Dog Training & Questions Answered

Q:  My dog shows signs of dominance and/or has behavioral problems (aggression, separation anxiety, biter...), will obedience training help? 

A:  Yes, if it's the proper foundation of obedience- obedience is the tool we use to communicate with our dogs.  Obedience is our new language with our dog.

It can also be used to affect and change the way a dog feels, or their emotions- this is where it crosses into behavioral modification  Simply coditioning a dog to perform tasks does not automatically fix deeper behavior issues or pack structure problems.  Those issues, including separation anxiety or other, need to be addressed as part of your overall plan.  Being able to get a dog to sit, down, stay or do tricks does not make him respect you.  Besides obedience training, owners need to provide structure.  We also need to be the leader of the "pack".  But remember, dominance does not equal agression or bullying.  In the dog world, dominance has no emotional connotations, it is neither postive nor negative, it is simply how things are.  This is why it's important to find a trainer who can give you a whole and balanced approach.  When I work with a client and their dog, everything is custom tailored for that individual dog.  It's about much more than simply applying different "methods", it's about what works for the dog.

A: Yes!  Almost every dog trainer does.  Positive reinforcement means that the behavior occurring causes something to be added to the environment, which will increase the probability that it will occur again in a similar situation.  Ex. praise or prey object.  Just like dogs have different temperaments, different approaches are needed. There is no "one size fits all" training. I can explain everything I do, and why I do it.

Q:  Do you use treats in training?

A:  No, I tend to not use treats.  Exception- with young puppies or fearful dogs.  I do use, at certian times, praise or life rewards such as play.  I find what motivates the dog.  You want your dog to want to please you, not just perform a task for the reward alone.

Training without any treats, I also get asked "Why not?"  Because, if I can train a dog to a high level of obedience without treats, why would I use them?

Q:  Do you use e-collars, pinch collars, or choke chains?

A:  A tool is just that, a tool, it is not right or wrong.  It depends how it is used, and if it is properly introduced.  With that said, I personlly do not use e-collars.  I do often use pinch collars.  They must be properly fitted and used appropriately to be effective.  I do not use choke chains on most dogs, because the jerking on the neck can be damaging.  A pinch collar requires less strength and gives an even correction.  Training collars have to be fitted and used properly, and dogs are not taught with corrections, they are taught with positive reinforcement.  Training collars need to be introduced properly so the dog understands it.

Q:  Do you reccommend head halters, Gentle Leaders, or harnesses?

A:  No.  If you train a dog properly, you will not need all these things as a crutch.  A dog needs to be taught not to pull, and a head harness does not teach them anything. Head halters can also be dangerous and put strain on the neck, as well as irritating the face.  Head halters are meant for horses, not dogs.

Q: Are you a "100% Positive-only" dog trainer?

A: While I do use mostly postive methods and various rewards, there are no "onlys" in my training.  A good trainer has a whole toolbox of methods and solutions.  Every dog is different.

Political correctness has entered the arena of professional dog training, just like it has in every other facet of life.  It is, no doubt, in response to the more old-fashioned or out of date "dog trainers" who used abusive methods.  Unfortunately today, many people waste their time on innefective methods of dog training because they feel it is politically correct, or because they equate punishment or compulsion with abuse.  All-positive training can work with some dogs through certain phases of training. and can be a good way to go through the first learning phases with a dog. However, a problem can arise when the dog's stop listening because they don't feel the reward is worth the task. People from the "All-postive" trend claim it's never appropriate to repremand the dog for any reason.  They will claim that the only way to treat a negative behavior is by ignoring it, and not rewarding it.  They are taking a principal, that behaviors that are not rewarded will extinquish themselves, and running with it.  I spoke with one of these "trainers" who follows the all-positive trend.  I asked her "What do you do if a dog jumps on you?"  She responded "We ignore it, then when the dog stops, we reward him.  We do not even say 'no' because that is negative."  So what is the dog learning?  He can jump all he wants, then once he feels like stopping, he will get a reward.  Sounds innefective to me!  I have had clients who need jumping to stop immediately, such as pregnant women or elderly.  Sounds like this only-positive trainer is more commited to her philosophies than actually helping dog owners!

