Recently, more researchers have become interested in the science of dog training. With all of the different approaches to training, it's important to really study each style before endorsing or criticizing them. How can we really know what works if we don't test and compare these different methods? Some trainers use a "discipline-based" training style, using physical or verbal corrections in order to teach dogs which behaviors are desired or inappropriate. Corrections may inc

Science has a lot to say about how people learn. Future teachers go through an extensive training process in which the best teaching practices, established through empirical research, are taught and tested rigorously. There is also a great body of research which has investigated the most effective dog training methods. Interestingly, dogs learn much the same way that people do! As science has been applied to dog training, it has become clear that "Alpha-Dog" training metho

Dogs trained using positive reinforcement-based methods are happy dogs! Punishment does not motivate a dog to learn how you'd like them to behave; rather, it's showing them what NOT to do. Punishing methods are not inherently cruel, but they ARE inherently less effective and less pleasant than positive reinforcement methods are. CLICK HERE for the article. #science #positivedogtraining #dogtraining #atlanta

A growling dog isn't an aggressive dog! When a dog growls, he is choosing to use a nonviolent method of telling a person, child, or other dog to "please back off." A truly aggressive, antisocial dog wouldn't be giving any warnings. If an owner punishes and prevents their dog from growling, the fear or anxiety that caused it in the first place will only grow, and the dog will likely choose another method to keep the scary thing away. This is a recipe for a biting dog! Click h