Learning Library

General Training Technique 1-2-3-4 Formula Say the command, pause, lure, praise. Ian Dunbar's four-step formula works for every behavior, every dog, every time. Learn it… Excitable Impulse Control Bark & Shush Teach bark on cue, then teach shush. A dog can't bark and sniff at the same time — that's your off switch for every barking… General Husbandry & Care Bathing Your Dog bathing-your-dog Friday, April 3, 2015 11:47 AM Most dogs don’t mind getting and staying dirty. In fact, many seem thrilled to… General Life Stages Behavior Problems Older Dogs Behavior Problems in Older Dogs Behavior Problems in Older Dogs The Effects of Aging As they age, our dogs often suffer a decline… General Life Stages Behavioral Medications for Dog Dogs today face unique challenges adapting to human environments, leading to behavioral issues that may require a combination of… Anxious/Destructive Behavior Modification Being Alone Most dogs who struggle alone don't have clinical separation anxiety — they have isolation distress. Functional assessment reveals… Disobedient Training Technique Body Position Your dog obeys when you're standing but ignores you on the couch. They're reading your posture, not your words — train commands… Unfriendly/Aggressive Safety & Emergency Breaking Dogfight Breaking Up a Dogfight Breaking Up a Dogfight Although dogfights look and sound frightening, most of them end with no damage to… General Husbandry & Care Brushing Your Dogs Teeth Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth Why It’s Important Brushing your dog’s teeth isn’t just about fresh breath.… General Training Science Canine Body Language canine-body-language Friday, April 3, 2015 11:47 AM Dogs are very expressive animals. They communicate when they’re feeling happy,… Excitable Impulse Control Charging Through Doors charging-through-doors Friday, April 3, 2015 11:47 AM Dogs try to charge through doors for a variety of reasons. Some do it… General Impulse Control Choosing Playmates Your Dog Choosing Playmates for Your Dog Choosing Playmates for Your Dog Just like us, dogs are social animals, and many enjoy spending… General Life Stages Choosing Puppy Litter choosing-puppy-litter Friday, April 3, 2015 11:47 AM Introduction These guidelines are intended to help you evaluate puppies… Anxious/Destructive Behavior Modification Compulsive Behavior Explains repetitive behaviors and how to address them in dogs. Disobedient Impulse Control Counter Surfing And Garbage Ra Counter Surfing and Garbage Raiding Counter Surfing and Garbage Raiding Dogs are naturally curious and love to get into… General Behavior Modification Crate Training Detailed guide to effectively introduce a crate to dogs over two days. General Training Science CRF During initial learning, every correct response must produce a consequence. CRF is the only schedule that reliably builds new… General Family & Multi-Pet Daycare Dogs daycare-dogs Friday, April 3, 2015 11:47 AM Dog daycare providers can help you meet your dog’s needs for attention, activity and… Nervous Fear & Desensitization Desensitization And Counterconditioning desensitization-and-counterconditioning Friday, April 3, 2015 11:47 AM Systematic desensitization and counterconditioning are two… Anxious/Destructive Behavior Modification Digging Behavior in Dogs Dogs dig for various reasons ranging from instincts inherited from their ancestors to personal comfort and entertainment.… Unfriendly/Aggressive Safety & Emergency Dog Park Guide: Benefits, Risk Dog parks are popular places for off-leash fun where dogs can socialize and burn off energy. Understanding the advantages and… Excitable Safety & Emergency Dogs Chasing Bicycles Skateboa dogs-chasing-bicycles-skateboards-and-other-moving Friday, April 3, 2015 11:48 AM Many dogs like to chase really fast-moving… Excitable Safety & Emergency Dogs Chasing Cars Dogs Chasing Cars Dogs Chasing Cars Some dogs like to chase fast-moving things, including motor vehicles. They see a car moving in… Excitable Impulse Control Dogs Chasing Cats Dogs Chasing Cats Dogs Chasing Cats Dogs chase cats for two reasons. Some want to play with cats. Others perceive cats as prey and… Excitable Safety & Emergency Dogs Chasing Children Dogs Chasing Children Dogs Chasing Children Dogs who chase children need to be assessed by an experienced Certified Professional… Excitable Safety & Emergency Dogs Chasing Runners Dogs Chasing Runners Dogs Chasing Runners Most runners can recount a scary incident involving a dog charging out of a yard at them… Excitable Safety & Emergency Dogs Chasing Wildlife Dogs Chasing Wildlife Dogs Chasing Wildlife Predatory behavior in dogs is normal. Most dogs will chase animals who move quickly.