Here's another example:  Let's say you want to train a good recall (come when called).  So you practace, over and over, calling the dog and giving him a treat when he comes.  I want a recall to have an all-positive association to the dog, so that is a good way to practace.  Then one day you're walking, and the dog tries to run out in the street after a squirrel.  At this moment, it does not matter if you have a t-bone steak in your hand, the dog's desire to chase the squirrel trumps any desire for food.  Running into the street is risking death, so you yell "No!" and give a collar correction to the dog.  You have just used punishment, and therefore, your training is not 100% positive. 

(Of course, punishments or corrections have their guidelines, rules, and correct applications.  Studies have shown that after just 5 seconds, the effectiveness is drastically reduced.  Punishment is only effective when it's immediately following the behavior.   Corrections are used only when the dog already knows the task being asked of him.) 

  A question to the "all-positive trend"- Are we forgetting...

SOMETIMES DOGS HAVE TO DO THINGS THEY DON'T WANT TO DO!

If a dog knows the task being asked of him, there comes a point where he MUST do it.  There are no choices, there are no negotiations, there are no bribes.  If I tell my dog to "stay" he IS going to stay.  During those times when obedience is vital, I don't care if a dog would "rather" be doing something else. 

-When I was in grade school, I did not want to sit confined to a desk inside room, I would rather have gotten up and just walked out, to go play outside.

-I didn't want to clean my room or do dishes, I would rather watch tv it's more fun.

-I didn't want to accept being grounded, I would have rather told my mom to kiss my butt, or maybe slap her!  Who is she to tell me what to do.

-Nowadays, I don't want to stop and waste my time at red lights, I would rather drive right through them.

But what would the consequences of those decisions been?

My whole life, I have had to do things I didn't want to do.  Why should a dog be any different?  However, he DOES have a choice.  He is not forced to do the right thing, but he is set up for success.  I will not force that final choice, he will make it.  He can either "stay", or not stay.  If he chooses wrong, there are consequences to that behavior, he will be corrected.  I will bring him back to that same spot 10 times if I have to, until he makes the right decision.

Remember- a command once given (only said once), always must be followed up.

 

Q: Why Board and Train?

A: Having your dog professionally trained through board and train is the best option for getting a well behaved dog.  This is because a trainer will get results because they are consistent, laying a solid foundation for obedience. The schedule and consistency in the methods of training will really make a difference.  Of course board/train is followed with lessons for the owner, so you can continue on the right path with your dog.

You must choose a trainer with a good reputation and good results.  Common sense says you would not just leave your dog with just anyone or some guy out of nowhere who calls himself a "trainer".  Often the price of having your dog professionally trained for 2 weeks is similar to the amount people spend on boarding at a fancy dog hotel!  But training lasts a lifetime and people will be amazed at how well trained your dog is.

Once your dog is trained, you will then have to learn handling yourself.  The dog knows everything, now you just have to learn the communication.  After having your dog professionally trained, maintenance training will follow in the future, as needed.  But no matter what, he will always have a solid foundation of obedience!  It becomes your language between you and the dog.

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PROTECTION TRAINING

  A well trained personal protection dog is confident, and when needed, a true bodyguard to the owner.  Dogs who have been protection trained are safer than dogs who have not been protection trained who bite.

 Q:  Can my dog be protection trained?

A:  The only way to find out is an evaluation.  There are no particular reqirements, your dog doesn't need to be an "aggressive" dog, does not need to have high prey drive, nor does he/she have to be only a certain breed.  Many breeds are capable of protecting their owner in a real life situation, from the traditional breeds who were designed for it, to other breeds, there are even Labs and Jack Russels that do protection.

Q:  Will my dog be safe after he is trained in bitework?

A:  Yes, in fact he will be safer because you have control of it.  Look at it this way: Dogs bite.  This is something EVERY dog does, naturally.  Every dog is capable and most will bite, if in a certain situation.  Many breeds were actually made to do this- to guard, to do military/police work, etc (Dobes, Shepherds, Rotts, etc).  So they are doing something that is part of them and comes naturally, in a safe and controlled way. 

Many protection-trained dogs are family dogs, living in a household with children, other pets, and visitors.  This is completely different than a "junkyard dog" some people think of when they hear protection-trained.  Come and see what it's all about!