Category : Dog Tricks

I recently worked with a client at my house.  She had a lovely Pit Bull mix who was full of energy and excitement!  He was 10 months old and she and her boyfriend were at their wits end trying to deal with him and his excessive energy.  As I watch dogs bounce and fly around during training, I often wish I had just a fraction of their vigor and zest for life!

This couple’s problem is probably one of the most common problems I encounter in dog training.

They work 10 hours a day.  Now I realize that most of you are probably hackling in anger at the thought of a dog being left alone for 10 hours a day, but the truth of the matter is that this is a very common scenario.

I wish that you had to get a license, pass an ethical, knowledge and skills test, and promise to be able to spend a certain amount of time with your dog in order to own a dog; but the truth is that there are too many dogs and not enough good homes to involve such sanctions.  If requirements to own animals were stricter there would be an even higher and more astronomical rate of euthanasia.

Not all people who work are unfit owners; even those that have to work crazy long hours can make sure their dogs live fulfilling lives if they are willing to make some sacrifices! Read more »

I hate to admit it, but all dogs have limitations.  I would like to tell you that ALL dogs can do ALL things, but it’s just not true!!   Just like I will never be a professional dancer (I trip over my own feet sometimes…  often… ) some dogs just don’t have the genetics to do what we want them to.

Limitations come in all shapes and sizes, first there are the limitations that specific breeds bring.

All breeds of dog have been purposely bred for a purpose and most of them fit within a certain category.  The AKC has numerous categories that I usually use:   Herding, Working, Toy, Non- sporting, Hound, Terrier, and Sporting breeds.  Wikipedia breaks them down even further.

Certain breeds are bred for specific jobs: i.e. herding dogs have been bred to help farmers and ranchers herd their stock.  Their instincts for controlled chasing and herding have been modified and tailored to help farmers and ranchers.  Generalization due to breed is usually fairly acceptable and reliable; it would be difficult if not impossible to convince a Bassett Hound or a Chihuahua to safely herd a group of stock. It’s just not a reasonable expectation.

When looking for a dog it is superlative to do some research before you add a new dog as a member of your family!  Breed generalizations and their instincts will assist you in picking “your” perfect dog!

Just like there are breed specific limitations, sometimes there are individual limitations.  Not all Border Collies are capable of herding, not all Greyhounds want to race, and not all Sporting Dogs are capable of hunting.  I once worked with a Labrador Retriever that loved and performed fantastic protection work, but certainly not all Labs have a desire to do bite-work. Read more »

I am certain that I am not the only dog obedience trainer that reads this blog, actually I have taken notice to quite a few of you!  And, for those of you who are currently in a dog obedience class or know someone who is a trainer, print this out and give it to them!

We, as professional dog trainers, are often really dull and BORING!  I know we don’t like to admit it (and some of you may be offended that I even suggest you are boring) but let’s face it, it is difficult if not impossible to not fall prey to getting tiresome after years of training.

We drone on about heel position and perfect sits and our methods and basic curriculum hardly ever changes!  I admit, I have been there; and I know how hard it is to be a dog obedience trainer and realize week after week hardly anyone is heeding your advice or doing their homework.

We have a very limited amount of time to make a real impact on the lives of our clients and their dogs.  Most people will only take ONE obedience class with their dog and so we have a lot of stuff to pack into a 6 to 8 week period.  I also know that you are treated like a celebrity after class and everyone wants a piece of your time and advice!

It’s a complex job at best and sometimes it is downright disheartening depending on your classroom dynamics! Read more »

Today I want to discuss a working dog theory and get everyone’s opinion on the idea and why people are so adamant that it works.  Although I really won’t weigh in on what I think, only giving the facts and the pros and cons, those who know me and my writing will probably know where I stand!  I am fascinated by the fact that this particular theory seems to work so well for so many.

Let me clarify, for today’s article working dog=police/military/competition dog.  This theory would not work for Guide/Service/Hearing working dogs.

As the theory goes; working dogs should not be treated as pets and are not pets.  Working dogs should be kept outside in a kennel and not live inside with their handler or owner.  The dog should be taken out a few times a day to work and some work related play is allowed.  It is believed that this aloofness creates a better working dog. Read more »

Once you and your dog have learned to play together and you have built your dogs play, prey and chase drive you can begin teaching your dog to work in “Drive”.

