Category Archives: learning

The First Step is Communication

Posted on October 23, 2012 by Marika S. Bell

Animals learn by association. They will learn to anticipate a positive outcome by remembering positive experiences. This is the basis for clicker training and the primary reason why I use it for dog training. We first teach the dog to … Continue reading →

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Excessive Barking: Alert Barking

Posted on September 7, 2012 by Marika S. Bell

Alert barking is the one type of barking dog owners actually appreciate.  Alert barking is when the dog notices something out of the ordinary, or hears a noise (such as a burglar) in the night and kicks up a loud … Continue reading →

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There’s More Than One Way to Train a Dog.

Posted on August 14, 2012 by Marika S. Bell

Even using only ‘dog friendly’ methods there is more than one way to train a dog. With my recent book list blog, I am getting some questions about books that recommend different techniques for the same problem. And I want … Continue reading →

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Excessive Barking: Attention Seeking

Posted on July 31, 2012 by Marika S. Bell

I see attention seeking barking most often in dogs with low impulse control, who have not learned patience.  The scenario I am thinking about it when you are playing fetch with your dog and you pick up the toy to … Continue reading →

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Recommended Reading: changed the page a bit…

Posted on July 10, 2012 by Marika S. Bell

I have altered the layout of the recommended readingpage just a little. I have now organized the books into new sections, with my top picks in the first section. These are books I feel that every person interested in dog … Continue reading →

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Socialization the Right Way

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Marika S. Bell

Socialization is often a misunderstood term.  The connotation stresses  the ideas of  play or party too much, pushing people into situations where their dog or puppy becomes overwhelmed. As trainers we are at fault for this, we have spent so … Continue reading →

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Easy Shaping Part 9: Regress When a Behaviour Deteriorates to Refresh Your Dog’s Memory

Posted on April 10, 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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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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