Anything's Pawsable

Counter-conditioning is widely considered one of the best and most effective ways to address canine reactivity because it focuses on changing the dog's underlying emotional response to their triggers, rather than just suppressing the outward behavior.   Here are the key reasons why it's so highly regarded, often used in conjunction with desensitization (DS/CC): 1. It Changes the Emotion, Not Just the Behavior **Addresses the Root Cause: Most canine reactivity (barking, lunging, growling) is driven by an underlying negative emotion like fear, anxiety, or frustration. Other methods might stop the dog from lunging (e.g., punishment), but they don't resolve the fear, which can lead to stress, avoidance, or even redirected aggression.   Creates a Positive Association: Counter-conditioning, based on classical conditioning, pairs the scary or upsetting trigger (the conditioned stimulus) with something the dog loves (the unconditioned stimulus), like high-value food. Over ti...

Aversive training techniques are methods that use an unpleasant, fear-inducing, or painful stimulus to discourage or stop an unwanted behavior. These methods are typically categorized under the learning principles of Positive Punishment (adding something unpleasant) and Negative Reinforcement (removing something unpleasant to increase a desired behavior). Many professional veterinary and animal behavior organizations recommend avoiding these methods due to the risks they pose to animal welfare, including increased fear, anxiety, aggression, and damage to the human-animal bond. 🛑 Common Aversive Techniques and Tools Here are examples of training techniques and tools widely deemed aversive: Physical Correction  * Hitting, swatting, or kicking the animal   * Shock Collars (E-collars)  * Lead/Leash jerking or "popping"  * Prong Collars  * Holding an animal's mouth closed  * Choke Chains (Slip collars)  * Poking or prodding the animal  * Invisibl...

Teaching Your Dog to Wait/Stay However, the training process is similar for both commands. Basic Training Steps Choose a Command: Decide whether you want to teach "wait" or "stay". Consistency is key. Start in a Calm Environment: A quiet space without distractions is best for initial training. Get Your Dog's Attention: Ensure your dog is focused on you before starting. Give the Command: Say "wait" or "stay" clearly and firmly. Hold Your Hand: Extend your palm facing your dog as a visual cue. Reward Immediately: If your dog stays in position for even a second, reward them with praise and a treat. Gradually Increase Time: Slowly extend the duration of the "wait" or "stay". Gradually increase Distance: ensure you only increase time or distance not both at the same time Introduce Distractions: Once your dog masters the command in a calm environment, start adding distractions like noises or movements. Practice Regularly: Short,...