Sabtu, 30 April 2016
How Sensitive Our Dogs Are
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It never ceases to amaze me how "tuned in" our dogs are to our lives. They have a wonderful understanding of any patterns and routines we follow - what time we get home from work, when it is time to get up in the morning or eat dinner at night. I dont know how youd prove it, but Im sure our dogs understand many more things, like our favorite spot on the couch, the order in which we clean the house, and what we do when we get upset.
So it should be no surprise that events which throw us off (a new baby, a change in jobs, the death of a close friend) also disrupt our dogs. And so it happened that two days after my hip surgery (which went very well by the way!), Pistol and Timber got into a fight. A big ugly fight.
The boys have never gotten along particularly well, something I blame on my "not-positive-enough" training when they began living together. They have always had the occasional spat, something that used to be ended with some loud, stern words from me. Just a few weeks ago they got into a fight when the pet sitter was here, a fight that was a warning to me because it was more intense than usual and actually resulted in some scrapes and scratches on each dog.
And now, after my surgery, the dogs lit into each other again. They show me just how much chaos I have caused in the house with my crutches and a funny anesthesia smell, visitors bringing pre-cooked meals and my mother filling up our guest room with a months worth of belongings. The dogs are unhappy about the shift in our normal routine. Life is off kilter, and when the dog-to-dog relationship is barely peaceful to begin with, a big ugly fight is the end result.
Pistol and Timber barked and growled and snapped and snarled. My mother yelled at them to stop, and I yelled at her to not get her hands in their way. Fur literally flew. I found my crutches and managed to hobble over to the anarchic crime scene. My mother had somehow pinned each dog apart from the other. We separated the dogs to different rooms and I examined both of them from nose to tail, checking for blood and holes and any other injuries.
The end result is some painful looking bite wounds, but fortunately all surface scrapes and no expensive (veterinary visit worthy) puncture wounds. What do I, as a dog trainer, do? First, I grimace with embarrassment at the horrible behavior of my personal dogs. Then, since Im bound to the couch for recovery time, Ill make some changes to their living arrangements until life returns to "normal" and I can work on some behavior modification (couples counseling I suppose) for Pistol and Timber. There will be separate sleeping quarters at night, and any unsupervised time (that includes time when I am around, since I am useless to control two ornery dogs right now) will be spent in different rooms. For now its management, not training.
So it should be no surprise that events which throw us off (a new baby, a change in jobs, the death of a close friend) also disrupt our dogs. And so it happened that two days after my hip surgery (which went very well by the way!), Pistol and Timber got into a fight. A big ugly fight.
The boys have never gotten along particularly well, something I blame on my "not-positive-enough" training when they began living together. They have always had the occasional spat, something that used to be ended with some loud, stern words from me. Just a few weeks ago they got into a fight when the pet sitter was here, a fight that was a warning to me because it was more intense than usual and actually resulted in some scrapes and scratches on each dog.
And now, after my surgery, the dogs lit into each other again. They show me just how much chaos I have caused in the house with my crutches and a funny anesthesia smell, visitors bringing pre-cooked meals and my mother filling up our guest room with a months worth of belongings. The dogs are unhappy about the shift in our normal routine. Life is off kilter, and when the dog-to-dog relationship is barely peaceful to begin with, a big ugly fight is the end result.
Pistol and Timber barked and growled and snapped and snarled. My mother yelled at them to stop, and I yelled at her to not get her hands in their way. Fur literally flew. I found my crutches and managed to hobble over to the anarchic crime scene. My mother had somehow pinned each dog apart from the other. We separated the dogs to different rooms and I examined both of them from nose to tail, checking for blood and holes and any other injuries.
The end result is some painful looking bite wounds, but fortunately all surface scrapes and no expensive (veterinary visit worthy) puncture wounds. What do I, as a dog trainer, do? First, I grimace with embarrassment at the horrible behavior of my personal dogs. Then, since Im bound to the couch for recovery time, Ill make some changes to their living arrangements until life returns to "normal" and I can work on some behavior modification (couples counseling I suppose) for Pistol and Timber. There will be separate sleeping quarters at night, and any unsupervised time (that includes time when I am around, since I am useless to control two ornery dogs right now) will be spent in different rooms. For now its management, not training.
Splash! the Puppy Picasso flaunts her talents on the news
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Splash! was on the news a couple of times. She will be on Channel 6 tomorrow.
This is my all time favorite news broadcast! I love the story that they edited together, about a dog that paints, and an owner who paints dogs. I love that they included Kiko in the piece!
Here is another cool newscast, on Channel 8.
Beginner Dog Training Videos!
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I have decided to create a series of beginning dog training videos. How to train new puppies or adult dogs! I will be uploading the videos to my youtube channel www.youtube.com/kikopup
and also creating a list of videos on my website: www.dogmantics.com
Here is the first video in the series: How to charge the clicker and muffle it so that it is not too loud.
If you cant or dont want to use a clicker this is a video of how to use the same tutorials without using a clicker yourself!
and also creating a list of videos on my website: www.dogmantics.com
Here is the first video in the series: How to charge the clicker and muffle it so that it is not too loud.
If you cant or dont want to use a clicker this is a video of how to use the same tutorials without using a clicker yourself!
Jumat, 29 April 2016
Owner can effectively train a dog
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Dog training often ends up looking more akin to human training. This can be said because before an owner can effectively train a dog, they must first train themselves on how. You need to learn how to properly train your animal first, and then start training your dog. The tips in this article can help you get started.
It takes small steps to crate train your puppy; they must become accustomed to it. Once he is comfortable walking in and out of the crate, try quietly closing the door and offering him a biscuit through the wires. Start small, like at 10 seconds per approach, and then gradually increase the times. If they become upset, you are moving too fast.
For optimal dog training results, you must make sure that your dog is active at all times. Dogs are not meant to just lay around. To have an enjoyable life, they need to be able to get out and run and work. Train your dog for agility, jog with it or take it to the park. If you stay active with him, he is not likely to get bored.
As with most things, and this goes with dog training as well, dont ever give up. Your dog will not remember his training if you are not there to constantly remind him of what you expect. In the same way that nourishing your dog with food and a safe place to live is a daily commitment, so is teaching and encouraging good behavior.
