If you’re an animal lover, you’ve likely heard or seen the term “enrichment” in the context of animal welfare; but what exactly is enrichment, and how can we use it to improve the lives of the animals we love and care for? 

When your dog runs to greet you at the door, wiggly all over with a blissful smile from ear to ear, tail wagging, you just know they’re happy to see you, right? You also probably know something is wrong when you see a pup with a tucked tail and wide eyes. But, are you able to pick up on the subtler shifts in body language that lead up to those moments of powerful, overt emotion?

At The Cooperative Canine, we believe that clear communication is kind communication. Clicker training is a powerful training tool used to capture and shape desirable behaviors precisely and accurately. This clear, consistent signal helps dogs understand exactly what behavior earned the reward, making it easier for them to learn new skills.

Operant conditioning is a type of associative learning that uses consequences to either increase or decrease the strength and frequency of a voluntary behavior.

As dog owners, we all want happy, well-adjusted pets. However, sometimes dogs develop problematic behaviors like fear, reactivity, or aggression, which can be distressing for both the dog and their people. Fortunately, modern behavior modification techniques, rooted in the science of classical conditioning, can help transform these challenging behaviors. So, what exactly are classical conditioning and counterconditioning, and how can they be used to reshape your dog’s emotional responses?

Whether you spend months scouring the websites and hallways of shelters and rescues, or fall in love while casually perusing the halls of your local humane society, you’re all set to take a new friend home! Many people are so excited to get their new companion, they forget that this is a big adjustment for the animal. 

One of the greatest gifts you can give your new pet is a safe and quiet space – this will serve as their “home-base” when they need to retreat and take a break, and contains all their resources: bed, food, water, toys, etc.