Category: Articles

positive reinforcement training in dogs

Functional Assessment & Intervention Design-Recall Case Study Using ABA Techniques To Help Track, Monitor & Execute Behaviour Change By Functional & Motivational Analysis

Recall Case Study Using ABA Techniques To Help Track, Monitor & Execute Behaviour Change By Functional & Motivational Analysis  By Georgina Lees-Smith (Authors Biography) Tango: Dog who runs off on walks and when there is no fenced in area & if off-lead. She often will not return for hours. This is done in the presence of other house dog (only when he...

Biology Of Dog Emotion, Cognition, Evolution & The Domestication Hypothesis

Definitions “Emotions are among our tools for adapting to the world-anticipating it, coloring it, so that objects and events are memorable in a meaningful way, for future use.” -Dr. Huda Akil “A cognitive approach is about celebrating different kinds of intelligence. Genius means that someone can be gifted with one type of cognition while being average or below average in another.” -Dr...

Handling: Critical Period For Somatosensory Development & The Psychobiological Substrates Of Attachment

This is part of a module on the Puppy Training Classes Instructor Course. All of our courses contain CEU’s and are certificated. Please see below poster which highlights the popular critical periods in dogs: It is very important that dogs are appropriately conditioned to being handled. Not just by you, but by other people as well. Puppy parties at the vets are a...

Dogs Are Not Pack Animals

This is part of the learning theory module in our puppy, recall & practical courses. Pack refers to the social grouping of canines. This is similar to the word we might use to describe a “gaggle” of geese. The true meaning of the word “pack” implies, those that are born into the social group. This means they have close relationships with each...

When Do We need To Intervene During Dog Play?

Most dogs reach maturity at around the two year mark. Following this, it is less likely that they will play with dogs that are not already familiar to them. This reservation is likely to extend to people too. Play becomes a less important part of their daily lives. Often, they will still play happily with their “friends”. some dogs, will not have...

Relationship Between Stress, Aggression & Resilience As A Function Of Environmental Predictability

Graph shows the estimated relationship between these variables. If you would like to read further about the neuro-mechanisms of resilience, please see this article: Neuromechanisms Of Resilience & Its Role In Dogs. Alternatively, you can view one of our online seminars on the neuroscience of behaviour (particular focus on dogs) using the following links: Introduction To the Science Of Behaviour (Beginners) Seminar OR Introduction To...

The Neuromechanisms Of Resilience & Why It Is Vital To Dog Behaviour

Following a recent lecture given by one of the worlds experts in resilience we felt the need to explore possible applications, treatments and strategies that can be adopted to help our animals make better decisions. We are particularly keen to explore the way sentient beings can be provided with a support framework, that will help them be more resilient to potential stressful...

The Neural Substrates Of Stress & Their Implication In Potential Prevention Or, Treatment Options

Following a recent lecture given by one of the worlds experts in resilience we felt the need to explore possible applications, treatments and strategies that can be adopted to help our animals make better decisions. We are particularly keen to explore the way sentient beings can be provided with a support framework, that will help them be more resilient to potential stressful...

What Would You Like Your Dog To Do Instead?

Neuroscience tells us that our minds are constantly growing and forming with our emotions, experiences, genes & knowledge. As a new experience occurs and is practiced, our brains rewire accordingly. This is the ethos behind teaching the behaviour that you would like the animal to do instead (this can be applied to dogs or cats). Dr Karen Overall has some great protocols...

Separation Anxiety- Resources/Posters/Hand-outs/Protocol/Training Courses/Seminars & Articles

Featured Image Courtesy of Pixgood.com The following resources are designed for trainers and owners to understand further about separation problems in dogs. We have created check lists, training schedules, posters and 7 day survival guides. These on-line courses will help lay the foundations to set people up to succeed with their dogs. Each day is a short video explanation, fun interactive training...

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