I had not planned another posting before year end but this note from Eric Letendre just said it had to be shared.
Your dog does not have to be an obedience
champ but the majority of dogs that end up in
shelters are there because of behavior
problems.
Training usually happens after the dog has
destroyed something, becomes completely
uncontrollable on walks, refused to come
when called or has soaked the carpet a few
times.
In this email I will share my simple 5 Step
dog training plan:
Step 1: Socialization - Dogs are extremely
social animals and need to be properly
socialized or they can develop big time
behavior problems. Start young and socialize
your dog around other friendly dogs, people,
places, sights and sounds.
Step 2: Start training early - You can start
training as early as eight weeks old. Your dog
can learn all the basics and good manners at
an early age. The earlier you start the better.
Step 3: Do positive training - It is much better
to train your dog by rewarding behavior than
punishing behavior. You will get the best results
by reinforcing the behaviors you want your dog
to do.
Step 4: Manage behavior - As your dog is learning
to live with you, you will need to effectively
manage your dog's behavior. Crates, leashes, baby
gates are all management tools for you to use
to set your dog up for success.
Step 5: Exercise - "The only good dog is a tired
dog." Nuff said.
Having a plan for your dog will make it much easier
for you and your dog. I don't remember who said it
but “He who fails to plan, plans to fail."
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
A NEW YEAR RISING
Since this is a dog blog let's be a little more specific and consider 'life with our favorite dog(s)." This is an obvious time to consider those things which may be an aggravation and in what way we can make the desired changes.
The process is the same for all goals and changes, whether they be personal or professional or as in this case, for our relationship with our dog.
First we have to CLEARLY identify that which we wish to accomplish. We can't just say the dog needs better manners. We have to pinpoint the actions which we want changed and the result we wish to achieve.
Next we have to specify WHY we want the change. This seems to be the place where many plans fail because without a why it is much to easy to procrastinate and not initiate the change. If your goal is to lose 15 lbs. it needs a reason which will enable you to attach time frames. Let's say there is a pending school reunion during the Easter break then we attach this to our reason to lose the weight and we can now allocate specifics such as 15 weeks time equals a minimum of 1 lb. per week net loss etc. etc. This gives us achievable short term objectives plus regular reminders to keep us on track.
And in order to make this all happen we need an ACTION plan that gives specific steps to be followed on a regular basis to enable us to achieve our goal. Take time in preparing this plan. If you can't find adequate information in books or on line, contact people in the business. I often sit down with people and help them with a plan to get and keep their new dog on track. I don't charge for these sessions as I look upon them as a method of paying the dog community back for them making it possible for me to pursue my passion.
The most important thing is to take POSITIVE STEPS and follow through. Sure you'll slip and fall back occasionally, we all do. But, the important thing is don't beat yourself up for a small mis-step, just pick up the pieces and start where you left off. Remember your dog is going to love you for the extra time you are spending with him and he's not going to remind you that you missed a time or two. This is fun and it won't be long before you'll see positive results from your efforts and Buddy's few little aggravating activities will begin to melt away.
Most of all stay HAPPY, ENTHUSIASTIC, and maintain a POSITIVE ATTITUDE. If you can keep this foremost in your thoughts you can be assured of a WONDERFUL NEW YEAR.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
TRAIN THE SOLUTION - PART TWO
Train the Solution - Part Two
We previously dealt with the dog that runs to the door and barks and several of those types of challenges which all can be addressed with very similar treatment. Next we want to deal with the dog who doesn’t walk properly on the leash.
There must at least a dozen cure all answers to this question and I’m sure there must be at least that many more out there lurking in the dog blog sphere. Over the years I’m sure I’ve tried most except the e-collar. I did watch a You Tube video on the use of the e collar by a K9 police dog training facility and they seemed to be successful but I still prefer to train for the solution and forget the problem.
