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your voice, standing position; how to hold a leash; the dog’s position; a dog’s placement to the owner; the leash and collar. What is your dog like? For this exercise, the example we will be using is a Havanese (7-20 lb). In general Havanese came by their nickname, 'The Velcro Dog' earnestly, preferring to by their people's side. Bright, vivacious, and friendly are the norms for this breed. Collar: Knowing your collar is a start. What kinds of collars are there? There are basic flat collars that go around the neck, a martingale collar, a choke collar, a metal prong or pinch collar, a smart collar, head collar, show collar, and harness. A collar can be braided, leather, plastic, LED, nylon, cloth, metal, brass, neoprene, flat, or rolled and embellished in a million ways. And just for fun – what color? With or without a nameplate/tag or I.D. built into the collar some way? Bows? Flowers? Bandanas? With these choices comes the question of quality, material, and understanding exactly what is needed. As mentioned before there is a choke collar commonly used for training that comes in a chain, rope style, or leather. The type of chain can affect how smoothly the action of the collar is or if the collar moves in a jerky manner. There are many different kinds of chain choke collars such as a Jewelers or curb link, flat link, thick Cuban link, rhinestone lock buckle cut link, fur saver link, snake link or basic round, simple link collar. In addition there is a vast amount of ornamentation possible with these collars. A martingale collar is also known as a no-slip or limited-slip collar and is a popular choice. This is our go-to for training until the puppy has been "trained" then they graduate into a harness. A harness offers several bonuses including something no collar can give, a gentler way to quickly scoop up your dog in an emergency like a dog attack scenario. Harness: If a harness is the buyer’s choice then where the clip is located is critical. I recommend a lightweight mesh harness with a wide chest strap and a clip on the back. It should fit close to the body neither too tight or too loose. The clip on the back is ideal for Havanese because in an emergency situation there is less damage done to the esophagus or trachea and the spine, neck, laryngeal nerve, fore or hind legs. If the clip chest instead of the back and you have to pull your dog to safety you will create a situation where your dog could bite you due to the sudden chaos of the situation. Clasps: There is a variety of clasps used in harnesses and collars from a break-away clasp, side quick-release clasp, side or slide release clasp, and buckle (prong) clasp. Like collars, clasps come in a variety of materials from rustproof, waterproof, metal to plastic. Usually near a clasp there is the ring where the leash attaches. Leash: A traditional training leash is 4ft.-6 ft. long with a looped handhold at one end and a fastener at the other end. Be aware leashes come in many lengths and multiple widths. Materials include nylon, rope, braid, leather, flat/ribbon, and other choices, colors or prints. It is possible to buy attractive matching leash and harness sets. I do not recommend retractable leashes. I prefer a 1/2" leash for these small dogs because the leashes carry a weight to the dog's neck area. Leash fasteners come in many configurations: trigger snap, bolt lock (most common), bolt snap or round eye bolt snap and bolt snap with swivel head (most popular), double-sided bolt snap hook, lobster clasp hooks, antique brass style bolt locks or simple lanyard hook (strongly not recommended). Treat Pouch, Tote, or Bag? A treat pouch is an easier and less messy way to carry training treats. A treat pouch is a bag that attaches to the belt via loop or carabiner clip usually. The pouch ranges from a simple design to an ultra-fashionable material and styling statement with conveniences such as additional pocket(s), zippered compartments or even a hinged opening, etc.! Treats & Caution We like freeze-dried dog treats with ingredients that you know and not umpteen syllables in what seems to be, a foreign language. We mentioned in a previous post that when it comes to training we use freeze-dried beef lung and freeze-dried chicken. Make sure that your treats are made in the USA. The pieces should be the size of a blueberry or cheerio. When training, it is better use a set specific treats to give your dog something to look forward to. We say set, because if you mix it up from time to time it keeps it interesting for your dog. Frame of mind: The trainer’s frame of mind, voice, and attitude. Your dog picks up on your emotions and can reflect them back. It is a waste of time if you come into training bothered and not focused on making this time a positive experience for your dog. By positive, or ‘crafted experience,’ I mean to purposely and patiently teach your dog with gentleness and an upbeat attitude. Bear in mind, this is a new adventure for your dog. Make it fun with plenty of praise and age or experience-appropriate responses for the dog with treats and petting to create an experience the dog enjoys. Impact: This enjoyment leads into the next session as one for the dog to anticipate fun versus dread. If it is fun for the dog, hopefully, it is fun for the trainer and the lessons move more quickly and smoothly. Also please be sure the walking surface will not burn your dog’s feet. 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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10 COMMON PROBLEMATIC BEHAVIORS:
Desensitization: Take the dog where they can see another dog but he is far away enough to be comfortable meaning not barking or lunging. When they are quiet, reward. Go Home. Next time move closer and do not reward barking/lunging. If you cannot put a stop to it within 3 attempts, go home and repeat another day. Increase and reinforce incentive such as a better treat, praise, etc. Why Not Punish Bad Behavior? It is true that a dog relates scolding and physical punishment as something to be avoided but hitting, etc., a dog changes the dynamics of the relationship with your dog. Depending on the frequency and degree of punishment, your dog can change his view of you from a trusted and beloved friend to a relationship based on levels of fear without strong enough positive experiences to reinforce better behavior. Fear ferments and can grow creating other behavioral problems . Brutal punishment can actually escalate bad behavior. This is unnecessary when there are viable and better working alternatives. From the start with your dog, you are given a blank slate. It is a stronger position to teach from a positive stand point than a negative frame of reference. Ideal training results in the dog's own good, healthy behavior and mindset. The goal is to teach, reinforce, and encourage the dog to choose what is desirable. The way to accomplish this is by reinforcing the desirable behaviors with treats, rewards, praise, patience, consistency, and repetition. Building positive connotations or memories is foundational for good behavior. Positive conditioning is called ‘positive obedience training’ [encouragement] versus ‘aversive’ [pain] obedience training. Whether his memories are episodic, self-aware or by association, his recall is clear. The response is not for the moment, but a lifetime while building a relationship on trust, love, memories, or knowledge. Sorting through the professionals: There are many initials out there associated with a dog trainer. If the trainer does not have a certificate - they do not have the initials after their name. Many gifted trainers are not classically certified. Research and check references and documentation. Please look for a qualified trainer to offer you and your dog more training choices if you are having problems. A dog learns in an individual way. It is finding the one right way gleaned from several choices that makes the difference and allows the training move forward. 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/.
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. |
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