I’ve mentioned previously that the best trainer for a dog is another dog. I have been working to socialize Suki, a 9-month-old Pekingese, to be comfortable in new surroundings. She is horribly afraid of new sounds and hyper-sensitive to unfamiliar movement and objects.
I called in Mac-Nanny, my Labradoodle, to help Suki be a dog. The video shows how playing with Mac let Suki relax and have a little fun!
As a behaviorist, I have my opinion on what to do when a dog jumps on guests at the door. However, my dog, Melody, asked if she could respond to this one. Here’s what she has to say:
Did you know that the word terrier is derived from the word terra, which means earth? Ever wonder why you can’t seem to get your terrier to get it’s nose off the ground? Here’s a fun, informative video regarding Earth Dogs. Grab your dog and watch. . .they are sure to enjoy it (and I can guess what they’ll be asking for at Christmas!)
In the 80’s there were some major changes in the thought on how to best raise children. In order to not hurt their spirit and to give them a little personal power, kids were given choices. A lot of choices. Oatmeal or dry cereal or maybe just some fruit? Tennis shoes, sandals, and which color would you like?
Giving kids choices is a good idea when they are of age to comprehend choice and consequence. Until then, the parent may do well to provide guidance and keep the peace by not giving a child so many choices they never get out the door on time.
I am mentioning this because I am finding a lot of this type of four-legged parenting. I hear things like, “my dog doesn’t like being on a leash.” “They are depressed when in their crate.” My dog doesn’t want to poop outside.” As a trainer who wants the best for you and your canine relationship, I have to say something. . . they don’t get a choice!
You are their provider and you are showing them moment by moment what life is like when they live with you. Not the other way around. When someone tells me they haven’t trained their dog, I remind them they have. The question is what have they trained them? Puppy training begins the second they come through your door. A dog can quickly adopt the idea that you have joined their family and they set the rules.
You can do more damage to their psyche by not being a consistent leader (or parent if that fits you better.) They don’t need a lot of choices in order to love and respect us.
How does he do it? How does Cesar walk into the room and gain the respect of dog and human? Does he have a special gift known only to him. So, what is it?
The “secret” – his presence and energy. It is what he knows. It’s a deeper knowing than the knowledge that is gained from studying but more of a real understanding combined with absolute confidence in a desired outcome. When you know that you know, you present yourself differently. You don’t second guess your actions.
Cesar walks into a room with the state of mind that he is is control. There’s no magic formula or special power in his trademark “sh” sound as he confidently corrects or diverts a dog’s attention. Most trainers/behaviorists have had the same or at least a very similar experience. He definitely has an understanding of dogs and almost more importantly, their relationship with humans.
I have been called to training appointments and walk in to see the human moving their hand in a claw shape toward the dog’s neck as they “sh.” The dog does nothing but look at them as if to say, “what the heck was that?” There’s only one Cesar, and I’m confident your dog will respond to you once you have placed yourself in the role of pack leader and provided consistent structure and guidance.
Using a human comparison, if you give someone the cold shoulder, they know it without you saying a word. It’s your energy they feel – they know not to mess with you. Dogs are no different and if anything, are even more in tune with our intentions and thoughts toward them.
Cesar is definitely gifted and his success with the dogs he chooses to work with comes from his knowing that the dog will respect and respond accordingly. If you can adopt and apply this thought to your training, you will see results. It’s a bit like the saying, “fake it until you make it.”
The sooner you know your dog will respond as expected, the sooner they will!
Previously, I posted about Puppies Behind Bars. The newly elected Senator Franken has introduced legislation for hundreds of service dogs to be trained to alter the lives of wounded U.S. Veterans. For more information and/or to show your support, go to the fetchdog ad in the column to the right.
If you are visiting shelters in search of a new dog and are confused about which breed is best, I encourage you to do some research, but don’t eliminate a dog based on the stereotype alone. Different breeds definitely have their own unique qualities but these qualities are not exclusive.
As you consider which dog is best for your family, make an informed decision and one definitely based on the dog itself rather than the stereotype of their breed. Here’s an article on this subject:
Puppies need constant supervision. When left unattended inside, they may chew on anything and everything. If left outside, they may dig or decide to play in the leaves. . .
While there is more information available than you could possible want to know about house training, it is still the number one concern of my clients. The challenge for most people is moving beyond the memory of their previous experience when, “we house trained our last dog in five days and never used a crate.”
No one quite remembers how they did it, but only that it was easy. Some suffer or rather are blessed with memory loss regarding the time it took to get their new pup to “go” outside. I’m not sure why it seems so different now than it used to. Perhaps dogs resided outside more than inside, maybe you were more patient, or let’s face it – the previous dog may have just been a quick learner!
You will get the new pup housetrained much faster if you immediately get on a consistent schedule with food, potty breaks, and confinement (crate or small space) and supervision. Consider it a learning experience and welcome the new-and-improved process. It works!
If you have any questions about a proven system of house training and/or crate training, contact me or check out the ebook to the right.
