Dog Trainers Need to Practice Too

02.37 in Dog, need, practice, to, too, trainers

Even though Im a professional certified pet dog trainer, doesnt mean I:

1. Have the perfect dog (sorry Poncho, but hey Im not perfect either)
2. Know everything there is to know about dog training
3. Never have to practice...UGH!

You may have known from previous posts of mine, or from Ponchos posts, that weve been going to agility classes taught by our friend Margie Hanlon of the Seaside Scramblers... Margie is a real saint, I have to say, especially after reviewing my last bit of video. Wow, do I need practice. Just to prove that Im not perfect, I am posting a little bit of our latest session. 

Fortunately I did get better after warming up, and of course my hubby did a great job of running Poncho. But I thought this time around Id share a few laughs by showing the not-so-great footage. Good to remind myself that training of any sort is a mechanical skill. (Thank you Bob Bailey). 

Just like I tell my own dog training students, in both my Ventura College Community Education Canine College class, my manners classes at The Inquisitive Canine studio, and private clients, "If you practice, even 3 minutes a couple times a day, you get better, your dog gets better, and you get the behaviors you want!!! Its that simple...Hopefully, next week will be better - for me anyway, Poncho already knows what hes doing!  

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Violence Begets Violence in Pet Dogs Too Yippee For Dog Behavior Studies!

04.28 in begets, behavior, Dog, dogs, for, in, pet, studies, too, violence, yippee

"Do unto others" I say - especially when it comes to teaching my dog training classes and private dog training clients. The last thing I would ever want when learning a knew skill or being taught how to "behave" is to be yelled at or smacked! So why is this acceptable with our pets? In the dog training classes and other dog training services I offer, its not! Thats one reason people come to me in the first place.

It seems that there are some provocative dog training methods out there that have become quite popular due to the media and television. Unlike the Food Network and all of the cooking shows, some of the dog training methods being shown dont seem to be as "user friendly" - for both dogs and the humans...unless of course youre the star of the show. 

Yes, there is more than one way to train a dog, just like there is more than one way to make a meatloaf. But using physical force, coercive methods, and a "its my way or the highway" attitude often doesnt get you as far as teaching an animal what you want in a way they understand. By taking a "I hold myself accountable" friendly, understanding and "have patience" approach, you can not only teach your dog the behavior you want, but you teach it in such a way they end up thinking for themselves, wanting to make the better choice because it:

1. Works for them 
2. They develop positive associations with whatever is happening at the time 
3. Theyre not afraid of being hurt or getting in trouble! 
   

I came across this great study on how Aggression Begets Aggression in our pet dogs from the Applied Animal Behavior Science completed by Herron, Shofer and Reisner. They talk about the use of these popularized dog training methods and how they often lead to an increase of the behavioral issue. Same as humans being raised in a hostile violent environment often end up behaving the same way ~ violence begets violence. 

Thank goodness for those who take the time to study and publish this wonderful doggy data! THERES a television show Id watch! Hmm, how about it Science Channel??? 

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Impulse Control Issues this dog trainer has them too

06.47 in control, Dog, has, impulse, issues, them, this, too, trainer

Okay, so my lovely sidekick Poncho has totally busted me! He was just posting one of his great answers he adapted from our Noozhawk advice column, and mentioned the "Sees" incident, so I guess I need to come clean. 

Yes, I admit it, similar to dogs and counter-surfing, I have impulse control issues too... Although, Ive been able to restrain myself most of the time, once in awhile, my morals breakdown...as both my husband and dog have pointed out. 

We were out and about on my husbands birthday - enjoying our time in Santa Barbara (Poncho wrote about this too), and I thought Id stop for a Sees lollipop on our way home - this is my dessert...they last longer and taste good. I know, it was my hubbys birthday, but he wanted to be nice...and didnt mind stopping. 

Now, just to make it clear, my husband doesnt like chocolate - or any candy for that matter. I know, at first I thought this was weird, but then I realized "more for me!" Anything he gets, he gives to me... Yea!!! 

If youve ever been to Sees you know they give out samples - wow! Talk about positive reinforcement!!! HELLO??? How great is that!? And how smart are they!!! The perfect positive association, right? No wonder they do so well! 

Anyway, I only buy the lollipops, nothing else, although my favorite treat there is the chocolate covered ginger...and hey Ill eat most every sample they give me - I dont though, not usually. But that day, yes, that day was different. Celebrating birthdays, outings to Santa Barbara, ran a lot over the weekend...I deserved it gosh darn-it. So I lied! Yes, me, the always responsible, always truthful, lied! 

They were giving away the chocolate covered vanilla cream, which I took ever so easily, AND asked for a sample of the ginger...my favorite - saying it was for my husband who was outside with Poncho! OMG I totally used him as my excuse knowing full well that he wasnt going to taste one miniscule drop! 

This wasnt pre-mediated... just impulsive on my part. I was going to wait until after dinner...but lo and behold there was a traffic jam, so to help with my mood in the car, I ate them...both of them! Once again, impulsive behavior... And ya know what? They were great! Totally hit the spot! It was worth every impulsive act, every lie, and every calorie!

Impulsive? Yes. Normal behaviors of humans? For many of us, yes. So there ya go Poncho, I confessed. As Ponchos dad has pointed out, my morals finally broke down... I guess we all have our moments...at least no one got hurt. 

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Canine College Graduates Too!

11.43 in canine, college, Dog, graduates, too

We had another graduation this summer! This time it was the "Canine College" class I teach with Ventura College Community Education program. What a great group - so much fun! Wonderful students that worked so hard...both the humans and the canines. Check out some the well-mannered pooches and their companions! 

Sammy walking so nicely on his loose leash... 

Jake posing for his photo-op. 

Duke checkin out his new certificate!

Beijing and Largo practicing their perfect down-stays...

Miss. Lola and her proud mama showing off her certificate!

Great job everyone! Youve done an excellent job ~ cant wait to see you out and about showing off all the skills youve learned! 

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