Communication is one of the essential aspects of training your dog. Clear commands and consistency are necessary when you work with your dog. Your verbal commands and body language, along with the rewards you give out, should all be consistent. Pay attention to any cues that your dog gives you, as well. By watching and understanding the way your dog communicates, you can discover if your dog is getting fatigued, restless, or is happy.
Stop your puppy immediately if he is chewing on something he shouldnt. This will help your puppy to learn what things he is allowed to chew and what he is not. He will then be less likely to chew on your belongings and instead will turn to his toys when he wants to chew.
If you are training more than one dog, remember that some breeds of dogs can be trained together, but some breeds cannot. If your dogs cannot focus during training, you may need to start with one-on-one before training them together.
For a happier and more content dog, be sure to provide it with things to do that will stimulate its thinking and keep its mind active. Some great activities to provide this mental stimulation could be a long outside walk, a favorite bone, or even a peanut butter-filled toy! If you dont keep your dog entertained, they will make their own fun by wreaking havoc on your belongings.
When training a dog, you need everyone who takes care of the dog to treat him the same way. Consistency is important in your training method, as dogs respond the best when their training is consistent. If someone is training the dog one way and someone else tries something different, the dog will become confused on how to behave properly.
Try to get your dog on a regular feeding schedule. This will give you an idea of when the dog is likely to have to go, so you can take it outdoors to take care of this matter before an accident occurs on your rug. Sticking to a schedule will teach your dog how to control himself until his next scheduled potty break.
Try to teach your dog good habits right away. It is far simpler to teach a dog to do something the right way than to break bad habits. If you never give your dog any scraps from table food, they will never start begging for it.
Keep count of the number of treats you feed your dog because you do not want him or her to get fat. A lot of people forget to account for treats given during training when considering a dogs diet plan.
Get your dog ready early for his trips to the veterinarian. Move your hands across his head, back, stomach and legs, and give him reinforcement when he responds appropriately. Work with him so he is tolerant of having his paws touched and teeth examined. You could ask the assistance of your friends, too.
Using a crate is an effective way to house train your dog. For crate training to be effective, you must make sure to let the dog out frequently. Dogs who are crate trained are often the best trained, having less accidents.
Your dog needs to get plenty of exercise. Dogs can get bored very easily. Dogs that lose interest are hard to train. Dogs are more inclined to obey when they are regularly taken out for exercise and happily accepted as a member of your family. It is a great idea to take your dog out on runs or walks through the neighborhood.
Do not tie up several dogs in close proximity to each other. One dogs chain might become entangled with the other, which could lead to serious injuries. If one dog is larger than the other, it could accidentally tangle the cord around the smaller dogs neck, causing it to become unable to breath, and possibly die.
As with any professional, research their reputation to verify that you are getting the best animal behavior specialist out there. There are a lot of different approaches taken by dog trainers concerning how to correctly train a dog. Understand the trainers philosophy so that you can be sure the trainers approach is similar with your own views of dog training.
Remember that more difficult behaviors should be approached in steps. A simple example is teaching your dog to get the morning paper. You first need to teach him exactly what a newspaper is and then how to hold it. He will then need to know what the object is by name. Then, he needs to be taught to pick up the object. The last step is to train him to bring the object to you. If you break it down, your dog will understand the linear relationship of the behavior.
When looking at dog trainers, do a lot of research. Check user reviews on the Internet and learn their training methods. Make sure that the specialist has ideas in line with yours.
You can prevent your dog from destroying your home by keeping it outdoors when you are away from the house. When this isnt possible, you want to provide things that both appeal to your dog and that are okay for the dog to chew on. Establishing acceptable chews toys is also about keeping those things you do not want your dog to chew up behind closed doors or well out out of reach.
Now that the people who are interested in training their new pet dog have, hopefully, learned some new tricks, they can proceed to pass them along to their pets. Once a dog is on its way to learning, the owner will begin to appreciate the dedication that he or she has shown for doing the right thing for mans best friend..
Not All Domestic Dogs Enjoy Being Bathing Beauties
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Throughout the summer, and even heading into our warm-weathered Fall, Poncho and I have received a few questions through our Dear Inquisitive Canine dog behavior advice column from dog guardians regarding their dogs "freaking out" when it came to swimming pools. The dogs either didnt want to go anywhere near it, or would bark and patrol the area when their human family members splashed about in the water. Even if the dog would jump in and out of the pool on their own, playing and going after toys, their reaction would often change when people would all of a sudden "disappear" underneath the water.
Being a dog mom myself I can surely attest to this. Poncho is definitely not a water dog. Hes
really not into going into any body of water. (Although, he does seem to enjoy bath-time; probably has more to do with the snackies).Ive also witnessed my friends lab Chief jumping in and out of the water, playing and fetching his tennis ball. But as soon as his human family members dive under water, he begins barking and patrolling. Whats he thinking? Who knows. Im not a mind reader. Why is he doing what hes doing? Hmm, my best guess is that pools are just weird to dogs. And some dogs adapt more easily than others.
Whats the solution? Simple. Condition (teach) these dogs to adapt to these bizarre surroundings, watch for the behaviors you do like, even the smallest ones, and reward him or her for their "bravery" of being around pools. Keep in mind that it is always important to gauge a dogs comfort level, which you can do by reading their body language. And always take care in not pushing him or her beyond their “threshold.” Meaning, small steps to help get them used to being around a pool. Making it enjoyable for them, so they can build their confidence. Just like the old fashioned way of teaching us humans to swim by throwing us into the deep end has taken a long walk off a short pier, its not the best approach to teaching our dogs either.
For the complete article on the german shepherd being afraid of the swimming pool, please see our Noozhawk Dear Inquisitive Canine column. The following are additional training tips for helping your dog in stressful situations. In addition to the above suggestions, youll want to:
- Gauge your dogs comfort level by seeing how easily s/he engages in the play activities, and if s/he is taking food rewards. Few animals eat when they’re scared and stressed. If they are eating tidbits of steak or chicken then use these items to reward him or her being near the pool. No pool, no high value treats. In this case its not punishment. Your dog is clearing letting you know theyre uncomfortable.
- If s/he is not staying focused on you when near the pool, and not eating, this can be interpreted as being beyond his or her level of comfort, also known as his “threshold”. We all have a breaking point. It’s best to keep your dog below his or her level of stress so they can build their confidence and comfort level around the pool.
