In this episode, we discuss the difference between normal awareness and hypervigilance, how anxious dogs perceive their environment, how to play the Look at That game (LAT), the way environmental cues can transfer and how we can use that to our advantage, and Leslie's new twist on the original LAT game, which she calls LATTE.

For full show notes, visit: www.hannahbranigan.dog/podcast/135
This podcast is supported by Behind the Scenes & Patreon:
https://hannahbranigan.dog/backstage-pass
www.patreon.com/DFTT

#135: Helping Hypervigilant Dogs with Leslie McDevitt

In this episode, we discuss why reactivity is such a big topic, why it’s so hard, so common, and so important, how our own emotions and behavior play into the problem, what we can do to manage our emotional responses and do better training, how getting better with our training skills can make the world a better place... and isn’t that why we are all here? I hope so. Because something has be done and that’s for sure.

For full show notes, visit: www.hannahbranigan.dog/podcast/152
This podcast is supported by Patreon: www.patreon.com/DFTT

#152: Reactive Behavior with Grisha Stewart

In this episode, we discuss what inspired Erin’s Tiktok, what advocating for our dogs even means, why does it matter?, what gets in the way?, how does trauma affect our ability to advocate?, what societal factors may be in play?, and how can we support ourselves and each other?

For full show notes and transcript, visit: www.hannahbranigan.dog/podcast/169
This podcast is supported by Karen Pryor Clicker Training's Brand-New On Cue! Training Treats: clickertraining.com/treats

#169: Advocating For Your Dog with Erin Moore

In this episode, we discuss tradeoffs when using systematic “drills” to isolate specific aspects of an exercise, drills help us isolate specific aspects of an exercise and give us the advantage of Deliberate Practice for expertise, what is meant by “fun”?, play and fun often introduce more variability as well as a dialogue, strategies to protect myself from myself, using “play sandwiches” to break up a session, training overlapping skills in the same session, and using “different-but-not-harder” creatively for novelty and flexibility.

For full show notes and transcript, visit: www.hannahbranigan.dog/podcast/170
This podcast is supported by MET Conference 2023: http://www.metconference.com/

#170: How To Avoid Too Much Drilling

In this episode, we discuss that the first step to dealing with a problem behavior is to identify the function, figuring out a plan to control access if possible and practical, if that reinforcer is not practical to work with, identifying a substitute reinforcer that is as close as possible to the original, choosing your alternate behavior, strategies if you are teaching the alternate behavior from scratch, deciding if you’ll be using differential reinforcement, and if you are not planning to use differential reinforcement, planning to setup the environment for (mostly) errorless learning.

For full show notes and transcript, visit: www.hannahbranigan.dog/podcast/173
This podcast is supported by MET Conference 2023: www.metconference.com/

#173: Dealing with Problem Behaviors - Using Alternate Behaviors

In this episode, we discuss what is arousal?, how does arousal show up in our training?, how does arousal affect both people and dogs?, how arousal affects reinforcers, and “eating as behavior” and how to build functional food drive with a dog that won’t eat.

For full show notes and transcript, visit: www.hannahbranigan.dog/podcast/175
This podcast is supported by Control Unleashed Over the Top Workshop for High Arousal Dogs: https://www.cleanrun.com/product/over_the_top_workshop_a_weekend_dedicated_to_our_high_arousal_dogs/index.cfm

#175: Over the Top - High Arousal in Dogs

In this episode, we discuss what is stimulus-stimulus pairing and how it works?, what is a “classically conditioned recall” and why might we consider calling it something different, revisiting the differences and interplay between operant and classical conditioning, the difference between describing a procedure and describing a process, and lots and lots of examples of how to apply this concept in different training applications.

For full show notes, visit: www.hannahbranigan.dog/podcast/176
This podcast is supported by Patreon: www.patreon.com/DFTT

#176: Taking Short Cuts with Stimulus-Stimulus Pairing with Kiki Yablon

In this episode, we discuss what is the ethological definition of dominance?, how does dominance show up in behavior?, how might dominance be relevant in dog training?, differences in dog-dog vs dog-human relationships, and does dominance require aggression or punishment?

