Liefdog

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Liefdog

Dog training and behaviour modification available worldwide. Science-based, force-free methods. At Liefdog (formerly: The Centre for Canine Education Inc.)

we use humane, science-based training methods to work with dogs. Our focus is primarily on positive reinforcement: offering dogs something that they like (food, play, human attention, environmental rewards, anything that your dog finds fun) in exchange for behaviours that we would like to see repeated. We also use negative punishment (reward removal) in order to discourage behaviour, however, we m

ust always teach the dog what we want them to do instead. Our approach must always start with the least invasive, minimally aversive. When addressing behavioural concerns it is advised that we start with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as a way of working through each layer of challenges to resolution. We do not use or condone the use of positive punishment (adding an aversive to decrease a behaviour) as the fallout from using such techniques is far too great. While we recognize that such consequences can be very effective in the moment, we also understand the effects that suppression can have on a learner and are not interested in taking that risk. Our aim is to change behaviour in the most stress-free way possible for the learner and to help create and nurture the bond between our students and their dogs.

19/06/2025

THURSDAY THANKS!

17/06/2025

Training Tip Tuesday!

When you're preparing a meal for you and your family, your dog cannot help but show interest. This is not as a result of you teaching them to beg - this is 100% normal. Dogs see and smell the food and of course they want it...it smells fantastic! They're opportunists...genetically!

Do you think their ancestors saw a rabbit hopping by and thought "oh gee. I'm not sure I'm ALLOWED to have that...I should check with someone..."?

Yeah...no.

So instead of hollering at our dog, shoving them off when they jump up to investigate, or resorting to harsher punishments, let's teach them what it is we prefer they do as we prepare our meals in peace.

I like placing my dog's mat or bed inside the kitchen to start, and having some chopped treats on the counter, ready to go.

While I'm prepping food, I'm intermittently "feeding the mat". In the beginning I'm feeding the mat every few seconds and then I start to decrease the frequency just a bit. The dog realises quickly that hanging out on the mat is what gets the snack delivery. They'll start sitting and lying down on the mat and waiting patiently for the arrival of the food.

Think of it as hitting "save" on a document. Save frequently! Auto-save doesn't exist in dog training.

16/06/2025

MONDAY MOTIVATION

Dog training (much like all other skills) is all about successive approximations.

You know the saying "baby steps" - that's because baby steps lead to longer strides and greater distances.

Celebrate tiny victories as they bring you closer to your goals.

You've got this!

15/06/2025

Alpha rolling is NOT an acceptable human behaviour and it is no less inappropriate and damaging than pinning a 3 year old child on the floor when they're having a tantrum.

11/06/2025

Wednesday Wisdom:

Canine adolescence typically happens between 6-18 months of age (depending on the breed/size of the dog) and is quite similar to human adolescence.

Let’s talk about what to expect and how best to support your teenage dog.

10/06/2025

Training Tip Tuesday!

Oftentimes, we are told to use physical corrections like pops and tugs on the leash, with the justification that it mimics what the mother dog would do. This is totally bogus. I won't even mince my words here. It's silly. Dogs know that we are not dogs. They don't perceive us as their "mother" at any point. We're just the "other species" they live with, who feed them, open doors, and smell fascinating.

Every pop and tug on that leash is a withdrawal from the relationship bank, just like it would be if you and your best friend were to hang out and randomly s/he would pinch you. It would be irritating and frustrating and likely would cause you to avoid hanging out with them or at least dread it in the future. Let it go on long enough and you may even retaliate with a smack or a punch!

Corrections are old-school. A correction is a technique that is no longer recommended by educated and qualified professional animal trainers, Veterinary Behaviourists, and Certified Applied Animal Behaviourists.

What IS recommended is using relationship- and trust-building training methods; positive reinforcement.

09/06/2025

MONDAY MOTIVATION

A dog who trusts you will always try their best. They're not "eager to please" but they're eager for their own reinforcement. When you're pleased, they know reinforcement follows. Punishment doesn't build trust - kindness and predictability does. 💚

08/06/2025

Avoid only giving your dog stuffed food toys when you leave them alone - otherwise they become a predictor of you leaving, which can be distressing for some.

Instead, make stuffed food toys a regular part of your dog's meals and enrichment and take some time to assess whether or not your dog truly has a separation-related panic disorder.

You can do that through Liefdog, easily! I'm a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) and have worked with hundreds of cases.

Stuffed food toys and mainstream gimmicks will NOT resolve your dog's separation anxiety. I promise you. If it worked it would have already and you wouldn't need them to leave your dog alone without chaos.

28/05/2025

We are a group of Veterinarians, Veterinary Technicians, and Doctorate level Animal Behaviorists dedicated to improving the lives of animals and people through an understanding of animal behavior. Join us and discover how insight into animal behavior can strengthen the human animal bond and enhance....

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