Toronto Collar Ban - Dog Training Milton

I've been waiting a little before I addressed the particular issue of the Choke Chain, Slip Chain and Prong Collar ban in Toronto. I wanted to think it over a while before I put words down, I wanted to make sure that no emotion was involved with this post. And I wanted to figure out how to keep this short, sweet and to the point.

So here goes.

Banning Tools will do nothing to help dogs anywhere, nor will it do anything to help owners. These tools are said to be banned because they cause pain, discomfort or, as I will call it, they apply an aversive.

An aversive is something the dog considers "yucky" in that particular situation, so it doesn't always mean a physical correction or pain. Are aversives bad? No, they are not. Aversives help to teach. Let's make very clear here, I am not addressing or speaking of abusive behaviour by idiots who are missing a few screws. I'm speaking of an applied aversive to interrupt, re-direct, or end a particular behaviour. Everyone applies aversives, from pure positive trainers to heavy handed, correction trainers. They just look different from trainer to trainer.


The unfortunate part of this, is the above mentioned banned tools are just that, tools. They are tools along side martingale collars, no-pull harnesses, head halters, e-collars, flat collars, food, body language, clickers, voice etc. All tools have their uses, and all tools can be considered an aversive. It truly depends on the dog, and the particular situation. Petting your dog when they are over stimulated and want to get to something can be an aversive. Pressure on a flat collar when your dog wants to pull can be an aversive. Simply wearing a head halter can be considered an aversive. A pop on a prong collar or slip chain can be an aversive. Spacial pressure to entice your dog to move can be an aversive. Should we then ban all aversives? Of course not, that would be absolutely insane.


Can we, as trainers, use less aversives when training clients dogs? Of course we can, and in fact, it's much better by far to start as positive as possible when and where you can. The relationship building and motivation to learn/work is where you will get the best results. However, there will always come a time when some sort of aversive needs to be applied when dealing with real life situations where the dog is more interested in something else, rather then working for the owner.

This is where aversives can be extremely beneficial in training. Now some will argue that no dog should ever be corrected and all dogs should be managed and kept under threshold, rather then actually trained, and this is something that is simply ignorant. The problem that I see with this particular side of the arugement is that they do not take into consideration competing motivation. 

And what is competing motivation? It's something that the dog finds more appealing to do in certain situations, than engaging/working with the owner. This could be anything from sniffing a leaf on the ground to wanting to chase and kill the neighbourhood cat. These are two very different forms of competing motivation and should be handled differently. If you have a dog with a high prey drive, it will take a lot more then a handful of cookies and your voice to get their focus "unlocked". These types of dogs/sitiations require differing levels of applied aversives, truly depending on the dog and what that particular individual requires in that moment.

I work with a lot of families, couples, people who love their dogs, but don't have 24/7 to invest in them. They need a clear way to tell their dog YES, but they also need a clear way to tell their dog NO. These are people who simply can not manage their dog 24/7 or keep their dog "under threshold" at all times, and real world circumstances come up where we must instruct them, and give them the tools necessary to safely and  humanely control their dogs. Is this not what responsible owners should be doing in the first place? Sometimes it might mean putting a no-pull harness on a mildly distracted dog who is a bit into pulling. Other times is may require the use of a prong collar for a large or small dog, who is intent on pulling with all it's force, and where prey drive might kick into overtime.

By banning certain tools, we are taking away these owners options on how to handle their sometimes difficult dogs, and, in turn, we take away another tool with this ban, which is THE EXERCISE. Exercise is a key component of training, helping to relax over stimulated dogs, enabling the owners to better work with their dogs when they have more ability to focus. Some of these dogs, with this particular ban, will NOT get walked, as, for example, the prong collar or the slip collar, has greatly helped reduce pulling and reactivity, allowing these owners to bring their otherwise unmanageable dogs, out into the world for exercise. Guess what happens when an already over stimulated dog gets little to no exercise? Yes, the difficult behaviour gets worse and worse.