… Nervous Impulse Control Dogs Who Are Hand Shy Dogs Who Are Hand Shy Dogs Who Are Hand Shy Many dogs love to be petted and actively seek attention from everyone they see. When… Unfriendly/Aggressive Behavior Modification Dogs Who Are Reactive Leash Dogs Who Are Reactive on Leash Dogs Who Are Reactive on Leash Many dogs lunge and bark at other dogs when on-leash, a behavior… Nervous Husbandry & Care Dogs Who Are Sensitive Handlin Dogs Who Are Sensitive to Handling Dogs Who Are Sensitive to Handling Most dogs enjoy being touched by people. They love being… General Training Science DR Family Four procedures, one principle: reinforce what you want strategically and the problem behavior loses its job. The trick is picking… General Training Technique Enriching Your Dogs Life enriching-your-dogs-life Friday, April 3, 2015 11:48 AM Boredom and excess energy are two common reasons for behavior problems in… Disobedient Safety & Emergency Escaping Yard escaping-yard Friday, April 3, 2015 11:48 AM Dogs are naturally territorial and like to patrol familiar areas. For many, a trot… General Husbandry & Care Exercise Dogs Exercise for Dogs Exercise for Dogs Dogs are born to work for a living. They’ve worked alongside us for thousands of years, and… General Training Science Extinction Bursts When reinforcement changes, behavior gets worse before it gets better — sometimes. The burst is less universal than trainers… General Training Science FCT Your dog jumps because jumping works. Functional communication training teaches a new way to ask for the same thing — so the old… Nervous Fear & Desensitization Fear Children Fear of Children Fear of Children Some dogs fear children and look frightened or upset whenever they see a child. Signs of fear… Nervous Husbandry & Care Fear Nail Trimming Fear of Nail Trimming Fear of Nail Trimming Trimming nails is an important part of routine care for your dog. Although not all… Nervous Fear & Desensitization Fear Objects Fear of Objects Fear of Objects Sometimes dogs develop a fear of objects. A dog might develop a fear of one specific thing or seem… Nervous Fear & Desensitization Fear of Animals Strategies to manage and treat dogs' fear of other animals. Nervous Fear & Desensitization Fear of People Discusses socialization and desensitization for dogs fearful of people. Nervous Fear & Desensitization Fear Riding Cars fear-riding-cars Friday, April 3, 2015 11:48 AM Fear of Riding in Cars Most dogs are thrilled at the prospect of a ride in the… Nervous Fear & Desensitization Fear Specific Places Fear of Specific Places Fear of Specific Places Sometimes dogs fear specific places. A dog might develop fearful behavior in a… Nervous Husbandry & Care Fear Veterinary Clinic Fear of the Veterinary Clinic Fear of the Veterinary Clinic It’s not surprising that dogs often develop a fear of visits to the… Unfriendly/Aggressive Behavior Modification Food Guarding Food Guarding Food Guarding Introduction Guarding possessions from humans or other animals is normal behavior for dogs. Wild… General Safety & Emergency Foods Are Hazardous Dogs Foods That Are Hazardous to Dogs Foods That Are Hazardous to Dogs Most dogs love food, and they’re especially attracted to what… General Training Science Functional Analysis Two dogs jump on guests. One jumps for attention, the other for a toy. Same behavior, different function — and the treatment that… General Training Technique Games & Motivation A cheap ribbon and a silly trick will get owners to practice more in one week than a month of assigned homework. Games disguise… General Husbandry & Care Giving Your Dog Pill Giving Your Dog a Pill Giving Your Dog a Pill Some dogs will eat anything and everything—including their medications. However,… General Training Science Hand-Feeding Replace the food bowl with hand-feeding — 200 pieces of kibble become 200 training reps for sit, down, come, and calm behavior… Disobedient Obedience & Manners Here” Is Associated With