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 “KPA Trainers Recommended in Recent New York Times Article”

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…
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Featured image for “Teach Your Puppy to Enjoy Collar Handling”

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.…
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Featured image for “Shaping a Head Dip”

Shaping a Head Dip

Shaping, the process of teaching a new behavior by breaking it down in small increments, is a great way to…
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Featured image for “Can Dogs Count?”

Can Dogs Count?

When we think of animal training, we don’t often think beyond teaching certain cues. However, Ken Ramirez encourages everyone to…
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Featured image for “Teach Your Dog to Back Up to a Target”

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…
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Featured image for “September 2019 KPA CTP of the Month: Michael Baugh”

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.…
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Featured image for “Help Your Dog Feel Comfortable Wearing a Cone”

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…
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Featured image for “Training with Non-Food Reinforcers”

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…
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Featured image for “Wait at a Boundary: Part 2”

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…
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Featured image for “Stress-Free Nail Trims: Teach Your Dog to Accept the Dremel”

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,…
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Featured image for “August 2019 KPA CTP of the Month: Amy Creaven”

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…
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Featured image for “The Many Applications of Targets: Closing a Door”

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…
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