Jeff Stallings, CPDT/KA
Blog/Articles
My blog posts and articles
These are a selection of articles and blog posts I have written in the past decade or so, some of which link to pieces I contributed to magazines. These posts highlight my philosophy, beliefs and methods regarding dog behavior and training. Jeff Stallings
Dog training due diligence: Set your dog up for success!
Set your dog up to behave in ways you find acceptable while providing the mental and physical stimulation he needs to thrive.
Random treat delivery improves dog training more quickly
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 and socialization starts the day you adopt
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.
Stop unwanted dog behavior with a positive interrupter
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.
Treat rewards are your dog’s paycheck for a job well done
Reward-based training is scientifically proven to more quickly train dogs to learn desirable behaviors. Treats are your dog's paycheck, not a bribe!
Via socialization dogs bond to multiple species—including us
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.
Helping your fearful puppy become a more confident dog
Naturally fearful puppies and dogs can often learn to be more confident through controlled exposure and a program of desensitization and counter-conditioning.
Meet and get to know your puppy or dog before adopting
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.
Let sleeping dogs lie: why your dog must feel safe
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.
The semantics of “fixing” problem dog behaviors
Inventive management may lead to immediate results for some problem dog behaviors, but real change takes kindness, time and patience.
Small dogs need training as much as large dogs
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.
The importance of puppy socials before full vaccination
Indoor puppy socials are a crucial component of a well thought out socialization plan, forming the cornerstone of future social interactions with other dogs.
Head collars for dogs can help with loose leash walking
Properly introduced and used, head collars can help tremendously with your dog’s leash walking and in some cases, leash reactivity.
The problem with dog training guarantees
Modern dog behavior modification techniques are effective; dog training guarantees are not. Outcomes depend on factors unique to each dog’s circumstances.
Littermate syndrome is a risk when raising sibling puppies
Some cohabitating sibling puppies develop littermate syndrome because their deep bond interferes with normal socialization to other dogs and to people.
Dog breed does not determine behavior or temperament
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: Introducing your reactive dog to houseguests
Treat/Retreat clearly communicates to a stressed, potentially reactive dog that he is free to NOT move closer to or interact with a houseguest.
Marker training: How clickers speed up dog training
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.
How to potty train your puppy
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.
Addressing separation anxiety in dogs
Separation anxiety is a top reason for owner surrender. Treating separation anxiety in dogs requires a desensitization program and effective management.
Any dog can take the AKC Canine Good Citizen test
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.
Why dogs roll around in dung, carrion and other stinky stuff
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.
Using Positive Reinforcement in Dog Training
Positive reinforcement in dog training is always the best first choice, but other techniques, such as negative punishment, can be equally humane and effective
A dog’s sense of smell a thousand times more sensitive than yours
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.
Make dog training an exciting daily activity
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!
Dog DNA tests are accurate and fascinating
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.
Good dogs are made, not born
Dog training takes time and the active participation of everyone in your household. Every interaction with your puppy or dog is a training opportunity.
Why you should celebrate your dog’s butt sniffing
Dogs sniff each other’s anal glands to collect important information, including gender and health status. This ritual is to be celebrated and encouraged!