- To help the process move along even more rapidly, you can begin the “pool = good stuff for your dog" training plan by introducing him/her to it slowly. Start out with just the two of you, sitting poolside, enjoying the sunshine. Play, have snacks, cuddle, then go inside - stop all rewards and attention. Do this a few times before making it more difficult for him or her. You can then sit with your feet in the pool, but not go all the way in. Those times when s/he chooses on their own to go lie in the water to cool off, go in with them, but wade in the area s/he is in, again providing all rewards that your dog responds well to.
So, if Poncho isnt a water dog, why did I go to the trouble of trying to get him in? Well, I wanted him to practice getting out of the pool. In case there was ever a time that he fell in a pool (we dont have one, but we have friends that do), he might be less scared. Yes I was hoping that he would enjoy it. But nope, even steak, chicken, and his tennis ball didnt change his mind. Sure I could take the time to condition him to love the pool. But since we dont have a pool, and its not a huge concern for us, and not a big priority, Id rather spend my time teaching him things that are more important for our lifestyle such as discrimination and agility. If I want to go swimming with dogs I have plenty of my friends dogs to choose from.
Canine Good Citizen
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Honestly, when I was looking there really wasnt much good information out there for this program. I also havent had much time to look. So if any of you havent met my two dogs their names are Kita and Zoe. Yeah these two goof balls. Zoe, the great dane, is planning on passing her CGC test. I want to take her with me into TDI. She is an amazing dog. Kita on the other hand is a eight year old senior citizen that loves to play pranks on residents. Her partner in crime, Shadow, passed away a few months ago. There are certain guidelines that Zoe must pass to reach her CGC goal. But with clicker and treat in hand we will work our way towards that goal.Kamis, 28 April 2016
Dog can learn to be well behaved
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When you first meet your dog, chances are he didnt show his true colors and may have come to you with a few "problems". Dont worry, with proper techniques even the worst dog can learn to be well behaved.
Repetitive training can be one of the best ways to deal with your dogs separation anxiety over being left alone. Separation anxiety can cause a dog to bark or destroy things while youre away from home. You can train your dog on acceptable behaviors that can be applied while you are gone. Doggy nerves can also be soothed by showing your pet plenty of affection.
House training a puppy can be frustrating, as accidents are going to occur on occasion. Clean up any messes that are made immediately, so it doesnt hamper your training efforts. The smell from the feces and urine can stay in the carpet, and cause your pet to want to relieve themselves on that spot more often. Many cleaning products are made just to eliminate this order, you can find them at any pet store.
A large breed dog needs a large dog bed to be comfortable. You can buy a large bed for your large-breed dog, or even get a crib mattress to use as your dogs bed. These are advantageous for the fact that you are able to regularly change the cover by using crib sheets. Another good thing is that crib mattresses have a moisture-proof cover.
Dont be shy about telling your guests how to behave around your dog. These things can cause a dog to attempt to establish dominance and maybe even jump on guests.
Getting your dog to hang onto his favorite toy with his mouth, for example, is easy. When he puts the toy around his mouth, use a training clicker and offer him a treat. After this is done a few times, watch and wait for your dog to put the toy inside his mouth. After has has done this, you should click and promptly give a reward. Next, only give him a reward if he holds the toy using his mouth.
Do not neglect to make a visit to the vet for a spay or neuter around the six month mark. This should coincide with the beginning of obedience classes. If your dog is spayed or neutered, they will be much more obedient. Your dog will be happier and he or she will live longer.
The more active your dog is, the healthier it will be. Dogs get bored just as easily as children. Dogs that are bored are not easy to train. A dog that is happy, and gets the attention that they crave, will be a better behaved and attentive dog. Go on runs or long walks together.
Give your dog a regular elimination and feeding schedule, so you can house train them. Your dog will adjust to the schedule and he will quickly learn that his outside time is when he should go to the bathroom. Using this schedule can teach your dog how to hold their piddle until the upcoming potty break.
Keep your dog challenged regularly. Even if you are sure your dog is remembering everything youve taught him, having him demonstrate with a little "pop quiz" will keep him sharp.
You may have to consult a professional when training your dog. When your dog training is going poorly, a professional can help out. A dog trainer can be invaluable in pointing out where the issues are occurring, and they can also put you back onto the right track.
Keep your sessions short to accommodate a short attention span. If you try to focus for a long period of time on one command, your dog will show signs of boredom and begin to get antsy. This is why you need to limit the time of your training sessions to around 10 minutes.
Keep your dogs wants and motivations in mind when training. You will also get educated about what your dog likes or doesnt like, and what will work and what wont. Regardless of your reason for training your dog, he will need an assortment of various training exercises and a lot of positive reinforcement. You will find it much easier to train your dog if he is happy.
Dogs will focus on something and ignore all else unless something breaks that attention. Dogs learn by repetition so with continued training, your dog will immediately focus on what you are saying.
Communication is a crucial component of the training process. Do your best to remain consistent in the training of your dog. Use the same tone of voice, body language, correction methods, and rewards each time you train your dog. Remember to always pay attention to the communication signals from your dog. They will inform you of whether or not they are overworked, anxious, or having a great day.
Using a variety of goodies for reward purposes while training is sometimes the best method. These treats should be easily distinguishable from the common biscuit variety you may give your dog on a regular basis as special achievements in training merit special edibles in reward.
Make sure your dog associates one word with one discrete behavior. Dogs respond much better to this because dogs will associate a specific word or action with that particular type of behavior. In all aspects of dog training, consistency is crucial. If you strive for this, you and your pet will get more out of the training.
Giving up is not an option when it comes to training your pet. Your dog requires consistent reinforcement of training, or he may quickly forget what he has learned. You always need to keep training your dog, just like you need to continue feeding it and providing it shelter.
Sometimes professional help is required, so do not be afraid to call them. If training is not going well, you may need a pro. A professional dog trainer will give you the tools to correct your training program and help you achieve success.
Whenever you want your dogs attention, use its name. You will not be able to control your dog if you do not get his attention first. Practice calling your dogs name and letting him respond at least tens times a day. Also, it is very inappropriate for you to call the dog over to you and then punish him, as this will teach him to fear you and discourage him from coming when called.
Always use your dogs name when you need his attention. To have some good control over your dog, a solid response is crucial. Call them to you at least ten times a day. Try to avoid punishing your dog when it comes to you after you call out its name while using this technique.
It is important for dog owners to realize that training no longer has to be a battle. With patience and a little research, you can train your dog. Dogs can rise to the occasion and thrive with training from their owner.