I do not want to compare tools, or claim that one tool is better then another over all, because that is simply not true. Each tool has its place, and each tool can be useful in different circumstances.

However, I can tell you, with multiple years of experience and multiple years of experimenting, the most aversive tool that I have come across is the halti/gentle leader/head halter. I have put every tool I can imagine on my own dogs over the years, because I like to have the experience to speak about them, not the hear-say to think I know what I'm talking about, and the one that caused the most discomfort/stress/reaction/pressure/damage was the head halters.

Does this mean that I want to see them banned? Of course not, they are just not a tool that I will recommend or use myself in most circumstances, because of the effects that they have on many dogs. Notice I said "most circumstances". This means there are always dogs/owners/circumstances that this tool could be appropriate and even better then the others, for what we are trying to develop and work with.

I do believe that trainers should not be one trick ponies either. If the only tool in your tool box is a prong collar, you more then likely need to take some courses, better your skills, and revisit different options, as not all dogs need these particular pieces of equipment. We should be able to work with dogs, regardless of the tool involved, however, the tools can have a HUGE impact on owners lives, stress levels and well being. They can also have a HUGE impact on the owners ability to communicate CLEARLY to their dogs, which can impact dog stress levels and well being. They can also have a HUGE impact on the progress that the dog makes, and without seeing progress, owners can and will give up, which does nothing to better serve our community or canine companions.

And who is affected by this ban?

CKC, UKC, or any other dog show venue where slip chains are used.
Groomers
Vet offices
Shelters
Trainers
Owners

This ban is basically taking away rights. Taking away owners rights to choose what works best for their dogs. Taking away trainers rights to prescribe what they see would be best for the dog. Taking away owners options for walking/exercising certain dogs. Infringing on all of our rights to make decisions for ourselves.

I encourage you to look at this situation with an open mind, and contact your counselors with your concerns over this ban.

I also encourage those from Oakville/Milton to contact the SPCA as they are moving towards this same ban, which once again, infringes on the rights of the dog owning public.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and keep on training your dogs - you and them will be better for it.
 
www.smartdogsk9.com

Technical Difficulties - Dog Training Milton

If you have left us a message over the last couple weeks, we have not been able to receive voicemail. Please try calling again, or the best way to get a hold of us is email dogtraining101@hotmail.com.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

www.smartdogsk9.com

Smart Dogs Basic Class January - Dog Training in Milton

We are currently filling our list for our Thursday evening Basic Class starting in January. Class will run 7-8pm, for 7, one hour sessions. Cost is $230 plus HST. Class will begin mid-month. We currently have three spots left. Please email us ASAP if you'd like to be included on the list.

dogtraining101@hotmail.com

Smart Dog Basics group class will help teach you how to gain control of your canine companion under distraction with all of the basics of obedience - come, stay, sit, down, stand, heel, leave it, off. We work on engagement with your dog, focus and attention, and we offer the only video homework options in our area! We also save time for question and answer including topics like house training, crate training and other "typical doggy issues". We want our students to succeed. This is A MUST for all dogs, the most important class that you need to take! If you want a dog who listens to you, responds under distraction, and is a joy to be around, this is the class you want. This is a one size fits all class, all ages, all breeds and all sizes welcome!

Upcoming Dog Training Classes - Smart Dogs Canine Training

 

Here is a snap shot of our upcoming classes for Spring/Summer 2016:

Basic Classes WAIT LIST STARTED for July 2016
Friday's 7-8pm & Saturdays 10-11am7 sessions, 1 hour each session, get your dog working for you and focusing on you under distraction. 18 weeks and up. A MUST HAVE class!
 
Bootcamp Class is open for REGISTRATION!Tuesday May 10, 7-8pm - 1 SPOT LEFT 
(Bootcamp will run again over the Summer/Fall months - stay tuned for details)
Must have completed Smart Dogs Basics Class.
6 weeks of training in the real world!! All over town - get your dog paying attention to you where it counts!
 
