Dog Behavior and Exercise a look at before and after

11.52 in a, after, and, at, before, behavior, Dog, exercise, look

My friend Emilia just emailed me a great photo of her dog Nellie. They were in my Manners Class this last Autumn, along with Nellies dad Nick. Nellie is an absolute sweetheart! Friendly as can be, totally outgoing, motivated to learn, pays attention in class! Her mom and dad have always said she has lots of energy, and that sometimes its hard to deal with, as you can see from this picture... You can also check out her energy level on my "chewing illegal items" post. 

Well they went on a little getaway where Nellie was able to run like the wind forever and a day... and when she got home she could barely chew her dinner let alone get into mischief. This is living proof why our domestic dogs need more exercise than they often receive. As I often say in my classes and privates: A tired dog is a happy dog, and a happier owner! A pictures worth a thousand words... and proof of how good a run-around session really is!  

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Abby and Splash play date at the beach

23.52 in abby, and, at, beach, date, Dog, play, splash, the

Splash taught Abby to swim! Now Abby can swim fearlessly like a true retriever!  Abby taught Splash (not previously a fan) that tennis balls are pretty cool!

Abby is very photogenic! 

Dirty dirty dog... 

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Rresources for a beginner at dog training

07.59 in a, at, beginner, Dog, for, rresources, training

If youve never trained a dog before, it may seem like a daunting task. While there are some things you need to know, there are plenty of resources for a beginner at dog training. This article is designed to help you begin dog training.

The tone of your voice is very important when you are trying to train your dog. Dogs can pick up how you are feeling. An appropriate firm tone can really reinforce a disciplinary message.



 Dont allow your dogs to pick and choose what they listen to. If you cannot wait for your order to be obeyed, do not ask anything of your pet.

 Your whole family should be involved with training the dog. It may be easier for one person to work with the dog until he has mastered basic commands. However, the dog should respond to the same commands when given by any member of the family.

 Six months is the recommended age at which a dog should be spayed or neutered. This is also a good time to begin obedience training classes. You dont want hormones to interfere with the learning process. You and your pet will enjoy a longer and happier life together.

 You should train your dog to walk properly on his leash. This will ensure both his safety and yours when you take him on walks.

 Begin training your dog when its still a young puppy. Much like human children, puppies learn faster than adult dogs. If you start training your dog when he is young, he will be almost as well-behaved as a child.

 Teaching your dog to not tug and pull when on his leash is an important part of his training. Think of the leash as a safety requirement.

 If your dog suddenly starts misbehaving out of the blue, it is best to bring him to the vet so any health problems can be ruled out. An animal that is in pain is liable to act out in ways they would normally never behave. This is your dogs way of seeking help with a potential problem.

 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.

 If you lack patience or cannon remain even-tempered during the training session, do not push forward. If you arent patient, your dog will quickly lose focus and tire of training.

 Be consistent with your dog training to make sure your animal stays obedient to the rules it has been learning. One of the most common mistakes pet owners make is assuming that once training has been completed, no maintenance is required thereafter. However, pets are creatures of habit. This is why you must make sure that you have a rule system that is strict for your dog.

 Always remain in a positive, rewarding attitude while training your dog. A good attitude is a better motivator than punishment. Give your dog frequent rewards for his obedience. Your dog will become fearful and less responsive to commands if you attempt to use fear and punishment as training motivation tools.

 Your dog needs to be up to date on his training. This will help to make them more obedient. A lot of owners will train their dogs once and not conduct any refreshers. Dogs, though, are like people in the way they fall into habits. Your dog must follow the rule system strictly.

 When you begin training your puppy, create a bond with him by first teaching him his name. Call him by name frequently, and teach him to come when called. These should be the primary words your dog needs to learn. Spend as much time as possible with your dog, so you can bond and hell learn youre his master. This way he or she will be more open to some advanced training.

 When training your dog, do not include any punishments. If your dog does not follow the correct behavior, instead of punishing him, gently teach him what to do instead. Build a positive relationship with your dog during the training process.

