Dog training: Traditional vs operant training

This concise, straightforward article by Brenda Aloff talks about the substantial differences between the two training styles, and the resulting effects on dog and handler.

Traditional Training versus Operant Training: What IS the Difference>

Equine training: Trailer loading

Clicker training a 15 week old filly to trailer load, using a clicker.

Dog training: An open mind

In this wonderful blog article, Nicole Wilde, CPDT, reminds us that the most important training tool you can have is an open mind, and a willingness to listen.

"Purely Positive?" "Balanced?" Another Perspective

Training theory/bird training: Chicken clicker training notes

An introduction to positive reinforcement/clicker training, applied to training chickens, but the comprehensive coverage of training and learning theory is applicable to all animals.

Introductory Chicken Class Notes

Dog training: Obsessive barking

Article by Debi Davis detailing how she worked with her dog to reduce alert barking.

Retraining Manic Alert Barking

Dog training: Formal sits

An article detailing how to produce competitive obedience quality sits using food lures.

Competition-Quality Sits

Cat training: Skateboarding cat!

Does your cat want to take up a hobby? How about skateboarding! This great video shows (in real time) teaching Jazzmanda the cat to get on and ride a skateboard. By YouTube user CourteousCats.

Bird training: Biting

All about birds biting, and how to prevent and manage this behaviour, by Liz Wilson, CVT, CPBC.

Stop a Biting Bird

Dog training: Premack explained

A good video which outlines the theoretical and practical applications of the Premack Principle, by Eric Letendre (youtube user eletendre1).

Dog training: "The Rules of Love" video

This charming short film presents clicker training from a dog's perspective. 2^nd runner up in the Canis Film Festival, showcasing films featuring clicker training, sponsored by Karen Pryor.



Never fails to make me smile!

Dog training: the implications of punishment

Good, thorough article on the effects of positive punishment (adding something unpleasant in order to decrease the likelihood of a particular behaviour being repeated).

What are the Implications of Using Training Techniques Which Induce Fear or Pain in Dogs?

Cat training: Hang on, CAT training?!

One of the worst stereotypes cats were ever stuck with is the notion that they can't be trained! Lies! Cats can indeed be trained, and positive works best.

Joan Orr explains the basics of cat clicker training, and explains how to train several tricks. You must register to view the article, but registration is free.

Click and Laugh: Fun Cat Tricks!

Equine training: About clicker training and ground tying.

This excellent video by YouTube user Ksturg8929 is in response to some negative comments about clicker training horses, and talks about many of the common misconceptions that surround clicker training.

It also shows off ground tying, bridle-less riding and some amazing targeting.

Dog training: Head halters

Make no mistake, I'm a positive trainer. That does not mean, however, that I am a huge fan of head halters.

Here Suzanne Clothier (a trainer whom I have slightly mixed views about) argues against the use of head halters in most situations. An interesting (if undoubtedly controversial, among positive trainers) article.

The Problem With Head Halters

Dog training: "Dominance" among dogs

"Dominance" is a highly controversial topic in dog training, and is often used as a justification (or excuse) to use punitive training methods, and instigate some bizarre household rules.

In this article, Dr. Sophia Yin presents a comprehensive, compelling case against the way "dominance" is purported by certain popular TV personalities/"dog trainers".

The Dominance Controversy and Cesar Millan.


Here, Patricia McConnell, Ph.D CAAB (Certified Applied Animal Behaviourist) outlines what "dominance" is and isn't, and why it doesn't apply to such trivial things as who goes through doorways first. Look forward to a good discussion by her readers!

The Concept Formerly Described as "Dominance".