Melissa | Prof. Dog Trainer

"Behavior is behavior"

Dogs do what works for them. They don't view the world through a human lens, so if the behavior isn't working for us (aka, it's "bad"), that is information we can use, if we listen.

#dogs

Train in multiple settings.

Dogs don't generalize well, so it is essential to train all behaviors in multiple settings.

#dogs

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From Cautious to Confident: Helping a Dog Feel at Home

Read on Substack (Link in bio where necessary)

"Manage the behavior"

In other words, this means prevent your dog from practicing whatever behavior is problematic. Close, the blinds, put up a baby gate, walk at different times, etc. Management is the first step in any training plan.

#dogs

Behavior is communication

Dogs don't misbehave. They communicate unmet needs, stress, fear, or confusion.

When we listen, behavior changes faster. Take the time to study your dog's behavior and what that means. You'll find you understand your best friend much better.

#dogs

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How to Socialize an Older Dog Successfully

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"Trigger Stacking"

One stressor? Manageable. Five stressors in a day? Explosion.

Behavior often reflects everything that happened before. When a lot happens at once, it's called "trigger stacking."

#dogs

JUST PUBLISHED

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Prepping for your Pup: Items to include in their Emergency Kit

This article includes a list of items to gather for an emergency kit, and includes a digital download pamphlet for paid subscribers.

Substack link in bio.

Timing Matters More than Treats

Your marker tells your dog exactly which behavior earned the reinforcement.

If you have late timing, you are giving unclear feedback whereas if you have clear timing your pup will learn faster. Timing is essential for clear communication.

#dogs

JUST PUBLISHED

Now available to paid subscribers.

How to Socialize an Older Dog Successfully

Read on Substack (Link in bio where necessary)

The foundation of Training to a T is using positive reinforcement rather than fear, pain, intimidation, or harm, to train dogs. With that in mind, and because all humans deserve humanity, we are closed on Fri., January 30th in solidarity with Minnesota and everywhere where this is not taking place.

Progress isn't linear

Setbacks don't mean failure. They mean learning is happening. Behavior change looks messy before it looks better. That's normal.

#dogs

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Help! I have a reactive dog. What do I do?

Link in bio

"Mark your dog's behavior"

When you "mark" your dog's behavior, you make a short staccato noise using a clicker or a verbal noise like "yes!" or "good!" Then purpose is to tell your dog they did the behavior correctly.

Don't forget to reward your pup after the mark!

#dogs

Your dog isn't being stubborn.

If a behavior isn't happening, it's not defiance. It's missing skills, unclear communication, or too much difficulty.

Dogs do what works for them. Our job is to make the right choices easier.

Ask yourself, "what can I do to make this easier for them?"

#dogs

Prepare for an Emergency

· Create a plan for your animals - Who will take care of them if you aren't able?
· Microchip & tag your animals or update your current microchip.
· Get your dog comfortable in a crate.
· Create a 72 hour kit/first aid kit for your animals.
#dogs

JUST PUBLISHED

Now available to all subscribers, free and paid.

Your Dog's Safety Plan: What Happens When You Can't Get Home

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"Choose your Reinforcers."

When you train your dog, you will want several types of reinforcers. Some high-value, some low-value. Most often these are treat rewards, but for many dogs, toys, scent games, & life rewards are also possibilities. Work with your trainer for help determining!

#dogs

Training isn’t about controlling your dog.

It is about communication.
It is about setting dogs up to win.
It is about meeting needs before asking for skills.

Control creates compliance.
Understanding creates reliability.

#Dogs

You will want to do reactivity training with her. I have another article coming out on Substack in the next month that will break it down, so make sure you are following so you see when it does.

Harnessing Your Dog's Sense of Scent.

Now available for free subscribers on Substack.

An excerpt: "This approach can be used for anything with a scent and studies have shown that dogs create stronger associations when scent is involved…"

To read more, visit our blog at the link in our bio.

#dogs

MYTH BUSTING

🚫 “Positive reinforcement is just bribery”

"Bribery" happens before a behavior to beg for it.
"Reinforcement" happens after a behavior to strengthen it.

One creates confusion.
The other creates learning.

You aren't bribing them, you are teaching them how to succeed in your world.

When trainers say a dog is “above threshold,” it's valuable information that the pup is too excited, stressed, or overwhelmed to learn in that moment.

Give your pup a break and try again later. Meeting them where they are is the key to success.

Harnessing Your Dog's Sense of Scent. Using scent to train your dog on obedience behaviors.

Available for paid subscribers now. Temporarily available for free subscribers on Jan 12th.

Check it out for free now! You will be supporting our small business and receive valuable info! Link in bio.

Merry Christmas!

The Beatles song "A Day in the Life" has a frequency only dogs can hear. In 2013, Paul McCartney verified he added the frequency!

#dog #dogtraining #dogtrainingtip

Debunking Myths: Pitbull Bans Work

In 2019, Ledy VanKavage of Best Friends Animal Society worked on a study that found BSL (Breed Specific Legislation), unfairly targets certain dogs and breeds. In addition, another 2019 Veterinarian study found most Veterinarians believe bans are not effective.

Every dog behavior has a reason; Nothing is random or unpredictable if you know dog behavior. Each dog's behavior comes from the set of circumstances, triggers, and history of the animal.

#dog #dogtraining #dogtrainingtip

Debunking Myths: More Dangerous

According to the American Pitbull Foundation, Pitbulls passed 82% of the time on temperament tests compared to 77% with the general dog population, disproving that they are more dangerous than other breeds.

#dogs #pitbull #pitbullawareness #myth

When you mark a good behavior immediately, it connects the action with getting a reward! Make sure to reward after the click!

Training to a T, LLC is a positive reinforcement trainer out of Utah. Give us a follow for more dog-related information!

#dog #dogtraining #dogtrainingtip