For full show notes, visit: www.hannahbranigan.dog/podcast/177
This podcast is supported by Patreon: www.patreon.com/DFTT

#177: Dr. Clive Wynne Says Some Controversial Things About Dominance

In his 1968 book, The Technology of Teaching, B.F. Skinner wrote:

Errors are not a function of learning or vice-versa nor are they blamed on the learner. Errors are a function of poor analysis of behavior, a poorly designed shaping program, moving too fast from step to step in the program and the lack of the prerequisite behavior necessary for success in the program. - BF Skinner

And that sounds great. It also sounds like a lot of pressure on the dog trainer. Never fear! In this episode, we discuss what errorless learning actually means and how to apply the principles in our real life training sessions.

In this episode, we discuss the original research on errorless learning by Dr. H.S. Terrace form 1963, what is the difference between errorless training and trial-and-error trainings?, why we care about training with errors - what’s in it for us dog trainers?, designing our training sessions so that we don’t rely on extinction as a training tool, and in fact actively structure our sessions to minimize our dogs’ experience of extinction, strategies allow us to train more errorlessly (fading in discriminations - early and often, using back-chaining, even when shaping small behaviors, introducing a new element between the click and the treat, setting your minimum criteria to earn a click to behaviors your dog is doing frequently, and avoid raising criteria to something your dog has never done, or only done once).

For full show notes, visit: www.hannahbranigan.dog/podcast/178
This podcast is supported by Patreon: www.patreon.com/DFTT

#178: How to Apply Errorless Learning Principles in Practical Training Sessions

In the last episode, we talked about what errorless learning really means. And I shared a few strategies that might make it easier to apply in your training. 

Of course, the major benefit to using errorless learning concepts in your training is the outcome of behaviors with a cleaner learning history and less emotional baggage. 

Of course, we don’t want attempts to avoid errors to mean we also avoid making progress. We still want to get where we’re going, just with fewer wrong turns. 

In this episode we discuss behavioral momentum, using behavioral momentum to avoid a lack of response to your cues (a common form of error), the importance of starting with low criteria and be in a position to raise that criteria quickly, rather than starting with an error and being forced to lower that criteria (Thanks, Bob Bailey!), examples from starting a heeling session, to working with distance on go outs, to teaching a pony to move forward on cue, using an indirect, “lateral” approach to selecting your criteria to avoid hammering on the most fragile aspect of a behavior you are trying to train, examples include teaching hold with duration (after breaking it), and working around emotionally-loaded challenges with heeling or loose-leash walking, and probably other things I forgot!

For full show notes, visit: www.hannahbranigan.dog/podcast/179
This podcast is supported by Zero to CD: www.zerotocd.com

#179: More Strategies to Reduce Errors

In this episode we discuss the importance of getting really, really good at working with reinforcement, how the topic of reinforcement and using it in training is FAR more nuanced than most trainers recognize, food is probably the most convenient reinforcement  but it does require specific conditioning and strategies to use effectively in training, Ashlee’s game, Clockwork - a fancy application of treat tossing that specifies where and when to toss for clients, and building motivation for food even when dogs are really just not into it.

For full show notes, visit: www.hannahbranigan.dog/podcast/180
This podcast is supported by Zero to CD: www.zerotocd.com

#180: Building Food Drive and Nuanced Reinforcement with Ashlee Osborn

In this episode, we are talking about Demand Barking. This is a three-part series, at least for now. For the first two episodes, I’ll be sharing my thoughts and what I’ve learned about working with dogs that “demand” bark. And then for the 3rd episode, we’ll talk to a guest on the subject!

In this episode, we discuss how barking isn’t just one behavior, it’s actually a lot of different behaviors that we lump into one category, in order to figure out what to do about problematic barking, we need to know what the function of that behavior is, we discuss the emotional underpinnings of the behavior we often label “demand barking”, why that matters, and why I keep using air quotes around those words, why I’m no longer so invested in the most common advice, which is to ignore the dog, and we start getting into some other strategies to try out instead, like teaching a range of alternate behaviors that your dog can use to get their needs met - that you actively reinforce - that are not quite as annoying as being screamed at.

