One question rewards-based dog trainers who use treats often get is, “When can I stop using the food?” Invariably, this question is putting the cart way, way, way before the horse. The dog hasn’t been taught behaviors yet, and their people want to know when they can discontinue reinforcing with food. First, it should be… [Read More]

When I worked in zoos, I was fascinated with enrichment, the discipline of providing captive animals with objects and activities that would stimulate natural, active behavior. I didn’t give the concept of enrichment much thought for my dogs, though. After all, they got walks, had a back yard to play in and kids to play… [Read More]

At a Christmas party, I was challenged on how I work if I don’t work like Cesar Millan. Too many people have learned what they understand about dogs or dog training from television, and many dog trainers–not to mention trainers of other species–don’t train animals in the ways depicted by television personalities. There are several… [Read More]