It is National Dog Bite Prevention Week---

One way to prevent bites is to know how to read your dogs body language and know what they are saying.

Cute Introduction to reading basic canine body language

IMHO: Training tools--The Collar Debate Ever Rages On...

In my humble opinion, there are many, many tools that you can use for training dogs and animals in general.  Every one of them has a proper and improper use and all can be used in an appropriate or an abusive manner.  I posted an article about collar and harnesses by Dr. Sophia Yin today and I recommend that you take a look at this for a more in depth look at the types as well us their uses and misuses.

Here is a quick link to the article:  http://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/which-types-of-collars-and-harnesses-are-safe-for-your-dog

Things to think about when selecting your training tools:

1.  What are my dog training goals? If you have a little apartment dog that occasionally goes on walks, your goals are probably much different than those of a person who has a large breed dog that goes hiking or a dog that will be competing in obedience, agility or nose work.
2.  What breed of dog do you have?  Different breeds may need different types of reinforcement and encouragement and this should be reflected in the type of training tools you select.
3.  What is your dog's body type?  Short necked, smooshed face dogs, which are more prone to breathing problems and even collapsing tracheas need to not have a choke chain used and may want to consider a prong collar instead, if this type of tool is needed.  Dr. Yin recommends a front attaching type of harness for these types of dogs, and for many dogs in general.  Most pet stores have staff that will assist you in finding the right harness for your pooch and I recommend you take advantage of this to avoid an ill-fitting or loose harness.
4. What tool are YOU comfortable using?  It is important that you be compfortable with the tool you are using.  It does not do your dog any good if you have a prong collar and every time you pop them for correction with it, you feel the need to pet and apologize for doing so.  Talk about conflicting information!
Along these same lines, try to research the breed traits of the dog you are considering before purchasing.  Find out about their intelligence and trainability so you will be aware of what training may look like for that dog.  A first time dog owner may not want to be getting a breed that tends to be strong willed and requires an experienced trainer.   Smart dogs pick up quickly on who is confident and in charge and who is not.  I just finished observing an obedience class and one of the owners had a very handsome, imported German Shepard pup.  I have to wonder if he was her first dog, or maybe just not the right dog for her because he ignored her commands through most of the class.  He barked CONSTANTLY and she would tell him no...while petting him. Again, conflicting information -- the soft no with petting just reinforced the behavior.  The master trainer stepped in, with body language and a NO that actually sounded like he meant it, one quick pop on the soft buckle collar (it may have been a martingale type), and no more barking.   The point is that this dog needs an owner that can be more firm in her directions, both positive and negative, and she had a very difficult time providing that.  Kudos to her for trying to do the training class, but you also have to be willing to listen to the trainer in order to get anything out of the class.  Our master trainer sits down first class and tells everyone point blank what is going to be learned and his training philosophy.  We all need to find tools that fit with our beliefs, then find a class (tool) that we are comfortable with.

5.  What is your training philosophy? Yes, you can train many dogs with a simple buckle collar and treats.  It will take you much longer and some dogs may decide not to listen if they do not feel you have a treat that is not worth listening to you for.  Running around chasing bunnies and cats tends to be more interesting to some dogs than the DOWN~STAY and that little treat you have.  The "NO!", even if firmly given, may never over-ride a dog's strong prey drive, no matter how many treats you offer or clicks on the clicker you give.  If you are not sure what your training philosophy is, or if what you are doing is not working, explore other methods and training styles with an open mind.  You may end up following one style or you may create a style all your own with a few tools from a variety of methods.

My ever evolving training philosophy is one that involves a mix of tools and methods.   I use positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement and even punishment if the situation warrants it.  Methods and
tools used depend on the dog, what is being taught, and where they are in learning a particular skill.   Although both of our dogs are sweet and loving and eager to please, the 10 month old giant breed BRT /mastiff mix requires a much firmer correction than the Aussie mix.  Our training methods vary for each of our dogs due to age, breed, and individual temperament.   I use buckle collars, choke collars,  pinch collars and even an electric collar when needed.  I also praise, give treats and reward the little steps in the right direction.  I prefer to enable success by breaking down the behavior I am seeking and rewarding little successes. However, I will not hesitate to give a correction  when needed at the level needed.

Training tools and methods tend to be controversial and, unfortunately, people can get carried away defending their beliefs.  In my humble opinion, until you are asked, it is best to keep your views to yourself when you are out and about. I tend to find it rather annoying when a young trainer at one of the large pet stores gives me a dirty look because my 90lb dog is wearing a pinch collar --- and then proceeds to show me how my dog can sit by putting a treat above her head.  They do not know my dog, her history, her breed or her temperament and, by the way, she learned how to sit with treats and positive reinforcement a long time ago. Be open minded but stand up for your beliefs and be true to your inner trainer!

IMHO: The Key to successful dog training is.....

BEING CONSISTENT!!

In my humble opinion, the key to training animals or teaching humans is being consistent.  This may sound simple, and it really is, however, it encompasses a great many things:

1. Consistent command words: Animals do not do synonyms. No, stop it, QUIT and knock-it-off are all completely different to our dogs.  We know what we mean, they are clueless as to our intended message when we use different words.  Make sure everyone in the family knows and uses consistent command words.

2.  Consistent command SIGNALS: If you are using hand signals, or some type of body language for training your dog, and I highly recommend that you do, make sure it is the same signal every time.  Slight changes can have different meanings, especially since dogs communicate so much with body language.  If your dog already knows the verbal command, add a hand signal every time you say it and pretty soon, quicker than you would believe, they will be responding to the command from hand signals alone. Along the same lines, be aware of what your body is doing while giving commands as well, your body may be saying something that you do not intend to.

3.  Consistent training level expectations: If you are just starting off on teaching a command, set a goal that is appropriate for your dog's age, breed and training level.  Gradually increase your expectations as your dog meets their training goals. If they are having an issue, take a step back to basics and maybe try a different training method to "explain" what you want.  On the other end of the spectrum, don't lower your expectations just because you or your pooch are having a bad day.  Sometimes we may have to end a training session because of an issue but try to end it on a positive note with a success.  For example, if you are working on down-stay and puppy cannot make it a full 3 minutes, although they usually do, try doing 2 minute down~stay with a come command at the end and praise.  ---This assumes they know come really well.... so that we are ending on a positive note.   It also helps to try and figure out why they may have not listened--are they hurting or was it a bad case of the puppy wiggles??

4.  Consistent exercise: A tired pooch is one that is much less likely to get into trouble, and he is also more likely to be able to listen and focus during your training sessions.  You are crazy if you think your dog is going to be able to go from crate to obedience training without letting off some steam first.  We try to walk our dogs every morning about a mile and a half. They are let out for a quick romp at lunch and then we usually do an activity in the evening that involves training, exercise and socialization.  A weekend hike is a great way to get all of this done at the same time and we all have a blast.  Figure out what works for your furry family, but do get that exercise in some way.  It is good for you and your pooch.  If you do not already know, Meetup.com is a wonderful place to join groups of people with all kinds of mutual interests.  This is where we found our hiking with dogs group and it is a fabulous way to spend a weekend morning!

5.  Consistent rules: Our dogs need us to be the leader and set the rules.  They do not understand that a behavior is kinda okay in one place but not another.  It is either is or is not.  With our kids, we can tell them that it is okay to shoot straw wrappers at each other at a fast food joint but not at a nice sit down restaurant and they understand that.  That does not work for dogs quite as well. For example,  dogs don't really understand that invading one person's personal space by jumping on them may be okay but this other person it is not.   Set the rule and enforce it.  No means no, nothing else, not maybe and not kinda sorta.  

6. Consistent tone:  Let your dog know when they have done well and use your higher pitched praise voice and let them know "Good sit!", "Good down!", "Good dog!" It should be clear by your tone that they have done well.  Watch how quickly your dog responds to that happy, high pitched voice.  It really does not matter what you say but truly matters HOW you says it.  That takes us to the other side of the coin.  The stern NO voice.  Say "NO!" like you mean it- deeper low tone.  Keep these things in mind when you are giving commands as well. Come, especially when you are teaching the command, should be a happier tone--hey, party's over here, COME join me!  Stay on the other hand, tends to be given in a lower, stern tone--"Staaaaaaay!!

7. Consistent praise: Be sure to let your dog know when they have done well, especially as they are beginning. This is one area where, as your pooch learns the command, praise and paychecks (treats and affection) may become less frequent, but they should still be a consistent part of training.  The harder the behavior is for the dog to learn, the more you want to reward a step in the right direction and more frequently.   For example-a dog who is playing on a log lead may be more interested in playing with the stick they have found than listening to the COME command.  A high energy terrier may have a hard time with the DOWN~STAY, so more paychecks, more often.  Once they seem to have a basic understanding of the behavior, start expecting more before rewarding.  30 second SIT~STAY, 45 seconds, a minute....and eventually 3 minutes, then 5....and eventually your dog is doing the SIT~STAY like a pro.