A BIG HUGE SHOUT OUT to Jeff Tim and SBC!
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Talk about a positively reinforcing, rewarding, over-the-top kinda business meeting! Today Poncho and I took a little road-trip north (our favorite direction) to meet up with Amber - my trusty and oh-so-brilliant website designer/builder to finalize info on my brand new and improved website!!! EEEEKKKK! Were about to launch folks, to keep your eyes, ears, and web browsers open!
Anyway, since I had Ponchorinorama with me, Amber suggested we hit our local top-notch dog friendly fabulous restaurant The Summerland Beach Cafe! Jeff the owner was there - welcomed us with open arms, as did Tim (who is one rockin dog guy let me tell you...he was just loving Poncho the entire time...and Poncho was sending signals back too...what a good boy!) Jeff helped us out with the wireless internet system... Good job Jeff! And Tim helped the entire time just making sure we had everything we needed... including water and bowls for Poncho!
Emilia was just finishing up a conference call meeting at Lorries, but stopped by to say *hi* too - made sure we had all the up-to-date web and blog info she had sent earlier... Nellie, (Emilias great pooch who just graduated with honors from my Manners Class) was home with proper enrichment while she was blogging...
What a great team I have!!! Yes, I cant wait for the new site - But now Im gonna have to figure out how I can continue to be part of this great "dream team"!
I do know this: Inquisitive Canine meetings and other get-togethers will be held at SBC (Summerland Beach Cafe) whenever possible!
Why Wont My Dog Listen
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Maybe youre better off than most. Better off than me, Ill admit. Maybe your dog listens to you all the time, the first time you ask for something. No? Alright, because its something you can work on. Even on a holiday (its pretty easy to get started). Take a quick break - halftime, a commercial break during the National Dog Show, or just a moment to let that turkey settle (honestly, are you really going to walk it off?!), and read this short article on why dogs dont listen to their owners. Its written by your favorite trainer! (Thats me, right?)
Why Wont My Dog Listen? by Mary Majchrowski, CPDT-KA
Why Wont My Dog Listen? by Mary Majchrowski, CPDT-KA
Rabu, 27 April 2016
“The dog was wagging it’s tail … then it bit me”
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By understanding dog body language and what they are trying to tell us, not only can we avoid accidents from happening, but we can also build a better relationship with our dogs, reduce their stress and improve our training. All of which will lead to a better behaved dog, which is something we all want.
GENERAL POSTURE:
Relaxed dog:
- Relaxed muscles so the dog will move smoothly.
- The dog’s body weight will be in the centre with equal weight positioned on all 4 paws.
- Their ears will be in their natural position – this will depend on the dog – a golden retriever’s will be flopped over and side on whilst a German shepherd’s will be pricked up.
- Their tail will be loose and may have a slight gentle wag to it – loose and soft moving from the top of the tail to the tip. It will be in the dog’s natural position again dependant on the dog’s breed. A labrador’s tail might be lower than horizontal whilst a spitz breed may have their flipped up over their back.
- They will generally be happy to just look around and won’t be fixated on anything in particular.
Alert dog:
- Muscles will be more tense and the dog will move in a more stiff/purposeful manner – think soldier marching compared to some one walking down the street. An extreme example is a dog stalking and then pointing out a bird.
- The dog’s body weight will be positioned more forwards with a greater weight on their front 2 paws compared to the back ones. They will also seem bigger than usual because they will be making them selves as tall as possible.
- Their ears are likely to be pricked forwards in the direction that they have interest in. This is to help them gain more information about the situation.
- The dog’s tail will be stiff with or without a wag. If wagging it will be fast. The tail will be positioned higher than normal so for a Labrador that might be in a horizontal position but some breeds can pull them up higher above their back.
- Generally the dog will be fixated on something in particular and will be unlikely to be able to remove their gaze from a specific area – if they have become alert due to a smell or noise then they might be scanning to determine where it has come from.
- The dog may have put their hackles up – the hackles are the dog’s fur standing up on end and can start at the top of the dog’s head right down to the tip of their tail.
Nervous dog:
- Muscles will be very tense and the dog, if moving, will seem stiff and tentative.
- The dog’s body weight will be more backwards with a greater weight on their 2 back paws compared to the front ones. They will also be lower to the ground.
- Their ears are likely to be pulled back or even flat against their head.
- The dog’s tail will be stiff and with or without a wag. If wagging it will be either very quick or very slow – both types will be stiff with the whole tail moving as one.
- The tail will be at a lower position than normal for your dog – mostly this means hanging straight down but a very worried dog may have it tucked right between their legs.
- The dog will generally have their gaze fixed on what is making them anxious but if they can’t pinpoint where that is then they may scan the environment.
- Their hackles may or may not be up.
- They are likely to be showing other stress signals – discussed below.
As you can see from above it is not all plain sailing when it comes to reading your dog. The same posture/movement can mean your dog is either alert or nervous. The key to understanding how your dog is feeling is to look at the whole dog as one. If accompanied by a low body posture and ears flat against the dog’s head, a wagging tail does not always mean happy.
Probably the most important emotion that we must be able to read from our dogs is that of fear or anxiety. Fear is an overwhelming emotion for both humans and dogs, which means that the person/animal may do irrational or unusual things when in that state. These actions could be dangerous for the dog or people around the dog. Fear can cause 4 different reactions, the 4fs, FLIGHT, FIGHT, FREEZE or FIDDLE ABOUT.FLIGHT:
Avoidance:
- Moving away from the scary thing or simply not looking at it. Have you got cross at your dog for not paying attention to you and your dog just ignores you? Your dog is trying to avoid the conflict because he is worried (not because he is stubborn) – try softening your voice and see if your dog suddenly perks up again.
- The dog on the left here is a little uncomfortable with being so close to the dog on the right. She could be distracted but this was a series of three photos which all showed her giving off stress signals (see sniffing a licking lips and shaking off)
Bolting:
- Running as fast as they can away from what scares them. This can be a very dangerous action if you are out on a walk as they can run across roads (potentially life threatening for your dog and other road users). Your dog is also liable to get lost in this state because they are not in a rational state to remember where you are. Even the dog with the best recall will not respond if they are this scared. If you have a dog that is liable to bolt keep them on a lead for their safety and that of others.
