The Academy Blog

Our Heroes

Our Heroes

Our HeroesAcademy director Jean Donaldson and staffer Kristi Benson in conversation about their heroes: those people who have opened their eyes with the most glorious of epiphanies and motivated them to be better dog trainers and teachers.Kristi:I’m curious about your...

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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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