BEHAVIOR & TRAINING
Most pet owners want a caring, affectionate, trusting, respectful life with with our dogs. We want them to listen to us and do what we tell them to do!
There really is no quick fix when it comes to animal training; pressure, force and domination rarely
provide a long-term solution. Pet experts will confirm that improving
your dog’s behavior takes time and practice. The natural way to ensure success is to preserve the
trust and affection between animal and human. The most effective and natural way to accomplish this, with the least amount of negative repercussions or side effects, is with dog-friendly behavior modification techniques featuring positive reinforcement.
According to Pat Miller, a frequent contributor to the Whole Dog Journal, “operant conditioning,” or positive reinforcement, teaches voluntary behaviors.
Positive training is remembering to notice and reward your pet when she does something right, because all living beings repeat
behaviors that result in rewards.
We recognize that not all trainers practice positive reinforcement, but encourage pet owners to avoid old-fashioned coercion and use of force in favor of techniques that lead to a more harmonious and natural human-animal bond.
For more comprehensive information, please see the useful resource links and references below. *Buy Local/Delaware Valley - PA, DE, NJ To submit a link for consideration please click here.
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ARTICLES: Behavior & Training (Scroll down for each article)
Nutrition and Behavior
Beyond Obedience: Teaching Good Doggie Manners
10 Tips for Training with Treats:
Smiley Face: A Dog Training Story
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nutrition and Behavior
The recent pet food recall was terrible for so many people and their pets. Hopefully, it has brought awareness to what we are feeding our pets. But did you know that the food dogs eat can affect their behavior as well as their health?
Dogs are carnivores – meat eaters – and need protein, but not just any protein. Inexpensive dog foods use low quality protein sources, such as the wheat gluten that caused the food recalls, and discarded animal parts like beaks, claws, and even hair. These ingredients are poor sources of nutrition which can lead to compromised health and lowered immune systems for dogs. Sick dogs can be more likely to have house training accidents and pain-related incidents of biting. After all, a dog in pain may not be able to tell you he is experiencing pain. His only way of communicating that pain may be to bite.
Dog foods that are high in carbohydrates, especially low-cost cereal grains like corn, corn meal and wheat, are also poor sources of nutrition and can impact dogs’ health and behavior. Carbs are a source of energy, and if that energy does not have the chance to get burned off with activity, the dog may have elevated anxiety levels. Some grocery stores brands of dog food even contain sugar, a poor source of nutrition which is also linked to health and behavior problems in humans. Of course, it has similar affects in pets too.
Nutrition is generally not the biggest contributor to behavior issues with dogs; however, it can be a factor. Many dogs who have aggression issues have underlying anxiety problems. If the dog is eating a food which is high in carbohydrates and even sugar, the dog has more energy to burn. A dog who already has a lot of anxiety does not need more energy!
Regardless of whether your dog has behavior problems, it is a good idea to be an informed consumer of pet food. Read the label and look at the type of protein. If it says ‘by-products,’ don’t buy it. Protein must always be first on the list of ingredients, too. If not, then the food is high in carbs. And for the types of carbs, look for rice (brown rice is best), oats, barley or quinoa.
It’s true that to get better quality food, you will need to pay more. But it’s worth it for a healthier and happier pet.
Author: Chris Shaughness, President of Pet Therapy Services, Inc., has received extensive and is formally educated in animal behavior, animal learning theories, behavior modification, positive reinforcement obedience training, canine anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, Reiki and advanced massage techniques. Her experience as an educator and therapist has established Chris as the area’s foremost pet counselor, therapist and trainer.
BEYOND OBEDIENCE: Teaching Good Doggie Manners
By Pat Bentz, Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Contrary to what most folks believe, it is possible to teach any dog - even stubborn ones - good doggie manners! The good news is that you can teach them good manners using methods that are compassionate, reward-based and tailored to their individual temperaments. All it really takes is a lot of patience, consistency and a little bit of "know-how."
