Wow, I can't believe how many folks don't truly know what their dog can and cannot handle. You have to remember, our human lifestyle is full of stress factors for our dogs. And every dog, no matter how well balanced, does have a limit as to what they can handle. Don't you? I certainly do! Put me one on one with the president of the United States and I might be just a tweenie weenie stressed!
Let's remember, stress isn't fear. But, it can cause behaviors we may not like or expect. Example: A dog is at a party, loose amongst the guests, of which there are say 30. Suddenly you hear a child's voice say "he tried to bite me!" You are shocked, as your dog likes kids and has never done anything like this before. Well, let's look at the BIG picture. Lots of people, plenty I'm sure stopping to pet the dog. Children running and playing, bringing a huge energy with them, and you not being able to watch him, or direct him (pack safety). A child comes up behind him, and surprises him. He spins and snaps, because he wasn't expecting it plus he's on high alert with all the activity, etc.
It's up to us, the humans, to understand that not all human activities are especially fun for your dogs. Having a large amount of "non-pack" members in their territory, can be stressful. Yes, most dogs would simply handle it, but what about the ones that can't?
This is where you, the steward of this wonderful soul, should really know your dog. When people tell me "he's never done that before" I can usually, after a number of questions and answers, make them realize that he has shown this side of him before, it was just in a smaller version and was probably ignored or excused. Paying attention to the small stuff helps with the big stuff!
That said, does this mean your dog can't ever attend a party at his own house? Of course not, but understand your dog's limits. He may only be okay with it for an hour, and then need to be removed to a quiet spot in the house where he can recharge himself a bit. He may need you to keep him on lealsh so he feels connected and not lost to you. Or, this may just not be his gig. He might be the guy you bring out when the party is starting to dwindle down a bit.
Keeping your dog a part of your life is important, but always be sure he's not being too stressed by it!
Have a great day!
Deb
Corky the yorky, Everee the BC and Eli the Bloodhound!
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
The Connection Touch
I was with a group a few weeks ago teaching a seminar. I asked the group how many of them massage their dogs vs. just petting them. Out of a group of ten I had 3 that raised their hands.
Let's talk the importance of your touch. When simply petting a dog, we tend to move our hands quickly over the dog. We actually bring their blood right up the surface and usually increase their excitement. Nothing wrong with that except it's not really touch - it's interaction. Touch is when you calmly stroke your dog, with the soul purpose of connecting and enjoying him (and visa versa!). The calming stroke is like his mother dog licking him - it feels great to a dog! Slowly and calmly you stroke him down his back, his shoulders, his chest. If he lays down and rolls over, continue to stroke his sides, his back, his feet. No need to belly rub him. This is the connection touch (belly rubs are fun and silly and perfectly ok at another time!). You can be quitely and sweetly telling him how much you love him, how handsome or beautfiul he/she is, etc.
Massage is a step up in the connection touch. You are actually using your finger tips and thumbs to massage those muscles, feel for knots and places where your pup holds his stress (yep, they do that just like people do). Work it out slowly, look for skin twitches which mean it hurts just a bit, and work on that spot a bit (if it doesn't go away within a few days talk to your vet). Work his legs, his feet, and I have found from my work in our canine daycare, alot of dogs LOVE to be rubbed on their eyebrows above their eyes. I use only my thumbs on this and just do small circles. Every dog has a favorite "rub me" place (again, NOT the belly with this!) - find it and use it to end your session with. When you do this easy work with your dog you are teaching them how wonderful it is to feel calm and relaxed. It's an important piece in their life. So often I find that dogs do not get touched enough, or if they are, it's always the excited play touch. I've had dogs come to me that resist this touch only because it's so unfamiliar to them. If you have a dog like this, take your time, work only on a shoulder and then stop if he looks uncomfortable. Take the time to get him hoooked on how good this feels. He might, in the beginning, only allow you to massage him for a minute, then he'll get up and move away. That's ok - next time he'll stay longer!
Never forget the power of touch - your dogs will love you for it even more!
