What Being a Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainer Means to Me
I proudly call myself a reward-based dog trainer. Sometimes I refer to myself as a positive-reinforcement dog trainer, a force-free dog trainer or a fear-free dog trainer. There are several names I (and my like-minded colleagues) go by because to be honest, none of these terms fit quite right. The science jargon and the layman’s terms don’t align, so I haven’t found the perfect “title.” Until I do, the name I call myself may fluctuate, but in almost 15 years in the animal training field, my values have never once wavered, nor will they ever.
“Just Get a Second Dog.” The Answer to Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety?
“Will getting another dog cure my dog’s separation anxiety?”
“If he had the company of another animal, won’t that stop him from barking and feeling anxious?”
These are common questions I get asked as a certified separation anxiety dog trainer (CSAT) and ones I see posted frequently in Facebook groups and other social media platforms. It seems logical to think that if a dog is anxious or fearful while alone, the company of another dog or pet will help. Unfortunately though, it’s not usually that simple.