"Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake."
-Henry David Thoreau
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Senin, 20 Juni 2016
Rabu, 08 Juni 2016
You CAN teach an old dog man new tricks!
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Okay, let me first say hes NOT OLD! My "man" that is... But, he can learn new things... Yep, three years after becoming a trainer and establishing The Inquisitive Canine, a year and a half since opening the studio...and my own husband, father of our dog, love of my life, supporter of all I get into, has finally signed up for one of my classes with our dog Poncho! I couldnt believe it... but he said he finally believes that 1) the training does work, and 2) he needs to learn some of these techniques so Poncho will perform the same behaviors with him as he does with me.
For years Ive said that dogs dont generalize (perform same behavior in similar situations) - and that we need to re-teach them in any new situation. A new place, person (different person training), situation etc... you have to re-teach the dog...its as simple as that. Im not too sure what finally sent my hubby over the edge of not being convinced to actually "believing", but Im thrilled hes finally there! And that he is excited about coming to class and learning... He even filled out his goal sheet and is reading through his workbook!
I have to say, this has made my day - and is SO rewarding to me! I love how we positively reinforce one another - makes for a great relationship... Now Id better go catch him in the act of doing what I love and reward him for it! (husband and the dog)...
Sabtu, 04 Juni 2016
This Dog Trainer Can Trust Her Own Dog and the Dog Training
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We had a little incident at our home this evening. Yep, I admit, this dog trainer isnt perfect and neither are the rest of the humans in the household. However, Poncho, my inquisitive canine and trusty dog behavior advice column sidekick seemed to be spot on tonight, (although I admit my fast twitch muscle fibers were working well).
What was the issue? We had a cookie malfunction: my darling husband was carrying a cookie and half of it fell out of his hand and flew across the slippery hardwood floor like a hockey puck on the way to the goal. Needless to say, Poncho McQuikie pants was right on its tail!
I was in the other room, watching the whole thing go down, envisioning Poncho consume his entire caloric intake for the week in one bite, but before his soft warm fuzzy lips wrapped themselves around the delectable molasses chew from Trader Joes, I yelled out "Leave it!" as I was flying out of the chair and across the room, while reaching in and grabbing the mouthwatering morsel up off the floor...AND BY GOLLY PONCHO THE DOG DID IT! Poncho actually backed away from it even BEFORE my hand was near it! I was so shocked I did the happy dance, said he was a good boy, then broke off a tiny, Poncho-sized piece for his reward of leaving it alone!
The "Leave it!" behavior is one of the basic cues I teach in many of my dog training classes here in Ventura. And I guess all the practice with him as my demo dog has paid off! During this more emotional time, I allowed all the training practice to kick in and lo and behold it worked! One of my dog training class mantras is "Train it before you need it!" or "Dont wait to need a behavior to train a behavior!" I always hope I never have to use this type of cue (usually indicates danger), but its nice to know I have it in my arsenal just in case there is a cookie incident.
Another point I make in my dog training classes is the concept of "trust". The use of food in dog training helps dogs develop trust between themselves and whomever is working with them, or with other humans. For owners, they need to trust that their dogs are actually going to perform the behaviors they are being taught. I guess Im the prime example of that!
Thank you my darling inquisitive canine Poncho! I hope I wont need to use that cue again, but its nice to know youre paying attention and that I can trust you know youre stuff - and the cues! What a good boy you are!
Rabu, 01 Juni 2016
How To Train Your Puppy The Right Way – Introducing Your Puppy To Your Home And Family
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Puppy training is very important, whether you are training your first puppy or your 20th. Properly training and socializing a puppy is vital to making it a valued member of your family and your community.
In some ways training a puppy is easier than training an adult or adolescent dog. One reason is that the puppy is essentially a "blank slate", untroubled by past training techniques and other issues. In other ways, however, the puppy can be more difficult to train than an older dog.
One challenge to training a new puppy is that puppies are more easily distractible than adolescent and adult dogs. Everything is new to a puppy, and every new experience provides a new chance for distraction. For this reason, it is best to keep training sessions short when working with a puppy, and to end each training sessions on a positive note.
