There are two schools of dog obedience training – aversive training and reward training. Both schools are based on operant conditioning principles and many years of study in animal behavioral psychology. Here, we examine the pros and cons of aversive and reward dog training.
Archives for July 2009
Did Your Dog Win or Did You Win?
Some people see interacting with their dog as a constant battle for dominance and ‘points’. We win when we accumulate the most points. Is it really useful to view interactions with our dog in this way? If we win, does that mean our dog loses. If so, how can we truly win?
Woof, Woof – Stop Dog Barking
Dogs bark for a variety of reasons including warning, defense, boredom, stress, excitement, or simply because they want some attention. Barking is often just a symptom of some other issue. The best way to stop dog barking, is to identify the root of the barking behavior, and address it at the source.
Common Reasons for Dog Itchy Skin and Dog Scratching
The common causes of dog itching, dog scratching and hair loss include hot spots, food allergies, skin allergies, and skin parasites. We describe what causes a dog to itch and scratch, as well as how to provide relief.
Puppy Potty Training – Facts and Myths
Puppy potty training requires time, patience, and consistency. How quickly a puppy learns proper potty rules will depend on his temperament, as well as your own. We present the facts and myths of puppy potty training including what works, and what is ineffective.
Shiba Inu Training Secrets
Shiba Inus can be difficult to train because they are frequently stubborn, mouthy, aloof, and dominant. Even experienced dog owners have difficulty training a Shiba, which is why this breed is not for the faint-hearted, and is not recommended for first-time dog owners. Here are some of the Shiba Inu training secrets that helped me turn my devil dog into a model citizen.
The Shiba Inu Breed
The Shiba Inu is a trickster, clown, charmer, and one of a kind. We describe the very special Shiba Inu breed, including Mame Shibas and Jomon Shibas.
Cesar Millan – the Good, the Bad, and All the Rest
Cesar Millan is the charismatic host of The Dog Whisperer program. Millan’s style of dog training is popular among many dog owners, but his dominance based techniques have also received a fair amount of criticism. Here, we examine the good and bad of Cesar Millan’s approach.
Shiba Inu Personality -Good, Bad, & Quirky
The Shiba Inu is a striking dog that looks a lot like a fox. However, the Shiba Inu has a quirky personality that may be challenging to dog owners. We present the good, bad, and quirky aspects of the Shiba Inu personality.
Fun Dog Activity – Chasing Bubbles
Bubble machines can be a fun dog activity to help keep your canine cool during the summer months. We consider the different types of bubble machines and how to make your own bubble mixture.