Jeff Stallings, CPDT/KA
Blog/Articles

Set your dog up to behave in ways you find acceptable while providing the mental and physical stimulation he needs to thrive.

When training a dog or puppy, random and intermittent treat rewards improve command learning faster than too many treats—or too few. Be your dog's slot machine!

Puppy training starts the day you adopt. The first 18 weeks are the most important for early command training and socialization to other dogs and to people.

A positive interrupter redirects your dog’s attention from an unwanted or destructive behavior to an activity or command you’d rather he be doing.

Reward-based training is scientifically proven to more quickly train dogs to learn desirable behaviors. Treats are your dog's paycheck, not a bribe!

The domestic puppy’s unique capacity for socialization to multiple species sets people up for a role that would otherwise be served by their parents.

Naturally fearful puppies and dogs can often learn to be more confident through controlled exposure and a program of desensitization and counter-conditioning.

While it’s okay to find your next puppy or dog on the Internet, it’s best to spend time with your potential new companion animal before bringing him or her home.

Feeling safe is more important than even water or food, and if we violate our dogs’ need for safety, we also infringe upon their ability to think and learn.

Inventive management may lead to immediate results for some problem dog behaviors, but real change takes kindness, time and patience.

All dogs should at least know the basics: how to sit, lay down, stay and come when called. Small dogs need training just as much as larger dogs.

Indoor puppy socials are a crucial component of a well thought out socialization plan, forming the cornerstone of future social interactions with other dogs.

Properly introduced and used, head collars can help tremendously with your dog’s leash walking and in some cases, leash reactivity.

Modern dog behavior modification techniques are effective; dog training guarantees are not. Outcomes depend on factors unique to each dog’s circumstances.

Some cohabitating sibling puppies develop littermate syndrome because their deep bond interferes with normal socialization to other dogs and to people.

it is not possible to predict a dog’s temperament based on breed alone because of the high degree of variation within each breed; other factors matter more.

Treat/Retreat clearly communicates to a stressed, potentially reactive dog that he is free to NOT move closer to or interact with a houseguest.

Clicker training is about 50% faster for training dogs new commands and behaviors. For basic commands, you’ll just use the clicker for a few sessions.

Potty training your puppy requires confinement in crate or pen, lots of trips outside, treat rewards for success, and all the patience you can muster.

Separation anxiety is a top reason for owner surrender. Treating separation anxiety in dogs requires a desensitization program and effective management.

The AKC Canine Good Citizen program rewards dogs who have good manners at home and in the community, regardless of whether or not a pure breed.

Dogs roll around in smelly, rotting things to disguise their own scent, a leftover behavior from when they were still wild and hunted for a living.

Positive reinforcement in dog training is always the best first choice, but other techniques, such as negative punishment, can be equally humane and effective

Your dog's sense of smell is thousands of times more sensitive than yours and her nose is as important to comprehending her world as vision is to you.

Dog training is an on-going process and frequent, brief daily training sessions are more effective than longer ones. Keep training fun for both of you!

The results of dog DNA testing doesn’t change how you train or manage your dog, but the results can be enlightening and might explain behavior characteristics.

Dog training takes time and the active participation of everyone in your household. Every interaction with your puppy or dog is a training opportunity.

Dogs sniff each other’s anal glands to collect important information, including gender and health status. This ritual is to be celebrated and encouraged!