Some essential definitions

Common dog training/behaviour terms used and what they mean... scroll down for the whole list.

Alpha

The dog in charge. (Note: dog in charge. You are not the alpha. You are the leader.)

Aggression

Deliberately unfriendly behavior. You will note the lack of terms in my definition such as "hostility", "violence", or "attack". I believe this term is greatly misused in the field of dog training.

Associative learning

Connecting two seemingly unrelated stimuli. (Like the sound of the clicker and a yummy treat.

Clicker

A small plastic box containing an aluminum strip that makes a clicking sound when pressed.

Clicker training

See positive reinforcement training (further down).

Counter-conditioning

Using associative learning to reverse unwanted effects of prior conditioning.

Desensitization

A form of counter-conditioning in which the phobic animal is subjected to low levels of the frightening stimulus while in a relaxed state.

Gentle leader

A headcollar with a nylon strap that goes around the dog's nose and another that goes around the back of his head, used to teach dogs who pull excessively on their leashes. Find plenty of info at www.gentleleader.com  [ opens in new window ] Because of a potential for neck injury, consult a professional before using a Gentle Leader.

Halti

Another headcollar by a different inventor. I have a strong personal preference for the Gentle Leaders, as I find them to be more effective and gentle than the Halti.

Harness

A piece of equipment to attach a leash to. Halters are generally made out of nylon, and fit around the dog's shoulders. They're nice for dogs with neck injuries, but don't let the advertising fool you; they're useless to stop a dog from pulling on the leash.

Leader

You, hopefully, in all your benevolent, protective, wise, kind glory.

Learned helplessness

The most destructive side effect of punishment-based training. An emotional state any mammal will eventually reach when they feel that everything they do is met with equal punishment and they are denied any escape. A dog may freeze in a submissive posture and simply give in to any further punishment given.

Opposition reflex

The natural reflex possessed by humans and dogs to respond to force with equal resistive force.

Positive reinforcement training

Using the promise of desirable consequences to attain specific behaviors.

Puppy mill

A place where many dogs are bred for money. Dog "breeding camps", where bitches are usually kept in cages too small for them to stand up in and bred continually throughout their adult lives with no regard to genetic diseases or abnormalities, or the health and/or happiness of the breeders or the puppies.

Redirected aggression

Occurs when a dog who feels he can't express his reactive emotions toward a situation instead turns those emotions on another dog, object, or person.

Socialization

A controlled introduction of stimuli such as people, places, situations, and animals in an effort to help the dog make positive associations with them.

Stimulus

An event or thing that affects behavior.

What's new

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Doggie quote

"The more people I meet, the more I like my dog"    -Unknown