For full show notes and transcript, visit: www.hannahbranigan.dog/podcast/181
This podcast is supported by MET Conference 2024: www.metconference.com/

#181: Demand Barking, Part 1

In this episode, we discuss using concepts around stimulus control to stop demand barking before it stops, how cues create expectations of what reinforcement is available, using naturally occurring events that are already built into your routine to signal when reinforcement is available and when it is not, overly-simplified reminders of including good dog household management, which you already know, but sometimes it’s good to hear it again, teaching the stand up-sit down game, and principles to apply these strategies in your own home.

For full show notes and transcript, visit: www.hannahbranigan.dog/podcast/182
This podcast is supported by MET Conference 2024: www.metconference.com/

#182: Demand Barking, Part 2

In this episode, we discuss the history behind Kiki’s master’s thesis project, Signaled Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior to Address Excessive Vocalization in Dogs, what gave her the idea - the case of the dog barking when guests are over, how training stay on a mat actually seems to have caused the problem, the new strategy - signalling that food will not be available when towel was hung up (“if this van’s a rocking”), a discussion of DRO w/o extinction, and does this strategy apply to other behaviors like demand whining?

For full show notes and transcript, visit: www.hannahbranigan.dog/podcast/183
This podcast is supported by MET Conference 2024: www.metconference.com/

#183: Demand Barking, Part 3, with Kiki Yablon

In this episode we dig into the concept of drilling, and how it applies in dog training. It’s pretty common for most of us to have an emotional response just to the term itself - for good reason!  But is there any baby in this bathwater? 

In this episode, we discuss that drilling is significant for skill acquisition in various contexts beyond dog training, our emotional responses to drilling are shaped by personal experiences and the nature of the activity, a good drill should isolate core components of skills for focused practice and efficiency, coercive drilling methods that ignore the learner’s needs lead to negative associations and even hinder learning, repetition alone is insufficient for learning; reinforcement and iterative adjustments are critical, deliberate practice involves observing, learning, and modifying activities based on feedback, mindless repetition without feedback and adjustment does not lead to improvement, continuous improvement requires proactive engagement and measured adjustments based on outcomes, and seeking help and guidance when progress stalls is essential for effective skill development.

For full show notes and transcript, visit: www.hannahbranigan.dog/podcast/184
This podcast is supported by MET Conference 2024: www.metconference.com/

#184: What's Wrong with "Drilling"?

In this episode, we discuss the practice of avoiding situations as part (or all) of a training plan. Often avoiding certain situations can be an important strategy, helping to prevent mistakes and reduce stress for both the dog and the handler. But it’s usually not a long-term solution by itself and misconceptions about avoidance can result in teams getting stuck and unable to make progress.

We also discuss:
- Definition and role of avoidance in dog training.
- Common client misunderstandings about avoidance.
- Benefits of avoidance: preventing mistakes, reducing stress, and allowing time for skill development.
- Challenges of avoidance: risk of over-reliance and restrictive lifestyle.
- Practical applications - sometimes.
- Long-term strategy: balancing avoidance with skill-building and controlled reintroduction.

For full show notes and transcript, visit: www.hannahbranigan.dog/podcast/185
This episode is supported by Zero to CD: www.zerotocd.com

#185: Avoiding Triggers and Situations

In this episode, we discuss:

- Speed vs. Latency:
        -> Speed is how fast a behavior is completed from the time it starts.
        -> Latency is the response time, or the time elapsed between when the cue is perceived and when the behavior starts.
- Motivation:
        -> While motivation is essential, it is just one piece of the puzzle.
        -> Overemphasizing motivation can lead to frustration, which might not always yield the desired outcomes.
- Natural Behavior Efficiency:
        -> Given a stable training environment, behaviors naturally trend towards faster, more efficient performance over time.
- Training Environment:
        -> The importance of considering training conditions (e.g., environment, timing, footing) to ensure optimal speed without inducing frustration.
        -> Pay attention to when, where, and under what conditions your dog already moves faster.

