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Ethology in Training and Behavior – Why Does it Matter?

February 2, 2021 By Kristina Spaulding Leave a Comment

Trainers are well-versed in learning theory. This is for good reason because a strong foundation in instrumental conditioning is essential for being able to effectively change behavior in dogs. However, it's not the only thing that matters. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Science of dog behavior

Why advanced instrumental learning?

January 11, 2021 By Kristina Spaulding Leave a Comment

Most experienced trainers are fairly well-versed in the basic principles of instrumental learning. Primarily, that means the antecedent-behavior-consequence sequence and the four types of instrumental learning: positive reinforcement, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Highly sensitive personality and behavior problems in dogs

January 7, 2021 By Kristina Spaulding Leave a Comment

The Question I recently came across a paper (Bräm Dubé et al. 2020) that looked at a characteristic called 'sensory processing sensitivity' or, more informally, 'high sensitivity'. The authors define “high sensitivity” as a personality … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Science of dog behavior

Assessing affiliation between dogs

December 6, 2020 By Kristina Spaulding Leave a Comment

Group cohesion, affiliation, and being in sync This month I'll be focusing on social relationships between dogs, both in this blog post and in the Research Bites webinar. Dogs are social animals. They live in groups - either with other … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Science of dog behavior, Training and Behavior Tips

Celebrating animal behavior

November 3, 2020 By Kristina Spaulding Leave a Comment

The world seems like a very stressful and serious place right now. This month, I wanted to do something a little different and share with you some research that just brings me joy and reminds me why I love animals so much and why I am an … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Science of dog behavior

Embracing the Unknown

October 7, 2020 By Kristina Spaulding 1 Comment

Today, I return to my series on quotes that have inspired me. The first in this series was way back in January of this year when I wrote about the danger of assumptions. This month, I'd like to talk about the value of admitting that we … [Read more...]

Filed Under: General, Science of dog behavior

How do we make our dogs happy?

September 5, 2020 By Kristina Spaulding 2 Comments

This week is crazy with coming back after a week of vacation (staycation), having Research Bites on Tuesday and our big Power of Choice seminar next weekend! That means that I am pulling a previous blog post out of the archives and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Uncategorized

I challenge you – the relationship between enrichment, challenge, and wellbeing

August 4, 2020 By Kristina Spaulding 4 Comments

The benefits of appropriate challenge We talk about enrichment in the dog world all the time. How important is it, really? It turns out that it’s very important! In fact, the very definition of enrichment states that it improves animal … [Read more...]

Filed Under: General, Science of dog behavior, Training and Behavior Tips

Owner attitudes regarding behavioral medications

July 1, 2020 By Kristina Spaulding Leave a Comment

A heartfelt thank you to two of the researchers—Karen van Haaften, DVM, DACVB and Emma Grigg, PhD, CAAB —for sharing their feedback for this blog article! Behavioral— or psychoactive— medication can be an important aspect of treatment … [Read more...]

Filed Under: General, Science of dog behavior

Promoting wellbeing in our animals

June 4, 2020 By Kristina Spaulding Leave a Comment

Health, welfare, and emotional wellbeing are intimately and inextricably connected. An animal’s health impacts their emotional state and their emotional state impacts their health. The way an animal perceives and responds to the world … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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About the Smart Dog Blog

The Smart Dog blog provides practical science-based information on dog training and behavior in addition to personal, heartfelt stories about loving and living with dogs.   For a more detailed summary, take a look at the first blog post here.

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