Dog Training wisdom & More
Read on for how-to tips that improve training, insights that inspire action and news that's worth sharing with others.
Introducing a Puppy to Bath Time
Dogs, especially puppies, like to play and get dirty and need to be bathed regularly. However, just the sound of…
Have Fun with Training
Training is an essential part of being a responsible pet parent. However, training your dog is not just about teaching…
Building Confidence with Training
If you work at or have ever visited a shelter, you know these dogs: the shy dogs that cower in…
Teach Your Dog to Get On and Off the Couch
There are times when you want to share your couch with your dog. After all, there’s nothing better than snuggling…
Stress-Free Husbandry Work at Home
Many dogs are anxious about receiving husbandry care—especially if they find new experiences scary or if they have had a…
January KPA CTP of the Month: Stephen Bell
Stephen Bell, KPA CTP, describes himself as having a strong affinity for animals, especially dogs, from a very early age.…
Puppy Biting
Walking on a leash is an important skill for puppies to learn, but it can be challenging to train puppies…
What is Clicker Training
If you have a dog, you have probably heard of clicker training. But what exactly is it? Is clicker training…
Indoor Enrichment
As winter sets in and temperatures continue to plummet, many dogs will be spending more time indoors. Concept training, including…
The Pizza Delivery Game
Many pet parents and their dogs struggle when they try to apply the tools and techniques that they learned in…
December KPA CTP of the Month: Emilea Byrum
Emilea Byrum, KPA CTP, is a registered veterinary technician with a special interest in behavior. She is particularly interested in…
How to Prepare Your Dog for a Veterinary Exam
Regular veterinary visits are important for your dog’s health and wellness, but for many dogs these visits can be stressful.…
How to Manage Counter-Surfing
In preparation for the holidays, kitchens are laden with tempting treats and mouthwatering smells. For dogs that are tall or…
Dogs of Any Age Can Have Fun with Freestyle
Many people think that they need to wait until their dog is an adult before getting started in dog sports,…
Cooperative Injections
Does your dog become agitated anticipating a vaccination or blood draw? By incorporating training into your injection routines, you can…
Holiday Feast—in an Enrichment Toy
Holidays are fun to celebrate with furry family members, but the abundance of guests, commotion, and food can be challenging…
November KPA CTP of the Month: Jay (Jihyung) Seo
Jay (Jihyung) Seo, KPA CTP, offers animal-training services in Seoul, Republic of Korea. In addition to working with dogs and…
Teach Your Puppy to Walk On a Leash
Walking on a leash is an important skill for puppies to learn, but it can be challenging to train puppies…
Helping Dogs Learn to Come Inside
Do you struggle getting your dog to come inside after playtime in the yard? While it’s frustrating when your dog…
Congratulations to the 2022 Zoe Scholarship Recipients
Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) and Lisa White, DVM, founder of Veterinary Behavior Management Solutions in Cincinnati, Ohio, are pleased to…
Reinforcement Delivery for Cats
Despite popular belief, cats can be trained. Training any animal, the key is finding the right reinforcement and reinforcement delivery!…
Teach Your Dog to Wear a Coat
As the weather gets colder, your dog may need protective clothing, like a sweater or coat. Many small dogs have…
Unique Reinforcers
No treats? No problem! There are many other reinforcers besides food that can be leveraged in a training session. In…
October KPA CTP of the Month: Nina Daniel
Nina Daniel, KPA CTP, now a married mother of two grown children, had a unique family introduction to the idea…
Teach Behaviors that Lead to Faster Adoptions
If you work at, volunteer for, or have visited a shelter, you’ve probably experienced rows of dogs barking and jumping…
Training Time at the Vet
Many dogs tremble at the vet. While you and your dog may have practiced exams at home, the sights, sounds,…
The Harness Game
Does your puppy try to run away when you reach for her harness? Hands reaching toward a harness often signifies…
Successful Dog Training Classes: Making Repetition Fun
Repetition is a powerful key to learning. Children learn new skills by repeating a behavior or piece of a behavior…
September KPA CTP of the Month: Camilla Chu
Camilla Chu, KPA CTP, is an experienced teacher, first instructing humans and now training animals as well as human/animal teams.…
Older Dogs CAN Learn New Tricks!
