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It's a dogs world: A dog experiences their environment differently than a human does and in ways we mostly ignore. Beginning with the trainer’s attitude, a dog can almost immediately pick up on a human’s state of mind such as anger, aggression, happiness, etc. Guess which one helps a dog to relax and enjoy himself and his human? A dog senses things by smell, visually, hearing, taste, and touch significantly more than a human’s experience. A dog’s keen sense of can tell if a person is nervous, sick, or normal, and much more. His hearing can detect the rhythm of a heartbeat or identify a person’s excited breathing. The tone of a voice expresses the world to a dog beyond the vocabulary he may have. Scientists are looking at something similar to a radar-related sense in dogs. Studies are revealing there is a much greater depth and breath to what a dog’s senses covers than originally believed. Most dog lovers already know this, but the documentation and emerging facts are now being recorded, studied, and evaluated. Even without his senses, a dog can get a well-rounded picture of his trainer just through the leash. The leash can offer things such as the trainer’s confidence, mood, and attention for starters. Before actively working with a dog, it is important to set the tone by establishing a happy, positive, and stress-free attitude.
Getting started:
Leash training varies a little depending on the age of the dog and is a lot like swimming. If you just jump into the deep end you might end up drowning. With the dogs, it could be confusing and unpleasant to start the harness leash and walking all at the same time. So, taking some time upfront will allow for a better result. Remember, the goal here is for the dog to view the harness and leash as a promise of a great outing. The first step is to find an indoor area with little distraction for the first couple of lessons. I would recommend letting the dog wear their harness if you are using one off and on for a couple of days before using a leash. This allows the dog to get used acclimate to it. Make it fun when you put the harness on and take it off. When he is no longer scratching at the harness add a leash. Do not hold it yet. Let the dog walk around with it on while under supervision until the dog is no longer interested in the leash. Be sure he does not consider it his new chew toy. How to hold your leash and more tips: How do you hold a leash? Hold your leash in your right hand, slipping the loop over your wrist where the V of the leash is secure in your palm, fisted at your waist on the right side of the body. The left hand is held downward toward the left from the body. You can also tie knots to hold on to in your leash where needed (It is a training leash – for both of you!). You always want to have the leash looped over your hand so that if your dog bolts or if there is a need you will not drop your leash. Gather excess leash in your right hand by laying it back and forth across your palm. Your left-hand controls the leash. The leash itself should loosely draped towards the dog but should not touch the ground. TIP: IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO CARRY AN EXTRA LEASH & COLLAR IN CASE OF EMERGENCY Pre-Walk: Walk your puppy in your backyard, living room, or if they have had their 16 week shot and a week for their body to process it, front yard, and walk with him. Make sure they stay on your left side. Do not guide them. Your hand should remain at your waist at all times. Let them have a moment to be curious. Then you begin, name and then command, "Fido, walk/go/let's go/etc. The method we are using is called the loose-leash method. If the puppy is in the desired area, you walk, if they are not you stop. llow the pup to take you around meaning not on a walk but a wander where he goes. When you feel he has settled into being on the leash call your puppy to “Puppy Name, Come” and move in the direction you wish to go. If your puppy is too busy, use a treat to pull his attention back to training and you. If the puppy pays attention on his own and moves toward you, encourage the dog by praising him as he moves toward you. One of the more important tips is to get the puppy's attention, look your puppy in the eyes and then give a command. Alternatively, you could signal him or call his name to get his attention. One trick is to tap the pup’s nose and bring your finger up to your nose to focus his attention on your face. Stand tall next to your puppy when you begin. Walk with the puppy at your left side - you want to always start with the left foot as a signal to begin simultaneously signaling or calling your pup to begin. Next session set your pup down next to your left leg. Shorten the leash but having it still loose between you. Step off on your left foot calling your pup and walk. If the pup follows keep walking. If not, stop, use a treat to encourage the dog forward. Lots of praise and treats as he progresses. Repeat as needed. No rush here. Treats: The funny thing about rewards today is that you reward the ‘Do’s’ and simply stand fast waiting for your dog to check in with you for the ‘Don’ts’. You may say your version of 'no' at the 'Don'ts.' Reward your dog when he is quiet and follows directions. Try not to over-treat and remember to vary your methods of positive reinforcement, i.e. praise, and scratches to keep the treat or reward interesting. Story Time! We received a phone call about a pup with diarrhea that went home the day before. Well, knowing the stool had been fine when the pup left, there were some questions to ask. The answer ended up being that the pup was given 5x the appropriate amount of treats resulting in a stomach problem. Case closed. Be conservative in your treats. Placement: At this point, an informal command is very appropriate because you are introducing two things to