I am not here to fix your dog

Mar 18, 2018 | Puppy Training

Your dog is not broken—and he does not need fixing.

Every day, I speak with dog owners who are frustrated with certain behaviours and want them “fixed.” But there are two important things to understand:

• Your dog is not broken
• Behaviour problems are rarely just about the dog

Dogs Are Not Humans

Before your dog is your companion, he is an animal—and a predator. Even the smallest, cutest dog still has natural instincts and behaviours.

The challenge is that we bring these animals into our homes and expect them to automatically understand how to live in a human world.

Many behaviours people struggle with are actually normal dog behaviours—we just don’t like them.

• Resource guarding → survival instinct
• Pulling on leash → trying to get where they want to go
• Jumping on people → excitement and reinforcement

Your dog isn’t misbehaving—he’s doing what works.

Dog Training Is Mostly Human Training

In reality, most training is not about fixing the dog—it’s about changing how we interact with them.

Dogs learn quickly. Humans often take longer, because we overthink, analyze, and bring emotion into the process.

Effective training requires structure, consistency, and clear communication—not just love and good intentions.

It’s About the Relationship

Good training isn’t about control or punishment—it’s about creating clarity and understanding between you and your dog.

This means:

• Teaching your dog what is expected
• Setting clear and fair boundaries
• Understanding your dog’s natural behaviour
• Communicating in a way your dog actually understands

It also means taking responsibility as the owner.

So What Do We Actually Do?

We don’t “fix” dogs.

We help owners build better relationships with their dogs by creating structure, improving communication, and teaching both dog and human how to work together.

If you’re open to changing how you approach your dog, that’s where real progress happens.

Your dog doesn’t need fixing—but your approach might need adjusting.

When you understand your dog for what they are, and learn how to guide them clearly and fairly, behaviour starts to change naturally. Serving Burlington, Dundas, Ancaster, Hamilton, Binbrook, Stoney Creek, and Grimsby

If you need help becoming the leader your dog needs, we can help! Contact us today.

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Obedience vs Free Behaviour

Feb 13, 2018 | Puppy Training

Obedience vs Free Behaviour in Dogs: What Really Matters?

What if I told you I don’t really care whether your dog knows the command “sit”?

That statement usually surprises people. Many dog owners—and trainers—focus heavily on obedience commands to solve behaviour problems.

But obedience and behaviour are not always the same thing.

Why Obedience Alone Doesn’t Solve Behaviour Problems

When many trainers address issues like leash reactivity, resource guarding, or overexcitement, the first recommendation is often more obedience training.

But obedience is simply asking the dog to perform a physical action.

A dog can sit while still being anxious, overstimulated, or mentally overwhelmed.

Just because the body is still does not mean the mind is calm.

Many owners have experienced this firsthand:
A dog holding a sit position while clearly struggling emotionally or mentally.

Obedience can help manage behaviour, but it does not automatically change a dog’s emotional state.

What Is Free Behaviour?

Free behaviour is what your dog chooses to do without being told.

For example:

• Greeting people calmly without jumping
• Relaxing in the house without being commanded
• Making good choices naturally in everyday situations

This is very different from constantly giving commands like “off,” “place,” or “sit.”

The goal is not to micromanage the dog—but to teach them how to exist calmly and appropriately in our world.

Calmness Without Constant Commands

For years, many trainers—including myself—used commands like “place” to create calm behaviour.

While these tools can absolutely be helpful, I’ve become more interested in teaching dogs how to regulate themselves without needing constant direction.

Exercises like “Sit on the Dog,” developed by the late Margot Woods, focus on helping dogs naturally settle and relax rather than relying entirely on obedience cues.

That’s the difference between obedience and free behaviour.

Does Obedience Still Matter?

Absolutely.

Teaching commands like sit, down, recall, and place can be valuable for communication, safety, and structure.

But obedience should support behaviour—not replace it.

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A dog that only behaves when being directed is very different from a dog that has learned how to make calm, thoughtful choices on their own.

My goal is not to create robotic dogs that wait for commands every second of the day.

My goal is to help dogs become calm, well-behaved family members who can navigate everyday life with confidence and as little micromanagement as possible.

That’s the power of free behaviour.

Dog Trainer in Hamilton, Ontario

Are You Reinforcing Bad Dog Behaviours Without Realizing It?

Feb 1, 2018 | Puppy Training

Did you know that you might be unintentionally reinforcing bad dog behaviours that you are actually trying to stop?

Many dog owners are surprised to learn that their reactions can sometimes make unwanted behaviours stronger. This can happen with behaviours such as whining, jumping, barking, demanding attention, or ignoring boundaries.

But first, what does reinforcement really mean?

What Does Reinforcement Mean in Dog Training?

There are many terms used in the dog training world, and one of the most common is reinforcement, especially positive reinforcement. However, many pet owners think positive reinforcement only means using treats to get a dog to sit.

In reality, reinforcement is much broader than that.

According to Merriam-Webster, reinforcement means:

1. The action of strengthening or encouraging something.

2. Something that strengthens or encourages something.

In dog training, this means that when a behaviour is reinforced, the behaviour is more likely to happen again in the future.

Positive Reinforcement Is More Than Treats

Traditionally, many trainers talk about positive reinforcement and use food as the main reinforcer. For example, you ask your dog to sit, your dog sits, and then you give your dog a piece of food. That is a simple example of positive reinforcement.

However, positive reinforcement is not limited to food. Positive reinforcement means adding something your dog likes in order to increase the likelihood that the behaviour will happen again.

Depending on your dog, reinforcement can include many different things, such as:

• Eye contact
• Talking to your dog
• Giving attention
• Touching or pushing your dog
• Letting your dog continue the behaviour
• Access to something your dog wants

Even yelling can be reinforcing for some dogs if they enjoy attention. In some cases, a dog can also self-reward without you giving them anything directly.

