Weekly Wednesday #20: Proper forms of Correction

Dog owners can fuss, yell, put our dogs in time out, or use physical correction but are these methods the most effective to get the behavior you want from your canine?

Human psychology does not apply to correcting canine nuisance behaviors.  Improving our knowledge of natural dog behaviors can lessen miscommunication between dog and owner.

Forms of Natural Canine Correction:

Body Blocking

Body Language

Biting

Noises/Sounds

http://connectwithyourk9.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/photo-300x300.jpg

Forms of Human Correction:

Prison

Death

Fighting/Hitting

Spanking

Time out

Yelling/Screaming

Conversation/Pow-wow

https://cdn.psychologytoday.com/sites/default/files/styles/article-inline-half/public/blogs/1987/2012/05/96576-93183.jpg?itok=WIEc16Qn

Here are a few training tips that will help us administer the proper forms of correction to our canine at the proper time.

1. Correction MUST be Immediate. Giving correction after the nuisance behavior is ineffective.  Dogs live in the moment, they will be confused as to which behavior you do not like if the timing of the correction is late.

2. Beware of your intensity! Too harsh of a correction can cause your canine to distrust or fear you.  Make sure the form correction fits the crime.

3. Correct only once with a COMMAND - "Sit", "Quiet", "Down", "Off"... (be sure it is a command that your canine understands) then follow up with praise for obeying your command. No is not a command!

Pet Charmer uses positive reinforcement techniques learned through the training philosophy of Animal Behavior College (ABC).  http://www.animalbehaviorcollege.com/training_philosophy.asp

Positive Reinforcement encourages repeated good/positive behavior.  During times of correction, Pet Charmer uses body movement, vocal sounds "no reward marker" (Eh-Eh), hand clap, finger snap, voice control and known commands to snap the canine out of his/her current behavior.  The canine is then able to refocus and perform the correct behavior.

https://718be87de2f7403df3e8-1d1221e10f82d636f1f5dc20a850700a.ssl.cf5.rackcdn.com/files/4_pillars.jpg

Always hoping to gather information that assist our training knowledge!

Happy Training!

Pet Charmer

Weekly Wednesday # 19: What can Pet Charmer dog training do for you?

There are many great dog trainers among us.  Pet Charmer endeavors to follow the excellent examples of the many trail blazers of the dog world.


Pet Charmer was formed from a deep love of people, animal, communication and language.  All of which is important in learning how dogs communicate, dog theory, and applying the knowledge so that it unfolds beautifully in the dog owner's mind.

http://sr.photos3.fotosearch.com/bthumb/CSP/CSP439/k4399569.jpg

Pet Charmer is focused on making training fun and easy for you and your pups.  Do you remember your teachers?  Some left a valuable impression because they made learning fun, others made a similar impression, yet their teaching style was rather dreadful at times.  Dreadful is not the Pet Charmer way!

http://www.pawsfurlifesitting.com/11060469-give-me-five.jpg

Pet Charmer stands with trainers who are knowledgeable in how to observe, communicate, interpret behavior, and care for canine.  Our training and guidance creates a healthy, happy relationship between you and your pooch!

www.pet-charmer.com

Happy Training!
Pet Charmer

Weekly Wednesday #18: Don't just love your pup, LEARN from them.

At first, I began research on why we love our dogs... as the links flew bye, they all seem to match one of the following categories:

• Loyalty
• Companionship
• Fun

I'm sure I am not alone in my thinking.... our relationship with our pets go much deeper.  I attribute an incredible amount of personal growth to my study and work with canine.  My emotional, physical and mental growth buckets are overflowing.



Emotional growth is possible as we care for our intuitive canines, a few areas of growth I have noticed in self:

• More cautious in life
• More patience
• More compassion for those who do not speak our language
• More observant
• Try and try again
• Fair/Good leadership
• Be silly - it's okay
• Forgive - quickly
• Live in the moment

How can we grow physically? Take time to notice how crazy happy our pets are when they are allowed to roam free and be in nature.  I take in so much joy from watching my little girl, Jingle (pictured on the left), as we take walks (leash free) or venture to the dog park... her smile is immediate and lasting. Jingle's uncomplicated routine also impresses me... she has the same meal every day and water.  True canines do not have as many taste buds as humans, nor have they adapted to the foods we eat in order to have cravings for the unhealthy sweets or salty foods.. and I am in control of what she receives, yes, but I look at the simplicity and copy such in my life .  I have vowed to maintain a healthy routine of proper nutrition and exercise, it helps in my keeping up with the fast moving world of our canine.    