I prefer to teach the dog where I want him to be when I tell him to heel. As usual we start in a quiet environment with no distractions and our dog is off leash. As before we are equipped with high value treats which we use as lures and rewards. Here I’m going to confuse some of you who are accustomed to training for ring competition because when I want my dog to move to a position beside me and facing the same way I am, I simply say heel. From old training sessions we taught ,Come to heel, and my K9 buddies said that was confusing and many of them just said By.
Over the years I have given my dog a small hand signal of simply making a counter clockwise circle with my two fingers which when we are teaching the task it leads him back and around to the inside to where he is directly beside my left knee. As I give the signal I also say heel. Nothing fancy. Nothing complicated. Just come around and sit beside me.
So what does this have to do with the dog that pulls on his leash?
Simple enough. We are in our quiet environment with no distractions and our student is focusing on us and we say Heel and lure his nose around in a counter clockwise circle and point to that position beside our knee. When he assumes that position he is rewarded and praised. Do this with happy enthusiasm in reps of five so you can say Heel and make your little circle and point to the spot and it won’t be long and he will jump in the air and spin into position. I had a 100 Lb. Rottie that thought that this was so much fun that people would stop me on the street and ask if I could make the big dog jump up and turn in the air land beside me. She never let me down.
The secret is to make a game of this to where your dog will enthusiastically come to this position from a variety of positions and distances. We gradually change situations and continue this to be a game that has nothing to do with wherever the dog is when he is on the leash.
Next we start off with the dog beside us and with our lure in hand we say Let’s Go and walk on. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how for the most part he’ll fall in beside you and you will gradually go from 10 steps to 20 and then you will introduce a turn etc. So what do you do when he gets out of position. Hey that one’s easy you say Heel and he snaps back into that slot beside you where he knows he going to get praise and a reward. That’s why we taught the solution first.
This system takes a little more time and patience but it gets amazing results that stick because the student has a positive reason to perform the task as opposed to all of the other solutions that involve corrections that mostly include some form of punishment.
Try it you’ll like it and it’s really cool to see Buddy jump back into place beside you when you softly say only one word. Heel
Friday, December 23, 2011
A DOG'S PURPOSE
....from today's inbox and too good not to share.
A Dog's Purpose? (from a 6-year-old).
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.
He said,''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?'' The Six-year-old continued,
''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''
Live simply.
A Dog's Purpose? (from a 6-year-old).
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.
He said,''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?'' The Six-year-old continued,
''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
Monday, December 19, 2011
MERRY " KISS-MAS"
THE BEST OF HOLIDAY WISHES TO ALL MY DOG LOVING FRIENDS
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE THAT OUR DOGS GIVE TO EACH OF US.
MAY YOU LIVE WITH BALANCE AND HARMONY AND HAVE COMPASSION
FOR ALL LIVING THINGS IN YOUR LIFE, AND THROUGH THIS, SURELY
THERE WILL BE PEACE AND LOVE
ARTTHEDOGGUY
Friday, December 16, 2011
CONCENTRATE ON THE SOLUTION PART ONE
In the previous blog we talk about training the solution. In this part we will work on the solution for the first two problems we mentioned, running to the door and barking, and begging at the table, because the solutions are the same. If you've followed me for awhile you'll recognize that I ascribe to the process of "getting the dog's attention, redirecting the attention, and rewarding the dog for performing the redirection."
In this exercise it's important that we have the right mind set because we are setting out to teach a skill as opposed to the old idea of curing a problem. At this time we want to think of the solution as being entirely divorced from the problem(s) and view it like a skill we can show off to our friends and in addition it can be a skill we can use to resolve problems.
Mechanically we are simply going to teach the dog to go and lay down and stay on his bed or in his crate for an extended period of time until he is invited to move. You see, if our dog is happily on his bed he can't perform these other undesirable activities.
We start off by placing his bed where it is that he will be able to be part of the regular activities of the environment he usually shares with the household. Next take five high value treats about the size of an MandM. This is no time for chintzy pieces of kibble, we want real motivators here. We want zero distractions, just you and the dog. You start about 4 or 5 feet from the bed. Now show him you have a "lure" in your hand and say "go to your BED" with the accent on the word bed. In the future this will be the only command. With the lure (treat) you direct him to the bed and when he is on the bed you say SIT and move the treat from an area near his nose and between his ears and back toward his tail. When he sits we move the treat down between his front feet and when he assumes a down we say "good dog" open our hand and give him the reward and say STAY.