 Do not try to train your dog if you do not feel you can be patient. Dogs learn more when talked to in a firm, yet calm voice.

 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.

 When doing crate training, train your dog incrementally rather than trying to do it all at once. Allow them to feel comfortable in their crate by closing the door and feeding them treats while praising them. Start off only putting them inside for 10 seconds, and when they seem okay with that, slowly increase the time they are inside. If your puppy starts acting distressed about going into the create, you need to slow things down.

 Give your dog new challenges often. Make sure you quiz him on the stuff he knows, so he stays on his toes.

 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.

 As stated in the beginning of this article, there are many dogs that are trained for various reasons. Everyone knows that dogs have a strong desire to please. A dog that is trained properly will be give you fulfillment and joy in your life. The tips listed above should help you find the best way to curb problems with your pooch.

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Rambling finally pays off! At least in my own mind

18.16 in at, Dog, finally, in, least, mind, my, off, own, pays, rambling

Hello and welcome to my blog... Finally! All these years of rambling behavior, in emails, phone calls, and everyday conversations, I now finally have an outlet where I can just let it all pour out! I love modern technology! Thank you Google and Blogspot - and of course Lorrie Thomas for encouraging me to become a blogger!

So, what is all of my blogging going to be about? What are my goals? My intentions?

Mostly professionally related dog training topics - training and education for canines and their humans... But with a side order of my own personality ;-) Tips and tidbits on the basics of training your dog, trouble-shooting issues I commonly see or am frequently asked about, interesting cases I’m working with (real names protected of course), addressing interesting emails I may receive, responding to comments, or simply my very own humble opinion on life’s daily adventures...I’m thrilled you’re here, and am looking forward to having you join me on this new and exciting blogging experience...

Joan (AKA: Poncho’s mom)

The Inquisitive Canine, LLC

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“Look at That” or LAT Training

23.53 in “look, at, Dog, lat, or, that”, training

The key with “look at that” training is keeping your dog below threshold (i.e. quiet and calm) while teaching them to look at a stimulus they do not normally like and rewarding them for looking at it. To train LAT, use your Clicker Leash to click and reward your dog the second they look at a trigger as long there is no reaction. If your dog is too intense with the triggers being used, start with a neutral target like a piece of paper or other item your dog has no association with and again click as soon as they look at it. When your dog is offering a quick glance towards the target, name it “look.” Your dog will quickly start to look at their triggers and turn back to you for a reward. If your dog does not turn quickly, it is likely because they are over threshold. You should increase the distance between you and the trigger and try again.

Begin playing LAT with a different neutral distraction for about 30 seconds, as often as you can each day. Gradually progress to more challenging distractions such as favourite toys, the mailman, squirrels and approaching people. Once your dog has mastered the game with various distractions, you can progress to using dogs they like and then strange dogs. Remember, the key here is to keep your dog calm during this game. If they begin to growl, bark or lunge, they have gone over threshold and you need to start again with more distance between you and the object.

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Bandit and Splash! at Fiesta Island

01.05 in and, at, bandit, Dog, fiesta, island, splash

To fetch or to herd? That is the question!

Best Buds! 

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Did I learn anything at Hollywood High

20.48 in anything, at, did, Dog, high, hollywood, i, learn

OMG! Thank goodness Ive chosen dog training and canine-human relationship coaching as a profession! After all, this is my true passion - something I love doing every day! Something I find so rewarding - in so many ways... Why do I bring this up? Well, its kinda embarrassing - but lets just say Im glad I didnt choose acting as a career...

I just got home from our local TV station CAPS - They were filming a piece on our local Ventura College Community Education program where I teach my Canine College manners class. Each instructor for the Kaleidoscope Program was given the opportunity to be filmed doing an intro to their class, plus having students there, or doing some sort of demo. Well, you would think that after being born and raised in Hollywood, attending Hollywood High, taking drama classes while there, and working in the entertainment industry for 14 years Id be able to stand in front of a camera and be completely comfortable AND talented! OMG NO WAY! It was a disaster...at least for me - in my own head...everyone else said I did fine...but oh brother, Im not sure what was more painful - me going through the whole thing, or those having to watch me? It was like watching a dying animal at the side of the road... 

