Posts tagged positive experiences
What is a High-Value Reinforcer in Dog Training and Why is it Important to Use One?
What is a High-Value Reinforcer in Dog Training and Why is it Important to Use One?

When it comes to training our furry friends, using high-value reinforcers can make all the difference. These reinforcers, which can come in the form of treats, toys, verbal praise, or even physical affection, provide a clear signal to the dog that they have accomplished the desired behavior. (Check out our big list of reinforcers if you need help thinking of possible reinforcers to try out!) On the other hand, low-value reinforcers, or things you may believe are reinforcing, but aren't, can actually confuse and slow down training progress. So what makes a reinforcer high-value? It varies from dog to dog - for some pooches, it might be a crispy bacon treat, for others, it could be a game of fetch with their favorite toy. The key is to observe your dog's body language and reactions during training sessions and determine which reinforcer gets them the most engaged and increases and strengthens the targeted behavior. Using high-value reinforcers appropriately can not only help keep training sessions fun and engaging for both you and your pup but also increase efficiency and speed in learning behaviors and cues.

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Dog TrainingLauren TsaoFaithfully Yours Dog Training, LLCdog behavior, dog training, dog trainer, dog trainers, positive reinforcement, positive experiences, positive, positive training, positive reinforcement training, high value reinforcer, high value, reinforcers, environmental reinforcers, reinforcement, social reinforcers, training with treats, treat training, treats, treat ideas, operant conditioning, reinforcing, reinforcing behavior
Operant or Classical Conditioning In Dog Training: Is It Possible To Use Just One?
Operant or Classical Conditioning In Dog Training: Is It Possible To Use Just One?

If you're new to the world of dog training, you may be wondering what operant conditioning and classical conditioning are, how they differ from one another, and if you can use them separately from one another. Both operant conditioning and classical conditioning are important elements of dog training, and it's important to understand the difference between the two in order to be the best trainer possible. Here's a brief overview of each type of conditioning, as well as a history of their respective pioneers, Ivan Pavlov and B.F. Skinner.

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Behavioral, Dog TrainingLauren TsaoFaithfully Yours Dog Training, LLCdog behavior, dog owner, dog trainer, dog training, dog trainers, aversive dog training, operant conditioning, classical conditioning, behavioral, behavior consulting, behavior modfication, dog behavior modification, dog behavior consulting, dog learning, learning, learning theory, quadrants, positive training, positive reinforcement, positive punishment, positive experiences, negative reinforcement, negative punishment
How To Help A Fearful Dog Gain Confidence
How To Help A Fearful Dog Gain Confidence

If your dog is fearful, you may be wondering what you can do to help them feel more confident. Some dogs may be more fearful or hesitant than others, which can make training more challenging due to past experiences, social learning from other fearful dogs in the household, or even genetics. Luckily, there are positive reinforcement-based training methods and behavioral modification techniques, like desensitization and counter-conditioning that you can use to help your dog gain the confidence he or she needs to thrive. Keep reading to learn more about how to help a fearful dog gain confidence by using positive reinforcement and behavior modification techniques.

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Dog Training, BehavioralLauren TsaoFaithfully Yours Dog Training, LLCfearful dogs, fear, fearful dog, fearfulness, dog behavior, dog aggression, dog on dog aggression, dog training, dog trainers, dog trainer, dog human aggression, reactivity, reactive dog, reinforcement, reinforcers, positive reinforcement, fearfulnes, anxious dog, anxiety in dogs, phobias, sound phobia, dog scared of doorbell, dog scared of sounds, dog scared of people, dog scared of people at door, positive experiences, positive training, positive
Halloween and Your Anxious Dog: A Guide to Keeping Them Calm
Halloween and Your Anxious Dog: A Guide to Keeping Them Calm

It's that time of year again - the leaves are changing color, the air is getting crisp, and Halloween is just around the corner. For many of us, Halloween is a fun and festive time. But for our dogs, it can be a very stressful holiday with the constant stream of strangers coming to your door to the spooky noises (and movements!) of Halloween decorations. If your dog is anxious about strangers knocking on the door or the novelty that Halloween brings, here are a few steps you can take to help them feel more at ease.

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Behavioral, Dog Training, EventsLauren TsaoFaithfully Yours Dog Training, LLCdog training, halloween, trick or treat, trick or treating, anxious dog, anxiety in dogs, fearful dogs, fear, fearfulness, dog behavior modification, desensitization, counterconditioning, counter conditioning, halloween decorations, dog scared of people, dog scared of people at door, barking, barking at strangers, sound phobia, sound phobias, dog scared of sounds, dog scared of doorbell, dog freaks out at door, positive training, positive experiences, socialization
Introducing a New Dog: Adjusting to a New Home
Introducing a New Dog: Adjusting to a New Home

Introducing a new animal into your family is always an exciting (though sometimes, stressful) process. When Googling “adopting a new dog”, you will find a wide range of suggestions from the science-based to personal opinion. This can make the process of introducing a new dog into your home smoothly seem challenging and taxing. However, it definitely doesn’t have to feel this way.

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Dog Training, BehavioralLauren TsaoFaithfully Yours Dog Training, LLCdog trainer, dog behavior, dog trainers, dogs, dog psychology, dog training, certified dog trainers, new dog, new home, adopting a dog, rescuing a dog, rescue dog, bringing home a puppy, puppy, puppy setup, positive training, positive experiences, decompression, adjustment, new puppy, new pet