I'm NOT a chew toy!

One of my great Inquisitive Canine manners students writes: 

• Joan, I am having a few issues with Scout being mouthy to me and others. What suggestions do you have? Thanks, Steve C, Santa Paula California 

Dear Steve,

Ugh! I'm sure it's frustrating to be treated like a giant chew or tug toy. I'll go through the "flowchart" paths of behavior, just like class. 

1. Is it "normal" doggy behavior? Yep, sure is. Exploring the world with their mouth, using it as a "tool", using it to initiate fun games with others - dogs and humans. 
2. Is it a behavior Scout wants to do more of, or is it something you want him to do or like? Hmm, I'd say he wants more of it :-) So that means it's based upon the "Consequence" path of learning. It's Scouts behavior that will earn him more or less of it happening again in the future. 
3. Have you taught him what you want, in a way that he understands? Have you been consistent in educating him? Rewarding an undesired behavior, even once in a blue moon, will most likely reward it just enough to keep him trying again and again. (Think "Vegas"). Or, only "punishing" him once in awhile can send mixed messages too. 

So, where do you start? Simple: 

1. FIRST: REWARD WHAT YOU WANT! Remember, positive reinforcement will make the desired behaviors happen more frequently. Whenever you or others are around him, and he is behaving in the exact manner you like, acknowledge it! Bump it up and reward with food and play! 
   
2. Provide "legal outlets" for chewing and playing. Keep large tug toys around for Scout to put his mouth on. Whenever he makes the right choice, again reward what you like! Reward with both a game of tug, and yummy treats! "Yea, scout made the right choice!" 
3. Decide what "punishment" you're going to use. The best punishment I can think of is the absolute "game over!!!" response from you (or others that are playing). Meaning, all play, all interaction, all attention stops completely! 
4. Once you re-engage, keep up the same rules. I use the 3-strikes for something like this. 

I think the most important points: rewarding what you want and consistency in the two choices you're giving Scout. The right choice, and the other one :-)

Hope this helps Steve! Keep me posted on the outcome... 

Not the high fiber diet I wanted my dog to have!

Last Saturday morning found me and my little family off to Santa Barbara for an early morning race. It was kinda rainy, and a little windy. For those of you who know my beloved little pooch Poncho, he is not a fan of the wind! (HA! no pun intended) I'm not a big fan of the wind either, but for a different reason. Anyway, we didn't want to leave him here, so off we went on a family adventure. 

For as long as I can recall, my darling husband gives extra "rewards" to Poncho by allowing him to lick the leftover crumbs from his napkins and wrappers. And, for as long as I can remember I've asked him not to. Hmm, I guess this trainer doesn't know her animal,  since we've been having the same conversation over and over. Trust me, I've used every approach of Skinners Operant Conditioning Quadrant, mostly sticking with positive reinforcement, ("Good job honey, thanks for listening to me, thanks for giving Poncho the crumbs out of your hand instead of the napkin!) And negative punishment, (I take Poncho away from him if I see a napkin about to be presented)... Well, I guess my "animal" still hadn't learned! 

So, I'm

 out on my 1/2 marathon course...in the meantime, my hubby has run and finished his 5K, gone to the car to get Poncho, walked him around, then proceeded to get snacks (human treats) at the post-race finish area. They greet me excitedly when I finish. I'm thrilled beyond belief to be done with it... Then, my darling hubby decides to drop the bomb...nice way to end a perfectly good race... 

• Hubby: "Uh, honey? I gotta tell you about Poncho."   
  
• Wifey: "Oh really? What did he do? Was he a good boy with all the people and dogs?"
• H: "Has nothing to do with his behavior. Poncho is doing great with everyone."

Okay, so this is where the look on my face completely changed, you know, into the: this look I have on my face predicts nothing good for you! 

• W: "Oh dear gawd what happened!?"
• H: "Poncho ate a muffin wrapper." 
• W: "HE WHAT??!!!" "How the......!!!!!" "WHAT THE....!" (insert multiple expletives here)

Needless to say, I finally made my point about dogs and paper products with crumbs on them! 

Yes, Poncho was being rewarded with the opportunity to lick the muffin wrapper that was so generously given by my husband - When my hubby tried to take it away, Poncho decided it was quite delicious and didn't want to give it up - "guarding it" if you will, which hubby and I know is not only "normal" in dogs, but very strong in our dog - at least with food. 

Was I concerned? Yes, you bet. Did hubby at least call the vets office? Yes, you bet. They confirmed that Poncho should be okay, and to watch his behavior: breathing normal? Check! still eating? Check-check-check! Still energetic? Check! Peeing? Check! He even pooped too! Normal all around...so we decided not to rush him off to the vet emergency. We would observe for any changes, and take him in if things got bad or we got worried. 

So, after I calmed down (now my heart rate was up because of the wrapper incident), I actually said "thank you" to my hubby for being truthful (want to reinforce those behaviors we like and never want to punish him telling the truth, right?), and for taking action by calling the vets office. Then we went about our day, while keeping a close eye on Poncho...the happy ending? Five hours later it passed :-) Phew... 