FIGHT:
- Does your dog lunge at, bark at or show other aggression towards people/dogs or other things? The likely reason is that your dog is fearful of it. Your dog is trying to make itself as big and threatening as it can to make the thing they are scared of go away.
- If your dog is reacting in this way get your dog out of the situation – if the scary thing gets closer to them they are likely to escalate their attempts to make it go away which could lead to a bite.
- If your dog does react in this way it is imperative that you do not shout, scold or add anything negative to the situation as this is just going to confirm their fears that the scary thing is dangerous. Instead book yourself in for a behavioural 121 with a trainer who uses positive reinforcement methods. We have 4 experienced trainers here at Sussex County Dog Training who are all willing to help you out – just give the office a call (01243 697 202).
Inability to move:
- The dog becomes fixed in one place and can’t move away or get closer they are literally frozen with fear.
- Your dog will not be able to take their eyes off what they are scared of. Making sure it is not getting closer to them in case they need to change their tactic to keep themselves safe.
FIDDLE ABOUT:
These are displacement activities, which your dog might do. They are similar to those we use such as biting our nails, twisting our hair, children sucking their thumbs… A lot of these will show up if you ask your dog to do something either in a harsh way or they are slightly stressed so can’t do as you are asking.
Scratching:
- As though they have fleas but you know they don’t.
- Chronic stress may lead to a dog harming itself by obsessive licking, scratching or biting of it’s fur – a likely cause if your vet can’t find a medical one.
- Remember you dog may just have an itch so read the situation carefully before assuming it is one or the other.
- Intensely sniffing the ground when they weren’t previously interested in that area.
- They may just also be sniffing because there is a good smell again reading their other body language is essential.
Drinking:
- You might see this if you bring your dog to training class and you are letting your dog explore but even though they have just had a drink they keep going back to have more.
- Remember your dog may just be thirsty especially if you are using salty treats.
- Generally this occurs with gundog breeds – they might find it is comforting to have a large soft item in their mouth – very similar to when children suck their thumbs.
STRESS SIGNALS:
Licking lips – the tongue flicks out quickly and usually repetitively. Your dog may just be cleaning it’s mouth if it has eaten a yummy treat!
Yawning – either partially or full yawns are a sign of stress just as they are in humans. Again there is another explanation – your dog has woken up or is tired.
Panting – this is a different type of panting to that of when your dog is hot.
- The face being very tense with the corners of the mouth drawn right back accompanies stress panting.
- The tongue usually stays within the set of teeth as apposed to lolling to the side if your dog is hot. The panting is generally very shallow and quick.
?
Slow movement – your dog does everything in slow motion – this is the dog trying to calm a situation down by not making any sudden movements.
- A polite greeting by dogs is where they both walk towards each other in a curve – they may end up doing a circle around each other before they reach each other’s bottoms for a sniff.
- Dogs who are slightly anxious about greeting a person will come in at a angle to you. You can make them more comfortable by turning sideways to them.
Trembling – as though your dog is shivering because they are cold but will usually be accompanied by several other stress signals.
Wide (whale) eye – your dog will show the whites of their eyes and their pupils will be dilated (very large) to enable them to take in as much information as possible.
STRESS RELEASE SIGNALS:
These tend to come when the stress the dog is feeling is removed however they can come during a stressful period as well.
Shaking off – as though they have just been swimming and are shaking water off.
Stretching – as though they have woken up.
If you would like to learn any more about this subject and what your own dog is trying to communicate to you do not hesitate to contact one of the trainers (Jeff, Miranda, Gemma or Anna) here at Sussex County Dog Training. If your dog does any of the behaviours listed above we would love for you to come and see us so we can help you and your dog. We run both classes and 121 sessions for your convenience just give the office a call – 01243 697 202 or email nina@sussexcountydogtraining.co.uk
By Anna Nussey
Tricks properly training your dog
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Properly training your dog will allow you to coexist with ease and become best pals. When your dog is well-trained, then both you and your dog will know exactly what is expected from each other. You will not have to worry about leaving him home along or taking him to public places. Though it might seem like a difficult task, you and your dog will have many rewarding times together, sharing the tricks and companionship that youve come to know through the dog training sessions.
Big dogs will need a large bed or sleeping area. Plenty of pet brands make dog beds sized for larger breeds. A crib mattress is also a viable alternative. A crib mattress is also an easy to care for alternative to a dog bed because the sheets can be changed regularly with little fuss. Theyre waterproof, too!
Do your best to keep your dog active through the day. Dogs can easily become bored. Dogs with no enthusiasm will be harder to train than active dogs. It is easier for your dog to focus if he is happy and well exercised. Bring your dog along when you walk or jog.
Dogs need to be taught the right habits as soon as they are brought to your home. Your dog should learn the right ways of doing things instead of developing bad habits that will need to be corrected later on. If you never give your dog any scraps from table food, they will never start begging for it.
You cant stop your dog from being a dog, so make sure to give him proper ways to act like a dog. There should always be good outlets available for your dog to exercise and keep busy, and do not forget the right diet to provide this energy.
Here are a few ways to make crate training more positive for your dog. If the dog doesnt want to go inside the crate, put a rawhide bone in there and shut the door. A tempting bone will prove too hard to resist, and the dog will be panting to get into the crate in no time. Upon entering the crate, praise your puppy to make sure it knows it did a good job.
Get your dog used to the things they will encounter when going for a vet visit. Touch your dog gently down the sides of his body and tell him he is being good when he does not react. You will want to get him ready to tolerate the doctor touching his mouth and paws. Your friends may be able to help you out, too.
Be consistent with the words you use when trying to teach your dog a new behavior. This causes a strong association between a word and an action in your dogs mind. It is essential not to confuse your dog with commands that are not the same every single time. Your success rate in training your pet will be higher if you follow these guidelines.
Keeping your dog active is an important part of successful dog training and is also good for their health. Dogs, like people, shouldnt be sedentary. Running, playing and constructive exercise are all essential components of their health and happiness. Make sure your dog gets plenty of walks; play with it at the park, or even look into enrolling it in an agility class. It is best to make sure your dog is moving just as much as possible and does not get bored.
Understand when you cant handle your dog on your own, and use that knowledge to know when you need to call in a professional to help you. It may be necessary to seek professional assistance if your dog training is not proceeding as you expected it to. Your trainer will pinpoint the problem areas and point you in the right direction.
Your dog should know the difference between right and wrong at all times. This means everyone living in the house needs to enforce the boundaries you set. This will undo all your training!