your pup. You are introducing, “Come," "Walk," or "Go" and the movement toward you with a reward. Heel designates that the dog is to be by your side in a specific walking area near your foot. The dog’s shoulder should be at your leg. This is done when they start to veer off. Now is the time to entice your pup to be simply walking with you. You want to make this exciting. We gave treated, praise, and gave scratches for good behavior when we attached the leash and eventually lessened treats until it is done randomly but we maintained the scratches and praise. Positive enforcement only build upon these experiences, encouraging your dog to look forward and cooperate in getting ready to go out. It is better to reward the pup’s movement toward you rather than to use the treat as a lure. Also, any sound you make to get the pup’s attention to come will work initially while working ‘Come’ into the vocabulary (use kissy sounds, etc., to get attention). As the training continues do not allow the dog to walk in front of the trainer. He may get the wrong idea! Rome was not built in a day: Keep your first session very short. It is better to end on a short success than a longer mediocre session. Repeat. And Repeat. And repeat. With a puppy 5 minutes of success is a long time. Clicker Training: This works well for many people, but I do not do well with the sound of a metal clicker, itself, so I command verbally or use hand signals (another lesson). In addition to weekly or twice weekly class sessions practice at least 10 minutes a day- twice a day - or 20 minutes daily was recommended. With a dog younger than four or five months the shorter, twice daily sessions may be better. Fresh & Fun: Find the pace your pup works best with. Some dogs prefer a faster pace to a slower one and vice versa. Having said that, vary the walking pace to slow down and speed up. Make sharp turns right and left and figure eights. It is important as you lengthen your walks to that you change it up. Add turning around here and there. Turn into the dog and turn out from the dog. Stop and go. As you progress begin to ask the dog to ‘Heel’ as your dog finds being at your side with his shoulder near your leg more familiar. Give the 'Heel' command as you step off on your walk and before turning as a heads up in the beginning but do not slow or adjust your pace. Always talk to your dog. Praise him along the way. As you continue come to a halt for ‘Release and Praise’ time. Your dog will perform better on a shorter leash than a longer one, but it should not be taunt. The goal is for the leash to hang loosely between you while your dog learned to walk and not a tight rope to his neck. It is a balancing act to find that right place. You are building a relationship based on trust and positivity, scolding will set this process back. Do not hesitate to ask someone coming near you with a dog to give you more room if you feel crowded. If you see a dog off-leash coming toward you, toss it some treats, pick up your pup, and go in another direction. One suggestion is to carry a large umbrella to open for the element of surprise and distraction with a loose dog or as closed, it can help keep the distance. Ending the session: Always end your session with exuberant praise and TLC. Give that final treat. Enjoy your dog and let your dog enjoy being with you. APDT – Association of Professional Dog Trainers CBCC-KA – Certified Behavior Consultant, Canine, Knowledge Assessed CCPDT- Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers CDBC – Certified Dog Behavior Consultant CDT – Certified Dog Trainer CDTA - Certified Dog Trainer - Advanced CPDT – Certified Professional Dog Trainer CPDT-KA – Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed CSDT – Certified Service Dog Trainer IAABC – International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants IACP – International Association of Canine Professionals NADOI – National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors PDT- Professional Dog Trainer PDTI – Professional Dog Training Instructor Certified and Texas state licensed police/security dog trainer- see documentation Master Dog Trainer – Self-Given Title References: “7 Best Harnesses for Small Dogs [2022 Reviews]: Tiny & Terrific!” K9 Of Mine, 9 Oct. 2019, https://www.k9ofmine.com/best-harness-for-small-dogs/. Dogcollarsharnessesandleashes. “Types of Dog Leash Fasteners.” Dog Collars Harnesses and Leashes, 18 Apr. 2022, https://dogcollarsharnessesandleashes.com/types-of-dog-leash-fasteners/. Karen AndersonUpdated by Margeaux Baulch Klein, et al. “The 10 Best Small Dog Harnesses: Your Complete Guide.” The Dog People by Rover.com, 12 Nov. 2021, https://www.rover.com/blog/reviews/small-dog-harnesses/. Nicole CosgroveNicole is the proud mom of Rosa. “10 Best Dog Harnesses for Small Dogs [Reviews 2022 ].” Hepper, 27 Mar. 2022, https://www.hepper.com/best-dog-harness-for-small-dogs/. Phenix, Annie, et al. “What to Do When an off-Leash Dog Approaches Your Leashed Dog.” Dogster, 2 July 2021, https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/what-to-do-when-an-off-leash-dog-approaches-your-leashed-dog. “Spot the Difference: Front Clip versus Back Clip Harnesses.” Andrea Arden Dog Training, 18 Oct. 2016, https://andreaarden.com/dog-training/spot-the-difference-front-clip-versus-back-clip-harnesses/. Stregowski, Jenna. “Which Dog Collar Is Best for Your Dog?” The Spruce Pets, The Spruce Pets, 21 Mar. 2022, https://www.thesprucepets.com/different-types-of-dog-collars-1118613. “Understanding Dog Training Collar Injuries.” VetInfo, https://www.vetinfo.com/dog-training-collar.html. Vuckovic, Angela. “How to Discipline a Dog without Hitting, Advice and Tips.” Petfeed - Pet Care Tips, How-to Guides, Funny Stories, Comics, and Videos, Petfeed - Pet Care Tips, How-to Guides, Funny Stories, Comics, and Videos, 16 Nov. 2021, https://blog.petcube.com/dog-training/.
