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How to Train a Retrieve Using Shaping and Back Chaining A reliable retrieve is a valuable skill for many dogs, whether for service work, sports, or just fun and games. This guide will walk you through training a retrieve to hand using shaping and back chaining. This method builds all the reinforcement around delivering the item to your hand, making the retrieve consistent and reliable. What is Shaping? Shaping is a training technique where you reinforce small steps (approximations) toward the final behavior. It’s like building a behavior piece by piece, celebrating progress along the way. What is Back Chaining? Back chaining involves teaching the final step of a behavior first and then working backward to the beginning. For a retrieve, this means starting with the dog delivering the item to your hand and gradually adding earlier steps, like picking up the item and going to get it. Training Steps for a Retrieve to Hand Step 1: Teaching the Deliver to Hand Start with an objec...

A Resource for Navigating the FDA's Gluten-Free Labeling Law If you’ve ever wandered the grocery store aisles, scrutinizing product labels, you know how confusing gluten-free labeling can be. What does "certified gluten-free" mean? Is "naturally gluten-free" different? And can you trust products labeled simply as "gluten-free"? Let’s break it down and clarify what each term means under U.S. law and common industry practices. The FDA’s Gluten-Free Labeling Rule In 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a rule defining the term “gluten-free” on food labels to protect people with Celiac Disease and gluten sensitivities. For a product to carry the "gluten-free" label , it must meet the following criteria: Contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This threshold was established because 20 ppm is the lowest level that can be consistently detected with current testing methods and is generally safe for most individual...

Essential Tips for Better Walks with Your Dog Loose leash walking (LLW) is often considered one of the toughest skills to master in dog training. While it’s natural to want your dog to learn it quickly, LLW is truly a marathon, not a sprint. Training your dog to walk on a loose leash takes patience, consistency, and dedication—but with the right approach, it’s absolutely achievable. Here are essential tips and insights to make LLW an enjoyable experience for both you and your dog. 1. Tools Don’t Replace Training While there are many tools on the market, like harnesses, collars, and leads, it’s important to remember that no tool alone will stop your dog from pulling. Training is the only reliable way to establish long-term LLW skills. 2. Consistency is Key Dogs learn best through consistent practice. The more consistently you reward good leash behavior, the faster your dog will grasp it. LLW requires ongoing reinforcement—each time...

Mastering Treat Testing: Discovering Your Dog's Favorites Understanding what motivates your dog is crucial for effective training. Treat testing is a fun way to determine which treats your pup finds most appealing. Here’s how to do it! Step-by-Step Guide to Treat Testing: Gather Your Treats: Select five different treats. You can choose all solid treats, all spreadable treats, or a mix. Make sure they are safe and suitable for your dog. Set Up the Test Area: Find a quiet spot where your dog can focus. Lay the treats out in a line, spacing them evenly to prevent any overlap. Send Your Dog: Use a release word like "OK!" or "Break" to send your dog toward the treats. Observe which ones they eat first. Record the Choices: Keep track of the order in which your dog consumes the treats. Repeat the process two more times, shuffling the order of the treats each time...