MAY/JUNE Puppy Class WAIT LIST started!
Sunday's 4-5pm - 3 SPOTS LEFT
4 sessions, 1 hour each session, get your puppy working for you and focusing on you in a fun, positive way, under distraction. Must have second set of shots.. A FANTASTIC INTRO class for young puppies!
FOCUS/PLAY Class starting soon!
Saturdays 11:15am-12:15pm
5 sessions, 1 hour each session - get your dogs mind and body active with this interactive, play based class. You will learn how to gain focus, appropriate games, how to apply focus to obedience and minor agility equipment.
Please see GROUP TRAINING page for details on all of our upcoming classes, or contact us for more information: dogtraining101@hotmail.com

www.smartdogsk9.com

Dog Training Takes Time and Dedication ... Milton Ontario Dog Trainer.

Training your dog  takes time, patience, love, consistency and money. Training takes work, dedication, patience and perseverance. Training takes patience, practice and consistency. Training takes commitment.

When training dogs, you must keep in mind that, unfortunately, they do not speak English, so we have to help them to understand our language. The more animated, out of control, impatient and frustrated we get, the harder it is for the dog to understand. They don't know what our babbling means. They have no idea why you are mad when they don't sit. They haven't a clue why it's not better to chase the birds or eat the rabbit poop than listen to you. They just don't know ... until we teach them.

And when we set out to teach, you must remember that there is no magic formula, there is no special powder, there is no secret "way". There is you and the dog before you. That's it. Sometimes that dog before you is a spoiled brat, other times he's a big ol' softy that wants nothing more than to please, other times she's a high drive, active, nut case that needs a job to do, and most of the time it's just a dog that is confused by our lack of communication skills, who is out of control because we clearly haven't taken the time and patience to show them what they should be doing.

From puppies to elderly dogs, we always need to take the time to teach, then we need to repeat and repeat and practice and repeat some more. We need to remain consistent with our rules and requirements. We need to train in different situations, with different distractions, on different days, in different weather. Sounds like work? It is. Nothing is easy, but you get out of it what you put in. In this case, when you put in the work, you actually get to see your efforts take shape.

Your goals with training don't have to be lofty either. Sometimes lofty goals can create stress, and stress does nothing to help the relationship with your dog. Your goals do not need to be the same as your neighbours goals, your sisters goals or your friends goals. If you are happy that you dog can walk nicely on leash, come when called and not knock Grandma over when she comes to visit, then great, you've achieved your goal. If you want to push for more, fantastic! But you will have to put in the work, and trust me, no matter how much work, it's always a wonderful moment when you see the hard work and teaching come together.

It really doesn't matter what style of training that you implement and follow; if you are not consistent and don't practice, your dog will not understand. If you only practice once a week in a group class, with no other effort daily, your dog will not get it. If you only practice in your kitchen, your dog will not have a clue that he still has to listen on the front lawn. If training isn't a part of your dogs daily life, you are keeping him from expanding his mind. If you think training should only take couple weeks or you think a dog can be programmed like a computer, get a stuffed animal because you are going to be sorely disappointed.

Enjoy your dogs as best you can, and give them the opportunity to enjoy life by the freedom that comes with good, clear, consistent training.

www.smartdogsk9.com

Puppy Class in Milton - Dog Training Milton Ontario

We have a couple spots left in our upcoming Puppy Class starting December 13th, 4-5pm.

This is a fantastic class to introduce your puppy to the basics of obedience in a fun, positive environment. It is also a very imformative class, going well beyond sit, down and stay.

For puppies 10-18 weeks - second shots required.

Cost is $125 plus HST for 4, 45min - 1 hour sessions.

Please contact dogtraining101@hotmail.com if you are interested in signing up, or check out the website for more details:

www.smartdogsk9.com

Puppy Classes in Milton

Puppy Class starting July 5th, 4-5pm!!! 

Did you get a new pup, or are thinking of adding a pup to your family? 