Give them chew toys for pain relief while teething, and keep everything else out of reach. Immediately replace the object with one of the intended chew toys. If your puppy needs to chew because he is teething, try a frozen washcloth.
You should be constantly challenging your dog and re-teaching it the tricks youve previously taught it. Throw "pop quizzes" occasionally to be sure he is not getting out of practice.
If hiring an animal behavior professional is something you are considering, make sure to learn as much about them as you can. Animal behavior professionals have differing opinions on what correctly training a dog entails, so you should make sure that your trainer is in line with your own ideology before using their techniques with your dog!
Although there are many benefits to using a harness, you will have less control over your dog than if he is wearing a cinch collar. Use a collar and a harness at the same time to make your dog understands that the harness means he must obey you as well.
Be sure to feed your dog healthy foods and treats. If the dogs diet is poor, it is not good for their health. If your dog isnt getting what it needs to stay healthy, it could really struggle to find the energy for training or may act out in other ways. Training may very well go easier when dogs are given the proper nutrients in a healthful diet.
Dont let your dog take the lead in a training session, or in life. . Dont ever give your dog a command if you are unable to follow through with the enforcement of it.
When you begin training your puppy, create a bond with him by first teaching him his name. Simply start by calling his name as often as possible. Once he learns his name, you can encourage him to come to you when called. Your dog should learn these items before any others as theyre the most important. Spend plenty of quality time with them, so that they know that they can trust you. In this way, he will be more receptive to advanced training later.
Although a harness is more comfortable for dogs, it does not offer as much control as a cinch-type collar. Keep your dog on his harness, but also use your cinching collar. Tug on his collar when its absolutely necessary, and your dog will soon learn how to obey wearing the harness alone.
You can prevent your dog from destroying your home by keeping it outdoors when you are away from the house. When this isnt possible, you want to provide things that both appeal to your dog and that are okay for the dog to chew on. Establishing acceptable chews toys is also about keeping those things you do not want your dog to chew up behind closed doors or well out out of reach.
Dog training is mostly about being consistent with your pooch and setting the rules of your relationship. Once those are set, youll find you both enjoy your time together even more! Keep in mind that you must continually reinforce your dogs training lessons. Provide refresher courses when needed and continue to correct bad behavior. Once your dog gets the training basics under his collar, you will not be limited in what you can achieve together..
Big dogs will need a large bed or sleeping area. Plenty of pet brands make dog beds sized for larger breeds. A crib mattress is also a viable alternative. A crib mattress is also an easy to care for alternative to a dog bed because the sheets can be changed regularly with little fuss. Theyre waterproof, too!
Do your best to keep your dog active through the day. Dogs can easily become bored. Dogs with no enthusiasm will be harder to train than active dogs. It is easier for your dog to focus if he is happy and well exercised. Bring your dog along when you walk or jog.
Dogs need to be taught the right habits as soon as they are brought to your home. Your dog should learn the right ways of doing things instead of developing bad habits that will need to be corrected later on. If you never give your dog any scraps from table food, they will never start begging for it.
You cant stop your dog from being a dog, so make sure to give him proper ways to act like a dog. There should always be good outlets available for your dog to exercise and keep busy, and do not forget the right diet to provide this energy.
Here are a few ways to make crate training more positive for your dog. If the dog doesnt want to go inside the crate, put a rawhide bone in there and shut the door. A tempting bone will prove too hard to resist, and the dog will be panting to get into the crate in no time. Upon entering the crate, praise your puppy to make sure it knows it did a good job.
Get your dog used to the things they will encounter when going for a vet visit. Touch your dog gently down the sides of his body and tell him he is being good when he does not react. You will want to get him ready to tolerate the doctor touching his mouth and paws. Your friends may be able to help you out, too.
Be consistent with the words you use when trying to teach your dog a new behavior. This causes a strong association between a word and an action in your dogs mind. It is essential not to confuse your dog with commands that are not the same every single time. Your success rate in training your pet will be higher if you follow these guidelines.
Keeping your dog active is an important part of successful dog training and is also good for their health. Dogs, like people, shouldnt be sedentary. Running, playing and constructive exercise are all essential components of their health and happiness. Make sure your dog gets plenty of walks; play with it at the park, or even look into enrolling it in an agility class. It is best to make sure your dog is moving just as much as possible and does not get bored.
Understand when you cant handle your dog on your own, and use that knowledge to know when you need to call in a professional to help you. It may be necessary to seek professional assistance if your dog training is not proceeding as you expected it to. Your trainer will pinpoint the problem areas and point you in the right direction.
Your dog should know the difference between right and wrong at all times. This means everyone living in the house needs to enforce the boundaries you set. This will undo all your training!
Give them chew toys for pain relief while teething, and keep everything else out of reach. Immediately replace the object with one of the intended chew toys. If your puppy needs to chew because he is teething, try a frozen washcloth.
You should be constantly challenging your dog and re-teaching it the tricks youve previously taught it. Throw "pop quizzes" occasionally to be sure he is not getting out of practice.
If hiring an animal behavior professional is something you are considering, make sure to learn as much about them as you can. Animal behavior professionals have differing opinions on what correctly training a dog entails, so you should make sure that your trainer is in line with your own ideology before using their techniques with your dog!
Although there are many benefits to using a harness, you will have less control over your dog than if he is wearing a cinch collar. Use a collar and a harness at the same time to make your dog understands that the harness means he must obey you as well.
Be sure to feed your dog healthy foods and treats. If the dogs diet is poor, it is not good for their health. If your dog isnt getting what it needs to stay healthy, it could really struggle to find the energy for training or may act out in other ways. Training may very well go easier when dogs are given the proper nutrients in a healthful diet.
Dont let your dog take the lead in a training session, or in life. . Dont ever give your dog a command if you are unable to follow through with the enforcement of it.
When you begin training your puppy, create a bond with him by first teaching him his name. Simply start by calling his name as often as possible. Once he learns his name, you can encourage him to come to you when called. Your dog should learn these items before any others as theyre the most important. Spend plenty of quality time with them, so that they know that they can trust you. In this way, he will be more receptive to advanced training later.
Although a harness is more comfortable for dogs, it does not offer as much control as a cinch-type collar. Keep your dog on his harness, but also use your cinching collar. Tug on his collar when its absolutely necessary, and your dog will soon learn how to obey wearing the harness alone.
