We take a brief break from our two-part behavioral euthanasia episodes to talk about ethology with Kim Brophey. Kayla and Kim discuss: What is ethology? How can ethology interface with other approaches, like applied behavior analysis, for training? How does ethology play into differences between breeds and breed groups? Why would this matter for training and behavior? LEGS - learning, …
Ep. 48: Behavioral Euthanasia Part 1
Kayla and Ursa talk about the difficult topic of behavioral euthanasia for both pet and shelter dogs. Mentioned in this episode: Kayla’s article on Grey Zone Dogs from the IAABC Michael Shikashio’s episode on aggression in puppies Research on the suppression of aggression with aversives The Losing Lulu Grief Group
Ep. 46: Functional Breeding with Dr. Jessica Hekman
Kayla sits down with Dr. Jessica Hekman of the Functional Dog Collaborative to talk about breeding dogs for behavioral and physical health. They talk about how the FDC aims to help breeders produce dogs with better health - behavioral and physical. The FDC also helps both breeders and buyers work towards producing dogs that suit the jobs at hand - whether …
Ep. 47: Mythbusting Part 3
Join Kayla and Ursa as they discuss MORE myths about dog training and dog behavior. Covered in this episode: Greeting a dog after an absence creates separation anxiety See also: this study on factors affecting the prevalence of separation anxiety in dogs. Research on the use of Clomipramine for dogs with separation anxiety Research on different methodology of trainers recommending …
Ep. 45: Can Dogs Be Racist?
Kayla sits down with Jio and Taylor from Smart Bitch Dog Training, Curtis from Pet Parent Allies, and Jenna from Dog Liaison to talk about whether or not dogs can be racist. Let’s start by saying that Canine Conversations has been excited to get this episode out for a while, and we recognize it might be perceived as “late to …
Ep. 44: Aggression in Dogs with Michael Shikashio
Kayla Fratt speaks to Michael Shikashio of AggressiveDog.com about some of Michael’s upcoming projects - including the virtual Aggression in Dogs conference this October and Michael’s podcast, The Bitey End of the Dog.
Ep. 43: Mythbusting Part Two
Join Marissa, Ursa, and Kayla as they discuss dog training myths including: Comforting a scared dog teaches the dog to be scared A single dog training class is all the obedience/training your dog needs Episode on generalization here Feeding your dog human food teaches them to beg Listen to our episode on common treat-training issues and how to deal with …
Ep. 42: Myth-Busting Part 1
Join Kayla, Ursa, and Marissa as they discuss some common myths about how dogs behave and how best to train them. The myths we discuss today include: Tail wags = happy dogs You can’t train XYZ breed to do ABC thing Exposure will make things better (Kayla’s blog on the topic is here) My dog can tell if someone’s untrustworthy …
Ep. 41: Is Aggression Ever Fixed?
Join Marissa, Kayla, and Ursa as they discuss what aggression is and factors important in determining whether aggression is ever truly fixed. Can trigger be identified? How severe is the aggressive response? What’s the learned history? Can environment be managed? Is b mod being carried out effectively? Dog under threshold Exposure managed positively Significant # of trials Proper use and …
Ep. 40: Education and Certifications for Trainers
Join Kayla and Marissa discuss continuing education opportunities and the importance of certifications. This episode is designed to help support your educational journey and the resources listed below should give you a great place to start! Certifications: Karen Pryor Academy Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants Books and DVDs: Journey Dog Training Book Recommendations …