Let's talk the importance of your touch. When simply petting a dog, we tend to move our hands quickly over the dog. We actually bring their blood right up the surface and usually increase their excitement. Nothing wrong with that except it's not really touch - it's interaction. Touch is when you calmly stroke your dog, with the soul purpose of connecting and enjoying him (and visa versa!). The calming stroke is like his mother dog licking him - it feels great to a dog! Slowly and calmly you stroke him down his back, his shoulders, his chest. If he lays down and rolls over, continue to stroke his sides, his back, his feet. No need to belly rub him. This is the connection touch (belly rubs are fun and silly and perfectly ok at another time!). You can be quitely and sweetly telling him how much you love him, how handsome or beautfiul he/she is, etc.
Massage is a step up in the connection touch. You are actually using your finger tips and thumbs to massage those muscles, feel for knots and places where your pup holds his stress (yep, they do that just like people do). Work it out slowly, look for skin twitches which mean it hurts just a bit, and work on that spot a bit (if it doesn't go away within a few days talk to your vet). Work his legs, his feet, and I have found from my work in our canine daycare, alot of dogs LOVE to be rubbed on their eyebrows above their eyes. I use only my thumbs on this and just do small circles. Every dog has a favorite "rub me" place (again, NOT the belly with this!) - find it and use it to end your session with. When you do this easy work with your dog you are teaching them how wonderful it is to feel calm and relaxed. It's an important piece in their life. So often I find that dogs do not get touched enough, or if they are, it's always the excited play touch. I've had dogs come to me that resist this touch only because it's so unfamiliar to them. If you have a dog like this, take your time, work only on a shoulder and then stop if he looks uncomfortable. Take the time to get him hoooked on how good this feels. He might, in the beginning, only allow you to massage him for a minute, then he'll get up and move away. That's ok - next time he'll stay longer!
Never forget the power of touch - your dogs will love you for it even more!
Teaching a "Turn Off"
So often I hear a client say "my dog has two switches - On and Off", no inbetween! Living with a border collie I am very aware of how busy dogs can seem to just go and go and go! What folks forget is that when you do have an active dog, that turn off switch is not something that will come naturally (as I hear my bloodhound Eli snoring loudly next to me!).
From puppyhood on, I teach my pups how to "settle" and in essence, turn off. This was especially important for my border collie Everee. Without it she would be constantly pacing around the house with toys in her mouth, or on my lap, and never just "chilling"!
I teach this by doing the turn off exercise every day, sometimes 2-3 times a day, depending on what I'm doing. This exercise is the same for puppies, except when I start teaching it with pups, I do give them a chewie while they do it.
Leash goes on (six feet, no longer), I settle into a chair, turn on my favorite show (or read a book) and relax (it can be so exhausting to train...teehee!). With dogs that know the down command, I will tell them down before I start. If they blow the down and get up, I keep the leash so the dog is within 2-3 feet of me. I ignore the dog. He can stand if he wants, but it's going to be a 30 minute or longer "chill time" - gets kinda boring just standing there. If the dog turns his attention on me and starts to try to jump up or interact with me, I'll gently step on the leash so he has to lay down (this should be done on a flat collar, no slips!). I will, if necessary, keep my foot on the leash to insist on a down. Again, however, if he's just standing and not bugging you, ignore him and enjoy your show!
The "just chill" exercise is great. It can calm a dog down (we all know that down is a natural calming position for dogs) and teaches him that when you rest, he can too. Again, with puppies (2-4 months of age) I'll do this, but give them a chewie.
So Practice your "just chill" exercise! Some dogs just need a little guidance to get there - and others, (loud snoring!) just have their own!
From puppyhood on, I teach my pups how to "settle" and in essence, turn off. This was especially important for my border collie Everee. Without it she would be constantly pacing around the house with toys in her mouth, or on my lap, and never just "chilling"!
I teach this by doing the turn off exercise every day, sometimes 2-3 times a day, depending on what I'm doing. This exercise is the same for puppies, except when I start teaching it with pups, I do give them a chewie while they do it.
Leash goes on (six feet, no longer), I settle into a chair, turn on my favorite show (or read a book) and relax (it can be so exhausting to train...teehee!). With dogs that know the down command, I will tell them down before I start. If they blow the down and get up, I keep the leash so the dog is within 2-3 feet of me. I ignore the dog. He can stand if he wants, but it's going to be a 30 minute or longer "chill time" - gets kinda boring just standing there. If the dog turns his attention on me and starts to try to jump up or interact with me, I'll gently step on the leash so he has to lay down (this should be done on a flat collar, no slips!). I will, if necessary, keep my foot on the leash to insist on a down. Again, however, if he's just standing and not bugging you, ignore him and enjoy your show!
The "just chill" exercise is great. It can calm a dog down (we all know that down is a natural calming position for dogs) and teaches him that when you rest, he can too. Again, with puppies (2-4 months of age) I'll do this, but give them a chewie.
So Practice your "just chill" exercise! Some dogs just need a little guidance to get there - and others, (loud snoring!) just have their own!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Why train the dog?
Wow - has it really been since Sept that I've blogged? Time just flies when you're having fun dog training!
So my topic is why train the dog. You would think that would be a no brainer answer, but trust me, in my experience with people I'm always amazed at what they tell me.
Training your dog in "good citizen" exercises, which include soft leash heeling, sit/down/stays, and come when I call (every time!) is a good way to invest time into your dog. These exercises are the foundation of what a balanced dog should be. And, with these exercises, you can, if you desire, go on to other things like agility, obedience competition, or pet therapy work. Yes, training the dog IS important!
Folks will often tell me when they call about class that all they want to the dog to do is.......and this varies from not pulling on a leash, coming when called, etc. They go on to say they don't see the need to teach anything else to them. This is like saying your child doesn't need to know his ABC's in order to write.
Teaching foundation obedience is how we connect with our dog. Learning is fun, and dogs love it, when done the right way. And, as your dog follows your simple command of sit or down, he is acknowledging you as a great leader. Dogs MUST have leaders - don't be fooled that they don't. If they don't see you as a leader, they will try to take on the role themselves. We call these pups "alpha wannabe's", really don't want the job, but now think they might try to take it just because it's available. Being a good leader requires very little on the human end - just be fair, follow through with what you want your dog to do and always be calm and cool. A good leader doesn't yell or scream.
So get busy training that pup of yours. Teach those foundation exercises and watch how the rest comes easily!
See you soon - I'll be back - I promise!
Deb, Eli, Everee and Corky the yorky
So my topic is why train the dog. You would think that would be a no brainer answer, but trust me, in my experience with people I'm always amazed at what they tell me.
Training your dog in "good citizen" exercises, which include soft leash heeling, sit/down/stays, and come when I call (every time!) is a good way to invest time into your dog. These exercises are the foundation of what a balanced dog should be. And, with these exercises, you can, if you desire, go on to other things like agility, obedience competition, or pet therapy work. Yes, training the dog IS important!
Folks will often tell me when they call about class that all they want to the dog to do is.......and this varies from not pulling on a leash, coming when called, etc. They go on to say they don't see the need to teach anything else to them. This is like saying your child doesn't need to know his ABC's in order to write.
Teaching foundation obedience is how we connect with our dog. Learning is fun, and dogs love it, when done the right way. And, as your dog follows your simple command of sit or down, he is acknowledging you as a great leader. Dogs MUST have leaders - don't be fooled that they don't. If they don't see you as a leader, they will try to take on the role themselves. We call these pups "alpha wannabe's", really don't want the job, but now think they might try to take it just because it's available. Being a good leader requires very little on the human end - just be fair, follow through with what you want your dog to do and always be calm and cool. A good leader doesn't yell or scream.
So get busy training that pup of yours. Teach those foundation exercises and watch how the rest comes easily!
See you soon - I'll be back - I promise!
Deb, Eli, Everee and Corky the yorky
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Are Car Rides good for you dog?
I see alot of folks taking their dogs along when they go on errands, and then leaving the dogs in the car while they shop. It's an interesting thought process we have that dogs actually enjoy going in the car for just a ride. Here's just another way to look at it - through your dog's eyes.
You get ready to go somewhere and you tell your dog he gets to go. He's very excited and happy. Jumps in the car, settles into his favorite spot (PLEASE don't let that spot be hanging his head out of the car while you drive!). He's with you - things are going past him, he's happy.
T-H-E-N....you park the car, leave the dog alone with the window cranked down a bit for air. He sees you walking away, he's stuck in the car. So now you've left him. Some dogs lay down and sleep - nothing else to do is there. Others, however, then get nervous. They are the ones that you've seen that bark at everything moving in the parking lot. You just put your dog in charge of "guarding" your car, in his eyes. He's not very good at guarding - as a matter of fact, at home when he barks at everything moving on the street or in his yard you seem mad about it. Here, however, in the car, there is no one to stop him. He gets to rehearse his "guarding" behavior over and over. Then he goes home and continues it. And you get on him for it. How confusing to a dog is that!
Think hard about whether or not you should bring your dog on ride with you. Being alone in a car can be stressful, or just plain boring! Yes, they love being with you, but actually watching you walk away can be a tough thing in their head.
Spend a little time playing ball or cuddling before you leave on your errands - they'll be waiting happily for you to return!
Deb Schneider
Corky the yorky, Everee the BC and Eli the Bloodhound
You get ready to go somewhere and you tell your dog he gets to go. He's very excited and happy. Jumps in the car, settles into his favorite spot (PLEASE don't let that spot be hanging his head out of the car while you drive!). He's with you - things are going past him, he's happy.
T-H-E-N....you park the car, leave the dog alone with the window cranked down a bit for air. He sees you walking away, he's stuck in the car. So now you've left him. Some dogs lay down and sleep - nothing else to do is there. Others, however, then get nervous. They are the ones that you've seen that bark at everything moving in the parking lot. You just put your dog in charge of "guarding" your car, in his eyes. He's not very good at guarding - as a matter of fact, at home when he barks at everything moving on the street or in his yard you seem mad about it. Here, however, in the car, there is no one to stop him. He gets to rehearse his "guarding" behavior over and over. Then he goes home and continues it. And you get on him for it. How confusing to a dog is that!
Think hard about whether or not you should bring your dog on ride with you. Being alone in a car can be stressful, or just plain boring! Yes, they love being with you, but actually watching you walk away can be a tough thing in their head.
Spend a little time playing ball or cuddling before you leave on your errands - they'll be waiting happily for you to return!
Deb Schneider
Corky the yorky, Everee the BC and Eli the Bloodhound
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
The long term effects of training your dog!
Training your dog is more than just a duty - it's a lifestyle! Often folks will call with naughty dogs, and when I ask how many obedience classes they have done with their dogs they either say none, or one. And usually it's been years since the dog was in a class.
If you want your training to stick, per se, you MUST keep it up. A nicely trained dog for the house has done a minimum of two classes, and their owners practice and keep up the work once classes are done. The mistake folks make is they'll take one 8 week Beginner class and stop. It's silly because for dogs, learning obedience and good behavior is like us learning a new language. I took two years of Russian in high school. Once I graduated I never spoke it again, and it didn't take many years for it to all be gone. Today I can remember about 5 words.
Your dog is in the same situation. Folks will tell me "in class he was so good, but now he's doing this or that". Well, if the owners didn't do "continued ed" with their dog, the 8 weeks of training is not going to stick!
I find that dogs who owners have kept up their obedience past the classes, are much calmer dogs. They generally don't have any phobia's, fear or aggression because they know they can count on their owners to tell them what to do, and they know how to do it! I always tell folks that a nice down stay is like an emergency brake. If your dog is heading in the wrong direction, or acting up, simply telling them what to do instead, in a simple manner, can turn that dog completely around.
So keep up your training - do more than one class and keep practicing speaking "training" to your pup! Maybe even take a fun class now and then with your pup just for the enjoyment of doing something with him. You'll find years down the road that your dog is still one, very nice pup to live with!
