by Linda | Jun 2, 2026 | Dog Trainers, Dogs, Maryland Dog Training, Maryland Puppy Training
Between the trainer wars, the online influencer culture, and new legislation further restricting access for dogs in public spaces, dog trainers find themselves under extraordinary scrutiny these days. I have to say, I am almost embarrassed to admit I train dogs. What...
by Linda | Jul 20, 2023 | Dog Behavior Training, Dog Politics, Dog Training Anecdotes, Dog Training Tools, How to train a dog, negative punishment, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, Positive reinforcement
Reinforcement and Punishment The internet is ablaze with opinions of what constitutes reinforcement and punishment in dog training; what is too much, why should punishment be used at all, etc. There are entire philosophies built on the theory that reinforcement is all...
by Linda | Jan 20, 2022 | Dog Behavior Training, Dog Training Anecdotes, Dog Training Tools, Dogs, How to train a dog, Maryland Dog Training
The maddening insistence that dog behavior is somehow divorced from dog obedience is an addlepated view of a pretty straightforward problem. Dog behavior is an observable act. When a dog engages in a behavior, he is doing something. Whether that behavior is directed...
by Linda | Dec 31, 2021 | Dog Behavior Training, Dog Trainers, Dog Training Anecdotes, Dog Training Tools, Dogs, How to train a dog, Maryland Dog Training
There really is nothing new under the sun when talking about dog training. Years ago, I was handling a dog at a public event being put on by an animal rescue. We were sort of in between showtimes and resting comfortably under an awning near my truck. Cotton was...
by Linda | Jul 21, 2019 | Dog Politics, Dog Trainers, Dog Training Anecdotes, Maryland Dog Training
Pet ‘Parent’ or Pet ‘Owner’? I ran a single-question survey on my facebook page the other day. I asked folks to determine if they saw themselves as a pet parent or as a pet owner. I knew going in that the overwhelming answer would be biased...