Having a "Crate" time!

I thought it may be helpful to share a bit about how to allow your dog OUT of a crate, to give yourself the most opportunity for a stress-free walk. So many issues can be prevented by crate manners! Starting each day out on the right paw can remind everyone involved how wonderful dog ownership should be!

First thing in the morning, many people are in a hurry. We have places to be- work, school or other appointments that are time sensitive! Don't let your stress transfer to your pup. Having a routine that emphasizes calm from the moment your pup steps out of the crate ensures your dog has the proper attitude for interaction and exercise throughout the day.

Below is a video of a student named Peanut.

I use minimal vocal commands, so it becomes a routine that the dog must memorize. In the mornings, I am not always thinking clearly myself, so less words means less confusion.

The dog must be calm before I even open the door. I wait until Peanut lays down before opening the door (the first day, I gave the command so he knew what I wanted. After that, he knew and just did it automatically when I approached.). He then must wait patiently for me to put the leash on (which takes a few seconds when I am also recording). I invite him out, and we walk right past my other dog (this took practice too!).

At the door, I wait for him to sit (again, the first day I told him what I wanted, after that I expect it). Then we go on our walk!

Please feel free to contact me if you would like help initiating a routine for your dog too!

pawsthenplay@gmail.com

Quick Tips: Troubleshooting "Sit" with a lure

One of the first commands a dog is expected to learn is "Sit".

If your dog is motivated by food, it makes it much easier to get the repetitive motions necessary for muscle memory. Never forget that the dog follows it's nose- this means that where your food is, the dog is.

If the lure is too high the dog will rise up to meet your hand.

To clarify, a common problem is a dog jumping up when the handler is asking for a sit. Look carefully at where the hand is. If the hand is holding the treat too high, the dog thinks it should hop up and get higher to get the reward.

If the dog is too far away from you, check to see how far away your hand is from your body. If you see you are extending it out to the dog, you are working too hard! Bring your hand closer to your body, this brings the dog closer to you.



The lure needs to be almost directly above smaller dog's heads to get the head facing straight up. When the nose goes straight up perpendicular to the floor, the bottom has to lower to accommodate the position. The label "Sit" needs to be stated clearly, one time, when the dog is IN THE CORRECT POSITION. After you have labeled and fed a treat for the position, move a few paces in any direction to begin again.


You will need to repeat this exercise several times before you begin asking your dog to do it on command. As tempting as it may be, do not verbally encourage your dog to perform. If too many words are used, the dog will not associate the correct word with the command.

The reward needs to be given in a timely fashion, along with plenty of verbal praise! Keep your practice sessions short and sweet, and always end on a good note.

Happy training!

*More training tips will be available through our new website soon at www.pawsthenplay.com

Stress in Dog Body Language

 
     Dogs are communicating all the time.  Vocalizations are used when the body language has failed to deliver the message.  Many dogs learn to vocalize at the onset of a situation that has become predictable for them (for example, the "Speak" command creates a predictable outcome of a treat for some dogs).  By learning more about our dog's body language, and what it is intended to project, we can greatly enhance our relationship with them, train more easily, and prevent many undesirable or dangerous behavior patterns.

Brutus is poised and ready for action!

     In the years I have spent as a trainer and behavioral consultant, I have seen it to be a common occurrence for owners to have never seen their dogs in a calm and attentive state.  They have become so accustomed to their dogs being stressed and hyperactive that seeing the dog respond in a calm submissive nature appears to be an alien body-take-over.  The whole body trembling or dancing in circles that begins in puppy basic obedience classes is not a normal or desirable state of existence for an adult canine.



     Dog body language can display slightly differently in different breeds.  There are some details that stand out across breed lines however.  If you have ever seen your dog when they have caught scent or sight of something irressitable-  it could be a squirrel, squeaky toy, or your evening meal- you have seen a hypertensive, alert pose.  Consider the physical toll on the body. 


     When a dog is poised like this, whether it is in a "pointing" pose or a "play bow" ALL of the muscles in the body are being tensed and used to freeze in this position.  Other dogs can instantly sense this tension, and it can spread like wildfire!  If you are playing outside, it is nice to let them burn off a little energy.  When every small noise causes this amount of nervous response in the home, it can cause stress in a dog, and affect their overall mental and physical health.

Silver likes to relax in the grass after a good romp.

     Another time when high energy is likely to be misinterpreted by a human is when considering greetings.  Most people prefer that dogs do not jump up on them when "saying hello".  But consistently insisting on a calm greeting is one of the most under-emphasized skills I have seen exercised in the training world.  The insane wiggling, whining or running in crazy laps around the house upon your return from work should not be a normal response!  It does not mean your dog loves you, it actually is a manifestation of stress.  Your presence should be a stress relief for your dog, not the signal for adrenaline rush. 


     Having your dog sit for petting is the first step.  Teaching them that petting from other people (or you coming home from work) is no reason to be stressed should be the final culmination.  

     A lot of what I do is teach dogs how to relax.  The difference it makes in their lives, and in turn, the lives of their humans is a lasting reward.  Take some time to relax with your dog today!

*Photos by Thomas Brown, PawsThenPlay Photography*

For more information, visit the main webpage at www.pawsthenplay.com