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Constructive playtime promotes a healthy mind and body for puppies. Of course, it cannot be an all-day event, but it has to be a part of their life. It battles boredom helps to minimize bad behavior or destructive behaviors. It promotes thinking, problem solving, and in your puppy. So which in turn makes training easier! Your puppy is looking for fun activities to appeal to his sense of smell, cognitive functions and to physically challenge him. Puppies are driven to explore, chew or some other mouth activity and play. Consequently, something will fulfill these needs and trust me, you want to direct or control those parameters. Minimize destructive behavior: Whining, barking, digging, inappropriate chewing, depression, frustration, obesity, anxiety, biting, by exercising 30-60 minutes a day. Try to incorporate mental stimulation challenges. Repeating challenging physical exercises can lead to damaging growth plates and soft tissue injuries in puppies younger than 18 months. Be careful to limit full on exercise incorporating jumping, climbing, and intense physical activity to an older dog. At one time luxating patella was considered solely hereditary but now it is considered more of a result when puppies under a year old jump off/on furniture too much as it can also be a result of traumatic injury. We do not let our Havanese on the couch unless they are in our laps, at which we put them down on the ground when they are ready. Until they can get on the couch themselves because on average, they are unable to do so themselves until 6-8 months of age. At that point we generally recommend the stairs, Pet Gear Easy Step, particularly with toy breeds. Training: Positive training is all about rewarding the ‘Dos’ vs. Aversion Training starting at 8 weeks. Havanese generally want to please so by encourage that through positive experiences when you are training. The best training advise is “Start as you mean to continue: consistency, reward, praise, repeat.” There are many cute puppy behaviors that become unacceptable behaviors in a few short months. If it is not allowed from the beginning then retraining is a non-issue. Retraining is to be avoided. Build It Up: The point is to build up your puppy's experience and confidence up through repetition, consistency, and positive experiences. Successful training is starts slow. When training repeat command 3-5 times. Ten seconds in a puppy’s life is an eternity, especially with when they under 12 weeks old. So, sitting or staying for even a count of 3 is worth rewarding and praising like the accomplishment it is. Example: Command, sit, praise & treat- wait until consistent Command, sit, praise & treat- Consistently 3 days in a row Command, sit, Command Wait (wait 10 seconds), praise & treat Command, sit, Command Wait (wait 10 seconds), praise & treat- Consistently 3 days in a row Command sit, Command Wait 20 seconds etc. A fatal mistake is to push too hard too early to accomplish too much. Groundwork. You are laying the groundwork for a lifetime. Keep it short, upbeat, and fun. The reward here is that instead of dealing with a stubborn puppy, they are proactive in their training. You puppy wants to train, they want the treats, and are willing to work for it. Another thought to consider is that you are teaching a foreign language. A puppy’s first language is ‘dog’. From you they are actually learning tone, words and the connectivity involved with certain actions such as with potty training. Always use the puppy’s name, make eye contact, and then say the command. Keep it short. If you need to tell your puppy, “No”, do not limit it to the word only. If your puppy gets in the trash, identify the ‘no’ – trash. Connect an action to the subject that connects to “No”. Example: “Fido, no, get out of the trash.” Walks: Wait a week after your puppy has received their 16 week shots before taking them out in public, i.e. your front yard or park. Defer with your vet. Puppies are not made yet for long walks. Early walks with puppies are about their pace, exploration, and socialization. When training our Havanese to walk we use:
Why do we do it this way?