It is also important to allow the puppy plenty of time to play, and to interact with other puppies and dogs. Socialization training is vital to making your new puppy a good canine citizen, as dog aggression is a growing problem in many areas. A properly socialized dog learns how to play properly with other dogs, and overly aggressive play is punished by the other dogs in the play group.
This type of play learning is something that happens among siblings in litters of puppies. As the puppies play with each other, they learn what is appropriate and what is not. Inappropriate behavior, such as hard biting or scratching, is punished by the other puppies, by the mother dog, or both.
Unfortunately, many puppies are removed from their mothers and sold or adopted before this socialization has fully occurred. Therefore, puppy play sessions are a very important part of any puppy training session. Most good puppy preschool training programs provide time in each session for this type of dog interaction.
Introducing your puppy to new experiences and new locations is also an important part of puppy training. Teaching your dog to be obedient and responsive, even in the face of many distractions, is very important when training dogs and puppies.
It is important for puppy owners to structure their pets environment so that the puppy is rewarded for good behaviors and not rewarded for others. One good example of this is jumping on people. Many people inadvertently reward this behavior because it can be cute. While it is true that jumping can be cute for a 10 pound puppy, it will not be so cute when that puppy has grown into a 100 pound dog.
Instead of rewarding the puppy for jumping, try rewarding it for sitting instead. This type of positive reinforcement will result in a well behaved adult dog that is a valued member of both the family and the community at large.
This type of reinforcement can also be used in potty training the new puppy. For instance, teaching a puppy to use a unique surface such as gravel or asphalt is a good technique. The theory is that the puppy will associate this surface with going potty, and therefore be reluctant to use other surfaces (like your kitchen carpet for instance) as a potty.
Copyright Jonathan Cheong - http://www.absolute-dog-training.com
Written by: Jonathan Cheong
In some ways training a puppy is easier than training an adult or adolescent dog. One reason is that the puppy is essentially a "blank slate", untroubled by past training techniques and other issues. In other ways, however, the puppy can be more difficult to train than an older dog.
One challenge to training a new puppy is that puppies are more easily distractible than adolescent and adult dogs. Everything is new to a puppy, and every new experience provides a new chance for distraction. For this reason, it is best to keep training sessions short when working with a puppy, and to end each training sessions on a positive note.
It is also important to allow the puppy plenty of time to play, and to interact with other puppies and dogs. Socialization training is vital to making your new puppy a good canine citizen, as dog aggression is a growing problem in many areas. A properly socialized dog learns how to play properly with other dogs, and overly aggressive play is punished by the other dogs in the play group.
This type of play learning is something that happens among siblings in litters of puppies. As the puppies play with each other, they learn what is appropriate and what is not. Inappropriate behavior, such as hard biting or scratching, is punished by the other puppies, by the mother dog, or both.
Unfortunately, many puppies are removed from their mothers and sold or adopted before this socialization has fully occurred. Therefore, puppy play sessions are a very important part of any puppy training session. Most good puppy preschool training programs provide time in each session for this type of dog interaction.
Introducing your puppy to new experiences and new locations is also an important part of puppy training. Teaching your dog to be obedient and responsive, even in the face of many distractions, is very important when training dogs and puppies.
It is important for puppy owners to structure their pets environment so that the puppy is rewarded for good behaviors and not rewarded for others. One good example of this is jumping on people. Many people inadvertently reward this behavior because it can be cute. While it is true that jumping can be cute for a 10 pound puppy, it will not be so cute when that puppy has grown into a 100 pound dog.
Instead of rewarding the puppy for jumping, try rewarding it for sitting instead. This type of positive reinforcement will result in a well behaved adult dog that is a valued member of both the family and the community at large.
This type of reinforcement can also be used in potty training the new puppy. For instance, teaching a puppy to use a unique surface such as gravel or asphalt is a good technique. The theory is that the puppy will associate this surface with going potty, and therefore be reluctant to use other surfaces (like your kitchen carpet for instance) as a potty.
