Systematic desensitization: Training plan designed to change a dog’s response to an upsetting scenario by breaking it into small pieces that do not trigger a fear response in the dog. The…

Socialization: The process by which a puppy learns about the world. The prime socialization period of a puppy is from about 8 to 12 weeks of age but can extend from…

Reinforcer: A consequence following a behavior that increases the likelihood of seeing that behavior repeated in the future. There are both Positive Reinforcers (R+) and Negative Reinforcers (R-). If you like…

Reactive: Acting out in order to ward off or escape a stimulus, for example, other dogs or people. Reactive dogs may be more tense and worked up when separated from the…

Adopt don't shop. Isn't that the mantra of pet lovers these days? While that's all well and good there is little effort put into keeping dogs in the homes where…

Predatory drift: When a dog’s behavior shifts from acceptable play behavior to predatory behavior. This sometimes occurs during interactions between large and small dogs; the smaller dog squeals or runs away…

Marker: A stimulus that pinpoints the behavior the dog performed. The most common markers are clickers and a specific word, such as “yes.” The marker should be used at the exact…

Learned helplessness: When a dog learns that no matter what he does he cannot escape from an aversive situation and gives up trying. Learned helplessness is a negative, detrimental emotional state…

The world is a wonderful place for a puppy. To them everything is novel, new, exciting, and an opportunity to explore and immerse themselves in some mud. From the age…

Classical conditioning: Pairing something of little or no value with something of intrinstic value until an association is learned. This gives the thing of lower value, value. ie: a dog learns…