Impulse control vs. trial and success learning
Instead of trying to develop an impulse control inside the animal, I much rather prefer to focus on teaching the essential skills that my dog needs. When you teach all of the skills step by step, you teach by adding successes not by eliminating errors.
What does science-based even mean?
I often say that my animal training is science-based but what does that even mean and why would that matter?
Is your dog your best friend or your prisoner? [Controversy alert!]
As partners, you can choose together with your dog what is good for him. Giving him choice and the element of control of his own life is not going to threaten you but is going to enrich his life and make it even more enjoyable. Wouldn't you like to give that to your best friend?
How to teach your dog to wear a buster collar (cone)
Many dogs need to wear a buster collar (a cone) at least once in their lifetime. It’s very common to see a dog not wanting to wear it. It doesn’t have to stay this way though! After training, you get a dog that as soon as you get the buster collar out, he runs towards it and puts his head through! Now that’s a party trick right there!
Giving your dog a choice
We often think that when we give choice to our dogs, they just won’t do anything that we would like them to do. But from my experience, the more choice you give them, the more likely they will be to spend time with you.
Many times we don’t even bother trying to learn a new skill. We convince ourselves that it’s not for us. When what we could do is to find the first successive approximation and start learning through a fun and successful process.