That Essential Window of Bonding for Livestock Guardian Pups
#bensonmaremmastraining, Scientific principles govern how dogs learn; not traditional lore, not trendy opinions, and not even if you love...
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Cindy Benson
- Nov 10
- 7 min
The Special Needs Pup - Learning to See Behavior In Pieces
#bensonmaremmastraining, I had the distinct privilege recently of working with the owner of a special needs pup. She came to me after...
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Cindy Benson
- Apr 28
- 5 min
Understanding – and Misunderstanding – Canine Behavior: LGD Early Warning Signs
These dogs gave their owner LOTS of warning signs before they reached this extreme behavior. #bensonmaremmastraining, #lgdtraining, Any...
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Cindy Benson
- Apr 6
- 2 min
The Shelby Pups - Sequoia in a Fear Period
#bensonmaremmastraining In anticipation of the pups going to their new homes, I decided to begin leash training with the litter. I...
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Cindy Benson
- Apr 6
- 1 min
The Shelby Pups - Puppies as Sovereign
#bensonmaremmastraining The Shelby pups are getting ready to go to their new homes at nine-ten weeks of age. As I mentally prepare for...
500
Cindy Benson
- Mar 31
- 3 min
The Shelby Pups - I'm an LGD! Meet Juniper
#bensonmaremmastraining As you may know, the Shelby pups came to me to be evaluated regarding what sort of home would be appropriate for...
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Cindy Benson
- Mar 6
- 8 min
Natural Fit vs Trained Fit - Selecting the Right Homes for Dogs
#Maremmasheepdogtraining, #positivereinforcementtrainingforlgds In one of the many courses I have taken from Suzanne Clothier she talks...
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Cindy Benson
- Feb 23
- 2 min
Lupine & Sage & The Elk
#maremmaforsale, #Maremmasheepdogtraining, #positivereinforcementtrainingforlgds, Tonight, as I powered through my chores, I saw a sight...
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Cindy Benson
- Jan 30
- 4 min
All It Took Was Seven Seconds
I feel angrier every time I watch this short video clip – and behind that anger is fear, big time. Fear for my dogs. People want to “come...
2133
Cindy Benson
- Jan 27
- 5 min
Influencing Behavior - Turning Scary Into a Party!
#Maremmaforsale, #Maremmasheepdogtraining, #positivereinforcementtrainingforlgds ***This is one of our pups that is currently...
560
Cindy Benson
- Dec 28, 2021
- 5 min
The Language of Animals - New Home, New Sheep - Katie S.
Katie S. owns the dogs in the photo; I have written about her in other blogs, along with Katie W., because they are sharing a somewhat...
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Cindy Benson
- Dec 27, 2021
- 5 min
Transitions and Shaping – Let’s Not Test the Edges
This is a graphic that was shared with me about people, specifically – me. At issue was “what does it take to derail me” (my words) at...
510
Cindy Benson
- Dec 22, 2021
- 3 min
Appeasement Behaviors - Canine Conflict Resolution
This short video shows Blush in portions of my training session with her regarding staying with her own bowl. Unfortunately for both of...
800
Cindy Benson
- Dec 20, 2021
- 3 min
Living With a Dog Wearing a Dangle Stick - Training With Aversives - No!
Recently, I have seen a resurgence of advocacy for the use of “management tools” such as dangle sticks, yokes, prong collars, etc.; the...
1100
Cindy Benson
- Jun 20, 2021
- 6 min
Our Selection Process for Pups and Owners - And Why We Do It This Way - "See The Dog"
****Dog wanted for lifetime position – must be perfect!*** Most breeders place LGD pups at about this age; the pup in the photo is nine...
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Cindy Benson
- May 30, 2021
- 8 min
What a Dog Learns From An E-Collar
He learns he is not safe in his environment. He learns associations to things in his environment. ***He does not learn what he should...
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Cindy Benson
- May 21, 2021
- 7 min
Strategies for Using Food Reinforcement with LGDs
Food is a primary reinforcer for animals, which means that animals don’t need to learn to value it; they value food because it is...
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Cindy Benson
- Jan 3, 2021
- 5 min
Training Is About Creating Behavior – Not Stopping It
I recently read that training dogs is like expecting them to learn English as a second language. Thinking of it that way reminds me of...
2180
Cindy Benson
- Dec 21, 2020
- 6 min
Resilience & Coping Skills – What You Can Do To Support Your Dog
For several years now, here on the ranch, I have believed that the extensive and purposeful training we do with our pups allowed us to...
1001
Cindy Benson
- Nov 28, 2020
- 10 min
Genetics and Temperament – How Big Is Your World?
Pups are born who they are. The temperament, the character of the pup, cannot be learned or taught. All the best early socialization and...
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