“Successive Approximation”, or “Shaping”, is a highly useful and proven technique to train your Service Dog for any tasks. Well worth reading!
Fun Dog Training Techniques Using Shaping! | Whole Dog Journal
Pet Ownership Costs Guide
Pet ownership represents a large emotional – and financial – commitment. Whether you buy from a pet store or a breeder, adopt an animal from a shelter, or take in a stray, initial costs are just the beginning of the story.
This guide for the folks at thesimpledollar.com examines the different costs associated with pet ownership and helps you know what to expect, how to plan for these expenses, and potential ways to reduce the financial burden of pet ownership.
Pet Ownership Costs Guide
Does Your Pet Have a Fever?
An abnormally high temperature can signal serious health problems. Here’s how to know if your dog or cat has a fever — and what to do about it.
Source: Does Your Pet Have a Fever?
Pavlov’s Dogs | Simply Psychology
So freaking simple. So amazing. This is how it all works.
Like many great scientific advances, Pavlovian conditioning (aka classical conditioning) was discovered accidentally.
During the 1890s Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov was looking at salivation in dogs in response to being fed, when he noticed that his dogs would begin to salivate whenever he entered the room, even when he was not bringing them food. At first this was something of a nuisance (not to mention messy!).
Read more at Pavlov’s Dogs | Simply Psychology
Mushers Secret-All Season Paw Protection For Your Dog
PLEASE remember to protect your Service Dog’s paws in the upcoming heat (and when there is extreme cold). This product is absolutely wonderful. Instead of trying to get your dog to wear booties, which can be cumbersome, just apply a thin coating of the Musher’s Secret to their paws and let it sit for about 5 minutes. It forms a protective barrier on the dog’s paws that truly works. It can be purchased here, on Amazon, at Walmart, etc.
Mushers Secret Dog Paw Wax – natural breathable paw protection
Source: Mushers Secret-all season paw protection for your dog
Key Differences Between Classical and Operant Conditioning
Operant Conditioning versus Classical Conditioning. Service Dog Express (SDE) uses both.
Although a basic feature of operant conditioning is reinforcement, classical conditioning relies more on association between stimuli and responses. A second distinction is that much of operant conditioning is based on voluntary behavior, while classical conditioning often involves involuntary reflexive behavior. HOWEVER, although operant conditioning works extremely well, SDE NEVER supports punishment. Withholding praise is NOT the same as punishment. A very important distinction.
Check out more at: Key Differences Between Classical and Operant Conditioning
Video: Best Fruits and Vegetables for Dogs
Next time you’re shopping in the produce aisle of the grocery store, you may want to add some some fruits and veggies for you and your canine to your cart. From carrots and broccoli to apples and cantaloupe, these snacks are low-calorie, yummy and safe to feed your pup as long as they are prepared correctly and given in moderation. I even have a special trick for giving canines bananas without the mess!
Check it out: Video: Best Fruits and Vegetables for Dogs
THE EDUCATION OF WILL – A MUTUAL MEMOIR OF A WOMAN AND HER DOG – Stories and Gift Items – Dogwise.com
I highly recommend this book, by the amazing Canine Behaviorist, Patricia McConnell. It chronicles her own path of dealing with trauma, and how working with her dog, Will, also a with a history of trauma, helped turn them both from “victims” to “survivors”. I am sure it is also available on Amazon.
A powerful, soul-searching memoir about the journey Patricia takes together with a troubled puppy to change being “a victim” into being “a survivor.
Rooting for the underdog
IT’ SUPERBOWL TIME. If you are a fan of football and like to root for the underdog check out these DOGS. At one time they were underdogs (literally). They were passed over time and time again. But the good folks at In Dog We Trust gave them a chance. With love and care these underdogs are now WINNING, they found homes, they found their callings, they won their Superbowl! Please share and while you are at it tell In Dog We Trust thanks with a Facebook LIKE or a donation. They did and are continuously doing a fantastic job!
How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears and Keep Them Healthy
Dr. Marty Becker discusses the things to look for — and smell — to know if your dog’s ears are infected. Plus tips on how to safely clean your dog’s ears.
Check out: How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears and Keep Them Healthy