Separation Anxiety - Dog Training in Milton

Below is a good video on some techniques to follow when dealing with separation anxiety. We utilize some of these techniques ourselves and they WORK! As a disclaimer, not all dogs will react the same to a single method, however, this offers a good base to follow with different options.



In our opinion, the best thing you can do for a dog with separation anxiety is add some control in their life, teach them a "Place" command, and DO NOT allow them to trail you around everywhere (of course, that paired with a good obedience foundation). They start to learn that it's ok not to be glued to your hip, it builds their confidence and reduces anxiety when you move away from them. And remember, a crate is for your peace of mind and your dogs safety, so don't be afraid to utilize it in your training.

Thanks to Solid K9 Training for allowing us to share this video.

www.smartdogsk9.com

Start Off Small - Dog Training in Milton Ontario

Baby steps for lazy bullies, but this one is a natural retirever. Natural retirevers make lovely dogs to train, but we don't want to over-do it with a young pup. First step, basic obedeince, next step, let's see what she can do (fingers crossed for agility, but she's a pretty heavy girl), for now, baby steps for puppies.

www.smartdogsk9.com

Smart Dogs Bootcamp Training - Dog Trainer in Milton Ontario

SMART DOGS BOOTCAMP

This is a class for all levels that will run rain or shine, snow or humidity, outdoors, in a real life environment. This class is for all dogs, especially those who are experiencing any issues or those who want to gain more control - we take your problem dogs! This class is for all owners, especially those who like to bring their dogs with them every where they go.

Run your dog through all the paces, learn to maintain control, leadership and obedience in real life situations. We will be emphasizing control on leash, in stays and distance recalls. Dress appropriately for the weather and be prepared to be active because we'll put you through your paces too!

Equipment required: 15-20 foot long line (can be purchased through any of the pet stores in town), 6 foot leash and a training collar - no flats or harnesses. Bags, treats and some patience.

All experience levels welcome!

On going throughout the year at different locations each week. To secure a spot and save some money, please sign up in advance. Ask us for location when dropping in. Drop in rate is $25.00 - you must pay that day before taking the class. New Sessions starting in April 2012!!!

1 session once a week for 8 weeks. $180.00

Saturdays	10:00am - 11:00am
Week Night	7:00pm - 8:00pm

Please note, if we deem your dog too aggressive, you will be asked to muzzle him or her for others safety.


If you have any questions about our classes please do not hesitate to contact us at
dogtraining101@hotmail.com

www.smartdogsk9.com

They Don't All Down for Treats - Common Sense Dog Training

Though we utilize the approach of positive reinforcement and luring for our initial training, we often times run into dogs we will not willingly settle into the down position, even with food motivation. Since we are not married to one single method (because we believe that all dogs are different and no two learn and retain information exactly the same) we are able to offer different options for our clients who run into walls in their training. One of these methods is placing a dog into position. It's actually a very beneficial method to use as it allows you to socialize your dog to touch and physical manipulation.

This is for those who have or are running into a road block in teaching their dogs the down. A fellow trainer has allowed me to post his video to give you a better understanding of how this particular method works for the down. If done correctly and consistently, you will garner the same results as if you taught with a treat.

Natural Aversives - Dog training in Milton Ontario

There is no need for owners to beat themselves up over the fact that their dogs survive aversives on a daily basis, both accidental and intentional. Both dogs and humans learn from aversives - touch a hot stove, get burned, you're less likely to touch it next time. Dog gets under foot, dog get's stepped on, dog is less likely to get into the same area next time.

Aversives are often used in training in the form of corrections to decrease the likelyhood of a behaviour. The opposite is true of rewards - they are used to increase the likelyhood of a behaviour.

A good read if you're up for the challenge. Check out Terrierman's intro then follow the link he provides to a great, in-depth article on aversives in dog training and dog's lives in general.

http://terriermandotcom.blogspot.com/2012/01/lessons-on-mountains-muzzle.html

Don't Let 'Em - Dog Trainer in Milton

I often find people listing off the issues that they are having with their dogs, but not understanding why they are happening. Of course, we as trainers are here to help them understand and break down any issues, but it truly does come down to common sense.

First and foremost, 9 times out of 10, the owner is to blame for much of their dogs behaviour.