Thank goodness I have some wonderful students! There were Carol and Rico, Lisa and Ferris, Danika and Sophie, and Emilia and Nellie! Lorrie my wonderful "web marketing therapist" was there too with all of her support and love, plus she helped direct - and supplied me with my designer water like all the real actresses out there! Anyway, the entire group helped hold my hand and made me look good! I say they were the real stars!

Im thankful I was offered to do it! Karen Gorback the dean of the college program was kind enough to give me the opportunity, and I thank her for that - what doesnt kill us makes us stronger, right? 

The programs that our local Community College offers are so much fun and rewarding... I wish I had more time, maybe Id take an acting or improv class... Until then Ill stick with helping humans and canines live harmoniously! 

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Puppy training at home

05.35 in at, Dog, home, puppy, training

When we talk about Puppy training at home we think of the rewarding feeling of being able to develop an animal’s skills, but there is a lot of work and effort involved in the process too. Puppy training at home begins with potty training and continues with complex tasks and commands. However, before you start Puppy training at home you’ll have to find some professional information on Puppy health and care. The very basic “sit” and “hello” are among the first tricks of Puppy training at home, followed by the leash walk as an essential part of the process of Puppy socializing.

Many pet owners choose to turn to professional videos that teach them Puppy training at home. There are usually two types of approaches to Puppy training at home and in general: the collar treatment and the reward-based program. Studies conducted in recent years have shown that Puppy training at home by using very positive methods is likely to create social and highly reliable animals, that not only will listen to your commands but will always been on guard when it comes to the safety of your family. Puppy training at home may not have the professional background but it surely has an emotional touch.

Once you start Puppy training at home don’t limit to teaching the Puppy how to raise the paw or sit when ordered. You can take Puppy training at home a little further and show the animal how to play “fetch”. It begins by using one of the pet’s favorite toys, but it has to result in the animal’s ability to bring any object. No matter the purpose of Puppy training at home, keep in mind that reward is the magic key to get to your Puppy’s mind. Every time it performs an action, the Puppy will need encouragement to continue; therefore an affectionate moment is welcome and appreciated as much as some goodie treat.

Puppy training at home takes a lot of time and energy, and many people find it a true challenge. However, time should not be a problem as long as you can turn to your animal and lavish a little attention on it. You can even practice fetch during a commercial just like any other commands learned during Puppy training at home. If you don’t want to have your Puppy on the sofa with you, you can always order it to move, and the animal would respond. This is the very practical side of Puppy training at home. By all means avoid bullying the Puppy or raising your voice, as such manifestations develop aggression or fear.

Puppy training at home

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Canine College at Ventura College Community Education begins next month!

23.49 in at, begins, canine, college, community, Dog, education, month, next, ventura

Canine College Registration is Now Open!

Ventura College Community Education course is now open for registration. Class is being offered twice this semester. Please check out their Web site for details and to enroll your dog in one or both sessions.

For additional information you may visit our Web site, or contact us via email or phone.


Happy 2009 to all Inquisitive Canines
and their Inquisitive Owners!


We look forward to seeing you and your dog in the new year!
Joan and her inquisitive canine Poncho
Trainer ~ Counselor ~ Coach

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Its all in how you look at it training versus a chore

08.06 in a, all, at, chore, Dog, how, in, it, its, look, training, versus, you

Heres a question (or two) for all of you dog folks out there:

Do you exercise with your dog? Do you look at walking your dog as a chore? or something fun to do together...? A nice break in the day if you will...

