Category: All Member Videos

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Do Know About Qualitative Research Methodologies? Guest post by Susan Friedman

Most of us learned about group experimental research in our middle school years. You know the one – there is a treatment group and a control group and after the treatment is delivered to the first group,  group means are compared in an attempt to measure the effect of the treatment. This methodology is suited to questions about averages and probabilities for example, the average lifespan of a particular breed of dog.

Some of us learned about single subject experimental research designs (SSD). You may have heard of reversal or multiple baseline designs. SSDs are especially suited to understanding and improving the behavior of an individual across different conditions, i.e., baseline measures compared to intervention phases. These designs are important for tracking and dynamically tweaking training interventions.

For example, we could measure the baseline rate of a particular dog jumping on visitors and then measure the rate again when “4 feet on the floor” is reinforced with praise and a toy.

The feature that makes both of these methodologies “experimental” is that there is treatment variable, or intervention, that is systematically manipulated and the effects of that manipulation is quantified in some way.

A perhaps less well known research methodology in the social sciences, but equally important, is called qualitative research. Qualitative research is not experimental. Rather, “Qualitative researchers seek to make sense of personal stories and the ways in which they intersect” (Glesne & Peshkin, 1992). You can see how this methodology is well suited to questions for which personal experience is the most important information we seek, such as the detriments of a lifetime of the lack of diversity, inclusion and equity.

This is the methodology that Dr. Katherina Alvarez used in her study,  The Reality of Being a Black, Indigenous, and Global Majority Dog Professional.” With each deep interview, we are given the opportunity to gain insight into what it feels like to be another person and to understand the world as another experiences it.

For additional information about the contributions of the qualitative research paradigm as researchers seek to improve the quality of life for all learners, see https://researchbasics.education.uconn.edu/qualitative_research/ and https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4275140/#:~:text=Qualitative%20research%20involves%20asking%20participants,world%20as%20another%20experiences%20it.

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About  Susan Friedman, PhD, Psychology Professor Emeritus at Utah State University of BehaviorWorks

Susan pioneered the application of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to captive and companion animals. ABA, with its roots in human learning, offers a scientifically sound teaching technology and ethical standard that can improve the lives of all learners.

She has written chapters on learning and behavior for three veterinary texts (Behavior of Exotic Pets, Clinical Avian Medicine, and Manual of Parrot Behavior), and is a frequent contributor to popular magazines. Her articles appear around the world in eleven languages. Susan has presented seminars for a wide variety of professional organizations around the world such as the Association of Avian Veterinarians, the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, Moorpark College Exotic Animal Training and Management program, and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.

She has been nominated for the Media Award given by the International Association of Behavior Analysis for her efforts to disseminate to pet owners, veterinarians, animal trainers and zookeepers the essential tools they need to empower and enrich the lives of the animals in their care.

Susan also teaches Why Animals Need Trainers Who Adhere to the Least Intrusive Principle in the Grisha Stewart Academy

Happy Earth Day: What I Learned in 5 Days Without Sunlight

A few weeks ago, I went into darkness for 5 days. Five whole days and nights in a small hotel-like room with a comfortable bed, well ventilated, but without a speck of sunlight. It was a phenomenal experience and I thought I’d unpack a little of it for you.
It’s called a ‘hygienic darkroom retreat,’ the idea of hygiene being that if living organisms have healthy environments, we can thrive. The darkroom is an environment to let our spirit take center stage, away from the stimulation of the outer world.
I’d read about darkroom retreating 3 years ago, but didn’t know where to go to do it. Turns out, there’s one about 10 minutes from my house! My time had come.
Practically, it looked like this: before entering the dark, I made 5 days worth of meals for the super-kind and wise helpers at the lodge to reheat and bring to me. I packed snacks for the rest of the time, brought a journal, and whatever else I’d need for camping indoors, in the dark.
My fiancee, Tom, went into darkness ahead of me. He was on his Day 5 when I started. We overlapped in the room for one night as he shared what he’d discovered about himself, alone in the dark, and I shared what I’d found about myself at home.
The next two days were mostly about getting sleep. Lots of it, whenever my body wanted to rest, without any pressure to stay awake (nor pressure to sleep). When I was awake, I stayed tuned into the feeling of my body from within – belly, heart, breathing, toes, hands, energy centers (the parts of my body that feel like they have the most Life, spirit you could say).