For full show notes and transcript, visit: www.hannahbranigan.dog/podcast/186
This episode is supported by Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DFTT

#186: Training Faster Behaviors Without Frustration, Part 1

In this episode, we explore strategies to achieve faster and more precise behaviors in dog training. I discuss how clarity, timing, and reinforcement techniques can improve your dog's response times, reduce hesitation, and build confidence. Tune in for practical tips to keep your training sessions clean and effective.

Key Points:

- Clear communication prevents slow or hesitant behaviors in dogs.
- Reinforcement clarity is crucial, even when using a high rate of rewards.
- Capturing and reinforcing the initial signs of a behavior leads to quicker responses.
- Consistent timing with marker cues enhances behavior speed.
- Minimizing duration requirements can accelerate behavior performance.

For full show notes and transcript, visit: www.hannahbranigan.dog/podcast/187
This episode is supported by Patreon: www.patreon.com/DFTT

#187: Training Faster Behaviors Without Frustration, Part 2

In our pilot episode of Drinking From the Toilet, I introduce myself and explain the goals for this podcast. It's short and sweet. Want to reinforce me for effort? (please?) Head over to iTunes and leave a review... preferably 5 stars. Thank you!


Drinking From the Toilet



A podcast by Hannah Branigan

Episode 01 - Who am I? What am I doing? Why am I in this handbasket?

In our pilot episode of Drinking From the Toilet, I introduce myself and explain the goals for this podcast. It's short and sweet. Want to reinforce me for effort? (please?) Head over to iTunes and leave a review... preferably 5 stars. Thank you!

Mentioned in this episode:

Wonderpups LLC (Hannah's company)

Clicker Expo

Karen Pryor Academy

Fenzi Dog Sports Academy

DVDs available through Tawzer:

Obedience FUNdamentals
FUNdamentals and Beyond

http://www.wonderpupstraining.com/podcast

#01 - Who am I? What am I doing? Why am I in this handbasket?

So I got sucked in by some people who were Wrong on the Internet. Shaping is a training subject near and dear to my heart, so I can get a little worked up when falsehoods or misrepresentations get slung around. This episode is a bit of a soapbox yes, but also contains (I think) a few helpful tips. If you've struggled with shaping, maybe this will help.

http://www.wonderpupstraining.com/podcast

#02 - Shaping vs Luring... mortal enemies?

This week I want to pick up where we left off last week talking about splitting, because one one of the things that helps me a lot when I think about how to split behavior and develop my training plan, is to consider the behavior in terms of a movement cycle. But in order for that to be helpful for you, you have to understand what a movement cycle is.

For complete show notes, visit: http://www.wonderpupstraining.com/blog/podcast-26-movement-cycle-and-loopy-training

#26: The movement cycle and loopy training

This week we are sitting down with Emelie and Eva of Carpe Momentum (remember these guys from episode #23?) and talking about the idea of choice in our training session, and working with “Start Button” behaviors.

For the full show notes, visit: http://www.wonderpupstraining.com/blog/podcast-31-start-button-behaviors-emelie-johnson-vegh-and-eva-bertilsson

#31: Start Button Behaviors with Emelie Johnson Vegh and Eva Bertilsson

In dog training circles, motivation is - well - kind of a hot topic. It's a big concept and we care a lot about it because, of course, reinforcement drives behavior. So, it's worth spending some time unpacking, and this week I had the ridiculous good luck of unpacking it with Dr. Susan Friedman!

For the full show notes, visit: www.wonderpupstraining.com/podcast/39

#39: Motivation with Dr. Susan Friedman

Dr. Patricia McConnell is an internationally known zoologist and a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist. In her career, she has worked with dogs on all kinds of serious behavior problems. She was also the host of the nationally syndicated radio show, Calling All Pets. And she is a retired assistant professor of Zoology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

In this conversation - we talked about: 
- Why some individuals bounce back after a bad experience and others don’t.
- What we can do to help our dogs recover quickly after something stressful happens.
- How we set ourselves and our dogs up for success.

