Posts in Dog training

Loose leash walking has a lot of complexity to it. In reality, there are many behaviours that need to be taught but even more importantly every change in the environment can affect it! Here are a few tips and tricks that you can try while training your dog.

Dog trainingAnna BartosikMay 21, 2021loose leash walking, loose lead walking, dog behavior, dog trainer, dog training, positive dog training, clicker training, positive reinforcement trainer, environmentComment

Controversial advice - Reinforce unwanted behaviour

Many of the problem behaviours are a product of unintentional reinforcement that comes at the wrong time. It's better to reinforce quickly to keep the behaviour short and put more intention into all of the interactions with your dog. Remember, it's not just during a training session that your dog learns!

Dog training, behaviourAnna BartosikMay 14, 2021dog training, dog trainer, dog behavior, dog behaviour, behaviour analysis, behavior, behavior analysis, reinforcement, positive reinforcement, teachingComment

4 points to remember to take dog biting seriously

Dog bites happen more often than you might think!
The headlines are usually only taken by those very rare fatal cases or by very severe injuries. Don't get fooled by it. Every dog can bite and that includes your beloved French Bulldog, Labrador or Shih Tzu.
Prevention is better than a cure! Read 4 points to remember to take this problem seriously!

Dog training, DogAnna BartosikApril 22, 2021dog training, dog behavior, dogs, dogs body language, dogs and children, fear in dogs, bite, bites, dog bite, dog bites, positive dog training, socialisationComment

Why didn't I use a clicker?

Looking back at the muzzle training video I could have changed many things to make the training more successful and the progress faster. Clicker training is a powerful tool but isn't necessary. Every session is a learning experience not only for the dog but also for the trainer. I'm not afraid to try and learn from the "miss-takes" I make. It's not a failure it's an information-gathering process

Dog trainingAnna BartosikApril 1, 2021dog, dogs, dog training, dog trainer, clicker training, positive dog training, positive reinforcement trainer, muzzle trainingComment

What is muzzle training and how to do it?

Muzzle training can be a great game to play with your dog. It has nothing to do with your dog being "aggressive" but it can be useful for situations like painful vet visits. Your dog can learn to love wearing the muzzle if you give it a try. Treat it as an exercise that is about the journey, not the destination and enjoy the process.

Dog trainingAnna BartosikMarch 25, 2021dog training, positive dog training, positive reinforcement, muzzle training, fun trainingComment

How does a high rate of reinforcement look like and why we use it?

Do you know how does a high rate of reinforcement looks like? In dog training, it can look like just feeding the dog. Why would we even use it then?
Read more on the blog to see examples not only in dog training but also in creating our own habits!

Dog training, Learning, HabitsAnna BartosikMarch 18, 2021reinforcement, positive reinforcement trainer, positive reinforcement, high rate, high rate of reinforcement, habit, learning, dog training, behaviourComment

Working with client with disability

Do you learn from people you are in contact with? Recently I encounter a challenge to work with a client who is legally blind. I needed to find new ways of teaching but most importantly I had to listen. It’s through communication that we found the best ways to move forward. In the end, we not only succeeded with training the dog so both she and the owner are happy but I also learned and grew as a person. It made me a better trainer and more compassionate human being.

Learning, Communication, Dog trainingAnna BartosikMarch 4, 2021people, dog training, dog training clients, positive dog training, positive reinforcement, communication, disability, blind, inspiring peopleComment

Challenge - Train yourself to look for the behaviours you like

Are you willing to take on the challenge of looking for the behaviours you like? Whether it's in your dogs' behaviour or in your own behaviour! Change can start from this simple (yet not easy!) exercise of noticing the behaviours you like instead of the ones you want to change.

behaviour, Dog training, LearningAnna BartosikFebruary 25, 2021habit, changing habits, changing behaviors, change, behaviour analysis, animal behaviour, dog behaviour, dog training, positive reinforcement, positive dog training, focus on what you want, challenge, habit formation, changing your own behaviourComment

Why isn’t my dog coming when I call him?

How many of you wonder “why isn’t my dog coming when I call him?” Have you noticed what are your first thoughts and reactions about it? Did you ever thought “he just wants to make me angry”? Read more on the blog to find out how changing the way you interpret his “misbehaviour” can be the first great step to long lasting change and deepening loving bond between you.

Dog trainingAnna BartosikFebruary 18, 2021dog training, dog trainer, come when called, positive dog training, positive reinforcement trainer, least intrusive most positiveComment

Training animals as an art form

I believe that the more we see animal training as an art form, as a process that never has an end line and as mutual exchange - learning with and from the animal, the bigger the chance we will be constantly improving. There is always more to learn, even for the most experienced trainers. Enjoy the ride!

Animal training, Dog trainingAnna BartosikFebruary 7, 2021dog training, cat training, animal training, behavior, behaviour, art form, creativity Comment

One of the least known signs of fear in dogs

I've been there too! I saw a dog who is coming to me, being all cute and affectionate and I believed he is happy to see me. As long as it can be the case, there are times when dogs affection can mean "I'm not a threat to you, I won't harm you, I love you, please don't hurt me!". Watch out for the little signs and help your dog get more confidence around people with positive training.

Dog training, Dog, behaviourAnna BartosikJanuary 28, 2021fear, fear in dogs, fear in dog, body language, dogs body language, behaviour analysis, behavior, behaviour, dog training, positive dog training, force free dog trainingComment

Fear in dogs - how it looks like and what to do with it?

Fear in dogs is not always easy to recognise and many people misinterpret it. Dogs don’t come with the manual and it’s normal we don’t know everything. Learning to recognise the signs, sometimes very subtle can help you understand your dog better and give him a happier life. To see a change from a fearful dog to a confident companion, to me, is the most beautiful thing to observe.

Dog training, behaviourAnna BartosikJanuary 22, 2021dog training, dog, dogs body language, fear, fear in dog, fear in dogs, behavior, behaviour, dog behaviour, positive reinforcement, negative reinforcementComment

Jun 24, 2021

How to use trial and success learning to our own behaviour?

Many times we don’t even bother trying to learn a new skill. We convince ourselves that it’s not for us. When what we could do is to find the first successive approximation and start learning through a fun and successful process.

May 21, 2021

Nov 26, 2020

Dog training in animal shelter - dealing with mistakes (video)

We can have a training plan in mind but it's the dog who will tell us if the plan is good or not. Don’t be afraid to move back a few steps in your training plan and ask for less at any point. Work with whatever you have in front of you. Looking back at the video you've made, you might realise whose mistake that really was.

Jul 23, 2020

Are you walking your dog for yourself or your dog?

Walking your dog can be a frustrating experience. It comes from misunderstanding each other. The dog doesn’t get to read all of the news (or check his Facebook) through sniffing and you feel like he doesn’t listen to you or is disobedient. Changing the way you see the walks and lowering your expectations can be an easier and faster way to enjoy your walks again.