People ask me “Why is drive training important?  Why would you want to work your dog in drive rather than just rely on regular dog training methods?”

The answer to this is simple.  Drive training is more FUN for your dog.  And, hopefully if you are doing it right, drive training should be more fun for you too!

However, training and working your dog in drive is much more work than traditional “yank and pull” dog training, I think it is even more complicated than most clicker training.  It takes excitement and animation when you play, and it also takes superior timing.  Your praise and the release of the toy need to come in a timely fashion in order for your dog to understand what you want and to learn what your expectations are for his training.

It is more difficult for him to pay attention and have patience because you are playing his favorite game, with his favorite toy.  I liken it to taking a child to the zoo and expecting him to do math.  Although this would be a great reinforcer and would likely work well in the long run (he would learn to love math because of the reward he gets for doing it), it would be difficult for him to focus and be patient at first. Read more »

We have all lived with, or visited a dog that seems obsessive compulsive about playing.  You are sitting quietly watching TV or trying to get some work done when a sloppy, slimy tennis ball is thrust into your lap, leaving a stinky mark behind!

Whereas I believe it is crucial to your relationship with your dog to play together, it can also be vital to be able to get some work done or to let your dog know when it is and is not appropriate to play!

From Your Dog’s Point of View

In order to resolve any behavior problem, I believe it is critical to understand the behavior from your dog’s point of view.  Understanding is fundamental to change.

Boredom increases the likelihood of all kinds of naughty behaviors, least of all being an annoying invitation to play!  Some dogs chew drywall, shred carpet and get in all manner of trouble in order to entertain their minds and/or interact with you on some level.

Remember that ANY interaction from you, even negative is at least SOME kind of interaction.  Dogs are pack animals and need social interaction even if it comes in the form of yelling and screaming.

Dogs need exercise!  Mental stimulation keeps their minds strong, but they also need physical exercise.  Play helps them both mentally entertain themselves, it also helps them physically to burn off some steam and keep their bodies healthy.

Animals are more proficient trainers than we humans could ever be; their patience far surpasses our own when it comes to waiting for rewards.  This is a wonderful attribute, most of the time…BUT this is also why dogs are so incessant and willing to poke and prod you for hours on the chance that you will throw the ball just once!

As humans we are easily distracted and move on quickly if we are not rewarded rapidly.  We are very impatient mammals!

But, dogs have learned if they just stick it out long enough, they might finally be rewarded.

For example, if he barks LONG ENOUGH while in his crate you will let him out.  If he continues to thrust his ball in your lap, or bark at it on the ground you will eventually give up and toss it for him. This release or final toss, makes it even more rewarding when the moment comes to pass.  Imagine waiting weeks or months for a reward…when you finally get it; it is almost more exciting than you can stand!

These moments built on sustained patience and the eventual very high value reward means that your dog is even more willing to be MORE patient and incessant and wait you out the next time!

What You Can Do?

First and foremost is to understand that your dog needs exercise and interaction!

If you need to, schedule time for your dog!  Get up early and throw the ball with him, and make time to throw it after dinner and perhaps again before bedtime.

Be sure that you can tell yourself honestly that you have given him all of the attention and exercise he needs and deserves before you get angry that he is demanding your attention.

Make training and playing on your schedule and on your terms.  If you stick to a schedule your dog will get to know it and will be less demanding at other times during the day.

If your dog is getting enough exercise he should be too tired to be toooo demanding!  So,  if your dog normally comes to you at 2pm while you are trying to work, try taking him out at lunch time for a game of ball, or a walk, or a run so that he will be tired at his normal 2 o’clock play time.

Take his favorite toy away and only bring it out when YOU want to play!  Leaving him access to it all the time allows him to chew it and bring it to you in an attempt to get you to play with him!

Give him something else to do!  Keep him busy by teaching him to retrieve other items for you or having him lay by your feet or under your desk.

Working dogs like Service Dogs are so happy because they constantly feel like they have a job to do!  Even if that job is just laying quietly at their person’s feet, the dog feels needed and enjoys “working”.  Give your dog a job!

