Peggy Swager has a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, minor in education, with undergraduate studies in psychology. Over the years, she received mentoring by animal professionals, including a veterinarian, on behavior and fear issues. Peggy has been teaching dog classes and working with problematic dogs since the 1990s. She is an award-winning author with multiple articles and books. To learn more about Peggy, check out her website at www. peggyswager. com.
Otis was a mill dog rescue I fostered who was unadoptable due to aggressive behavior, such as biting. I was able to work him through his severe underlying fear that influenced his behavior.
how to succeed in training a breed, since different breeds can have different keys for training success.
As far as my need for information outside of regular training books, that came about because of my choice to work with more challenging dog behaviors and training cases. These kinds of dogs can often be found at dog shelters or as fosters. The time I invested in rehabilitating these challenging dogs resulted in valuable insights, enabling me to resolve the more complex issues presented by my clients.
These days, conferences, seminars, and classes online are more plentiful and can help trainers increase their knowledge. Networking with other trainers is also valuable. Although the PPOC was a training resource, I have added networking with local trainers through an online Facebook forum. What is important for dog trainers in their search for answers is to find the least adverse method possible to train the dog.
REFERENCES Why is the Premack Principle Important?, https:// howtoaba. com / why-is-the-premack-principle-important /, How To ABA( Applied Behaviour Analysis), December 22, 2022.
Is the Alpha Wolf Idea a Myth?, Pappas, Stephanie, Scientific American, February 28, 2023.
Effects of Externally Mediated Rewards on Intrinsic Motivation, Deci, Edward I., Journal of Personalities and Social Psychology 1971, Vol 18, No. 1, 105-115.
Understanding Highly Predatory Dogs, Mardi Richmond, CP- DT-KA, Whole Dog Journal, June 18, 2010
Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, Daniel H. Pink, Canongate Books, 2018.
How to Spark Intrinsic Motivation in Your Students, Dasha, teach. com / Resources, November 18, 2021.
Come Backstage with Eddie, Dog Fancy, May 2000.
Hard Dogs Versus Soft Dogs.( 2024, March 26). Posted as original article later published in Dog World Magazine.
Calming Signals: Reducing Stress Before Competition. December 2006, AKC Gazette.
“ Are you the unwitting victim of your dog’ s blackmail? Here’ s how to get him to stop.” AKC Family Dog, Spring 2005. Posted with permission of AKC Gazette.
Adding Power to the Premack Principle. Winter issue, 2023, Association of Professional Dog Training Chronicle of the Dog.
“ Understanding the Role of Submission, Compliance, and P + Training in Dogs Responding to Drives”, Fall 2024, APDT Chronicle of the Dog.
Turid Rugaas.( 2006). On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals. Dogwise Publication.
Linda Bollinger and Peggy Swager( 1998). The New Owner’ s Guide to Jack Russell Terriers. TFH Publications.
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