Conditioning an Emotional Response

Author and trainer Jean Donaldson demonstrates installing a conditioned emotional response (CER) to an object. She uses this process to introduce her chow, Buffy, to a new piece of equipment. She shows how she easily conditions Buffy to enjoy wearing her head collar.

Behavior Talk 044: Pat Miller

Pat Miller is the owner of Peaceable Paws, in Maryland, and the author of a number of books, including "The Power of Positive Dog Training," and two volumes of "Positive Perspectives."

She recently gave a seminar on Positive Dog Training at the University of Minnesota, and I caught up with her after the first day of her two–day presentation. During our interview, we covered a number of topics around the concept of using positive training techniques, including her own history of how she came to use and endorse positive methods.

Behavior Talk 039: Ian Dunbar

When it comes to discussing play in all its forms, there may be no better authority than Ian Dunbar. Acclaimed throughout the dog behavior world as an author, speaker, and inspirational leader, Ian founded the APDT 16 years ago, and continues to be a powerful force in the industry. His latest venture is Dog Star Daily, a website and on–line community he runs with his wife Kelly.

While at the APDT Conference, I was able to lure Ian away for a few minutes to have this conversation. We discussed the recent history of dog training, including the growing understanding and use of play as an effective tool in managing behavior. We also talked about what's new at Dog Star Daily, and then he gave me his predictions for the two trends that will guide dog training in the next five years.

Behavior Talk 009: Teoti Anderson

We're a little more than halfway through our special APDT series of Behavior Talk episodes, where we feature exclusive interviews from the Association of Pet Dog Trainers conference in Portland Oregon. Today we're talking with Teoti Anderson.

Dr. Anderson Lifetime Achievement Award

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers honored Dr. R.K. Anderson with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Citing his long career promoting positive training methods and his influence on thousands of professional trainers, the APDT presented the award during their 2008 annual conference in Louisville, Kentucky.

Behavior Talk 019: Melissa Bain

Today's interview features Dr. Melissa Bain. She is currently Service Chief of the Clinical Animal Behavior Service at UC Davis, where she mentors residents and students via teaching, research, and clinical case management.

She started our conversation by giving me some updates on recent studies on owner compliance and its effect on behavior outcomes. We also talked about the emotional side of behavioral counseling.

Behavior Talk 015: Bonnie Beaver

Today we begin another special series of Behavior Talk episodes featuring conversations I had with a number animal behavior experts last summer while I was in Washington D.C. for the AVMA, AVSAB and ACVB meetings. Our first interview is with Dr. Bonnie Beaver. Dr. Beaver is the Executive Directorr of the American College of Veterinary Behavior, the past president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, and is on the faculty of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.

Changing Emotions in Fearful Dog

Dr. John Ciribassi helps an owner with a with a lab who shows fearful and sometimes aggressive behavior, particularly when someone comes to the door, or on walks.

Using Gentle Leader for Pulling on Leash

An owner's dog pulls so hard on leash that she has suffered a shoulder injury. Dr. Ciribassi recommends using a Gentle Leader, and provides tips for helping the dog focus more on the owner, and less on other stimuli.

Using Manners Minder for Barking at the Door

Dr. Ciribassi uses the Manners Minder to help managing barking at the door in his boxer. He uses the Manners Minder train his dog to go to a specific place, in this case a dog bed, when someone comes to the door. The Manners Minder allows him to distribute treats remotely to reinforce this behavior.

Managing Jumping Up Behavior in Standard Poodle

Dr. Ciribassi's co–worker has a standard poodle that often jumps up enthusiastically when greeting. Using treats and attention exercises, Dr. Ciribassi begins the process of managing this behavior, and coaches the owner on how to continue this process at home.

Response Substitution with Fearful Dog, part 2

In part 2 of this series, Dr. Ciribassi continues helping an owner of a bullmastiff that is fearful and sometimes aggressive when encountering dogs and other stimuli. He recommends a program of response substitution.

Response Substitution with Fearful Dog, part 3

In part 3 of this series, Dr. Ciribassi takes the owner and the bullmastiff outside to continue working on response substitution around various distractions.

Response Substitution with Fearful Dog, part 1

The owner of a bullmastiff comes to Dr. Ciribassi reporting fearful and sometimes aggressive behavior, particularly on walks and when encountering other dogs. Dr. Ciribassi recommends a program of response substitution. As part of this process, he recommends using the Gentle Leader to help provide better management of the dog on leash. In this segment, the owner learns how to fit and put on the Gentle Leader.

Behavior Talk 035: John Ciribassi

In this episode, Dr. John Ciribassi talks reviews several of his recent cases, including a lab who rushes the door, and exhibits anxiety and fear induced aggression. He talks about dealing with fearful dogs, and evaluating them for possible treatment with pharmaceuticals.

We also cover many other topics, including using response substitution as an alternative management technique to punishment; medical conditions that can contribute to behavior problems, the roles of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and trainers; and the future of treating behavior issues in a veterinary practice.

Behavior Talk 040: Kellyann Conway

Behavior Talk 034: Terry Curtis

Dr. Terry Curtis is a clinical behaviorist at the University of Florida. This conversation was recorded during the 2007 North American Veterinary Conference where she was leading two master classes.

Over the course of the interview we covered a wide range of topics

Steve Dale's Pet Central Radio

Steve Dale talks with Dr. R.K. Anderson on his "Pet Central Radio" program, originating from WGN Studios in Chicago. They talk about animal behavior, and take calls from listeners. Part one of two.

Cat Enrichment

Steve Dale, noted radio host, moderator, and presenter, demonstrates some different techniques for providing a more stimulating environment for your cat at home.

Loose Leash Walking Tips

Steve Dale gets some tips on loose leash walking from Dr. R.K. Anderson

Steve Dale's Pet Central Radio, part 2

Part two of a broadcast originally aired on WGN Radio, Chicago. Host Steve Dale talks with Dr. R.K. Anderson, and take calls from listeners.

Enrichment for cats

Steve Dale and Dr. R.K. Anderson talk about enriching the home environment for cats.

Enrichment for Dogs

Steve Dale and Dr. R.K. Anderson discuss enriching the home environment for dogs.

Socialization for dogs

Steve Dale and Dr. R.K. Anderson discuss socialization for dogs.

Behavior Talk 022 Steve Dale

episodes guest is Steve Dale, ubiquitous radio host, newspaper columnist, author, and untiring advocate for cats and dogs. You can hear his syndicated weekly radio program "Pet World," "The Pet Minute," and "Pet Central," which originates from WGN Radio in Chicago.

Conditioning an Emotional Response

Author and trainer Jean Donaldson demonstrates installing a conditioned emotional response (CER) to an object. She uses this process to introduce her chow, Buffy, to a new piece of equipment. She shows how she easily conditions Buffy to enjoy wearing her head collar.

Tips for Handling a Dog-Reactive Dog

Ian Dunbar and Claude help Jean Donaldson work with a leash–reactive shelter dog.

Jean show us the baseline leash–reactive behaviors that certainly may have contributed to this dog being surrendered to the shelter. At the sight of another dog, the dog becomes unmanageable, barking, lunging and pulling so strongly that it's impossible to hold on to her.

Working with on-leash aggression

Trainer Jean Donaldson demonstrates tools and techniques for safely and effectively handling dog–reactive shelter dogs during behavior modification sessions. Commentary by veterinarian and animal behaviorist, Ian Dunbar describes how use of this technique impacts body language between dogs.

Behavior Talk 002: Ian Dunbar

In this episode of Behavior Talk Ian Dunbar talks about puppy socialization, dealing with anxiety and aggression, what every owner should know, and much more.

Walking His Dog Claude

Veterinarian and behaviorist Ian Dunbar shares his story about his rescue dog, Claude. When he met Claude, the dog had all sorts of problems. He was frightened, was a biter, and had bitten him four times before Ian brought him home.

Behavior Talk 039: Ian Dunbar

When it comes to discussing play in all its forms, there may be no better authority than Ian Dunbar. Acclaimed throughout the dog behavior world as an author, speaker, and inspirational leader, Ian founded the APDT 16 years ago, and continues to be a powerful force in the industry. His latest venture is Dog Star Daily, a website and on–line community he runs with his wife Kelly.

While at the APDT Conference, I was able to lure Ian away for a few minutes to have this conversation. We discussed the recent history of dog training, including the growing understanding and use of play as an effective tool in managing behavior. We also talked about what's new at Dog Star Daily, and then he gave me his predictions for the two trends that will guide dog training in the next five years.

Behavior Talk 005: Keri Gorman

This is another special APDT episode of Behavior Talk. The featured interview is with Keri Gorman. She discusses her experience as an animal trainer at Sea World, and her application of marker–based training methods to TAGteaching. Her work includes using this approach with at–risk youth in the juvenile justice system.