Of all of the requests for help that I receive, here is a list of the top 10 complaints that fall into the category of relatively easy-to-fix bad doggie manners:
_ Jumping on people to greet them
_ Pulling on leash for no real reason
_ Begging at the dinner table
_ Grabbing items off the street when walking on leash
_ Happily mauling people when they come to the front door
_ Tackling their owners for the food bowl at dinner time
_ Mouthing humans during play
_ Automatically jumping out of a parked car when the door opens
_ Excessive barking in your face to get your attention
_ Running away from you when called
Many of our dogs have been through obedience training and are fairly good at responding to commands under ideal conditions. The real challenge is to get them to respond reliably in a variety of circumstances, particularly when they are distracted or over-excited.
The benefits to you of having a dog with good manners far outweigh the amount of extra effort that you have to put into the training. However, you may be asking, "But what is in it for the dog?" First and foremost, it often results in a much stronger bond between a dog and its family members. If trained in a non-confrontational way, the dog begins to understand what is expected of him and finds that it is in his best interests to comply. There is increased understanding and trust on his part and less stress for you. Also important is the fact that most dogs benefit significantly from challenging intellectual exercise. If trained properly, most dogs actually come to enjoy learning to do things, accept certain "rules" as part of day to day life and understand that complying means that good things will happen.
If these behaviors are reinforced consistently over time, we can get our dogs to actually think that it is their idea to offer us behaviors that we have trained them to do. Adolescent dogs that get plenty of intellectual and physical exercise are less likely to get bored and into trouble around the house or out on the street. They are also less likely to perceive our requests for better behavior as confrontational challenges. They are much less likely to get yelled at and have a greater chance of staying in their current homes! In addition to less owner stress, other benefits include, but are not limited to, happier house guests, healthier dogs and friendlier neighbors.
So, if you have a good dog but find that some of his manners, or lack of them, are a source of irritation to you, seriously consider getting the help of a professional dog trainer skilled in the use of reward-based methods.
About the Author: Patricia (Pat) Bentz CPDT, CDBC, K-9 Training & Behavioral Therapy, Philadelphia PA 19147 (215) 551-5254 office www.k-9training.org
Pat Bentz credentials include the following qualifications: Think Tank Member of APDT www.apdt.com; Clinical Member of IAABC www.iaabc.org; Canine Good Citizen Evaluator www.akc.org and Board Member, Greater Philadelphia Dog Fanciers' Assn. In her practice, Ms. Bentz uses reward-based methods. Her in-home training services include: housetraining, obedience, behavior consultation & she also provides Canine Good Citizen preparation and evaluation for all ages and breeds.
What You Need to Know About Training with Treats: 10 Tips
By Patricia Bentz - K-9 Training & Behavioral Therapy
I often hear clients say that they prefer not to use treats when training their dog. Their reasons range from, “I don’t want my dog to get fat” to “I’m afraid she won’t listen to me if I don’t have a treat in my hand.” While these concerns are valid, they should not prevent you from appropriately using high-quality treats to reward and motivate your dog. While some dogs are motivated by soft verbal praise, chest rubs, butt-scratches, walks outside and/or playing games, many dogs are only motivated by food. If you are lucky enough to have a dog who is responsive to two or more of these, then don’t limit yourself to only rewarding good behavior with treats – mix it up!
When using treats to train a new behavior or reinforcing a behavior that you like:
Use very small pieces
Look for treats that either are small in size or are soft enough to be broken into smaller pieces. You can either cut them up in advance or, if they are moist, you can break them into smaller pieces with your fingernail. It is good to keep in mind that special treats should comprise no more than about 10% of your dogs daily food intake.
Keep them healthy
Whether you make your own treats or purchase them, choose high-quality, low-calorie options. Make sure meat treats are made from real meat. Dogs with food allergies can benefit from hypoallergenic snacks. Foods to avoid include: chocolate, pork, onions, salt, processed sugar, soy, and rich or spicy prepared foods. In large quantities, grapes and raisins should also be avoided since they can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and kidney failure. Many dogs cannot digest corn, so it is best to avoid products containing corn. If your dog loves his dog food, consider using pieces of his kibble as a low-level treat.
