Walking Your Dog on Leash Doesnt Have to Be a Huge Production

17.00 in a, be, doesnt, Dog, have, huge, leash, on, production, to, walking, your

"My dog pulls like a maniac when I walk him on leash!" "My dog barks at everything when were out walking." "My dog wants to pull me down the street whenever she sees something run by - even a leaf!"

These comments are just a few examples of what I hear every day from various dog owners. Whether it be attendees in my dog training classes, my private dog training clients, or those who have written in to the dog behavior advice column Poncho and I write for, everyone seems to be in the same leash-pulling-boat.

As Ive said in other posts about walking dogs on leash: "Dogs werent born knowing how to walk on leash. And us humans werent born knowing how to use one." Then why is it we think we can just leash up our dogs and head right out the door into a world that, to our pet dogs, is probably more like an amusement park than anything else, and think they would understand exactly what we want? To me, a certified professional dog trainer, this is one of those "unrealistic expectations" kinda moments. Leash walking is an art, a science, and definitely an act that requires practice! And just like any new skill, its best to start out slow and simple, and then build as you (and your dog) progress along.

I like to break down the leash walking behavior I teach my dog training students into three sections.

• First and foremost: Reward what you want!!!! If you want your dog walking next to you, then reward him or her with yummy treats while they are next to you. Lure your dog into position and reward them. Its that simple.
• STOP! If and when your dog does pull, stop dead in your tracks! They will soon learn that pulling gets them nowhere, but walking next to you gets them yummy treats and walkies.
• Use your dogs environmental motivators as rewards! Okay, remember, our dogs walkies should be about them, and not always about us. They want to sniff? Mark? Say hello to another person or dog? Roll in something dead? Well shoot, use that to your advantage. Ask for a "sit" or "Watch me", then allow them to go and do their doggy thing. It doesnt always have to be about food.

Establishing boundaries to avoid doing a face-plant into the sidewalk makes for a nice outing, for both you and your dog.

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Dog can learn to be well behaved

16.46 in be, behaved, can, dog, learn, to, well

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.

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Impulse Control and Dogs if dogs had any they wouldnt be dogs would they

19.33 in and, any, be, control, Dog, dogs, had, if, impulse, they, would, wouldnt

Today was session number four of my dog training Manners Class at the inquisitive canine studio. Its one of my favorite to teach, but also one of the most intense and informative. Why? Because this session starts to bring all of the previously learned elements together, along with learning all about impulse control, and how to teach your dog to have a little!

We started with puppy push-ups, practicing the separation of verbal and visual cues (two separate languages you know), then loose leash walking part one exercises. This was a nice way for everyone - dogs and humans - to warm up their mechanical skills, and their brains. One we were all warmed up, it was time for teaching the technique of "reward removal", or, punishment!!! Yep, just because Im a positive reinforcement, non-coercion, and non-aversive dog trainer, doesnt mean I dont use punishment. Sure I do - but its the type that shouldnt cause the nasty side-effects the other old fashioned nasty methods do. 

Okay, so now it was time for the impulse control specific exercises:

• Greeting nicely
  
• Waiting at doors
• Taking treats gently

The first step of any new behavior: reward what you want. I had the humans practice their first visualization exercise: paint your Norman Rockwell picture - thats what you reward! For many it was:

• Sitting for greeting others (or four-on-the-floor) while others approach, dog gets up or lunges forward, dog doesnt get to say hello. 
• Butt on ground makes door open, dog gets up and door closes.
• Treat presented to dog, not dog snatching treat out of hand.

I saw many people practicing perfect skills! You can see Riley here in this photo - he learned very quickly if you sit, your own guardians give lots of treats, plus other humans say hello too. 

Jacob learned to take treats gently, and Esi figured out that sitting at the door made it open more quickly. 

As for the myth busting, we had some of that too. Not sure who came up with dogs wanting to be dominant or aggressive by going through doorways first - how silly is that? I believe its just theyre a lot more excited than we are about getting to the other side first. However, having them sit first, or at the very least waiting until you give them an "okay," is appropriate. 

Maybe we could learn a little something from our exuberant pooches. Life would be much more exciting if we humans were that happy about every little thing that happened in our daily lives...

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I Will Try To Be Better

16.44 in be, better, Dog, i, to, try, will

I have been neglectful in my blogging.  As is normally the case, Ive tried to do too much and ended up with nothing at all.  So, long, insightful articles pushed aside, I will try to do what a writer should do.  Write.  Just make it happen, no matter what.  There is plenty going on. 

I have a dog who is drinking so much (gallons) and peeing so much that he has been banished to an outdoor kennel during the day.  A posh, comfy kennel, but an outdoor kennel all the same.  Ive never had an outdoor dog. 

I have a new board & train dog starting next week - a little Havanese that is aggressive towards other dogs when on leash.  It will be fun to work with him.  Hopefully I can improve his outlook and help make life easier for him and his loving owners.

I had a wonderful conversation today with Dr. Chris Pachel, the area veterinary behaviorist.  I like his style and look forward to meeting him next Tuesday. 

We had a full blown hail storm tonight, with an icy accumulation and enough lightning and thunder to send Timber into a panting, pacing tizzy.  Watch out Tim, that thunder might get you!

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Dont be Cruel

04.31 in be, cruel, Dog, dont

This poor dog is riding in the wrong end of the pick-up truck.  Although its a beautiful day out (yes, sunny and mild in Portland, Oregon!), dogs should never ride like this in the open back of a truck.  If a dog must be transported in the back, they should be in an airplane-style plastic crate that has been carefully secured to the bed of the truck. 

You may notice from the photo that he is tied with a red and white leash.  In some cases that could be considered an acceptable manner of securing the dog, but the tie down needs to be very short and fixed to the middle of the truck bed, not one side or the other as is the case with this dog.  Tying a dog with a leash that is too long, or too close to the edge of the truck is actually more dangerous than leaving him loose.  If the dog were to jump or fall, he would come up short and could be dragged or repeatedly run over.  Not something for mans best friend!

In most states, including Oregon, transporting a dog this way is actually against the law, generally falling under animal cruelty statutes.  Unfortunately catching people for the offense is difficult, but it can be done.  Hopefully the owners of this handsome dog will come to their senses and let him ride where he should be - shotgun!

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Nordic Championships

03.26 in a, be, calm, championships, Dog, house, inside, kept, nordic, outside, previously, teaching, the, to

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