Eric has been been training and living with dogs for over 20 years. In 2002, Eric made a bold change in his training philosophy by turning away from Traditional, punishment-based training techniques to focus on modern animal training methods based on behavioural science and reward-based training. The results have been nothing short of exhilarating for Eric and his dogs.
He currently shares his life with his wife Petra (also a dog trainer) and his Belgian Shepherds, Tiramisu and Rizzo. Eric dedicates his writing for Life As A Human to his recently deceased Belgian Shepherds Vince, who taught him so much, and Mario who left us far too soon.
Now living in Victoria, British Columbia Canada, Eric continues his work with dogs and their owners providing group and private instruction in positive dog training methods and dog agility. He and his dog, Tiramisu, are active competitors in Dog Agility and his ScallyWaggs group hosts a number of agility trials and activities each year.
Eric's articles are now available in podcasts.
Confessions Of A Positive Dog Trainer
Is it more ethical or moral to use positive dog training? For Eric Brad, the reasons are less lofty and more practical. And sometimes the simplest reasons can be the most compelling.
Learn Positive Dog Training
Have you heard about positive training but aren’t sure what it is or how to get started? Trainer Eric Brad gives you a road map to success with four great books to get you on your way!
A Broken Dog – Part 2 (Understanding Dawns)
When a dog’s behaviour suddenly changes, a good dog trainer does not turn training techniques and behaviour modification. They turn to their veterinarian. Chances are there is a very real health problem that should be dealt with first.
A Broken Dog – Part 1 (Breaking Down)
It would be great if positive training and behavioural science made everything perfect and wonderful with dogs. Most of the time, it does exactly that by providing a way to communicate effectively with our dogs. But sometimes things can break down. Eric Brad shares a story of a frightened dog that needed more than food treats and positive reinforcement.
The Crossover Files – Considering Positive Dog Training
Coming to Positive Reinforcement training from more traditional methods is called “crossing over.” It’s not easy to cross over from more familiar and socially accepted forms of dog training. There are lots of reasons not to consider it. But many do. In this series, Eric Brad looks at what it takes to “cross over.”
What A Dog Can Teach You
Dog trainers are supposed to be teaching their dogs. Eric Brad has found that there is much that the dog can teach the trainer as well. In this installment, Eric says “Thank You” to his dog Tiramisu for the lessons he has learned. Listening to his dog has made him a better trainer.
My “Dominant” Dog and How I Cope
Is your dog “dominant” or willing to submit? Could you be living with a dog determined to take over and control your household? Dog Trainer Eric Brad looks as his own dog to see if the “warning signs” described by so many web sites could mean his dog is a tyrant in the making!
For the Dogs: New Year, New Challenges
For his first column of 2012, Eric Brad challenges his readers to challenge what they think they know about dogs. As the Greek philosopher Aristotle once said, “The high-minded man must care more for the truth than for what people believe.” Our best source of information about dogs is the dogs themselves! Perhaps it’s time to ask them and see what they say.
2011 – A Year For The Dogs and The Canine Nation
As 2011 draws to a close, I find myself looking back at a great year here at Life As A Human. There were many terrific comments and conversations that have come out of my Canine Nation articles. It’s been my pleasure and privilege share some thoughts with so many of you and to meet you through the comments you have shared here, on our Canine Nation group on Facebook, and through Twitter and emails as well.
Some Dogs Won’t Work For Food
Food is something every dog has every day. Unless they are ill, there should be no reason for our dogs to turn down any snacks we offer them. But many dog owners claim their dogs won’t work for them for food treats as a reward. How can this be? Dogs are scavengers by nature. Could it be something we humans are doing that puts them off sometimes?
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