Which brings me to the topic of dogs and consuming anything that isn't nailed down! Check out the photo op of Sir Poncho the Graduate chewing up his latest Manner Class certificate... Fortunately, it was for the pleasure of chewing and not consuming. 

Let's revisit what dogs are: scavengers, predators, and omnivores! >>> they'll eat anything at any time, and it's more fun

 if it's moving! They are also chewers! And they chew for a variety of reasons.... Put it all together, they'll eat anything! Sometimes they just chew it, sometimes they eat it, and sometimes they'll even "guard" it so you won't take it from them! Hello? This is normal 

behavior, and it's hard-wired into their doggy DNA - it's one characteristic that makes dogs dogs!

I recall during my training up at the San Francisco SPCA there was one particular dog (Freddy, see pic of the handsome shepherd mix) that was very clever at grabbing the trainers treat bags

 off their waistband, removing the ziploc baggy of treats from inside of it, and ingesting the entire thing! I wasn't there either time, but the first time he was rushed to the vets, the second time the trainers rolled their eyeand remembered not to use a treat bag when working with him. Live and learn, right? You would think dogs would learn too, but alas, it seems the ingesting of something, even some innate object, is usually more motivating than the punishment of aftermath. 

One other comforting thought was when my dear friend Emilia emailed me on Monday saying she was swamped the entire weekend because her dog Nellie had eaten a highlighter! Emilia 

and her hubby realized this after seeing all the ink on Nellie's rear end. They spent their weekend observing Nellie for "odd" behavior...(odder than usual I guess?) :-) Check out Nellie's pic on the left... I guess she was considering interior decorating as a new career. Fortunately mom and dad have provided many new legal outlets for her, and the pillows are no longer an appealing choice. 

Well, I guess if Nellie can tolerate a highlighter, then Poncho and his extra fiber would be okay...although, I would never ever ever add something like that into his diet intentionally, nor would I risk leaving something like that around - As we have come to learn, dogs sometimes don't have the best judgement when it comes to meal planning. 

Another few things I'd like to add about dogs and chewing/ingesting anything is:

1. If your dog does, or you think your dog did ingest something that could harm them TAKE YOUR DOG TO THE VET! (or at least call your vets office) It's not our job to evaluate our dogs health if we're not a professional veterinarian. 
2. Determine WHY your dog is chewing, destroying, or eating things they should be chewing, destroying or eating! Is it boredom? Is it because of isolation distress or separation anxiety? Is it because they're teething? There are many reasons why dogs do any of those things. First determine "the why", then you can make plans on what to do about it, if in fact you need to change your dogs behavior. 
3. Supply your dog with "legal" items, then reward them when they're making the better choice. Check out the picture of Poncho and his "legal" items. 

For more intriguing anecdotes on items that dogs eat, check out this great Web site that Matt Goodman and his dog Watson have developed called: Things My Dog Ate! After looking at his site, I can honestly say Poncho ain't that bad when it comes to ingesting the non-food items... we'll just keep the wrappers away, and count our blessings.

If you have questions about chewing, ingesting, or guarding, or want to teach your dog some training exercises that would help with any of these issues, please contact me. My classes and workshops at the inquisitive canine studio and Ventura College Community Education, and of course privates can help you and your dog. 

Puppy and Dog Problem Behaviors: Whose "PROBLEM" is it?

A friend and colleague writes: "I need pet experts to offer me their top tips on treating the common problems of cats and dogs at home for a chapter in a 'pet problems' book being revised. Care to submit something?" Well shoot! Of course I do... I'm always willing to offer up my opinion, especially if it can help others.

The following are some of the more common issues that come my way, regarding dog behavior:

• House-training: Dogs come with a pre-wired, instinctual set of elimination behaviors. It's up to us to teach them where and when to go in our human world. A few key things are:

1. Consistency! Teaching them to "go potty" in a multitude of areas can be confusing. Stick with one general place (outside) and reward them for it!
2. Timing! Reward them when they go it the desired place!
3. Refrain from punishment of any kind. This doesn't teach your dog what you want - it only teaches them to be afraid of you and to not eliminate in front of you. Or if it's after the fact, then they don't put it together. You may end up punishing something completely unrelated - like coming to you.

• "My dog is afraid of ": Socialization is key. Whatever you want your dog doing as an adult, begin to get them used to it as a puppy - small, baby steps. New smells, sights, sounds, textures, and situations. This doesn't mean you should be taking them to places that could cause harm, but you can still get them used to, and exposed to "novel" things when they're young.
• Note: Dogs learn the same way we learn. So for adult dogs, even if you've missed the prime socialization period (6 - 13 weeks), you can still teach them to love or hate almost anything. Pairing something they already love (or hate) with anything else, will teach (condition) them to love or hate the "anything" else. Think Pavlov.