We have a great puppy class that starts young puppies off on the right foot, in a positive environment that lets them enjoy learning, improves the bond with your pup, and teaches the owner how to handle

typical puppy issues.

4 sessions, 45 minutes - 1 hour each. Cost is $125 plus HST.

For puppies up to 18 weeks of age - must have two sets of vaccines. Space is limited, please contact us today for more information dogtraining101@hotmail.com.

www.smartdogsk9.com

Venture Hill's Frankie of Smart Dogs - Dog Training Milton

I thought it was about time that we officially introduce Frankie since many have already met him out at our classes. He came at both a good and a bad time for us. Frankie arrived about a month before we lost Brandy. He was to take over most of the work so that Brandy could retire. Unfortunately it didn't happen that way. 

It has been a very tough road over the last few weeks. I miss my little dog terribly. However, I am thankful that Frankie was able to meet her and get to know her before she left us. Even in a very short period of time, she passed on some great habits to him. He has also been able to keep us distracted through this difficult period.

With a crash course in Basic Obedience, Bootcamp level, a little Advanced stuff and some minor agility equipment intro's, he has helped out a great deal. He has a lot of learning left to do, but I am confident he will be able to handle the things that I throw at him.

For those unsure as to what breed of dog he is, Frankie is a Rat Terrier. Not popular up here in Canada, but they are very popular in the US. He will be training for Rally Obedience, possibly Agility and from there, what ever else I decide.

He will never replace Brandy, no dog can, but he will do a good job helping to fill the void, keeping us occupied and moving us forward in our training careers.

www.smartdogsk9.com

Fun Agility Class in Milton Ontario

Do you want to have some fun with your dog, and gain focus and confidence from them? Check out our Fun Agility Intro Class starting April 18th, 11:30-12:30. Class runs for 6, one hour sessions. Cost is $195 plus HST.

We do require that the dogs who join are non-aggressive and have a basic understanding of sit, down, stay and come under distration. This class offers a wonderful way to work both the dogs mind and body, and a tired dog is a happy dog with a happy owner.

We see a lot of fantastic changes in this class from both dogs and owners. This is a postive reinforcement based class, with emphasis on engagement and fun.

Feel free to contact me for more information dogtraining101@hotmail.com or visit the website for details www.smartdogsk9.com

Are you exciting enough for your puppy? Puppy Training in Milton

 New puppies are so very exciting. They bring a whole new dynamic to a household, not to mention a whole new level of entertainment. Unfortunately, often we, as owners, are not exciting enough to ebb any interest out of our pups after the first couple weeks of ownership. It's usually around the time that the puppies realize they actually have a mind of their own, and don't necessarily have to trail us around and hang on our every word. This is often the time that new owners get frustrated because their pups have tuned them out, and are making their own decisions, good or bad, instead of listening to mom or dad (sounds familier if you have kids).

The problem tends to be a lack of interest in us, a lack of engagement, and owners pushing the pups into too much distraction, expecting the pup to be right on point with the owner, without laying any good ground work.

As with all dog training, we need to start with as little distraction as possible, and build the pup up from there. Yes, it is extremely important to get your puppies out and socialized with many new places, people and things. However, to expect your pup not to pull you in these socialization situations, to listen intently to your every word, and to put you above all else in the environment, is setting yourself and your pup up for failure if you haven't done the ground work.

And what is ground work, you might ask? Ground work is the intial stages of training to teach your pup that you are something interesting, you are something rewarding, and you are fun. It doesn't have to start with sit, down and stay. You can start with simple steps of teaching your pup their name and attention, and meal time is the perfect time for this. Utilizing LOTS of movement, rewarding attention with food, being fun and rewarding name response are great ways of teaching your pup to interact and engage with you. You can work on such things as following a lure to circle around, luring simple sits and downs, luring the pup onto pillows, teaching the pup to follow you and stay focused. Make your releases fun, rewarding and attention grabbing. Capturing attention and rewarding is key in gaining a dog who wants to pay attention to you, rather than you having to beg them to.

When you see your pup start to click at home, you can start moving your training around so that the pup understands that it's good to pay attention to you where ever they are. If you started in the kitchen, move your work to the living room or basement. If weather permits, the backyard works well for a next step up. When you see that you've got your pups focus in the backyard, you can try the front sidewalk, the park at a distance from activities etc.

Typically this type of training is limited to simple and quick training sessions, but it can also be VERY useful in real life, distracting situations with young puppies. It helps to teach and reinforce that you are better than the dog across the road, you are more fun than the bunny that just ran in front of them, you are more engaging than the neighbour down the street and you are more exciting than the gum on the sidewalk.

With young puppies, namely those under the age of 18 weeks, training should be lots of fun, and very rewarding in order to keep them coming back for more, and the oppostunity to engage your pup is just that. It also allows for a great introduction to simple obedience commands, the process of luring and/or shaping and starts the relationship off on the right foot. It can be started as soon as your pup is comfortably settled in your home, and can be utilized throughout your dogs life.

Remember, keep it fun, keep moving and keep it rewarding and your pup will be begging you for more!

www.smartdogsk9.com

Puppy Class in Milton - Milton Ontario Dog Training

Puppy Class coming!!! 

Did you get a new pup, or are thinking of adding a pup to your family for the new year? 

We have a great puppy class that starts young puppies off on the right foot, in a positive environment that lets them enjoy learning, improves the bond with your pup, and teaches the owner how to handle

typical puppy issues.
4 sessions, 45 minutes - 1 hour each. Cost is $125 plus HST.

January 31st, 1:00-1:45pm
For puppies up to 16 weeks of age - must have two sets of vaccines.
Space is limited, please contact us today for more information dogtraining101@hotmail.com.

www.smartdogsk9.com

Puppy Class - is that it? Dog Training in Milton

Puppy class, or private puppy training is a fantastic option to start your new addition off on the right foot, introduce them to simple obedience, start building a great bond and respect from your canine companion. However, puppy training is just that ... a start. In no way, shape or form should puppy training be the end of teaching your dog, just as in no way shape or form should grade one be the end of your childs education.

Puppies are constantly growing, changing, learning and exploring. Every day for a puppy is a learning experience and every day for puppies should be a new training opportunity. It would be disappointing to say the least, to end your puppy's "world education" at 16 -18 weeks old. Puppies need consistent, fair and clear training for an extended period of time before formal instruction should end to get the most out of your dogs training (though I believe, just like us humans, training and learning should never end) This time period going upwards of a year, and beyond with certain breeds/temperaments.

I always recommend my clients take a minimum of Basic Training after working through a Puppy Training session. It's great if everyone could add a Bootcamp or Real World type training session after Basic as well, to ensure that your puppy/dog can and will respond in real life situations.

So make sure that if you enroll in puppy training, that you continue your dogs education with basic training or beyond to get the most out of your dog's mind, to ensure that you have a good way of communicating with your dog and to keep your dog happy - a trained dog is a happy dog.

For information on our puppy training and basic training please feel free to contact us at dogtraining101@hotmail.com or visit the website for details:

www.smartdogsk9.com

Dog Training DEMO Class Biography - FINN

Finn is part of our DEMO Class at Smart Dogs Canine Training, participated in the 2014 Milton Fall Fair Doggy Deomonstration, and here is a little about this feisty guy:

Finnegan is a feisty 2-year old Welsh Springer Spaniel - with the world's waggiest tail! He is extremely curious and often getting himself into mischief. Finn loves people, sticks and playing tug. He lives for chasing squirrels and has made it his mission in life catch one...maybe one day. When he's not going to training classes or hiking in the forest, Finnegan can be found curled up on the couch with his favourite people.

www.smartdogsk9.com

Dog Training DEMO Class Biography - TRIXIE

Trixie is part of our DEMO Class at Smart Dogs Canine Training, participated in the 2014 Milton Fall Fair Doggy Deomonstration, and here is a little about this smart little girl:

Trixie is a 6 year old Jack Russell Terrier. At 2 years of age, Trixie was very reactive to other dogs, unable to work in close proximity of other dogs. With a lot of hard work and training, she has come a long way.  She can now work around other dogs, and is enjoying the sport of agility.

www.smartdogsk9.com

Dog Training DEMO Class Biography - PIPER

Piper is part of our DEMO Class at Smart Dogs Canine Training, participated in the 2014 Milton Fall Fair Doggy Deomonstration, and here is a little about this big girl:

Piper is a 2 year old Newfoundland. She was born in June and came home in August. Not much experience with water that year but introducing her every summer since. Would love her to be involved with water rescue and carting through the NewfClub but mostly I would love for her to become a therapy dog visiting hospitals and seniors homes. But for now she enjoys taking classes with Julie and socializing and getting her comfortable with strange noises. Love her to bits.

www.smartdogsk9.com

Dog Training DEMO Class Biography - THEO

Theo is part of our DEMO Class at Smart Dogs Canine Training, participated in the 2014 Milton Fall Fair Doggy Deomonstration, and here is a little about this sensitive guy:

Theo is a two year old male Standard Poodle. He has very distinctive colouring that is referred to as Phantom, with a black (blue) coat with tan on his eyebrows, face, ears, chest and legs. His Phantom colouring attracts a lot of attention and Theo loves every minute of it. He is always up for a good run in a field and his favourite toy is still his bear that he came home with at 8 weeks of age. Theo loves to sing and accompanies the piano when someone plays at home.

Theo has been training with Smart Dogs since he was 12 weeks old. His training has included private puppy training, group training and agility. Initial puppy training helped with walks and targeted problematic puppy behaviours. Further training helped to develop good routines both in and outside the home, confidence in new situations and to become an even more cherished part of his family.

www.smartdogsk9.com

Dog Training DEMO Class Biography - PALOMA

Paloma is part of our DEMO Class at Smart Dogs Canine Training, participated in the 2014 Milton Fall Fair Doggy Deomonstration, and here is a little about this sassy girl:

Hi! My name is Paloma and I am one year old. I was born in Nunavut. I don’t know my breed, but I’m 100% awesome. I’m curious, bright, and a little sassy. I like swimming, playing with my football, chewing on my antler treats, and training with the other Smart Dogs. I dislike sitting still and bedtime. My biggest wish is for all dogs to find their forever home like I did.

www.smartdogsk9.com

Dog Training DEMO Class Biography - LUCY

Lucy is part of our DEMO Class at Smart Dogs Canine Training, participated in the 2014 Milton Fall Fair Doggy Deomonstration, and here is a little about this intelligent gal: 

Lucy is a 2 ½ year old Boston Terrier.  She is intelligent but sometimes stubborn.  Lucy likes chasing squirrels and bunnies, watching TV and taking her owners for walks.  Julie has been training her since she was a puppy and we are very proud of how much she has learned.

www.smartdogsk9.com

Thursday Evening Dog Obedience Classes in Milton

We will have another Smart Dogs Basic Class running Thursday evenings starting November 7th, 7:30-8:30pm.

This class helps you teach your dog all of the basics (sit, down, stay, come, heel) in a group environment, under distraction, and emphasizes control and focus.

Class runs for 7 weeks, one hour a week, cost is $200 plus HST.

We will also have a Smart Puppy Class running Thursday evenings starting in November, 6:30-7:15pm. 

This class introduces your puppy to training in a fun, positive way, emphasizing focus and self control as well as teaching the sit, down and come. We do a little socialization work as well.

Class runs for 4 weeks, 45 minutes once a week, cost is $100 plus HST.

Watch for our upcoming SMALL DOG SOCIAL GROUP in partnership with Woof Walking and Co. Details to follow soon.

Please contact us at dogtraining101@hotmail.com or visit the website for more details:

www.smartdogsk9.com