Recommended Reading for Training Your Dog

We can all agree that there is no shortage of available dog training advice and material.  From the many different books, websites, television shows and even your well intended friends or family members.  If you are looking for dog friendly training that builds a trusting relationship with your canine friend, then the list below is for you.

I highly recommend any books or videos by the following Professional Behaviorists/Veterinarians:

• Patricia McConnell 
• Karen Pryer
• Jean Donaldson
• Dr. Ian Dodman
• Dr. Nicholas Dodman
• Stanley Coren
• Karen London
• Sophia Yin
• Kathy Sdao
• Sue Sternberg
• Brenda Aloff
• Suzanne Clothier
• Turid Rugaas
• Victoria Stillwell

I recommend you read the description on the book or article so you know you are choosing one that fits your level of understanding.  I have personally met each one of the authors above with the exception of Stanley Coren, although I have 4 of his books!

Why is Ceaser Milan not on my list?  I believe he makes stressed out dogs submit to their fears.  While correction training inhibits the unwanted behavior instantly, it does not change the emotion which is causing the dog to react or behave the way it is.  I believe saying "no" without offering a more acceptable behavior is frustrating and increases stress.  For this reason, I prefer a more scientific approach  using Classical and Operant Conditioning which have proven positive results.

Happy Reading!

Behavior is Always Changing

Dog groups are an ever changing process of behaviors that I find fascinating to observe.  Each dog below is learning from each other what works, what is appropriate and that older dogs have boundaries.

Pepper, Annie, Coco, Sophie, & Pablo

Pepper the adult Kerry Terrier on the left is quite fearful of new dogs and is learning to feel safe with my three dogs and the young puppy.  Annie my 12 year old terrier simply goes about her business with an occasional growl at the adorable pup, Coco next to her.  Coco has learned to leave Annie alone when she has a bone, not to put her paws on Sophie the scottie's back and that a gentle paw at Pablo gets him to play every time. Sophie, my scottie in the back at age 7 avoids conflict and goes about her way.  While she lets the puppy share her bed, that is the extent of her relationship with the puppy.

Studying dog behavior helps us realize that puppies often need to learn boundaries.  Adolescent dogs are like teenagers and often need to have extra confidence in many different situations.  Adult dogs may be playful, or may be quite happy having a quiet routine that is safe and predictable.  Older dogs are great for teaching younger dogs emotional control and good boundaries.

So, be aware that a dogs life changes with age much like a humans does.  Each phase brings challenges from potty training, to having good social skills, learning boundaries and rules.  When a dog reaches adulthood, they become less active, calmer and often less social.

Depending on your age as you read this depends on your association to it.  Being a mother of 3 teenagers I understand adolescents all too well:)

Crate training

What is rewarding to one may be a negative to another;
 these two young boys were happy to be together.

Crate training your dog may take some time and effort, but can be useful in a variety of situations. If you have a new dog or puppy, you can use the dog crate to limit his access to the house until he learns all the house rules - like what he can and can't chew on and where he can and can't eliminate. The dog crate is a safe way of transporting your dog in the car, as well as a way of taking him places where he may not be welcome to run freely. If you properly train your dog to use the crate, he'll think his dog crate is a safe places and will be happy to spend time there when needed.

The Crate Training Process
Crate training can take days or weeks, depending on your dog's age, temperament and past experiences. It's important to keep two things in mind while crate training. The dogs crate should always be associated with something pleasant, and training should take place in a series of small steps - don't go too fast.

Step 1: Introducing Your Dog To The Crate
Put the dog crate in an area of your house where the family spends a lot of time, such as the family room. Put a soft blanket or towel in the dog crates. Bring your dog over to the dog crate and talk to him in a happy tone of voice. Make sure the dog crate door is securely fastened opened so it won't hit your dog and frighten him.

To encourage your dog to enter the dog crate, drop some small food treats near it, then just inside the door, and finally, all the way inside the dog crate. If he refuses to go all the way in at first, that's okay - don't force him to enter. Continue tossing treats into the dog crate until your dog will walk calmly all the way into the dog crate to get the food. If he isn't interested in treats, try tossing a favorite toy in the dog crate. This step may take a few minutes or as long as several days.