• "My dog chews up/destroys anything and everything." Let's recap what dogs are: predators, omnivores, scavengers. They chew for a variety of reasons. They're also "individuals" in that they have their particulars about what they like to chew. Experiment with different "legal" chew items. Determine which one(s) your dog likes the best. Then, when s/he makes the right choice, reward extra for making that choice!

• "My dog barks all the time!" Okay, first off they're dogs. Remember "Old MacDonald"? Dogs bark for a variety of reasons, just like we humans talk/yell/scream (dare I say whisper) for a variety of reasons... First determine "why" your dog is barking, then figure out what to do about it. Fear and separation anxiety is a completely different path of learning than play or attention seeking, as well as alert/predatory/play/territory barking. In a very tiny nutshell:

1. Fear-based: longer process to teach your dog that being alone is "fun", and that they can trust it's going to be okay. Be boring coming and going, short absences working up to longer periods, exercise beforehand so they're tired and want to rest, pet sitters, day care, play-dates, enrichment.
2. Boredom: Enrichment! Give them something to do! Exercise them so they're tired.
3. Attention seeking: Ask them to do something else. Interactive games (enrichment). Reward when they're quiet! Time-out if necessary.
4. Alert!: If there is a burglar on the premises you better thank them for doing their job! If it's a friend visiting, or the delivery person, thank your dog for letting you know, then ask them for another behavior (instead of continuous barking). Reward for quiet, time-out for making the wrong choice.

I think one of the more important steps any dog guardian should take is learning what they can about dogs in general. Know your animal! What makes them dogs? Why do they do what they do? Understanding them better can help set yourself and the dog up for success, while avoiding those "problems" people complain about.

Lots of yummies for this little 'trick or treater'!

Poor Poncho. He is the best ever! How many dogs would allow their nails to be trimmed, then follow it up by being dressed up for Halloween - as a food item no less! Too cute... check it out>>>>

I did make it "fun" for him though. For nail trimming he got leftover rice cake crumbles (he loves 'em), with mixed in lamb jerky. For the "lobster" outfit he got the same treats, plus some "ball time", which he finds very rewarding. 

See? Just goes to show you 1) you can train a dog to like anything (almost) 2) you can use many things besides food to reward your dogs great behavior! 

Happy and safe Halloween, from me and my sidekick Poncho! AKA: my "rock lobster" 

A BIG HUGE SHOUT OUT to Jeff, Tim, and SBC!

Talk about a positively reinforcing, rewarding, over-the-top kinda business meeting! Today Poncho and I took a little road-trip north (our favorite direction) to meet up with Amber - my trusty and oh-so-brilliant website designer/builder to finalize info on my brand new and improved website!!! EEEEKKKK! We're about to launch folks, to keep your eyes, ears, and web browsers open!

Anyway, since I had Ponchorinorama with me, Amber suggested we hit our local top-notch dog friendly fabulous restaurant The Summerland Beach Cafe! Jeff the owner was there - welcomed us with open arms, as did Tim (who is one rockin' dog guy let me tell you...he was just loving Poncho the entire time...and Poncho was sending signals back too...what a good boy!) Jeff helped us out with the wireless internet system... Good job Jeff! And Tim helped the entire time just making sure we had everything we needed... including water and bowls for Poncho! 

Emilia was just finishing up a conference call meeting at Lorrie's, but stopped by to say *hi* too - made sure we had all the up-to-date web and blog info she had sent earlier... Nellie, (Emilia's great pooch who just graduated with honors from my Manners Class) was home with proper enrichment while she was blogging... 

What a great team I have!!! Yes, I can't wait for the new site - But now I'm gonna have to figure out how I can continue to be part of this great "dream team"! 

I do know this: Inquisitive Canine meetings and other get-togethers will be held at SBC (Summerland Beach Cafe) whenever possible! 

Bringing clarity to clickers and positive reinforcement:

You hear the words "Clicker training", "Clickers", "Positive Reinforcement" etc... but what's it all mean? Let me try to help clarify some points:

1. Using a "Clicker" doesn't mean a person doesn't use "punishment" (hopefully not at the same time)... 
2. Positive Reinforcement doesn't mean a person doesn't use punishment.
3. Positive reinforcement doesn't mean a person doesn't use physical force to get what they want! 
4. Using "punishment" doesn't mean a person uses physical force or inhumane methods to teach. 
5. There are two types of "punishment":

• "Negative Punishment": Taking the good thing away
• "Positive Punishment": adding something the animal wants to avoid - a smack, shock, choke, prong in the neck, citronella spray, loud noise, being pinned, etc...

Why do I bring this up? A couple of reasons. There are some trainers out there that say they're somewhere between "A clicker trainer" and a famous trainer who uses physical force, flooding, fear tactics, and downright "old fashioned" training methods. (Sorry, name withheld to protect privacy and CMA)...

