Latest posts tagged with #ForceFree on Bluesky
Two small, brown short-haired dogs sitting side by side
You can’t help but love this adorable duo! After working with Pippa on assistance dog training I got the chance to meet her sweet sister Beau too. 🐶
#dogtraining #dogtrainer #positivereinforcement #positivedogtraining #forcefree
Illustrations of a white mixed breed dog and a brown Malinois below the ThinkDogs Training & Behaviour logo. White text below reads: Statement on Generative AI
White text on a blue background reading: Statement on Generative AI 📢 As a dog trainer and behaviour professional who is also an artist, I am passionate about authentic creative expression. This statement concerns the use of generative AI, which I have had growing concerns around and is becoming more prevalent to see within the industry. Generative AI refers to image, audio and text generation that is usually done through the use of LLMS such as ChatGPT or Sora. The generation of content through use of AI has major concerns. These models are trained on stolen work from artists, musicians and writers who did not consent to this. AI generates no unique content, which means that AI-generated content always involves plagiarism. Artists and creatives are losing jobs due to gen AI. Gen AI also has a huge toll on the environment. As an animal lover and ethical, progressive professional, I have concerns about the impact that the tremendous amounts of water needed to power AI centres has on communities and the globe (and thus, humans and animals alike). There are large corporations that financially benefit from AI who are using their money to go towards human rights abuses and the funding of far right political movements that seek to further harm vulnerable communities. All content at ThinkDogs Training & Behaviour is proudly human-made, including the illustrations of my dogs Maya and Logan in this post that I made myself. 🖌️ For anyone who feels strongly about promoting real art and wants to support my work, keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming original illustration pack that will be available to purchase! 👀 We also welcome the sharing of your own actual artwork and creations, and encourage other professionals and organisations to take a stand against gen AI too. - Jasper
Our statement on the use of generative AI.
All content at ThinkDogs Training & Behaviour is proudly human-made, including the illustrations of my dogs Maya and Logan in this post that I made myself.
#dogtrainer #forcefree #illustration
Most importantly - training your dog should be fun! 🐾
Train with joy! 🤩
#DogTraining #dogtrainer #dogsofbluesky #forcefree
No shock. No choke. No prong. "Ethical training is synonymous with force-free and positive-reinforcement methods." Clear guidance and stance from The Pet Professional Guild @petguild.bsky.social Kindness works! www.petprofessionalguild.com/pet-owners/p... #happydog #dogtraining #forcefree
If your dog is worried, yes - you can (and should) comfort them! (Side note: puppy Cody is absolutely adorable!) #dogtraining #dogsofbluesky #forcefree
🚫 Myth: challenging, high-drive dogs with behaviour problems need harsh handling.
✅ Reality: these dogs benefit the most from force-free training.
✅ Dog-reactive Malinois
🚫 No prong, shock, choke (or slip/grot)
🚫 No corrections needed
🚫 No pain, fear or intimidation
#dogtraining #forcefree
Live Chat & Chuckle – Dynamic Dog Practitioner and the connection between pain and behavior with Erika Liljefelt of @bekindtodogs.bsky.social
⏰Dec. 2, 2025/1:00-2:00 pm (ET)
Register for FREE:
www.petprofessionalguild.com/webinars-eve...
#PPG #PetProfessionalGuild #forcefree #painindogs #DynamicDog
Costumes & doorbells can stress out your dog! 🔔 As force-free Vancouver dog walkers, we share a simple guide to creating a low-stress safe zone for your pet this Halloween. Protect your dog's peace!
douglasfurpets.com/2025/10/hall...
#DogSafety #Halloween #VancouverDogs #ForceFree
www.petprofessionalguild.com/pet-owners/p...
#PPG #PetProfessionalGuild #forcefree #painindogs #DynamicDog
Well done to assistance dog Daisymay for successfully flying with her handler for the first time to go on holiday to Barcelona. ✈️
You have worked so hard towards this and Daisymay has done brilliantly.
We hope you are having lovely time on your holiday. ☀️
#assistancedog #forcefree #dogtraining
Hopping on the trend! #dogtraining #forcefree
#NowIsTheTime to speak loudly about equality, diversity and inclusion, against injustice, and drown out the voices who wish to incite hatred and division.
#forcefree #dogtraining #queerowned #transowned #disabledowned [5]
September is pain awareness month.
#dogs #painindogs #painawarenessmonth #dynamicdog #forcefree
www.relaxrover.com/blog/2025/8/...
Ahbi hit a little “wait… what?” moment at the door and that’s okay! That biting/itching was a displacement behavior, so we split door manners into smaller steps:
Touch knob ✅
Turn knob ✅
Open door ✅
Clear steps = confident learning.
#DogTraining #DoorManners #ForceFree #positivereinforcement
🛞 #SocializationChallenge: This week we’re helping puppies feel okay around THINGS WITH WHEELS.