Continue reading Happy Earth Day: What I Learned in 5 Days Without Sunlight

(Video 87) Tips for Sharing Your Bed and Furniture (or Not)

You may have been told that dogs are not allowed on beds, that it makes them dominant. It turns out that’s not actually a true statement. If you want your dog on your bed, or your couch, or anywhere else in your home, that’s your right. You get to set the boundaries. Just be consistent. Watch this video for ways to help make that comfortable for all involved.

Continue reading (Video 87) Tips for Sharing Your Bed and Furniture (or Not)

(Video 86) How to Stop or Prevent Dogs Fighting at Home

Are your dogs getting along well or do they sometimes freeze and stare at each other or even get into fights? Watch this video for ways to help keep the peace at your home.

Note: this could be a life-and-death situation, depending on how seriously your dogs are going after each other. As always, please consider hiring a dog trainer near you if your animals are in danger.

Continue reading (Video 86) How to Stop or Prevent Dogs Fighting at Home

(Video 84) Me First! How to Train More Than One Animal at a Time

If you have more than one animal to train at a time (like multiple dogs, your dog and your cat, your dog and your son…) it can be very helpful to use something called “stationing” to keep them from mobbing you. This is also useful for dogs who fight in the home…more on that later. Watch this video for several useful tips for training in multi-dog or multi-species households.

Continue reading (Video 84) Me First! How to Train More Than One Animal at a Time

(Video 83) Get Dressed: Teach Dogs to Put On Their Own Gear

Does your dog wiggle and jump around when you’re trying to put her tracking harness on? Or maybe he’s afraid of his winter dog boots and you have trouble putting them on? Whenever you need to put equipment on your dog, I recommend training your dog to actively participate in getting that gear on himself. Active cooperation is better than  passive acceptance. Watch this video to learn how to teach your dog to put on his own gear.

Continue reading (Video 83) Get Dressed: Teach Dogs to Put On Their Own Gear

(Video 82) How and Why to Train Your Dog to Wear a Muzzle

Muzzles can be used to prevent dog bites in situations where you are unsure of how your dog will react. Dogs should be trained in advance to be comfortable wearing muzzles, and this video explains how to do that. Muzzle training is actually a good idea for all dogs and puppies, because dogs who are injured can be unpredictable and may need to be muzzled.

Never put your dog in a situation where you think it’s likely he or she will bite, of course. But when you have prepared your dog for a greeting and you believe everything will probably go well, or when your dog needs emergency medical care, a muzzle can come in very handy.

Continue reading (Video 82) How and Why to Train Your Dog to Wear a Muzzle

(Video 81) Ouch! Why Animals Bite and How to Prevent It

Animals, including dogs, bite for a whole lot of reasons. The severity can be anything from a puppy play bite to a bite to kill. Watch this video to learn some of the reasons animals bite and what you can do to prevent bites.

Continue reading (Video 81) Ouch! Why Animals Bite and How to Prevent It

(Video 80) Ick! How to Stop a Poop-Eating Dog (Coprophagia)

When Bean was younger, he kept finding little ‘snacks’ in the yard. Sometimes he would even bring little frozen chunks of dog feces inside and try to bury them in the couch! Fortunately I caught all of those before they thawed…eww.  I’m happy to say that the training worked and he is no longer a poop eater.

This video gives you some great ways to help dogs kick the habit of eating poop. Continue reading (Video 80) Ick! How to Stop a Poop-Eating Dog (Coprophagia)

(Video 78) Anger Management: What to Do About Dog Aggression

Aggression is “intent to do harm.” Most of the time in dogs, barking, growling, and even biting are ritualized ways to get another person or dog to go away. This video gives you a starting point on what to do if your dog is showing signs of aggression or ‘reactivity.’

Note: this could be a life-and-death situation, depending on the severity. As always, please consider hiring a dog trainer near you if your dog or anyone else is in danger.

Continue reading (Video 78) Anger Management: What to Do About Dog Aggression

(Video 77) “I want it!” How to Stop Demand Barking or Vocalizations

Does your dog bark at you for attention? Maybe he drops the ball and barks at you to throw it, throw it, throw it? This video explains how to look for more polite requests for attention and other ways to teach your dog to quietly let you know what he wants.

