Why “Paw” is Problematic

Why "Paw" is Problematic | Spring Forth Dog Academy in Providence, RI Photo by Bonner Springs Library (Flickr Creative Commons)

Many of you know that I enjoy teaching my dogs tricks, so today’s post might come as a bit of a surprise. However, there’s one behavior that dog owners love to teach that often interferes with their progress in Day School and makes their training path harder. That behavior? “Paw” or “shake.”

Teaching your dog to put his paw on you to earn praise or a treat is easy and seems like fun. But if your […]

By |2017-07-14T19:15:32-04:00July 14, 2017|Training|Comments Off on Why “Paw” is Problematic

How to Teach Your Dog Self-Control Around Food: VIDEO

In one of my previous blog posts about self-control versus imposed control for dogs, I explained that I do not teach “leave it” to my dogs. Instead, I train my dogs to wait for permission to take food, objects, or anything else they want.

Here is a quick video demonstration of how I train dogs to have self-control around food.

Keys to Training

Siberian Husky Self-Control Around Food One of our students demonstrating self-control around food. Great job, Willow! (Photo: Smiling […]

By |2020-05-27T14:14:45-04:00December 28, 2015|Training, Tutorials and How-To Guides|Comments Off on How to Teach Your Dog Self-Control Around Food: VIDEO

Leave It! – Or Don’t? Self Control vs. Imposed Control for Dogs

"Leave it!" Do you need to teach this to your dog? [Photo Credit: Andrew Hyde]  

“No!” “Leave it!” “Off!” These are three cues that are more familiar to some dogs than “sit”, “come”, and “good dog.” Surprisingly, they often work against dog owners and serve to reinforce the very behaviors the owners are trying to punish.

A scenario: At the pet store, a bag of dog kibble has torn open and spilled all over the floor. A man is walking his dog down the aisle. His dog notices the kibble and lunges forward to eat some. “Leave it! No, […]

By |2015-11-25T17:16:00-05:00November 30, 2015|Training|1 Comment
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