Everyone wants that perfect dog. We will watch a well-behaved pet and hope that someday our own unruly puppy will mature into a dog that they can take to the park, the restaurant, be around friends and other dogs. In my practice, I use two role model dogs. The role model dog is a useful training tool. A role model dog is used to show owners an example of what a well-behaved dog can look like. They serve in part as an inspiration to owners. Also, young and sometimes ill-mannered pups will receive an education from my role model dog faster than anything I could do. I personally am partial to the Doberman. Currently, I have Piper. I got Piper when she was already 18 months old. She had been well taken care of and loved. Piper was shy and lacked the skills I would need for her to be a role model to other dogs and humans. I needed her to be comfortable being walked and handled by strangers and to show doggie clients the right way to behave. I would need her to be trustworthy around other dogs, despite their behaviors. A shy dog does not necessarily to manage well in this situation and with these expectations. I had my work cut out for me. It was important to work with Piper so that I could have a dog that could be a good role model for the breed, for the clients, and to other dogs.
The first step to developing that “perfect dog” is my relationship with that dog. Whether you have a timid pup, like Piper, or an ill-mannered bouncy dog, or an aggressive dog, the first step is creating that bond. I would ask Piper to put aside all her anxieties and perform a task upon command. More than that, without a command, I needed her to behave like the ambassador I knew she could be. The cornerstone for success here is trust. This dog needs to look to me for direction and trust that whatever I’m asking for will be rewarded and she is safe, no matter what comes her way. The time this takes varies from animal to animal. We as humans often rush this stage. But I assure nothing else will fall in line without this stage. Dogs can be a mirror of our emotions and moods. I will need to portray a calm and confident approach in order for her to believe me.
Only after this relationship has fostered can I ask for some simple obedience commands. Again, as humans, we rush this step too. We get our dog and immediately start teaching “sit”, “stay”, “down”. Although very important, and can be taught early on, a dog will not consistently do these things for you out of fear, or blind obedience. They do it because they want to. The commands we work on are heel. Heel is strictly loose leash walking. Once upon a time, I believed in a very rigid heel command. I don’t anymore. I simply want the dog’s attention. If you see a squirrel, I don’t need to be pulled down the sidewalk. You can be alert, interested, but no pulling. My second command is the crate command. I know, although don’t yet understand, that some owners believe a crate is inhumane. I don’t think so. I believe it provides the dog with a safe place to rest and an owner a brief reprieve from their dog. The dog needs to learn some separation and be comfortable with it. And finally, we work on the recall. A recall is a very difficult command to teach, and a very easy command to ruin. We begin the recall in simple, distraction free environments and gradually increase the difficulty. This is another step that is used to solidify that relationship. I want to be the center of Piper’s world.
Only once I have a good relationship with Piper and we have a good foundation on obedience will I take her out to work. This is yet again that humans rush things. It is difficult for your dog to come when called if you never introduced this command with a series of difficult distractions. And if you are not the center of your dog’s world before you bring in this step, you are setting everything up for failure. In these circumstances, you can practice with your dog. This is real world distractions, real life stressors. Your dog, if you have built your foundation correctly, the dog focuses on you for direction. If he isn’t, well, it’s time to return home for a little more practice. The take away messages here are a few. Please don’t rush things. Dogs teach us patience, if we listen. They will tell you when they are ready for that next step. Humans don’t always take the time to hear the cues. Second, everything centers on that relationship. If your dog is completely trusting you, that tells me as a trainer that you two are in sync. You are ready to hear the messages that are coming directly from your pooch.
So, what happened to Piper, you ask? Today, she is four years old. She comes to almost every training. She is the best puppy trainer I have ever met. But my favorite is when an owner takes her leash, told to walk her down the street away from me, and they tell me how frightened of Dobermans they are. With encouragement from me and a calm, sweet demeanor from her, off they go. When they return renewed, they are ready to take on their own pooch because they handled a “dangerous dog”. Piper and I will share a look, because we know dangerous dogs come from bad handlers, not bad dogs.
Good luck with your “perfect pup”, and call Alpha K9 with any inquiries.
Unexpected injuries and illnesses can occur at any time of the year, there are some prevalent issues that do occur seasonally. During the fall season, there are events that occur in human households that can contribute to frequently seen issues in the emergency veterinary clinic. With a few small preventive measures, you and your pup can avoid any unnecessary trips to the doctor. Here are 7 tips for the average dog owner to pay attention to in order to have a hazard free autumn.
