Art and Science of Dog Training

Feeling smug. I’ve “trained” the starlings to vacate the feeder when I say “no starlings”—-true, this is a lesson that has to be re-learned (actually, I”m pretty sure they’re just programmed to test me) every couple of days or so. I have to be present and willing to follow through with a flick from the 8’ fly rod. BUT the really cool thing is that Rex the Red-belly is trusting me enough to wait until the starlings zip off. Like Pavlov: bell, dinner, drool. Eventually, you don’t need the dinner to get the drool. So: “no starlings”, fly rod flick, starlings leave. Eventually, the fly rod is not necessary (but always to hand). The cool thing, the really cool thing, is the trust of the other birds (bluebirds, finches, and now Rex!)

I know some people are uncomfortable with the fact that dogs need to sniff each other’s butts to get the skinny on what’s happening. But butt sniffing is an important social ritual among polite dog society. It’s a behavior that has a huge learned component to it. Because so many dogs are removed from their litters and parents before 12 weeks....a lot of dogs don’t know how to butt-sniff right. And honestly, since we now have generations upon generations of dogs who have been removed way too early from their litters/parents—today’s puppy who’s lucky enough to stay with it’s birth family for 3 months, may still not have learned the right way to butt-sniff. First, a dog can’t be too intrusive/eager. Second, reciprocity. I sniff yours, you sniff mine. The dogs that tend to be super-amped up at the dog park? Watch them, chances are a lot of energy is going into non-reciprocal butt-sniffing.

Brody #3 — Intro to Socialization: Reciprocal Butt Sniffing Reciprocity and a certain delicacy are hallmarks of a socially adept canine.

Day 1: Session 2

Brody #2 — Equipment is Everything It takes me 3x longer to explain the equipment than to explain the beginnings of Loose Leash Walking. Seriously, equipment is everything. Well, almost. With ...

Back in the Board&Train business. Quarantine has left me with the time and energy to start back up again. Message me if you have any questions. I’m in the Nashville, TN area.

Brody #1 Intro to Loose Leash Walking Brody a 3m.o. Lab/Shepherd mix. Comes to my house to learn about Loose Leash Walking, house training, and how to cope with frustration (i.e., doggie narcissi...