Continue reading (Video 77) “I want it!” How to Stop Demand Barking or Vocalizations

(Video 76) Help! My Dog is Chasing the Cat

Even though many dogs chase cats, that doesn’t have to be the case in your home! The easiest variation of not chasing cats is to teach your dogs that “their” cat is part of the family and not to be chased in the house.

Note: this could be a life-and-death situation for your cat, depending on how seriously your dog is going after the cat. As always, please consider hiring a dog trainer near you if your animal is in danger.

Continue reading (Video 76) Help! My Dog is Chasing the Cat

(Video 75) Home Alone: 5 Ways to Prevent Separation Anxiety

Many dogs freak out when they’re home alone because they were not eased into being on their own; they were never specifically taught how to handle it. Addressing full-blown separation anxiety takes time and patience. Preventing separation anxiety before it starts is a lot easier and that’s what this video is about.

If you have a puppy or rescue dog, I highly recommend that you watch this video right away and start putting the tips into practice, *before* you have a real separation anxiety problem.

Continue reading (Video 75) Home Alone: 5 Ways to Prevent Separation Anxiety

(Video 74) Is Your Dog Afraid of Riding in Cars?

“Wanna go for a ride?” We often think of dogs jumping around excitedly when they hear that phrase, but some dogs are afraid of riding in cars or trucks. This video gives you safe car travel tips and some useful advice on how to help your dog get over her fear and get back on the road.

Continue reading (Video 74) Is Your Dog Afraid of Riding in Cars?

(Video 73) Deaf or Blind Dogs: Training and Care Tips

Dogs who have trouble hearing or seeing can still be perfectly happy in a family. Contrary to popular belief, dogs with sensory impairments can still function in society, but we do need to make some changes to the way that we communicate with and train those dogs. With some effort, we can help them to safely navigate their lives.

Continue reading (Video 73) Deaf or Blind Dogs: Training and Care Tips

(Video 69) The Sky is Falling! How to Survive Fireworks with Your Dog

Fireworks can be terrifying for dogs. This video explores some tips to help you get your dog comfortable with fireworks. It’s best to watch this video a month or two before fireworks start, so you have time to train, but it also gives you some ideas of what to do to help your dog on the day fireworks happen.

Continue reading (Video 69) The Sky is Falling! How to Survive Fireworks with Your Dog

(Video 68) Walking Your Dog Off Leash: Safety and Training

Have you ever come across off leash dogs on your walk? It’s fun to walk with your dog running free, but your dog being off leash may actually endanger other dogs or animals. Shouting “he’s friendly” is not enough when the other dog is on leash.

This video gives useful tips to help you keep your dog and others safe. It’s the neighborly thing to do whenever you choose to walk your dog off leash.

Continue reading (Video 68) Walking Your Dog Off Leash: Safety and Training

(Video 65) Make Your Life Easier with the Right Dog Gear

There are a ton of different dog training contraptions… clickers, choke chains, harnesses, long lines, e-collars, ex-pens, crates, and more. Which ones are right for you and your dog? Which ones can cause problems or harm? This video gives my recommendations on how to choose dog training and management gear.

Continue reading (Video 65) Make Your Life Easier with the Right Dog Gear

(Video 64) It’s a Baby! Help Your Dog Welcome Your New Child

If you are expecting a baby, congratulations! Not all dogs are keen to have a baby around, and even the happiest of dogs should be prepared to have another little human in the house. Having a baby will dramatically change your daily routine, which can be stressful for your dog. This video gives useful ideas to make your baby’s homecoming peaceful and easy.

Continue reading (Video 64) It’s a Baby! Help Your Dog Welcome Your New Child

(Video 63) Adding a New Dog to Your Home

Getting a new dog or puppy? Start out on the right paw, because first impressions really do count!

Take a few minutes to watch this video to get some tips on how to best introduce your new dog to the existing animals in the home. Following the tips in this video will help you prevent problems before they start, by avoiding fighting and reducing stress for everyone.

Continue reading (Video 63) Adding a New Dog to Your Home

(Video 62) Possession Aggression: How to Encourage Your Dog to Share with People

It’s very common for a dog to protect his prize resources. The good news is that “resource guarding” – growling, snapping, biting over food, toys, socks etc. is the easiest kind of aggression problem to solve in dogs, unless you use punishment. Watch this video for some useful advice.

Hint: It’s not a contest. Using force can backfire and lead to people getting bitten, especially kids. The trick is to teach your dog that sharing is awesome.

