The Dog's Way Podcast: Dog Training For Real Life

Today's interview was with David Blank, owner of Happy Tails Canine Adventure Tours. David is the contact you need to know if you like travel and taking your dogs along! Background David started as a tour guide and found tremendous happiness with travel and tourism and eventually realized that incorporating the travelers' dogs in their adventures was an incredibly enriching experience. He talks about his adopted dog Max, who was close to being euthanized, became the spark for the 20,000 mile journey that would ensue.  The discovery of calm and connection to the dogs takes a bit of learning, but owners find that it gives their dog a sense of relaxation and confidence that they never had before.  Topics I talk about some of the basic steps that David requires for the dog to get started, such as; Obeying sit, stay, type commands Ability to be calm in a dog-friendly restaurant environment Not aggressive towards other animals or humans They need to be able to physically perform in these environments (on more stre

On today's show I answer a two commonly asked questions; the first from Tanya, one of our listeners. I get a lot of questions specifically about this. If you listen regularly to the podcast I'm sure you've noticed that I make occasional references to my video training series but I don't often talk about the details. I think the explanation of the video series will help you understand my approach and method to step-by-step training for your dog.  Next I respond to Julie, who asks about a specific type of training regarding dogs walking alongside you while you bike! So I'll take the opportunity to discuss this in depth as well.  Video Training Series This is a 12-part series designed to slowly progress in difficulty so that you can become accustomed to these methods with your dog so you both learn the fundamentals together. I go through this process with six different people and different kinds of dogs. Some of the benefits of this for use of the videos is; Using dogs of different sizes With different age leve

In today's episode, and after a few recording attempts, I sit down with Angie Burlingame, owner of A Dog's Life Training School. Angie's a trainer that uses a a board-and-train style method, and offers 2 and 3-week programs. She's based in my neck of the woods (Woodinville, Washington) and we talk in detail about what a typical session would look like for those interested in this type of method for training your dog. Angie and I have known each other for a long time, but this was the first time speaking together in person. In This Episode I go in detail, starting with how a boarding type training session begins. We talk about her initial analysis and what initial evaluation steps are important to her. She has a very positive-minded style and technique, and is extremely conscientious about her approach to dogs. Some of the fun stuff we talk about are; How Angie got started (we have a similar story about our sort of "pre-dog training" corporate lives) What led her into the field of dog training Some of the imp

In today's episode I will follow up on one of the many responses I received regarding my Skinner's Four Quadrants episodes 73 and 74 that I received. The concepts and methods that dog trainers use is varied, with peoples' passion for dogs it stands to reason that it would bring out a lot of passionate responses to my use of certain parts of all 4 of Skinner's 4 quadrants. A listener, Vicki wrote in. I'll jump in by starting with Vicki's email: I listened to your podcast on Skinner's Four Quadrants, and while you did an adequate job of summarizing some of the conditioning history, I think you're operating on some outdated information. Judging from some of your other materials you seem to be still laboring under the false assumption that dogs are pack animals. Perhaps you would like to expand and update your understanding of the current research in the literature of dog behavior and psychology. I've attached an article that summarizes the current modern understanding of domestic dogs' social behavior.   - Vicki

Ryan Brown (the dog “Philosofur”) operates a dog training business based in Hamilton, Ontario. He has been a great colleague in the business, and was a great guest on my podcast back in episode 69, where we spoke about his practice, and talked about tips for newer dog trainers. In this session Ryan and I will talk about some training commands for your dog WITHOUT food (yes, it is possible). Ryan’s steps include the following essential steps for the sit command: The proper “minimum” age to effectively train to sit; What the “sit’ should actually look like; What the command means to the dog; How to go to the next level so that the dog will hold the position. Ryan talks about the “style” sit versus the “tuck” sit and getting certain concepts worked out first as building blocks for further training. “Am I sure my dog understands the sit command?” Ryan suggests that many owners believe that their dogs already understand and carry out the plan. But a lot have a version of the command covered, but it is essentia

This is a continuation of my talk about Skinner's Four Quadrants. If you're reading this and haven't heard the previous show (episode 73), I'd strongly suggest going back to listen to that first. It will give some context to my deeper dive into what the concepts mean. We'll talk in this episode about the broader argument of the "purely positive" trainers, why I use a mix of all four, and why. Positive-Only" or "Positive-Focused" trainers vs. "Balanced" trainers I'll talk about the critical importance between the theoretical application of these principals when studied in a classroom and the "real world" application of those principals. It is an important distinction to make when deciding how you will apply the same thinking to your pet. The considerations for keeping correction in the mix is that it is sometimes dependent on the temperament of the dog - they are all different and have different tendencies. I'll give some examples. Additionally, I'll give some instances where the positive only concept can kind

Hey there Dog's Way fans, today it's time to get "geeky" and talk about Skinner's Four Quadrants. I get asked a lot about the references I make to B.F. Skinner and Skinner's Four Quadrants so it makes sense to go a bit further into what the concepts are behind positive and negative reinforcements, how trainers adapt to those concepts and in this and episode 74 I go into depth on my methods as well and how to apply it to your own pet. It's a fascinating understanding of behavior, conditioning, and training. There was so much information to digest that I decided to split it into two podcast episodes. Skinner's four quadrants were broken up like this; Positive Punishment Negative Punishment Positive Reinforcement Negative Reinforcement The idea stemmed from a few important predecessors to Skinner, and I talk briefly about their history and the evolution to the concept as applied by Skinner and how it is used for training today. Russian research physiologist Ivan Pavlov, who helped bridge the gap with classical

