Training Topics Index

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This page contains links for information related to general dog training, including basic information on canine nature and how dogs learn. A lot of this is based on methods that have worked for me. These are NOT the only possible ways to train. For information on training for specific types of work or working trial, please see the WORKING DOGS topics index. Also see PUPPY REARING for puppy pre-school and PROBLEMS for problem solving.

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TRAINING      (general training for home and public)

Contents :

• Canine Nature
• General Principles of Training
• Basic tools and techniques
• Basic Obedience
• A bit less basic

• Canine Nature Dog evolution, behavior, etc.

 

• DOGS, A Startling New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior, & Evolution
• Where Are the Wolves of Yesteryear ?, thoughts in response to an article on descent of dogs from wolves and archeological finds in the Dec 2016 Discovery magazine.
• Dog Language by Roger Abrantes (book review)
• The Other End of the Leash, by Patricia McConnell, PhD (review of superb book on how our natural human behaviors can cause us to mis-communicate with our dogs; how the 2 species are alike and how they are different). (added 6/09/03)
• Dog training : are there differences between male and female dogs ? question posed by Patricial McConnell and my response to it.
 
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• General Principles of Training (how dogs learn; how we teach)

 
 

• The Sesquipedalian Bouvier , or It Pays to Increase Your Dog's Word Power. An article I wrote in 1985, based on 5 years partnership with Chelsea, about ways to communicate with your dog.
• Excel-erated Learning (book review)
• The Culture Clash & Dogs Are From Neptune (book reviews)
 
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• Basic tools and techniques

 
 

• Tasty Training Treats, an article about three products that I have found ideal for use as food tid bits for positive reinforcement in training. They are also well accepted sick dogs whose appetite is poor.
• In Praise of Pinch Collars , updated in 2007 with illustrations and warnings against mis-use. While most dogs work very well on halters, a few do not and for them the pinch collar can be quite a good tool. Contrary to popular opinion, the pinch collar can be used effectively without relying on pain.
• In Honor of Halters , article on use of halters in training and warnings against mis-use. includes illustrations. Updated in 2020 with section "it's NOT a muzzle" and photos showing that a correctly fitted halter allows the dog to pant and to bite.
• Muzzle it ! an article about teaching your dog to accept wearing a muzzle and discussing situations in which a muzzle can be helpful ; illustrated.
 
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• Basic Obedience
  

 
 

• "Why Train ?" an article on the purposes of Obedience training. I haven't written this yet, but my main thesis is that the most important reason to train is for daily life , ie so dog and handler can be safe and comfortable and deal with normal events in the real world. Winning titles and prizes at competitions is just a bonus.
• Syllabus for a "CGC with Extras" course to prepare dog-handler teams for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, with supplementary exercises for other real world situations that most people encounter. This course also contains "handling hints" that are applicable to the test and to real life situations.
• Hints on Handling at CGC tests. This is an update from an article I wrote back in 1989 or 1990 soon after the AKC invented this test. I've updated it to show changes in rules. At the end there is a heart-felt plea for AKC to make this test a pre-requisite to breeding and to add a second and third level of testing ; and there is a call to arms for all responsible dog people to urge legislators to recognize that training is every bit as important to reducing shelter intakes and killings and to making dogs safer and better behaved in public situations and therefore legislators should incorporate CGC as a simple proof of training in dog licencing schemes rather than focusing exclusively on spay/neuter issues.
• Three methods of Teaching "Wait" at Door or Gate (added 7/12/03)
• Dogs who COME only when they have nothing better to do teaching the recall thoroughly with a long line
• Training Recall and more with the Remote Training Collar (only after thorough training with the long line !)
• Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening (verse about a dog who won't come when called and the passerby who tries to rescue him).
• Teaching a dog to Walk on a Loose Leash. I should have written this years ago, but almost every dog training and puppy rearing book covers the topic more or less well.
• Going for a Walk : how to begin a walk calmly with loose leashes.
• Walking Dogs Off Leash : sequel to Going for a Walk (on leash)
• Body Space, the Finessful Frontier , a discussion of concepts of "flight zone", "fight zone" , and "body space" and some methods for using the handler's body space in teaching dog "Move", "Move Over", "Off", "Get Back", and "Wait".
 
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• a bit less basic
• Playing Tug : discussion of how to play tug with a dog, using the game to teach the dog to let go on cue, plus a short movie clip of me playing tug with Bouvier Grover, just for his enjoyment.
 
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