I rarely walk my dog. Because I’m a trail runner, I run with him, but even when injuries stop me from running, I still don’t walk my dog. In fact, many dog trainers I know don’t walk their dogs. Personally, I find dog walks boring and stressful. My dog finds dog walks boring and stressful. …
Dog training
Hand feeding your dog their daily meals is one of the most powerful tools to train your dog new skills. In addition, you will build motivation, develop a stronger bond, and improve their behavior. I use it to teach dogs new behaviors in all of my training. The reason hand feeding your dog is so …
Aversive tools in dog training are a controversial topic. Certain dog training tools and methods, namely prong collars and e-collars are regularly cited as abusive and unnecessary in dog training, primarily by dog trainers who label themselves as Positive Reinforcement Only or Force Free. They are banned across many countries in Europe, and a movement …
There are many reasons someone would want to use an e-collar with their dog that has nothing to do with behavioral issues. A lot of dog owners think that e-collars are only for “bad dogs,” but that’s not true at all. That’s just one of the many myths about e-collar use in dog training. While e-collars …
I generally do not allow strangers to approach or pet my dog, and I never allow on-leash greetings with other dogs. The culture in the dog world has created the assumption that it is OK and normal to pet other people’s dogs in public spaces. There are even shirts that say “pet all the dogs.” …
I learned the hard way that my dog was not ready to hike off-leash during a trail run on an on-leash trail. Sixteen miles into an 18-mile run, Sora and I came upon a group of senior birders on a single track trail. Sora, with plenty of energy reserves, was off leash and I was …
Working with a professional dog trainer after I adopted Sitka was one of the best decisions I made for the both of us. I felt resistant at first because I believed that needing to hire a professional meant that I had failed. However, I realized that I had plateaued with my knowledge and wasn’t reaching …
Like many, I learned about balanced dog training and the use of aversive tools like the prong collar and e-collar after exhausting the use of positive reinforcement only training with a challenging dog. Prior to using them, I misunderstood how the tools work, due to widespread misinformation about their usage. After talking with many friends, …
If you have a reactive or nervous dog, it can make life a bit more challenging. It can be especially stressful when it comes to introducing your nervous dog to other dogs and people. I have always had reactive dogs and have a very soft spot for them. They have taught me everything I know …
Hiking with a dog that has leash reactivity can be extremely frustrating. From owners who do not obey leash laws to those who allow their dogs off leash with no recall, finding safe spaces to enjoy the outdoors with your dog takes work, skill, and planning. Other dog owners may tell you that your dog …