8. Consistent socialization:  This is extremely important, especially for puppies.  Take every opportunity to take your pooch a variety of places, to see a variety of people, places and things.  Not once, not twice, but many times so they have a consistent exposures to the world.  This builds confidence and sociability and keeps them relaxed in a variety of situations.  Many dogs can learn obedience, and very quickly, but if they are missing this vital component, then what is the  point of having a vicious, frightened dog who can SIT~STAY really well?

9. Consistent expectations: Be consistent in setting goals and in giving your pooch the tools to meet those goals.  This may mean breaking a behavior down into parts and then gradually bringing those parts togther in a process called chaining.  I just posted a great article on my page about this by Gemini K-9 that I recommend you read.

That is all for today.  Work hard, discover your inner trainer and you too can have a dog where people say "Wow, I wish my dog could do that!"

The first few books we are reading and will be commenting on

Canine behavior is a facinating topic and how it relates to training makes it very valuable knowledge.  Below are a few of the books we are starting out with on our journey to becoming better trainers.  OF course, hands on experience is one of the better teachers, however, we want to increase our knowledge as much as possible, so hitting the books too.

I have been training dogs horses and even a few cats for most of my life.  My husband, George, is somewhat new to this but has been a very quick learner and shows the potential to be a great teacher and trainer.  We both sincerely believe that you can never stop learning and everyone has soemthing to taeach you.  George and  I want to take this to a professional level and eventually train dogs and teach obedience at our own Oregon dog ranch. 

Recommended by our master trainer:

Toward the Ph.D. for dogs: Obedience training from novice through utility

by Robert J Martin

        -An older book with some possible outdated techniques, however, there is a great deal to be learned from this book about what is needed for teaching and competing in a variety of dog competitions.

 

 

 

The following 3 from Patricia McConnell, Ph.D. :

 

The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs

 

How to be Leader of the Pack, and have your dogs love you for it!

 

The Cautious Canine: How to Help Dogs Conquer Their Fears

 

The Dog's Mind-Understanding Your Dog's Behavior by Bruce Fogle, D.V.M.

 

Recommended Reading per Academy of Veterinary Behavior Technicians

There is a variety of reading that we are going to be using to supplement our hands-on interning with a master dog trainer.  Below is a list that veterinary technicians are strongly suggested to read if they want to specialize in behavior. 

If you are a vet tech interested in this specialty, for more information, please see:

http://www.avbt.net/index.shtml

AVBT Reading List

This is a recommended list and will periodically be updated with additional material.
Abnormal behavior- multiple species (also see books in normal and species specific list)

Landsberg, G., Hunthausen, W., & Ackerman, L. (2003). Handboo of Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat (2nd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.
Hetts, S. Pet behavior protocols: What to say, what to do, when to refer. Lakewood, CO: AAHA Press.
Horwitz, D.F., & Neilson, J.C. (2007). Blackwell’s five minute veterinary consult clinical companion: Canine and feline behavior. Ames, IA: Blackwell.

Animal cognition

Balda, R.P., Pepperberg,I.M., & Kamil, A.C. (Eds.) (1998). Animal cognition in nature: The Convergence of psychology and biology in laboratory and field. San Diego, CA: Academic Press.
Bekoff, M., & Jamieson, D.(Eds.) (1996). Readings in animal cognition. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
Miklosi, A. (2007). Dog evolution, behaviour, and cognition. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

Behavior modification & animal handling techniques

McGreevy, P.D., & Boakes, R.A. (2007). Carrots & sticks: Principles of animal behavior training. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
Yin, S. (2009). Low stress handling, restraint & behavior modification of dogs & cats: Techniques for developing patients who love their visits. Davis, CA: CattleDog Publishing.

Domestication

Coppinger, R., & Coppinger, L. (2001). Dogs: A statling new understanding of canine origin, behavior, and evolution. New York, NY: Scribner.
Hemmer, H. (Ed.) (1990). Domestication: The Decline of environmental appreciation. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. (translated from German by Neil Beckhaus)

Ethics & Welfare

Grandin, T. (2008). Humane livestock handling: Understanding livestock behavior and building facilities for healthier animals. North Adams, MA: Storey.
Grandin, T., & Johnson, C. (2005). Animals in translation: Using the mysteries of autism to decode animal behavior. New York, NY: Scribner.
Price, G., Clark, K. Ritchie, M. & Vong, C (Eds.) (2006). Building the veterinary behavior team: The Basics. Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians.
Rollin, B.E. (2006). Introduction to Veterinary Medical Ethics: Theory and cases (2nd ed.). Ames, IA: Wiley-Blackwell.
Tannenbaum, J. (1995). Veterinary ethics: Animal welfare, client relations, competition and collegiality (2nd ed.). St Louis, MO: Mosby.
Waran, N. (Eds.) (2002). The Welfare of horses. Dordrecht, Netherlands: Kluwer Academic.
AVMA animal welfare policies

Grief counseling

Lagoni,L., Butler, C., & Hetts, S. (1994). The Human-Animal bond and grief. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.
Stewart, M.E. (1999). Companion animal death: A comprehensive guide for veterinary practice. Woburn, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann.