I wanted to say to this person: "What does being a 'clicker trainer' mean to you?" It certainly isn't exclusive to causing no harm to an animal - it's just another tool in your trainers toolbox, as it is mine. It "marks" the behavior you wanted your dog (or any animal) to perform...not much more. 

I use a clicker as one of my training tools. I also use "punishment". As a matter of fact I spoke about it today in my Manners Class at the Inquisitive Canine studio. However, the type of 'punishment' I use and teach has to do with "reward removal" -  not hitting, beating, shocking, spraying, coercing, forcing, or bullying! 

No animal learns that way without resulting in some nasty (usually "emotional") side-effects. Do animals learn through beating and force techniques? Sure they do - or should I say, "we" do... But what else are they "learning" besides what the owner/parent wants? - which is usually not the first or main thing they learn... 

My final example: I was coming home from a run, heading in the opposite direction of a man and his dog. I'm sure I looked "weird" to the dog...hat, sunglasses, water bottle belt, running right towards it. This can be perceived by dogs as "threatening", right? Something weird running at it... So the dog did the most logical thing it could do in it's little canine brain - it started barking at me - I didn't blame it at all. Unfortunately the owner did - and proceeded to smack it repeatedly on the head! The dog looked at me, barked, got smacked and yelled at. I cringed! I think I yelped myself! Then screamed at him to please not hit the dog!!! Why is he hitting him! it doesn't teach him what you want! 

I know, that can be pretty punishing to someone - being yelled at it public. As for "positive punishment" towards humans - of course I'm against it (unless it's self defense) - However, I did have a secret desire to smack the owner and take the dog... Hopefully they will end up in one of my classes - either at the studio or Ventura College, so I can supply an education in positive reinforcement, learning by both association and consequence, proper ways to get rid of unwanted behaviors, and clickers (or not). 

You CAN teach an old dog (man) new tricks!

Okay, let me first say he's NOT OLD! My "man" that is... But, he can learn new things... Yep, three years after becoming a trainer and establishing The Inquisitive Canine, a year and a half since opening the studio...and my own husband, father of our dog, love of my life, supporter of all I get into, has finally signed up for one of my classes with our dog Poncho! I couldn't believe it... but he said he finally believes that 1) the training does work, and 2) he needs to learn some of these techniques so Poncho will perform the same behaviors with him as he does with me. 

For years I've said that dogs don't generalize (perform same behavior in similar situations) - and that we need to re-teach them in any new situation. A new place, person (different person training), situation etc... you have to re-teach the dog...it's as simple as that. I'm not too sure what finally sent my hubby over the edge of not being convinced to actually "believing", but I'm thrilled he's finally there! And that he is excited about coming to class and learning... He even filled out his goal sheet and is reading through his workbook! 

I have to say, this has made my day - and is SO rewarding to me! I love how we positively reinforce one another - makes for a great relationship... Now I'd better go catch him in the act of doing what I love and reward him for it! (husband and the dog)... 

All choked up over this question:

I was having a discussion on the use of choke chains with dogs - and the question came up about using them on stronger dogs, especially Pit Bull Terriers. Let me say this first: 1) I love Pit Bulls. 2) I am NOT breed biased. Doggy DNA is doggy DNA - they all have the propensity to act like dogs whether they be a teacup chihuahua or an american pit bull terrier. The difference is obvious when it comes to the injury itself, and in that: size does matter... This is what I told my friend who asked the innocent question of using them on APBT's (she lives in a big big city with APBT's everywhere...and she doesn't own a dog herself...it's okay, she's still really cool)... Anyway, this was my answer for her:

but what if you have a pitbull in brooklyn (there are millions!)? just askin.. > Are you kidding? Please allow me to pass on some info: "all" animals learn the same way- So, if you have a 6' 8" athletic boxer, or a 3' tall little girl, a lion, a tiger, a bear, a fish, a hamster, cat, or Pit Bull Terrier - all will learn the same way - The way that humans use choke chains for training places them (the collars) under the "Learning by Consequence" path - Based on the consequences of the animals own behavior you can either give them something they want, or take it away - or you can give them something they don't want, or remove it, or prevent it from happening. (BF Skinner come to mind here?) Anyway, the more *humane* techniques are: give something they want, or take it away - like sports (three strikes, penalty box, and that whole deal)... Dog sits = he gets a treat and gets to say *hi* to person - Dog jumps up = dog doesn't get treat and doesn't get to say hello to person. 

Choke chains, prong collars, squirt bottles, jerking the collar (collar corrections), electronic shock collars, citronella collars - all of these *positive punishment* techniques are threats, considered abusive, and only motivate the dog out of pain and fear! Plus, they only focus in on what you DON'T WANT, not what you do want... If you were involved with someone that walked around with a belt in their hand, ready to hit you with it if you did something THEY didn't like, and only paid attention when you were doing something *wrong* (only in their eyes mind you - could be a normal behavior of yours...) how long would you stay with this person? 