Teaching an old dog a new trick is not only possible, it’s beneficial! Training older dogs helps keep them in…
Polite Door Greetings
Does the sound of the doorbell send your dog into a frenzy? It is natural for dogs to become overly…
Gamify Your Training: Dueling Dogs
Teaching dog training classes is not easy. Not only do you need to be a skilled trainer, but you must…
Building Duration Behaviors
When you ask your dog for a sit or down, does he pop up immediately? For many dogs, behaviors that…
Teach Your Dog to Find Your Keys
Lost your keys? Maybe your dog can help! Teaching your dog to identify and retrieve specific objects, like your keys,…
August KPA CTP of the Month: Joy Chia
After first hearing about the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Dog Training Professional (DTP) program from a friend who provided daycare…
Learning Opposite Behaviors
Can you teach your dog to offer two opposite behaviors? How… and why? Teaching paired, opposite behaviors accelerates the learning…
Teach Your Dog to Be Comfortable on Novel Surfaces
Introducing your dog to different surfaces is essential for dog-sport training. Dogs that compete in dog sports must have the…
Helping a Dog That Jumps
Have you ever been embarrassed by your dog jumping up to greet a stranger? Jumping is one of the most…
Interview with Andre Yeu
Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) faculty member Andre Yeu will lead the KPA Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program in Toronto, Ontario,…
July KPA CTP of the Month: Dan Tower Anderson
Dan Tower Anderson, KPA CTP, who generally goes by Tower, is a crossover trainer. When he first trained dogs in…
Teach Your Cat to Follow a Target
Imagine if you could teach your cat to go into or out of a carrier effortlessly, without physical manipulation. How…
Cooperative Care for Puppies
Many dogs fear being handled by strangers, which can be particularly problematic visiting the vet or groomer. However, when dogs…
Voluntary Check-In and Recall
Few things are more joyful than unclipping your dog’s leash to begin an outdoor adventure. Off-leash walks and hikes let…
June KPA CTP of the Month: Ben Touchton
Ben Touchton, KPA CTP, discovered his passion for working with animals as a part-time employee at an animal shelter while…
What Is Shaping?
Looking for a fun way to build new behaviors while building your chops as a trainer? Try shaping! Shaping is…
Teaching a Go-Around Behavior
Interested in a new way to train and have fun with your dog this summer? Try Canine Freestyle! Also known…
Building a Relationship with Your Puppy
There are few things more exciting than bringing home a new puppy. The first weeks and months are crucial for…
Multiple Dogs and Doors
Doorways are exciting places for dogs—who knows what is waiting on the other side! As a result, many dogs get…
May KPA CTP of the Month: Alasdair (Al) Bunyan
Alasdair (Al) Bunyan, KPA CTP, first heard about the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program when he…
Petting as Reinforcement
One question that trainers are often asked is if food treats must be used as the reinforcer. Some dogs do…
Teaching a Jump
Teaching your dog a jump is an essential skill for canine sports such as agility. In fact, a standard agility…
Teach Your Dog to Walk with You
Walking with your dog can be a very rewarding experience for both you and your dog. It is also a…
Interview with Kiki Yablon
Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) faculty member Kiki Yablon will lead the KPA Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program in Salt Lake…
Concept Training: Stationing with Shapes
Stationing—training an animal to go to a designated area and stay there until cued otherwise—is a useful training tool for…
April KPA CTP of the Month: Imogen Poropat
Imogen Poropat, KPA CTP, learned about Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) and the KPA Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program when she…
Target Training: Getting Into a Car
Many dogs are afraid of getting into a car. This common fear occurs for many different reasons. Some dogs have…
Clicker Training for All Ages
It’s never too early to start clicker training—and that goes for both dogs and humans! One of the benefits of…
Husbandry at Home: Prepare for a Blood Draw
Blood draws are routine procedures at veterinary visits, but they are also one of the most stressful procedures—for dogs and…
March KPA CTP of the Month: Miki Saito
By the time Miki Saito, KPA CTP, enrolled in the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) World program…
Training Multiple Dogs
Living in a multi-dog household can be enjoyable and fun, but it can also be chaotic—especially when it comes time…
Yes, You Can Train Kittens!
Kittens are highly intelligent animals that, just like their canine counterparts, are capable of learning a variety of behaviors. Beginning…
Set Up a Safe Training Session Outdoors
Does your dog listen to you when you are at home but ignore you at the park? That’s because training…
How to Manage Puppy Biting
Mouthy puppy problems? While it’s completely normal for puppies to bite, chew, and mouth people’s hands, it’s important to teach…
Handling at Home
A healthy dog is a happy dog, so it’s important to catch health problems before they occur. Teaching your dog…
February KPA CTP of the Month: Leah Bria
A veterinary nurse, Leah Bria, KPA CTP, transitioned to animal training after teaching puppy preschool classes at the vet clinic…
Cooperative Care for Cats
Do you struggle with giving your cat medication? You aren’t alone. Getting cats to take medication can be a challenge,…
Expanding Your Dog’s Foundation Skills
