ZoePhee: Training

This page will be updated as we go.

Zoe and Phoenix are trained with Reward based Methods.

Recently I saw a term on facebook that I liked that fits the training I do with my girls perfectly:
LIMA - least invasive, minimally aversive.

To see my special post about not using aversives please click here:
Clever Alternatives to Using Aversive Punishment in Dog Training

Training Resources:

Training Methods I use and recommend:

What is clicker training? Kikopup Video!
What is Clicker Training? Karen Pryor's Website
The Science & Art of Training Dogs Training Positive

Clicker training is a method of training animals that uses positive reinforcement where behavior is marked with a clicker, a small mechanical noise maker that makes a distinct click. The click tells the animal that they've done the right behavior and their reward is coming.Think of it as taking a picture of the behavior you like. Then you reward that behavior with food or a toy.

Clicker Training Basics Pam's Dog Training Academy

There are three ways to get behavior from an animal using positive reinforcement: Capturing, Shaping and Luring. Kikopup explains it in great detail what each of these are in the video above. I primarily use shaping and advanced luring but I also do some capturing when I can.

Phoenix - Free Shaping her to put a ball in a bowl
Zoe - Luring into heel position with pocket hand

Will I always need to use a clicker? Do I have to drag a clicker with me everywhere I go? Short answer NO! Once a behavior is trained and a cue is placed on it you no longer need the clicker. In addition to the clicker I also use a maker word. Marker words are great, not quite as effective as a clicker, though. I use YES! After the behavior is "finished" and you no longer need the clicker I still recommend that you "pay" the dog for the behavior whenever you can so that the behavior remains valuable to the dog. Dogs do what works to get what they want and it's important we continue to reinforce behaviors we like.

Cues are put on a behavior AFTER the foundation of the behavior is trained. I don't put any cues on behavior until the foundation of the behavior is trained. In example I would teach the mechanics of SIT before I tell the dog to SIT. You need to be at least 95% sure the animal will do the behavior before you put a cue on it.

Proofing ~ Everything You Wanted to Know About Proofing—But Were Afraid to Ask

What does Positive Reinforcement and Force Free mean exactly? That means I don't do any traditional methods of training. We don't do any leash corrections, any sort of intimidation, or anything else you can think of that would be aversive. We stick to the left side of the 4 quadrants pictured below.

Food Rewards in Dog Training

What NOT to do to your best friend and Why. kikopup

Understanding training methods and techniques Kris Crestejo

"Dominance Theory" has been debunked by science. Please see the links for more information:

Dominance Debunked
Nonlinear Dogs
The Dominance Controversy
Dog Whispering in the 21st Century

The Truth About Shock Collars

My Dog Growled At Me! What do I do!?
4 Things You Should Know About Your Dog Growling
Counter Conditioning Aggression

Dog Trainers on YouTube that I recommend:
Kikopup
Pam Johnson
Training Positive
Donna Hill
Modern Canine Training
DomesticatedManners
Eileenanddogs
3LostDogs
Sophia Yin
Urban Dogs
Ahimsa Dog Training
NanaBorderCollie
Zak George

Professional Organizations:
http://iaabc.org/
http://ccpdt.org/
http://www.dacvb.org/
http://www.petprofessionalguild.com/

My Favorite Websites:
Emily Larlham (kikopup)
Pamela Johnson
Kris Crestejo Willson
Kathy Sdao
Patricia McConnell
Karen Pryor (Clicker Training)
Pamela Dennison
Sophia Yin
Tawzer Dog
http://www.stubbypuddin.com/
http://puppydepression.com/
http://careforreactivedogs.com/
http://fearfuldogs.com/
http://www.reactivedog.com/
http://www.dogstardaily.com/
http://thebark.com/
http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/
http://www.peaceablepaws.com/
http://rewardedbehaviorcontinues.com/
http://www.howmanydogs.com/
http://www.wholedogtraining.com/#!behavior--training-articles/c1e1o
http://3lostdogs.com/
http://www.dogsandbabieslearning.com/

Body Language of Fearful Dogs