As I mentioned above choke chains (and the like) are used for the purpose of "Consequence Learning". However, both types of learning are taking place at the same time (the "emotional" learning by association path), and thus creates a main reason for dog aggression to start - but that's a different email (post)...I'll let you digest this one first. 

This is just some of the info I talk about in my classes and workshops here in Ventura... you to can learn more about this path of learning, and well as the other - stronger path... You and your dog will love it! 

Positively SHOCKING!!!

I don't get it... I really don't. As you all know, I am a dog trainer and behavior counselor that uses what's called Positive Reinforcement training methods. Just to clarify, this doesn't mean that I don't use "punishment". Of course I do... but not in the same as what I call old fashioned training methods. 

"Old fashioned" methods tend to use what an animal would find fearful or intimidating - jerking a choke chain to get them to stop pulling or barking, or in one of the worst cases, an electronic shock collar to get them to stop barking (or running off etc...). All I can say right now is "OH MY GOD!!!" How does "shocking" an animal get them to "learn" anything, except maybe not to trust humans! Is this not abuse? 

Would we do this to humans for every day life teachings??? (Yes, there is something called electroconvulsive therapy for humans who suffer from severe depression and other psych related and neurological disorders, but it is applied in well monitored clinical settings using very strict guidelines...not willy nilly)

I received a call the other day from a young woman who has a "reactive" dog. She told me she tried prong collars, choke chains, squirt bottles, and physical punishment... (hmm, I was hoping she would be able to figure out on her own why her dog developed this reactivity)... Anyway, she then said her sister uses an electronic collar for her own dog - and that one of the younger kids got hold of the remote that delivers the shock. The child was having fun just pushing buttons, but didn't realize what the device was for. Can you picture what this poor animal went through? Does this seem like a good idea for training - or for anything else? Maybe a pacemaker or defibrillator, but that would be about it. 

I'm simply shocked myself that our society 1) uses these items 2) allows anyone to buy one... You wouldn't keep a loaded gun out in the open with children around (I hope), so why would you use something as dangerous as a shock collar...? 

Something for this inquisitive canine dog mom to ponder... 

The better dog behavior question leading to success!

When it comes to the behavior of our dogs, we often ask ourself: "Why do you keep doing that (dogs name)?" As a dog trainer I get calls all the time with that question. At home, being a *dog mom* first, I will catch myself asking myself this question...usually on Mondays when the garbage trucks are circling the neighborhood about nine times throughout the day... So, what's wrong with this picture??? We're just focusing in on what we don't want - what drives us nuts - which doesn't solve anything. What we need to do is simple... we need to ask the right question: "What behavior do I want?" 

From that answer you can say to yourself: "Then this is the behavior I want to reward!" For instance, let's say I want my own dog Poncho to be quiet while he is hanging out in the yard. I do allow him to bark once (to alert me, after all, that's part of his *job* description)... So, being out there and just being quiet gets him rewarded! I make sure to catch him in the act of doing what I want, then acknowledge it, and reward. "Thank you!" If it's a situation where I want him to bark I allow him to continue, if not, then I give him a separate cue for wanting quiet. If he follows it, he gets rewarded - food, play time, freedom in the yard - if not, then inside he goes. "Too bad for you." 

Now he has the choice: stay outside following the rules gets rewarded - breaking the game rules gets him nothing. 

This is the type of training steps I teach in my classes - it's simple, it works, plus it gets you focused on what you want, not what you don't want... So remember, the next time you find yourself frustrated with your dog, just ask yourself "What behavior do I want? What behavior do I want to reward?" Then do it!

 

Trip to Venice Beach proved shocking...

Went on a road trip over the weekend to visit my brother who was in town for business... We met up in Venice Beach...a place he and I used to frequent while growing up. Hasn't changed too much - great place for people watching. What caught my attention wasn't the humans themselves, but the dogs... Why? One reason was they were all so darn cute.. this of course made me miss my little boy Poncho (hubby and I decided to "manage" and left Poncho with lots of interactive toys before we left...made sure we exercised him too so he was sleepy and wanted to nap)... 

Anyway, the other "things" that caught my eye were all the intact male dogs... yep, it seems that neutering is not a common activity in the Venice Beach area...at least all the male dogs I saw. Big dogs, small dogs, purebreds, mixed breeds....you name it, they had their "knick-knacks" intact. Now, being a critical thinker we can't assume all of the dogs and their humans were residents of Venice Beach...maybe they were all tourists? Maybe lived in neighboring communities? Maybe they were planning on taking their dogs to get neutered? Could be many different reasons, so I won't jump to conclusions... As for the female dogs, I couldn't tell if they had been spayed or not...and I wasn't about to start asking. 

I do know this. Spaying and neutering is important. For a variety of reasons. Dogs don't have the "common sense" gene that says "I shouldn't breed because there are so many unwanted pets anyway, and I know it's better not to contribute to the problem." Nope, they don't think that way... So it's a shame when we as humans continue to think "my dog would never do that" "they know better." Just takes a split second, and before you know it you're a new puppy parent! 

