Neutering your dog yes or no

Neutering is basically removing the sex glands... it does involve anaesthesia, but is a relatively simple procedure... and has been done countless times.

If you are not going to breed from your dog, then most doggy people advise neutering.

Some males are problems in that they can be inclined to roam looking for bitches, and in other cases, it is recommended when dogs are overly dominant, or when they try to mount anything and anybody in sight!

With bitches, if you are not going to breed - and we all know how many poor unwanted dogs there are in shelters - having your pet spayed takes away the risk of an unwanted pregnancy. Dont let the fear of your female putting on weight put you off spaying... just keep your pet active.

Think of Agility or Flyball as a new interest for them. Heelwork to music, mentioned on the flyball and agility websites, could be an idea too - and we have links to a brilliant Agility Equipment supplier on the agility website! Plenty of walks and games are a good idea... and, if you havent got the time for enough exercise, how about employing a professional dog walker?

Have a talk to your vet about the best time to get your pet neutered... they will give you all the information and reassurances you will require.

Reactivity to Dogs or People

 Solving reactivity to people or dogs -- a general guide.

When a dog demonstrates reactivity to people or other dogs, its most likely rooted in fear.   Since they cant tell us they are afraid, they use the only tactic they know how to get the scary thing to go away -- Aggression.   

Many dogs dont have the social skills to deal with normal every day situations of greeting.   Owners get frustrated. Friends or neighbors become fearful and sometimes disrespectful. If not treated this behavior escalates. It does not get better on its own. And in some cases the dog is out on the street, dumped in a shelter, or put down.

It must be hard for the dog to be in this state of mind because people and other dogs are everywhere.   So the stress builds and then explodes.  Were lucky if the dog warns us with a raise of the lip or a low growl.   If were adept at reading our dog, we can discover other signals prior to the showing of teeth and the growling.   If we miss all those signals, the dog is likely to lunge, snap or bite.

There are options to turn make improvements in behavior.  You may never solve it completely, but you can make it better or learn to manage it.  Its important that you start training immediately upon identifying any warning signs or displays of aggression.   These issues do not resolve themselves.  In fact, they typically escalate. 

  

Assume a stronger leadership role in your home and begin implementing the following:  

• No permission to be on the furniture.    
• Teach your dog to "Place" on her bed or in her crate.   Build up to her being able to stay in a place for  30 minutes while you watch TV or make dinner.  
• Begin making her sit and wait for her food.  Start with a brief wait, and then work up to a couple of minutes.  
• Require your dog to sit calmly before going in or out of doorways.   Leaders first. 
• Do 10-15 minutes of basic obedience each day.  Giving praise for a job well done, and holding them accountable to not performing the task on command. 
• Require her to stay in command until you either release her with a verbal OK! Or you issue a new command.
• Spend some time each day in play.   Allow her to know that you’re also a good source of fun.  If your dog escalates with rough play or tug games, throw the ball.   Dont encourage the bad behavior.
  

  • If your dog is guarding toys -- he may not be allowed to have toys for a while, until behavior is improved.   
• Offer affection on your terms -- if the dog seeks it out, ignore them.  You call them to you or go to them to give praise and affection. 
• Offer treats on your terms -- but only when they have learned to sit patiently with manners.

Now about the reactivity.    It’s easy to want to avoid taking her out, but the truth is to address the issue you actually do have to take her out to work on this problem.  After you have spent about a week tuning up the leadership methods described above -- head out in public.  This week at home with obedience and leadership work can also help your dog

Start in small intervals and build up.   You may find that you drive to PetSmart or the park but don’t actually go in the first few times.  You may just stand on the sidewalk watching people/dogs go by.