Continue reading (Video 62) Possession Aggression: How to Encourage Your Dog to Share with People

(Video 60) Mani-Pedi: How and Why to Trim Your Dog’s Nails

Does your dog fight you when you try to trim his nails? Are you not even sure how to do it right? Or does it seem like a stupid thing to do, anyway? Check out this video for why and how to trim your pet’s nails.

See also: (Video 59) Cooperative Grooming: 3 Tricks with a Purpose

Continue reading (Video 60) Mani-Pedi: How and Why to Trim Your Dog’s Nails

(Video 59) Cooperative Grooming: 3 Tricks with a Purpose

Does your dog freak out when you try to trim her nails or brush her? It doesn’t have to be that way, and there are much better options than just holding her down until it’s all over. This video goes through ways you can specifically train your dog to be a cooperative and enthusiastic partner for grooming. This helps prevent bites but also helps your dog stay comfortable and calm.

See also:

Continue reading (Video 59) Cooperative Grooming: 3 Tricks with a Purpose

(Video 58) Cooperative Vet Care: 3 Tricks with a Purpose

Your dog’s experience at the veterinarian’s office doesn’t have to be full of panic and fear. This video goes through ways you can specifically train your dog to be a cooperative partner in his veterinary care. This helps prevent bites but also helps your dog stay comfortable and calm.

See also: (Video 16) Vet Visit Stress Tips for Dogs

Continue reading (Video 58) Cooperative Vet Care: 3 Tricks with a Purpose

(Video 56) Let’s Go! 5 Tips to Keep Your Dog Walking

Do you have trouble getting your dog to move? I notice this “donkey dog” problem most with bulldogs and other short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds, but it can happen with any dog, especially puppies. This video will explore this problem from the dog’s perspective and also give you tips to be able to walk *together* with your dog or puppy.

See also:

Continue reading (Video 56) Let’s Go! 5 Tips to Keep Your Dog Walking

(Video 55) Top Tips for Dogs in Apartments

Do you live in an apartment or condo with your dog? This video has some useful tips to keep your dog quiet and your neighbors happy. It also has great tips for getting past distractions and safely in and out of your building. This is especially useful if you have a dog with reactivity issues.

See also:

Continue reading (Video 55) Top Tips for Dogs in Apartments

(Video 53) Stress Adds Up: Trigger Stacking Leads to Reactivity

If you have trouble figuring out what’s causing your dog to explode with aggression, frustration, or fear, you might be missing an important variable: trigger stacking. Check out this short video to learn how stress piles up for dogs.

See also:

Continue reading (Video 53) Stress Adds Up: Trigger Stacking Leads to Reactivity

(Video 52) Dog Doors: When to Use and How to Train

A dog door (or cat door) can be a really convenient way to fix your housetraining problems, but there are some things you should know before cutting a hole in your door or wall. This video goes through the do’s and do not’s around pet doors and also explains how to train your dog to use the dog door.

See also:

Continue reading (Video 52) Dog Doors: When to Use and How to Train

(Video 51) How and Why to Teach Your Dog to Ring a Bell

Potty problems? Your dog can ring a bell to let you know when it’s time go outside. This video explains the perks of teaching your dog this trick and goes through some easy steps to train your dog to ring a bell.

See also: (Video 18) Tired of Cleaning Messes? Housetraining 101

Continue reading (Video 51) How and Why to Teach Your Dog to Ring a Bell

(Video 50) Wait: How and Why to Train a Solid Wait

Stop right there! Does your dog dash out of the house or pop out of the car as soon as you open the door?

Wait tells your dog that he should not get out of the car, leave the house, etc. It is different from Stay, which is about holding an exact position. This video explains some reasons to train your dog to Wait and teaches you how to get your dog to be an expert in patience.

Continue reading (Video 50) Wait: How and Why to Train a Solid Wait

(Video 49) Drop It: 3 Ways to Train a Fast, Reliable Drop

Does your puppy steal socks? Does your dog run after the ball to fetch, but run around and not give it back?

If your dog has something in her mouth, you can do some training so you don’t have to end up playing tug of war with your favorite shoes. Drop is not something dogs are born doing on cue, but it’s easy enough to teach a reliable Drop. This video goes over 3 ways to train your dog to quickly drop whatever is in her mouth!