Unless you're a responsible, professional breeder, then having your pet spayed or neutered is the sensible thing to do. Does it make your dog any less "tough"? Heck no! Just ask my own dog Poncho... He's one rockin' tough little guy - still marks, raises his leg, growls and hunts, will attack any stranger that comes to the door that I don't want there... Being intact doesn't = macho... having the common sense and being a responsible pet owner is! 

This years theme for our annual Pooch Parade here in Ventura put on by our local rescue group The Canine Adoption and Rescue League is "Spay & Neuter"! For additional info on spaying and neutering your pets, check out these informative websites: Humane Society, ASPCA, The American Kennel Club, The American Veterinary Medical Association. 

Joan

Another dog-training hypocritical moment.

I got home from teaching class the other day - one of my fabulous manners classes at The Inquisitive Canine indoor studio... My wonderful husband and dog Poncho were both waiting for me... we were all going to run errands together. I love doing that. Very rewarding for all of us. 

Anyway, as I walked into the yard my husband made mention that our dog Poncho "killed a bird". What?!! Was he sure? Was the little birdie still alive when it fell out of its nest? Or was it already dead? Did our little baby boy really take another's life? Oh wait. Hello? Poncho is a dog. And well, this is a normal behavior for a dog, right? Yes. 

A dog is a predator. Predators hunt and kill things. It's in their DNA to do this. At first I was a bit disturbed, for a couple of reasons. But then it occurred to me that I myself have a plethora of dead animals in my own home... In the fridge, in the freezer, in cans... Just because I pay others to make the kill for me doesn't make me any less of a predator than my own dog - just lazy. (Frankly I don't think I could take the action myself...fishing yes, other methods...not so much). 

So Poncho - once again mama is sorry for any thought that had a negative ring to it... You are one incredible dog. And I appreciate you. Now, if I could only train you to use your predator skills for grocery shopping at Trader Joe's then I'd be set! But I have a feeling you'd just spend your time hanging around the food sampling area at the back of the store... after all, you're one smart dog that has learned about rewarded behaviors! 

This dog trainer is such a hypocrite!

I'm talking about me folks. The patient dog trainer and human-dog relationship coach... the one who is able to fix everyones else's issue's with their own dogs... Yep, I'm the hypocrite. Making a public announcement and apology for everyone to hear. Ready? Okay...here goes...

I'm a barker!!! That's right - ME! I bark...sometimes way too much. Now, you wouldn't think so. After all, I'm not a dog (I'm trying to forget what they called me in high school, but that's another story...) But it occurred to me as I was driving around town, Poncho in the backseat, tucked in his car seat all safe and sound... and being quiet as could be. I've trained him pretty well - just like I help others in my dog training classes at The Inquisitive Canine. Once in a while I have to "go back to kindergarten" and remind him with some rewards for being quiet (and a time out if he's barking too much)... But this time it was all my fault. Me, the dog trainer, the one who teaches dogs to be quiet...I was the one being loud and obnoxious - "barking" at all those drivers on the road either causing traffic jams, not paying attention to everything around them... "HEY! The light's green! For gosh sakes hang up the phone and pay attention!!!" "And YOU! If you want to change lanes, then signal! They don't design cars with turn signals for nothing!" "And hey you, driving is a privilege not a right! Obey the laws like everyone else!" Wow...listen to me I'm barking again. 

Poncho...my sweet boy. Mama is sorry. I've been barking in the car too. And you've been so kind as to not give me a time-out! Next time, instead of me barking, I'll redirect my energy and reward you for being quiet... Extra treats for you - and some "pet therapy" for me. 

The *hunt* is on for my top dog!

I love Easter... Why? Because I get to play "dog mom" to my little one Poncho. I know I know, even though I am a positive reinforcement dog trainer here in Ventura at The Inquisitive Canine. I do know I'm an over-the-top dog mom too. Every Easter I like to set up a "kibble hunt" for Poncho in our back yard. This is actually something I often do for him as an "enrichment" activity. But it's special for me today because 1) it takes me back to my own childhood... 2) makes me feel part of the crowd with the rest of my friends that have *hunts* with their human kids... 

This time I allowed him to watch me set up the hunt...a little different from years past. Why? Not sure...just felt like it. Anyway, I started out by leashing him to the bench in the yard - then walked around dropping and placing pieces of his kibble (and a few extra yummy treats) in various places in the entire backyard. Under plants, between rocks, behind furniture... He was going wild! Very excited throughout... Kept offering a sit and down stay for me (check out the picture). He has learned that these two behaviors get rewarded - a lot, so why not keep offering them... I love that he has figured out how to make the right choices... (something I teach in my dog training classes) Anyway, once I let him go Poncho was all over it! Kept him busy for quite awhile - tapping into that predatory drive, fulfilling those desires to hunt...plus kept him out of my hair long enough to have my own breakfast. He has to eat anyway, right? I just like to use his meals to my advantage while making it more fun for him... 

