BLOG
Managing for success!
Managing the environment for success is the first tool I use in dog training. It allows for proactive rather than reactive training, opening up choices. These choices are ones we can select and reinforce… ones that help us toward behaviors from our dogs that help us...
Who Needs Reinforcement?
Who needs reinforcement? We all do. Yes, our dogs do. But we do too. Those of us who are committed to training our dogs using positive reinforcement know well the power of this tool. Those of us who teach others to train their dogs work hard to teach methods to our...
On empathy
I've been thinking a lot about empathy during these difficult times. I did not grow up in a home that modeled empathy. There was a lot of good stuff. But there was more judgment than empathy, more “because I said so” than understanding the others' reality. I have...
The New Potential for Scary Vet Visits…
Many of us have worked hard to teach our dogs to be comfortable and to feel as safe as possible during visits to our veterinary clinics. Many of our vets have worked equally hard to create and maintain a fear free environment for our dogs. And we have worked together...
Social Distancing – From Your Dog
The world is (hopefully) working hard to live with the new concept of Social Distancing to protect us all. For a social species it isn’t easy. For people used to schedules and habits, it isn’t easy. For people with plans, anticipating future adventures, it isn’t easy....
Blogging more frequently… and welcome!
I drive a lot, spending hours in the car. And that gives me lots of time to think. I start blogs in my head. I jot down notes… and I never write or post the blogs. I double guess myself. I worry that I will say something wrong. So all those thoughts stay with me or in...
I Won’t or I Can’t?
(This is the third in a series of blogs I am calling “Inspired by Knap”. These blogs come from being reminded about basic training as a result of having a new, very active, very aware puppy in my home... Knap. Without my long background in training dogs, this puppy...
Creating reward opportunities: Managing for success
(This is the second in a series of blogs I am calling “Inspired by Knap”. These blogs come from being reminded about basic training as a result of having a new, very active, very aware puppy in my home... Knap. Without my long background in training dogs, this puppy...
Changing What We See… Looking for good behavior
(This is the first in a series of blogs I am calling “Inspired by Knap”. These blogs come from being reminded about basic training as a result of having a new, very active, very aware puppy in my home... Knap. Without my long background in training dogs, this puppy...
Managing for success!
Managing the environment for success is the first tool I use in dog training. It allows for proactive rather than reactive training, opening up...
Who Needs Reinforcement?
Who needs reinforcement? We all do. Yes, our dogs do. But we do too. Those of us who are committed to training our dogs using positive reinforcement...
On empathy
I've been thinking a lot about empathy during these difficult times. I did not grow up in a home that modeled empathy. There was a lot of good...
The New Potential for Scary Vet Visits…
Many of us have worked hard to teach our dogs to be comfortable and to feel as safe as possible during visits to our veterinary clinics. Many of our...
Social Distancing – From Your Dog
The world is (hopefully) working hard to live with the new concept of Social Distancing to protect us all. For a social species it isn’t easy. For...
About me
I have been living with, loving and training dogs for more than 30 years. Long ago I realized that dog training is a creative activity… always changing with each dog in each situation. Dog training also requires continuous learning and I love to learn. Because dog training fulfills my desire to be creative and to keep learning, it has become my passion. These blogs are my in-the-moment musings as I learn and explore creative options for working with dogs. They will not be perfect. But they are an important part of my journey and, I hope, of yours.
