Tag Archives: behavioral psychology

Self-control depletion

An interesting phrase, no? The research summarized here says that dogs do not have an infinite supply of self-control. They reach a point where they can no longer exercise the self-control needed to stay out of trouble. Or, as Julie … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Interesting science

Here’s a report a friend (thanks Philip!) sent me from the BBC on some recent research that shows dogs understand more about human perception than we might have thought. The short of it is, dogs seem to know that their … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

More science to support positive training

Over at Science of Dogs there’s a post about some research that confirms that when new behaviors are positively reinforced, the learning lasts longer than learning which receives negative reinforcement (punishment). Lighting the Pathways of Reward and Punishment. Again, this … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Eighty years of behavioral psychology says

that Cesar Milan is way off base, and that dominance is not leadership, and that what our dogs want is a leader. This great article argues convincingly that Milan and other dominance based trainers are on the wrong track. Prescott … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

It might not seem like much

I am working on my computer and Chico is lying quietly in the unfenced front yard, even when cars go by. For some dogs, many, maybe most, dogs, this would be no big deal. For me and Chico, this is … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Have I been manipulated by my dog?

This morning around 8 the noises of heavy equipment arriving came floating in my windows. Banging and clanging and driving down a ramp sounds were followed by chainsawing and more clanging and scraping. When we finally headed out for a … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Dogs have to learn English before they can understand us

The Whole Dog Journal was recommended to me by a local kennel owner, so I subscribed to their email newsletter. In early June, they ran this great article talking about talking to dogs. “Try to remember that you have to … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Nail trimming video

Rewarding Behaviors Dog Training pointed out this video, saying  “Colleen Koch is one of my favorite friends, trainers, and veterinarians. Check out her great nail trim video: Could you imagine if all vets were this behavior-savvy? A girl can dream!” … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

A very interesting theory about why clicker training is effective

Karen Pryor is widely recognized as the initiator of clicker training and continues to be one of the leading authorities on the subject. In this post she puts forth a fascinating theory about why the clicker is so effective. Pryor … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Why do dogs roll in stinky stuff?

Chico simply adores rolling in stinky things. Poop, especially if it’s frozen, and dead things, seemingly the slimier and smellier the better. Of course, Chico’s not exactly the only dog to feel this way and I have discussed the question … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment