Positive reinforcement seems so simple, doesn’t it? Your dog does something you want them to do, and you reinforce them. Except, it’s not so simple, and, because we are human, we fudge it up.
Here’s an excerpt from The Puppy Primer, pg 25, which I will spend much of July updating. (A new updated version is coming out in October. I am sooo excited!)
“A word to the wise: Dogs aren’t as fond of receiving head pats as we are of giving them. In every puppy class you can watch owners pat- pat-patting the top of their recently recalled dogs’ heads, believing that they are reinforcing their dogs for coming. However, if you watch for it, you can see the dogs ducking down and turning their heads away as if they didn’t like it. [That’s because they don’t, although most golden retrievers excepted, because, you know, goldens.] Remember, you’re trying to create an association between feeling good and coming when called, so be sure that what you’re doing is truly making your dog happy. He’ll tell you if watch closely—does he stay with you, wagging from the shoulders back (good)? Or does he turn his head away from you and try to leave (time for another plan!).”
We call it poisoning the cue, or teaching a negative association instead of a positive one: An unwanted head pat is punishment, or “doing something to decrease the frequency of a behavior.” In the example above, it’s coming when called. It is so so easy to do this, even if you are a professional. The examples are endless. We call our dogs to come and then grab their collar when they arrive in a way that makes them uncomfortable. We ask for a sit and then slap the top of their heads as if that made them glad to have done so. (Try patting your own head, you’ll hate it.) We ask for a lie down, and then start to trim their nails without so much of a thank you.
My challenge for you today: Think about the times you think you might have poisoned a cue. Tell us about it, so that we can mind meld for awhile on how our behavior affects our dogs. Focus today, the day you read this, on what you do to reinforce your dog(s), and how they respond. What did they do—observation skills to the forefront here–to tell you they were happy that they complied? Did they get all gooey, wag from the shoulders back, or look up at the ball in your hand with joy and attention? Did they walk away, turn their head, close their mouth, or go stiff?
Choose a few behaviors you want to focus on, one even better. None of us can focus on everything all day long. Most importantly, jot down what you see. You don’t need to write a novel, and you don’t need a pretty journal, just jot down some observations and see what comes out of it. I’ll be doing the same–I’ll add something in the comments after a few days, I hope you do too!
Skip would like to remind us that a dog’s name is one of the most commonly poisoned cues.
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On another note we’ve been updating my website with upcoming events, and it occurred to me there is no reason not to share them here. Here’s what is coming up, lazily copied straight out of the website:
UPCOMING EVENTS!
July 25, 2026: Minocqua (WI) Public Library (1-3PM CT)
415 Menominee Street, Suite 100 · (715) 356-4437. Details here.
September 15, 2006: Trisha and Cat Warren will have a ball talking to Zazie Todd and
Kristi Benson during their 2026 Fall (and famous!) Bark Fest. Save the date! Details to come.
September 17, 2026: Hildebrand Memorial Library in Boscobel, WI (6PM CT)
1033 Wisconsin Avenue · (608) 375-5723
September 24, 2026: Barnes & Noble in Madison, WI (7 PM CT)
7433 Mineral Point Rd. · (608) 827-0809
Trisha will be hosting a Story Circle for CANIS+ attendees on Thursday October 8th, which will be a relaxed evening of conversation, storytelling, and connection. These are often Trisha’s favorite moments at a conference – a chance to slow down, reflect, and talk with one another in a meaningful way. You can join by registering for CANIS+ HERE. Trisha will also be on a panel discussion on welfare and ethics in our field from 4:30 to 5 on Thursday, October 8th, an issue near and dear to her heart. Details on the conference here.
October 15-18, 2026, Madison, WI. Stay tuned for information about Trisha’s talk at the Wisconsin Book Festival 25th Anniversary Celebration. Exact date, time, and place to be determined.
November 14, 2026, Janesville, WI. Trisha will give a talk for the Janesville-Beloit Kennel Club early in the afternoon about her new novel, and all things dogs! Details are being ironed out, but save the date!
Come if you can! I love talking in person with people about dogs, dogs and us, and related books (me = introvert with extrovert rising). I will admit it’s been especially fun talking about my new venture–Away To Me, but all topics are welcome in the Q & A. If you’re in the area, come say hi, I’d love to meet you. The events page is updated often, so check in on a regular basis if you are interested.
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Last Note, Change in Posting Schedule: Normally I post every other week, but between updating The Puppy Primer and writing a new novel, my writing time is more limited than usual. Besides, it’s summer! I’ll be posting every three weeks this summer instead of every two.
MEANWHILE, back on the farm: Lots going on! Jim and I had some very special people, and spouses, out for a Sunday picnic. The photo below is of me and Colleen Michelson, a detective and real life CSI agent (and dog lover) who, with endless patience, helped me with the law enforcement aspects of Away To Me. Everyone enjoyed the photo shoot, except Miss Maggie, the Greta Garbo of dogs, who had her usual face of abject misery when being photographed on the couch.
And here’s Steve Dahlgren, the only photographer who can take photos of me that I actually like. (Not to mention that he’s brilliant with dogs.) He took the “author photograph” I used in my novel. I’d link to him but he’s retired now, sorry! 
I’m afraid that my messed up wrists are a boon to the weeds in the garden, but the day lilies are just starting and are my favorite part of July.
Jim has been chain sawing almost every day since the 70 mph wind storm a few weeks ago, but–oh thank heavens!–he decided that this one needed professional help. Skip seems to agree.
I‘ll leave you with this lovely sky from a few nights ago.
No wait, how about this one? Titled: Trisha asks: “Is he pooping? Can you see where?”
May you have a warm and loving couple of weeks, and may you always know where your dog pooped.
