Monthly Archives: March 2012

Body Language: The Look Away

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Marika S. Bell

A “Look Away” is the dog equivalent of saying “You’re being too pushy”. I see this behaviour a lot during greetings between an older dog and a much younger dog, where the younger dog comes on a bit too strong. … Continue reading →

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Coco! Dog of the Week!

Posted on March 25, 2012 by Marika S. Bell

Coco has been hanging around the SPCA looking for a how for the past few months. She is a great dog to have with other dogs! She gets along with all sorts, even the dogs that are a little too … Continue reading →

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Easy Shaping Part 8: Don’t Stop a Session Abruptly

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Marika S. Bell

1. Raising Criteria (successive approximation) 2. Breaking Down the Behaviour 3. Vary the Reinforcement 4. Relax Old Criteria When You Add New Criteria 5. Plan Ahead 6. Don’t Change Trainers Mid-stream 7. Be Flexible! When necessary, Change the Plan 8. … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Of Wolves and Men by Barry Lopez

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Marika S. Bell

This book, originally published in 1978 is such a beautiful read you almost get lost in the fantastic information tucked inside the pages. Lopez not only covers basics of wolf behaviour and research but also attends to the more intimate  … Continue reading →

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Kids and Dogs: What are your biggest concerns?

Posted on March 11, 2012 by Marika S. Bell

At the end of March I will be helping to present a workshop/seminar to Porse caretakers on the subject of kids and dogs together. Some of the biggest concerns I have heard from upcoming new parents and parents adopting a … Continue reading →

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Easy Shaping Part 7: Change the Plan!

Posted on March 7, 2012 by Marika S. Bell

1. Raising Criteria (successive approximation) 2. Breaking Down the Behaviour 3. Vary the Reinforcement 4. Relax Old Criteria When You Add New Criteria 5. Plan Ahead 6. Don’t Change Trainers Mid-stream. Rule number 7. Be Flexible! When necessary, Change the … Continue reading →

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Easy Shaping Part 6: Don’t Change Trainers Mid-stream.

Posted on March 4, 2012 by Marika S. Bell

So Far…. 1. Raising Criteria (successive approximation) 2. Breaking Down the Behaviour 3. Vary the Reinforcement 4. Relax Old Criteria When You Add New Criteria 5. Plan Ahead Now… 6. Don’t Change Trainers Mid-stream. It is very easy to confuse … Continue reading →

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