This dog trainer is such a hypocrite!

00.49 in a, Dog, hypocrite, is, such, this, trainer

Im talking about me folks. The patient dog trainer and human-dog relationship coach... the one who is able to fix everyones elses issues with their own dogs... Yep, Im the hypocrite. Making a public announcement and apology for everyone to hear. Ready? Okay...here goes...

Im a barker!!! Thats right - ME! I bark...sometimes way too much. Now, you wouldnt think so. After all, Im not a dog (Im trying to forget what they called me in high school, but thats another story...) But it occurred to me as I was driving around town, Poncho in the backseat, tucked in his car seat all safe and sound... and being quiet as could be. Ive trained him pretty well - just like I help others in my dog training classes at The Inquisitive Canine. Once in a while I have to "go back to kindergarten" and remind him with some rewards for being quiet (and a time out if hes barking too much)... But this time it was all my fault. Me, the dog trainer, the one who teaches dogs to be quiet...I was the one being loud and obnoxious - "barking" at all those drivers on the road either causing traffic jams, not paying attention to everything around them... "HEY! The lights green! For gosh sakes hang up the phone and pay attention!!!" "And YOU! If you want to change lanes, then signal! They dont design cars with turn signals for nothing!" "And hey you, driving is a privilege not a right! Obey the laws like everyone else!" Wow...listen to me Im barking again. 

Poncho...my sweet boy. Mama is sorry. Ive been barking in the car too. And youve been so kind as to not give me a time-out! Next time, instead of me barking, Ill redirect my energy and reward you for being quiet... Extra treats for you - and some "pet therapy" for me. 

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Reasons Why This Ventura Dog Trainer Loves Her Private Training Clients

08.44 in clients, Dog, her, loves, private, reasons, this, trainer, training, ventura, why

I just had one of those awesome private dog training clients today! The kind that just makes me love my profession even more than I already do. The reason I love going to "work" (Really? This is "work"?), even on a Saturday afternoon. 

This very nice couple recently adopted an adult dog from a California Animal Shelter. Just like my own Poncho the Dog, this dog came with a few "issues" - but hey, come on, we ALL come with "issues" right? We all bring some sort of baggage into each and every one of our relationships. Anyway, this dog, who was very sweet, did have a few things these nice dog folks wanted to help "fix". How great is that? Not only do they adopt an adult dog, but they take one with "special needs", and then want to try and help this sweet pooch work through them. Talk about selfless. 

The other nice thing? The gentleman was concerned when he came to todays session. He had admitted that he was thinking that I, this certified pet dog trainer, was going to give him the same information that he had kept hearing elsewhere. Either by other trainers, or books, or other people. And that the training steps were going to be complicated, or not make much sense. 

Well, it seems he was pleasantly surprised! He told me that not only did the info I shared make sense to him but that the training steps were simple, and easy for him to use in his already busy daily life. He also confirmed what I was saying made perfect sense! Now theyre so excited about wanting to work with their dog, that theyre motivated enough so they can come to some of my upcoming dog training classes and workshops. 

Wow! How is that for positively reinforcing?! (I mean for me!) Quite a rewarding afternoon for yours truly. Cant wait to see them out in public practicing those newly acquired skills! 

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This Dog Trainer Needs to Refine Her Skills

12.14 in Dog, her, needs, refine, skills, this, to, trainer

Okay, before you start saying "What? Huh? What do you mean?" Im talking specifically about refining my mini-golf skills, not my skills as a dog trainer - I already do that everyday.

Whatever your "skill" is, whether it be dog training, wood carving, snow-boarding, or miniature golf, if you want to do well at something, or achieve the goals youve set for yourself, then you need to practice, practice, and practice again. Remember the old adage, "If you dont use it, you lose it." Well I was living proof of that today...dog training every day, mini-golf, uh, not so much. 

I cant recall the last time I played miniature golf - its been years, I know that. Well, my good friends, (Wild-Web-Women Lorrie Thomas, Emilia Doerr, Nicki Gauthier, and Pamela Sherman) came south from Santa Barbara today to celebrate Emilias BIG 3-0 B-Day at Golf n Stuff here in Ventura. It was a great time! I think I shot about 100 over par...but hey, it was about having fun, not scoring...good thing because Lorrie even mentioned how it had been so long since she used a pencil and paper (versus computer) that she wasnt sure how the scoring was done, so we decided not to...thank goodness. I think she and I both tried to cheat at some point, and couldnt even pull that off! Duh! 