• You will need to determine her distance threshold and stay below that to start.   You want to keep her calm, focused and prevent the reaction.   The more positive experiences you have the better.
• You will also want to observe to see if you can find common themes in your dogs triggers?   Is it men only?   Men with hats/hoodies or sunglasses?  Children?  Children who are running & squealing?   Is it only when youre sitting down?  Small Dogs?  Big Dogs?   Dogs at play?  Dogs straining on the end of the leash?    It may be everything  -- but it may be much more specific.   Try to identify exactly what it is, then focus on those setups.
• As people/dogs approach, start requiring her to be in Sit Command  and focused on you.   Give a very high value treat rewards (a treat that she ONLY gets when doing these exercises so it’s special) and calm verbal praise for her staying calm and focused on you.   The lesson here is less about obedience, and more about learning to stay calm around potential threats, though you need obedience foundation.
• No food is to be given in response to a reaction.  Its only for staying calm.  
•  If she does begin to give indication of reaction draw her away with a verbal NO!, giving her distance from the threat.  Cross the street if you have too.  Then put her to work in Sit, Down, Heel, etc.  Always praise her obedience work when she does commands as expected.   When she’s calmer, praise her, and try to reduce the distance again. 
• If she has an aggressive reaction (lunging  & snapping) --- you should give her a very effective leash-based correction.  She should know she’s made a mistake.  Do NOT Offer any praise or comfort following this correction.
• You need to stay calm and disciplined in your response to your dog.   If you become fearful, head straight for your car and end the training.    Call a professional if you need help with trying again, but this training must be done.
• If your dog is stronger than you are, you may wish to consider a prong collar.   The correction then is just a pop & release straight up on her prong collar with a verbal NO, and draw her way, and put her to work in obedience commands.   Remember no food reward for obedience work in this case.  
•  Don’t push to fast.  If the threshold is 20ft today, don’t try to go to 10  feet tomorrow.  Work a day or two at the greater distance, and then move in 2-3 feet a few days later.  Take your time and go slow.  Its better to practice a success than to create a reaction.

• Once you’re able be closer to people  (or other dogs)
• Ask them to just toss great treats in her general direction and pass by without stopping.    Be sure they are not talking to her or making eye contact.
• Once that’s working well for a few days, consider asking them to give her a treat directly (only you can judge her comfort level).   
• You may  never get here.   Meaning, it just may be better for people not to get in close proximity, but you do want to reach the point where they can stand in a conversational space with you and ignoring her and she can remain calm
• People should come in sideways, hold their hand out with the high value treat, and then walk away quietly  -- again no touching or eye contact with her
• She should be sitting
• You should offer praise and control the leash and her head – if anyone is uncomfortable, don’t do it.
• If at anytime during any phase of the training exercise you feel safety is at risk, use a muzzle for your dog.   Do not put other people or dogs as risk.   Its not worth it.       
• And if you are at all unsure about any techniques, behavior or results  -- call a professional trainer to assist.

  

Practice as often as you can, but it is good experience to work around people in the who understand the challenge, who will follow instructions,  and can help with scenarios and where appropriate have dogs suitable to the practice sessions.  

Review other teaching aids on our FB page.

This can feel overwhelming.   Its not as complicated at is seems and the methods to teach these techniques can be done in just a few lessons with The K9 Coach.    Call us today.   We can help!

Dana Brigman

The K9 Coach

Dog Training - Matthews, NC

980-339-8064

www.thek9-coach.com

info@thek9-coach.com

Follow us On

Facebook,  Youtube, Twitter, Pinterest , Instagram  & Google+

The K9 Coach is a Professional Certified Dog Trainer Serving Charlotte, NC, Matthews, NC and surrouding areas.

My mission is a better life for dogs as members of a forever family.

My goal is create training solutions for the home owner, to rehabilitate dogs from shelters and rescues, and to prevent dogs from dying alone as strays or owner surrenders in shelters due to unnecessary aggression or behavioral issues.

Begin training with a consult with a professional trainer to be sure youre solving the right problem. Misdiagnosis can make the matters worse. Be sure that there are no medical issues at play and that your dog is not in pain, as pain can be a contributor to a new display of aggression. If you have any fear or uncertainty -- do not attempt the techniques without professional supervision.