You can prevent your dog from destroying your home by keeping it outdoors when you are away from the house. When this isnt possible, you want to provide things that both appeal to your dog and that are okay for the dog to chew on. Establishing acceptable chews toys is also about keeping those things you do not want your dog to chew up behind closed doors or well out out of reach.
Dog training is mostly about being consistent with your pooch and setting the rules of your relationship. Once those are set, youll find you both enjoy your time together even more! Keep in mind that you must continually reinforce your dogs training lessons. Provide refresher courses when needed and continue to correct bad behavior. Once your dog gets the training basics under his collar, you will not be limited in what you can achieve together..
Selasa, 26 April 2016
Party For Puppies on Feb 24th!
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Calling all puppies and young small dogs!!! Come and play over at The Inquisitive Canine on February 24th from 1 - 2 PM. Bring your owners - let them hang out and talk while you run wild, socialize, play, build self-confidence, burn energy all while in a safe - indoor environment. Socials are for pups 10 - 24 weeks, and small dogs up to 25 pounds and one year. Please have your owners bring copies of current vaccinations with them for us to keep on record. Fun! Rewarding! Educational! How great is that??? 2159 Palma Drive Suite D (as in "dog)... just south of McGrath and east of Telephone Road, in beautiful Ventura California... Oh, and while youre there, you can ask about upcoming classes and other events we offer for you and your pup. See you all there!
Great Tips And Tricks On How To Train Your Dog Correctly
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Remember that your dog has the intellect of an animal. You will be greatly disappointed if you think that they can. Read this article to understand a dogs psyche better, and know how to treat your pet.
When training your dog, always be sure that it feels safe. If your pet feels unsafe, it is more likely they will act out in a negative way. In order to eliminate this, you should ensure that you put your dog in a safe surrounding.
To be the most successful in dog training, make sure your dogs need for exercise is being met before starting a new training project. Canines were meant to exercise regularly. They need to run and work in order to be healthy and happy. Register for agility classes, run with your dog, and teach him or her to play Frisbee to increase activity levels. Make the activity consistent and stimulating for your dog.
There are a lot of tricks you can teach your dog to do; a common one is training him to hold a toy in his mouth without chewing it. Whenever he puts the toy in his mouth, give a treat and his clicker reward. After your dog succeeds in mouthing an object a few times, move on to rewarding the dog for picking it up with his mouth. Once he does, click and reward. As he gets even better, only give him a reward for holding the plushie in his mouth for a few seconds.
Training should be an enjoyable activity for your dog. Try not to make training sessions any longer than 15 minutes. That will keep his attention. Keep your rewards coming and vary what you give them. Make sure you shower praise on your dog when they do well. When the dog enjoys their training, they will listen better.
Accidents are bound to happen while housebreaking your puppy. Clean accidents right away to speed up training. Animals are inclined to eliminate repeatedly in spots where they can smell urine or feces, and carpets require special care. There are many products on the market that can help with this, so check with your local pet shop.
When training a puppy or dog that is new to your family, it is a wonderful idea to keep the entire family involved during the training. You may have one member of the family that does much of the training with him, but by having the entire family take part in the training, he will learn that he must obey each person that lives in the home.
Playing tug-of-war with your puppy makes training less effective. Games, such as wrestling, chasing or tugging, teaches the puppy to nip or bite at your hands. This behavior is very difficult to break, so you should avoid these games while they are still a puppy.
One of the most basic dog training tips around is to use your dogs name to command its attention. This will direct his attention to you immediately every time, and especially right before you issue a command. Get your dogs attention this way ten times every day. Also, it is very inappropriate for you to call the dog over to you and then punish him, as this will teach him to fear you and discourage him from coming when called.
Make sure everyone involved in a dogs training uses the same set of commands. Make sure everyone is on the same page with command words; if the command for being quiet is "quiet," dont let anyone use "stop barking." If everyone uses identical commands, the dog will learn much faster and you will have greater success.
You can try a little bit of ingenuity if you are going with crate training for your indoor dog or puppy. If your puppy seems reluctant about entering the crate, place a chew toy inside and close the door to the kennel. The puppy will want to enter the kennel to retrieve the treat. Once in the crate, let them know they did a good job by praising them.
Dogs have natural destructive behavior, so provide outlets for them to exercise their natural behaviors. Feed your dog a balanced diet, give them space to run, and provide them with activities that will burn energy.
Limit the duration of training sessions. Your dog is going to get bored doing the same thing over and over. Try to limit initial training sessions to 10 minutes or less.
Decide on a single phrase to use when housebreaking your new puppy. If you use the special phrase you have come up with each time you take him outside, you will get him to focus on what he is supposed to do.
Teething is painful, and providing chew toys helps alleviate the pain. Keep items that are potentially more painful out of reach. Take it away, and give him a chew toy. A frozen washcloth can provide teething relief for your pup.
Over-training your puppy will expose it to too much at once, rendering the training less effective. Brief, simple, positive training sessions are well-suited to the limited supply of energy and attention a pup has to work with. If you try to do too much, the puppy will probably not remember much except that it was an unpleasant experience, and that will make it more difficult when the time comes for the next training session.
Do not tie more than one dog in the same area. It is possible for the chains to become intertwined, and the animals can be hurt as they try to get free. If a large dog becomes tangled with a smaller one they could wrap up to the point the airway of the latter is closed off and the dog would die.
If your puppy is caught chewing on something unacceptable, stop him immediately. This will help your puppy understand what is acceptable and what is off limits.
When training a dog it should always be done in a positive, motivated environment. Remember to reward desired behavior achieved by your dog while training, especially in response to specific requests. Using training techniques that are negative and based upon punishments will likely make your dog afraid, disobedient, and unhappy.
A clicker works well when training most dogs. Using a clicker is as simple as showing your dog that good things happen when the clicking noise is heard. Try using this technique right away, doing it frequently over a span of a few days. Your dog will soon know that the clicking noise means that they are doing a good job.
After learning some helpful hints on how to get through to your dog and train it to behave to your expectations you simply need to follow what you have learned. After changing your dogs behavior to fit with the tips suggested you can properly train your dog..