Behavior Talk 006: Kelly Gorman Dunbar

Another in our two week series of special APDT episodes of Behavior Talk, where we feature exclusive interviews with many of the presenters and experts at the conference.

In today's episode, we talk with Kelly Gorman Dunbar. Among many other things, Kelly is the Executive Editor of Dog Star Daily, a great and fun new web site featuring lots of tips and information about dogs, behavior, and training. We talk about the philosophy behind this site, some of the new features coming in the future, and also about some of the other programs Kelly is working on in the Bay Area of California.

Behavior Talk 025 Temple Grandin

Dr. Temple Grandin is one of the more unique and influential people working in animal behavior today. She is a professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University, but is perhaps best known for her innovative work redesigning livestock facilities around the world.

Her autism often gives her a different prospective, allowing her to better understand how an animal might respond to its environment.

She took time for this interview while visiting the University of Minnesota for a series of talks.

Behavior Talk 018: Lore Haug

Today we feature another in a series of interviews I conducted at the AVMA Conference in Washington DC. Dr. Lare Houg is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, and ran the Animal Behavior Service at Texas A&M University from 2002–2007.

Clinic Visit with Unruly Dog

Dr. Debra Horwitz, a veterinary behaviorist based in St. Louis, MO., demonstrates a typical clinic visit with owners of an unruly dog. She helps them understand why their dog is behaving the way it is, and gives them some simple advice on how to manage this behavior

Behavior Talk 001: Debra Horwitz

This episode of Behavior Talk features an interview with Dr. Debra Horwitz.

Dr. Horwitz is a veterinary behaviorist with a practice in St. Louis, MO. She's currently the president of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, and is a frequent lecturer and presenter, and author of many articles and books. Her most recent book is "Blackwell's Five–Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion: Canine and Feline Behavior," which she co–authored with Dr. Jacqui Neilson.

Behavior Talk 029 Debra Horwitz

An interview with Dr. Debra Horwitz continues our special series of podcasts from the North American Veterinary Conference

Behavior Talk 017: Katherine Houpt

In today's episode I had the good fortune to spend some time with Dr. Katherine Houpt. Dr. Houpt is a professor at Cornell University where she established the Animal Behavior Clinic at The College of Veterinary Medicine and was one of the charter diplomats of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.

Behavior Talk 004: Trish King

This is another special APDT episode of Behavior Talk, where we're featuring an exclusive interview with presenters from the recent Association of Pet Dog Trainers conference in Portland, OR. This episode includes an interview with Trish King.

Improving Aggressive Behavior in Veterinary Exam

Veterinary behaviorist Gary Landsberg demonstrates how to improve the aggressive behavior dogs during veterinary examinations. He quickly changes Rusty's typically traumatic clinic visit into a positive opportunity to learn.

Behavior Talk 028 Gary Landsberg

This episode continues our special series from the 2008 North American Veterinary Conference. Dr. Gary Landsberg discusses his talk on separation anxiety, including definitions, treatment approaches, and the efficacy of drug therapy in conjunction with behavior modification protocols.

Other topics covered include:

Fear Aggression. Behavior modification and management techniques; other tools and resources; and drug therapies.

Tips for veterinarians who don't necessarily specialize in behavior, including conferences, books, hand–outs, web sites, and courses available.

Finding an appropriate trainer, and some thoughts on the working relationships between veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary behaviorists, and trainers.

Behavior Talk 041: Karen London

We're continuing our four–part series of podcasts from the 2008 Association of Pet Dog Trainers Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, and the one–day symposium, "Play in Our Dogs' Lives."

Our guest today is Dr. Karen London. We started our conversation discussing "play," which Dr. London considers highly underutilized in managing behavior issues. We talked about what factors make for an effective protocol, and the connection between play and emotions.

The second part of our interview covers the notion that because of their special training and expertise, dog trainers can have unique qualities that can translate to their dealings with other people in all aspects of their life. She talks about which dog training skills are particularly applicable, and how to use them.

Behavior Talk 011: Amy Marder

In today's episode, I talk with Dr. Amy Marder. Dr. Marder is the Director of the Center for Behavior and Training at the Animal Rescue League of Boston. I caught up with her at the recent Association of Pet Dog Trainers in Portland. She was at APDT on behalf of the Animal Farm Foundation, and organization working to restore the image of the American Pit Bull Terrier. It was her first APDT conference, and part of our conversation covered the unique perspective on this event that her background gives her.

