Posts tagged dog

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

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

Taking a new dog or puppy home

Contemplating taking a new dog or puppy home? Let’s talk about adopting from a shelter, fostering or finding a good breeder - all worth considering.

Dog, Puppy, behaviourAnna BartosikJanuary 7, 2021don't shop adopt, beware of puppy mills, puppy, dog, taking home, dog behaviour, puppy behavior, new dog homeComment

The truth about stress-free life and teaching

Is stress-free life about creating a life for dogs or people that will keep them in a bubble without any stress? Or is it about building skills ahead of time so when the stressful situation happens, they are equipped to cope with it?

behaviour, Learning, Dog trainingAnna BartosikDecember 5, 2020stress-free, learning, behavior, human, human training, human behavior, human behaviour, dog, dog training, dog behaviour, least intrusive most positive, shapingComment

How to teach calm behaviours?

Make it worthwhile for the dog to stay calm and teach him that "when I'm here, I get fed. I can just relax then". Watch the video and read more about this beautiful communication between species.

Dog trainingAnna BartosikNovember 6, 2020dog training, positive reinforcement, positive dog training, calm behaviours, calm behaviors, jumping up, dog, dogs, animal shelter, shelter dogs, don't shop adoptComment

How to live a happy life with your pet?

Love your pet as he is. Accepting your pet doesn't mean that you can't try to change things if something doesn't work for both of you. It's about prioritising the most important things and letting go of the rest.

Are there any animals that cannot be trained?

I urge you to not just believe people who say "it cannot be done". Look further, ask around and prove them wrong!

Animal trainingAnna BartosikOctober 2, 2020animal training, animals, butterly, butterflies, cat, dog, rat, rats, meerkat, giraff, snakeComment

Is your dog your best friend or your prisoner? [Controversy alert!]

As partners, you can choose together with your dog what is good for him. Giving him choice and the element of control of his own life is not going to threaten you but is going to enrich his life and make it even more enjoyable. Wouldn't you like to give that to your best friend?

Dog trainingAnna BartosikSeptember 18, 2020dog, dogs, dog training, dog trainer, least intrusive most positive, choice, giving choice, friend, prisoner, dog best friend, dog friendComment

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.

Dog trainingAnna BartosikJuly 23, 2020dog, dogs, dog training, dog trainer, dog walking, dog walks, Facebook, information, readingComment

What do you think about punishment?

Punishment is unavoidable. It’s a naturally occurring phenomenon but it’s not the most effective way of changing behaviour. Rather than leave it to chance of what our learner will do, let’s take responsibility for teaching the behaviours that will work functionally for us both.

Dog training, LearningAnna BartosikJuly 10, 2020Dog trainer, dog training, dog, punishment, positive reinforcement, teaching, educating, learningComment

Why we use treats? Come when called

When your dog is coming to you because he gets a treat for it, you can quickly start to see him not only having relaxed body posture but he can also start running towards you. He starts to give you more and not just enough to get by. In my opinion, in the long run, it’s a more effective way of training.

Dog trainingAnna BartosikJuly 3, 2020dog, Dog trainer, dog training, treats, positive reinforcement, least intrusive most positive, come when called, comingComment

The influence of the environment

When we start to see the environment as a cause of the behaviour instead of looking for the cause inside the animal, we give ourselves a chance to influence it. We can take responsibility and empower ourselves to influence our dogs’ behaviour. Avoid labelling him as fearful or angry and see how the change of the environment changes his behaviour.

Dog trainingAnna BartosikJune 4, 2020dog, environment, dog training, dog trainer, label, unlabel meComment

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

Tips on loose leash walking (video)

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.

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