by Denise Fenzi | Nov 8, 2019 | Uncategorized
Ignoring bad behavior is a really bad idea if the behavior has any self reinforcing component – which is a lot of them. The advice to “ignore bad behavior” has gotten’s wings in the dog training community and we need to address it. It is...
by Denise Fenzi | Nov 2, 2019 | Uncategorized
For years I have struggled to find a label to define my approach to training. In general, I have reverted to using either “force free” trainer or “positive reinforcement-based” trainer. While neither accurately defines my training I think it...
by Denise Fenzi | Oct 29, 2019 | Uncategorized
I use labels. I find that labels make it easy to talk to other people. I talk about shy dogs, reactive dogs, nervous dogs, driven dogs, etc. Labels are a part of language and exist for a reason – shorthand communication. Of course, there are problems that...
by Denise Fenzi | Oct 23, 2019 | Uncategorized
Those of you who follow me on Facebook are well aware of my “Conversations with Raika”. For those who do not follow me there, the gist of the matter is that Raika and I have been talking to each other for a long time, following her transition from...
by Denise Fenzi | Oct 19, 2019 | Uncategorized
Raika, you were special the day you were born. Always there. Always willing. Always giving more than I ever expected or hoped for. Always by my side – watching me. Waiting. For so many years, I loved you for all that you gave to me. Then it was time for you to...
by Denise Fenzi | Oct 10, 2019 | Uncategorized
Choice is the degree to which we allow our canine learner to choose their direction, ideally with an understanding of all possible consequences. “Do you want your nails clipped? If you opt in then you will get cookies. You will also get your nails clipped. If...
by Denise Fenzi | Oct 7, 2019 | Uncategorized
What is drive? The terms high-Drive and Low-Drive are commonly used in the dog sports world, but almost never in the behavior world. Presumably that is because these terms lack any real definition. Dog-sports people are along the lines of, “I know it when I...
by Denise Fenzi | Oct 1, 2019 | Uncategorized
I talk quite a bit about acclimation and teaching dogs to opt in to work via engagement training. I love it! Here’s why. Once dogs have had their basic curiosity about a working space satisfied they are much more able to focus on what we are doing together. This is...
by Denise Fenzi | Sep 23, 2019 | Uncategorized
I’m reading a book (Influencer; The New Science of Leading Change) – and one concept caught my eye: According to social science research, the difference between five years of experience and 20 years is relatively small in terms of applied skills and...
by Denise Fenzi | Sep 13, 2019 | Uncategorized
I love precision heeling. I love seeing a dog heel with a perfectly parallel body, not moving out of position even an inch, pulling up on the left turns and powering through to the right. I also love heeling games! I love how they add energy, flow, and confidence to...
by Denise Fenzi | Sep 9, 2019 | Uncategorized
You cued your dog to something and your dog did something else. Or maybe your dog did absolutely nothing at all. Now what? If you stand and wait quietly then you are teaching your dog that silence means they are wrong, or maybe you will teach your dog that whenever...
by Denise Fenzi | Sep 4, 2019 | Uncategorized
Counterconditioning is a staple of behavior change. In a nutshell, it means associating something that elicits positive emotions, like cookies, with something that elicits negative emotions, like a monster! That monster might bring up a variety of emotions from fear...
by Denise Fenzi | Aug 27, 2019 | Uncategorized
I found Instagram a couple of months ago. I don’t know if this is a good thing or not but I have found that it is incredibly easy to create a 30 or 60 second video clip and upload it directly. So I do. Which does not mean I am not going to post here or on...
by Denise Fenzi | Aug 23, 2019 | Uncategorized
Actually these five simple tricks will also reduce stress in classes, so if your dog’s stress starts there then read on! First, Allow your dog to acclimate to the area. The days of crating your dog and not letting them look around unless they are actively...
by Denise Fenzi | Aug 11, 2019 | Uncategorized
Fenzi Dog Sports Academy started a new program called the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy – Pet Professionals Program (FDSA-PPP). Feel free to go check out the FDSA-PPP website here. Reviews so far have been wildly enthusiastic, so find out for yourself why that might be! So...
by Denise Fenzi | Aug 2, 2019 | Uncategorized
Technology and no reward markers (NRM’s) I drive two cars. Each one has a GPS installed. Both cars are a huge improvement over having a spouse direct my driving. I mean, having my husband yell, “Left, left! Your other left!” after I have passed the...
by Denise Fenzi | Jul 31, 2019 | Uncategorized
I am going to make an impassioned plea for why you should take my leadership webinar tomorrow night, Thursday at 3pm PT. All of you! But I’ll settle for a portion 🙂 If you ask questions about what to do under a variety of circumstances that involve your dog...
by Denise Fenzi | Jul 29, 2019 | Uncategorized
I was recently involved in a discussion on Facebook about coaching. Specifically, ways that we can coach people which are palatable, effective, and don’t hurt feelings unnecessarily. A few folks wanted to share it but it was posted inside of a closed group, so...
by Denise Fenzi | Jul 26, 2019 | Uncategorized
Yes! I cowrote this one, “Blogger Dog Buffy!” with my friend Brenda Weeks. However, because it’s about Brenda and her service dog Buffy, and because I consider myself more of an assistant than the author of the book, I am going to direct you to her...
by Denise Fenzi | Jul 22, 2019 | Uncategorized
If you are doing behavior work with your dog you need to consider why you give your dog treats – you may want to stop handing over food for no particular reason as a lifestyle choice. How much will your dog value special treats in the presence of some trigger...
by Denise Fenzi | Jul 17, 2019 | Uncategorized
Last week I did a free “Ask Me Anything” webinar for anyone who wanted to show up! The questions covered include barking or noise during work, focus in heeling, pivots and pocket hand, teaching handler scent discrimination/articles, loose leash walking via...
by Denise Fenzi | Jul 7, 2019 | Uncategorized
In honor of our first day of instruction at the new FDSA-PPP Program (Fenzi Dog Sports Academy Pet Professionals Program) I will offer an informal “Ask me anything” webinar tonight (Sunday) at 6pm PT. If you have a video that you’d like me to look...
by Denise Fenzi | Jul 2, 2019 | Uncategorized
If you have followed this blog over time you may have noticed themes that might feel contradictory. On one end of the scale I talk about emotions and relationships. Developing warm and playful interactions with your dog. Creating a relationship so that your learner...
by Denise Fenzi | Jun 24, 2019 | Uncategorized
I’m on a roll with this crispness topic! I have talked about the importance of being crisp in training. Crispness provides clarity to our dogs which in turn reduces frustration and allows our dogs to feel confident in their situation. I want my dogs to know...
by Denise Fenzi | Jun 22, 2019 | Uncategorized
It is common for individuals to struggle in the space between basic manners for a dog and understanding the underlying science and more sophisticated training concepts required of both professional trainers and sport dog enthusiasts. FDSA-PPP is trying to help with...
