Humans like the affection of dogs. We find it reinforcing when they come to us for petting and attention. Once they find something that annoys us, they can be masters at using it to get us to do things in order get them to stop doing it. It’s cause and effect, consequences dictating behaviour. And they know it. As Jean Donaldson put it in her book Culture Clash, “Dogs do what works.”

Eric Brad talks with Amanda Brothers of Sidekick Dog Training. Amanda has six dogs in her household, and she has lots of tips based on experience to make life in a multi-dog household a positive experience for you and your dogs.

Dogs have been with us for centuries. Today, millions of dogs live in the homes of humans. But what exactly is the dog getting out of the deal? In fact, a better question is what should the dog be getting out of the deal?

To look at most of our dogs, it’s hard to think of them as “stressed out” as they snooze happily in that patch of sunlight — yet all dogs experience stress, some more and some less, and it’s how they learn to cope with it that is most important.

Did you realize that play is an important part of dogs’ development and overall health throughout their lives? When it comes to our canine friends, it seems that old saying “All work and no play…” is just as true as it is fro humans.

In the midst of all this dog training and behavioural science, dogs remain one of the beautiful gifts nature has bestowed on us. Let’s take a moment to appreciate them for all that they are — and be thankful for what they are not.