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Month: July 2016

Becoming A More Effective Trainer: A Necessary Shift In Perspective

Becoming A More Effective Trainer: A Necessary Shift In Perspective

Today’s post has a more philosophical bent than some of my previous entries, but I think it’s a topic well worth exploring.  It’s not always enough to talk about how to do things, what works and what doesn’t – to be truly effective trainers, we also need to think about why. First, let me start with a very general question: what is dog training about? As humans, we have a natural tendency to view our dogs’ behavior through the prism…

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To Pee or Not To Pee: Housetraining Demystified

To Pee or Not To Pee: Housetraining Demystified

Bringing home a new, furry bundle of joy is a life-changing event, fraught with both excitement and trepidation.  There is no denying that an 8-week-old puppy is lots of fun, cute and playful and full of promise… but once the initial thrill has subsided a bit, there are a number of practical things to consider.  Purchasing food and water bowls in just the right size, a collar and leash that suits her.  Dog beds.  Perhaps a crate.  What kind of…

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The Dark Side of Socialization: Fear Periods and Single Event Learning

The Dark Side of Socialization: Fear Periods and Single Event Learning

Years ago, when I was a senior veterinary student working as an extern with OSU’s clinical behavior service, I saw a case that stuck hard in my memory and has never faded. The patient was a beautiful three-year-old female German shepherd I’ll call Heidi.  She was a lovely dog in most respects – friendly and gentle with people, very bright, and a quick learner.  In the consultation room, she was calm and well-mannered, approaching us readily with a wagging tail…

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