A positive marker is like a “pin” for behaviors we would like our dogs to repeat, but it relies on us as handlers sticking to a reward system, or contract, most often using a food reward and/or praise for reinforcement. When we ask our dogs to do something, we use this tool to let them know they’ve done the right thing in response.
They named her Lola when they brought the two-month-old puppy home, and they found out quickly that she had some things to say. “She’s the sweetest dog, but she has opinions,” Jenny shared. “She’ll groan about certain things. She doesn’t like doing ‘down.’ She’ll do all these other tricks, but every time we ask her to go down, she’ll do it, but she’ll do a little sassy bark. She’s done that ever since she’s been a puppy.”
Body language is a great way to communicate with your dog because the language is universal across species. When your dog wants something, they learn to sit to ask for it.
And while Debbie had her heart set on a girl, the breeder asked her how she felt about a boy–the momma’s boy with a sweet soul they named Franklin. “We went and he really was adorable,” Debbie said. “I didn’t get a small girl. I got the biggest boy. He’s a great boy. He gets exuberant, that’s what happened.”
Even just an annual check-up at the veterinarian office can be a stressful place for both dog and owner. Add in some stranger danger or leash reactivity, and what should be an easy, quick event can become a nightmare. But every dog has to go to the vet, so we’ve got some tips on how to prepare both you and your pooch for a smooth experience!