Love, Trust and Communication: The Gifts of Positive Training

When I adopted Ruby in 2013 I didn't exactly have a training philosophy, and I had no idea how essential training and management would be to our life together. By the time I adopted Boca (as a foster failure), I knew that positive reinforcement was my goal and I've tried to employ it every step of the way with my two wonderful girls.

Aside from trick training and enrichment like crate games, I don't do a lot of formal or obedience training, but my background in horses taught me that every interaction is training. Day to day life with The Ginger Sisters is a constant dialog, and sometimes lessons are learned - for good or bad - before I even realize it. My dogs are far from perfect, but my relationship with them is one of the most important and treasured in my life, and I would never sacrifice it for a shortcut. My adherence to positive training is non-negotiable and a value I won't compromise on. Its gifts aren't quantifiable, but among its greatest are love, trust and communication.

Over the past year I have had the opportunity again and again to see how our relationship had grown as a result of positive reinforcement and a willingness to listen. Never forget that the dog decides what is aversive. I talk to my dogs unceasingly and without apology, forming questions they get to answer. Recently I was able to hold Ruby upside down like a baby (it is not possible to have a small dog and not want to do this) - something that used to make her uncomfortable - because we have a foundation of trust, because I never forced it, and because I waited until she gave me permission. I literally ask her, out loud, "Can I hold you like a baby?" If she's feeling comfortable and safe, she says yes. I use the same technique when I pick her up as a redirection/safety net for her reactivity. I always say "can I see your teethies?" before I cup her chin and lift up her lip, and now she will let me look at her teeth effortlessly. Nail trims have gone from being scary to a painless ritual we call 'Peanut Butter Paws' - she runs to the sofa to get into position, almost unable to control her excitement about getting this rare delicacy reserved soley for the task.

Both dogs had some big firsts this year: Ruby went on a hike on her long line, delighting me by checking in frequently and happily navigating a mountain trail. Boca went on an enormous adventure, accompanying me on our southwestern road trip to Blog Paws where she met countless other dogs, people, and patiently handled noisy crowds, quiet classrooms and numerous hotel rooms. I could not have been more proud of her. Ruby even showed off some of her tricks during a vet visit this year! Just today, we had a little visitor, a Chiweenie I was taking to an adoption event for Paws on the Ground, and we had an uneventful introduction and walk with all three dogs.

I'm someone who analyzes, overthinks and second-guesses a great deal, but my commitment to positive training is something I never question. Its benefits and rewards show through every day in both subtle and astounding ways.

In the spirit of the season and as a token of our gratitude for embracing positive training throughout the year, we are giving away a prize package to one of our lucky readers. Two Outward Hound puzzle toys generously donated by A Dog Walks Into a Bar,, a humanely raised, ethically sourced treat selection from Open Farm, and the book 101 Dog Tricks from Ruby, Boca and me because I am passionate about trick training. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents and a winner will be randomly selected on December 15th. 

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