This is an activity I recommend for my clients - you too can learn more about enrichment, and preventing the "boredom blues" in the classes I teach at my rockin' indoor dog training studio - The Inquisitive Canine...

Dog Behavior: a realistic look

Poncho and I just got home from spending a nice romp on the baseball field. Before we walked around ourselves I spent a few minutes just watching the young kids with their parents playing catch, doing warm-up drills, and getting settled in before they started their game. I noticed there were some kids throwing the ball in every direction they could - even if no one in particular was there to catch it...just giggling and flailing about - having such a great time. Then there were the two boys that were rolling on the grass...down the hill, just rolling and rolling and rolling... I started giggling - remembering doing that as a child too, and having so much fun. 

My question today is: how come all we expect from children is to laugh, play, enjoy themselves, not talk to strangers, and maybe say please and thank you? We don't ask them to problem solve every issue they may encounter or even leave it up to them to entertain themselves - unless we supply or arrange the activities. Why do I bring this up? Because it seems we expect differently from our domestic dogs, even though they are mentally equivalent to a two year old human. 

So, what are we supposed to do? I say, treat them as dogs, while having expectations that would equate to what they're capable of doing, not what we wish they could do. If your dog has never learned to *retrieve*, then you can't expect to throw the ball fifty yards and have him or her go fetch and bring it back dropping at your feet on the first try. Maybe they will! If so, throw a party! If not, then teach your dog what you want in a way they would understand. Making it simple, like the kids learning T-Ball first, before moving up the difficulty ladder. Set them up for success! Otherwise you may be the one that gets frustrated. 

Skills like this are discussed and taught in my own classes here at The Inquisitive Canine in Ventura. We talk about making training steps easier or more difficult for you and your dog. When you are learning something new, or when you're wanting to advance on the skills your dog already knows... It's lots of fun, but we still focus on realistic expectations. Makes for a much more fulfilling and rewarding time. 

Positive Reinforcement and dog training - what is is?

The term "Positive Reinforcement" is such the "in thing" to say nowadays when it comes to training your pet dog - but what exactly does it mean? In a very small nutshell, it means adding something, or giving something, to an animal they find pleasant after a behavior is performed in order to increase the frequency of that behavior. For example: you ask your dog to sit, she does, you give her a cookie. With consistency, she will probably start offering this behavior (sitting) more frequently because of the pleasant outcome. As you can see, it is the consequences that drive the behavior. 

So how can those folks who use squirt bottles when punishing their dogs, or jerking the collars, or rolling them onto their backs call themselves "positive reinforcement" trainers...? As far as I can tell by reading the dogs body language, being squirt, rolled over with force, or jerked and yelled at is not the most pleasant thing...and certainly doesn't tell the dog what you want. 

My philosophy and methodology at the inquisitive canine is centered around positive reinforcement. Which means I like to motivate the dogs with anything and everything they find pleasant and rewarding... food, petting, praise, toys, belly rubs, tug of war, and all sort of other fun and games... Life is full of enough aversives...why add to it - especially when it distorts learning, yes? 

I recommend everyone be inquisitive themselves when looking for a trainer - think about how well you would learn a new skill... being spoken to in a language you understand, being motivated by something you find to be pleasant...not afraid of. It's not just the words, but the actions of the trainer themselves.

Come check us out...sign up for one of our classes... you may be positively reinforced as well. 

How long does it take to train my dog?

A FAQ I receive is: "How long will it take for my dog to be trained?" I hate to say it, but there is no simple answer...or magic wand. Every persons situation and dog is different. Whether it be a puppy that has been brought into a first time dog owners home, or a intra-familial dog-dog aggression case - all depend upon the humans that are taking care of the dog(s), and the dogs themselves. Some factors to consider are:

• Type of training - general manners, aggression/fear, guarding/predatory issues. 
• Human involvement - keeping up with the training plan, setting the dog up for success.

For "good manners" courses I currently offer 4-session "intensives" as opposed to the traditional 6 week+  classes. Why? I found that most people are more likely to commit to a shorter time frame if they are receiving the information they want. And that for those that are into keeping up with their dogs behavior modification, will return for additional class time (my ongoing classes provide this type of training plan). 

For the more difficult behaviorial issues, again it really depends upon the humans and dogs. But I would place more emphasis on the "humans" and their involvement. Think about how long it takes a human to change something about their own behavior? Something like smoking cessation takes quite some time to get over the "initial hump". Afterwards, the person will need to help maintain this behavior by setting themselves up for success - spend time around non-smokers, go to places that don't allow smoking etc... But it's a lifelong process. With our dogs, there would be the "initial hump" - meaning more training. Once the dog is behaving in a way you want, you will still need to set the dog up for success, and help "maintain" the behavior by practicing elements of the initial training plan... Some of the dog-dog cases I've worked took many many months - with multiple training sessions every day, for extended periods of time. 

So when I hear people asking me "how long will it take to train my dog?" I will ask "How much time, energy, and in some cases money, are you willing to put in?" and "How badly do you want it?" 

