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Positive Dog

Feel like you train and train and just don't seem to get there?

Published over 2 years ago • 1 min read

Often, behaviour challenges in our dogs are a symptom of missing foundation skills rather than the actual problem.

When we try to train the 'problem' whether it is leash reactivity, resource guarding, fighting in the home, or anything else, we might see little or no progress.

If we aren't seeing significant progress with our training program, or we feel like we are playing whack-a-mole with new challenges coming up all the time, we need a new plan.

Positive Training Didn't Work

Unfortunately, for many dogs, this means people turn to aversive (painful or scary) tools because 'positive training didn't work'. There's a great quote that I'll mess up a bit but I believe it was Susan Garrett who said it, or something similar:

"If you are thinking of resorting to punishment, there's always a better way. You might not know what it is, and I might not know what it is, but there is always a better way."

If you don't know how to progress, or your trainer doesn't, I bet there is someone out there who does =) The world's best trainers are available to us now at the click of a button! Reach out if you have questions.

Impulse Control and Manners

Many dogs struggle with impulsivity and reactivity around very scary or exciting things like other dogs and kids on skateboards, but they haven't been taught how to be calm around simpler distractions like treats and toys. No wonder they are struggling! Waiting for things they want, manners around the pizza guy coming to the door, and general household manners are an important piece to addressing bigger behaviour challenges like leash reactivity.

Here are my crew patiently waiting for their turn to lick the yogurt tub.

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Positive Dog

Christina Young, BSc, CDBC, PCBC-A

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