I realized that just like me and my running, setting a goal is a great way to stay motivated. I looked around for a dog-friendly race so Poncho and I could go together, and lucky for us we found a few... Thank you Santa Barbara Athletic Association! So now Im not only taking Poncho for walkies, but were actually in training! At least thats how Im looking at it... 

I wonder if that "Moms in Motion" group will start a sub-group called "Dog Moms in Motion"? Ive asked... and have been ignored... bummer... I bet theyd get a lot more people signing up!

What are your goals with your pets when it comes to "exercise"?

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Isnt it time to look at how we treat our dogs

04.15 in at, Dog, dogs, how, isnt, it, look, our, time, to, treat, we

Okay folks, heads up! This Ventura dog trainer says its time we look at "treats" and rewarding our dogs in a new way. Ive been doing this myself for quite awhile now, and Id love for you to join me in this new way of thinking. 

I think we, as humans, are programmed to look at the word "treat" as that something extra we "earn" doing something thats considered "difficult" for us. Maybe something mentally challenging like studying for an exam, and passing with flying colors, "Hey I deserve a treat tonight." Or little Johnny getting an "A" so he gets a piece of cake. Maybe something physically challenging like training and competing in a triathlon...to celebrate, athletes will take themselves out for a nice meal...or ice-cream! Or parents will take their kids for pizza after a game. We earn it, we deserve it... If we dont do something extra special we dont get it... 

Okay, thats fine for ourselves, but what about our pet dogs? Most people end up giving their dogs their meals out of a bowl without asking them to do much of anything besides "sit" before its placed on the floor... big deal. Then I get training calls about needing help with being quiet in the yard, jumping up to greet people, walking poorly on leash... Well geez, why not use your dogs meal and give them pieces of it whenever theyre doing something you want? This way your dog is "earning" it, but youre training at the same time...getting more "bang for your bowl" so to speak. 

Ive been taking Poncho out a lot, all over town, teaching him to run next to me while on leash. I seem to be the only one using "treats"... but what Im actually using is his meal. Sure Im using higher value stuff because I want the behavior badly, so Im going to use something more motivating...at least for now. Once he "gets it" and is trained, Ill be able to use less and less... or something lower value. 

Im not looking at it as "rewards", Im looking at it as his meal, his daily sustenance, and when were running I look at it as his personal "aid station". I mean come on! When Im running a race there are aid stations every mile! Water, electrolyte drinks, oranges, energy gels, bananas, protein bars, and much more.... a lot of non-food items too - just to make everyone happy and as comfortable as they can be. So why cant I be Ponchos "aid station"? His kibble, turkey, and roast beef are equivalent to my energy gels and protein bars? 

So the next time you pack your own lunch, your own snack, your kids snacks, or pass through the burger drive-through or a Starbucks, remember to pack snackies for your dog too... then use them to reward those behaviors you want! 

BTW, this ice-cream moment was because Ponchos dad happened to be eating an ice-cream and Poncho ignored the mail truck driving by...thats a huge "win" in my book! Bonus! 

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Tues Night Puppy Class at Windan Sea!

11.37 in at, class, Dog, night, puppy, sea, tues, windan

For more info click on this flier to enlarge:

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Out and About at the Beach Dog behavior and proper etiquette

13.49 in about, and, at, beach, behavior, Dog, etiquette, out, proper, the

I received a request from a writer for the AKC regarding "tips for taking your dog to the beach". I applaud them for publishing such great information. I say, the more responsible dog guardians are, the more places we will be allowed to bring our beloved four legged friends - We have so many wonderful beaches here in Ventura, Oxnard, Santa Barbara, Summerland, Carpinteria etc... it would be great to keep those places dog friendly!

