The Modern Dog Trainer Blog
3 Approaches to Teaching Loose Leash Walking
Loose leash walking. *insert ominous music* Sometimes teaching loose leash walking to clients can feel like the bane of every dog trainer's existence. It's not that the skills needed are difficult. No, it's the consistency and patience that are required that can...
Top 10 Dog Training Conferences for 2015
The Ultimate Dog Training Conference Wish List Are you required to obtain continuing education credits to maintain a certification? Do you simply enjoy learning new things about dogs? Do you have a wicked sense of adventure? Here are the Best Dog Training Conferences...
5 Uses For Crates During Training
Many clients are averse to the idea of crating their dogs. Being able to explain to them how crating can help their dog's training progress may open them up to the concept. Housetraining Crating can be of immense benefit when it comes to housetraining a dog,...
10 Behaviors To Train With Targeting
10 Behaviors You Can Teach With Targeting One of the first behaviors we recommend teaching every client a nose target. There are many behaviors you can teach with a nose target, and even more you can teach with general targeting. We also believe it is a good behavior...
5 Things To Consider Before Renting Space For Dog Training Classes
Should you make the leap to a permanent facility? Whether you're a veteran or just starting out, there's no doubt you've dreamed of having your own dog training facility. You've imagined the space, the flooring, and the equipment surrounded by happy, smiling dogs and...
5 Reasons Why A Dog Is Not A Good Fit For Doggy Day Care
Doggy Day Care can be a quick fix for a lot of dogs with energy problems but it isn’t right for all dogs. It is important that a day care properly screen dogs before taking them in for group play. The wrong dog can throw off the whole dynamics of a good play group....
Dogs Out Loud: A Rehab Program For The Last 10%
Dogs Out Loud Is Saving Dogs On Death Row Dogs Out Loud is dedicated to saving the last 10% of dogs who face euthanasia in a no-kill, city-run shelter in Austin, Texas. Dogs deemed unadoptable due to their behavior issues now have a chance thanks to the Dogs Out Loud...
How To Structure An Open Enrollment Dog Training Class
Open Enrollment Dog Training Classes Open enrollment dog training classes are a big leap from traditionally scheduled and planned classes, but the conveniences they provide to our students are outstanding! Many students are looking for convenience in their classes and...
The Best Approach for Addressing Aversive Techniques and Equipment with New Clients
While dog training based on positive reinforcement is quickly gaining mind share, it is not the only game in town. Dog training philosophies range from very aversive, punishment-based paradigms to those that strive to be completely force-free in their approach. And...
Don’t Sacrifice Welfare For Better Behavior
The Truth About Shock Collars: There Shouldn't Be A Trade Off Between Welfare And Better Behavior A recent article was published that discusses the humane-ness of using shock collars to train dogs. The Science of Dog Training: Is It Okay To Use A Shock...
5 Reasons Why Dogs Should Attend Doggy Day Care
Why Doggy Day Care Is A Good Idea It seems like a great solution to many trainers to recommend doggy day care to the average client. Many dogs lack stimulation, sufficient outlets for their energy, or opportunities to socialize with other dogs. Here are five reasons...
Writing A Dog Training Book With Sue Brown
An Interview With Sue Brown On Writing A Dog Training Book Writing a book about dog training can help you to establish yourself as an industry authority in your community and beyond. But what does it take to write a book? We asked Sue Brown, an accomplished dog...
Lessons From A Weekend With Ken Ramirez
A Weekend With Internationally Recognized Animal Trainer, Ken Ramirez Ken Ramirez has been in the animal training/behavior world for over 35 years. He has worked with guide dogs, law enforcement K-9s, zoo animals, and marine animals. He has worked at Chicago's Shedd...
3 Ways To Reduce A Dog’s Stress During Training
Reducing Stress In Dog Training The very nature of training can be stressful to a dog. Not all stress is bad. However, when a dog has many different stress-inducing factors piled on top of each other, this can become overwhelming and cause the dog to act out or shut...
Interacting Professionally With “Traditional” Trainers
Interacting Professionally Online and In-Person With A Variety Of Dog Trainers Traditional trainers (those who introduce physical corrections into their training of some sort) are as passionate about their training methods as force-free trainers are about their...
Preventing Bribery: How To Get Treats Out Of Your Client’s Hands
How To Prevent Bribery In Dog Training In the dog training world, there seems to be two big groups of clients. On one side, there are clients who are incredibly stingy and hoard treats like they are gold, and on the other side, there are clients who never let a treat...
Should You Start Your Own Company Or Join Someone Else’s?
How To Choose Between Starting Your Own Business Or Becoming Someone's Employee When you are first starting out, it can be difficult to choose between starting your own dog training business or joining someone else's. Ultimately, there are benefits to both. Start Your...
10 Ways To Use A Mat In Training
Excellent Reasons to Use a Mat in Dog Training A mat, or a defined place for a dog to "go to," is a versatile and useful behavior to teach a dog. A mat can be many things: a dog bed, a dog mat, a bath mat, a towel, a blanket, a pillow -- whatever makes the most...
Ways Owners Might Be Punishing Their Dogs Without Knowing It And How To Address It
Owners and trainers have come a long way from the punitive methods of training. While it is no secret some still use punishment, many have converted their methods to the more humane, scientifically proven uses of positive reinforcement. Even with the best intentions...
Three Services You Can Offer that You Haven’t Thought Of
Side Services Dog Trainers Can Offer To Boost Profits If you are looking for a way to earn some extra income, adding some new services to your current offerings can increase your clientele, increase your profitability and ward off monotony. These are three potential...
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