Monthly Archives: November 2011

Do No Harm…

Posted on November 29, 2011 by Marika S. Bell

‘Do No Harm’ is a good motto for life really. But  in this context specifically, for dog training. So much harm is being done by society against dogs. Some more jaded people may say, “Why should we worry about animals … Continue reading →

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Reward Markers and No Reward Markers

Posted on November 22, 2011 by Marika S. Bell

RM’s and NRM’s are our primary way of communicating to our dogs that we like, or don’t like the behaviour they are doing. A good reward marker should come at exactly the moment the dog is demonstrating the behaviour you … Continue reading →

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Cruciate injury again

Posted on November 14, 2011 by Marika S. Bell

Well the other ‘shoe’ has finally dropped. Many of you may remember that Cooper tore his cruciate ligament last year and spent the next 14 weeks recovering after surgery. The sad statistic is that most dogs who damage one cruciate,the … Continue reading →

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APDT Australia Conference Day 4: Dr Gabrielle Carter on Canine Cognitive Dysfunction and other age related problems

Posted on November 11, 2011 by Marika S. Bell

Dr Carter’s last lecture focused primarily on the types of disorders you would see in elderly dogs like; house soiling, aggression, increase or decrease in activity, decreased mental alertness, vocalization, fear/anxiety, and other existing issues getting worse that can be … Continue reading →

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APDT Australia- Puppy Preschool with Dr. Kersti Seksel

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Marika S. Bell

Puppy Preschool – Is it really tight for all puppies and when should you intervene So I was really surprised to find out that Dr Kersti Seksel is actually the owner of the brand name, “Puppy Preschool” in Australia (and … Continue reading →

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Pet Expo Wellington

Posted on November 6, 2011 by Marika S. Bell

So a bit of a break form the APDT Australia conference stuff because this weekend was the first Pet Expo Wellington has seen in 7 years! Everyone that came to the show were animal lovers of all kinds, however I … Continue reading →

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Australia APDT conference Day 3: Dr Gabrielle Carter Barking in Dogs

Posted on November 5, 2011 by Marika S. Bell

I think ‘barking in dogs’ falls into the category of one of those very natural dog behaviours that people don’t seem to think about when they get a dog, especially a dog that is genetically predisposed to excessive barking, like … Continue reading →

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APDT Australia Conference 2011 Day 3: Session Clicker Skills part1–2 Kay Laurence

Posted on November 4, 2011 by Marika S. Bell

Clicker Skills with Kay Laurence: part 1 –2   (as I describe this lecture, I hope Kay is very forgiving of my explanations, as much of it I am still sorting through in my head)! Effective Reinforcement I think one of … Continue reading →

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APDT Australia Day 2: Session 3 Veterinary Behaviourist Dr. Gabrielle Carter: Puppy Classes: More than just socialization and training.

Posted on November 3, 2011 by Marika S. Bell

You may remember that Dr Carter was at this year’s APDTNZ conference and it was a really exciting for me  to hear her again in Australia. Her lectures are well organised and fluid, she hits on subjects that everyone is … Continue reading →

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APDT Australia Day2: Session 2

Posted on November 2, 2011 by Marika S. Bell

Session 2: Kay Laurence: Connecting with your dog Connection as explained by Kay seems to be a bonding as well as an ability to truly communicate with another being, human or dog. Through that mutual understanding, both parties are invested … Continue reading →

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