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

Conceptually, approaching behavior cases with a welfare-first approach makes sense. But what should we do when the dog’s welfare is being affected by multiple factors? Is there a “right” place to start when the behavior bingo card is basically blacked out? 

https://sarahstremming.com/tennis-racquets-and-doubles-partners/

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Music by AlexGrohl from Pixabay



Where Do I Even Start? What it Means to be Welfare First in Behavior Consulting

In response to the “trainer wars” between the balanced and force-free communities Sarah and past podcast guest (and friend) Lisa Mullinax sit down to talk about the place where ethics meet efficacy. Lisa and Sarah do not claim a label as trainers (neither balanced nor force-free), and have both undergone an evolution in the behavior field that has helped them to arrive at a place free of dogma and full of compassion.

Know the opinions expressed here are vulnerable and honest, and there can’t be enough time for all nuance to be present in all conversations. Neither Sarah nor Lisa represent anything other than themselves in their thoughts expressed herein.

Two podcasts on reinforcement:
Sarah-stremming – Reinforcement-misunderstandings
Sarah-stremming – Coercion-with-adam-skandarani

A blog concerning the coercion of R+:
thecognitivecanine.com/high-value-vs…einforcement/

Find Lisa at serenitycanine.com and shelterbehavior.com

https://sarahstremming.com/tennis-racquets-and-doubles-partners/

Sign up for courses and join the membership here: sarahstremming.com

Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cogdogradio

Music by AlexGrohl from Pixabay




REPLAY: The False Dichotomy with Lisa Mullianx CDBC Part One

In the second (of three!) parts on The False Dichotomy in dog training, Sarah and Lisa get into the weeds regarding what effectiveness looks like, what it truly means to manipulate aversive or appetitive stimuli, and all the nuances involved. Stay tuned for the final installment in two weeks!

Two podcasts on reinforcement:
Sarah-stremming – Reinforcement-misunderstandings
Sarah-stremming – Coercion-with-adam-skandarani

A blog concerning the coercion of R+:
thecognitivecanine.com/high-value-vs…einforcement/

Find Lisa at serenitycanine.com and shelterbehavior.com
Sign up for courses and join the membership here: sarahstremming.com

Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cogdogradio

Music by AlexGrohl from Pixabay


REPLAY: The False Dichotomy with Lisa Mullinax CDBC Part Two

In the final installment of The False Dichotomy Sarah and Lisa wrap up their conversation about the “balanced vs force free” falsehood in dog training.

Find Lisa Mullinax at www.serenitycanine.com

REPLAY: The False Dichotomy with Lisa Mullinax CDBC Part Three

Opinions abound in both professional and guardian spaces regarding the suite of behaviors we label “reactivity.” Barky, lunge-y, screamy, shouty behaviors, usually directed at social triggers, are some of the biggest reasons guardians seek help for their dogs. Because of this, protocols and programs are not hard to find, but real help sometimes is. 

Sign up for courses and join the membership here: sarahstremming.com

Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cogdogradio

Music by AlexGrohl from Pixabay


Reactivity Mythbusting

Sit down this week with Sarah and Tara Stiwell, a licensed family dog mediator of the working division who co-owns Glimmer Dog where the innovative Forrest School operates. Forrest School integrates natural environments, stable social groups, and support and skill development to solve all manner of behavioral concerns in dogs. 

Join Tara June 16 for her webinar all about Forrest School, and use the link below or the discount code COGDOG20. 

https://glimmer.dog/forrest-school-webinar?promo=COGDOG20

Sign up for courses and join the membership here: sarahstremming.com

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Music by AlexGrohl from Pixabay


Forrest School with Tara Stillwell LFDM-W

Should you approach your young dog’s reactions to an unknown inanimate object the same as a dog or person? If your dog overreacts to a kid on a bike, is that the same thing as trying to chase a rabbit? The way you respond to each type of trigger varies, and is important to keep in mind as you enter the world with your puppy or adolescent (or even newly adopted adult) dog. Social, prey, inanimate, and non-social animate are the four trigger types Sarah covers in this episode. Learn how they are different and how your responses to them should be too. 

Sign up for courses and join the membership here: sarahstremming.com

Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cogdogradio

Music by AlexGrohl from Pixabay



Is a Bench the Same as a Bull? Trigger Types and How to Deal

Dog trainers LOVE to talk about errorless learning. They either worship at the feet of the concept of an error-free life OR they claim learning free of error is a fallacy. But this isn’t an either-or conversation, and we must be careful not to project our own personal feelings about failure onto our dogs. 


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Music by AlexGrohl from Pixabay


Errorless Learning

Can we obedience our way out of behavior problems? Yes, and no. Therapy for behavior problems requires that we are able to avoid repetition of the problem we are trying to solve, and skills training might be one way to do that. But it isn’t the only way, and there is more to the story. 


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Music by AlexGrohl from Pixabay


“Obedience” in a Welfare-First Behavior Intervention

Recalls, radius, and rebounds are the three behaviors you will need to build in your dog if you want them to have off leash freedom. But more importantly, there are tenants these things rely on to be solid. 


Sign up for courses and join the membership here: sarahstremming.com

Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cogdogradio

Music by AlexGrohl from Pixabay


The Three Rs of Off Leash Reliability

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.

#181: Demand Barking, Part 1

Drinking from the Toilet: Real Dogs, Real Training

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