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...]
Highly sensitive personality and behavior problems in dogs
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...]
Assessing affiliation between dogs
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...]
Celebrating animal behavior
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...]
Embracing the Unknown
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...]
How do we make our dogs happy?
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...]
I challenge you – the relationship between enrichment, challenge, and wellbeing
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...]
Owner attitudes regarding behavioral medications
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...]
Promoting wellbeing in our animals
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...]
Impulsivity in Dogs – What Do We Know?
Impulse control. It’s a hot topic in dog training right now. There are many opinions about what impulse control is, how to improve it, and how it impacts behavior. Many people associate unwanted behavior with poor impulse control in dogs. … [Read more...]
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