You are going to repeat this process from this close in position four more times and take a pause. Shortly you repeat the exercise with happy enthusiasm for another 5 times and you continue until you have done 20 repetitions. Between reps he stays on the bed and is congratulated for doing a good job, This becomes a fun experience for the dog if you approach it as fun happening and not just a boring training exercise. This onus is on you to make this enjoyable for your dog.
After a few days of successful sessions from the short distance you gradually increase the distances. Once the dog will enthusiastically run to his bed from various distances we try having him go to the bed from different rooms or places in the house so he is foolproof. Our goal is for him to run to his bed and lay down as soon as he hears the one command "go to your BED". At this stage he is always rewarded. Remember there must be a reason for the student to perform the task.
You'll notice that we haven't concerned our self with the problems of barking at the door, begging, or whatever other undesirable activities we may have to deal with. At this time time we simply want him to happily master the task of going to his bed on command.
This may take several weeks of daily practice of two or three five minute sessions daily to get to where we are ready to try this as the solution to solving our problems. Now start with some easy ones. I would have a helper ring the door bell only once and immediately I would give the command and enthusiastically encourage the dog to hurry to his bed where he is directed to a down position and is rewarded and offered lots of praise for a job well done. Try a few more times and quit when you are successful and your dog is still having fun. We want him to think of that door bell as "Here comes Chicken Man with the treats." Next our visitor will come in the door and the dog is again directed enthusiastically to his bed where he is rewarded, and so on, etc.
From here on in the success is entirely up to you. If you treat every challenge as an opportunity for your dog to perform his miracle act that produces good stuff as opposed to you seeing things as another annoyance, you can be rewarded with a new and wonderful relationship with your dog. Try it. I'm sure you'll find it well worth the effort.
In this exercise it's important that we have the right mind set because we are setting out to teach a skill as opposed to the old idea of curing a problem. At this time we want to think of the solution as being entirely divorced from the problem(s) and view it like a skill we can show off to our friends and in addition it can be a skill we can use to resolve problems.
Mechanically we are simply going to teach the dog to go and lay down and stay on his bed or in his crate for an extended period of time until he is invited to move. You see, if our dog is happily on his bed he can't perform these other undesirable activities.
We start off by placing his bed where it is that he will be able to be part of the regular activities of the environment he usually shares with the household. Next take five high value treats about the size of an MandM. This is no time for chintzy pieces of kibble, we want real motivators here. We want zero distractions, just you and the dog. You start about 4 or 5 feet from the bed. Now show him you have a "lure" in your hand and say "go to your BED" with the accent on the word bed. In the future this will be the only command. With the lure (treat) you direct him to the bed and when he is on the bed you say SIT and move the treat from an area near his nose and between his ears and back toward his tail. When he sits we move the treat down between his front feet and when he assumes a down we say "good dog" open our hand and give him the reward and say STAY.
You are going to repeat this process from this close in position four more times and take a pause. Shortly you repeat the exercise with happy enthusiasm for another 5 times and you continue until you have done 20 repetitions. Between reps he stays on the bed and is congratulated for doing a good job, This becomes a fun experience for the dog if you approach it as fun happening and not just a boring training exercise. This onus is on you to make this enjoyable for your dog.
After a few days of successful sessions from the short distance you gradually increase the distances. Once the dog will enthusiastically run to his bed from various distances we try having him go to the bed from different rooms or places in the house so he is foolproof. Our goal is for him to run to his bed and lay down as soon as he hears the one command "go to your BED". At this stage he is always rewarded. Remember there must be a reason for the student to perform the task.
You'll notice that we haven't concerned our self with the problems of barking at the door, begging, or whatever other undesirable activities we may have to deal with. At this time time we simply want him to happily master the task of going to his bed on command.