For full show notes, visit: www.wonderpupstraining.com/podcast/60
For sponsor info, visit: https://karenpryoracademy.com/toilet/

#60: Resilience in Dogs with Patricia McConnell

Loose leash walking (aka: the holy grail of dog training) is hands down the most requested behavior of all time from pet clients. It's also a topic of much debate on dog training circles.

This episode is the first part in a series because there is just SO much I could say about loose leash walking. Believe it or not, I have opinions!

For full show notes, visit: www.hannahbranigan.dog/podcast/90
This podcast is supported by Awesome Obedience: A Positive Training Plan for Competition Success. Learn more here: https://shop.clickertraining.com/products/awesome-obedience

#90: Loose Leash Walking - Part 1

This week we continue our conversation about that mystical dog training unicorn: Loose Leash Walking.

For full show notes, visit: www.hannahbranigan.dog/podcast/91

This podcast is supported by Awesome Obedience: A Positive Training Plan for Competition Success. Learn more here: shop.clickertraining.com/products/awesome-obedience

#91: Loose Leash Walking - Part 2

This week we are returning to our series all about Foundations and talking about Foundations for Agility. Joining us are my friends and authors of the book Agility Right From the Start, Eva and Emelie from Carpe Momentum.

For full show notes, visit: www.hannahbranigan.dog/podcast/92

This podcast is supported by Awesome Obedience: A Positive Training Plan for Competition Success. Learn more here: shop.clickertraining.com/products/awesome-obedience

#92: Foundations for Agility

In this episode, Norwegian dog trainer Morten Egtvedt joins me for an in-depth discussion on the practical and nerdy aspects of behavior chains in dog training.

For full show notes, visit: www.hannahbranigan.dog/podcast/95 

This podcast is supported by Awesome Obedience: A Positive Training Plan for Competition Success. Learn more here: https://shop.clickertraining.com/products/awesome-obedience

#95: Behavior Chains for Practical Purposes with Morten Egtvedt

In this episode, we discuss the difference between anxiety and fear, how medical models apply, treatment/training plan modifications and when it's appropriate to consult a vet behaviorist.

For full show notes, visit: www.hannahbranigan.dog/podcast/104
Support the show on Patreon! www.patreon.com/DFTT

#104: Anxiety vs Fear with Dr. Chris Pachel

In this episode, we discuss what trainers mean when they say "self-reinforcing," whether a behavior can really reinforce itself, the kinds of behaviors that fall into the self-reinforcing category, what might be actually reinforcing those behaviors, and your training options to deal with the self-reinforcing problem behaviors.

For full show notes, visit: www.hannahbranigan.dog/podcast/111
Support the show on Patreon! www.patreon.com/DFTT

#111: Dealing with Self-Reinforcing Behaviors

In this episode, we discuss who makes the decision - the vet, the trainer, or the pet owner; how behavioral euthanasia is an "active choice" rather than a default decision - there is no formula, and this isn’t something that someone has to do because of a specific behavior pattern or problem, but rather an option that may be actively chosen due to safety or quality of life concerns that aren’t able to be mitigated; how professionals can support and guide pet owners through the process; the issues of guilt and shame associated with deciding to euthanize an otherwise healthy dog; and the importance of self-care and good boundaries.

For full show notes, visit: www.hannahbranigan.dog/podcast/125
This podcast is supported by Patreon: www.patreon.com/DFTT

#125: Behavioral Euthanasia with Dr. Chris Pachel

A behind-the-scenes look into the reality of dog training, behavior, teaching, and learning. We love our dogs, we love our jobs, but sometimes it's not all unicorns and rainbows. Sometimes at the end of the day, you just need a drink and friend who gets it. We'll keep it fun, and keep it real.

Drinking from the Toilet: Real Dogs, Real Training

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