And secondly, if your dog is doing something you don't like ... very simply put, don't let him.

Frustrating answers? I suppose.

But we, as trainers, can step back and take an unemotional stance in order to help our clients come up with the solutions to their problems. Emotions get in the way of common sense, and in the dog-human relationship, the emotions run wild and sometimes common sense does not prevail.

If you find you are having issues with your dog, try to take a step back and consider the situation from a different view-point, and don't let emotions cloud your view. Think about your actions, and then think about your dogs reactions.

If you feel your situation is too difficult, there is no shame in calling in a professional who can help walk you through the problems, give you advice, training tips and results, after all, that's what we are here for.

If you need help with your dog, please don't hesitate to contact Smart Dogs Canine Training in Milton at dogtraining101@hotmail.com and visit the website for details on our training programs www.smartdogsk9.com

Dogs and Babies - Milton Ontario Dog Trainer

The below article was originally written for the Jack Russell Rescue of Ontario, but it can apply to any breed or mix being introduced to a new child.

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Owners often wonder if it is possible to have their new baby and their Jack Russell Terrier co-exist together in relative harmony. There are often sad stories of terriers being discarded because they didn’t get along with the new addition, but many times there is a lack of education for the owners or a lack of effort to make things work. However, the relationship with your terrier does not have to end this way.

There are four key steps to take prior to and once baby has moved in. Though they make take a little time, owners who love their dogs will find these imperative to creating a desirable environment for both dog and baby. Though there are other steps that one can take, these four are very important.

1. The dog MUST learn and know its place in the pack.

2. Baby MUST be associated with positive but calm consequences however a correction or two may be necessary.

3. The dog should NOT be ignored every time baby arrives on scene.

4. The dog MUST have a safe haven.

THE DOG MUST LEARN AND KNOW ITS PLACE IN THE PACK

This is a step that can be initiated well previous to baby arriving. Every dog, regardless if an infant is involved or not, should learn and know that it is most certainly not the leader in your household. There are very simple ways to achieve this by setting boundaries and rules for your terrier. Basic obedience training can and does help most dogs learn their place; however, terriers are a “take charge” sort of animals, so some extra steps may need to be put in place for these feisty little hunters. Actions such as requiring a sit and wait before putting the food bowl down (do not free feed unless your JRT has a medical issues that requires it), a sit and wait before entering and exiting the house, keeping the dog off of furniture that baby will be on, and out of what will be the new babies room, having the dog move when you need to get by, rather than going around her, don’t leave the dogs toys out for him to pick and choose from and correcting or redirecting inappropriate behaviours. Keeping babies room a “no go” zone is important and should be done without the use of crutches (gates or obstacles). Your dog needs to learn his or her boundaries and crutches should be avoided because there is no real training involved. Once a crutch is removed, the dog will likely go back to entering and exiting whenever he pleases. If you are consistent, fair and repetitive, the above should go smoothly and your dog will soon learn (or be reinforced) that you are the boss, not her.

BABY MUST BE ASSOCIATED WITH POSITIVE BUT CALM CONSEQUENCES, HOWEVER A CORRECTION OR TWO MAY BE NECESSARY

Dogs should associate the new member of the family with good things. However, this MUST be done in a calm manor. If your dog is super excited about toys, but is only mildly excited about petting, use a pat as a reward around baby, not the toy. Find something that your dog enjoys, but that keeps the energy level low. Some dogs will lie calmly chewing a bone for hours, and this can be used as a reward every time baby is around. The bone is only offered to the dog when baby is close by, associating baby with a calm, but positive, rewarding activity (only do this if your JRT has no resource guarding issues). If your Jack has no food aggression or possessive behaviour, having baby in your arms every time you feed the dogs also associates baby with a positive consequence.

There are times when a minor correction may have to be used and this can be in the form of a voice correction (agh, agh), a touch, a leash correction or even just a look for some softer dogs. A minor correction is used when the dog becomes too pushy or too excited around your infant and you want to bring the energy level down. If need be, go back to the basics and keep the dog on leash so she is easier to control. Umbilical training works great with this situation as it keeps the dog involved, active but under control.

