A Cry for Attention
By Lara Joseph
Foraging is defined as searching for food. From my observations, however, much more is involved than the mere hunt for food when a parrot carries out this behavior. I am fascinated with watching birds forage because it has such a profound impact on their behavior in so many ...
The Problem with Shock
By Angelica Steinker
It isn’t that shock collar training doesn’t work, because it does. The question is at what price? Some extremely skilled trainers may be able to offset some of the problems shock collars can cause. However, shock collars are for sale at almost every pet store making ...
PPG Summit 2020 Sessions: Do Scientists Really Know What They’re Talking About?
BARKS presents session details from PPG's 2020 Summit and Workshops in Phoenix, Arizona
*Early bird discount available if you register before January 31, 2020!
Session Details:
Presenter: Dr. Karolina Westlund
Session Title: Do Scientists Really Know What They’re Talking About?
Session ...
Opinion: Puppies Are Poor Christmas Gifts
It may be tempting for parents to get a puppy for their kids as a special Christmas gift. We have probably all seen TV programs and holiday movies where that scene played out joyfully on screen. And there was always a happy ending.
But Christmas puppies do not always have happy endings. ...
Personal Trainer or Dog Trainer? The Case for Day Training
By Veronica Boutelle of PPG corporate partner, dogbiz
Frustration over unfinished cases and low client compliance—endemic issues in our industry—often lead us to view clients as lazy, uncommitted, unskilled, uncaring, cheap. As positive reinforcement trainers, we teach “Don’t blame, train.” ...
Living and Working with Deaf Dogs
By Morag Heirs
Our canine companions are remarkably adaptable and, based on current thinking, this ability has allowed them to take advantage of the rubbish dumps created by primitive humans and shaped the transformation from wolf-like ancestor through to domesticated dog.
I often feel ...
Fetch More Dollars: Like Peas in a Pod
By John D. Visconti
In a previous article (see Fetch More Dollars: Selling Is Helping, BARKS from the Guild, June 2014, p.59), I discussed the negative association many trainers have with the words ‘selling’ and ‘salesperson.’ Additionally, I pointed out that a professional salesperson is ...
“I Will Never Use the Shock Collar Again!”
By Eileen Anderson
This is a story from a client of one of my professional trainer friends. Let’s call my friend “Phoebe.” My friend had met the client for some coaching for her young, exuberant dog, Raven. But it was a very long distance for the client to come. My friend received this email ...