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Dont Coddle Fear or Anxiety

Our instincts as lovers of dogs, tell us to hold or pet our dogs to comfort them when they are scared or showing signs of anxiety.  Our hearts tell us to comfort them with gentle words and a pleasing voice.

It doesnt work.   

In fact is may have an adverse affect on the well-being of your dog.   How is that possible?   It helps kids, right?

Dogs dont rationalize in the same way people do.   They dont understand that you are verbally telling them not to be afraid.  But rather they associate your soothing behaviors as reinforcement for their state of mind and behavior.

The best thing you can do to help your dog through something fearful, is almost to do nothing.     I showed you recently in the BAT graphic from Grisha Stewarts book, to give distance when things are scary and thats fine to keep from them getting reactive.   But if your dog is just hiding behind your legs quietly while you talk to a stranger, dont even acknowledge your dog.  Let their noses and your body language and confidence do their magic. You might even occasionally change your stance or position near your dog.    Your dog will, in time, start to realize its not big deal.  

When I bring a new foster or training dog into my home, for the first day or two I barely interact with them.   I feed them, take them for a walk, and give them warm shelter of course, but I really dont pet them or talk to them otherwise.   They may stay far away from me for a few days or they may approach me for affection.    If its a dog with a great fear of people, I always let them make the first move to see me out for attention.

I have brought in many fosters who were scared of everyone!  One dog I brought in, Sara, as you see in the picture, took nearly a week before she approached me on her own.   Even when I took her outside in my fenced yard, I had to have her on a long-line so that I could get her back in the house.  Otherwise, she ran from me.   She didnt pee, poop, or even drink water for about 3 days.   She was truly terrified.  She hid under tables at my house - but over time, she sit under the table at my feet.   

As we progressed, I put her on a shorter lead and went for walks.   I offered treats for approaching me.   Petting took several days.   And its a tearful moment when a dog like that allows you to pet them for the first time.  Even if only for a moment.

There are many techniques you can use with a stressful dog including massage-type therapies, holistic supplements and essential oils, or even music. 

Not all case are extreme as Sara or other fosters -- they may be afraid of Thunder, Fireworks or strangers, or even the most unlikely objects.   Whatever you do -- dont coddle the fear.   They will draw their confidence from your lack of response to the scary thing.

If you have a dog demonstrating anxiety or fear, please seek help so that you can help your dog recover.  They do not generally get better on their own.  These are issues you dont want them to live with or to intensify. 




Dana Brigman
The K9 Coach
Dog Training - Matthews, NC
980-339-8064
www.thek9-coach.com
info@thek9-coach.com

Follow us On

Facebook,  Youtube, Twitter, Pinterest , Instagram  & Google+

The K9 Coach is a Professional Certified Dog Trainer Serving Charlotte, NC, Matthews, NC and surrounding areas.

My mission is a better life for dogs as members of a forever family.

My goal is create training solutions for the home owner, to rehabilitate dogs from shelters and rescues, and to prevent dogs from dying alone as strays or owner surrenders in shelters due to unnecessary aggression or behavioral issues.

Begin training with a consult with a professional trainer to be sure youre solving the right problem. Misdiagnosis can make the matters worse. Be sure that there are no medical issues at play and that your dog is not in pain, as pain can be a contributor to a new display of aggression. If you have any fear or uncertainty -- do not attempt the techniques without professional supervision.

 
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Never Issue a Command You Cannot or Will Not Enforce

 

The Coachs Corner. Training Tips For Fans of The K9 Coach

Never Issue a Command You Cannot (or Will Not) Enforce

---

If you tell Fido to do something that he knows how to do -- expect that he does it every time you issue the command, no matter where you are, or what distractions may be taking place. So be aware of when you issue a specific command.

The key to training is creating clear communication and expectations of what’s right and what’s wrong between you and your dog. If you issue a command that your dog knows how to perform, and the dog doesn’t comply and you do nothing to correct the missed command, the dog learns you didn’t really mean it that time. They will start to wait every time to see if you meant it or not. They can actually learn to wait for the 2nd or 3rd repetition or the change in your voice or body language.