This may take several weeks of daily practice of two or three five minute sessions daily to get to where we are ready to try this as the solution to solving our problems. Now start with some easy ones. I would have a helper ring the door bell only once and immediately I would give the command and enthusiastically encourage the dog to hurry to his bed where he is directed to a down position and is rewarded and offered lots of praise for a job well done. Try a few more times and quit when you are successful and your dog is still having fun. We want him to think of that door bell as "Here comes Chicken Man with the treats." Next our visitor will come in the door and the dog is again directed enthusiastically to his bed where he is rewarded, and so on, etc.
From here on in the success is entirely up to you. If you treat every challenge as an opportunity for your dog to perform his miracle act that produces good stuff as opposed to you seeing things as another annoyance, you can be rewarded with a new and wonderful relationship with your dog. Try it. I'm sure you'll find it well worth the effort.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
To Heck With the Problem – Concentrate on the Solution
Stop for a moment and imagine you are helping a six year old with their arithmetic homework and you ask how much is four plus three and they say six. Now would you administer a form of punishment and repeat the question only this time in a louder voice and the next time they said six, would you repeat your punishment and again repeat the same question in a yet louder voice? Of course not. You would correct them and tell them four plus three is seven and if you were a good teacher you would show by example that if you had four beans and you added three beans you would now have seven. Next the teacher again poses the question of what is four plus three and the student correctly answers seven where upon he is complimented upon his performance and offered positive praise.
Now consider the dog trainer whose dog goes to the door and barks and what does he do? If he’s not too lazy to get up out of his chair he goes to the door, gives the dog a swat, and yells at him to stop, and then goes back to the TV until the dog repeats the barking and is rewarded with the same treatment. Next the dog proceeds to beg at the table and he is chastised and chased from the immediate area where he cowers in a corner until he gets up enough nerve to re-approach the table and he gets a double dose of the above treatment. Later the dog is taken out for a walk whereupon he goes to the end of the leash and proceeds to lead the owner briskly down the sidewalk all the while struggling at the end of the leash which the owner jerks and the dog slows down then speeds up and is rewarded with another stronger jerk accompanied by a loud shout. After this process is repeated for a third or fourth time the owner typically gives up, announces to whom ever may listen that this breed of dog is a compulsive puller and can’t be changed so he will accept being jerked and pulled along.
So what’s the analogy here.
The good teacher showed the student where he was wrong and proceeded to offer a SOLUTION. When the student gave the correct answer he was acknowledged with complimentary praise.
The dog trainer was very vocal and offered physical corrections but NEVER offered an alternate in the form of a SOLUTION which when performed correctly would result in a positive reaction and praise from the trainer. This seems disgustingly obvious but unfortunately it is the usual way many people try to train their dogs.
Sadly this is the best many dogs get and lots of them wind up in shelters because owners find them to be untrainable and they get relegated to the trash heap when all it really requires is a slight adjustment to the owner’s methodology which can produce miracle results.
It’s this simple folks!! Forget and ignore the problem and concentrate on the solution. Remember, with POSITIVE MOTIVATION the student willingly wants to repeat the task but with NEGATIVE MOTIVATION the student does not want to repeat the task
Thursday, December 1, 2011
GOOD BYE LUNA
This is Luna at 18 weeks. She passed away yesterday just shy of 20 weeks of an as yet undiagnosed virus that affected her brain. This is my good bye to probably the best Rottweiler puppy that I have ever been priveleged to train, and I would put her in my all time top 5 without hesitation. I started her at ten weeks and by 18 weeks she had met over 100 people and at least that many other dogs both on leash and off leash. When this picture was taken she had progressed to the point where she was working off leash in public environments and regularly went with her owner to lunch in outdoor restaurants who accepted dogs and would quietly lay under the table. It was an exciting pleasure every time the lady met me so I could work with Luna because she learned so quickly and was always willing to try new things. If I seem a littled confused it's because I'm trying to type this with tears in my eyes and this old cowboy doesn't tear up easily. Good bye little friend.
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