Anyway, having the club in my hand just reminded me how not keeping up with any skill can make you forget... however, the good thing is that it started to come back towards the back nine. So I know that if I stuck with it, Id probably do better each time. 

Mini-golf isnt as important to me as some of the skills I teach my dog training clients. I explain that taking one class is great to get started, but it certainly doesnt stop there. Of course they dont have to continue taking classes forever, I dont like to add that type of pressure in. But lets face it, "life is training". We humans go through 12+ years just to graduate high school, then onto college or some type of training to get a job... then as we get older we might go back to school for some reason or another - career change or just for fun...Regardless, obtaining skills takes practice! 

So, if youve already taken your dog to a dog training class, go practice those behaviors. If you havent, think about signing up at the inquisitive canine... Or, teach them how to golf! Poncho would have been able to retrieve our golfballs today when we accidentally hit them into the brush - good think Lorrie enjoyed the rock-climbing. 

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This Dog Trainer Can Trust Her Own Dog and the Dog Training

13.23 in and, can, Dog, her, own, the, this, trainer, training, trust

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!

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This Ventura Dog Trainer Takes Her Own Advice

17.10 in advice, Dog, her, own, takes, this, trainer, ventura

For the past month or so this Ventura dog trainer has been spending more time training her own dog Poncho to "run" while on leash, versus sniffing/marking/shuffling along... I know he is a dog, and dogs enjoy doing those things. I would never ever want to deny Poncho his normal doggy-like behaviors, but I also want him to get some exercise - outside of the yard - that doesnt involve fetching his toys and going nuts when the mail-truck comes by...(yep, that behavior is a tough one, and another post...) 

My hubby (Ponchos rockin "Disneyland" dad) takes him out all the time here in Ventura, but he allows Poncho does whatever he wants...again, no real "training" involved. So how can I expect Poncho to know what to do when neither of us has ever taught him.... So I did, and I have to say, its been going great! Being a runner myself, its been very rewarding for me... were working up to a 5K to run together...if we can find a course that allows dogs... Santa Barbara is usually good for this...Ill have to check with the Santa Barbara Running Club. 

Anyway, I had realized that Poncho wasnt great at running on leash, because hes never been trained to do so! I always tell my students, "if your dog isnt performing a certain behavior, ask yourself Have I ever taught them? " Duh! Hello? No, I havent taught him! Maybe I should!!! Poncho loves when I listen to what I tell my own manners class students... And so I have, and were progressing quite nicely. 

This is how Ive done it:

• Reward what I want: in this case, its "running" next to me. 
• "Click and treat" for "running" motion. 
• Feed for position: provide the reward with him still next to me, not falling back behind me or crossing in front of me. 
• Use high value rewards: chicken, leftover grilled sirloin. Only when hes in running mode. 
• Use kibble for walking but moving forward...
• Allow sniff breaks here and there (so I can rest)... 

If you ever want to join me and Poncho, weve mostly been going to Kimball Park here in Ventura because there are very few interruptions and loose dogs. Ill be the one rewarding my dog for running - cheering him on and handing out goodies - sort of like the aid stations at races, but instead of Gatorade and energy gels, I hand out chicken... Geez, I hope they have meat at the races... muffin crumbs work too. 

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Being a Politically Correct Responsible Dog Trainer Has a Price Humiliation

02.14 in a, being, correct, Dog, has, humiliation, politically, price, responsible, trainer

What a lovely weekend its been here in Ventura. Just got home from an ocean swim with my friends Terri and Mary, along with the other great folks of the Rincon Tri Club. Nice way to start a Sunday...I thought it would be even more fun if Nolan and Poncho came down so we could practice some loose leash walking along the promenade together. Unfortunately it ended with a stranger, poor communication, and me being the target of unintended hurt feelings. 

I know my dog. I know Poncho; what triggers cause which effects. Trucks = increase predatory drive. Loud noises (e.g. fireworks) = barking. Even with the socialization exercises Ive done with him, just like the ones I have my private dog training clients and puppy and adult dog training class students do, it seems sometimes tall men wearing hats and sunglasses approaching head on or "sneaking" in from behind to steal a quick pet can sometimes result in a redirected snark... But hey, if someone did this to me, Id snark too! 