Building strong foundation behaviors is an investment that will demonstrate value throughout your dog’s training. For example, targeting is an…
Sharing Positive Training and the KPA Way
Brian Burton and Sarah Fraser, both 2014 graduates of the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program co-founded…
How to Test a Cue
Does your dog respond to cues reliably at home but fails to respond when you ask for those same cues…
Teach Puppies to Relax Together
Socializing puppies with other dogs is important; it teaches them how to be relaxed and confident when they meet new…
January KPA CTP of the Month: Rose Browne
Rose Browne, KPA CTP, the Owner and Lead Puppy Trainer at Dynamic Canines Inc., was the first Karen Pryor Academy…
How to Teach a Head Nod
One of the most powerful benefits of clicker training is the ability to teach creative behaviors quickly. The head nod…
Teach Your Dog to Pivot
Pivoting, a behavior that requires a dog to change direction by moving her rear end while keeping her feet in…
Polite Manners in Public
Being out and about with your dog is one of life’s greatest joys, but only if you have a dog…
December KPA CTP of the Month: Hu Wang
Hu Wang, KPA CTP, changed careers to improve the image of dogs in Chinese society. A TV producer in Beijing,…
Reinforcement Without Food
When thinking about positive reinforcement, food treats are likely top of mind. However, there may be times when you can’t…
Puppy Start Right For Your Business
While there’s so much that goes into getting puppies off to a great start, puppy socialization classes can play a…
Concept Training in Action: Go to Crate
Teaching your dog the concept of left and right is useful for many circumstances, including trail-walking, dog-sports competitions, retrieving exercises,…
November KPA CTP of the Month: Marsha Penner
Marsha Penner, KPA CTP, was pretty much a dog training novice when she first attended ClickerExpo “to see what it…
Teach an Emergency U-Turn
Have you ever been out on an enjoyable walk with your dog, rounded the corner, and suddenly come face-to-face with…
Happy Cat Day: Fun with Shaping
How do you celebrate National Cat Day? At Karen Pryor Academy (KPA), we celebrate by teaching our cats new behaviors,…
Congratulations to the 2021 Zoe Scholarship Recipients
Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) and Lisa White, DVM, founder of Veterinary Behavior Management Solutions in Cincinnati, Ohio, are pleased to…
Practicing Cues to Overcome Distraction
If your dog is sensitive to people or dogs, it can make everyday activities like walks, vet visits, and group…
October KPA CTP of the Month: Michelle Wieser
Michelle Wieser, KPA CTP, lives in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, a remote northern area near Alaska. She first became involved in…
Ken Ramirez Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Congratulations to our very own Ken Ramirez who was the recipient of the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Association…
Teaching Puppies Not to Bite
You want to interact with your puppy but, ouch, those little razor-sharp teeth! Puppy biting is a completely normal part…
Creating a Freestyle Sequence with Michele Pouliot
Multiple-time International Freestyle Champion Michele Pouliot is often asked how she makes her dazzling freestyle routines seem so effortless. Ready…
Preparing for Your Kitten’s First Vet Visit
Anyone who has ever taken a cat to the vet knows that it can be a stressful experience for both…
Teaching Interactive Play
Here’s a common scenario: Your dog loves to chase toys. You pick up a toy and your dog dances wildly…
Teach Calm Greetings
Does your dog go berserk when you come home? Do you wish your dog would greet you calmly rather than…
September KPA CTP of the Month: Vijay Joshi
Vijay Joshi, KPA CTP, is the Puppy Development Coordinator at Leader Dogs for the Blind, a guide-dog training organization. She…
Building Value in Secondary Reinforcers
Many people only think of using a primary reinforcer, such as food treats, when they are training behavior with an…
Teach Your Dog to “Leave It”: Part 2
In Teach Your Dog to “Leave It,” Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) faculty member Juliana Willems demonstrated the first step to…
AVSAB Advocates for Humane, Reward-Based Training
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) position statement on humane dog training emphasizes the belief that Karen Pryor…
Puppy Start Right: Home Visits
During the pandemic, many people have opted for private consults over group puppy classes. The consults can be done in-home…
How to Create a Safe Place for Your Dog: Part 2
In Part 1 of How to Create a Safe Place for Your Dog, KPA faculty member Debbie Martin demonstrated how…
Karen Pryor Academy Welcomes New Alumni Relations Coordinator Breanna Norris
Waltham, MA, August 4, 2021—Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) is pleased to welcome KPA Certified Training Partner (CTP) Breanna Norris as…
August KPA CTP of the Month: Jennifer Long
Jennifer Long, KPA CTP, was working at a local animal shelter and contemplating a certification program to further her interest…
Concept Training in Action: Take a Hike
Teaching your dog to tell the difference between left and right on cue is not only fun, but the skill…
Michele Pouliot Teaches Bow from Down
The bow is not only an impressive trick, but is also one of the critical skills in canine freestyle routines.…
Teach Your Dog to Relax in a Crate
Many people feel guilty about crate training their dogs, as they think that confinement is cruel. However, when crate training…
Teach a Hold