Copyright Jonathan Cheong - http://www.absolute-dog-training.com
Written by: Jonathan Cheong
Rabu, 11 Mei 2016
Tricks you can teach your dog to do
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It is very common in households around the world to incorporate dogs and other domestic animals into the family home. Puppies, like most baby animals, have mischievous streaks. Read on for some ideas on training 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. Use a clicker to give the dog a treat whenever the dogs uses his mouth to hold a toy. After a few tries you should allow the dog to pick up the toy on his own. As soon as the dog does this, use the clicker and give a reward. If he holds it in his mouth, you can give him a reward.
Inform guests on the proper protocols for interacting with your dog. These kind of things can cause your dog to jump on people or adopt a dominant attitude.
Disciplined leash walking is very important in dog training. Not only is this safer for the dog and easier on your body, such a frequent activity mandates good self-control and reinforcement of the chain of command from training.
If you are feeling anxious, or feel like you cant be patient, it is best to not even start a session. Your patience is vital for encouraging the focused attention your dog needs to get the full benefits of training.
Anxious dogs are prone to chewing on things they shouldnt. If you give the dog a chew toy and put him in the safety of a dog crate, he can occupy himself while youre not at the house.
Use treats your dog really loves to achieve maximum training efficiency. This might be an extra-special treat that your dog does not ordinarily have the opportunity to enjoy.
Big dogs need a bed that can accommodate them, especially if they like to stretch and sleep on their back. There are big, long dog beds around for larger dogs, or you could look for a mattress taken from a crib. 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!
When considering the possibility of hiring a professional to work with your dog, look into their background, reputation and conduct an in depth interview with them. Many animal behavior specialists have opposing opinions on how to correctly train dogs. Be sure to verify that the trainer you hire has similar ideas as yours, prior to implementing any of their tips.
Include plenty of physical activity in your dogs training routine. Dogs can easily get bored. A bored dog will try and find something interesting to do, and training is not usually interesting. Keeping your dog exercised and happy will help them pay attention more due to releasing all excess energy that often distracts them from your commands. Go for long walks and runs with your dog.
Get everyone in your house on the same page regarding dog training. If the dog jumps up and you use "get down" but your husband says "no boy", the dog will get confused. You give your dog a greater chance for success if everyone is on board with using the same words.
The way dogs learn is by repeating techniques and being rewarded. You need to make sure your dog understands what the expected behavior is, be consistent in your expectations and practice the behaviors daily. This is the correct way for a dog to learn a trick. You have to show them with plenty of repetition and rewards.
A consistent schedule of feeding and potty-time is very important when house training your dog. By establishing a regular potty-time every day, you will get your dog in the habit of doing his business at the same time daily. Sticking to a schedule will teach your dog how to control himself until his next scheduled potty break.
Training should be fun for your dog. Only train your dog in ten to fifteen minute sessions. A dog has a limited attention span so any longer will cause him or her to become bored. Be sure to provide rewards often, and give different treats from time to time. You should lavish praises on your dog for following your instructions. The more enjoyable training is for your dog, the more he will look forward to it!
When it comes to training your dog, never give up. Dogs need consistent reinforcement in what you have taught them so they remember the good behaviors and dont revert back to their old, disobedient ways they had before training. Training never ends. It is an important part of taking care of your dog.
Limit the duration of training sessions. A long, uninterrupted training period is going to exhaust your dogs attention. Start off with individual training periods of no more than 10 minutes.
A dog needs to be trained from the outset. The sooner you start training the dog the better, because they have not learned bad habits that you will have to correct. If you never give your dog any scraps from table food, they will never start begging for it.
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.
Dogs that have trouble with separation anxiety need to develop stronger relationships with others in your household. Allowing the dog to establish relationships with new people will lessen its dependence on the owner.
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.
You should be able to have a clean home and a loving dog. While a dog can cause quite a bit of destruction, and make a mess in your home, proper dog training will alleviate most of these issues. Take advantage of the tips mentioned here, and you will be rewarded with a peaceful environment and a loving dog..
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..
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.