Sitti Teaching Your Dog to Do a U-Turn Teaching Your Dog to Do a U-Turn During on-leash walks with their pet parents, some dogs stay… Disobedient Obedience & Manners House Training Your Adult Dog House Training Your Adult Dog House Training Your Adult Dog Some adolescent or adult dogs (over six months of age) urinate or… Disobedient Life Stages House Training Your Puppy House Training Your Puppy House Training Your Puppy Puppies need to be house trained in order to understand that it’s not okay to… Disobedient Life Stages House Training Your Puppy Mill House Training Your Puppy Mill Dog House Training Your Puppy Mill Dog Congratulations! You’ve taken the wonderful step of… General Behavior Modification How Create Digging Pit Your Dog How to Create a Digging Pit for Your Dog How to Create a Digging Pit for Your Dog Digging is a natural and common behavior in… General Training Science How Stuff Kong Toy How to Stuff a KONG Toy How to Stuff a KONG Toy What’s a KONG? The KONG is a nontoxic, dishwasher-safe rubber toy with a hollow… General Life Stages How to Choose and Adopt a Shel Adopting a shelter dog is a rewarding experience that gives a deserving pet a new chance at life and happiness. By choosing to… Unfriendly/Aggressive Safety & Emergency How to Safely Break Up Dog Fig Dog fights can occur unexpectedly and can be alarming. Knowing how to safely intervene is crucial to prevent injuries to yourself… General Husbandry & Care How Will Neutering Change My D how-will-neutering-change-my-dog Friday, April 3, 2015 11:48 AM You’ll gain medical and behavioral benefits by having your male… General Husbandry & Care How Will Spaying Change My Dog How Will Spaying Change My Dog? How Will Spaying Change My Dog? Spay surgery can be behaviorally and medically beneficial for your… Excitable Impulse Control Impulse Control Training And Games Dogs impulse-control-training-and-games-dogs Friday, April 3, 2015 11:48 AM Dog Behavior > Impulse Control Training and Games for Dogs… Excitable Husbandry & Care Introducing Your Dog Head Halt introducing-your-dog-head-halter Friday, April 3, 2015 11:48 AM Introducing Your Dog to a Head Halter If your dog pulls on leash,… General Family & Multi-Pet Introducing Your Dog New Cat Introducing Your Dog to a New Cat Introducing Your Dog to a New Cat Bookmark/Search this post Many dogs and cats get along very… General Family & Multi-Pet Introducing Your Dog New Dog Introducing Your Dog to a New Dog Introducing Your Dog to a New Dog As of 2007–2008, there were nearly 75 million pet dogs in the… General Family & Multi-Pet Introducing Your Dog Your New Introducing Your Dog to Your New Baby Introducing Your Dog to Your New Baby Many dogs who haven’t spent time around children find… Excitable Training Science Leash Jerk Research 50 leash jerks per hour reduced to 5 — by replacing corrections with two words: 'steady' and 'hustle.' Instruction before… General Family & Multi-Pet Living Small Dogs Living with Small Dogs Living with Small Dogs To their fans, small dogs are adorable, compact, cuddly, transportable, economical… General Training Science Maintenance The maintenance phase embeds reinforcement in daily routines — the door that opens after a sit, the walk that starts after eye… General Training Science Matching Law Your dog isn't disobedient — it's rational. The matching law says organisms allocate behavior proportionally to available… Disobedient Husbandry & Care Medical Causes House Soiling D Medical Causes of House Soiling in Dogs Medical Causes of House Soiling in Dogs House soiling, or inappropriate urination or… Excitable Behavior Modification Mounting And Masturbation Mounting and Masturbation Mounting and Masturbation Mounting, thrusting (humping) and masturbation are normal behaviors exhibited… Excitable Impulse Control Mouthing Nipping And Play Biting Adult Dogs mouthing-nipping-and-play-biting-adult-dogs Friday, April 3, 2015 11:48 AM Most pet parents don’t enjoy dogs who bite, chew and… Nervous Fear & Desensitization Neophobia Fear New Things Neophobia (Fear of New Things) Neophobia (Fear of New Things) Neophobia is fear or avoidance of new things. Neophobic dogs show… Nervous Fear & Desensitization Noise Phobia Causes and solutions for noise phobia in dogs. General Training Science Owner Report Gap One in four owners misidentifies why their