Dog Training Jargon

Dog Training Jargon

Author: Denise Fenzi May 4, 2025 Duration: 11:11

About those words… Punishment, consequence, choice, structure, reinforce, strengthen…

All of these words have different meanings depending on your background, training, and where you're coming from. Just because a word has a scientifically defined meaning doesn't mean that it is the "right" definition; it depends who you're talking to. A lay person definition is equally valid! look words up in the dictionary… That should clarify things for you. Words have multiple meanings.


The goal of language is to communicate and be understood. If your goal is to be understood rather than to be right, it's critically important to know the different ways that these words are used. Not only their definitions, but their connotations.

If you have that understanding, you'll have sensible conversations. If you don't, you might be right all day long, but you won't be understood.

 

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Denise Fenzi invites you into a series of thoughtful conversations that go far beyond simple dog training tips. On Fenzi Food For Thought, she shares stories and engages with a community of curious, compassionate people who are passionate about understanding animals and themselves. The discussions often explore the intersection of education, personal growth, and the wilderness of sport, breaking down preconceived notions about how we connect with our canine partners. You’ll hear genuine dialogues that delve into the philosophy behind training, the importance of relationship, and the joy found in sharing a life with dogs. This podcast serves as a meeting place for those who want to think more deeply about their approach, whether in competition, companionship, or personal development. Tune in for a blend of personal reflection and insightful exchange, all centered on a profound respect for the animals that teach us so much. It’s a space where the love for the journey is just as important as any end goal, making every episode a piece of food for thought.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Fenzi Food For Thought
Podcast Episodes
The Benefits of Management [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:35
Fearful dog? A little aggressive and forward? The vast majority of the time, you can manage the behavior and make everyone happy. Even better, often good management creates a situation where the dog feels safe and knows…
The Dog Conversations We Avoid [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:23
Rehoming dogs. Behavioral euthanasia. And the parts of these conversations we usually avoid. If you want the honest story of the dog I rehomed… you're in the right place. Follow my training! Instagram The High Drive Dog…
Trainers Behaving Badly [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:35
Trainers behaving badly. Force-free trainers behaving badly. Balanced trainers behaving badly. And what we do when people show up poorly…especially in public spaces. This isn't about sides. It's about responsibility, res…
The Least Aversive Option [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:42
If you use an aversive in training, is the goal to use the least aversive option, or the least aversive option that gets the job done and fits within your entire system of training? I talk about that here. Follow my trai…
The Art of Choice in Dog Training [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:57
Sometimes I'll take choice away if I think it's the right thing for the dogs. Sometimes I'll give choice. And sometimes I'll just stop working on a problem altogether… It depends. That's what this live is about - choices…
Punishment in Training: Does Safety Justify It? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:25
Does adding punishers to training make sense when safety is a consideration? Follow my training! Instagram The High Drive Dog More online training! Fenzi Dog Sports Academy
The "Click" and Training the Dog in Front of You [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:27
Why do I both click and then use a location specific marker with Tye? I explain it here, with Xen making a cameo appearance to demonstrate! And then a few thoughts about training the dog in front of you, and why I train…
Reading Stress in Dogs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:08
Signs of stress all have normal variants that are not distress at all; remember that every time you're analyzing a dog for signs of stress! and… I talked a bit about my new dog Tye. He's making an incredible amount of pr…
The Depth of Behavior Challenges [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:28
I've been noticing more honesty in the dog training world on IG lately… trainers from all camps admitting that some behavior issues aren't "fixed" but managed for life. I love seeing balance trainers share setbacks a yea…