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…
Read on for how-to tips that improve training, insights that inspire action and news that's worth sharing with others.
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…
Reinforcement Without Food
When thinking about positive reinforcement, food treats are likely top of mind. However, there may be times when you can’t…
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…
Teaching Interactive Play
Here’s a common scenario: Your dog loves to chase toys. You pick up a toy and your dog dances wildly…
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…
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…
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…
Teaching Verbal Cue Discrimination
As trainers, we need to be able to depend on our dogs’ ability to respond to the correct verbal cue…
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…
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?…