< Updated 02FEB19 >
< A short link to this page on my blog – < http://bit.ly/ThingsIWishIHadKnown >
In August of 2018, I was interviewed and asked a series of questions about how to choose a dog trainer. One of the questions was “What would you like to have known when you started training dogs?” That question was the most interesting one asked and one where I believe my answers have the greatest potential to benefiting others and their dogs. Since that interview and my first column written based on how I answered, I had broadened the question to “Things I Wish I Had Known Before I Selected My First Dog.” I’ve expanded the topic of discussion because since I began my search for my first dog late in the fall of 1974, I have learned a great many things about dogs, not all related to training. This page will be a central repository to links to all of the articles I write on this series. I hope you find what I write useful and that it contributes to a wonderful, life long relationship between you and your dog that results in your becoming and remaining Best Friends for Life.
This is what I have written so far.
Gus, the Dominance Myth, An Alpha Roll, and a Damaged Relationship – first published 1SEP18 – < http://bit.ly/Things-Gus-Dominance >
Aversives are Unnecessary and Counter-Productive When Training A Dog – Part 1 – first published 1JAN19 – http://bit.ly/Things-Aversives-1
Aversives are Unnecessary and Counter-Productive When Training A Dog – Part 2 – WWM-FEB2019 – http://bit.ly/Things-Aversives-2
The Power of Positive Reinforcement Training and Food – first published DDMMM19 – < coming soon! >