Some general guidelines that can help promote a safe and happy time with your dog out at a beach or park are:

• Use leashes if they are required, and it is stated as such. If it’s an off-leash place, keep your dog off-leash as well. Leashes can cause frustration, fear responses, and even fights. If you aren’t able to take your dog off leash, don’t bring them – Unless you’re sitting stationary “camped” in one place and you’re managing their environment. 
• Clean up after your pet. Carry proper elimination bags with you. 
• Bring your dog to public places if they are healthy. If your dog is sick or injured, ask your vet what the best form of exercise should be.
• Monitor your dog and their behavior. Getting caught up socializing with friends can result in your dog wandering off on their own, or getting into an altercation. 
• Spay or neuter your dog. Unaltered dogs tend to wander more, listen less, and are often targeted more often by other dogs. Plus, they don’t have much common sense when it comes to reproducing. The last thing you want is to come home with a pregnant dog, or be the owner of the expectant father. 
• Learn to recognize dog play versus bully behavior. Is your dog being asked to play? Targeted by a bully? Is your own dog wanting to play? Or being a bully themselves? 
• Be careful of humans wanting to say hello to your dog, or your dog wanting to go say hello to others. This goes double for younger kids. Not all dogs do well with kids – either afraid, or wanting to play. 
• Bring dog friendly snacks and plenty of water to fulfill those doggy biological needs. 
• Make sure your dog is up to date on all legally required vaccinations, and that they are licensed.
• Make sure you and your dog are up to speed with those much needed behaviors you learned in your manners classes. This includes: coming when called, "leave it", loose leash walking, greeting politely, and dropping things when asked to (rocks are fun to pick up and chew on). If you need help with those, you can attend one of our classes where we teach all of these behaviors. 
• If your dog enjoys going in the water, make sure they know how to swim. 

Again, Id like to emphasize, the more responsible dog guardians are, the more places we will be allowed to bring them. Please dont be that one person that ruins it for the rest of us! 

For additional information on training services for you and your dog, please contact us. 

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Punishment Used for Modifying Human or Dog Behavior Only Useful if Done Correctly and Enforced Consistently if at All!

13.32 in all, and, at, behavior, consistently, correctly, Dog, done, enforced, for, human, if, modifying, only, or, punishment, used, useful

2010 is in full swing! And with a brand new year that means brand new laws going into effect. Youve probably read about some of the new California laws for 2010: Blueberries, paparazzi and cow tails just to name a few. Sure, all have their place in our legal system, but just like all laws theyre only good if theyre enforced! Otherwise, theyre just empty threats.

Why does this little dog trainer in Ventura bring this subject up? Mainly because:

1. Punishment is still being used too often as a first-line treatment of dog behavior issues: Fancy, gimmicky, popular techniques have people focus in on undesired behaviors, then use methods that "dominate" and "control" with such maneuvers as pinning, pinching and poking! Ouch!
2. When it is used, its not being used correctly: Consistency! Timing! The former is usually absent and the latter is usually off.
3. The more common type of punishment techniques being practiced are less of the humane type and more of the nasty bully type (aka: aversive/coercive): Alpha rolling, pinning, squirting, zapping, and choking which often leads to additional behavioral issues that end up being more difficult to treat than the initial problem behavior!

Okay, first off allow me to clarify once again that just because Im a certified dog trainer who practices positive reinforcement reward-based dog training methods, whose philosophy is in the science camp of dog training, and one who will take the path of least resistance whenever possible, doesnt mean I dont use punishment. I do. However, not as the first step of any training plan. As a matter of fact I dont even bring it up until midway into my dog training classes at Ventura College or my dog training studio. I also use the type of punishment that causes the least amount of nasty side-effects, if any at all.

Whats the basis of my punishment approach if I indeed need to go that route? Simple, reward removal! Similar to sending a basketball player to the bench for one too many fouls, not allowing a dog to participate in an activity (greeting someone or a rousing game of tug) is the punishment.

Theres no reason to head down the "dark path" by kicking, smacking, choking, alpha rolling or "showin him whos boss" in order to get your point across. What do most animals learn when faced with threats and physical harm? How to avoid the punisher! As opposed to which behavior you wanted in the first place. One more reason why punishment should be used as a last resort and with a well thought-out dog training plan!

For additional information on aversive dog training techniques and punishment, please check this dog training tips post from last November.

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