Jumat, 15 April 2016
Adult dog mentors Raising a puppy
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Having your puppy around sound adult dog mentors is a great way for puppies to learn the skills of living in a modern world. This does not mean, letting the adult dog correct the puppy constantly, but instead setting the puppy up to succeed in the presence of the adult dog by reinforcing calm choices and preventing the puppy from practicing undesirable behavior. A lot of puppy classes focus on puppies learning to learn from other puppies, and this can lead to some unwanted behaviors- like over excited play, or no impulse control around other dogs, etc, so make sure your puppy has some adult dog mentors as well as playmates!Rabu, 06 April 2016
Why Yawns Are Contagious Calming Signals in Dogs and How We Can Use Them
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We all know that dogs can’t talk (whether or not we care to admit it is another thing altogether). What they do rely on is body language – lots and lots of body language. While we might approach a stranger and say, “Hey, I’m new here. It’s nice to meet you,” a dog might walk up to another dog in an arc with a slow, circular wagging tail, its ears back and drop into a butt-up, front down stretch. They are both ways to express “I’m friendly and mean no harm.”
Calming signals are just what they sound like. They are behaviors offered by a dog in an attempt to keep a situation calm. We aren’t completely sure if they are used by one dog solely to calm another dog, solely to calm themselves, or a combination of both. My feeling is that the latter is true, especially since calming signals are often both offered and returned. We can help our dogs feel comfortable by learning what their calming signals are and respecting them, and even by responding in kind, repeating their gesture as best we can (tail wagging obviously excluded).
Before getting into what calming signals can be, I want to emphasize that context is important. Think of how a person telling another “you fool!” can be issued as an insult or an expression of teasing affection. Context is important, regardless of species. For example, ears held back on a dog’s head can be a calming signal, a sign of fear, or even just the physical nature of the breed.
You may or may not notice calming signals with your own dog. Unless you recently adopted your dog or have a new puppy, chances are your relationship is fairly established. Your dog may not feel the need to offer these signals on a regular or frequent basis. Unfortunately we can also extinguish calming signals in our pets, even without intention. If a dog offers calming signals that are repeatedly ignored or corrected, eventually they will stop trying. Think about people – if your partner brought you flowers after a fight and you always responded with snide comments about wasting money or stinking up the house, chances are your partner would stop buying flowers – at least for you! Since we are frequently our dog’s entire world, our response (or lack thereof) to their behavior is critically important.
Calming signals may include:
· “Look aways” (turning the head to the side, away from the other dog or person)
· Yawning
· Sniffing (becoming very interested in not much of anything)
· Paw raises (raising one of the front paws off the ground)
· Shake offs (can be a slight shake off or entire body, as if wet)
· Scratching (like they are itchy – a sudden case of “fleas”)
· Blinking
· Lip licking (or nose licking)
· Moving in an arc (approaching or leaving in a semi-circle, not a direct path)
· Sitting or lying down
· Stretching (particularly into a play bow position, though not quite the same behavior)
· Making a “soft face” – ears back, soft eyes, etc.
There are a few signals that you may want to try, either with your dog or a dog you are just meeting.* They can help a dog feel more comfortable, and may even be offered back to you.
Blinking is pretty universal between species – go for slow, deliberate blinks (not fast fluttering). Lip licking is also simple to duplicate. Again, make it slow and obvious. You can actually lick your lips or even just stick your tongue out a few times. “Look aways” involve turning your head to either side, away from the dog. You may then look back, without making eye contact, then look away again. A paw lift is a little more difficult (largely since we don’t have paws and walk on two legs, not four). But if you are feeling daring you can try it with one arm, holding it as if you were imitating a hurt paw.
You may have figured out now how yawning can be contagious. Offered as a calming signal between dogs, or even from dog to human (and human to dog), a yawn is much more than feeling sleepy. It can be offered back and forth, and maybe thats why we feel the urge to yawn when someone near us yawns.
For additional information on calming signals, read On Talking Terms with Dogs by Turid Rugaas. Rugaas is an internationally acclaimed dog trainer from Norway who has done extensive studies on calming signals in dogs. You can visit her website at http://www.canis.no/rugaas/index.php . A good visual example of using calming signals with dogs can be found in KikoPup’s collection of YouTube videos (http://youtu.be/MgnLgHFRJu4 ). While you’re there check out her other videos – Emily has produced a goldmine of how-to videos on clicker training everything from cool tricks to problem behaviors.
Video: KikoPups How To Communicate With Dogs in Their Own Language
* Offering calming signals doesn’t make it safe to approach an aggressive dog. When in doubt, keep your distance.
