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!

 

In honor of my mom.

Dear Mom,

Just wanted to wish you a Happy Mothers Day, and tell you how much I love you. I can't believe it's been fourteen years since our last "mom's day" together. It feels like yesterday.

You would be proud of me. All of the love, care, and compassion you and dad always showed towards animals really rubbed off on me. I'm a dog trainer and behavior counselor now. You would love my studio here in Ventura. I share my passion for the love of dogs and their families in my classes, workshops, and private clients. I really love my job mom. You always taught me to follow my heart, follow my passions, and do what made me happy. Well, I've done just that. And I have you to thank for it. For allowing me to believe in myself, and follow my dreams. My only wish is that you were here to see it. 

If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be where I am today. I think of you every day, and miss you terribly. You will always be with me, in my thoughts, and in my heart. 

I love you,

Joan

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

Happy Anniversary to The Inquisitive Canine Studio!

Today was a day of celebration! Yep, it was one year ago that this dog trainer opened The Inquisitive Canine studio here in Ventura. Where does the time go? I'll tell you... it goes to teaching all the wonderful doggies and their families in my dog training classes, workshops, and socials...and in privates as well. 

My friend Nancy and her dog Kona really made my day - they brought some yummy candies all customized just for todays event! Each one tied with a personal label for those to take with them... very rewarding and generous I must say... A BIG shout out and thank you! (click-treat for you both)... We had a fun raffle - everyone won something... which made me feel like a big winner too!

The Natural Balance company was generous and donated all of the goodie-bags for people to take home...they also supplied the big daddy of all the raffle prizes... You can see the picture of Sofia - the big winner - Her dog's Rocky and Mick will love the items too... Premier Pet Products was also kind enough to donate items for the raffle - which everyone loved! Thanks to both companies for your generosity!

    

We all had lots of fun today at our Anniversary party...lots of great friends showing up with their dogs, and some just wanting to share in the festivities, showing their support. I appreciate each and every one who came out to share their good wishes. I'd also like to give an extra shout out big thank you and I love you to my wonderful husband and own dog Poncho - for all the love and support, and for believing in me. 

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.