When it comes to animal behaviour modification, one of the most effective strategies is reinforcing alternate behaviour. But what exactly does this mean, and why is it such a crucial part of the process?

We often think of our pets as family members—loyal companions who brighten our days with their antics and unconditional love. But how often do we stop to think about how much they might appreciate the freedom to make their own decisions? Giving animals agency is about acknowledging that they are not just creatures who simply follow our ‘commands’, but sentient beings with their own preferences, needs, and desires. It’s about respecting their ability to make choices, and in doing so, deepening the bond between us and our pets.

When it comes to dog training, the difference between telling a dog off and using a disruptor is more than just semantics. It’s a difference between fostering trust and creating stress, between building a positive relationship and eroding the connection you share with your dog. By choosing disruptors and differential reinforcement over punishment, you create a learning environment where your dog thrives and where your bond only deepens over time.

When it comes to dog training, reinforcement plays a pivotal role in shaping your pet’s behaviour. One of the most fundamental concepts in reinforcement-based training is understanding the difference between continuous reinforcement and intermittent reinforcement. By mastering when and how to use each, you can significantly improve your dog’s learning process and strengthen your bond.

Our days are filled with activities that keep our minds mentally stimulated. We get up, make coffee, exercise, drive to work, engage in challenging tasks, drive home, cook dinner, and do many other interesting things that help us grow, both mentally and physically. After COVID lockdowns, now more than ever, we recognise what it’s like to be our pets — stuck in an environment with limited variety and challenges.

When you’re training your dog, it's essential to understand the power of markers—those verbal cues or sounds that help communicate expectation to your pet. But not all markers are created equal! In fact, there are two main types of markers you’ll encounter in pet training: the marker (often tied to classical conditioning) and the continuation marker. Though both serve to guide your pet’s learning, they each have distinct purposes and can be used to fine-tune your training.

Mat training provides numerous benefits by teaching your dog a designated spot to settle and stay, promoting calmness and reducing unwanted behaviours like jumping. It helps build impulse control and focus, which translates into better behaviour in various scenarios.

A release word is a cue used to let your dog know they are free to stop performing a behaviour such as ‘sit’.  It’s like saying, “You’re done with this task; you can finish now!” A release cue provides clarity by marking the end of a behaviour, helping your dog understand when you’re ready for them to transition out of a stationary position.

Marker training is like a secret code between you and your pet. It’s a simple, effective way to communicate exactly when your pet is doing something right.

I often get asked by clients how they should punish their dog, and they are often left scratching their heads when I tell them we actually don’t want to intentionally implement punishers in our dog’s worlds. I often advertise our training here at Shelby Thorn Animal Behaviour is ‘positive vibes only’ - let’s talk about what this actually means.

In the world of animal care, understanding and managing fear, anxiety, and stress is essential for creating environments where animals can be their best selves. Fear Free has developed a tool known as the FAS scale sheet, which helps caregivers identify and address the emotional status of animals through observing their behaviours and providing a score. This is especially useful in shelter, veterinary or boarding-like environments.

Did you know that pet training is an unregulated part of the animal welfare and care industry where anyone can claim to be an expert? Even if you find a Trainer or Behaviourist who has studied, there are many animal behaviour and training courses that are privately run, and do not have to meet any standards, and so there graduate Trainer’s can provide some very questionable advice. So how the heck do you chose a pet trainer or animal behaviourist? Let’s break it down together.

As a dog owner, dog parks might seem like a perfect place for your dog to burn off energy and make new friends. But before you head out, it's worth reconsidering. While dog parks may seem like a canine paradise, they can often do more harm than good.