Sabtu, 26 Maret 2016
HOW YOU CAN HOUSEBREAK YOUR POMERARIAN
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HOW YOU CAN HOUSEBREAK YOUR POMERARIAN
Pomeranians are energetic and sharp dogs that are taught with no trouble, but like many small dogs housebreaking a Pomeranian can be a bit of a test. The solution to effectively potty training your Pomeranian is to begin early on and keep up a planned and prepared training timetable.
One fact you have in your support is this – Pomeranians are very hygienic by character. They dislike dirtying the place where they sleep and eat. What’s more, dogs automatically build up behavior about where they do their job. A few dogs like to go on grass, while other dogs on gravel. Determining out what your dogs likes better and using that to your benefit can assist in your house training duty.
The foremost rule while house training the Pomeranian is to fix the training spot. Given that dogs do not like to dirty their bed, you want a small spot such as a small room or a crate. When you use a crate, make certain that the dog has an adequate amount of room to move about - you cannot be expecting your Pomeranian to be pleased in an undersized constricted crate for the time of the house breaking period.
You have to use as much time in the training spot with your Pomeranian as feasible. Have fun with the dog in there and give food to the dog there as well. Make certain that your dog has a good bed and can feel all snug and cozy in the spot. Do not get disheartened if your dog does in fact eliminate in this spot in the beginning - once he makes out that this is his own area he will definitely be unwilling to do so. You can let the dog out in other places when you are able to look at him, but when you are not home, keep your dog limited to “his area”.
Next you have to put up the toilet spot. This has to be an area where your dog can get to each time he has to eliminate. You have to look at the dog and go together with him to the toilet area every time he looks like he is going to eliminate. Of course, commend him when he does so he gets the thought that going there is a good thing.
If you put your dog on a fixed feeding timetable it will become simple to guess when your dog has to eliminate. Once the dog is using the toilet spot over and over again and is not going in his training spot, you can spread out out to the other parts of the home. Make wider his training spot a bit at a time at all times keeping an eye out to make certain that he just eliminates in the toilet spot.
When you spread out into a new spot, be with your dog as much as feasible. It might be essential to put the dog back in the training spot when you are not at home until he makes out that the new spot is also his “space” and does not try to eliminate there.
Pomeranians are energetic and sharp dogs that are taught with no trouble, but like many small dogs housebreaking a Pomeranian can be a bit of a test. The solution to effectively potty training your Pomeranian is to begin early on and keep up a planned and prepared training timetable.
One fact you have in your support is this – Pomeranians are very hygienic by character. They dislike dirtying the place where they sleep and eat. What’s more, dogs automatically build up behavior about where they do their job. A few dogs like to go on grass, while other dogs on gravel. Determining out what your dogs likes better and using that to your benefit can assist in your house training duty.
The foremost rule while house training the Pomeranian is to fix the training spot. Given that dogs do not like to dirty their bed, you want a small spot such as a small room or a crate. When you use a crate, make certain that the dog has an adequate amount of room to move about - you cannot be expecting your Pomeranian to be pleased in an undersized constricted crate for the time of the house breaking period.
You have to use as much time in the training spot with your Pomeranian as feasible. Have fun with the dog in there and give food to the dog there as well. Make certain that your dog has a good bed and can feel all snug and cozy in the spot. Do not get disheartened if your dog does in fact eliminate in this spot in the beginning - once he makes out that this is his own area he will definitely be unwilling to do so. You can let the dog out in other places when you are able to look at him, but when you are not home, keep your dog limited to “his area”.
Next you have to put up the toilet spot. This has to be an area where your dog can get to each time he has to eliminate. You have to look at the dog and go together with him to the toilet area every time he looks like he is going to eliminate. Of course, commend him when he does so he gets the thought that going there is a good thing.
If you put your dog on a fixed feeding timetable it will become simple to guess when your dog has to eliminate. Once the dog is using the toilet spot over and over again and is not going in his training spot, you can spread out out to the other parts of the home. Make wider his training spot a bit at a time at all times keeping an eye out to make certain that he just eliminates in the toilet spot.
When you spread out into a new spot, be with your dog as much as feasible. It might be essential to put the dog back in the training spot when you are not at home until he makes out that the new spot is also his “space” and does not try to eliminate there.