Teaching Stay with treats and body blocks

Patricia McConnell demonstrates a technique for teaching just about any dog to "stay." Her approach combines using treats, and simple "body blocks" to communicate the desired behavior to the dog. In this case she is working with novice dogs from the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley, MN.

Teaching stay with treats and body blocks pt2

In part two of this sequence, Patricia McConnell continues her demonstration of teaching a dog to "stay." Working with another dog from the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley, MN, She uses a combination of treats, and simple "body blocks" to communicate the desired behavior to the dog.

Managing arousal

While working with a shelter dog, Patricia McConnell notes that dog quickly becomes over–stimulated and aroused, leading to the undesired behavior of jumping up and nipping. She discusses why this occurs, and what the trainer can do to effectively manage this behavior.

Using cues to settle dog

Patricia McConnell demonstrates a simple technique to teach a dog to settle down. This can be particularly useful for times when the dog is seeking unwanted attention, or when you just want the dog to lay down.

Behavior Talk 026 Patricia McConnell

Dr. Patricia McConnell is an Ethologist and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, based near Madison, Wisconsin. She is a frequent speaker around the country, lecturing on bringing science–based and humane solutions to animal behavior problems.

She's the author of several highly acclaimed books, including "The Other End Of The Leash" and "For the Love of a Dog."

She came to the Twin Cities to film some segments for our website, ABRIonline.org, where she demonstrates some of her techniques for managing canine behavior. We began our conversation talking about how to find the right dog for a home.

Our talk continued with Dr. McConnell talking about the importance of effective communication with dogs.

Behavior Talk 007: Leslie McDevitt

Another in our two week series of special APDT episodes of Behavior Talk, where we feature exclusive interviews with many of the presenters and experts at the conference.

In today's episode, we talk with Leslie McDevitt. Leslie is the author of a new book, "Control Unleashed." In it, she discusses how to manage extreme arousal in dogs in highly stimulating enviornments, including competition settings like Agility or Rally.

In our conversation we talk about the concepts behind the "Control Unleashed" book, her own dogs who were the inspiration for this work, and some of the ways dogs and owners can benefit from these ideas even outside of the competition environment.

Walking with an injured dog

In this video, trainer Leslie McDevitt talks about one of her competition dogs, Maggie, who had injured her neck and shoulders. Because of this injury, a typical buckle collar could be inappropriate. Leslie describes how using the Gentle Leader allowed the two of them to continue to enjoy their walks.

Behavior Talk 036: Patrick Melese

This episode's conversation is with Dr. Patrick Melese, a board–certified veterinary behaviorist, and the director of Veterinary Behavior Consultants in San Diego, California.

He delivered a symposium on behavior case managements sponsored by Lilly at the 2008 North American Veterinary Conference. Right after that session, and while the conference crew was setting up for the next meeting, he talked to me about his symposium. We talked about what every veterinarian should know about behavior, how to find good information about behavior, and how to establish positive working relationships with other companion animal professionals.

Behavior Talk 012: Jennifer Messer

Dr. Jennifer Messer is a veterinarian working in small animal practice in Ontario, Canada. She is well recognized as a leader in curriculum development for young puppies, and her comprehensive puppy class program The Kinderpuppy Course – A Curriculum Manual for Instructors is being used by puppy class instructors worldwide.

Behavior Talk 031: Adam Miklosi

Why do dogs bark? And can we humans understand what dogs are trying to communicate?

Behavior Talk 043: Robert Miller

What is "natural horsemanship," and where did it come from? And why are the methods so successful? Dr. Robert M. Miller is a leading authority on the development and popularization of natural horsemanship. In this interview we talk about his book, "The Revolution in Horsemanship: And What it Means to Mankind," co–authored with Rick Lamb. Dr. Miller traces the development of a more gentle and sensitive approach to horse training that came out of the cowboy culture in the Pacific Northwest.

Behavior Talk 044: Pat Miller

Pat Miller is the owner of Peaceable Paws, in Maryland, and the author of a number of books, including "The Power of Positive Dog Training," and two volumes of "Positive Perspectives."

She recently gave a seminar on Positive Dog Training at the University of Minnesota, and I caught up with her after the first day of her two–day presentation. During our interview, we covered a number of topics around the concept of using positive training techniques, including her own history of how she came to use and endorse positive methods.