Teaching your dog to hold an object builds a solid foundation for teaching advanced behaviors for dog sports, such as…
July KPA CTP of the Month: Reanna Ali
When her first dog passed away, Reanna Ali, KPA CTP, was heartbroken. Around that time, she left the corporate world…
Teach Your Cat to Sit
One of the most useful (and easy) behaviors that you can teach your cat is to sit on cue. Not…
Foundation Behaviors for Shelter Dogs: Loose-Leash Walking
When they think about adding a new dog to the family, many people dream of long, leisurely strolls with their…
Stationing for Veterinary Procedures
Let’s face it, most diagnostic or therapeutic procedures are not pleasant for dogs. However, by practicing at home for what…
Using Shaping to Build Confidence
Shaping is the process of breaking down a behavior into small steps and reinforcing each small step as you work…
Puppy Socialization goes Beyond Play
Puppy socialization is not just about playing with other puppies or being petted by humans. Practicing body handling, introducing novel…
June KPA CTP of the Month: Cindy Benson
Cindy Benson, KPA CTP, offers positive training for working livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) and their owners at Benson Ranch, and…
How to Create a Safe Place for Your Dog
Is your dog fearful of loud noises or events, such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or even the vacuum cleaner? Or is…
Modifier Cues in Action
When people think of dog training, they don’t often think beyond teaching basic cues. However, dogs are capable of so…
Teach Your Dog to “Leave It”
Have you ever dropped a pill and scrambled to pick it up before your dog rushed over to scarf it…
Teach Your Dog to Accept Eye Drops
As eye infections in dogs are common, your veterinarian may prescribe eye drops for your dog at some point. After…
May KPA CTP of the Month: Alex Lee
Alex Lee, KPA CTP, is the new Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Country Manager in (South) Korea. Translating to Korean the…
Teach Your Dog a Controlled Retrieve
Is your dog obsessed with chasing balls and toys? It’s tempting to try and wear out your dog by mindlessly…
Using “Go Sniff” as a Reinforcer
Does your dog spend most of your walks sniffing the ground? Well, there’s a good reason for that! Unlike humans…
Puppy Socialization: Puppy’s First Vet Visit
Vet visits are stressful for many dogs. Being placed on strange surfaces and touched all over your body with strange…
KPA CTP Andre Yeu Featured on National TV
KPA CTP and faculty member Andre Yeu was featured recently on CTV’s morning show Your Morning. In a focused segment…
Interview with Juliana Willems
Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) faculty member Juliana Willems will lead the KPA Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program in Washington, DC.…
Becoming a Dog Trainer in 2023 – Why Now?
Now is the best time to consider switching careers and pursuing pet-dog training, as a side-hustle, a passion project, all-in…
An Introduction to Clicker Mechanics
What is the first step to becoming a good trainer? Good clicker mechanics! By practicing your clicker mechanics before you…
Karen Pryor Academy Announces Scholarships for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color
Waltham, MA, April 13, 2021—Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) is thrilled to announce Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) scholarship opportunities for people…
Low-Cost Enrichment Through Shaping
Shelters can be a stressful environment for dogs. Fortunately, there are simple, low-cost enrichment activities that can be implemented to…
KPA CTP’s Dog-Enrichment School Gets the Spotlight in Asia
KPA CTP Joy Chia and her dog-enrichment school appear in a recent (March 21,2021) Channel News Asia (CNA) online article,…
April KPA CTP of the Month: Brittany Thomas
Brittany Thomas, KPA CTP, met a Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Certified Training Partner (CTP) when she was pursuing her certification…
Successful Cat Introductions
Bringing a new cat into a home with other cats? Let’s face it: cats are territorial, so you will want…
It’s No Secret… Dog Training Is Fun!
Training your dog is not only essential for teaching life skills and avoiding problem behaviors, but it also offers an…
Ken MacLeod: KPA CTP, Newsmaker, and Set Designer for Television
Ken MacLeod, KPA CTP, has been a newsmaker in recent months. Profiled in Modern Dog magazine and featured on the…
Karen Pryor Academy Expands into Korea
Waltham, March 22, 2021—Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) is pleased to announce that its Dog Trainer Foundations and Dog Trainer Foundations…
Teaching a Head-Tuck Bow
Multiple International Freestyle Champion Michele Pouliot frequently dazzles crowds with her Head-Tuck Bow routine. In this video, Michele shows you…
Puppy Platform Training
Training puppies? Consider incorporating a stationing platform into your training plan! A stationing platform provides many benefits. It not only…
Teaching Verbal Cue Discrimination
As trainers, we need to be able to depend on our dogs’ ability to respond to the correct verbal cue…
March KPA CTP of the Month: Kristina Dieta Setiabudi
Kristina Dieta Setiabudi, KPA CTP, offers dog training services through her business, Puppy Colours in Singapore, focusing on puppies and…
Concept Training Across Species
For many animals, cold winter climates, the pandemic, or recovering from an injury often results in less exercise outdoors, leading…
Teach the Heel Position
Teaching your dog to heel is not only easy and fun, but it helps encourage your dog to love walking…
Teach Your Dog to Spin
