Yep…. I don’t just use tug to biologically fulfill dogs, develop skills, language, and relationship….. I also use it to teach them to CHOOSE us over distraction. These dogs are not punished into not looking. They are choosing the game with their owner OVER the other dog. And make no mistake…. Both of these dogs were very reactive to the …
Building and Breaking Trust
Everyone that reads this thing regularly, knows I do a lot of training through game play. And, not in the surface “Create a reward event to make them work” sort if way. But, in a profound way. Almost a spiritually fulfilling way. It impacts so many different levels. Gives activity which is physically healthy. Gives psychological fulfillment, as the activities …
Jaxxy’s Transition To A Spring Pole
What do I do in a Blizzard? Transition Jax to Spring Pole! Lot of people tug. Not that many people use Spring Poles. The way old school dogmen used them didn’t involve control. Let them at it….. Pry them off. All conditioning and gameness. No control. But, I think they can be used as an obedience reward. Just like tug. …
Spring Pole: Good Or Bad?
I’ve gotten this question a few times in the last couple of days. Thought I’d share my response here since a few other people may have the same question. Enjoy: Question: “What are your thoughts on people who tie a tug and let the dog hang? ……..What’s the purpose?” (old school shot of a tree Spring Pole) My Answer: “Back …
Tug: 2.0
So….. If you’ve read the blog at all, you know I’m a fan of tug. Particularly, in the Balabanov tradition, with Ellis making a close second. They’ve always said that it develops: 1. Engagement 2. Relationship 3. Language of training (terminal bridge, intermediate bridge, & no reward mark) 4. Impulse control 5. A high value “reward event” that isn’t food …
Calming Signal Or Stress Signal
Apparently, there’s a little “controversy” going on regarding “calming” signals. Some people call them calming signals, and mean that they are signals that the dog is calming down. As in, they are self soothing, and those are the “tells”. Other people say that they are “stress” signals. As in, the dog is worried and feeling anxious, and those signs are …
Awesome Rant: Things To Consider Before Getting A Dog
Apparently, this is my long lost heavily accented relative. Agree with everything!
Quite Possibly The Best Post Ever On Operant Conditioning
Wow. Scientific information, AND, Southpark?!?! That, my friends, is a hard combination to beat. Check out this amazing post on TerrierMans Daily Dose. It is really something special. It has a layman’s description of operant conditioning that actually works. It has references to Cesar Milan, who as cliche’ as this sounds, was one of my big inspirations for starting this …
Fun Pull Pics/Vids!!!
Got the pics/vids from the Fun Pull last weekend! Check it out- Milo Making it look easy! (ok it was a warm up run, but still): A few Shots of Mabel in Action- Here is Mandy handling- And here we pull out the “Big Guns” and bring in Grandma to handle!!!! She LOVES her granddaughter! And yes Mabel’s weights are …
Fun Pull Quick Report!
Yesterday was a BLAST at Finish Forward! They had both a Competition Pull, AND a “Fun” Pull, for dogs ad handlers with no experience. We pulled 3 of our 4 Bullies (jax is out with an injury), and they all did GREAT!!! As we’ve said before…. Weight pull is pretty much amazing for both the dogs, and the relationship with …