Behavior Talk 038: Kelly Moffat

Dr. Kelly Moffat is a board–certified animal behaviorist in Mesa, Arizona. She took a few minutes from a recent conference to tell me more about her practice, and some of the typical behavior cases she sees.

She also talked about diagnosing aggression problems, and how veterinarians can better distinguish between good and bad information about animal behavior. Finally, we also talked about the value of early learning and socialization.

Managing a dog with situational aggression, part 1

Veterinary behaviorist, Jacqui Neilson works with a newly surrendered dachshund on situational aggression during baths. Sophie, the dachshund, has a history of anxiety and biting during the bathing process. During baths, she would tremble, bite humans trying to handle her and also redirected aggression toward herself.

Managing a dog with situational aggression, part 2

This is the second session with Sophie, the situationally fearful and aggressive dachshund who will now be desensitized to being toweled off after a bath. Veterinary behaviorist Neilsen demonstrates how using a Gentle Leader head collar facilitates this process by calming the dog and providing added control for safe handling.

Behavior Talk 014: Leslie Nelson

This is the last in our special APDT episodes of Behavior Talk. Today's episode of Behavior Talk features an interview with Leslie Nelson.

Our conversation covered some of her APDT seminar topics, including building a recurring customer base and, as her conference closing presentation was called, "Walking The Walk."

We also talked about making money as a professional dog trainer, and how to learn to read and motivate owners as well as you do the dogs.

Helping a student who has MS

Certified applied animal behaviorist and service dog trainer Mary Lee Nitschke helps a client with her service dog, Katy. Jane has limited strength and manual dexterity due to multiple sclerosis. She has been using a harness with Katy, but feels she needs added control with minimal effort.

Managing Barking at the door

With the help of her rescue Aussie, Flash, veterinary behaviorist Karen Overall demonstrates an easy technique for the common problem behavior of barking at the door. While most owners appreciate being alerted to the arrival of visitors, barking becomes a problem when the dog won't stop when asked. The arrival of visitors is often a chaotic, anxiety–provoking event for the dog who anticipates being yelled at or banished. Owners are embarrassed but do not know an effective technique to fix the problem, which often gets worse over time.

Behavior Talk 030 Karen Overall

Dr. Karen Overall is featured in our latest episode of podcasts from the North American Veterinary Conference. She talks about her presentations at the conference, the working relationships between veterinarians and trainers, and about the recent death of her dog, Flash.

Behavior Talk 045: Jesus Rosales-Ruiz

Dr. Rosales–Ruiz was at the University of Minnesota giving a seminar on Constructional Aggression Treatment, or C–A–T. This is a method of treating aggression and anxiety by using a controlled series of approaches by a stimulus dog, and varying the distance between the two dog and the procedure continues.

You can see some examples of Dr. Rosales–Ruiz's demonstrations in the video section of ABRIonline.org. After his session, he talked with me about this protocol.

Maltese barking at the door

Trainer Becky Schultz teaches the owner of a shy Maltese how to fix alarm barking at the door. Callie was a bit under–socialized and shy, and her owner was frustrated with her continual barking and growling when visitors came to the door. The owner's efforts to correct the problem by picking her up and holding her muzzle shut were not successful. She was young and had come from the breeder just a few months earlier. She had no previous training and the owner was happy with everything but this issue.

Points of View: What the dog sees

This is the second of two parts, and shows a typical enthusiastic human–to–dog greeting from the dog's perspective.

Typical human greeting behavior includes walking directly toward a dog, bending over and reaching toward them, looking them in the eyes, and patting them on the head. If the human considers themselves a real dog lover, they may also hug them around the neck.

Points of View: What we see

Many people are bitten because they do not realize that dogs feel threatened by what we consider to be normal human behavior when greeting a dog. These two clips can be downloaded for use in educational presentations that can help people learn that what we consider to be "normal" is actually quite stressful for any dog.

The first clip shows a typical dog–loving human enthusiastically greeting a dog. Humans usually approach dogs head on, walking straight toward them, leaning over and reaching toward the dog, and patting him on the head. Dogs only clasp each other when fighting or mating, so hugging them around the neck can be stressful to even the most well–socialized dogs.

Play Time

This fun video montage shows all types of dogs and puppies at play. Play is an important part of the lives of all dogs, and can be effectively incorporated into a training program. You can use this video as an introduction to classes or a talk about play. For more information, see the accompanying article about integrating play into your program. You can find this in the "Articles" section of our website.