Teaching your dog to spin is a fun and easy way to start teaching basic tricks. The spin behavior can…
Teach Your Dog to Love a Muzzle: Part 2
Even if your dog is the sweetest dog in the world, there may be a situation where s/he needs to…
February KPA CTP of the Month: Georgette Lombardo
Georgette Lombardo, KPA CTP, Albuquerque The Magazine’s Top Trainer in 2020 and 2017 and among the Top 5 in 2016,…
Interview with Bobbie Lyons
Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) faculty member Alexis Davison will lead KPA Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) programs in Sydney, Australia (application…
KPA Faculty Member on Chicago TV
KPA faculty member Laura Monaco Torelli was featured recently on FOX 32 Chicago where she offered advice on how to…
Teach Your Cat to Wave
Although it is National Train Your Dog Month, dogs shouldn’t have all the fun! Try training your cat to provide…
Teaching Foundation Behaviors: Name Cue
Capturing your dog’s attention is an important foundation for all other training, and it demonstrates the positive relationship you have…
Flip the Switch with Shaping
Shaping, teaching a new behavior by breaking it down in small increments, is an essential tool for teaching complex (and…
Puppy Socialization from Home: Polite Greetings
Most dogs are social animals, which is why teaching puppies the appropriate way to greet other dogs is a critical…
January KPA CTP of the Month: Cari Tetzlaff
Cari Tetzlaff, KPA CTP, was searching for new ways to help at-risk dogs when she enrolled in the Karen Pryor…
Using Toys as Reinforcers
Have you ever wanted to reward your dog for a job well done, but didn’t have food treats with you?…
Training at a Distance
When training at a distance, there are many different objects that can be used to help your dog to stay…
Interview with Jen Biglan
Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) faculty member Jen Biglan will lead the KPA Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program in Dublin (East…
Cooperative Care: How to Administer Ear Drops
In the course of their lifetimes, most dogs will get an ear infection that requires ear drops. However, administering ear…
Training is Fun for the Whole Family
The joy of raising a family dog should be a great family experience. One of the benefits of clicker training…
Interview with Alexis Davison
Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) faculty member Alexis Davison will lead KPA Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) programs in Sydney, Australia (application…
December KPA CTP of the Month: Sarah Walsh
Sarah Walsh, KPA CTP, CDPT-KA, studied zoology and business administration to earn her bachelor’s degree. After graduation, she was eager…
Puppy Socialization: Check It Out!
Socializing is more than introducing your puppy to lots of people and animals—it’s also about exposing your puppy to everyday…
Teaching Foundation Behaviors: Drop It
Teaching dogs to “drop it”—to release an object that they have—is an often-overlooked skill. However, it is probably one of…
How to Teach Cooperative Nail Trims: Kitten Edition!
Many cats are just as frightened of nail trims as their humans are of giving them. However, by taking a…
Teach Your Dog to Retrieve Everyday Items
What if your dog could bring you his/her bowl—or even a beer? Training a dog to retrieve everyday items is…
November KPA CTP of the Month: Tisha Knickerbocker
Tisha Knickerbocker, KPA CTP, offers a range of dog-training services, from basic family manners to training for the fun, games,…
Shelter Enrichment for Cats: The Target Game
The shelter environment is stressful for dogs, and for the people who work there, but the environment is especially stressful…
Teaching Foundation Behaviors: Introducing Recall
A reliable recall, or come when called, behavior is one of the most important foundation behaviors. Mastered, it lets your…
Setting Your Dog Up for Success with Oral Medication
Does your dog resist oral medication? If so, you are not alone. Most dogs (like people) don’t enjoy swallowing pills.…
October KPA CTP of the Month: Sarah Hoth
Sarah Hoth, KPA CTP, entered the dog training field in a familiar way: she adopted a dog and needed advice,…
Training in the Shelter: Harness Desensitization
Walking a dog with a harness is safer and more comfortable than walking a dog with a traditional collar. However,…
Using Paired Cues to Accelerate Learning
When you think of training new behaviors, you think of training one behavior at a time. For example, in one…
Fun and Functional Puppy Socialization
An umbrella snapping open during a rainstorm. A walker rolling along a sidewalk. These are a few of the many…
Teach Your Cat to Go to Mat: Part 1
Thinking about training your cat? Why not teach your cat to go to a mat? This behavior has many applications:…
Teaching Foundation Behaviors: Stay
Teaching your dog to stay, an essential foundation behavior, is an investment that will be valuable in a variety of…
September KPA CTP of the Month: Chelsea Murray
Chelsea Murray, KPA CTP, began her career as a dog trainer after earning a degree in biological sciences at the…
Teaching Trick Behaviors: Mic Targeting with Duration
Canine freestyle champion Michele Pouliot is known for using innovative trick behaviors in her entertaining routines. One of the foundation…
Karen Pryor Academy Announces Five New Faculty Members
Waltham, MA, September 9, 2020—Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) is pleased to welcome five new faculty members to its world-renowned Dog…
Teach Non-Verbal and Verbal Cues
New trainers often ask which cues should they use in their training: verbal cues or a non-verbal cues. The answer…