Deb S
Everee, Eli and Corky
If you want your training to stick, per se, you MUST keep it up. A nicely trained dog for the house has done a minimum of two classes, and their owners practice and keep up the work once classes are done. The mistake folks make is they'll take one 8 week Beginner class and stop. It's silly because for dogs, learning obedience and good behavior is like us learning a new language. I took two years of Russian in high school. Once I graduated I never spoke it again, and it didn't take many years for it to all be gone. Today I can remember about 5 words.
Your dog is in the same situation. Folks will tell me "in class he was so good, but now he's doing this or that". Well, if the owners didn't do "continued ed" with their dog, the 8 weeks of training is not going to stick!
I find that dogs who owners have kept up their obedience past the classes, are much calmer dogs. They generally don't have any phobia's, fear or aggression because they know they can count on their owners to tell them what to do, and they know how to do it! I always tell folks that a nice down stay is like an emergency brake. If your dog is heading in the wrong direction, or acting up, simply telling them what to do instead, in a simple manner, can turn that dog completely around.
So keep up your training - do more than one class and keep practicing speaking "training" to your pup! Maybe even take a fun class now and then with your pup just for the enjoyment of doing something with him. You'll find years down the road that your dog is still one, very nice pup to live with!
Deb S
Everee, Eli and Corky
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Been A While!
Wow, been a while since I blogged here ! sorry for being gone so long!
Have been very busy getting a new lease done on our existing building. We've been there ten years and it was time to renew. We negotiated a nice ten year lease with a ten year option on the end, plus we are getting AIR CONDITIONING in both of our buildings! Very exciting as this has been one long, hot summer, and I know you all already know that. This should be going in soon, like the next week or so. It means we won't have to close down next year when it gets so hot. Can't believe I went ten years without it! We are also getting a new heat system with it, so no more loud blowers going in the building - nice forced air! I'll take that in a paw print!
Hope everyone is hanging in there. It's been as hard on our dogs as on us this summer. I saw some people walking their dogs when it was so hot and humid (the day it got up to 116 with the humidity!) and I just wanted to shake them. I always tell folks, take your shoes off and walk around on the hot pavement in the sun - does it hurt? Well then it's too hot for your dog too!
So, when it's too hot to play outside, get the games going inside! Find it, doggy puzzles, obedience practice - use those brains. Also more chews to gnaw on to help work out stress and energy!
Today it's 74 degrees and I'm actually able to get out into the garden and weed for the first time in over six weeks. My border collie Everee loves to help (she actually pulls on weeds for me, no kidding!). Enjoy your day everyone and .... I'm baaaaack!
Deb S.
Everee, Corky, Eli and our newest additions Harry and Truman (baby parakeets!)
Have been very busy getting a new lease done on our existing building. We've been there ten years and it was time to renew. We negotiated a nice ten year lease with a ten year option on the end, plus we are getting AIR CONDITIONING in both of our buildings! Very exciting as this has been one long, hot summer, and I know you all already know that. This should be going in soon, like the next week or so. It means we won't have to close down next year when it gets so hot. Can't believe I went ten years without it! We are also getting a new heat system with it, so no more loud blowers going in the building - nice forced air! I'll take that in a paw print!
Hope everyone is hanging in there. It's been as hard on our dogs as on us this summer. I saw some people walking their dogs when it was so hot and humid (the day it got up to 116 with the humidity!) and I just wanted to shake them. I always tell folks, take your shoes off and walk around on the hot pavement in the sun - does it hurt? Well then it's too hot for your dog too!
So, when it's too hot to play outside, get the games going inside! Find it, doggy puzzles, obedience practice - use those brains. Also more chews to gnaw on to help work out stress and energy!
Today it's 74 degrees and I'm actually able to get out into the garden and weed for the first time in over six weeks. My border collie Everee loves to help (she actually pulls on weeds for me, no kidding!). Enjoy your day everyone and .... I'm baaaaack!
Deb S.
Everee, Corky, Eli and our newest additions Harry and Truman (baby parakeets!)