Fitting the Gentle Leader

Becky Schultz demonstrates how to fit the Gentle Leader Headcollar, including many ideas for desensitizing the dog to the headcollar, working safely with the animal, and tips for improved loose leash walking

Loose Leash Walking Tips and Tricks

In this video, Becky Schultz, CPDT, demonstrates a number of techniques for improved loose–leash walking. This video also serves as a companion to her segment on fitting the Gentle Leader headcollar, and she shows some approaches to fading use of the Gentle Leader if the owner wants.

Becky also works with the dog Charley's owner, helping her handling and management of the dog on leash.

Behavior Talk 010: Kathy Sdao

In today's episode, I have the chance to talk with Kathy Sdao. Kathy owns Bright Spot Dog Training in Tacoma, Washington. She's a very enthusiastic and popular presenter around the country, drawing on her experience with many different species at Sea World, the U.S. Navy, and the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.

Behavior Talk 027 Kersti Seksel

This episode continues our special series of interviews with animal behavior professionals from the North American Veterinary Conference in Orlando Florida. Today we feature an interview with Dr. Kersti Seksel, a registered veterinary specialist in behavior medicine in New South Wales, Australia.

We started our conversation talking about her presentation on managing aggression in a clinic setting.

Behavior Talk 016: Barbara Sherman

In today's episode, we bring you a conversation I had with Dr. Barbara Sherman. Dr. Sherman is Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Raleigh, NC. There, she serves as Director of the Animal Behavior Service of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, located in a satellite facility in Cary, North Carolina. In addition, Dr. Sherman is involved with the program in Animal Welfare, Ethics and Public Policy, and teaches animal behavior to veterinary students.

Helping first time owner be successful

Trainer Pia Silvani helps first–time dog owner Brian with Milo, his newly adopted Jack Russell Terrier. Milo is very active and does not like being handled, particularly around the head.

Behavior Talk 042: Pia Silvani

Behavior Talk 008: Angelica Steinker

We're continuing our series of special APDT episodes of Behavior Talk, featuring exclusive interviews with notable presenters from the recent Association of Pet Dog Trainers conference in Portland, Oregon. Today we hear my conversation with Angelica Steinker.

Managing dogs in a clinic reception area

Veterinarian Mike Tyler demonstrates how using Gentle Leader can reduce stress and anxiety of dogs in the environment of the veterinary clinic. Many owners dread the trip to the veterinary clinic, because they remember the dog being stressed and out of control.

Behavior Talk 020: Valarie Tynes

Awhile back I had a conversation with Dr. Valarie Tynes. Dr. Tynes is a veterinarian from Fort Worth, Texas and is board–certified by the American Collage of Veterinary Behaviorists. She is also currently the Public Relations Chairman for the the ACVB.

Tips for using the Easy Walk Harness

Janet Velenovsky, Behavior and Training Education Specialist for Premier Pet Products, works with the owner of a frisky boxer. The owner had previously used other methods to try and curb pulling on leash. With Janet's help, she learns the proper techniques for using the Easy Walk Harness, and becomes convinced that it will be a successful solution for her and her dog.

Fitting the Easy Walk Harness

Janet Velenovsky, Training and Behavior Education Specialist for Premier Pet Products, demonstrates how to properly fit the Easy Walk Harness

Behavior Talk 037: Alice Villalobos

Dr. Alice Vilalobos is a veterinarian, author, and the immediate Past President of the American Association of Human Animal Bond Veterinarians. She's also the author of "Canine and Feline Geriatric Oncology: Honoring the Human Animal Bond."

We talked about her book at the North American Veterinary Conference, where she introduced me to the concept of Pawspice –– comprehensive end of life care for animals.

Behavior Talk 003 Joel Walton

Joel Walton is a dog trainer from the Washington DC area where he runs Walton Family Dog Training. A charter member of APDT, he is known especially for his work with labradors, and has written a book, "Labrador Retrievers for Dummies." He also leads seminars on puppy training, and has written a book on the subject, "Positive Puppy Training Works."

Behavior Talk 013: Sophia Yin

Today's episode of Behavior Talk features an interview with Sophia Yin.

During our conversation we covered some of her favorite APDT highlights, and I learned of that she's an experienced swing dancer. She also gives us a preview of the new book she's working on. We started the conversation talking about the Manners Minder, the training product she invented.