Trick or Treat: Halloween is the start of the season for human in home interactions. Halloween is an unnatural holiday for our pets, but since we love our dogs, we do work hard to include them in every aspect of our lives, including trick or treating. Surprisingly, not everyone realizes the dangers of allowing your dog to get into that trick or treat bowl set aside for the little ghouls and goblins visiting your home. Chocolate poisoning is a real thing for our dogs. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most dangerous. Even the amount your dog eats isn’t a fatal amount, it will make him/her sick. Dogs who ingest too much chocolate will often have diarrhea and vomiting.
Holidays: During this busy time of year, we love to entertain. People visiting and coming in and out of our homes can be stressful on our dogs. It’s ok during this time to put your pet in a quiet part of the house. There is a risk that even the best trained dog will bolt out of the home when the door opens and guests arrive. With all the commotion, it is possible that your dog’s escape has gone completely unnoticed.
Anti freeze: This is the time of year that many of us change the coolant in our cars. Most coolants are highly toxic to pets, and unfortunately it has a sweet flavor. This makes it highly attractive to our dogs. If your dogs do ingest antifreeze, you should contact your vet immediately.
Keep them warm: As we leave summer behind and enter the fall, we will begin to experience cooler temperatures, particularly in the early morning and at night. It is important to be mindful that although certain breeds are comfortable with cooler temperatures, some are not. Most dogs will need some time to adjust to the change in temperature. Being mindful of having a blanket for your dog will be greatly appreciated.
Wildlife: In our area, the fall means a lot of movement by wildlife. Deer season has begun and some animals are getting ready for hibernation. Skunks and Bears are amongst the mammals in the Northeast that hibernate. They are very active during the fall, trying to gather as much food as possible before the winter settles in. Dog owners would be wise to pay attention to any signs of these animals in the backyard. Ticks. The end of summer does not mean the end of tick season. In fact ticks can survive in cold weather. Ticks love damp spaces. When moving amongst fallen leaves, a particular favorite of ticks, be very mindful to check your dog all over when you’re done playing. It is a very good idea to continue using tick repellent throughout the fall.
Nutrition: During the cooler months, many dogs and their owners become more active. Keep in mind your dogs’ nutritional needs. If your dog has increased their activity level, an owner should consider increasing the amount of food their pet is receiving. Many owners that hunt with their dogs should consider altering their dog food for a high performance food that contains increased protein for the dog.
Fall does bring some hazards that can easy to miss. The best way to keep your pet safe is with prevention. Using a few mindful tips, the dangers of the changing season can easily be avoided. With care , you and your dog will have many awesome autumns to enjoy together.
People can be committed to rescuing a dog versus purchasing a pure-bred dog from a breeder. There are several reasons individuals believe in this course of action. I have no particular opinion for a family. I believe both choices have a benefit. More important to me is the relationship between dog and owner and how this personality fits within the home. For today’s article we are focusing on choosing a pet from a rescue.
Prospective adopters enter a shelter to find a dog for their family, often the most overlooked are the seniors. There is a serious plight for senior dogs that may find themselves homeless or handed over to animal shelters. It makes me quite sad to see an older mature dog sitting in the back of a kennel and know that someone will likely overlook them for that bouncy playful young dog next door. Last week there was a national campaign, “Saving Senior Dogs Week”. I realize I am a week behind the campaign and this is by design. I want to keep this topic alive.
According to most vets, dogs become classified as senior when they turn 7 years old, although it can vary with the size of a dog. As mentioned earlier most adopters are looking for young bouncy puppies. But there is a true value in the senior.
1. Training
Most senior dogs end up at shelters for different reasons then their younger counter parts. Most of these dogs have lived in a home for most of their lives. It can often be a surrender of circumstances instead of the dogs’ behaviors. Most of the senior dogs are house broken, less likely to chew your slippers, or engage in unwanted puppy behaviors. Most senior dogs are pros at the basic commands already, saving the owner the time and energy.
2. Energy
Puppies and young dogs have a lot of energy. I recommend that puppies and young dogs receive two 20 – 30-minute walks per day. When this doesn’t occur, you’ll have a whirlwind of energy on your hands, especially when returning home from a long day at work. Senior dogs have passed this stage. Energy still exists but it is more on demand. An older dog is quite content with a daily walk or two and can manage those energy spurts.
3. Companionship
An older dog is ready to bond and connect with their adopter. Older dogs seem to just understand that by being rescued you are saving their life. With a cozy bed, warm home, and daily food, they make loyal and loving companions. It’s almost innate that they accept their new circumstances and you as the person who made it possible. I think it is possible that people avoid adopting that older dog because it comes with a handful of unique challenges. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the financial cost associated with adopting an older dog. Just like humans and animals age the medical needs increase and therefore so does cost. Many shelters will identify the specific health issues with a dog being adopted thus allowing for someone to budget for those expenses. Another consideration in adopting an older dog is the time spent with them is going to be shorter.
I am partial to a program called Muttville. Muttville specializes in the rescue/adoption of senior dogs, but what’s different is it focuses on connecting senior citizens with senior dogs. If an individual is over 62 they waive the adoption fee. The organization provides a leash and collar, starter bowls, food and medication, a dog bed, and sometimes home modifications such as a ramp or gates. There are many rescue leagues that will offer similar benefits to our seniors when adopting, one only needs to ask. Nationwide there are not a lot of dog rescue organizations that focus only on older dogs. I hope if people become more aware of the plight of the mature wise old dog, like the one in Homeward Bound, we will open our homes and our hearts to this great demographic. If you can’t adopt a senior, maybe consider fostering an older dog that just needs a place to land for a short time until they find a home for them. I know I would someone to do that for my guys if they age and I cannot care for them anymore.
Over the years, there has been tons of research done on “dog psychology”. The reason we have spent so much time on this topic is to help owners develop the relationship with their dog. Owners are always looking for the trick to understanding their dogs in order to have improved obedience and manners in their home.
Often, when pet parents are struggling to work with their dog, they fail to understand the motivations behind canine behavior. Pet parents will apply their own human psychology to their pets and many times this is the reason that their training program will fail. Humans will apply human emotions to the actions of their dogs. He’s angry, or he’s jealous, to describe certain behaviors. I don’t have enough scientific knowledge to discuss the neuropsychology of the canine brain, but I can describe what works and what doesn’t. In order to help motivate your dog, it helps to understand how a dog views his world.
1. One of the first things I try to teach owners is that their dog is their mirror. I have walked into many homes where the anxiety in how everyone interacts, is palatable, even to an outsider. I will receive a call to uncover why their dog is exhibiting certain behaviors that can be qualified as anxiety behaviors. I met with an owner that was describing how their dog was aggressive toward other dogs when walked on a leash, unless the owner was running. While running, the dog trots alongside its owner in perfect tandem and doesn’t respond to any outside stimulus. As a runner, I understand where the owner’s mind is during her run, and it’s not on her anxiety. Dogs understand your anger, anxiety, excess energy, and respond to that.
2. Many owners tell me that their dog is angry when they leave home. They’ll tell me that the dog will destroy specific items to show how angry they are with their owner. It’s important to understand what is motivating your dog. Owners will tell me the dog knows they did something wrong because they’ll cower or run into the crate upon the owners’ return home. I disagree. What the dog chews tells me volumes about the problem, and the dog has learned to expect anger from the owner upon return and behaves preemptively. Knowing the actual cause of the problems helps to get in front of it and resolve issues before they get out of hand.
3. Dogs live in the here and now. Dogs don’t spend their time worrying about and wishing they could be like their neighbor dog. Dogs don’t dwell on past trauma. Dogs are an amazing animal with tremendous resiliency. Dogs can look past yesterday and focus on the here and now, something humans could learn. Owners will approach training with frustrations of how their dog didn’t perform yesterday or even an hour ago. Owners may tell me that their Fido never sits on command. The owner is projecting that expectation on the dog. Approach every training sessionlike it’s a brand-new session and forget about what happened yesterday.
4. The biggest mistake I encounter is a lack of consistency. I am guilty of this too, but if I could impart one major challenge is an owner that does not follow through with an expectation every single time. If Fido can’t get on the couch today, he can’t tomorrow, or next month, or next year. As soon as we let up on an expectation, we lose any ground that was gained. As humans, we over complicate things with our own emotions and behaviors. Dogs are very simple- minded creatures. That’s not to say they aren’t intelligent, they are. Pet parents may think to themselves my dog can’t learn those things that other dogs do. Knowing how dogs think and how to communicate with them so they understand what you want is key.
