Classical Conditioning is a One-Way Street
By Hannah Brannigan at Wonderpups Training
It is important to remember, classical conditioning always only goes one direction.
Bell -> Food
The bell has to predict the food for the bell to cause the dog to drool.
Food THEN bell will not have any effect.
So if your dog doesn't like a thing, and you want to change his feelings, you have to put the fun part AFTER the unfun part.
Microskills: Toys
By Sarah Stremming at The Cognitive Canine
In this microskills post I'm going to cover some really basic toy skills that we, if we are going to use toys to train, really need. It is really sexy right now to use multiple markers for toys and while I do find this concept really helpful, I do feel that trying to add a system of multiple markers to our training before we have clarified a few basics is not a good idea. Here's what I think we need to teach our dogs before we put toys to use in training…
Tricycle to Tour de France
By Kamal Fernandez
So I have made a decision, and I think its one that you all will be interested in hearing about…
I have decided that I am entering Neave, my 2yr old daughter in the Tour De France next year…. I am pretty sure she will be fine, I mean she is really good at home in the garden one her tricycle…. How hard can it be?
Your Shut Down Dog Doesn't Need More Energy; He Needs Less Stress
By Deb Jones, PhD., at K9 in Focus
One of the most common issues I hear from performance dog trainers has to do with the "shut down dog". This type of dog tends to fold under pressure. When they feel stressed or anxious their tendency is to do less. They move more slowly. They don't respond to known cues. They avoid interaction with the trainer. Typically students will ask me what they should do to help their dog become more active and energetic. And my answer is not what they expect.
Getting Used to Things (Or Not): Habituation vs. Sensitization
By Dr. Jennifer Summerfield at Dr. Jen's Dog Blog
Not too long ago, one of my training clients told me about an unexpected problem she was having with her dog.Sniffing and Nosework: The Activity for All DogsEnter heading here...
By Stacy Barnett at Scentsabilities
It's often said that Nosework is an activity for ALL dogs. I'd like to explore that a little and share with you WHY that's a true statement. Other sports seem to gravitate to certain dog types. Dogs who enjoy running, jumping and expressing themselves through motion tend to enjoy agility. Dogs who enjoy close up interaction and focus on their handler, tend to enjoy obedience. Dogs who enjoy swimming, retrieving and a release of quick adrenaline like dock diving… the list goes on…. But what kinds of dogs like nosework? The answer is in fact, ALL dogs. What you will find is that each type of dog will get something entirely different from the activity.
10 Tips for Mastering Online Learning
By Andrea Harrison
So – you signed up for another course. This course will work for you – really and truly.Or, maybe not. Sigh. How can you make the most of your learning opportunities and be the best student possible ?
Open Obedience
By Laura Waudby
Well we went to the AKC obedience trial today! Zumi was entered in Open A for her 2nd trial.
I was both happy and worried when I saw that the steward for Open was a child. A lovely young girl who did a great job stewarding all day!
It's just that Zumi wasn't well socialized to kids and she's very nervous by them.
I'm Scared. I Need You Right Now.
By Denise Fenzi
You're walking on the beach with a trusted friend. In the distance, you notice something coming towards you. You're not sure what it is, but you can feel your adrenaline rising. As it comes closer, you realize that it has six legs, is furry, and has just turned to look right at you with glowing purple eyes. It's absolutely alive and it's heading directly for you!
Melissa is FDSA's resident marketing geek. She teaches two classes here at FDSA: Marketing for Pet Professionals & Building a Wordpress Website.
In addition to teaching, she hosts the Fenzi Dog Sports Podcast, coordinates webinars, helps maintain the FDSA facebook page, runs the Ripple Effect group for dog trainers using Fenzi Principles, and other random odds and ends as needed. She is currently owned by a GSD with a championship in Treibball (and who is now learning obedience), a English Cocker Spaniel, and a small tuxedo kitty.
Melissa's full time job is helping dog trainers make more money by looking good online — she designs dog trainer websites and logos at Click and Repeat.
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