Step 2: Feeding Your Dog His Meals In The Dog Crate
After introducing your dog to the dog crate, begin feeding him his regular meals near or in the dog crate. This will create a pleasant association with the dog crate. If your dog is readily entering the crate when you begin Step 2, put the food dish all the way at the back of the crate. If your dog is still reluctant to enter the dog crate, put the dish only as far inside as he will readily go without becoming fearful or anxious. Each time you feed him, place the dish a little further back in the dog crate.

Once your dog is standing comfortably in the dog crate to eat his meal, you can close the door while he's eating. At first, open the door as soon as he finishes his meal. With each successive feeding, leave the door closed a few minutes longer, until he's staying in the dog crate for ten minutes or so after eating. If he begins to whine to be let out, you may have increased the length of time too quickly in the dog crate. Next time, try leaving him in the dog crate for a shorter time period. If he does whine or cry in the dog crate, it's imperative that you not let him out until he stops. Otherwise, he'll learn that the way to get out of the dog crate is to whine, so he'll keep doing it.

Step 3: Conditioning Your Dog To The Crate For Longer Time Periods
After your dog is eating his regular meals in the dog crate with no sign of fear or anxiety, you can confine him there for short time periods while you're home. Call him over to the dog crate and give him a treat. Give him a command to enter such as, "Crate up." Encourage him by pointing to the inside of the dog crate with a treat in your hand. After your dog enters the dog crate, praise him, give him the treat and close the door. Sit quietly near the dog crate for five to ten minutes and then go into another room for a few minutes. Return, sit quietly again for a short time, then let him out of the dog crate. Repeat this process several times a day. With each repetition, gradually increase the length of time you leave him in the dog crate and the length of time you're out of his sight. Once your dog will stay quietly in the dog crates for about 30 minutes with you out of sight the majority of the time, you can begin leaving him crated when you're gone for short time periods and/or letting him sleep there at night. This may take several days or several weeks.

Step 4: Crating Your Dog When Left Alone
After your dog is spending about 30 minutes in the dog crate without becoming anxious or afraid, you can begin leaving him crated for short periods when you leave the house. Put him in the dog crate using your regular command and a treat. You might also want to leave him with a few safe toys in the dog crate. You'll want to vary at what point in your "getting ready to leave" routine you put your dog in the dog crate. Although he shouldn't be crated for a long time before you leave, you can crate him anywhere from five to 20 minutes prior to leaving. Don't make your departures emotional and prolonged, but matter-of-fact. Praise your dog briefly, give him a treat for entering the dog crate and then leave quietly. When you return home, don't reward your dog for excited behavior by responding to him in an excited, enthusiastic way. Keep arrivals low key. Continue to crate your dog for short periods from time to time when you're home so he doesn't associate crating with being left alone.

Step 5: Crating Your Dog At Night
Put your dog in the dog crate using your regular command and a treat. Initially, it may be best to put the dog crate in your bedroom or nearby in a hall, especially if you have a puppy. Puppies often need to go outside to eliminate during the night, and you'll want to be able to hear your puppy when he whines to be let outside. Older dogs, too, should initially be kept nearby so that crating doesn't become associated with abandonment which is punitive to a dog. Once your dog is sleeping comfortably through the night with his dog crate near you, you can begin to gradually move it to the location you prefer.

Crate Training A Dog That Potty's in The Crate
If your dog is eliminating in the crate when left alone, think about starting the crate training process over and making the crate a positive place to be. While this process must be very slow, it is feasible to counter condition a dogs association if you go slow.  It will not do any good to punish a dog for eliminating in his crate, yet may make the situation much worse.
All goodies, food, treats, toys and bones are offered to the dog by tossing them into the crate.  Once your dog is readily going into the crate to retrieve good things, you can begin the process of closing the door.  Again, this is only done while you are still in the home.  Each training session should end on calm note with the dog acting calmly in the crate.  Very the training time you have your dog stay in the crate.  Some sessions are longer and some are short.  The key is for the dog to learn that he only comes out when his behavior is calm, not barking and whining.
With a slow and consistent daily training your dog should learn to enjoy spending time in the crate.