Positive Training!!

Why make the switch to positive reinforcement training? You’ll get the best results! Teach the dog that he’ll be rewarded for performing the behavior that you want and that is what the dog will want to do. It is important to make sure that you are rewarding at the exact moment that the correct behavior happens and that is where clicker training is useful. Consistency is also necessary, all members of the household must used the same methods and only reward the desired behaviors. A reward for a dog can be treats, a ball, praise, petting, favorite toy or game or anything that the dog truly enjoys. Punishment teaches the dog not to perform that behavior in front of you or makes them associate it with certain stimuli in the environment at that time, which may be other dogs, cats, kids—all things that you want your dog to associate with positive experiences. If the scruff shakes and alpha rolls aren’t working—try the positive reinforcement training method, you and your dog will be much happier. And Remember: Every time you interact with a dog, you are training him, or he is training you. So, make it a good experience for both of you.

Positive training and behavior links:
http://www.ddfl.org/tips.htm

http://www.wonderpuppy.net/canwehelp/cwhindex.htm

http://timbreblue.com/petdogs-l/

http://www.clickersolutions.com/

http://www.dontshootthedog.com/home/

http://www.clickandtreat.com/

http://www.animalbehaviorassociates.com/rmn_articles.htm

http://www.sfspca.org/behavior/dog_library/index_library.shtml

http://iaabc.org/

Deaf Dog Resources
http://www.deafdogs.org

Additional resources offered by:

Message Boards:

http://www.kbaf.com/board/

http://www.talkdogtv.com/index.php

Must Reads found at www.dogwise.com

The Culture Clash and Dogs Are From Neptune by Jean Donaldson

The Other End of the Leash by Patricia McConnell

Any of Patricia McConnells booklets:
Subjects include: Puppies, basic training, separation anxiety, multiple dog households, dog aggression, being the leader of your pack, shy dogs and fear aggression.

Clicking with Your Dog: Step-by-Step in Pictures by Peggy Tilman

For an Extensive Reading List http://www.clickersolutions.com/reading.htm

Trainers APB recommends in the Lansing, MI area:
Janet Smith, Animal Behaviorist
517-349-0502 gooddogtraining@earthlink.net
Offers training classes and private consultations .
http://www.janetasmith.com/

Chris Conklin 517-333-7015 ccweim@juno.com
Offers puppy, basic obedience and beyond basics training classes and also private consultations by appointment.

Canine Coaches www.caninecoaches.com
Beth Bishop 641-7345 or bishopb@msu.edu
Linda Nichols 517-540-9684 lknichols@sbcglobal.net

Carol Hein-Creger 517-857-2884 freddie018@voyager.net

Capital Area Humane Society www.cahs-lansing.org/groupobedience.html
517-626-6821 x24

Beth Spanski, Diamonds in the Ruff (517) 589-0477 bethspanski@diamonds-in-the-ruff.com

To find a trainer in your area: http://www.apdt.com

Advanced Testing For Dogs:

American Temperament Testing Society, Inc http://www.atts.org/index.html

Canine Good Citizen http://www.akc.org/love/cgc/program.cfm

Therapy Dog International http://www.tdi-dog.org/

National Association for Search and Rescue, Inc http://nasar.org/

For Dog Seminar information:

http://www.puppyworks.com/

For doggie products and toys:
http://www.sitstay.com
http://www.kongcompany.com
http://www.drsfostersmith.com