So here I was, with Poncho, standing on the bike path. Poncho was doing his doggy thing, sniffing around some grass and pole. A gentleman wearing sunglasses and a hat came walking by to cross the street and asked "Is that a Chihuahua?" "Yes, he is part Chihuahua." This stranger then started to reach out to touch Poncho, without asking first, while Poncho was still sniffing. 

Poncho didnt see this person, or at least didnt take notice of him. I mentioned that sometimes Poncho will turn around and snark if he isnt expecting it, and doesnt know the person. "So, please dont touch him. I wouldnt want you to get bitten." To me I was being very responsible, concerned with the welfare of the public, and politically correct. I even apologized for not allowing him to pet him. I certainly didnt mean to insult him. 

So off we went, while this other person went on his way. Well, the next thing you know this stranger is driving by, and yells out a phrase that was quite rude, insulting, and too offensive to post in this G-rated family friendly dog training blog. Needless to say, I was quite exasperated and downright hurt. 

By this time Ive gotten over it. I do understand its not me, but the other person. Insecurity? Poor coping skills? Would I have done anything differently? Hmm, maybe would have managed my environment by walking faster - but I didnt want to ruin Ponchos sniffing time! Obviously this person hadnt learned to ask before doing. This is one reason I include the following statement in my class policies at the inquisitive canine dog training studio:

• Approaching and petting dogs: Some dogs are not friendly toward or comfortable around people they do not know. Please do not approach or pet any other dogs in class. If your child wants to meet another dog, they may do so after obtaining permission from the dogs owner and only during non-classroom teaching time.

I always ask dog guardians if I may pet their dog BEFORE actually doing it! Not while Im reaching out. Its always best to ask first. You never know what might trigger a dog. Its also important to read a dogs body language, and what they might be communicating. They may be "saying" please dont touch me, or "Yes, please come say hello to me." 

Dogs are living breathing creatures that have their own likes and dislikes. As individuals we dont like strangers coming up to us and touching us without asking...and even if they do ask, we might not want them to. Parents of human children dont allow strangers to just reach out and touch their kids, why do we treat our dogs differently? Is it just because theyre dogs they should like it? I think not. 

Situational awareness, being politically correct, respecting the safety and welfare of the public, and respecting the safety and welfare of your own dog all add up to being a responsible pet guardian! Too bad there are those times when it doesnt go over well...but thats human behavior for ya. 

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Dog Trainer in Ventura Hits Blogosphere!

13.16 in blogosphere, dog, hits, in, trainer, ventura

I never thought my mom would be a blogger, but all my dog friends and dog owners kept saying that my mom needed to take her love of dog training and put her tips and advice out to the world wide web to help more dog owners and pups!

My name is Poncho (I have my own dog blog and actually started blogging way before my mom!)

My moms name is Joan, she is a dog lover and works in a profession that we both love (as a trainer and dog behavior instructor in Ventura, Ca) I go to work with her every day.

She created this blog to share her passion about dog training to extend my dog training work in Ventura to the blogosphere!

My mom is a graduate of the San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers where she studied pet dog training, behavior problems, client coaching and teaching. Her experience also includes training shelter dogs at the San Francisco SPCA where she specialized in dogs with behavior problems.

In addition to my mom being a great dog treat giver-outter, she is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) through the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers (CCPDT), a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), and an affiliate member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).

She attends conferences all over the place (when I do not get to go I sort of get upset, but then I get to hang out with dad and have lots of male-bonding fun) just to stay current on the latest in animal learning theory and behavior, to incorporate cutting-edge science into her work with owners and their canine companions.

As Joans dog, I can vouch that her approach comes from personal passion and love of animals (me!!)– it is all about positive reinforcement and owner-education in reward-based training sessions.

So far, all the work my mom does with me makes me super, so keep reading my moms dog training blog! :)

-Poncho http://ponchosprose.blogspot.com/

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Dog Trainer in Ventura Hits YouTube!

