When to stop training

I like to joke with my clients that my three dogs are over the age of 4, no more adolescents!  Does this make a difference?  Sure, but does it mean I am done training?  Not even close!

Behavior will continue to improve if you continue working with your adolescent dog, but it will definitely get worse if you don't. Both behavior and temperament will tend to stabilize, for better or worse, as your dog matures around his second birthday for small dogs, or third birthday for large dogs. But until then, if you don't keep on top of things, there can be precipitous and scary changes in your dog's temperament and manners. Even when your dog reaches maturity, you should always be on the alert for any unwanted behaviors or traits, which you must modify before they become hard-to-break habits.

Can you tell which dog is worried?  Note the black dog is looking away from the handler, ears and tail are down, back is a bit rounded with a wide mouth pant.

Especially if your dog is a bit anxious or fearful of certain stimuli such as other dogs, kids, people, bikes, or UPS trucks.  Creating positive association to these stimuli are a priority for many people with pups, but what if your dog hasn't seen a child up close in months or years?  Should you expect him to feel the same he did years ago?  I would not leave it to chance!  Many people are surprised by their adult dogs behavior, such as when they act shy, cower or bark at someone they use to have a positive relationship with.  Remember, temperaments and behaviors are always changing.  So, set your dog up for success and always help them feel safe and associate both new and old stimuli with a positive association.  This is a never ending process; you never stop training!

Walking Harness

Many clients ask me if they should use a collar or a harness on their dog.  In reality, a harness is much safer if it is properly fitted.  Many dogs can escape from a poor fitting harness and easily be in danger when near a street.  

Many dogs will adjust quickly to a harness, however, I recommend you show it to your dog while offering him a few yummy treats.  Put it on and quickly reward him with affection and praise. Remove the harness and repeat a few times before you head out for your first walk.

Many reactive or highly territorial dogs do not enjoy the confinement of the gentle leader but do very well in a well fitting harness.

I certainly prefer a harness with a buckle in the front of the chest or if the buckle is on the dogs back, look for one with a martingale strap as shown below.  Notice the martingale strap on the back, as it tightens around Diamonds body much like a martingale collar.This concept is great for dogs that may try to back out of the harness.  It is also self punishing as it tightens when the dog pulls and loosens when the dog slows.

Of all the harnesses I have tried, I recommend the No Pull Freedom Harness, from Wiggles, Wags and Whiskers shown here on Diamond.  You will notice that it is completely adjustable, has felt covered straps under the dogs legs and a martingale to prevent your dog from escaping.

The leash is included and connects to front and back loops for greater control when needed.

Relationships based on Motivation

I cannot tell you how many times I have asked my teenage daughter to finish her summer homework.  "Later" was the response I received many times.  I realized she needed motivation!   Knowing she would soon be asking for a new school outfit, I offered to take her shopping once her homework was complete.

Funny how the right motivation can get results.  Once I offered to take her school shopping, her project was completed in record time!

Threatening all kinds of negative punishment rarely works, often makes you feel horrible and can certainly make your child avoid you.

Motivation is contagious in relationships, if I do a favor for someone else, they are more likely to do one back.  Relationships both canine and human based on motivation and rewards has and always will be a primary focus for me -- because it is effective and it works!

Friendly Signs

Have you ever seen your dog raise his paw when greeting a new dog?

Layla arriving at puppy socialization class.

How about the wagging tail and relaxed ears?  If you look closely you may also see a tongue flick as seen in this photo.  Layla a young boxer pup is greeting Cora with a look away, tongue flick, paw raise and while you do not see her cropped tail, her entire butt is wiggling!

A friendly dog will be moving about with lots of wiggles and bends in his body.  Soft averted eyes are harder to see, but are there when a friendly dog wants to assure another they mean no harm.  Note the brown and white pitt mix below greeting several new dogs with lots of good social skills.  She has made her intentions perfectly clear that she is friendly.

 

Outdoor Adventure Class Begins Today

Looking forward to Outdoor Adventure Class today at the Eastern Prom!  This class is about improving our dogs coping skills in different environments.  It is not easy for a dog to sit and stay or focus on his handler when exposed to many different distractions.  Using a reward based training method, we will set each dog up for success so confidence is gained not only in the dog, but in the owner as well!