In this 3rd video on our reinforcement series, we discuss an evolutionary perspective on reinforcement - exploring predatory success rates, and why predatory animals are hardwired to keep trying to succeed at things that are only sometimes successful.
What is a high value reward - from a dogs perspective? In this video, we discuss the trend of high value rewards - where they’ve come from, and whether or not they are received in the way that we think by our dogs.
In this first part of our series on understanding reinforcement we discuss what reinforcement means from a dog psychology perspective, and the difference in how it compares to the more human, moralistic experience of “Reward”.
In this fundamentals video, we discuss heel work, and the natural motion of the follower state - a simple way of helping your dogs to understand what it means to stay close to you when needed.
In Part 2 of our Separation Anxiety Deep dive, we explore the importance and benefits of an independent sleep routine when it comes to preparing to leaving your dog on their own.
In this deep dive, we explore the first stage of our training on resolving separation related issues - Independent Relaxation.
In this video, we discuss the fundamentals Separation Anxiety, as an introduction to our Separation Anxiety Deep Dive.
Keeping your dog calm around prey animals and other moving objects like cars, bikes and scooters is something best practiced early and maintained later in life. In this video we explore the activities I practice with Théo to help him relax around birds.
Picking up objects that they find is a very normal part of being a Puppy. How you respond can have a big impact on how your puppy perceives the value of these objects, and over time can be a significant factor in how guarding or possessive behaviours form.
In this deep dive, we explore the process of introducing Charlie - a very sensitive temperament of dog, to new puppy Théo. Handling these situations in the right way sets both dogs up to succeed, by slowing down the process so that both the older dog and the younger puppy have time to get to know each other and build trust.
Proper exposure to the world around them builds confidence and resilience in young puppies - but what exactly should this look like? And how can you balance out these needs whilst ensuring your puppy is getting the appropriate level of exercise they need?
How many toys and chews does your dog need? One? Five? One hundred? In this video we discuss healthy habits for sharing objects, and the most useful toys and chews to have around with a young puppy.
Rules Boundaries and limitations are an essential part of raising your puppy in a safe way that allows them to succeed in a human world. In this video, we look at good habits for waking up in the morning, and how to disagree effectively when Theo decides to start chewing on some Ivy (which is poisonous).
When it comes to leaving and exiting the crate, the key word is calmness. One of the main habits that puppies get into is barking and being very excited and frustrated in order to get out of the crate, and when we let our puppies out in a rush, we build this bad habit over time. In this video, we begin to introduce the idea of how to come out of the crate calmly, using a place imprint.
Most people are taught an obedience based, ‘ready steady go’ approach to feeding dogs, which is suboptimal when it comes to forming the right associations. In this video, we explore a structure that helps puppies practice calmness and boundaries around food, without adding too much tension.
In this video, we do a deep dive into the process of introducing the figure 8 lead to Layla the Border Collie.
In this video, we discuss the factors that motivate our decisions around the right tools for our dogs - and we look at the benefits of a Figure 8 lead for balancing out safety, comfort and control.
When conditioning a Figure 8, or other head collars to use for safe walking, there is a protocol that I always follow to make the process as easy as possible.
Should you play tug with your dog, or not? In this Deep Dive, we explore the pros and cons of this popular game, and discuss healthy habits.
Sharing a chew with your puppy, and teaching them how to receive it and give it calmly is an essential skill to get in place early on. Building on the touch imprint, and expanding on conflict resolution principles builds a solid foundation to prevent guarding issues further along the line.
In this Video, we explore Conflict Resolution - the principle of disagreeing with behaviours you don’t want, and resolving those disagreements effectively.
One of the first things to practice with any new Puppy - an imprint with touch that represents calmness, gentleness and relaxation. Prevent puppy biting and resolve conflicts with calmness as an outcome.
Place work is a true keystone activity to teach and practice with your dog - the best way to create a relaxed and calm state of mind. Learn this natural body motion for rest - and apply it in a huge range of different scenarios.
In this video, we explore the benefits of teaching a natural, relaxed sit in a way that nurtures a calm, peaceful state of mind.