23.20 in dog, hits, in, trainer, ventura, youtube

Well folks Ive made onto YouTube! Thanks to Nathan Weiner and Tree in a Box Productions (gotta love the name!) I am on film! very exciting indeed...just click on the link and check it out for yourself!

 

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Adaptation Dogs have this trainer beat!

21.40 in adaptation, beat, Dog, dogs, have, this, trainer

"Adaptations are structures or behaviors that enhance a specific function, causing organisms to become better at surviving and reproducing. They are produced by a combination of the continuous production of small, random changes in traits, followed by natural selection of the variants best-suited for their environment" - from the works of Charles Darwin. 

Okay, so its another heat spell here in Ventura - at least by my standards. Hot and dry! I swear, California is now the new Arizona! One reason I relocated to Ventura was because of the fog and cool beach weather that seemed to exist most of the year...sure a few hot days in the summertime, but not for more than three days at a times... Im not a big fan of the heat - and it seems that the "hot and dry" is now the norm. Ugh! I thought it was a phase...but I guess its more about global warming...?

Adaptation, schmadaptation! I say to Chuck: FORGET IT! This animal is not motivated to adapt to the heat... Maybe its because of my genetics (family heritage is irish/russian - talk about cooler weather)... And since Im not passing my genetics along there might not be a reason for me to adapt or become more "fit". And hey, you lived in the UK! Where it rarely gets above the mid-70s! I could easily adapt to that! 

Anyway, why do I bring this up? Besides wanting to complain about the heat? Think about how our inquisitive canine friends have had to adapt. Not just domestication, but going from one home to another... sometimes more than one home. Sure there is a settling in period, but that usually lasts a few weeks to a few months... unlike me adapting to the heat - uh, never? 

Some of my great students in my manners classes and privates have new dogs in their lives... some from breeders, some from shelters...In either case, both humans and dogs will need to adapt to their new relationship and new living situation. And Im sure theyll be able to do it much faster than I will ever be able to adapt to the heat! 

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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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Help Ashlyn awesome young trainer fulfill her dream!

17.40 in ashlyn, awesome, Dog, dream, fulfill, help, her, trainer, young

16 years old and already a compassionate and  awesome trainer!  Vote 5 stars!

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Thank You Social Media Making it easier to find this dog trainer

22.55 in Dog, easier, find, it, making, media, social, thank, this, to, trainer, you

Wow, after wrapping up my Social Media Marketing class last night at UCSB extension with the Wild Web Women, I realized that I now have so many social media platforms, that I was starting to become a bit scatter-brained. So, since my new round of dog training classes is beginning this Sunday April 19th, I thought, what a great time to put together a list of how to find me! So, here it is! I took liberty of adding Ponchos info too...he likes to make himself available also. 

Official IC Website: http://inquisitivecanine.com/

• For information on services, schedules, events, where to contact us, FAQ’s. 
  
• A little about Joan and the Inquisitive Canine, our approach, methodology. 

Joan’s Blog: http://dogtrainingventura.blogspot.com/ 

• For dog training tips (from the human perspective)
  
• Information on upcoming events, including those outside the Inquisitive Canine
  
• Commentary on the latest and greatest social topics
  
• An all around fun place to share with the community
  
• The perfect place for friends, clients, and the general public to make comments! 
  
• A great place to send questions! 

Poncho’s Blog: http://ponchosprose.blogspot.com/ 

• Poncho’s own dog training tips (from the dogs perspective) 
  
• Information on events at the Inquisitive Canine, and those elsewhere
  
• Commentary on the latest and greatest social topics.
  
• The perfect place for friends (human and dog) to make comments or send questions. 
  

Noozhawk Advice Column: http://www.noozhawk.com/joan_mayer/

• Dog training and behavior advice column written by both Joan & Poncho the dog
  
• Another great place for you or your dog to send in questions.

Facebook: 

• Joan’s  FB homepage: the place where I’m more of a “dog mom” 
  
• The Inquisitive Canine Group page: for IC students, great place to “meet” other dog folks, have discussions, or set up doggy play dates. 
  
• Poncho the Dog Fan Page: I’m his #1 fan and want to share that. 

Twitter:

• Joan’s: http://twitter.com/joanthedogcoach 
  
• Poncho: http://twitter.com/timeline/home

Flickr:

• http://www.flickr.com/people/joanthedogcoach/ 
  

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