Posts by Elisabeth

What Is Inadvertent Reinforcement?

BEING MINDFULI always think that the best way to “train” a puppy is by reinforcing them in time. Of course, that requires us humans to be mindful enough to notice…

Train Your Dog Month: In Consideration of Small Dogs

Challenging Size Stereotypes: The Importance of Training Small Dogs Dogs’ intelligence and prowess are all too often measured by their size. Generally, it is assumed that larger dogs need to…

Don’t Expect The Impossible

Let’s Say You Have a Persistent Behavior Issue With Your Dog: I hear these complaints worded in such a way a lot… Fill in the blank: “When I want them…

Timing Is (Almost) Everything 

Reward Placement I talk quite a bit about reward placement and delivery (thrown, rewarding directly to the dog, or on the floor in front of the dog, etc.); but I…

What Is Inadvertent Reinforcement?

BEING MINDFUL I always think that the best way to “train” a puppy is by reinforcing them in time. Of course, that requires us humans to be mindful enough to…

Alphabet Soup

Common Puppy Behavior Challenges I often receive inquiries from people who are frustrated with their puppies’ overall behavior. “They don’t listen” “they jump” “they bark” “they pull on the leash”…

NYmag “The Strategist” Feature

I am pleased to share some exciting news. I was recently featured in not just one but two articles in NYMag’s renowned column, “The Strategist.” These articles, “10 Best Chew…
How to train your dog to be calm

Here is a reminder of how behavior works

All reinforced behaviors will increase in frequency in the future. This includes behaviors the puppy finds reinforcing simply because they work in their favor or they are simply self-reinforcing because…
june - interesting session

Interesting Session: Follow up on June

Do you remember the story of June, the rescue mini dachshund with the megaesophagus? Yesterday I got a text that June was able to stay alone without any signs of…