Example: Reinforcing Whining Without Realizing It

Let’s use the example of a dog who whines constantly.

You may try ignoring the whining at first, but eventually you might give in and say, “What’s wrong, Fido?” Maybe you do not say anything, but you look at your dog every time they whine.

In that moment, your dog’s whining has resulted in something they may like: your attention, your voice, or your eye contact.

Because the behaviour worked for your dog, the whining is more likely to happen again. And again. And again.

Example: Reinforcing Jumping Behaviour

Another common example of unintentionally reinforcing bad dog behaviours is jumping.

Usually, it looks something like this:

• The dog jumps on the person.
• The person makes eye contact.
• The person says “Off,” “Down,” or “No jumping.”
• The person pushes the dog away with their hands.
• The person may step backward or turn around to ignore the dog.

To the human, this may feel like correcting the behaviour. But to the dog, it may feel like a reward. The dog may receive eye contact, physical touch, movement, and attention.

For many dogs, that is exactly what they wanted.

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Why Ignoring Does Not Always Work

Many people are told to ignore jumping, whining, or other unwanted behaviours. While this can sometimes help, it does not always work on its own.

If a dog enjoys jumping, then the act of jumping itself may be self-rewarding. If you step backward, your dog may see it as a game or a challenge to try again. If you simply turn around without giving clear direction, your dog may continue to reward themselves by repeating the behaviour.

There are also exceptions. For example, if a dog is very soft, nervous, or sensitive, yelling or physical pressure may not be reinforcing. Instead, it may feel punishing or stressful to that dog.

This is why dog training is not one-size-fits-all. The same human response can affect different dogs in different ways.

Dogs Repeat What Works for Them

If you are struggling with unwanted dog behaviours, it is important to look at what your dog may be gaining from the behaviour.

Dogs repeat behaviours that work for them. If jumping, whining, barking, or demanding attention gets your dog something they enjoy, they are likely to keep doing it.

Once you understand what is reinforcing the behaviour, you can begin changing the pattern and teaching your dog a better way to behave.

Need Help With Unwanted Dog Behaviours?

If you need help with behaviours such as jumping, whining, barking, or poor manners, our private dog training programs can help.

At The Crunchy Canine, we can teach your dog how to become a well-behaved family member while helping you understand why the behaviour is happening in the first place.

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FAQ

What does reinforcing bad dog behaviours mean?

Reinforcing bad dog behaviours means responding in a way that makes the unwanted behaviour more likely to happen again. This can happen through attention, eye contact, touching, talking, or allowing the dog to self-reward.

Can yelling at my dog reinforce bad behaviour?

Yes, for some dogs, yelling can still be attention. If your dog enjoys any form of interaction, yelling may unintentionally reinforce the behaviour.

Why does my dog keep jumping even when I say no?

Your dog may continue jumping because the behaviour is still working. If jumping leads to eye contact, touch, talking, or movement, your dog may find it rewarding.

Can private dog training help stop unwanted behaviours?

Yes. Private dog training can help identify what is reinforcing the behaviour and teach your dog more appropriate behaviours instead.

Why obedience is not the answer to your problems

What is remote collar training?

Sep 27, 2017 | Puppy Training

What Is Remote Collar Training?

You may have heard the terms remote collar training, low-level remote collar training, or e-collar training. Unfortunately, many people still refer to these training tools as “shock collars,” but that does not accurately describe how modern, low-level remote collar training should be used.

At The Crunchy Canine, remote collar training is not about shocking dogs, scaring dogs, or causing pain. When used correctly, it is a low-level communication tool that helps guide your dog with clear, consistent feedback.

What Does Low-Level Remote Collar Training Mean?

Low-level remote collar training means using an e-collar at a very gentle setting that your dog can notice without feeling fear or discomfort. The goal is not punishment. The goal is communication.

A properly introduced remote collar can help support training by giving your dog a clear signal, especially in situations where distance, distractions, or safety are important. This is why proper education, timing, and professional guidance matter so much.

Remote Collar Training Is Not About Hurting Dogs

One of the biggest misunderstandings about e-collar training is the idea that it is designed to shock or hurt dogs. That is not what responsible remote collar training is about.

We are not shocking dogs, and we are not in the business of hurting dogs. Low-level e-collar training is focused on calm communication, trust, and helping dogs understand what is being asked of them.

Why the Words Matter

Some people may think the difference between “shock collar” and “remote collar” is just semantics, but it is much more than that. The way a tool is described affects how people understand it and how they use it.

When remote collar training is done correctly, it is introduced carefully, used at low levels, and paired with proper training methods. It should never be used out of frustration, anger, or as a shortcut for good training.

Watch: What Is Low-Level Remote Collar Training?

In this quick video, I explain what low-level remote collar training is and why it is not the same as shocking a dog.

If you are curious about e-collar training, make sure you learn from someone who understands low-level training and prioritizes humane, effective communication with dogs.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Is remote collar training the same as shock collar training?

No. Responsible remote collar training uses low-level stimulation as a communication tool. It should not be used to scare, punish, or hurt a dog.

Does e-collar training hurt dogs?

When introduced correctly and used at low levels, e-collar training should not hurt dogs. The goal is clear communication, not pain or fear.

Can remote collar training help with off-leash reliability?

Yes, remote collar training can support off-leash communication when it is taught properly. It can help dogs understand cues at a distance and around distractions.

Should I use a remote collar without guidance?

It is best to learn from a qualified trainer before using a remote collar. Proper fit, timing, conditioning, and low-level use are very important.

Obedience vs Free Behaviour