A Great Discussion with Bennie Copeland, author of Family Dog Fusion Bennie Copeland and I had a great discussion! If you remember Bennie Copeland from Episode 61, you're going to love our continued conversation. Bennie is a trainer in the Nashville area, and recently published a book, Family Dog Fusion. It's full of insights and tips on how best to teach, train, love and build an amazing bond that you may not have thought possible. It's got some great step-by-step tools about behaviors, patience, and talks about what your dog wants based on certain behaviors. I'd love if you'd consider taking a look at the book on Amazon. Some of the things we cover; "Balanced" techniques with dog training How others using correction as a method The varying opinions by different trainers, and how you can sort through what's right or wrong for your pet An interesting example of obeying the "down" command The decision to reward a dog for behaviors as they become instinctive. We also talk about people's opinions about other

In episode 71, Sean interviews Eric Letendre about his method and tips for introducing the down command to a dog.  Sean and Eric talk about some of the pitfalls that people fall into when introducing an obedience command and how to progress from introduction to a little greater proficiency in the down.

Sean interviews Cara Putnam of Crossroads Dog Training about her new free e-book “Before You Bring a Puppy Home”.  Her book walks you through the decision phase, preparation phase and your puppy’s first introduction to their new home.  The downloadable e-book is a great resource to guide you through your preparation.

In this episode, Sean interviews Ryan Brown about his thriving new dog training business in Ontario, Canada. Ryan shares his insights over the last two years of intense training with hundreds of clients.  Ryan has tips for newer dog trainers and people thinking of dog training as a career, as well as some ideas to make owner’s training easier and more effective with their dogs.

In episode 68, Sean interviews Dog Trainer, Cara Putnam about her training philosophy, her focus on dogs’ instincts and needs, as well as some specific ideas about how dogs’ marking behavior can affect the pack and play environment. In this session: In this episode What’s the difference [...] The post Session 68: Cara Putnam from Cross Roads Dog Training – Dogs’ instincts and training appeared first on The Dog's Way.

In episode 67, Sean answers some questions from a couple of listeners about interpreting dogs’ body language in behavioral modification, and what he thinks of a specific form of training called BAT training for dogs.  Sean gives a more detailed list of the dog body language signals that he usually looks for, and why [...] The post SESSION 67: Friendly Dog Body Language and BAT Training appeared first on The Dog's Way.

In episode 66, Sean interviews author Eric Letendre author of The Deadly Dog Training Myth.  Sean and Eric talk about dog training philosophy, dog training politics, and some of the reasons you may be a little frustrated in trying to solve your dog’s behavior issues.  Eric has been training dogs since the 1980’s and [...] The post The Deadly Dog Training Myth: interview with author Eric Letendre appeared first on The Dog's Way.

In episode 65, Sean answers an update questions about temporary and permanent boundaries as well as brings you an interview with Dave Van Kirk from DogWatch Hidden fence systems about their new Smart Fence Containment System. In this session: What’s the difference between a temporary and permanent boundary? Is [...] The post Session 65: Boundaries and The DogWatch Smart Fence Dog Containment System appeared first on The Dog's Way.

In episode 64, Sean outlines and describes the top three mistakes he sees small breed dog owners making.  Sean gives you a remedy for each mistake and a bit of a game plan and homework for you and your small breed dog, if you feel like you’re making these mistakes. Also, Sean reminds us that [...] The post SESSION 64: Small Breed Dog? Avoid These Three Mistakes! appeared first on The Dog's Way.

In episode 63, Sean answers a listener’s questions about using a “heeling stick” that she saw a trainer on YouTube using (Peter Caine).  Sean describes how a heeling stick is used and describes how it’s not quite the aversive that some people think it is.  Sean also (partially) answers the listener’s question about Peter Caine’s [...] The post Session 63: What’s a Heeling Stick and Who is Peter Caine? appeared first on The Dog's Way.

In episode 62, Sean goes over some misunderstandings and mistakes in using various commands in your obedience training.  He gives you an understanding of what elements of verbal commands mean something to your dog and what elements are mainly for humans. Additionally, Sean gives you some tips on how you can "geek out" and take [...] The post SESSION 62: Am I Saying the Right Command? appeared first on The Dog's Way.

In episode 61, Sean interviews Bennie Copeland and Devin Best, the guys from Discover Your Dog Podcast.  Bennie Copeland has been training people and dogs in Nashville for quite a while and Devin Best is the co-host of Discover Your Dog Podcast and the Co-founder of Family Dog Fusion.  Sean, Bennie and Devin talk podcasting, [...] The post SESSION 61: Discover Your Dog Podcast Interview appeared first on The Dog's Way.

In episode 60, Sean responds to a question from some listeners about how prevent over excitement when your dog approaches and meets other dogs on a walk.  Sean gives you a two-step game plan in this week’s homework to teach your dog to have perpetual awareness of you and settle in their nervous system when [...] The post SESSION 60: Meeting Other Dogs More Calmly appeared first on The Dog's Way.