What's that Dog thinking

Punish now Train Later

2010-03-03T09:18:00.000-08:00

Throughout a dogs life they have the ability to continuously learn. Choosing the correct behaviors to teach, at what maturity level to teach them and then selecting the best method for you and your dog is the challenge. The more tools you have in your toolbox the more successful you will be in training a dog over the long haul. But the first step is to Teach. Make the connection between the command and the action. It is like learning a foreign language, a lot of repetition, patience and time.

Teaching will later be combined with reinforcement of behavior through reward and the dreaded “Consequences”. This will lead to obedience. The difference between consequences and punishment is in the method and the delivery.

For now we will focus on Teaching.

The most important part of teaching a dog is to ensure the dog connects a specific behavior with a specific command. The command can come in a number of sensory forms. Verbal commands are the most commonly used.

Teaching involves manipulating the situation or physically helping the dog such that they do the behavior while you “Simultaneously” speak the command.

An example would be the “Sit Behavior”. This behavior can be achieved a number of ways:
1. Gently push on the back side
2. Gently raising of a leash & pulling backwards
3. Cradling the chest and putting pressure on the backside.
4. Collapsing the back legs with a gentle push of the hand.

Some dogs have been through experiences that make a specific manipulation work while others do not. Being creative when the standard methods fail will lead to success.

The trainer/teacher will need to get the behavior technique choreographed with the dog prior to using the command. The timing of speaking the command and having the action/behavior occur is critical. As they say “Timing is Everything”.

As you read about teaching, you may begin to see how easily “Punish now Train Later” occurs unintentionally. By having the proper techniques, the time and the patience problems can be avoided.

Take the time to teach your dog.

“You know you need dog training when”

2010-02-23T05:22:00.001-08:00

“You know you need dog training when”:

1. Your dog pees on your leg
2. Your dog uses your children as chew toys
3. The Vet asks you not to come back, ever again
4. Your leash holding arm is longer then your other one
5. Your hair looks like you are riding in a convertible when walking your dog
6. Your dog has sent someone to the emergency room
7. Your dog sleeps in your bed and you sleep on the floor
8. Your dog sleeps in your bed and your spouse sleeps in the other room
9. Your dog has their own seat at the dinner table
10. Your furniture as been antiqued with teeth marks
11. You have taken out special home owners insurance for dog damage
12. Your dog hasn’t had their nails trimmed for a year
13. Your dog hasn’t had a bath for a year
14. Your dog thinks the doorbell is a signal to attack
15. Your daily exercise routine includes chasing your dog around the neighborhood
16. You avoid having company due to your dogs behavior
17. You haven’t been on vacation in 3 years because the kennel won’t take your dog
18. Your dog has phobias

The list can go on and on. But the real test is:

1. Does your dog’s behavior add stress to your life?
2. Does your dog’s behavior endanger their life?
3. Does your dog’s behavior endanger someone else?

If you answered yes to any of the three above, then it is time to train your dog either for the first time or to the next level.

Make life easier! Train your Dog.

From the Doghouse to the Bedroom

2010-02-15T04:13:00.000-08:00

Anthropologists found dogs to be a common bedfellow for the human. Their ancient remains have been found lying right next to their human companions. How it all began is a mystery.

But many theories have arisen. My favorite is:

Dogs have a very structured hierarchy with the strongest at the top and weakest at the bottom. With the weakest at times being pushed out of the pack and being force to fend for them selves at a very young age.

Often these outcasts were weak and unable to care for themselves. So along came Human Cave Mom and siblings to fill in the gap. Taking the pup in, keeping it warm, feeding it and helping it grow to full adult hood. The young pup is treated just like a “Baby”.

Soon the pup was peeing on the Chief’s leg, chewing up the peace pipe and generally being unruly. Needless to say the early families didn’t know what they had gotten themselves in to. But they quickly realized they needed a trainer. And over time found that their new canine companions needed the structured leadership of their former pack lifestyle.

Another explanation is that God really didn’t take the rib out of Adam to create Eve. He took it out so Adams’ dog could have something to chew on rather then the rest of the world God had just finished creating the day before.

But again, it all started with a symbiotic need that has evolved and changed with time. As it is today, dogs served multiple masters and multiple purposes. They were bred by humans to have certain characteristics and abilities: some for hunting, others for herding, protection, companionship Ect. But all the while, calm, firm human leadership played a key role in a low stress relationship.

The canine hierarchy follows a path of demonstrated dominance, mostly at a low level. Often with signs and gestures, but like The Fonz says to Richey in the famous Happy Days episode about being tough “One time in your life you had to hit somebody”, the leaders of the pack at one time have to show they are the leaders to gain and maintain the respect. Dogs will challenge the leadership and expect the leader to provide the appropriate consequence. The challenges will be few if the dog feels the leader is providing security and fulfill the needs of the Family. If that is not the case the dog will develop behaviors that cause irritation at best and danger to the family in the form of aggression at worst.

Decide who will be in charge on the very first day you bring your dog into your home. Has your dog already established his position? It is never too late: Calm, Firm, Leadership is the key.

Dogs know who the leader is! (Is it you?)

My Start with Dogs

2010-02-14T07:30:00.000-08:00

Humans and dogs have coexisted for almost 20,000 years. This unique relationship between the two species has spanned across time & continents. Human relationships have not always survived the stresses of change the relationship between humans and canines have survived social, technological, and revolutionary change. Its survival is primarily based on the flexibility and adaptability of the Canine species (which includes wolves, dogs, dingo, jackals and foxes). The species has a well-defined hierarchy, driven by dominance and a high degree of socialization, which allows them to be domesticated when confidently led by a human.

Dog’s roles have changed over time and still today vary by geography, culture and owner. Dogs have served as hunting tools, evolved to herders, status symbols, guards and companions.

My own history with dogs dates back to 1960 starting with Duffy who was a Rough Coat Collie. Duffy was my companion as a toddler. Josh, a Miniature Schnauzer, was my substitution for a horse when my family lived in an apartment. Emma, a Yellow Lab mix was the first dog I chose. While living in New York, I found Emma at Lollipop Farm, a Humane Society in Macedon New York. Now Daisy, a mix breed (Beagle, English Setter something breed). Daisy was chosen from Petfinder.com out of a Humane Society in Indiana PA.

Daisy has been my companion & "Demo” dog since I decided to become a dog trainer. She is also our family pet. She has endured endless weeks of school, a stream of weekly new doggie house guests and their owners, along with constant petting, poking and prodding from the general public who she meets and greets daily.

The only changes my dogs have had to survive were 4 moves, 3 States and 3 children and grandchildren soon.

The most significant thing I have learned is that like any relationship, if you want it to work you have to constantly put effort into it. With patience, consistency & creativity we can make our relationships with our dogs less stressful and most enjoyable.