You are viewing entries tagged 'training'.
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This week, all of our daily tips will be about fantastic books written to help owners of fearful dogs better understand and help their dog to overcome his fears. Nicole Wilde’s seminal book is what I call “the bible of fearful dog books.” At 432 pages, it’s a long read, but it goes into more depth on specific treatment plans, types of fears, and holistic and conventional health aids for fearful dogs than any book on the market. A must-read for professionals who work with fearful dogs and pet owners of fearful dogs!
Casey Lomonaco owns Rewarding Behaviors Dog Training in Binghamton, NY. |
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The politics of dog training can sometimes overwhelm pet owners who are simply looking to promote good behavior in their pet/s. All pet owners really only need to know one simple thing: dogs do what works, what’s fun, and what makes them feel good. So instead of worrying about being a “pack leader,” concentrate on being a “snack leader.” Dogs will happily work for individuals who control access to resources (food, play, preferred resting areas, walks, etc.) without confrontation.
Casey Lomonaco owns Rewarding Behaviors Dog Training in Binghamton, NY. |
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While dog treats will motivate your pup, reinforce behavior and accelerate training, they need to be used correctly. Read on for three quick tips for training with treats, courtesy of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers:
1. Once your dog is reliably responding to your commands, vary her rewards. In addition to offering treats, also offer verbal praise, petting, an ear rub or a toss of her favorite toy. 2. Use soft treats and make them small; they can be eaten quickly, keeping your dog focused, and it’s all about quantity from your dog’s perspective! 3. Consider your dog’s total food intake for the day, treats included, cutting back on what you feed her at mealtimes as needed so you don’t overdo it.
Woof Report is a free weekly email newsletter with pup-perfect dog care tips, news, products and more. Sign up at www.WoofReport.com. |
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If you can use a few pointers (or more) to help fine-tune your dog’s manners, get online. Find expert training tips free of charge with the Virtual Pet Behaviorist, the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center’s interactive online behavior library. Developed and maintained by a team of experienced behaviorists and trainers, it offers a wealth of knowledge, including 150 downloadable articles on training, behavior modification, enrichment, and more. Topics range from behavior problems like food guarding, separation anxiety, fear of strangers, and housetraining to teaching tricks and tips for bringing home a new pet.
Woof Report is a free weekly email newsletter with pup-perfect dog care tips, news, products and more. Sign up at www.WoofReport.com. |
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Dogs know approximately 9,456,321 ways to get in trouble. It takes a lot of work to punish your dog every time he engaged in any of these behaviors. The truth is, it’s far easier to teach your dog what you want him to do than to avoid doing the things you dislike. Think in terms of solutions: what do you want your dog to do instead? Think of a behavior that is mutually incompatible with the current unwanted behavior. If your dog is a jumper, you may want him to sit to greet people instead; it’s easier to teach him to sit than it is to teach him “don’t jump.” My previous Saint was a leg humper and would mount people’s legs if they tried to hug – I taught him to go lie down on a bed when people hugged, because he can’t be relaxing on a mat and humping at the same time. Your dog will happily do the right thing, once you teach him what that is!
Casey Lomonaco owns Rewarding Behaviors Dog Training in Binghamton, NY. |
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The first step in solving any behavior problem is to identify the opportunities a dog has to rehearse the unwanted behavior and select management tools (like leashes, crates, gates and tethers) to prevent him from rehearsing it until new, desirable behaviors are taught. If your dog is a counter-surfer, management will include keeping your counters free of tempting items when you are not able to supervise your dog. If your dog is a habitual jumper, management may involve keeping your dog leashed or behind a gate while guests enter your home during the training period. For puppies that are still learning appropriate elimination behaviors, management means crating or tethering the puppy at all times. Dogs, like everyone, get better at behaviors they practice. Preventing your dog from rehearsing unwanted behaviors will help set him up for success!
Casey Lomonaco owns Rewarding Behaviors Dog Training in Binghamton, NY. |
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Submissive peeing is a sign of apprehension, fear and excitement all in one. The first step for helping your puppy get over it is to ignore her when you first get home. After you have ignored your dog on your arrival, you can reach out to pat her by giving a scratch to her chest, but don’t reach over her head to pat her head, since that is a threatening move to a dog who is already timid. Keep the greeting calm, with a quiet, low key voice.
Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter and be sure to check out her website. |
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If you’ve got more than one dog, be very careful when you return from the vet with one of them if the others have stayed home. The dog that has been at the vet smells different from being there and it is not uncommon to see raised hackles or growls on the first return. You can avoid possible tense moments when reuniting your dogs if you let the dogs run loose in a wide open space so that they have room to get re-acquainted without things getting ugly.
Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter and be sure to check out her website. |
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Whole industries have adjusted their policies as hotels and retailers realize that being dog-friendly is good for business. There are now websites that specialize in helping traveling dog owners find comfortable places to stay such as PetsWelcome.com. Mainstream publications such as Travel & Leisure now publish a periodic pet travel-related column. The more recent phenomenon of the open-air “lifestyle” shopping center has also helped raise awareness of the commercial benefits of allowing pets. As dog owners, we need to make sure that our dogs are on their best behavior when in public. It goes without saying that dogs must be leashed and properly trained to help prevent potty accidents and incidents with other dogs. Good behavior will help open the “doggy door” at new places in the future.
Hope Hesano tweet informative information the Fido Dog Treats Twitter feed |
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While a puppy is in the learning curve he needs to be encouraged, not startled or frightened. For any living creature, learning takes place in a safe and supportive environment – which is what positive reinforcement is all about.
Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter and be sure to check out her website. |