dog does what it does — under controlled conditions. In real-world intakes, the number… Anxious/Destructive Behavior Modification Pica Eating Things Arent Food pica-eating-things-arent-food Friday, April 3, 2015 11:48 AM The consumption of nonfood items is a disorder called pica. Although… Unfriendly/Aggressive Behavior Modification Predatory Behavior Dogs Predatory Behavior in Dogs Predatory Behavior in Dogs In their evolutionary past, dogs were predators. This may be a disturbing… General Family & Multi-Pet Preparing Your Dog Life Toddle Preparing Your Dog for Life with a Toddler Preparing Your Dog for Life with a Toddler Many dogs who haven’t spent time around… General Family & Multi-Pet Preparing Your Dog New Baby Preparing Your Dog for a New Baby Preparing Your Dog for a New Baby When you bring a new baby home, your dog will face an… General Training Technique Puppy Foundation Before sit-stay, before heel — your puppy needs a formula for learning, an off switch for barking, and a way to walk without… Excitable Impulse Control Puppy Mouthing puppy-mouthing Friday, April 3, 2015 11:48 AM Puppies spend a great deal of time playing, chewing and investigating objects. All… General Training Technique Re Homing Your Dog Re-homing Your Dog Re-homing Your Dog Your dog is a part of your family, and making the decision to give her up can be… Unfriendly/Aggressive Safety & Emergency Reading Dog Body Language Duri Understanding dog body language is crucial for ensuring that play sessions remain safe and enjoyable for all dogs involved. By… General Training Technique Representative Feedback Your dog is good 99.9% of the time. Representative feedback means praising the non-events — the calm moments nobody notices — so… Anxious/Destructive Behavior Modification Response Or Sequence Over And response or sequence over and over again) TCA, SSRI, 5-HT agonist Excessive Licking TCA, SSRI, 5-HT agonist Cognitive Dysfunction… General Safety & Emergency Road Trips Your Dog Road Trips with Your Dog Road Trips with Your Dog Travel Tips to Print [PDF] Vacations are a lot more fun if you share them with… General Safety & Emergency Safety Great Outdoors Safety in the Great Outdoors Safety in the Great Outdoors Hiking Safety Tips to Print [PDF] Many dog parents love outdoor… Anxious/Destructive Behavior Modification Sep Anxiety Functions Your dog destroys the door frame when you leave. Is it because you left, because the crate is aversive, or because pacing reduces… Excitable Training Science Speed Control A tight leash trains reactivity. Teaching your dog to slow on cue breaks the arousal cascade before it starts — and unlocks every… General Life Stages Stopping Table Begging in Dogs Teaching your dog to refrain from begging at the table ensures a peaceful mealtime for you and a well-mannered environment for… Disobedient Obedience & Manners Teaching Your Dog Eliminate Sp Teaching Your Dog to Eliminate in a Specific Place Teaching Your Dog to Eliminate in a Specific Place Some people want to teach… General Training Technique Teaching Your Dog Hand Target Teaching Your Dog to Hand Target Teaching Your Dog to Hand Target Hand targeting—teaching your dog to touch her nose to your… Excitable Impulse Control Teaching Your Dog Not Jump Peo teaching-your-dog-not-jump-people Friday, April 3, 2015 11:49 AM Teaching Your Dog Not to Jump Up on People Puppies and dogs… Excitable Impulse Control Teaching Your Dog Not Pull Leash teaching-your-dog-not-pull-leash Friday, April 3, 2015 11:49 AM Dogs have to be taught to walk nicely on leash. They’re not born… General Impulse Control Teaching Your Dog Play Fetch teaching-your-dog-play-fetch Teaching Your Dog to Play Fetch Playing fetch is a great way to have fun with your dog and exercise… General Obedience & Manners Teaching Your Dog Play Hide An Teaching Your Dog to Play Hide-and-Seek Teaching Your Dog to Play Hide-and-Seek Playing interactive games is a lot of fun for both… General Impulse Control Teaching Your Dog Play Tug War teaching-your-dog-play-tug-war Friday, April 3, 2015 11:49 AM Basic Tug Rules Once you find a tug toy that suits you and your dog,… Disobedient Obedience & Manners Teaching Your Dog Sit teaching-your-dog-sit Friday, April 3, 2015 11:49 AM Teaching Your Dog to Sit All dogs should learn basic obedience, and sitting… Disobedient Obedience & Manners Teaching Your Dog Stay teaching-your-dog-stay Friday, April 3, 2015 11:49 AM Teaching Your Dog to Stay Teaching your dog to go to a designated spot, like… Disobedient Obedience & Manners Teaching Your Dog to Sit Teaching your dog the sit command is an essential part of basic obedience training. It's useful in various situations, including… Disobedient Obedience & Manners Teaching Your Dog to Sit for G Training your dog to sit on cue can help manage enthusiastic greetings and prevent jumping on people. This guide will walk you… Disobedient Obedience & Manners Teaching Your House Trained Do Teaching Your House Trained Dog to Ask to Go Out Teaching Your House Trained Dog to Ask to Go Out Some house trained dogs show… General Training Science Thinning You can't reinforce every sit forever. The bridge from CRF to real-world variable reinforcement is systematic thinning — and… General Training Technique Trainer Mindset Objectivity, confidence, and persistence — the three qualities that compensate for every technical gap. You don't need to be the… Excitable Impulse Control Training Around Kids Ensuring dogs are trained to safely interact with children. General Obedience & Manners Training Outdoor Adventures Training for Outdoor Adventures Training for Outdoor Adventures Outdoor Adventure Tips to Print [PDF] It’s more safe and fun to go… General Obedience & Manners Training Your Dog Training Your Dog Training Your Dog Why Should You Do It? Many people can’t imagine life without dogs. We admire and adore them… General Husbandry & Care Trimming Your Dogs Nails Trimming Your Dog's Nails Trimming Your Dog's Nails Nail trimming is an important part of a regular grooming routine. If your… Disobedient Training Technique Two-Name System Use a pet name for suggestions and a formal name for commands. Your dog already knows when you mean it — the two-name system makes… Anxious/Destructive Behavior Modification Understanding and Managing Nor Chewing is a normal activity for dogs of all ages, fulfilling both physical and emotional needs. However, channeling this behavior… Disobedient Impulse Control Urine Marking Dogs Urine Marking in Dogs Urine Marking in Dogs Some dogs scent mark by urinating small amounts on vertical surfaces, usually while… Anxious/Destructive Impulse Control Using Taste Deterrents using-taste-deterrents Friday, April 3, 2015 11:49 AM Using Taste Deterrents for Your Dog Taste deterrents are substances designed… General Training Technique Using Time Outs Effectively Using Time-Outs Effectively Using Time-Outs Effectively When Should I Use Time-Outs? The “time-out” is a useful tool for… Excitable Husbandry & Care Walking Equipment Your Dog Walking Equipment for Your Dog Walking Equipment for Your Dog Although it’s much more pleasant to walk dogs who don’t pull on… Excitable Training Technique Walking Games Structured movement exercises — weaving, follow the leader, and slalom passes — that teach your dog to stay calm around other dogs… General Behavior Modification Your Dog Dominant your-dog-dominant Friday, April 3, 2015 11:49 AM Is Your Dog Dominant? Many pet parents attribute their dogs’ behavior problems to… General Life Stages Your Puppy Was Exposed To And your puppy was exposed to and at what age. Age in weeks: 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Exposure to: Babies, toddlers, children… General Life Stages Adopting Shelter Dog adopting-shelter-dog Friday, April 3, 2015 11:47 AM Adopting a Shelter Dog Shelters have lovable dogs and cats of all shapes,… Coming Soon Anxious/Destructive Behavior Modification Destructive Chewing Destructive Chewing Destructive Chewing It’s normal for puppies and dogs to chew on objects as they explore the world. Chewing… Coming Soon Unfriendly/Aggressive Safety & Emergency Dog Bite Prevention Dog Parks Dog Parks Dog parks are becoming more popular all across the United States. They range in size and design but all share… Coming Soon General Training Science Reinforcer Selection Owner reports of food preferences were wrong for half the dogs tested. A 15-minute paired-stimulus assessment identifies what your… Coming Soon Disobedient Obedience & Manners Teaching Your Dog Wait Doors teaching-your-dog-wait-doors Friday, April 3, 2015 11:49 AM Teaching Your Dog to Sit All dogs should learn basic obedience, and… Coming Soon