We humans have been trained that the best way to train our dogs is through the use of coercion — and punishment and rewards. But Eric Brad has learned through his studies of behavioral science that just because something works doesn’t mean it’s right or the only way. In this article, Eric takes a groundbreaking look at kinder, saner and logical ways to build good, respectful relationships with our dogs.
Go Fast, Have Fun, Don’t Trip! Teaching Dog Agility
As Eric Brad knows from teaching dog agility, good communication between handlers and dogs is everything. It’s not about forcing a dog to play the game, it’s about forming relationships that bring put the best in humans and dogs.
Bribery or a Paycheck: Why Do We Resist Training Our Dogs with Food?
Why do so many dog trainers and dog fanciers so strongly resist the use of food in working with their dogs? Eric Brad stands in stark contrast to these traditional trainers. He uses food as part of a program of reinforcement and science-based training — and his happy, championship-winning dogs are testament to his methods.
Just Saying #1: Quotations on Humans and Animals
Life As A Human launches a series of quotations by famous and not-so-famous people that enlighten us on the experience of being human.
Life Without Dog
Tim Heintzman pays homage to his departed friend General Custer, a Golden Retriever who loved with no strings attached and taught the human who loved him the gift of humility.
Adventures in Puppyhood: Nature and Nurture in Dogs
Is your new puppy’s personality all do to genetics and breeding or does the way he is raised determine who he will become? Eric Brad — currently immersed in raising his own puppy Rizzo — explores the link between nature and nurture and how to help your puppy grow to be the best he can be.
The Little Dog Laughed: Dogs and Humour
Do dogs laugh? Do they even have a sense of humor? Most dog owners would say they do. And even science is beginning to uncover evidence that our dogs know what “funny” is, at least to them. Apparently our dogs do laugh!
A Yippee Story: A Woman, a Dog, a Problem
Confirmed dog lover Ali Dubrow is completely out of sorts to discover there is a dog she hates. Now, if she can only quiet Canine Satan.
Another Door Opens — Meeting Our New Puppy Rizzo
Eric Brad recently dealt with the death of his dear old dog Vince. Was he ready for a new puppy? But together Eric and his wife show that the heart is ever expandable, and they are already head over heels in love with their new puppy, Rizzo.
The Delicate Art of Saying Goodbye to Our Dogs
Our mentor has left us. Vincenzo Rudolfo Pooparetti, dog-father of the Belgian Mafia, has shuffled off this mortal coil. Elvis has left the building. That small brown dog who became such an important part of our lives has passed away.