Senin, 25 April 2016
Socialization List
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- Children (including toddlers & babies if possible)
- Teenagers and young adults
- Adults
- Elderly
- Handicapped (people using wheelchairs, canes and walkers too)
- Tall people
- Short people
- Men with beards/moustache/facial hair
- People wearing hats
- People with different colour skin/complexion
- Men with deep voices
- Women & children with high voices
- Women/girls with flowing skirts
- Dogs of all types, Breeds and Ages
- Cats
- Rabbits
- Birds
- Horses
- Sheep
- Cows
- Parrots
- The Park - Try a daily walk to your local park, or your nearest dog park if your pup has a reliable recall (i.e. comes when called). You can even kill two birds with one stone, by sitting on the ground or on a bench near where children are playing. Feed Fido tasty treats while he watches the kids run and play, and hears their shouts and squeals. This will help him build positive feelings about being around children.
- The Beach - If you have a dog-friendly beach near you, it can be a great addition to your list of outings. The feel of the water and sand (be careful when its really hot though, as little Fido can easily burn the pads of his feet on hot sand) and the sound of the waves and seagulls, are all new and interesting to him.
- The Forest/Woods -
Try a short hike through your local woodlands, nature park or nature reserve. The sounds of the birds, twigs snapping and all the fascinating scents will keep Fido enthralled.
- Local Sports Event - You probably dont want to try a big football game, but a trip to the local youth soccer fields or baseball diamond is a great way to socialize your puppy. The talking, cheering, shouting and all the action on the field, provide a great opportunity for puppy socialization.
Also, use your imagination and make the most of your particular environment. Great chances for puppy socialization also exist in the following places –
- Vets office
- Local farm or stables
- Street fair
- Outdoor cafe or coffee shop
- Supermarket car park
- Doggy Day Care
- Dog Obedience School
- Pet supply store
- Drive-thru
- Skateboard park
Puppy Socialization - Things
There are many things, or objects, that you should introduce Fido to as an important part of his puppy socialization experience. Some youll find in your own home or garden, others youll need to go out looking for:
- Noisy or moving appliances (e.g. vacuum, washing machine, blender etc.)
- Stairs and steps
- Television & radio
- Cars, trucks & amp; buses
- Riding IN a car, truck or bus!
- Police/Ambulance/Fire-engine sirens
- Bicycles
- Skateboards and/or roller skates
- Long grass
- Gravel paths
- Letter Boxes
- Phone Boxes
- Bin Bags all piled up
- Large outdoor umbrellas
- Fans
- Balloons (singular and big groups of them)
- Elevators
- Wheelchairs, canes & walkers
- Wind & rain
Operant and Classical Conditioning
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Operant and Classical Conditioning
Operant conditioning is a defined set of principles, developed in the 1930’s by a behavioural scientist called B.F. Skinner. The theory says we can make things happen, either good or bad, by choosing behaviours that are either rewarded or punished. We use the 4 methods Positive Reinforcement, Positive Punishment, Negative Reinforcement and Negative Punishment and where the dog acts upon the environment. Dogs will not generalise well, here, and need to be trained in all different environments in order to fully understand what is required. Once they have learned the behaviour, in the front room, we then need to train that behaviour in the garden, then in the park, and so on, until the behaviour has become generalised. E.g. the dog learns that they can make good things happen by offering the sitting behaviour. Next the dog needs to learn that those good things still happen if the sitting behaviour is performed elsewhere. We are using the Positive reinforcement quadrant here to teach the dog that sit is the behaviour we want, and we want it, to cue, in all environments.
With Classical Conditioning, we are not necessarily looking to train a behaviour, yet looking for an emotional response from our dog. Often our dogs have learnt these responses from a single incident, and thus these become generalised very quickly. Behaviours that involve a strong emotional response where the environment acts upon the dog are classically conditioned. i.e. fear of thunder and lightning or the fear of children after an incident involving a child pulling his/her ears. Next time he/she see’s a child, they can generalise very quickly and have an emotional response of fear towards children. On the other hand, as with Pavlov’s dogs, the emotional response to the bell ringing was to salivate at the prospect of food, and dogs who have had pleasant experiences with children, soon generalise that all children are nice, and their emotional response is one of happy thoughts and not fear.
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When looking to apply operant conditioning or classical conditioning when dealing with a dog’s problem, first we must define the problem. Problems are often defined as problems for the owners and not for the dogs. A dog that loves to greet us by jumping up, may have been rewarded for this by a cuddle here and there, and yet now it has become a problem, especially as the dog has grown bigger and stronger. Here we would teach the dog a new behaviour (operant conditioning) as jumping up is not necessarily an emotional response (classically conditioned) but a learnt one, probably through reward.
We would in this case use positive reinforcement, and maybe, negative punishment to change the unwanted behaviour of jumping up to the desired one of sitting when you greet me.
When the dog jumps up we can turn away (negative punishment) and when the dog puts all 4 feet on the floor, we reward that behaviour (positive reinforcement) As we continue to do this exercise, the unwanted behaviour will extinguish, and the desired behaviour increase.
Alternatively, if we do not want to use negative punishment here, we can ask the dog for an incompatible behaviour to jumping up (desensitisation of incompatible behaviours), a sit, and reward this desired behaviour. Again the unwanted behaviour will eventually extinguish and the desired behaviour increase.
If we were to encounter a dog who would bark at another dog, due to an emotional response of fear (classically conditioned), we could look to change the dogs emotional response using classical conditioning, or a technique called counter conditioning.
For dogs to learn, we must ensure that they are in the right state of mind, and a dog that is so fearful may not be able to learn, as its emotions are such that it is not cognitive to learning. This happens if we subject the dog to too much of the stimuli that causes the fear in the first place. Some trainers will flood the dog here in an attempt to prove to the dog that there is nothing to fear and subsequently change the dogs emotional response and learn to be happier in the presence of other dogs. This method, in my opinion, can also cause a dog to shut down and not be able to learn that other dogs are nothing to be fearful of, or worse still lead to some aggression towards the other dogs. If we ensure that the dog is in a clam state before we introduce the stimuli, then this helps towards learning. We need to change the dogs emotional response from fear by adding something nice in the presence of the stimuli. We can use high quality treats to feed the dog, ensuring that our dog is not overly stressed at each stage. We will keep the stimuli(other dog) at a distance, where our dog is happily eating the treats, thus now pairing the presence of another dog with something nice. We can move the stimuli closer over a period of time or over different sessions, as our dog becomes more at ease, subsequently classically conditioning the dog to enjoy the presence of other dogs.
Jeff Sasse (2010)
