By Lisa Desatnik, CPDT-KA, FFCP, FDM, CPBC Often dog guardians tell me about their dog knowing he did something he was not supposed to do. When I hear that, my question to them is, “What causes you to think your dog knows he did something that he was not supposed to do?” They will describe... Continue Reading →
By Lisa Desatnik, CPDT-KA, FFCP, FDM, CPBC When I say the word ‘bootleg’ to you, your thoughts are more than likely go to hard-core alcohol or moonshine. The definition includes all things produced, reproduced, or distributed illegally without authorization or licensing. In learning theory and pet training, we also talk about some reinforcement as bootleg.... Continue Reading →
By Lisa Desatnik, CPDT-KA, FFCP, FDM, CPBC Going to, staying and relaxing on a ‘place’ are valuable behaviors to invest time into teaching your dog. This lesson was one of my early ones I taught my own dog, Dawson, when he was a puppy. I have taught many more dogs and puppies since then. What... Continue Reading →
By Lisa Desatnik, CPDT-KA, FFCP, FDM, CPBC It is a common question of new puppy guardians, “When is the best time to begin training my new puppy?” My answer is always, “the day you bring your puppy home.” I am not talking about training your puppy to sit, lay down, stay or walk on a... Continue Reading →
By Lisa Desatnik, CPDT-KA, FFCP, FDM, CPBC What do these situations have in common? A dog begins running in circles, barking, and jumping when his leash is taken out. A dog begins pacing, nudging you and barking when you walk toward your kitchen at 5:00 p.m.. Both circumstances demonstrate contextual cues at work. These are... Continue Reading →
By Lisa Desatnik, CPDT-KA, FFCP, FDM, CPBC As I was driving the other day, I saw a man walking a very large dog, paying more attention to his cell phone than he was the surroundings. He also happened to be attached to his dog by a retractable leash. I’ve got to say, it made me... Continue Reading →
By Lisa Desatnik, CPDT-KA, FFCP, FDM, CPBC When you share your home and your life with a dog, there are so many activities you enjoy together – going for walks is among them. It can be frustrating as the leash handler when your dog decides to plant his feet (or rear end) down and refuses... Continue Reading →
By Lisa Desatnik, CPDT-KA, FFCP, FDM, CPBC I got a call the other day from a dog owner requesting help for her dog. She could not understand. Her dog usually enjoyed the company of guests in their home. Her dog would solicit head rubs from unfamiliar people he saw on typical outings to parks where... Continue Reading →
By Lisa Desatnik, CPDT-KA, FFCP, FDM, CPBC If you are a parent, you more than likely already know this. Parenting can be even more challenging when your family includes a baby, infant or kids and a dog. Even if human kids are not part of the mix, raising a puppy can have its frustrations, absolutely!... Continue Reading →
By Lisa Desatnik, CPDT-KA, FFCP, FDM, CPBC- Pet Behavior Columnist Associative learning. What is it and how can understanding it help you to have a “better behaved” pet? All of us, including our pets, are constantly learning from our experience how we should or would feel, think or behave in certain situations. Associative learning simplified... Continue Reading →
