the pizza delivery game Many pet parents and their dogs struggle when they try to apply the tools and techniques that they learned in training class to real-life situations. Dogs may offer a down-stay in the classroom, but when they are at home and the doorbell rings, chaos ensues. By incorporating games in your group training classes, you can help your students and their dogs learn under conditions that resemble real-life environments. In this video, students are practicing the pizza delivery game to teach the dogs to wait patiently when a delivery person is at the door. Learn how to us ..read more

kindness first: celebrating karen pryor's 92nd birthday Karen Pryor's 92nd birthday not only marks a milestone in her life but also serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy she has crafted through her tireless advocacy for kindness and compassion. At the heart of Karen's mission is her unwavering belief in the power of kindness to effect positive change. From her early days in dolphin training to her later efforts advocating for a more compassionate world, Karen has consistently championed the idea that kindness should always come first. As her daughter Gale aptly puts it, Kar ..read more

training your dog outside of formal training sessions Pet guardians often focus exclusively on training sessions for teaching pets new skills and reinforcing good behavior. However, effective training extends beyond these sessions—it happens all day, every day! When you reward positive behavior choices throughout the day, you encourage your dog to repeat those actions. KPA faculty member Juliana DeWillems recommends the following tips for integrating this method into your daily routine: Keep Treats Handy: At the start of the day, place a handful of treats in an easy-to-reach jar. With tr ..read more

may 2024 KPA CTP of the Month In the world of dog training, Merissa Kreidler, KPA CTP, is a beacon of knowledge, always willing to share her passion for animals and training. Hailing from Farmville, VA, Merissa is the proud owner of Fuzzy Logic Dog Training, LLC; her mission is to foster strong bonds between people and their four-legged companions. In this interview, Merissa shares some of her profound experiences, as well as insights and inspirations she has developed, since graduating from the KPA Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program under the mentorship of Julie Shaw a decade ago. F ..read more

the power of tactile reinforcement in cat training In the world of pet companionship, cats often march to the beat of their own drums. Independent and discerning, as a species they have earned the reputation of being aloof or untrainable. However, people who share their lives with these enigmatic creatures know that beneath the facade cats are capable of deep connections and remarkable learning. One powerful tool to foster connections and shape desirable behaviors is tactile reinforcement. Tactile reinforcement uses physical touch, such as petting and scratching, to reinforce desired beh ..read more

Ken ramirez receives abma lifetime achievement award How many lifetime achievement awards in the training field can one person win? At least three! Congratulations to our very own Ken Ramirez for receiving the John M. Kirtland, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award from the Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA). This award is granted only when there is a qualified nominee and honors individuals who have made significant achievements in the field of behavior management by setting new standards for animal welfare.  Recipients of the John M. Kirtland, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award demons ..read more

introducing your dog to a muzzle As responsible pet guardians, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our furry companions. Sometimes, situations arise that require the use of tools like muzzles to ensure everyone's safety, including the dog’s safety. Introducing a muzzle to your dog can be a sensitive process, but with patience, understanding, and positive reinforcement, it can be a stress-free experience for you and your canine friend. A muzzle must be introduced gradually so that your dog can become comfortable with it. In this video, Sara McLoudrey demonstrates how to get a dog c ..read more

The benefits of teaching the go behind behavior Imagine you're out for a morning walk with your dog and your dog spots another dog approaching. While some dogs may welcome the unexpected encounter, others may perceive the encounter as a threat, and react with barking and lunging. If this scenario sounds familiar, there are strategies that can help! Teaching your dog to stand behind you is a valuable approach; the Go Behind behavior can mitigate reactive responses by offering both a sense of security and an alternative response to perceived threats. In this video from Emma Parsons, Mary A ..read more

april 2024 KPA CTP of the Month In animal training, every journey begins with a story, and the tale of Anna Wong, KPA CTP, is as captivating as they come. Acknowledging her humble start when, during childhood, she served as her sister's assistant in the training (and occasional misplacement!) of a chameleon, Anna reflects on the mishaps of her early days with a chuckle. “It was not a very auspicious start to my training career,” she admits with a smile. However, little did she know, this whimsical beginning would pave the way for a transformative journey in canine-companion training. Fas ..read more

The benefits of working with multiple species Dog training requires an understanding of fundamental training principles, such as reinforcement, shaping, and timing. Did you know that you can use these same principles to train another species? In fact, training another species will hone your observation skills and sharpen your mechanics, ultimately helping you become a more skilled and effective dog trainer. So why not broaden your horizons and embark on a journey of discovery with a new furry, feathery, or scaly friend? Students in the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Dog Training Professional ..read more