Yes, they are that smart. And they will train you if you let them.

• When your dog gets the command right — give them lots of praise. This may be a pat on the head or just an enthusiastic "Good Boy!" Dont be stingy with your praise, let them know youre happy about what theyve done. Your praise should be something your dog values and seeks out by trying to please you.
• If you dog fails to complete the command -- issue a correction. if your dog has learned the meaning of "no" --the correction might be a verbal "No" followed by a repeat of the command, or a Verbal No" coupled with firm correction such as quick snap/release on their leash, a Cesar-style touch on their neck, etc if youre still training them to learn how to do something.

Its equally important for you to follow through on your end of the training & expectations as it is for the dog to comply with the command youve issued.

This does not mean Fido can never relax or just be playful. Such discipline and attention to commands may in fact help him to know when its OK to just chill and when he needs to be attentive. It will definitely create a better relationship with you and your dog.

Need help teaching basic obedience commands? Want to get more advanced or move to off-leash training? Have a serious behavioral issue developing or in full swing -- we can help. Call us today.

Have a question you wanted answered in The K9 Coaches Corner -- post it on our FB page and your question may be featured in our next weekly update!

Dana Brigman
The K9 Coach
Dog Training - Matthews, NC
980-339-8064
www.thek9-coach.com
info@thek9-coach.com

Follow us On

Facebook,  Youtube, Twitter, Pinterest , Instagram  & Google+

The K9 Coach is a Professional Certified Dog Trainer Serving Charlotte, NC, Matthews, NC and surrounding areas.

My mission is a better life for dogs as members of a forever family.

My goal is create training solutions for the home owner, to rehabilitate dogs from shelters and rescues, and to prevent dogs from dying alone as strays or owner surrenders in shelters due to unnecessary aggression or behavioral issues.

Begin training with a consult with a professional trainer to be sure youre solving the right problem. Misdiagnosis can make the matters worse. Be sure that there are no medical issues at play and that your dog is not in pain, as pain can be a contributor to a new display of aggression. If you have any fear or uncertainty -- do not attempt the techniques without professional supervision.

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Food or Praise for Rewards

Food or Praise for Rewards?

The short answer is both!  Each has a purpose.   
Get a Treat Pouch and Use it! 

Most dogs will do just about anything for food... especially if they are hungry.    Many dogs will start performing all sorts of behaviors to see if it will be the one that makes you release that yummy treat.   A dogs sense of smell is extremely powerful.  So something that smells yummy will interest them.  Be aware yummy often stinks to us.

To make sure they are hungry when its time to learn something new, skip the meal prior to the training session.    It wont hurt them -- physically or emotionally.   In fact, it reinforces you control resources for a dominant dog, and helps every dog get focused on learning when you do offer the
food.



Praise -- its something we will always have with us.   Use it ~ a lot!   If you are using food as a reward, use your praise also.  The dog will create an association of the food reward with your praise and vice versa.

Praise is also something they can learn comes from everyone!  The stranger that finds him if he escapes your yard, your vet, groomer, retail clerk, friends or family may not have the "special" treats your dog loves and will only perform his commands for.

Plan ahead for the life of you dog and know that praise is universal.

Always at least verbally acknowledge the things your dog well!   Ideally, you will want to use the same words so that he learns what they mean, an enthusiastic tone of voice, and physical touch when appropriate.   Consider words like  "yes!", "Thats Better", "Good boy".    This reinforces the behaviors you want him to give you and encourages them to keep at it.

When you are training a new skill or trying to counter-condition a behavioral issue, but sure you praise lavishly for a job well-done!  If you have had to give several verbal non-reward markers (No, aaak aaak, etc) to get him to delivery the skill -- withhold your big praise and your treats, and give just the verbal "good boy".  

