Training

The use of pack theory and dominance in explaining dog behavior has come under a great deal of scrutiny lately. The Association of Pet Dog Trainers wish to inform the dog owning public about the ramifications of a reliance on dominance theory as it relates to understanding dogs, interpreting their behavior, and living harmoniously with [...]

1. Why use food rewards? It’s nice to think that dogs live to please their masters, but like most of us, they live to better themselves. While asking a dog to do something, they think, “What’s in it for me right now?” Behaviors that are rewarded are more likely to be repeated, so when we [...]

Real Life vs. Reality TV Have you seen the program “The Biggest Loser”? It is a TV show where overweight people try to lose the most weight and win cash prizes. The program depicts the competitors running, lifting, sweating, and pushing away from the dinner table, with each episode ending at a weigh-in to see [...]

Collars & Harnesses Collars and harnesses do several things: a) They carry important information in the form of tags, b) they serve as a connection point for a leash, and c) they can act as a training tool. Most all dogs can wear some sort of collar, except dogs with a throat disease that might [...]

Training has two reasons, do and don’t. First is basic manners, to perform certain behaviors on cue like sit, down come, stay and walk politely. Don’ts include don’t jump, pull on leashes, run away, take candy from the kids, and the like. “Do” Basics There are countless ways to train dogs. Training basics falls into [...]

MYTH: If a dog can’t learn he is stubborn or stupid. REALITY: Dogs are just like people. Some will learn quicker then others. Often when trainers see a dog having problems, it’s because the dog is not hearing things in a way that he understands. Reward your dog and use a lot of patience. If [...]

Media Release: The Association of Pet Dog Trainers States Marley & Me Highlights the Positive Impact of Training Professional dog trainers agree that upcoming movie is a wonderful opportunity to promote the benefits of positive, science-based dog training. Working with a professional trainer and learning about your dog’s physical and mental needs can eliminate potential [...]