THE DOG SHOULD NOT BE IGNORED EVERY TIME BABY ARRIVES ON SCENE

Ignoring the dog, or putting the dog away when baby is out creates an environment for jealousy. If your JRT is under control, there should be no reason to exclude him or her from being around during family time. In a calm moment, hold the baby and call the dog over to pet her. Petting is a calming touch (nice long gentle strokes or a chest rub) and keeps the dog in the right frame of mind in baby’s presence. Ignoring the dog while holding the baby can possibly create jealousy in some dogs, there for having a negative impact on the relationship between the two. This point ties into the above point, as it helps the dog to relate positive experiences with baby and not abandonment or jealousy.

THE DOG MUST HAVE A SAFE HAVEN

Though this is the last point, it may just be the most important. Every JRT should have a place to go once baby is on the move, so that they can “get away”. It could be a crate, a soft bed, a blanket, but it must be a spot that baby is not allowed to enter or better yet, a spot where baby cannot get to. Dogs who aren’t given this reprieve can become frustrated from constant harassment, and can lash out. That being said, if you have control over both baby and dog this should never be the case. So just remember, the dog may need to get away sometimes just as much as you do, but they can’t tell you that they want a break, so make sure to give them their own “getaway”, safe from prying hands.

Over all, though some steps and training can take time, integration of the new arrival to the household should be an easy one. If you notice that you are having some problems with keeping your Jack Russell calm, or controlled and are unsure how to proceed, do not be afraid to contact a local dog trainer to help you with any issues that may arise. Speaking with a trainer and getting some hands on education is a much better option than giving the dog up (unless there is a safety issue in regards to terrier and child). Keep positive, consistent and fair and you will help build a wonderful relationship that your child and dog will greatly benefit from.

*Please note: interaction between children and dogs of any age should ALWAYS be supervised by an adult.

Julie Deans © 2011
dogtraining101@hotmail.com

Can Dogs Heal Dogs?

If you watch TV enough, and you've had a chance to catch a few of the Dog Whisperer episodes, you will mostly have heard the phrase "power of the pack". The main meaning behind this phrase is that dogs can help heal other dogs with issues, but is this really the case? On the surface, it looks great, dogs helping dogs, who wouldn't want a world like that? But underneath, there are some real concerns when average folk decide that they need another dog to help heal their own.

The problem behind this theory is that not all dogs are going to project the correct energy in order to be of assistance to the pooch with behavioural issues. Some dogs do not and will not "bend" to the energy of others, meaning, that even though the dog or dogs you chose to help do the healing are balanced in your eyes, their balance may not be strong enough to influence poor rover who needs help with his issues.

I often hear of advice being given willy nilly from trainers and other well-meaning dog people alike, that recommend the addition of a new dog (adopting a new friend for fido) will solve most issues. Sadly, this is not case, and is usually just an easy way out for some. If the temperament and energy of the dog in need of professional help, is not matched perfectly to the potential new addition, it can have disastrous results; double the trouble if you know what I'm saying.

I am not down playing the power of dogs influencing other dogs, because it can work, and when it does, it is truly amazing to see. But, for the average owner, there is no one helping them pick the perfect rehab dog, there is no one guiding them step by step on how to help the rehab dog influence the troubled soul, and there is no one their to take responsibility when something goes wrong.

I have witnessed dogs who have influenced their needy counterparts for the better, creating a harmonious family life once again. However, I have also witnessed dogs, who though strong and with fairly good energy, succumb to an unstable dogs reactions. This is the result that you do not want, but can be hard to avoid for an untrained owner.

The best option for everyone (including the potential new life-mate) is to train and rehabilitate the troubled pooch as much as possible before attempting to add a friend into the mix. It is easier to control one dog with a behaivour issue, rather than two or three. This way, you avoid the possible chaos of a multi-dog house hold, and it gives your companion what she really needs.

That being said, if you find a trainer out there, with a pack who has the correct energy for rehabilitation, by all means sign up with that trainer and get your dog out there. It can do both you and your buddy a world of good, just remember "don't attempt these techniques at home or without professional supervision" ... usually good words to live by.

Julie Deans ©2011

Picking Your New Friend - Dog Training in Milton

Puppy picking is a very exciting occasion. It's less stressful than giving birth, but can be more stressful in the aftermath. Picking a puppy can be a tough decision for families who want to add a new member to their household, but are not sure where to begin.