Some recommended training treats include:
- Real Meat Beef Jerky
- Solid Gold Tiny Tots
- Liver Chiplets: Beef
- Real Meat Venison Dog Treats
- Dr. Becker’s Bison Bites
- Stella & Chewy’s Carnivore Crunch
- Sweet Potato Dog Chewz
Don’t use treats as a bribe! There is no harm in using a treat to lure your dog into performing a new behavior. However, it is critical that you phase out the lure as soon as possible. After she offers you the behavior several times using the lure, get her to offer the behavior without showing her a treat beforehand. Once she complies, praise her and then offer her the treat. You want your dog to trust that good things will happen if she responds to your request.
Use treats strategically
For behavior that your dog already knows (e.g., “Sit!”), use lower value treats like pieces of your dog’s kibble. When you want to encourage your dog to learn a new behavior, use higher value treats. The reward should be commensurate with the difficulty of the task.
Have them readily available
The last thing you want to do is interrupt your dog’s concentration by fussing with the treat packaging. Many dogs will stop what they are doing and immediately focus on nothing but the treat. Instead, have the treats either in your pocket or sitting in a shelf nearby.
Use an intermittent reinforcement schedule
Whenever you are teaching a new behavior, reward your dog every time she performs the desired behavior. Once she is fairly consistent in responding, give her the treat sometimes but not others. This is the best way to maintain reliable behavior.
Encourage a “soft” mouth
If your dog is mouthy or rough when taking a treat from a human hand, then you need to make sure that you do not reward this behavior by letting your dog have the treat. Hold the treat in such a way that your dog has to use her tongue instead of her teeth to get the reward. If this isn’t working and you are concerned, seek the help of a certified trainer or behavior consultant.
Don’t reward jumping (… unless you like it!)
This is particularly noticeable with smaller dogs that jump up to take the treat from your hand. If you don’t want your small dog to jump on humans, then make sure that you bring your hand towards your dog’s face in a low and horizontal manner. If you bring your hand down towards your dog, your dog is more inclined to reach up for it.
Make your dog do something for the treat
Most dogs like to work and they enjoy being intellectually stimulated. Teach a variety of obedience commands and practice them on a daily basis. Keep in mind that the average dog can learn up to 100 cues!
Consider baking your dog’s treats
If your dog enjoys and digests peanut butter, try the following recipe:
Peanut Butter Crunchies with Honey & Oats
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¼ cup honey 1 cup crunchy peanut butter 2 cups chicken broth or water 1/3 cup peanut oil |
1 cup rolled oats 1 cup oat bran 3-4 cups oat flour
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Directions: Preheat oven to 350° F (180°C). In a large saucepan, combine honey, peanut butter, broth and oil. Heat, stirring often, until mixture begins to simmer. Remove from heat. Stir in rolled oats and oat bran and let cool until lukewarm. Gradually blend in oat flour, adding enough to form a stiff dough. Transfer to a floured (oat or rye flour) surface and knead until smooth (3-5 min.). Shape dough into a ball and then roll to 1/8 inch thick. Use a mini cookie cutter or cut into small squares. Transfer to ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about ¼ inch apart. If the dough becomes too crumbly to work with, then sprinkle with a little water to bind it together and knead it for 30 seconds or so. Bake for 30 min. Remove from oven and turn over. Bake for an additional 30 min., or until golden brown on both sides. After you finish baking all of the biscuits, turn off the oven. Spread all the biscuits in one baking pan and set them in the oven to cool for a few hours or overnight. This will make them crispier. Makes several dozen small treats that you can freeze.
In summary, using treats to train and reward your dog’s good behavior is fine as long as you follow the above guidelines. The key is to maximize the motivational benefit that quality treats have to offer while being careful to avoid common mistakes in how they are used.