Think: strollers, garbage bins, bikes, skateboards, and wheelchairs.
Expose gradually, pair with food, and let your pup take the lead! 🐶💖
#PuppyTips #DogTraining #ForceFree
Text on black background reads, “Puppy Training Advice I Ignore as a Puppy Expert and Dog Owner. Because some things only sound like good ideas… until you’ve actually raised a puppy.” At the bottom is the Ready, Pup, Go! logo.
Text reads: Advice I Was Told: “Let them cry it out in the crate. They’ll get over it.” What I Actually Do: “I teach crate comfort slowly. Crate training should build trust, not fear. Crying often signals distress, not defiance.” Ready, Pup, Go! logo at the bottom.
Text reads: Advice I Was Told: “If they bite you, pinch their lip or grab their snout.” What I Actually Do: “I teach bite inhibition with positive reinforcement. Puppies explore with their mouths. I set boundaries and redirect with patience, not pain.” Logo at bottom.
Text reads: Advice I Was Told: “Be the alpha. Show them who’s boss.” What I Actually Do: “I build a partnership based on trust, not dominance. Dogs don’t need to be dominated. They need guidance, consistency, and kindness.” Logo at bottom.
Old puppy advice: “Cry it out, alpha roll, pinch their snout.”
Modern truth: Dogs don’t need dominance. They need understanding.
Kindness + consistency = confident dogs. 🐾
#puppytraining #forcefree #dogtrainersky #readypupgo #puppytips
Wait for it..Trixie counter-surfing for sushi salmon! Even on prescribed meds for fireworks, Trixie doesn't miss a beat! The salmon was for her too but I'd been giving her tiny pieces one by one when she heard fireworks. I'd stepped away to make her a lick mat. #rplus #dogdad #forcefree #dogtrainer
A bold promotional graphic for a blog post titled “Why 3 Seconds Can Make All the Difference: Puppy Greetings 101” from Ready, Pup, Go! The image features a golden retriever and a collie gently touching noses in a grassy field, framed in a circle. The background uses teal, coral pink, and black with playful brand styling and callouts like “New Blog Post” and “See more at readypupgo.biz.”
New from Ready, Pup, Go! 🐶
"Why 3 Seconds Can Make All the Difference: Puppy Greetings 101"
A quick, humane, science-backed approach to introducing dogs without drama.
➡️ buff.ly/pehAbvs
#dogtraining #puppytips #puppygreetings #forcefree #positivereinforcement #puppytraining
POV: you’re a balanced trainer commenting on a post on a Behaviourist’s social media.
#dogtraining #forcefree #positivereinforcementtraining #dogtrainer #animalbehaviour #dogs #doglover
5 Rules to Live By as a Puppy Parent (If you want to make it out with your sanity intact!) Image: Person with pink hair cuddling a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever puppy in their lap outside on a patio.
1. Lead with trust, not control. Puppies are emotionally dependent on us. Harsh corrections (yelling, spanking, spray bottles) create fear, not learning, and can lead to more problem behaviors. Image: Same person holding puppy, puppy laying calmly in arms.
2. Don’t overestimate your puppy’s self-control. Puppies aren’t born knowing how to regulate arousal or impulses. You need to teach and guide those skills. Image: Person gently petting the puppy in their lap.
3. See barking, whining, or biting as communication — not “bad” behavior. Puppies express needs and emotions through behavior. Listen to what your puppy is telling you. Image: Puppy in person's lap, relaxed with one paw resting on their arm.
Raising a puppy? 🐾
Here are 5 sanity-saving rules:
1️⃣ Lead with trust, not control
2️⃣ Don’t expect impulse control too soon
3️⃣ Behavior = communication
4️⃣ It’s not personal
5️⃣ Teach & guide what you want to see!
#Puppy #positivereinforcement #forcefree
🐾 DOGS DESERVE FORCE FREE TRAINING 🐾
We are proud to advocate for force free, positive reinforcement (R+) training methods.
Our mission is to help educate about how you can teach your dog with kindness, empathy and science - no matter the breed, background or issue.
#forcefree #dogtraining
Graphic titled “3 Unsafe Ways to Correct a Puppy.” Text reads: "If you want to raise a confident, emotionally healthy puppy, focus on teaching, not punishing." Cartoon illustration of a puppy sitting. Ready, Pup, Go! logo at the bottom.
Slide titled “1. Spanking / Scruffing.” Text explains that hitting or scruffing teaches puppies to fear human hands, damages trust, and can make behaviors worse. Ready, Pup, Go! logo at the bottom.
Slide titled “2. Yelling.” Text explains that yelling startles puppies, raises arousal, and makes it harder for them to think or calm down. Ready, Pup, Go! logo at the bottom.
Raising a confident, emotionally healthy puppy? 🐾
Skip the spanking, yelling, and spray bottles.
