Touch is one of the first things I teach in all my classes and private sessions!
Here is a GREAT video showing you how to teach it and WHY
So excited to see this pop up on Youtube in a great demo!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
The "Guilty" Dog
I can't even count the number of times I've been told that a dog knows he has been bad because he looks guilty as soon as you walk in the door. And while I know better, I certainly see how a person can be fooled!
Dogs behavior is often based on a lot of situational triggers. 1+2+3=6 while 1+3+4 = ... 8 (math is not one of those necessary skills for trainers, though it used to be my best subject!)
If a dog has learned that himself + poop in the kitchen + you walking in the door = you raising your voice about the smell and the mess, then next time the dog is present, plus someone pooped in the kitchen, plus you walking in the door... well, that caused tension in the air last time. Now let's imagine you go as far as to rub your dog's nose in it or even just yell directly at him when you walk in the door ... well, then you can guess that the "guilty" look will certainly be further exaggerated!
Guilt is a human emotion. Unless you catch your dog in the act, he has no idea that you are yelling at him because HE was the one who pooped in the kitchen - he is simply acting on experience. If your dog doesn't like when you yell (directly or indirectly), when you smack him on the bottom, or when you rub his nose in the poop - well then he is going to do everything he can to appease you in the hope that you don't follow through on punishing him for some mysterious act. And of course, if him slinking away and keeping his head low, keeps him out of trouble - then guess what? He knows what works and he certainly will do it again.
How about an experiment? Next time your dog does something you don't like (such as tearing about the trash maybe?) but you don't catch him in the act, walk in the room and throw him a party. Get excited, play with him. Do this a few times consistently, and I'm willing to bet all I have on the fact that after just a few repetitions, you can walk in the room + dog + trash strewn and that will equal a very excited dog!
Food for thought?
And there IS a study to back this up: http://www.impactlab.net/2009/06/11/is-your-dog-really-guilty-when-he-has-the-guilty-look/
Dogs behavior is often based on a lot of situational triggers. 1+2+3=6 while 1+3+4 = ... 8 (math is not one of those necessary skills for trainers, though it used to be my best subject!)
If a dog has learned that himself + poop in the kitchen + you walking in the door = you raising your voice about the smell and the mess, then next time the dog is present, plus someone pooped in the kitchen, plus you walking in the door... well, that caused tension in the air last time. Now let's imagine you go as far as to rub your dog's nose in it or even just yell directly at him when you walk in the door ... well, then you can guess that the "guilty" look will certainly be further exaggerated!
Guilt is a human emotion. Unless you catch your dog in the act, he has no idea that you are yelling at him because HE was the one who pooped in the kitchen - he is simply acting on experience. If your dog doesn't like when you yell (directly or indirectly), when you smack him on the bottom, or when you rub his nose in the poop - well then he is going to do everything he can to appease you in the hope that you don't follow through on punishing him for some mysterious act. And of course, if him slinking away and keeping his head low, keeps him out of trouble - then guess what? He knows what works and he certainly will do it again.
How about an experiment? Next time your dog does something you don't like (such as tearing about the trash maybe?) but you don't catch him in the act, walk in the room and throw him a party. Get excited, play with him. Do this a few times consistently, and I'm willing to bet all I have on the fact that after just a few repetitions, you can walk in the room + dog + trash strewn and that will equal a very excited dog!
Food for thought?
And there IS a study to back this up: http://www.impactlab.net/2009/06/11/is-your-dog-really-guilty-when-he-has-the-guilty-look/
Gus and George, the goats
I'm off to visit the Laconia Center nursing home with the goats this morning so I thought it would be appropriate to share this video from when they were "kids"
They are now ALMOST a year old...
RIP Felix?
An oldie but a goodie ;o)
Ha! You'll have to excuse the beer bottles in the background - no, they were not from this same morning!
Ha! You'll have to excuse the beer bottles in the background - no, they were not from this same morning!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Puppy Evaluation: Umbrella Startle Test
I thought I would share this video. I recently adopted my foster puppy, Cora, as most of you now know. I was looking back at some of the videos from evaluating them when they were close to 4/5 months old and one video I had taken was of their response to part of their test, the umbrella startle test. Basically, I open an umbrella and see how they react. I then put it on the ground and again, watch their response and their recovery period.
You will notice many different responses, the most interesting being that of Eva, the black puppy - she never fully recovered from it and actually was really nervous about me for the next two hours, since I was directly associated with causing the startle. In the other extreme was my Cora (Erica at the time), up until this point she had appeared a little more independent (which some people see as shy or anti-social) but she surprised me by being the first one to go up to the umbrella and even walk on it, proving that she had a very quick recovery time to scary situations. This continues to prove itself as she grows up.
Enjoy and please feel free to comment!! (I apologize for the shaky video)
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Miss Behavior's Pack has grown!
Well, it's official. Erica just fit in far too perfectly and I got far too attached to let her go anywhere. So here she stays!
She really made her self at home with poor Felix
Next order of business. A new name. Erica just won't do
Top contenders are:
Willow, Nora, Luna, Bridget
Many others suggested but this is a tough decision!!
Input is of course welcome. Which name do YOU think suits her??
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Welcome March
With March comes the first signs of SPRING. Or that's the hope anyways. And with spring come many new things with my business. This spring and summer, keep an eye out for many new classes and well as some old favorites!
Fun and Games - using games to improve your dogs manners - Red Light/Green Light; Simon Says; Obstacle Course, etc
Agility for Fun - this one describes itself - I don't offer agility class as a competitive sport, but rather a class that gives your dog great bonding with you, great exercise, and manners/self control along the way
Rally O Fun - See my February post about Rally O, this is a dog sport that combines agility and obedience is a fun atmosphere. Again, look for my own version of this class coming in late spring!Move Your Mutt - And the one I'm the most excited about- my new fitness class that will include your dog. This class will be intended to offer you a boot camp style fitness class, while also giving your dog the exercise he needs, as well as the obedience. Do you think your dog can do a good down stay while you do jumping jacks in front of him? How about his leash walking skills, do you think they are good enough to be able to do some weave poles or jumps WITH him? How about in the presence of other high energy dogs? You will no longer need to feel guilty getting yourself the exercise you need while leaving your dog at home! A personal trainer will be on site!
Those are just to name a few. Also keep an eye out for workshops and seminars with popular topics!
If you are looking forward to one of the above classes but have never done any formal manners work with your dog in a group setting, I would suggest first starting with either a STAR Puppy class or Learn Your Manners class. My next session starts Sunday March 13th - Sign up via my website!Or email me if you have interest in a specific class so I can add you to the contact list!
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