Senin, 21 Maret 2016
Dogs Celebrating the 4th of July Can Create An Explosive Situation
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I remember when I was very young going to Echo Park every 4th of July for the fireworks show. I also recall hiding under my pink blanket, tensing up, whimpering a little, all out of fear. My parents were very cautious, keeping me and my brother safe. But it didnt matter. I guess the sound of the explosives, the crowd, and all the smoke were way too much for me.
As I got older I certainly understood the whole concept of the celebration of this festive summertime holiday, but it doesnt mean Im any less fearful. Ive been known to enjoy watching the various shows from afar...but Ill be honest, I still get a little twinge of anxiety whenever I hear the loud explosions. Maybe its because these "bombs" can cause damage and harm to all animals, and the environment. Especially when alcohol is involved.
Okay, my intention isnt to be a party-pooper...Im looking forward to going out and celebrating as well...spending time with friends and whatnot. But, as a certified professional dog trainer, and dedicated dog mom to Poncho, its my priority to keep him safe and out of harms way.
Im sure youre planning on protecting your pets as well, but Id like to pass along a few safety tips for keeping dogs (and kitties) safe this holiday:
- Manage your environment! If youre having a party, or going to be bringing your dog to a party, it might be best to have them confined to a specific out-of-harms-way area with proper enrichment such as chew bones or a stuffed food toy, or tethered to you with a leash. Ive said it before and Ill say it again: If something is within reach (including jumping up or climbing on tables to get it), it’s going to be investigated! Please keep any and all food items out of our reach. This includes closing the barbeque cover. Jumping up on a hot grill isn’t very smart, but some dogs haven’t learned that yet - like when kids touch a hot stove.
- Food items: Although some dogs have a rock-gut stomach, many others do not. Please make sure you you stick with your dogs regular diet. And ask all of the other humans to refrain from handing out snacks, no matter how much your dog begs. Some foods aren’t good for dogs and they might not know it. You can always post a reminder sign in plain view for everyone to see.
- BBQ Accessories: Lighter fluid, charcoal, matches, lighters: All of these items used for the barbeque are often placed in areas where many dogs like to sniff around. Please be aware of where they are placed, and to keep them out of reach from the top dog CSIs.
- Alcoholic beverages: Alcohol can be poisonous to dogs so please keep all beverage containers (except our fresh water) out of reach.
- Decorations: Candles, tiki torches, oil lamps, and other decorative products like this can be fun to investigate. Unfortunately they can cause harm if they fall over on dogs, or are eaten. So again, if your dog is running around the house, keep these items in a safe place or put away altogether.
- Keep all pets inside your home where it is safe. Sometimes the explosions scare us and we like to run away.
- ID and License: Make sure your dog (and kitties too) are wearing a collar with license and ID tag. Just in case they take off, the authorities will have a better chance of finding you.
- Stay home or have a pet sitter: Leave your dog at home. Fireworks shows are fun for all of you humans, but for many of us dogs they’re too overwhelming. If you aren’t able to stay home with them, consider hiring a professional pet sitter or have a friend come over to hang out and comfort your pets.
- Medications: If the anxiety is too much for your dog or cat to handle, contact your veterinarian about the various medication options for helping to reduce noise phobia anxiety.
Another step you’ll want to take is having phone numbers and other contact information handy.
- Animal Poison Control: If your dog or cat ingests something they shouldn’t have, you can contact the animal poison control center 24/7
- Pet Emergency Clinic: Know in advance where the nearest 24-hour pet emergency clinic is and the fastest way to get there. This is something I was reminded of in the Pet First Aid & CPR course I just took with Denise Fleck. The day that we had to rush Poncho to our own pet emergency clinic, VMSG, we had to think very hard of how the best way to get there was. The clinic had recently relocated, and we ended up going the wrong way - this was our own fault for not planning ahead! Its also doubly important if you are traveling with your dog and are unfamiliar with the area youre in.
I’m not a party-pooper. Trust me, I love a barbeque and a party as much as anyone. But whatever you end up doing this weekend, please make sure you take those extra steps in keeping your pets safe so you can enjoy celebrating more holidays together!