Continue reading (Video 49) Drop It: 3 Ways to Train a Fast, Reliable Drop

(Video 48) On Target: How and Why to Train Touch

Touch is one of my very favorite dog training tools. Instead of physically grabbing your dog to get his body into a certain position, you can train him to touch his nose, hip, foot, etc. to a target. This is great for a range of things, from coming when called, to putting the harness on, to grooming and vet care. Touch is essential for all dogs.

See also: (Video 24) 6 Cue Words that Every Pet Should Know

Continue reading (Video 48) On Target: How and Why to Train Touch

(Video 47) Dog Parks: How to Stay Safe and Have Fun!

Dogs have played with each other as probably as long as the species existed, but dog parks are a relatively new phenomenon. Dog parks are usually fenced in and can be great socialization locations but they also have a fair number of risks. Please watch this video before taking any dog to a dog park, particularly those who are most at risk – puppies, dogs with fear issues, and rescue dogs.

Also check out
Video 45: Why Dogs Should Play with Other Dogs
Continue reading (Video 47) Dog Parks: How to Stay Safe and Have Fun!

(Video 46) Dog Playdate Safety

Dogs should socialize with all kinds of other dogs, but how do you get them together? And what if you just want to have friends over and they’re bringing their dog? Coordinating play dates can be a great way to set the dogs up for success and fun. This video shares some of the most useful tips to keep in mind for dog play dates.

Also check out Video 45: Why Dogs Should Play with Other Dogs
Continue reading (Video 46) Dog Playdate Safety

(Video 45) How and Why to Let Dogs Play Together

Play with other dogs is excellent physical and mental exercise, and that can solve a lot of behavior problems. Dogs also learn a lot from play and so can you! But how can you tell they are playing and be sure it’s a good experience for all involved? Check out this video for a look at how to supervise safe play between dogs.

Also check out Video 46: Dog Playdate Safety
Continue reading (Video 45) How and Why to Let Dogs Play Together

(Video 43) 20 Dog Training Cues to Make Life Easier!

Cues are often called ‘commands’ with punishment based training. It’s the word or signal used to tell your dog which specific behavior you want and might reinforce. If you’ve already watched 6 Cue Words that Every Pet Should Know and want more cues to teach your dog to make life easier and more fun, check out this video.
Continue reading (Video 43) 20 Dog Training Cues to Make Life Easier!

(Video 41) Fun Dog Brain Games for Happiness and Mental Health

If your dog is destroying your house or looks ‘depressed’ it may be that you just don’t have enough mental stimulation. Brain games are excellent for preventing separation anxiety, teaching dogs not to chew your furniture or other items, and just generally making your dog smarter and happier. Dogs and puppies are not natural freeloaders – they would rather work for their food than lie around all day doing nothing. This video has several practical ideas to solve behavior problems and help your dog have more fun!

Also watch: Rainy Day Dogs: How to Exercise Your Dog Indoors

Continue reading (Video 41) Fun Dog Brain Games for Happiness and Mental Health

(Video 40) When Can I Stop Using Dog Treats?

Teaching your dog with positive reinforcement doesn’t mean that you have to be a food dispenser for the rest of your dog’s life. Part of reliable dog training is having your dog listen to you without having treats in your hands or even needing to feed all the time. Humans, dogs, and other species don’t work for free, but there are a lot of reinforcers out there besides for just food. These tips and tricks will help you wean off of constantly treating your dog for every single behavior.
Continue reading (Video 40) When Can I Stop Using Dog Treats?

How Do I Get My Dog’s Consent for Nail Trimming?

[s2If current_user_cannot(access_s2member_level2)]In the Office Hours, I answer members' pet training and behavior questions in live sessions, which are recorded and shown here. Please log in or sign up for a Student or Pro membership to see the video.[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level2)]
[/s2If] Dog training and care questions in this video: 
  • I like the consent approach to nails you mentioned in the Consent seminar earlier today. I am currently trimming my dogs overly long nails a tiny bit once a week with his begrudging agreement or tolerance. How would I retrain for consent, while still keeping his nails short enough. He already has long nails due to long quicks (I assume from me not being good enough about nails when he was a puppy).
  • I was worried about a scratch board hurting his paw pads?
  • What's your favorite treat reinforcer right now for the dogs?
  • I also talked about:
    • This is the last office hours for now! Thank you all so much for being here!
Links I referred to in this session (or could have): [s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level2)]More questions? You can post them on the Live Q&A page now to get in the queue for next time.[/s2If]
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