Puppies learn best when they feel safe & supported. Teach what to do instead and reward the heck out of it! 🦴💛
#SurvivingThePuppyBlues #PositiveTraining #ForceFree #ReadyPupGo
Blue background with gold border. Title: "Puppy Reactivity & Frustration on Leash." Text: "You are your puppy’s safe place on every walk. Leash reactivity often stems from frustration or uncertainty, not 'bad' behavior. Your calm, consistent guidance helps your puppy feel safe and build new skills." Small illustration of person walking a happy puppy on leash. Ready, Pup, Go! logo at bottom.
Blue background with gold border. Title: "Why It Happens." Text: "Puppies’ nervous systems are immature. Excitement, frustration, fear, and barriers (like the leash) can push them into arousal overload. When this happens, thinking shuts down and lunging, barking, or pulling may result." Ready, Pup, Go! logo at bottom.
Blue background with gold border. Title: "What Your Puppy Is Communicating." Text: "Reactivity on a leash isn’t 'being naughty.' It’s often your puppy saying: 🚩 'I’m over-aroused!' 🚩 'I don’t know what to do!' 🚩 'I need help!' Your calm support can help them learn to cope." Ready, Pup, Go! logo at bottom.
Blue background with gold border. Title: "How to Help: Training Skills to Build." Bullet points: ✔️ Loose Leash Walking foundations ✔️ "Find It" scatter games to lower arousal ✔️ Look at That / Engage-Disengage ✔️ Desensitization & Counterconditioning to triggers ✔️ Matwork / stationing to promote calm Ready, Pup, Go! logo at bottom.
Puppy pulling, barking, or lunging on leash? 🚩
It’s not “bad” behavior, it’s arousal, frustration, or uncertainty.
#Forcefree #positivereinforcementtraining
Balanced trainers: “Oh darn. This cookie cutter ABA strategy didn’t work on my dog. Oh well, I have no choice but to use pain and fear to achieve my training goals!
Also balanced trainers: “Don’t trust the experts! They’re so stupid!”
#forcefree #dogtrainer #dogtraining #dogsofskye
Follow Yoshi the standard poodle puppy on a new adventure as he takes the train - and how we made this a positive first experience! #dogtraining #forcefree #dogsofbluesky youtube.com/shorts/taUbb...
Colorful graphic featuring a 5-star review from a client named Amber G. praising Michelle’s force-free training for her 6-month-old pup, Ozzy. The text says “Check out what my clients have to say!” and “REVIEW” with stars and fun Ready, Pup, Go! branding.
Cute tan puppy named Ozzy wearing a black harness sits outside on a trail, with text that says “Thanks Amber and Ozzy!” in playful, bold letters surrounded by cheerful Ready, Pup, Go! branding.
Ozzy's got heart, hustle, and a handler who truly gets him. Thanks Amber for trusting me with his journey! Proud to use force-free, fear-free methods to build pups up—not break them down.
#ReadyPupGo #ForceFree #PuppyTraining #ClientReview #DogTraining
CAM EDUCATION FOR PROFESSIONALS CAMADVOCATE LEVEL 1 A comprehensive overview of canine arthritis written for all canine professionals. RACE approved. A photo of a small dog with floppy ears, resting their muzzle on the floor between their front paws and looking straight ahead, with the words 80% of dogs over the age of 8 and 35% of dogs over the age of 1 suffer from arthritis.
"Arthritis is the leading cause of elective euthanasia in dogs."
~Dr. Hannah Capon, founder of CAM, Canine Arthritis Management
We must do better as dog professionals no matter what our role is.
#yourdogmoreyears #CAM #caninearthritis #education #dynamicdogpractitioner #dogs #forcefree #kindness
Selfie of Michelle Thomas smiling with her Nova Scotia Duck Tolling retriever at an indoor event, overlaid with the text “3 Things About Me” on a teal gradient with pawprint accents.
Graphic with teal and yellow gradient showing a cartoon puppy in front of a crate surrounded by toys and chewed objects, with text about helping overwhelmed puppy parents.
Yellow background with a line art illustration of a hand using a clicker and a happy puppy responding, with text describing Michelle as a Fear-Free Certified® trainer who uses positive reinforcement.
Heart and paw icon on a teal and yellow gradient with text about the emotional challenges of puppyhood and the need for support, highlighting Michelle’s course for struggling puppy parents.
It’s almost been a year since I last introduced myself, so hi again!
I’m Michelle (she/her), a certified force-free puppy trainer and the founder of Ready, Pup, Go!
#PuppyTraining #TrainerLife #ForceFree #BlueskyDogs #DogPeople
If you run a #forcefree dog business, anywhere in the world, say 👋 and maybe hit Follow. Always nice to meet likeminded people.
The ABC's are a contingency to help explain why a behavior is happening and whether or not it will likely continue. It's not as complicated as it might sound & it will help if you're training your dog.
#dogs #dogsofbluesky #dogbehavior #dogtraining #forcefree
dogcentriclife.com/what-are-the...