Some excitable dogs may find that your enthusiasm or your physical touch creates so much excitement that they break their command.  Tone it down if needed.  Dont be the reason your dog breaks his command.      If you do have one a dog like this -- save your best praise for the end of a training segment and then bring on enthusiasm and celebrate with your dog for a great lesson.

As your dog progresses in his learning -- save big praise and/or treats only for the times he delivers the command on the first time hes told.   If you continue to reward after mistakes, hell keep making them.  


What food to use?
"But my dog is not food motivated".   Its true -- not all dogs are food extremely  motivated, but most people give up too soon on finding out what food will work for your dog.  They will often be food motivated if the treat is valuable enough.  A dogs sense of smell is typically quite acute and will entice them check out what were offering and if they are hungry.


Explore different food choices ~ hotdogs, boiled chicken, dried liver, smelly cheese, etc.   The stinkier the better.  Figure out what works for your dog.  Something usually will.

For young puppies, your training reward might be as simple as a Cheerio.

For all dogs you can use their meal-time as a reinforcement of Sit/Stay or Down/Stay to earn their food bowl.  They have to hold the command until you release them to eat.

No Really -- Hes At All Not Food Motivated:
If food doesnt work -- you need to try toys.  But remember tossing a toy generally gets them up and moving and might not be the reward you want during obedience work or in a group class setting.    Its great for teaching, reward for nose work, or tricks -- but praise may be your best option until you are ready to release the dog from a command.  



Pudgy Pooch?
Remember, we said skipping a meal is not going to hurt them.  So if you are using lots of food reward during training, be sure to cut down calories from their normal meal by skipping or at least giving a smaller portion.

You can also use their kibble for basic training reward, especially after they have learned a new skill.  Alternatively, as you advance your skills, you can cut up some chicken, hotdog or cheese, add some kibble to the treat pouch with that smelly treat and alternate the two rewards.  The kibble will be enhanced by the smell of the other treat reward.  

Dana Brigman

The K9 Coach

Dog Training - Matthews, NC

980-339-8064

www.thek9-coach.com

info@thek9-coach.com

Follow us On

Facebook,  Youtube, Twitter, Pinterest , Instagram  & Google+

Begin all training with a consultation with a professional trainer to be sure youre solving the right problem. Misdiagnosis can make the matters worse. Be sure that there are no medical issues at play and that your dog is not in pain, as pain can be a contributor to a new display of aggression. If you have any fear or uncertainty -- do not attempt the techniques without professional supervision.

Dog Rescue or Animal Rescue in general

Just a plea for everyone who reads this post to please click daily on the animal rescue site graphic, above!

Pleasees!

Pretty, please.

Check out my other doggy blogs for details about rescued pets... there are many different posts on the subject!

Potty Training or House Training your Dog

If you are having problems, or if you know anyone who is having problems with house training / potty training their dog - I have two sources of help to offer.

Both resources can be accessed via our links in the left-hand side margin.

The one is to How to Housetrain any Dog ... the other is a clipping in our Doggy Blog Clips which was clipped yesterday [May 9th] on the subject of potty training.

What wasnt mentioned in the clip was how to remove the smell of the urine! If your pet has an accident and you clean it up... you also need to remove any residual smell, or your pet will assume that it is OK to go in that exact spot on other occasions.

Your dogs sense of smell is FAR, FAR, superior to yours! So you need to eliminate all of the resultant smell from the area.

Blot up all the wet with paper towels, then clean the area with washing-up liquid and cool water on a cloth. Finally apply a mixture of equal parts of white distilled vinegar and cool water, blot, rinse and allow to dry naturally. [If possible test on a hidden area of carpet to check for any carpet discolouration.]

Creating a temporary dog exclusion, or obstruction to the area, is advisable as an added precaution.

Health Tips for your Dog or Puppy

Do you want some tips to help give your pet a long, healthy, and happy life?

Here is a new resource I have found which could well be a source of useful information on all sorts of health issues... Dog Health.