Here I discuss classical conditioning – learning by association – in dog training. Dogs make associations constantly in their environment. By having a greater understanding of what we are doing and how this effects the associations our dog makes, we will have a more harmonious life with our dogs.
Mistakes will occur in dog training. If we take ownership of them and realise the mistake is ours and not the dog’s, training will be smoother. If the same mistake keeps reoccurring, there is something wrong with our training plan.
Some footage of desensitisation/counterconditioning of Hamish the West Highland White Terrier who doesn’t like being handled.
Glasgow Dog Training By Dog Behaviourist John McGuigan 