I wrote about this a long time ago. Back then I was calling it “Reverse BAT”. But, now I call it the Faith In Handler Drill. After that article, a ton of people have asked me to demonstrate it. Here’s a video of me showing to a dog/handler for the first time.
Conditioned Relaxation Is NOT Massage.
OK……. Conditioned Relaxation is one of those hot topics going around. And, in case you’ve been living under a rock for the last 6 months…… you’ve seen it. Or, at least heard it described. The typical view of CR goes like this: “CR is using massage to get a dog relaxed.” Massaging a dog until they relax IS NOT putting …
Extinction Burst
You walk up to the elevator. Push the button…… Wait. Push the button…… Wait. Push the button…… Wait. “One more fucking time, and I’m taking the stairs” you say. Push the button…… PUSH THAT STUPID PIECE OF SHIT BUTTON 55 GOD DAMN TIMES!!!!!! Quit, and take the stairs. That’s the extinction burst. It’s the burst or “trying” that happens just …
Those “Graduation” Moments
This is Firkin. She used to be super reactive. If anyone listens to the Podcast…. She’s the one that snapped the long line and went Zombie style on the door I narrowly exited. But that was then……. THIS. Is now. This was outside a Starbucks in a strip mall. There’s a grocery store, a pet store, and a children’s bus …
Advanced Socialization Seminar: Saco Maine!
Finish Forward Dogs presents… Pack to Basics™ Advanced Socialization Solutions with Chad Mackin! When: Saturday April 26 & Sunday April 27, 2014 Where: 30 Spring Hill Rd. Saco, ME. 04072 Contact: Shannan Nutting, Jay Jack, and Amanda Buckner info@finishforwarddogs.com 207-251-2296 Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (Both days, may run slightly longer.) Fee: $349 per person/dog *All spaces are on …
7 Mistakes You’re Making In Behavior Modification
I found a really cool article on Sacramento Dog Behavior on the 7 common mistakes people make in their Behavior Modification work. It’s really interesting. Check it out: 7 Mistakes You’re Making In Behavior Modification YOU’RE TOO CLOSE Are you afraid of spiders? Me too. But I’m not running around and screaming because of the freakishly large spiders in South …
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 …
Adrenaline And Choices
Freeeeeedom (think braveheart)
Chad Mackin, renowned dog rehabilitation expert, told me once that “The slack leash should be the primary reinforcer”. I know from my stints of wasted time at the various correctional facilities of my youth, that being restrained is infuriating. The problem is, the way most people use the leash, it is strictly a device of restraint. It keeps them from …
Awesome Rant: Things To Consider Before Getting A Dog
Apparently, this is my long lost heavily accented relative. Agree with everything!