About the Author: Patricia (Pat) Bentz CPDT, CDBC K-9Training & Behavioral Therapy Philadelphia, PA 19147 (215) 551-5254 office www.k-9training.org Pat Bentz’s credentials include the following qualifications: Think Tank Member of APDT www.apdt.com; Clinical Member of IAABC www.iaabc.org; Canine Good Citizen Evaluator www.akc.org and Member, Greater Philadelphia Dog Fanciers’ Assn. In her practice, Ms. Bentz uses reward-based methods. Her in-home training services include: housetraining, obedience, behavior consultations & she also provides Canine Good Citizen preparation and evaluation for all ages and breeds.
Back To TopSmiley Face – A Dog Training Story
By Jane Brydon
Sometimes he would only pick up half his lip. I called that “Elvis”. When I said to him, “Do Elvis for me,” he would oblige and I would laugh delightedly. He would smile when he felt like smiling and he would smile on cue. I loved it so much it would always break off a little piece of my heart to see him do it and it makes me cry to think of it today.
We were a team. I’ve had many dogs in my life, but Cowboy was that special dog. I already had two dogs when my neighbor told me he was getting a divorce and moving back to his mother’s house. Would I take his dog? I answered “yes” almost immediately. Cowboy was a beautiful Rottweiler.
As with some relationships, we had a rocky beginning. He sat in my kitchen, a hundred pound male Rottweiler, growling at me. He didn’t know who I was, why he was there or what was going to happen next. I had to turn this situation around to make life safe and secure for my existing doggie family, Millie the Bull Terrier and Rosie the female Rottweiler, and for me.
I immediately signed Cowboy up for class at a local dog club. We went every week and when we finished one class we signed up for another. Training enhances your dog/human communication. It teaches you to be clear in your cues and signals. It teaches the dog to pay attention to you in distracting situations. It grows your relationship. And our relationship flourished.
We were such a great team we started to compete in AKC obedience competitions. Cowboy loved going to these dog shows. I was always terribly nervous, but when the judge gave us our first instruction and we would start the pattern we performed as a unit, the nervousness would disappear. The day Cowboy and I sat for the competition photographer while I held our 3rd place ribbon was one of the most joyous days of my life. This once unhappy, growling, miserable dog had performed terrifically, allowing us to win a Companion Dog (CD) obedience title.
Are you having some issues with your own dog? If you pay attention to the problems when they crop up and ask for help, there are techniques that will make these problems disappear. Many times you adopt problems along with the dog. Start your training right away. Just as my Cowboy was in the beginning, your dog will be confused about you and the house rules. Be gentle, kind, clear and focused.
You and your dog can become a lifelong team. Join a class, take private lessons, watch dog training tapes and/or read books. Even if you work with your dog 15 to 20 minutes a day, your relationship will blossom.
Practicing with your dog gives him special time. You can practice manners, tricks or obedience maneuvers, and he will be doing what you ask and get rewarded for his responsiveness. Your enthusiasm and positive responses, in turn, will create a happy dog. Everyone wins. The more you teach your dog, the more he works his brain and the smarter and more cheerful he gets.
Cowboy grew elderly and eventually died and I miss him to this day. I attended training class with all of my dogs. But Cowboy started me down a path to my present career. I am a dog trainer who lives to pass on everything I know to other dog owners.
Jump in and start working with your dog today. Teach your dog a funny trick. You will make people laugh and both you and your dog will love showing off this new skill.
Keep on going! Teach him to do lots of things. You may not get the toothy grin I got from Cowboy, but you will have a dog known for his upbeat personality and sloppy, tongue-lolling smile.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jane Brydon, Dog Training Coach, LLC, Certified Pet Dog Trainer, A Positive Approach to Good Behavior, Member of Association of Pet Dog Trainers & Dog Writers Association of America (610) 622-5183 cell: 484-437-8183 jane@mydogtrainingcoach.com www.mydogtrainingcoach.com
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