Well, I say it's always best to begin at the beginning ... so let's start. The best thing to do when you think Rover would complete your family, is to make a list of what breeds you are interested in and why. Why the why you ask? Simple, you need to be aware of why you are choosing the canine that you've got your eye on. Is it because you like their style, and their eyes bring out the colour of your spring wardrobe? If so, perhaps move on to the next breed that you like because their temperament suits your life style. Many times puppies are picked solely based on looks, and though this may work for some, it can be a nightmare for others.

Temperament is key when choosing a pup that will best suit your family, and this is not just true of puppies, this is also the case when choosing an adult dog for companionship. Temperament is essentially who the dog or pup in question is or will be. If you don't want a shy dog, stay away from those who react badly to noise, who cower when touched, or who want nothing to do with you when you are pleading to pet them. If you aren't into the dominant dogs, stay away from those who decide your leg would make a good mounting board or those who thrash and struggle in your arms and refuse to calm down.

Temperament is what you should look at in order to match the dog/puppy to your family. If you are an active family who loves jogging and hiking, don't get a laid back, lazy dog. If you are a family who enjoys couch time and potato chips, grab the dog who enjoys a good nap in the mornings and afternoon.

Be aware that there are breeders out there, if you choose to go that route, that put temperament as number 3 or 4 on their list of priorities for breeding. Ask to see the parents of the litter, as this will be a good indication of what may lie ahead for you. Adult dogs are easier to assess because what you see is basically what you get, but be aware that dogs are contextual creatures and may act different in different environments.

In my humble opinion, temperament should be right up there as number one, beside health, as the most important aspect to look at when putting two dogs together for a breeding. Shoty temperaments or temperaments that don't match the families that picked them, are reasons why many dogs are taken to pounds and rescues. So if you keep temperament as #1 on your list, you should be able to avoid that problem.

Obviously health is a going concern for puppy buyers. Choose a breeder who screens for health issues prevalent in that breed, and who uses proper venues to register their dogs health. Ask to see health certificate from OFA, OVC or PennHip. Research what the issues are in the breed you are interested in, and go in with knowledge rather than ignorance. Don't let the breeder pull the wool over your eyes with statements like, "oh, the certificates are in the mail." or "oh, the vet said my dogs are healthy.".

And make sure that the breeder in question will offer you a minimun 2 year genetic health guarantee covering anything that may come up as hereditary in your new pup. For those going the route of rescuing a canine companion, there is little that can be ensured about the dogs potential health, but make sure that the dog is up to date vaccines, has been heartworm tested, flee tested and over all looks well. It is important to take any dog or puppy to your vet right away to confirm that he or she is in good condition. Most health guarantees require that the dog is taken within the first week in order for the guarantee to be valid. Keep in mind though that guarantees and health testing are not the be-all-end-all, and issues can arise, even from two perfectly healthy, tested individuals.

This is a huge decision for families and should not be taken lightly, so at the very least, be aware of the above in order to better facilitate your decision making. Over all, be prepared with your own research before you decide which puppy to adopt. By being aware of health and temperament, you increase the chance of choosing a dog that will suit your family and be healthy for years to come.

Check out the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test (developed by Wendy Volhard) for indications about what kind of temperament you pup may have as an adult. Please note, this test is a good indicator of potential temperament, however, due to environments that pups may be placed in, changes during growth and amount of training/socialization a pup may receive, results are not guaranteed.

By Julie Deans ©2011

Welcome to Common Sense dog training

Welcome to this, my dog training blog, where I will be focusing on providing information for the average dog owner to understand. Most people are not looking for the next agility super star or obedience grand champion, rather, they are looking for information pertinent to average dog ownership.

Common sense is my approach, and is key in my training methods, in order to create a down to earth, easy to understand style that anyone with a dog should be able to comprehend.

I won't be going into extreme detail on my methods, as I will save that for those who are interested in taking training sessions with me, but you will find some important, interesting and relevant information here, and hopefully it will assist you in gaining a greater understanding of your canine companion.

For more information on myself and the training I offer please check out the tabs at the top of the page. Those interested in training sessions can contact me at: dogtraining101@hotmail.com