Concept Training: Shape Discrimination
Can animals recognize shapes? As Ken Ramirez demonstrates frequently, they can! But why teach shape discrimination? Training an animal to…
Teach Your Dog How to Give Eye Contact
One of the first steps of training any behavior is to teach your dog to focus his/her attention on you.…
KPA CTPs Recommended for Post-Pandemic Pet Issues
In a recent online article in Wirecutter, owned by The New York Times, the topic of post-pandemic return to work…
Introducing Your Dog to Eye Drops
Receiving eye drops can be quite stressful for many dogs (and humans!). However, with some planning and training, you can…
August KPA CTP of the Month: Consuelo López
Consuelo López, KPA CTP, halted a study of literature to return to her greatest passion, horse riding. In addition to…
Puppy Socialization During Covid-19: Drop-Off Classes
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, interest in fostering and adopting pets has soared. However, with many dog parks closed and social…
Adding Distance to a Behavior
Adding distance to a behavior is one of those things that sounds simple on the surface but can get sticky…
Michele Pouliot Teaches Head in a Prop
Canine freestyle, also known as musical freestyle, is a modern sport where dogs and handlers perform dazzling choreographed routines set…
How to Capture a Behavior
One of the fastest and easiest ways to train a new behavior on cue is to capture a behavior that…
Training in the Shelter: Introduction to Targeting
Targeting, when a dog to touches a body part to a specific object or person, is a very valuable and…
How to Paddle Board with Your Dog
Looking for a fun activity to do with your dog this summer? Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) can provide an awesome…
June KPA CTP of the Month: Jill Sackman
The life of Jill Sackman, DVM, PhD, KPA CTP, has always included companion and show animals. A veterinarian specializing in…
Teaching Behaviors as Secondary Reinforcers
Understanding reinforcement is the key to understanding how dogs learn. Reinforcement can be categorized as either primary or secondary. A…
Stationing for Veterinary Procedures
Let’s face it, most diagnostic or therapeutic procedures are not pleasant for dogs. However, by practicing at home for what…
Get Puppies Off to a Great Start— From Anywhere
One of the most common questions that puppy parents ask is “What should I teach my puppy first?” Teaching a…
Teach Your Dog to Put Toys Away
Are you always tripping over dog toys? Did you know that, according to the CDC, tripping over dog toys caused…
Teach Your Cat to Ring a Bell
As many cats live their entire lives indoors, clicker training can provide valuable mental and physical stimulation. But where to…
June KPA CTP of the Month: Kiki Yablon
Kiki Yablon, KPA CTP, has journeyed from new-dog owner to established and respected dog trainer in the Chicago area—following a…
Teaching a Release Cue
As important as it is to teach your dog basic behaviors such as “sit” and “stay,” it’s equally as important…
Modifier Cues: Left Paw Versus Right Paw
If you teach a dog to distinguish between his left paw and his right paw, you will have a terrific…
Improve Your Dog’s Strength, Stride, and Core with Homemade Cavaletti
Cavaletti training, walking or trotting over poles, has been used for equine conditioning traditionally but we now also use it…
Teach an Alternative Behavior to Barking
Does your dog bark wildly when the doorbell rings? Dogs bark when they hear the doorbell for several reasons: they…
Leg Weaves for Canine Freestye
Teaching your dog to weave through your legs is great for building confidence, and the leg weave is a fundamental…
May KPA CTP of the Month: Tabitha Kucera
Tabitha Kucera, KPA CTP, CCBC, CRVT, is dedicated to strengthening the bond between animals and humans. Her business, Chirrups &…
Getting Started with Non-Food Reinforcers
The effective use of non-food reinforcers is a critical skill that all trainers will likely use or need at some…
Teach Four on the Floor
Most shelter dogs have not been taught how to greet people, so they greet them like they would other dogs—they…
Creating a Two-Part Sequence
If your dog is fluent in more than one behavior, those individual behaviors can be linked together by learned cues…
Husbandry Work at Home
In the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, many pet owners are wondering how to implement husbandry care. Use this time…
Building Confidence with Uneven Surfaces
Puppies are always learning. Their first experiences with new stimuli shape how they will respond to those stimuli later on…
April KPA CTP of the Month: Amber Quann
Amber Quann, KPA CTP, CPDT-KSA, is the owner and head trainer at Summit Dog Training in northern Colorado. She is…
The Power of Environmental Cues
All behavior is impacted by the environment. Even if the trainer does nothing consciously, the animal will still perceive cues…
When Dogs are Quarantined, Too
A timely article in The New York Times online newspaper entitled “Helping Your Dog Survive During a Quarantine” provides excellent…
Teach Loose-Leash Walking
With longer, warmer days ahead, it’s a good time to enjoy the outdoors together with your dog. Why not prepare…
Linda Ryan Earns ASAB CCAB Status
Linda Ryan, one of the first graduates of the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program from the…
Match-to-Sample Revisited
Ken Ramirez believes that animals are capable of far more than we give them credit for—when training is fun! For…
March KPA CTP of the Month: Will Brunz
Will Brunz, KPA CTP, owns and runs Columbia Mountain Kennels (CMK) along with his wife, Andrea. Now a positive-only trainer,…
