Matt Ganim, Tame Dog Training owner and lead trainer, was inspired to practice dog behavior modification by his dad, a cognitive and behavioral psychologist. His dad demonstrated that combining contingent punishment with appropriate positive reinforcement produces incredible behavioral outcomes in people. His dad’s clear thinking and communication about behavior modification led Matt to explore contingent punishment and appropriate positive reinforcement with dogs.
Matt’s interest peaked 10 years ago when he noticed friends and family harshly correcting and inappropriately praising their dogs, which seemed to increase their pets jumping on people, not coming when called, and generally behaving uncontrolled. Knowing that dogs naturally will conform to order, he started practicing behavior modification on every dog he could get his hands on, including his own, to find a solution.