Start slow: The first time you take take your puppy out, expect it to be ten to twenty minutes. The goal is to have your puppy within one foot of your right ankle. A little faster walking pace will help keep the pup’s attention focused more on you once they have the idea of being on a leash. Otherwise you may end up carrying your puppy if your walk exceeds what they are physically cable of at the time. Avoid the retractable leash: Why? Allowing a pup to reel out to 16 feet or more negates the possibility of rescuing him from an attack. You cannot get to him or him to you quickly enough. It allows him to wander into a dangerous situation. The ‘return’ can injure a small dog’s trachea, or yourself. There are other hazards, but it teaches the puppy nothing about walking correctly with you. Pulling, running about, being behind you and more are not behaviors associated with walking by your side. Spend the time you have fruitfully. Beware: Remember to bring a cup and water for hot weather and always consider the temperature of the pavement. Asphalt holds the heat greater than concrete or sand. Asphalt can run more than 40 degrees hotter than the given temperature. Concrete usually runs about 10 degrees warmer than a given temperature except in the middle of the day when the temp is still climbing on hot days. 120 degrees on the concrete is uncomfortably warm for a dog. At 140 degrees burns and blistering on his pads can begin. It is easy to forget a dog's temperature is higher than our own and this can complicate things in hot temperatures. Closing: Will playtime with your pup solve or derail all bad behavior? No, not totally. It is an age appropriate, very valuable tool to secure your puppy’s best temperament and behavior compared to not recognizing its value. As your puppy grows, they will find good and bad behaviors to explore. It's normal. The Bristol study went so far as to suggest that the owner is the “far better predictor of how aggressive a dog will be” which highlights the monumental impact an owner has on a puppy. There are other factors that contribute to good and bad behavior but playtime with your puppy has tremendous benefits and does not require a trainer, a special spot or expensive books or programs to accomplish.
Programs
Enroll after ALL vaccinations received (4- 6 months of age.) AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program Followed by AKC Canine Good Citizen Recommendations: Dogs: Their Secret Lives, (Oct. 14, 2013): This documentary illustrates why it's critical to offer bored dogs and puppies alternative choices to stimulate and to comfort them while apart. 'Puppy Socialization,' Free AKC ebook 'Puppy Culture Exercise Booklet: Puppy Fitness That Fits The Puppy Second Edition', By: Jane Killion Chart for Exercise Guidelines for Puppies - PuppyCulture Exercise Poster by Madcap Productions Remote Camera References: “50 Puppy Training Tips to Help You Stay Sane.” The Dog People by Rover.com, 14 Mar. 2019, https://www.rover.com/blog/50-puppy-tips-for-easier-training/. “Appropriate Exercise.” PUPPY CULTURE, https://shoppuppyculture.com/pages/age-appropriate-exercise-1. Arellano, Anastasia. “Hidden Cameras Show Owners What Their Dogs Do When They're Home Alone.” The Animal Rescue Site News, 20 Aug. 2020, https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/dogs-their-secret-lives-documentary/. Bender, Amy. “What to Do If Your Dog Has Separation Anxiety.” The Spruce Pets, The Spruce Pets, 14 Mar. 2022, https://www.thesprucepets.com/treating-separation-anxiety-in-dogs-1117889. Greenwood, Arin. “New Study on Canine Aggression Says Don't Blame the Breed.” HuffPost, HuffPost, 7 Mar. 2014, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/dog-aggression-study-applied-animal-behaviour-science_n_4911861. How Hot Is That Sidewalk? A Temperature Study ... - Lhaps.com. https://www.lhaps.com/images/DogTemperatureArticle_09jun2010.pdf. Hunter, DVM, Tammy, and Earnest Ward, DVM. “Luxating Patella in Dogs.” Luxating Patella In Dogs | VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/luxating-patella-in-dogs. Magazine, Smithsonian. “Owners, Not Breeds, Predict Whether Dogs Will Be Aggressive.” Smithsonian.com, Smithsonian Institution, 4 Mar. 2014, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/owners-not-breeds-predict-whether-dog-will-be-aggressive-180949962/. “Puppy Training: How to Train a Puppy - Tips & Tricks.” American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/puppy-training/. “Spot the Difference: Front Clip versus Back Clip Harnesses.” Andrea Arden Dog Training, 18 Oct. 2016, https://andreaarden.com/dog-training/spot-the-difference-front-clip-versus-back-clip-harnesses/. Stephanie Gibeault, MSc. “Puppy Exercise & Activities for Training Your Puppy.” American Kennel Club, American Kennel Club, 20 Apr. 2021, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/keep-your-puppy-active-and-out-of-trouble-with-stimulation-and-exercise/. Team, Petfeed. “22 Ways to Play with and Exercise Your Dog Indoors.” Petfeed - Pet Care Tips, How-to Guides, Funny Stories, Comics, and Videos, Petfeed - Pet Care Tips, How-to Guides, Funny Stories, Comics, and Videos, 28 Mar. 2022, https://blog.petcube.com/indoor-dog-exercise/. Team, Pets4Homes Editorial. “How to Motivate a Dog to Play and Exercise.” Pets4Homes, Pets4Homes, 21 Mar. 2022, https://www.pets4homes.co.uk/pet-advice/how-to-motivate-a-dog-to-play-and-exercise.html.