Helping Dogs Overcome the Fear of Objects
Is your dog afraid of ordinary objects? Does he freeze or try to run away when he sees a bag…
Thinking Outside the Treat Pouch: Secondary Reinforcers
When you give your dog a treat for a job well done, you are using a primary reinforcer, which is…
How to Teach Your Dog Not to Beg at the Table
One of the most common problems that pet owners want to solve is how to teach their dogs not to…
The Power of Relationships
Anyone who lives or works with animals knows how powerful the human-animal bond can be. In this heartwarming tale from…
Teaching Voluntary Weight Checks
Weight checks are a standard part of every vet visit, but for many pet owners getting their dogs onto the…
February KPA CTP of the Month: Sarah Surritt
Sarah Surritt, KPA CTP, CPDT, CGC, was drawn to volunteer work at the San Diego Humane Society when she had…
Introducing Puppies to Novel Sounds, Surfaces, and Stimuli
Introducing puppies to new stimuli and different surfaces is essential to the development of a confident and well-adjusted adult dog.…
10 Amazing Cat Tricks
Just because it’s National Train Your Dog Month doesn’t mean that dogs get to have all the fun! KPA Certified…
Michele Pouliot Teaches Keiko Canine Freestyle
During the winter you may be searching for activities that you can do with your dog to keep you both…
Teach Your Dog to Cheek Target
What types of useful behaviors can you teach with targeting? In last week’s blog Teaching Your Dog to Hand Target,…
January 2020 KPA CTP of the Month: Eva Berginc
Eva Berginc, KPA CTP, completed the World format of the KPA Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program in 2018, with Terry…
Teach Your Dog to Hand Target
Trainers are often asked, “What behaviors should I begin teaching my dog?” Teaching your dog to touch the palm of…
How to Teach Cooperative Nail Trims
If you and your dog find nail trimming stressful, you are not alone. Nail trimming is one of those necessary…
How to Teach Your Dog to Back Around You
A fundamental skill for canine freestyle is the dog backing around the handler. It’s also a fun trick that will…
Karen Pryor Academy Helps Raise Standards for Dog Training Professionals
Waltham, MA, December 16, 2019—Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) will be the first private education institution to join forces with three…
Dog Trainer Foundations Skills in Action!
Karen Pryor Academy’s Dog Trainer Foundation course offers dogs and their humans what they really crave: fun together! When you…
December 2019 KPA CTP of the Month: Erin Kidd
Erin Kidd, KPA CTP, came to positive-reinforcement training with a sigh of relief 15 years ago. Since she bought her…
Training Another Species to Become a Better Dog Trainer
Think you’re a great dog trainer? Try training a cat, bird, guinea pig, or horse! Training other species is not…
Train with Kindness
A recent study out of Portugal led by Ana Catarina Vieira de Castro has been receiving attention, including press from…
Puppy Show and Tell
Puppy training is more than socialization and problem-solving; it’s about setting the foundation for a lifelong partnership between people and…
Sit: Adding the Cue
Is your dog performing a new behavior reliably, but not necessarily when you want him to? Maybe you’re hoping for…
Teach Your Dog Left and Right
Teaching your dog to tell the difference between left and right on cue is a fun exercise that is handier…
November 2019 KPA CTP of the Month: Laura Heyer
Laura Heyer, KPA CTP, an experienced educator of children with behavioral and developmental disabilities, has utilized—and extended—that special skill set…
Karen Pryor Academy Announces 2019 Zoe Shelter Scholarship Recipients
Waltham, MA, October 31, 2019—Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) and Lisa White, DVM, founder of Veterinary Behavior Management Solutions in Cincinnati,…
Low-Cost Enrichment Ideas for Shelters
Life in a shelter is stressful for dogs—even at the most humane shelters. A variety of enrichment activities can enhance…
Teach Go to Place
With the holiday season around the corner, now is the time to begin holiday training. What if instead of jumping…
Teach Clapping as a Secondary Reinforcer
When you give your dog a treat for a job well done, you are using a primary reinforcer, which is…
October 2019 KPA CTP of the Month: Jade Fountain
Jade Fountain, KPA CTP, has trained a multitude of species, studied with many of the most renowned animal training and…
Interview with Laurie Luck
Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) faculty member Laurie Luck will lead KPA Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program in St Louis, (application…
KPA’s Train Your Cat Course in the News!
In a recent online news article about training the family cat, KPA’s Train Your Cat course was recommended. Emphasizing that…
Teach Your Dog to Offer a Paw
If your dog pulls away when you touch his paws, you are not alone. Many dogs dislike having their paws…
Michele Pouliot and Deja Demonstrate Prance Ahead
Imagine moving across a dance floor, with every move in synch with the music. Now imagine your dog dancing with…
KPA Trainers Recommended in Recent New York Times Article
Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior (KPA) was lauded recently by Wirecutter, the product review site owned by…
Teach Your Puppy to Enjoy Collar Handling
Nothing is more frustrating than reaching for your puppy only to have him back away just out of your reach.…
Shaping a Head Dip
Shaping, the process of teaching a new behavior by breaking it down in small increments, is a great way to…
Can Dogs Count?
