Linda P. Case's Blog, page 12
June 19, 2019
Beware the Straw Man – Science vs. Stories in the Dog Training World
A Science Dog Live Webinar Wednesday, June 26th, 7:00 pm (CST). Description: Dog owners are constantly bombarded with advice regarding how to best train their dogs. Today, it seems that everyone who has ever owned a dog (and who currently owns a computer) has both an opinion and a training method to promote. So, how… Continue reading Beware the Straw Man – Science vs. Stories in the Dog Training World
June 18, 2019
Does Your Dog Play with His Food?
Most people have heard the admonition “Stop playing with your food!” at some point during their childhood. It is rare to hear the dog version of this rebuke, however, especially if you live with Golden Retrievers (or Labs……). When the food is only in the bowl for 30 seconds, there is little time for playing… Continue reading Does Your Dog Play with His Food?
June 6, 2019
Reward-Based Training and Relationship
Trainers who use reward-based training methods (aka positive reinforcement training) often expound about its benefits to dogs and likewise caution about potential risks associated with punishment-based training. Although not extensive, there are a few studies that support the behavioral and emotional benefits of reward-based training and several others showing that the use of aversive stimuli… Continue reading Reward-Based Training and Relationship
May 15, 2019
The Raw Deal
I have avoided writing this essay. The reason is that, contrary to how it may on occasion appear, I generally do not seek out conflict. Considered debate about scientific evidence and civilized discussions? Yep, enjoy those. However, the acrimony and polarization that frequently accompanies internet discussions about how best to feed dogs? Avoid those like… Continue reading The Raw Deal
May 14, 2019
Nutritional Controversies – Looking at the Science
A Science Dog Webinar Live and On-Demand Access! Wednesday, May 22nd, 7:00 pm (CST). On-demand recording available until June 22nd. Description: Most dog owners and pet professionals agree that providing optimal nutrition is essential for our dogs’ health and wellness. Nutrition is also an aspect of dogs’ lives over which owners exert almost complete… Continue reading Nutritional Controversies – Looking at the Science
April 17, 2019
“Dogs are Carnivores, Right?”
A Science Dog Webinar Live and On-Demand Access! Wednesday, April 24th, 7:00 pm (CST). On-demand recording available until May 24th. Description: There is much argument (and polarization) today regarding how best to feed our dogs. While some believe that dogs are obligate carnivores and should be fed a raw diet containing high levels of meat,… Continue reading “Dogs are Carnivores, Right?”
April 10, 2019
The Emotional Life of Puppy Stanley
I am happy to introduce the newest member of the Case family. Meet Stanley (aka Stan the Man, Stanley Manley, Stanley Pants). Mike and I love having a new puppy in the house (lack of sleep and reduced writing time aside). One of the many things that we enjoy is sharing a new puppy’s excitement… Continue reading The Emotional Life of Puppy Stanley
March 20, 2019
Understanding Canine Body Signals
A Science Dog Webinar Live and On-Demand Access! Wednesday, March 27th, 7:00 pm (CST). On-demand recording available until April 27th. Presenter: Linda P. Case (Author of “Dog Smart” and “Beware the Straw Man“) Description: Dogs use a range of complex and varied visual signals when communicating with others. The direction of a dog’s gaze,… Continue reading Understanding Canine Body Signals
March 18, 2019
The Nose Knows Bias
Despite the presumed superiority of our brains, humans are susceptible to a wide range of mental mistakes. These are collectively called “cognitive errors” and they impinge upon our judgement and can lead our decision-making astray. I have written about several of these previously in The Science Dog (attribution error, the availability heuristic and negativity bias),… Continue reading The Nose Knows Bias
February 26, 2019
You Say Tomato, I Say……..
One of the benefits of offering puppy classes is that we often have the opportunity to follow dogs from the early stages of puppyhood through adolescence and adulthood. An example of this is a young dog named Sassy, who attended class with her owners, June and Mark. They completed our 5-week puppy course and then,… Continue reading You Say Tomato, I Say……..