Mental growth from our care of canine is also impressive.  Personally, I have become more conscious of the energy I receive and give.  New (to me) knowledge of how canines see the world encouraged this.  Canines don't see objects and label them as "human", "car", "boat", "house", "cat" "bird", "rock","tree" for those are the labels society has created.... the energy of our emotions give off an odor, this odor can be detected by the magnificent nose of the canine; they sense the energy of the object and deal accordingly.


I hope we have been encouraged even more to pay closer attention to our canines... they speak to us in various ways... you never know what you are missing... let us be still...

Happy Training!
Pet Charmer

Weekly Wednesday #17: Safe Travels

Safe transportation is a subject that is often overlooked, but we are approaching traveling season!! YAY!

Many of us travel with our pets, please remember to keep them safe.

http://www.supershuttle.com/Portals/11/PostedImages/traveling-with-pets.jpg

Did you know that you should not allow your pups to roam freely in the car?? I am GUILTY!

Together we can progress as pet parents, as we grow in pet care knowledge.

Safety precautions and traveling tips were researched from the following sites, and are in close harmony:

http://www.akc.org/dog-owners/responsible-dog-ownership/travel-tips/

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/car-travel-tips

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/traveling_tips_pets_ships_planes_trains.html

When traveling by vehicle:

• Our dogs should be anchored or crated. 
• The front seat is for humans.
• Please make plenty of rest stops.
• Keep those heads inside the vehicle, please.
• Travel with up-to-date vaccinations and identifications.
• Do not leave your dog unattended, especially during summer.

http://static4.consumerreportscdn.org/content/dam/cro/news_articles/cars/Subaru-DogGuard-Separator.jpg

If you guys/gals travel by plane, ship, or train - be sure to check all safety precautions and regulations, currently only assistance dogs are allowed to travel by ship or train.

Many beautiful days are approaching, let's take advantage!

http://www.orvis.com/orvis_assets/corpimg/0205_SeatBeltHarness.jpg

Happy Tails and Merry Jingle Bells, 

Pet Charmer

Weekly Wednesday # 16: Choosing the Proper Gear - Part III - WHAT THE COLLARS??

My oh my, the variety we have to choose from! The dog collar section/category is ENDLESS!

Chain Slip Collar/Choke Chain

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/31/SlipCollar_wb.jpg

Metal Prong Collar/Pinch Collar

http://dogingtonpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/prongcollar.jpg

Martingale Collar

https://www.pinkpuppydesigns.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/m/c/mc-daldot.jpg

Flat Buckle Collar

http://www.schutzhund-bite-sleeves-k9-store.com/images/large/Flat-Buckle-Collar-with-quick-release-buckle-BREED_LRG.jpg

Head Collar - Many Varieties

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51QUZijSAGL._SX300_.jpg

 

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRi5pGJ6vARYDGCPoCoiavrrj8j4vKPK_eqoso1QOnaBk43g0RO1w

Whew, I'm sure there are some I have missed, but isn't this enough to make you ask what is the purpose of so many collars? Do they all have the same function? Are there safety precautions? How do I use them? Is it fitted properly? .... As I researched the BAZILLION collars, those questions came to my mind.  ... but what is the bottom line...?? As I guide clients what will I tell them??

Here is what was gathered:

• One size does not fit all nor do they all have the same function.

• Puppies, new to being on leash dogs, and easily distracted canine can benefit greatly from head collars because it quickly teaches your canine to pay more attention to you - the handler, and less attention to the environment.  It also discourages the bad habit of pulling.

• All collars were NOT meant to fit loosely.  Ex: Standard Pinch/Prong collar must fit snug ...if it is loose, or rides too low on your dog's neck, it can cause injury.

• We want to be well informed dog owners, so we must take in knowledge and shop around - see what fits best for your skill set and your canine's need. Ask trained professionals and follow the manufacturers directions to ensure safety.

Sooooooo, here is the fun part... to test my research... my sweet puppy foster, Ariel... who likes to hold the leash in her mouth when we walk... will soon be fitted for a head collar...   

 I'll keep you posted.... haha!

Happy Training all!!
Pet Charmer
www.pet-charmer.com

Weekly Wednesday #15 Choosing the Proper Gear Part II - What should we know about crates?