Puppy Socialization - Risky Business?

Behavior issue risk vs health risk - always a touchy subject amongst veterinarians, dog trainers, and dog owners...IMO, education - where classes are specifically designed and geared towards puppy socialization and prevention of behavior issues in a safe, controlled, and managed environment should be a priority with our domesticated dogs...Unfortunately, keeping new pups tucked away at home until they are well past the “prime period” is still more of the norm in our society than not.
Why you ask, is it so important? After all, it’s only a manner of of couple of weeks, right? Behaviors - desired and undesired are formed immediately out of the womb. Pups soon learn what works and what doesn’t work with their mother and littermate’s, as well as the human(s) handling them. After they are taken into their new homes many of these important learning opportunities are left up to the family members to continue teaching - including proper use of mouth (bite inhibition), communication (in specific doggy language), what is appropriate play and what isn’t (again, in doggy world). Yes, we humans do as much as we can to help - but because we are a different species, with our own species specific language, play styles, greeting behaviors, and innate behaviors, it is probably best to leave it up to dogs themselves to teach one another - similar to children on a playground - but with responsible humans monitoring their actions in order to help them build confidence, and form those social graces we all want our dogs to have. 

Changing behavior...Who me?

behavior modification |noun
the alteration of behavioral patterns through the use of such learning techniques as biofeedback and positive or negative reinforcement.

Why does training your dog have to be such a difficult process? Why why why? Hmmm, well, it doesn’t really. I think as humans we just make it as such...that is our innate behavior, no? ~ Let’s see. Behavior = the way in which one acts or conducts oneself. Just being alive is performing a behavior right? Sleeping in front of the TV is a “behavior”. Okay, that’s a simple one... It’s the whole “modification” process that sends us into a tizzy. After all, if we want to change someone else’s behavior we have to start with changing our own... Yikes! That’s too much work! Nah, it really doesn’t have to be...you just need a plan. Once you have a plan, consisting of a just a few small steps that you can fit into everyday life, then it too becomes part of your regular schedule... And therefore, a simple approach to reaching your goals...

Just go and experiment yourself... Pick one thing you love your dog doing. Then, be aware of when your dog is performing this behavior, and make sure you reward him or her with something that motivate them. Either a “treat”, praise, petting, playing a game. Something they find rewarding... This tells them “thank you”, “I appreciate that”. After all, don’t we all appreciate someone appreciating us.

Simple yes? Good. See? You’ve already modified your own behavior. Now, it’s time to go modify your dogs.

Muttlow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Dr. Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) was a humanistic psychologist. He theorized that human behavior is driven by instinct and desires in order to reach an upper level of capabilities, and that the person does not feel the second need until the demands of the first have been satisfied, nor the third until the second has been satisfied, and so on.

The hierarchic theory is often represented as a pyramid, with the larger, lower levels representing the lower needs, and the upper point representing the need for self-actualization. Maslow believes that education is key for personal growth towards self-actualization. He (of course) meant for this to be applied to humans.

After years of experience as a dog trainer in Ventura, I have adapted Dr. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to a more dog-owner-friendly Muttlow’s Hierarchy of Needs is as it might apply to our domestic dogs...and just because it was a fun thing to do.

Enjoy!

Self-actualization
“What the dog was born to do.”
Search and rescue, service work, hunting and retrieving, protection, K9.

Needs for Esteem
“Confidence building”
Agility, Flyball, herding. Community work such as a Canine Good Citizen or Dog Scouts. Problem solving activities including interactive food toys and puzzles, dig-ging pits. And of course, education.

Needs of Love, Affection and Belongingness
Giving and receiving love, affection and the sense of belonging.
Belly rubs, car rides, fun and games with family, meeting doggy friends at dog park, hanging out at your feet while you work at the computer, read a book, or sit on the back porch admiring the sunset.

Safety Needs
Providing a safe, protective, and stable environment.
A roof over their head, comfy bed, medical care, place to retreat to in times of stress, seat belts or car harnesses, leashes when in required areas, licensing, required vacci-nations.

Physiological Needs
These are biological needs. They are the strongest of all needs. If an animal was de-prived of them they wouldn’t survive. All elements that help maintain homeostasis while providing the ability to pass on their genes. They consist of:
Oxygen, water, food, consistent body temperature, need to maintain pH balance, sex.
*Even feral dogs would meet this level of criteria.


As loving and responsible dog owners we MUST:
• Make sure that the most basic of needs are satisfied.
• Accept who and what our dogs are and appreciate them for what they do for us.
• Gain knowledge ourselves to help us understand our dogs and their behavior.
• Provide an education for our dogs in a safe and humane way, where they learn to make their own choices and develop problem solving skills in order to help enhance and build self-confidence.
• Understand them as a separate species. Acknowledge their innate behaviors, and create an environment where they can learn and develop these behaviors in order to satisfy their own needs and desires while at the same time meeting our needs, thus creating harmony between.