The Danger of Using Certain Toys as Rewards in Detection Dog Training

In this practical Ask Cindy Q and A, Ed Frawley tackles a serious safety concern many cyclists face: aggressive dogs chasing them while riding through countryside or residential areas, with some dogs being extremely large and threatening. The cyclist is looking for effective strategies beyond simply stopping, which isn't always safe with aggressive dogs. Cindy shares a creative solution from a long-distance cyclist friend who carries an extra bike helmet on a tether, swinging or throwing it at chasing dogs to create unexpected opposition—most dogs don't expect any resistance and often back down or remember the encounter next time. She explains that sometimes physical contact is necessary to make an impression and deter future chasing behavior. Cindy also recommends Leerburg's telescoping hiking stick with a built-in stun gun feature, noting that it's portable and often just the sound alone is enough to scare dogs away without needing physical contact. | Links mentioned: Hike N Strike - https://leerburg.com/hike-n-strike.php

Discover the famous story of Clever Hans, the early-1900s horse who amazed crowds by “answering” math questions—until researchers uncovered the truth: Hans wasn’t doing calculations at all. He was reading subtle, unintentional cues from his handler. In this video, we break down what really happened with Clever Hans and explain why this lesson is crucial in detection dog training today. From cueing risks to handler influence and the importance of blind testing, you’ll learn how trainers ensure dogs are responding to odor—not people. Perfect for anyone interested in scent work, detection sports, and the science behind reliable canine training. | Links mentioned: K-9 Detector Dog Training: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/186

In this video, Ed Frawley reads an Ask Cindy Q and A about choosing the right width for an agitation collar. A viewer new to protection sports asks whether collar width is simply personal preference—especially since the 2" collar they bought looks large on their 70-lb dog. Cindy explains why wider collars help distribute pressure during protection work and why 2" is typically appropriate for a dog this size, while also noting options for narrower collars if the handler prefers. Ed shares the full exchange, including the viewer’s follow-up after deciding to keep the collar because of its excellent craftsmanship.| Links mentioned: 2" Agitation Leather Collar: https://leerburg.com/leatheragitcollar-2in.htm | 1 1/4" Agitation Leather Collar: https://leerburg.com/leatheragitcollar.htm

In this video, learn the most critical skill for managing reactive dogs: preemptive redirection. This video teaches you how to intervene before your dog reacts by recognizing early warning signs like stiffening, hard stares, or low growls. Discover why timing matters, how to prevent your dog from rehearsing reactive behavior, and practical techniques to keep your dog under threshold and calm. The key isn't managing the reaction—it's preventing it from happening in the first place.| Links mentioned: Dealing with Reactive, Aggressive, and Dominant Dogs: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/137

In this video, we discuss the dangers of using certain toys as rewards in detection dog training. Dog toys like Kongs and Tennis Balls are commonly used but they come with certain dangers and risks. Alternatively, we recommend using rolled up scented cotton towels, tied off with cotton string, as a primary reward. | Links mentioned: K-9 Detector Dog Training- https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/186

In this video, Ed shares a heartfelt message from a customer who wrote in to express their appreciation for Leerburg Online University. They highlight what they love most—clear instruction, helpful course structure, accessible pricing, and the variety of material available for dog trainers of all levels. Ed responds with a sincere thank-you on behalf of the entire Leerburg team. If you’ve ever wondered what the student experience is like inside Leerburg Online University, this message says it all. | Links mentioned: Leerburg Online University - https://university.leerburg.com

This episode discusses safe methods for separating fighting dogs, emphasizing that you need to be careful and think twice before jumping in. Breaking up a dog fight is extremely dangerous. In fact, 95% of the injury photographs received by Leerburg came from people attempting to break up dog fights, often between their own dogs. It is crucial to remember that intervening when you do not feel safe may result in severe injury; if you are a small person or small woman with two big dogs fighting, it may be too dangerous to intervene. If you must intervene, there is a right and a wrong way to proceed.| Links mentioned: Dog Bite and Dog Attack Photos: https://leerburg.com/dogbites.htm | Dealing with Dominant and Aggressive Dogs: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/137

In this foundational video, Ed Frawley shares his comprehensive dog training philosophy developed over a remarkable journey that began in the 1950s and spans more than 50 years of hands-on experience. Ed explains that effective training is common sense combined with a clear understanding of how dogs think as pack animals who genetically seek ranking order and view their human family as their pack. He emphasizes that establishing sound family pack structure accounts for 75% of solving behavioral problems, while obedience training represents only 25%—dogs must respect their handlers as pack leaders through fair, firm, and consistent control, as love alone cannot earn respect. | Links mentioned: The Power of Training Dogs with Markers: https://leerburg.com/marker-dvd.php | Training Dogs with Food Rewards: https://leerburg.com/food-dvd.php | Basic Dog Obedience: https://leerburg.com/302.htm

In this essential training breakdown, Ed Frawley explains the five progressive Rules of Play that transform tug from chaotic wrestling into a powerful obedience and engagement tool. These rules must be taught in order: first, building genuine desire for the toy by sparking prey and play drive; second, teaching the retrieve so the dog learns that bringing the toy back continues the game rather than ending it; third, adding the "out" command at the right developmental stage to avoid suppressing drive; fourth, introducing impulse control so the dog waits for permission before grabbing; and fifth, finding the perfect balance based on the dog's individual temperament—dominant dogs need stricter structure while sensitive dogs require more freedom to build confidence. Ed emphasizes that intensity of play must be adjusted to each dog's personality: possessive dogs get shorter wins to prevent over-possession, while less intense dogs benefit from longer, more active sessions to build drive. When all five rules work in harmony, tug becomes far more than just play—it creates a dog who is motivated, responsive, and sees the handler as the ultimate source of reward and fun. | Links mentioned: The Power of Playing with Your Dog: https://leerburg.com/221.htm | The Power of Training Dog with Markers: https://leerburg.com/marker-dvd.php

In this important Ask Cindy Q and A, Ed Frawley addresses a concerned owner's question about whether to continue using an e-collar on their 7-year-old dog who recently started having seizures, with the last one occurring two months ago and no current medication. Cindy explains that she cannot provide a definitive answer without understanding the underlying cause of the seizures—whether they're linked to a medical condition, reaction to flea, tick, or heartworm medication, epilepsy, or another outside substance. She offers her perspective that a quality e-collar functions like a TENS unit used by chiropractors, so she doesn't expect it to cause or aggravate seizure conditions, but emphasizes that she is not a healthcare professional or veterinarian. | Links mentioned: Seresto Pet Collar Review - https://www.epa.gov/pets/seresto-pet-collar-review