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Canine Evolution, How It Effects Your Dogs Behavior – Part 2

I feel many times we take for granted that our 4 legged friends are animals that have been domesticated and integrated into our lives over the past 130,000 years.  (Evolution of the Dog, 2001)  We take for granted that these once wild animals are now cuddling in our laps or assisting us in our daily lives.  We at times, get upset when our cuddly friend exhibits behaviors such as nipping or barking even though that is what they are hardwired to do, it’s instinct. When taking a look at the evolution of dogs Darwin speculated that the reason we have such diversity among dogs was due to breeding amongst a variety of wild dogs.  Through DNA testing it was found that Darwinwas wrong.  Dogs, are direct descendants of the gray wolf.   The reason we have such a diverse population of dogs, is due to intense and purposeful interbreeding. The key

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Jen Chapman November 7, 2013 No Comments

Canine Evolution, Recommended Reading

Dogs A New Understanding Of Canine Origin, Behavior, and Evolution By Raymond and Lorna Coppinger Domestic Dog, It’s Evolution, Behavior,  and Interactions With People by James Serpell Evolution of Canine Social Behavior, 2nd Edition by Roger Abrantes Dog Behavior, Evolution and Cognition by Adam Miklosi Wolves- Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation by L. David Mech & Luigi Boitani, Editors

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Jen Chapman November 7, 2013 No Comments

The Buzz About Reward Based Training

Traditionally dog training was primarily taught through punishment or aversive techniques.   Through time, reward based or positive reinforcement training has become more popular.   By definition, behaviors that are reinforced will increase.  This is true for various species of animals including humans.  It’s also true that both desired and undesired behavior can be increase through reinforcement. Positive reinforcement training is adding something to your dogs environment that your dog views as reinforcing.  Examples of reinforces for dogs include:  verbal praise, treats, toys, play (with the owner or other dogs, or toys), rub downs, a clicker, and more.  What your dog perceives as a reinforcer can vary from dog to dog.  Many trainers find that food, of various kinds, is a high reinforcer for dogs.  This is because food, by nature, is a primary reinforcement, which means your dog needs food to survive. The benefits of reward-based training are numerous.  What I

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Jen Chapman April 30, 2011 No Comments

Games to play to STOP problem behaviors

Dogs and humans that play together stay together.  Believe it or not, “play” can actually be considered a trainable behavior with dogs. Teaching your fuzzy friend to play with you can help build your relationship, increase trainability, provide mental stimulation and exercise (for both of you), and help to eliminate behavior problems. My training philosophy is to ‘have fun and be consistent’.  I like to stress to my students, if you are not having fun your dog will know, and your training sessions will not be as effective. How many of you can tell if someone close to you is frustrated or upset just by their body language?  How does it make you feel when you walk into a room and you see someone with ridged body movements or sighing?  When I see someone exhibiting frustration or anger my body tenses up, I hold my breath for longer periods of

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Jen Chapman November 24, 2010 No Comments
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