(Crate, Apartment and Kennel are used interchangeably)

 To crate or not to crate, that is the question.... :)

I want to be a well informed dog owner, lover, and trainer so to do that I must know the tools used in the field, know how to use them properly, and understand their benefits.  As I researched crates, a few areas stood out: the types of crates, how they help, the correct size for your canine, and what to avoid.

For the types I deferred to Animal Behavior College (ABC) who lists the following:


Airline Crate - I had no idea they were also called this, but these are your standard plastic crates with a wire door.

http://www.dryfur.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/grreat-choice-kennel.jpg

Wire Crate - Normally has a top and a front door.  The bottom pan is normally removable for easy cleaning.

http://www.northcoastpets.com/pics/pics_on_site/mid_bigdog.jpg

Puppy Playpens - First day of dog training, setting up a puppy playpen was our assignment... what fun!  Playpens are a great containment tool made of fabric, metal or plastic and has multiple flexible joints and can be 32 to 48 inches in height.
.

http://thumbs2.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mDF1gr_lb4y3qFsXzG6iL6w.jpg

http://s2.hubimg.com/u/1475655_f260.jpg

How do crates Help?

Remember that dogs enjoy creating dens; crates fulfill this need.  Trainers and owners alike enjoy the housebreaking benefits of crate training.  Crates also create a safe environment when travel.  Puppy playpen type crates are beneficial for creating a secure play area when 100 percent supervision is difficult. 

What of the crate size and what should be avoided when using or purchasing a crate?

No matter the type of crate, be sure your canine has PLENTY of room to stand up and turn around comfortably.  Make it fun for them!  Leave their favorite toy or treat inside the crate. 

AVOID using the crate as punishment, we want no negative associations with crating.  We should also avoid extended duration in the crate and always read the directions with any equipment purchased.

I hope you find this PCPTT helpful in your training needs.

Happy Tails and Merry Jingle Bells,

Pet Charmer

Weekly Wednesday #14 Choosing the Proper Gear - Part I - Leash Edition

Imagine a runner not having the appropriate shoes or a cyclist not having the best tire for the type of terrain.  Participating in any sport or activity with improper gear equals safety issues.  Dog walking and dog training are no different.  To safely walk and train your canine, the proper leash is needed.  

Leads, leashes, retractable leashes, long line leashes and hands-free or waist leashes have different uses and are all available in different styles, lengths, widths, and types.

Leashes typically have a loop handle on one end and a clasp (metal) on the other end which attaches to the harness or collar.  

http://www.supercoolpets.com/pictures/lead.jpg

Leads, similar to leashes have a loop handle on one end and a non-slip loop on the other end.  I find that leads give the handler better control.  

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/$T2eC16J,!)kE9s4Z-4v3BRj2SwnOzw~~_32.JPG

It's interesting, the width and size of the leash greatly depends on the size of the dog.  Example: A 100 pound dog would rule your walk or training session with a 1-inch wide leash.

Retractable leashes.... let me just go ahead and get this out... I hate them.  They are horrible and I will not endorse the use of them for walking or training.  Many will disagree for retractable leashes are most comfortable to them.  NEVER should you use a retractable leash with a slip, martingale, or pinch collar because these collars are designed to give instant correction for pulling.  Retractable leashes can make a loud noise and can frighten your dog.  This style of leash should not be used on strong, habitual pullers.

http://all-4-pets.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/34463.jpg

Long line leashes are about 10-50 feet long.  This style of leash is best used during recall training. The long line gives the dog the illusion that he is making the decision.  Since there is a potential for the line to get tangled on the hind legs, always supervise your dog when using long lines.

http://dogsnaturally.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/clix-long-line-dog.jpg

The hands-free or waist leash is not one that I have used, but I am curious about it and will soon check it out.  I do understand from research that it allows the trainer to safely work with the dog from a distance and can be an excellent choice if you have issues juggling training tools and the leash.  

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcToV3aX2LGWtZlXs7Cbf2oDVoEONfloXnwIVG1fecX9QIs5alMO

http://i00.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto/v2/1794844750_1/Adjustable-Handsfree-font-b-Dog-b-font-Walking-Running-font-b-Waist-b-font-Belt-Pet.jpg

I beseech you to do your research as you look for the proper leash for training or walking your dog.  The right equipment matters! 

Happy Training!