Human animal bond

Grandin, T., & Johnson, C. (2009). Animals make us human. Orlando, FL: Houghton, Mifflin, & Harcort.
Olmert, M.D. (2009). Made for each other: The Biology of the human-animal bond. Cambridge, MA: Da Capo Press.
Serpell, J.A. (1996). In the company of animals: A study of human-animal relationships. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press (originally published in 1986 by Blackwell).

Interpersonal relationships

Gray, C., & Moffett, J. (2010). Handbook of veterinary communication skills. Ames, IA: Wiley-Blackwell.
Rivers, D. (2006). The Seven challenges workbook. Available free online.

Learning theory

Burch, M.R., & Bailey, J.S. (1999). How dogs learn. New York, NY, Howell Book House.
Donaldson, J. (2005). The Culture clash: A revolutionary new way to understand the relationship between humans and domestic dogs (2nd ed.). Berkley, CA: James & Kenneth.
Pryor, K. (2003). Don’t shoot the dog: The new art of teaching and training (3rd ed.).Gloucestershire, UK: Ringpress.
Reid, P.J. (1996). Excel-Erated learning: Explaining in plain English how dogs learn and the best way to teach them. Berkley, CA: James & Kenneth.

Neurochemistry & Neuro-psychopharmacology

Crowell-Davis, S.L. & Murray, T. (2005). Veterinary psychopharmacology. Ames, IA: Wiley-Blackwell.
Dodman, N.H., & Shuster, L. (1998). Psychopharmacology of animal behaviour disorders. Ames, IA: Wiley-Blackwell.
Schwartz, S. (2005). Psychoactive herbs in veterinary behavior medicine. Ames, IA: Wiley-Blackwell.

Normal development and behavior

Estep, D.Q., & Hetts, S.(2005). Raising a behaviorally healthy puppy. Littleton, CO: Animal Behavior Associates.
Grandin, T. (Ed.) (1998). Genetics and the behavior of domestic animals. San Diego, CA: Academic Press.
Houpt, K.A. (2004). Animal Behavior for Veterinarians and Animal Scientists (4th ed.). Ames, IA: Wiley-Blackwell.
Overall, K.L. (1997). Clinical behavioral medicine for dogs and cats. St Louis, MO: Mosby.
Scott, J.P., & Fuller, J.L. (1965). The Genetics and social behavior of the dog. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.

Research methods

Dawkins, M.S. (2007). Observing animal behaviour: Design and analysis of quantitative controls. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
Martin, P., & Bateson, P. (2007). Measuring behaviour – An Introductory guide (3rd ed.). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
Podberscek, A.L., Paul, E.S., & Serpell, J.A. (Eds.) (2000). Companion animals and us: Exploring the relationships between people and pets. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

Service animals

Fine, A.H. (Ed) (2006). Handbook on animal-assisted therapy: Theoretical foundations and guidelines for practice (2nd ed.). San Diego, CA: Academic Press.

Species specific behavior

Bays, T.B., Lightfoot, T.L., Mayer, J. (2006). Exotic pet behavior: Birds, reptiles, and small mammals. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.
Beaver, B.V. (2003). Feline behavior (2nd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.
Beaver, B.V. (2008). Canine behavior: Insights and answers (2nd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.
Luescher, A.U. (Eds) (2006). Manual of parrot behavior. Ames, IA: Blackwell.
McGreevy, P. (2004). Equine behaviour: A guide for veterinarians and equine scientists. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.
Mills, D.S., & McDonnell, S.M. (Eds) (2005). The Domestic horse: Origins, development, & management of behaviour. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
Serpell, J. (Ed.) (1995). The Domestic dog: Its evolution, behavior and interactions with people. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
Turner, D.C., & Bateson, P. (Eds.) (2000). The Domestic cat: the Biology of its behavior. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

List from:  2010 Academy of Veterinary Behavior Technicians — All Rights Reserved