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.
Featured image for “Shaping a Head Turn”

Shaping a Head Turn

Teaching your dog to turn his head is a fun exercise, and the skill is handier than it seems. A…
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Featured image for “Teach a Puppy to Enjoy a Muzzle”

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…
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Featured image for “How to Capture a Sit”

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”…
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Featured image for “How to Teach a Chin Rest”

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…
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Featured image for “Teach Your Dog to Go Around an Object”

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…
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Featured image for “Teach Your Cat to Target”

Teach Your Cat to Target

Targeting, where an animal touches an object with her nose or paw, is not just a useful behavior for dogs—it…
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Featured image for “Shaping Success: Strategic Treat Placement”

Shaping Success: Strategic Treat Placement

Strategic treat placement is a key part of dog training, yet it is often overlooked. The placement of reinforcement during…
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Featured image for “How to Transfer a Cue”

How to Transfer a Cue

Cues should always be clear and consistent. However, cues do allow for some flexibility and can be transferred. Are two…
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Featured image for “Teach Settle on a Mat”

Teach Settle on a Mat

Teaching your dog to settle on a mat is very useful—for both practical and safety reasons. Dogs need a safe…
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Featured image for “Chin Rest Behavior for Veterinary Care”

Chin Rest Behavior for Veterinary Care

Teaching your dog a chin rest is useful for building cooperation during medical, such as vaccinations, administration of medications, and…
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Featured image for “Make Your Shelter a Bark-Free Zone”

Make Your Shelter a Bark-Free Zone

Constant barking is stressful for shelter dogs, staff, and visitors. A small shift in routine management can reduce the noise…
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Featured image for “The Shaping Game”

The Shaping Game

Shaping is the process by which you gradually teach a dog a new action or behavior by rewarding him during each step of…
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