Roman Gottfried
Relational Canine Behavior Through a Holistic ...

Your dog’s behavior is shaped by relationships—not just commands. Explore how trust, empathy, and positive reinforcement can deepen your bond and motivate better behavior. Learn to guide your dog through a holistic, relationship-focused approach to training.

Roman Gottfried
Understanding Dog Dementia

As our dogs age, some may develop cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), or dog dementia, leading to confusion, anxiety, and changes in behavior. Having faced this challenge with my own aging dogs, I know that with the right support, dogs with dementia can still live joyful lives. In this guide, I’ll share signs to watch for, along with holistic strategies to help your dog feel secure, comfortable, and loved through every stage of aging.

Understanding Dog Dementia
Wellfare, Behavior, Educational , Dog Training, medical
Roman Gottfried
Pica in Dogs
Roman Gottfried
The Five Freedoms for Raising a Happy Puppy

Discover the Five Freedoms every puppy needs to grow happy and healthy. From proper nutrition and a comfy bed to playtime and gentle training, learn how to give your puppy the best life possible!

The Five Freedoms for Raising a Happy Puppy
Roman Gottfried
The Sad Truth About Board and Train

Excerpt for Blog: The Sad Truth About Board and Train: Why Your Dog Needs You in the Process (and How Remote Training Can Help)

Board and train programs seem like a convenient solution—you drop your dog off, they come back "fixed." But I’ve learned through years of experience that real, lasting change doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens when you’re part of the process.

When dogs are removed from their comfort zones and placed in unfamiliar environments, they often become stressed, anxious, or even develop new issues. The sad truth is that many board and train facilities can’t replicate the specific environment where your dog struggles, like the home they’re guarding or the yard they’re territorial over. Plus, without you in the picture, who will they bond with and learn to trust?

Remote training, on the other hand, keeps your dog where they’re comfortable and allows you to take an active role. Not only does it build trust between you and your dog, but it also addresses their unique emotional needs in real-time, in the environment where the behaviors actually matter. It’s not about a quick fix; it’s about building a strong, lasting relationship that helps your dog feel safe, confident, and connected.

If you’re curious about how remote training can truly benefit you and your dog, let’s chat! Here’s the link to get started: https://holisticdogtraining.as.me/Short-Web

The Sad Truth About Board and Train

Aggression

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What is Holistic Approach In Dog-education, Care, and Rearing?

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A holistic approach in dog rearing, education and care is not just a technique or movement, but rather a comprehensive philosophy and lifestyle that aims to nurture the dog's mind, body, and spirit in a natural and affective way. Holistic approach in training and behavior intervention follows a Least Inhibitive, Functionally Effective (LIFE) ethical model. [1]

The term "holistic" in dog training is a widely misused and often incorrectly associated with alternative or unscientific methods.

It is a comprehensive, integrated methodology rooted in the latest research on dog behavior, cognition, and learning theory.

It does not reject conventional ethical training tools or techniques. Rather, it evaluates them through the lens of the dog's emotional feedback, overall wellbeing - meeting the dog’s physical, mental, and emotional, social, educational and cognitive needs. [2]

It aims to nurture the human-dog bond, build trust, and create an environment that fulfills the dog's ethological needs while positively shaping behavior.

This holistic perspective challenges the traditional notion of human supremacy, advocating for a more equitable and respectful relationship with our canine companions. [3] It also holds significant implications for dog training, welfare, and our understanding of interspecies communication. By embracing Canine Anthropology [4], we can provide, more meaningful connections with our dogs, recognizing them as sentient beings with unique perspectives and experiences.

Certified Holistic Training Professionals take a multi-disciplinary approach, considering factors like the dog's genetics, health, environment, experiences, stress levels, body language and emotional state.

Are you interested in reaching a holistic level in your profession and help even more dogs?

Let’s discuss your options: https://holisticdogtraining.as.me/First-Mentoring

References:

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2. https://www.theiscp.com/hierarchy-of-dog-needs

3. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/animal-emotions/202312/canine-anthropology-a-major-shift-in-dog-human-relationships

4. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375837543_toward_a_canine_anthropology

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"Protocol for Relaxation" by Dr. Karen Overall Tier 1

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"Protocol for Relaxation"

by Karen Overall provides a comprehensive guide for behavior modification in dogs and cats. Here are some key highlights from the document:

Image showing a cozy living room with a calm and relaxed dog laying on its bed, looking up at its caregiver. The scene captures the warmth and connection of the moment

  1. Introduction: The protocol is a foundational behavior modification program applicable to both dogs and cats. It emphasizes that behavior modification is a set of exercises leading to changes in behavior, which can be practiced for various durations depending on what works best for the pet and the owner. It's important not to feel burdened by the program and to work at the pet's pace for better results. The protocol can also serve as a preventative program for puppies and kittens. (Page 1)

  2. Starting Out: Before starting the program, it's crucial to recognize a relaxed facial and body expression in the pet and reward it. The technique of "shaping" is suggested, where behaviors closer to the desired outcome are continually rewarded. It's important not to force the program if the pet shows signs of distress. (Page 1)

  3. Description of the Protocol for Relaxation: The protocol aims to teach the pet to relax, attend to the owner for cues, defer to the owner, enjoy earning rewards for desirable behavior, and develop a pattern of calm, relaxed behaviors. The program's circumstances change from reassuring ones to potentially more stressful ones. (Page 2)

  4. Food Treats: The program utilizes food treats as rewards, not bribes. It's important to find a treat that the pet likes but doesn't get all the time. Guidelines for choosing treats are provided, including considerations for pets with dietary restrictions. (Page 2)

  5. Understanding the Reward Process: There's an art to rewarding pets with food treats. The treats should be small, and the process of giving the treat should be quick and associated with positive reinforcement. (Page 2)

  6. Getting the Dog’s Attention: If the pet doesn't respond to commands, it's advised not to keep repeating the command without reinforcement. Various techniques are suggested to get the pet's attention, including using a whistle or making an unusual sound. The importance of tone and approach is emphasized. (Page 3)

  7. Cautionary Note: For aggressive dogs or situations where the caregiver feels afraid, it's advised not to do the exercises off-lead until the dog is perfect on-lead. Working with a behavior consultant or veterinary professional is recommended in such cases. (Page 3)

Need Help?

If you need help evaluating your pet's behavior, consider consulting with a trauma-informed behavior consultant.

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