Train Your Dog Month. In honor of this occasion I have decided to share my number one dog training tip with you. My number one dog training tip is to be consistent. If I can teach you nothing else about training your dog allow me to teach you this: Consistency is key.…
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