At Alpha K9, we understand how dogs think. We train the everyday household dog to fit into the individual lifestyle, not ours. The overall goal for pet parents is for you to have a better household with your dog. That means different things to different people, but there is one common denominator in dog training; teaching owners how to understand and read their own dog. Call Alpha K9 to get a personalized in-home evaluation for you and your dog.
Here at Alpha K9, our favorite training program is the puppy program. It’s not all about playing with all those cute adorable puppies, although that is a perk, but because it is our most successful program. Many owners call and ask if their puppy is too young for a training program. The answer is yes and no. I think that to put a 2-5-month-old puppy into a training class is asking too much, but there are things for that new puppy and owner to learn. Below are 5 problem behaviors that, if addressed during puppyhood, can reduce the problems later on.
Aggression:
True aggression in a young puppy is rare, if not unheard of. However, puppies can display certain behaviors that will be aggressive later in life. This is not a breed or sex related specific behavior, it is found in all sizes and breeds. When your puppy shows their teeth over a bone, food, or being redirected with something they don’t want to do, it is critical that this gets addressed immediately. This isn’t because the puppy is dangerous, but if allowed to continue, this can become serious as the pup matures.
Solution: It is important to understand the source of this behavior. Most aggression begins as a fear response to a stimulus. This can be a fear that you will take away an object or fear of strangers. Because the puppy is cute and young, it is common for an owner to reassure the puppy and attempt to soothe them. In the dog’s world, this is praise for this behavior. Dogs will continue and even escalate their behavior if they believe it is getting a positive response from you. Before you know it, the behavior is bigger than you know what to do with. It is wise to speak to a trainer to determine the best course of action to eliminate this behavior and best before your puppy bites someone or becomes too dangerous to manage.
Excessive Chewing:
This is a super common puppy behavior. Owners believe the puppy is going through a teething stage and are looking for items to satisfy the pain of teething. Chewing is an important part of a dog’s life. Chewing for a dog provides an almost hypnotic, calming action. Chewing can also be a sign of anxiety. Puppies that chew on specific personal items make me think they are trying to connect with an absent owner. I believe that the most common cause for chewing in puppies is twofold, lack of supervision and boredom.
Solution: Just like with housebreaking, a puppy should never be unattended in the house. There are far too many items to entice the puppy and most of them can cause tremendous harm to the puppy. Your puppy should have several items that are considered theirs, hard chew toys. Whenever you spot your puppy chewing something they shouldn’t, take that item away and substitute it with one of their own, praising when they take their toy from you. Having an excessive number of toys that your puppy has access to confuses the pup. This creates the belief that everything is theirs to chew on.
Begging:
This behavior is 100% a human created behavior. Feeding your dog from the table only encourages them to believe that they are deserving of your meal. In the dog world, this isn’t a behavior that is tolerated. Puppies know to wait for their turn and know not to steal something from an older dog. Begging creates a host of other behaviors, a fat dog, a dog that steals food, gets in the trash, etc. Never allowing them to learn to take food off your table/plate creates a dog that you can take into any and trust their manners.
Solution
Practice self-discipline! If even one member of your family breaks the golden rule of no people food from the table, it creates an uphill battle. Give your dog a chew toy while you have your meal. Have your dog go to their bed or crate during a meal and continue bringing them back to that spot if they get up. It won’t take long for your pup to understand, after all it is a very natural behavior for your dog.
Jumping up
The best time to address this behavior is during puppyhood. Your pup doesn’t know how to greet. This is a behavior you need to teach. The only that works well here is practice. Taking your puppy to as many locations with people as possible allows you lots of opportunities topractice.
Solution
We never want to diminish the wiggly happy puppy greeting, and we want to show the puppy that you can get all the love and pats you want if you keep your paws on the floor. Keep a leash on your pup when greeting people. The minute your pup attempts to jump up on a stranger, pull him down with a firm “No”. Take the time to kneel with your pet in order to guide him in the best ways to greet. Always praising when he makes the choice not to jump and to wiggle instead. Lots of praise for good choices goes a long way.
Conclusion
Training a puppy before any of these behaviors takes root is best practice. This isn’t always the case, so if you spot any sign of these dog behaviors you should address quickly, don’t wait! You’ll have a happier dog and a happier family once these things are sorted out. Remember coming at these issues from a place of love is the best way forward. Alpha K9 believes in keeping the core personality and temperament of the puppy you brought home and working with your individual household needs.