DID YOU KNOW? PET THEFT IS A FELONY IN THE USA. What can you do to protect your pet?
DID YOU KNOW? HALF OF ALL STOLEN DOGS ARE TAKEN FROM THE BACKYARD. If your pet is missing, what do you do?
DID YOU KNOW? 17% OF STOLEN DOGS ARE TAKEN WHEN ON A WALK. Your Lost Pet Sign
DID YOU KNOW? 7% OF DOG ARE TAKEN FROM SHOPS OR WHEN YOU'RE DISTRACTED. When Someone Calls
DID YOU KNOW? ALMOST 2 MILLION COMPANION ANIMALS WERE STOLEN LAST YEAR. Some Scam varieties:
How to deter or avoid
DID YOU KNOW? DOG THEFT IS ON THE RISE BY NEARLY 33% SINCE LAST YEAR. Topmost Stolen Breeds:
What Happens to Stolen Pets?
REMEMBER: IF THE PHONE RINGS, LET IT RING ONCE, TWICE. TAKE A BREATH, STAY SMART AND FOLLOW A SCRIPT. GIVE AWAY NOTHING. We hope this never happens to you, however we believe in having at least 2-3 backup plans. It helps to chart out a plan. From the time your bring home your furbaby. This way you have a plan or checklist to follow, and are less like to forget an option or resource. Remember if the phone rings, let it ring twice and take a breath, stay smart. Follow a script. Give away nothing. References: “Beware of ‘Lost Pet’ Scams.” Beware of Missing or Lost Pet Scams, https://www.pawfriendly.com/petcare/lost-pet-scams.shtml. “Companion Animal Theft.” Animal Legal Defense Fund, 29 Mar. 2022, https://aldf.org/article/companion-animal-theft/. “Dognapped! Frightening Facts of Pet Theft.” Modern Dog Magazine, https://moderndogmagazine.com/articles/dognapped-frightening-facts-pet-theft/147. Paws. “Pet Theft.” PAWS, https://www.paws.org/resources/pet-theft/. “Pet FBI Is the Free Database and Information Center for Lost and Found Pets.” Pet FBI Is The Free Database and Information Center For Lost and Found Pets | Pet FBI Pets Found By Internet, https://petfbi.org/. Petmoo. “How to Prevent Pet Theft? Most Stolen Dog Breeds.” Petmoo, Petmoo.com, 6 Feb. 2019, https://www.petmoo.com/pets/pet-theft/. Puppy Leaks. “Dog Flipping on the Rise.” Puppy Leaks, 19 Sept. 2017, https://www.puppyleaks.com/dog-flipping-rise/. Staff, AKC. “Dognapping: How to Keep Your Dog Safe When Pet Theft Is on the Rise.” American Kennel Club, American Kennel Club, 30 Mar. 2022, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/dog-theft/. “Stolen Pets.” Stolen Pets | Pet FBI Pets Found By Internet, https://petfbi.org/how-to-protect-your-pet/stolen-pets/. wikiHow. “How to Make Lost Pet Signs.” WikiHow, WikiHow, 2 Dec. 2021, https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Lost-Pet-Signs. “Your Dog Has Been Stolen - Here Is What You Need to Do Immediately: NAI.” North American Investigations, 14 Feb. 2020, https://pvteyes.com/stolen-dogs/. |
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