Cognitive enrichment for dogs
Cognitive enrichment isn’t just for fun. It helps dogs focus, reduces stress, and builds stronger human-animal communication through guided brain work.
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Dog training and agency: Why choice matters
Giving your dog more choice builds confidence, reduces stress, and strengthens your relationship. Here’s how to add more agency to daily life.
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Training beyond dogs: Social cognitive animal training in action
What do pigs, ducks, chickens, and a foal have to do with dog training? A lot, actually. My Saturdays at Phoenix Stables taught me how universal learning theory really is and why social cognitive training works across species.
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Dog reactivity in spring: What to know and how to help
Noticing more barking or lunging on spring walks? Here’s why dog reactivity in spring tends to spike, and how you can help your dog feel more secure.
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How training shapes your dog’s outlook
Dogs can develop optimistic or pessimistic outlooks based on their experiences. Discover how training methods shape their mindset and why positive reinforcement leads to better outcomes.
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Ditch the shock: Why positive training is the better choice
Research shows that shock collars cause stress, fear, and harm without offering benefits over positive reinforcement. Studies confirm they negatively impact the human-animal bond, increase anxiety, and may lead to aggression. Learn why modern, science-backed training methods are the best choice for building trust and confidence in your dog.
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Punishment in dog training: What to do instead
Many dog owners turn to punishment out of frustration or outdated advice, but science shows it’s not the best way to train. Punishment can lead to fear, anxiety, and even increased aggression—without actually teaching your dog what to do instead. This article breaks down the science behind why punishment fails, the unintended consequences it creates, and how reinforcement-based training provides a more effective and humane alternative.
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The humane hierarchy: A better way to train your dog
Dog training should be kind, effective, and fair. The humane hierarchy, developed by Dr. Susan Friedman, provides a framework that ensures training is ethical, science-based, and prioritizes a dog’s well-being. Learn how each level—from addressing health and environment to using reinforcement—helps shape behaviour without fear or force. Discover why this method is the gold standard for ethical training and how it can help your dog thrive.
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How dogs learn: The science behind behaviour and training
Ever wondered how dogs really learn? Understanding operant conditioning, reinforcement, and extinction can make training more effective and enjoyable. Learn why positive reinforcement works best, how extinction bursts impact behaviour, and why timing is everything in dog training. Science-backed training leads to confident, well-behaved dogs—and a stronger bond with them. Explore the research behind humane training methods and how you can apply them in everyday life.
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