The Academy Blog

Conversations About Management

Conversations About Management

Conversations about Management in Dog TrainingWhy it's useful and when it isn't enoughThe Academy’s director Jean Donaldson speaks with staffer Kristi Benson about management in pet dog training and why standard operating procedures are often more...

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Can Dogs Really Play Pretend with Life-sized Dolls?

Can Dogs Really Play Pretend with Life-sized Dolls?

It’s been asserted that using a realistic stuffed dog (a “fugazi”) provides developmental benefits to young puppies as well as social and mental benefits to adult dogs, thanks to dogs’ presumed ability to pretend these toys are real. I worry these unsubstantiated claims might do more harm than good.

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If They Could March

If They Could March

If They Could March  -by Jean DonaldsonIf dogs could march on Washington, what would they march about?  Adequate food, shelter, veterinary care?  Big ticket stuff, but I doubt it.  When people march, it’s never for something everybody already agrees on and for...

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Puppies, Prestige, and the Power of Pessimism

Puppies, Prestige, and the Power of Pessimism

Puppies, Prestige, and the Power of Pessimism  Dogs don’t seem to invest much of their behaviour in creating and maintaining hierarchies, but we humans sure do. In fact, our very human desire for status can affect our dogs in a few ways...and usually, not for the...

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No Funds for Training?

No Funds for Training?

No Funds for Training?   Academy trainers share advice for getting the help you need.  Anyone with a dog knows that dogs can bring unexpected expenses: veterinary emergencies, equipment failure, or even house repairs! Sometimes we can plan for and cover...

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