by Pam Hogle More than fifty years ago, Jane Goodall made a discovery that shook some scientists — particularly those that had long lists of all the things that made humans unique and superior to nonhumans. She saw Chimpanzees using tools. Since then, other researchers have found other nonhumans using tools, from dolphins who use sponges to protect their beaks to elephants using tools to [...]

  by Eileen Anderson Is “choice” a code word for negative reinforcement? It can be. Seems like that’s the context where I see it pop up the most. I’ve written a lot about choice. Two of my major points are: Many people are confused about using choice as an antecedent vs. a consequence; and People are rarely referring to choices between positive reinforcers when they [...]

  Kay Laurence is a master trainer who points out the obvious in this blog: We are always training our dogs no matter what we are doing. Happy reading! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- by Kay Laurence I had not really considered the props we use as significant objects for the dogs when competing in a ring or training environment. We are aware of using bedding or crates to [...]

by Barbara Hodel What is the most difficult thing to teach our dogs? Coming back or a great recall? While I do agree that this is a difficult behavior, I do think teaching calm is much more difficult. Calm Mum – Calm Puppies Being calm is not the same as a cued ‘sit stay’ or ‘down stay’. Without becoming too airy fairy: Calm is also [...]

  Here is a blog by the Masterful Clicker Trainer Kay Laurence. Kay brings up some interesting points why it may be better to use a clicker, not because it has some sort of magical effect, but rather because it raises the human's awareness of the training process. by Kay Laurence The concept of “being a clicker trainer” is always going to lead to argument [...]

By Don Hanson BFRAP CDBC ACCBC CPDT-KA The concept of dominance in dog training is still pervasive today in some circles in spite of the advances made in behavioral science. Photo: © Can Stock Photo It was in the September of 2002 that the first version of this article appeared in Paw Prints, the Green Acres Kennel Shop newsletter. I update the article [...]

Calls on organizations representing pet professionals to drive significant change by publicly saying “no” to any training technique that causes pain or fear TAMPA, Fla. – March 6, 2017 – PRLog — Pet Professional Guild (PPG) has released an open letter to pet industry representatives on the use of electric shock as a tool for training and behavior modification in pets. In the letter, PPG [...]

By Marie Macher Trick training is a fun, engaging, and great way to build a bond with your dog!  Not only do you and your pup get to show off tricks to family and friends, but your dog is staying mentally stimulated while gaining confidence. As trick training can be practiced almost anywhere, it allows both social and reactive dogs the ability to participate, recently [...]

  Here is a great YouTube Channel and tutorial on how to teach your dog to jump through a hoop. Kikopup has many of these videos that are clear and easy to understand. We highly recommend all of Emily Larlham's videos. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arW12GQCY7E&feature=em-uploademail

Eligible candidates can apply for educational opportunities that support PPG’s stance on avoiding the use of aversive methods and equipment in animal care and training WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. – Jan. 17, 2017 – PRLog — The Pet Professional Guild (PPG) is to provide a limited number of scholarships for members to further their education in force-free training and/or pet care. Under the PPG Education Scholarship [...]