When we think of animal training, we don’t often think beyond teaching certain cues. However, Ken Ramirez encourages everyone to…
Teach Your Dog to Back Up to a Target
Teaching a dog to back up is important for many dog sports, as it is a fundamental skill. However, did…
September 2019 KPA CTP of the Month: Michael Baugh
Michael Baugh, KPA CTP, has trained dogs since 1999, but has a background in communications that extends back even further.…
Help Your Dog Feel Comfortable Wearing a Cone
They are called “cones of shame” for a reason. Most dogs have to wear one of those awkward, plastic, lamp-like…
Training with Non-Food Reinforcers
One of the biggest objections to positive reinforcement training is the perception that it’s “all about the food.” However, while…
Wait at a Boundary: Part 2
Teaching your dog to wait at a boundary, like the threshold of a door, is not only a useful skill…
Stress-Free Nail Trims: Teach Your Dog to Accept the Dremel
A nail Dremel is a great alternative to use with dogs that hate having their nails clipped by guillotine-style clippers,…
August 2019 KPA CTP of the Month: Amy Creaven
While Amy Creaven’s career focus has switched from intensive care nursing to dog training, she has not abandoned her nursing…
The Many Applications of Targets: Closing a Door
Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program student Jessica Benoit (RVT, CPDT-KA) is using her knowledge of targets…
Training Games: Fun with a Beach Bucket
With scorching heat in many parts of the U.S., many dogs may not be able to enjoy long walks or…
Teach “Go On” and “Go Around”
Have you ever observed a dog performing behaviors at a distance from his handler and wished you could teach your…
KPA CTP in the News: Ask the Trainer
Juliana Willems, KPA CTP, of Dog Latin Dog Training returned recently to Dr. Katy Nelson’s Ask the Trainer television segment.…
July 2019 KPA CTP of the Month: Megan Ramirez
Megan Ramirez, KPA CTP, switched her professional focus from library science, in which she earned a master’s degree, to dog…
Teach a Paw Target, Part Two: Adding a Cue
In last week’s featured video, KPA CTP Michelle Wieser and her dog Timber demonstrated how to teach a paw target.…
Teach a Paw Target
Training a dog to target an object with his paw is easy and fun. A paw target is a foundation…
Help Puppies Get Started on the Right Paw… for Life
Most people understand the importance of socializing puppies, and there are numerous puppy classes available. However, many classes are not…
Karen Pryor Academy Welcomes New Application & Enrollment Coordinator Annie Chastain
Waltham, MA, June 18, 2019— Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) is pleased to announce the selection of KPA Certified Training Partner…
Teach Your Cat to Spin
Everyone knows that you can teach tricks to dogs, but did you know that cats can be trained easily, too?…
Cat Pawsitive National High-Five Day Contest Winner Clicks to $5,000 Prize
In early June, the Oshkosh Area Humane Society (OAHS) was awarded the $5,000 first prize in the Jackson Galaxy Project’s…
June 2019 KPA CTP of the Month: Kimmie Harlow
Kimmie Harlow, KPA CTP, provides private dog training in Rockville, Maryland. She has a special interest in helping families where…
Teach Your Old Dog New Tricks
Chances are that when your dog was younger, you spent many hours training new behaviors like spinning, jumping, bowing, and…
Simple Strategy for a Stress-Free Vet Visit
Visiting the veterinarian’s office can be a stressful experience, for both pet owners and their pets. Teaching a dog simple…
Wait at a Boundary: Part 1
Do you have a dog that barrels out doorways or from the crate? What about from the car? This can…
Stationing for Concept Training
Stationing—training an animal to go to a designated area and stay there until cued otherwise—is an essential tool for most…
Shaping a Head Turn
Teaching your dog to turn his head is a fun exercise, and the skill is handier than it seems. A…
May 2019 KPA CTP of the Month: Sandy Issler
Born in Ontario, Canada, Sandy Issler, KPA CTP, came to the United States for graduate school. She has lived in…
Teach a Puppy to Enjoy a Muzzle
Being very comfortable wearing an appropriate and well-fitted muzzle is a good training goal for any dog—particularly in situations where…
KPA CTP Places High in World’s Most Amazing Dog Competition
In spring 2019, Maddisen-Leigh Phelan, KPA CTP, and her border collie Rev were finalists in Facebook’s World’s Most Amazing Dog…
How to Capture a Sit
One of the fastest and easiest ways to train a new behavior on cue is to capture the behavior. “Sit”…
Interview with Laura VanArendonk Baugh
Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) faculty member Laura VanArendonk Baugh will lead upcoming KPA Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) programs in Washington,…
How to Teach a Chin Rest
Teaching your dog a chin-rest behavior is useful for training shy, overly excited, or reactive dogs. It is also helpful…
Teach Your Dog to Go Around an Object
Are you looking for a fun training exercise this spring? Teaching your dog to go around an object, such as…
April 2019 KPA CTP of the Month: Patrick Emmett
Patrick (Pat) Emmett, KPA CTP, is full-fledge into his second career. Pat turned to dog-training in his retirement after more…