This one is important:  DO NOT GIVE IN

No matter how incessant he is, don’t give in to his demands!  This only reinforces his demanding behavior.

If he continually bugs you with barking, pawing, or the thrusting of toys get up and leave the room.  Or, you can put him outside or in another room for a bit until he calms down.

Once he realizes that demanding that you comply to his playtime ends with you or him leaving the room he will begin to stop showing the behavior.

But, remember that his patience and insistence has paid off in the past and so counter conditioning him will take longer than simply teaching him a new behavior.

Simply Put

• Give him the exercise and play he needs on your schedule and your terms!
• If he is bored and has pent up energy, he deserves to be played with!
• Put his favorite toys out of his reach so he can’t be so demanding!
• Give your dog a job!
• Be patient and don’t lose your cool!
• Whatever you do: Do Not give in to his demands or you will ruin your success for counter conditioning!

People always ask me how I, as a professional dog trainer, make dog training look so easy and how can they can improve their techniques?

I came up with what I believe to be the 5 most important reasons people have difficulty training their dog to work effectively for them.

These are the 5 Most Important Dog Training Mistakes to Avoid, in what I believe to be the most important order.

#5  Lack of Practice or Effort

I have said it before (sometimes I feel like I talk about the same things) but I say it again because it is soooo important!

Practice is crucial!  Your dog WILL NOT learn at obedience class once a week.  I use to tell all my dog obedience students this on the first night of class, and YES most were appalled that I would admit it

Your dog learns through repetition and training AT HOME!  If you are not making a point to work your dog daily or several times a day or week, you will not reap the benefits of a well trained dog!! Read more »

I have two new family members, at least for right now.  These two are more like guests that say they are looking for a new “place” but will end up crashing on my sofa for a lot longer than expected.  I have two baby raccoons growing up at my house.

Their mother was killed on the highway and the babies were sitting on the white line just covering their little eyes with their miniature little hands.  It was as if, if they couldn’t see it, it didn’t exist or wasn’t dangerous.

They were much too little and immature to survive on their own, so to make a long story short; they came to live with me.  I have done wildlife rehabilitation and release before and I had a good idea how much work they would be and what they needed to be successful in life.

I have gone from nursing the babies every few hours, to guarding my eyeballs from flying inquisitive baby raccoons. Read more »

I love to read!  When I was a baby I got a vaccination that almost took my life.  I am sure my mother was terrified.  I have some memories of lying on the couch very sick.  My mother would read to me for hours, and at that time (before DVDs or VHS…ahhh I hate aging myself) Disney movies came on record.

I would sit and listen to a movie over and over until I had basically memorized it. In some ways I am grateful for all of my experiences they have shaped me and who I am as an adult.  Because of that one shot, my immune system was never quite able to fight off infection and I did get and still get every flu bug that goes around. I grew up loving reading.   Reading was my way to escape into another world and to learn about…well, anything I was interested in at the time.  My mother did not allow video games, and TV was restricted

This love of reading followed me to college when I double majored one being in English.  I still love English Literature (I know I am a nerd).  But, in many ways these are all the reasons you are reading this article right now.  If I grew up playing video games, I probably wouldn’t be writing or reading to entertain myself.

I am able to learn by reading, and I have hundreds of books lining a book shelf to prove it.  I enjoy reading and breaking things down; highlighting important points for further study.

Part of the beginning of my successful dog training career came from reading just about every dog training book I could get my hands on.  Almost 20 years ago it was difficult to find any kind of dog training on VHS or to see anything visually that wasn’t learned at a class or a seminar.

Much of my learning took place at night reading one book and then another. Read more »

I use to be on one of those public weight loss programs.  I joined it with my best friend many years ago, and let me just say IT WORKED.  Why?  You ask, why did it work?  What was the secret to weight loss?  Accountability! Is the answer.

I will say it gave us so great knowledge and coping skills and together we had a peer group and a support system to rely.  All of this ensured that we were successful!  We had to weigh-in in front of someone every 2 days.   They were NEVER negative at the weigh-ins and never gave us a hard time about gaining or not losing they were always supportive and willing to give us support and more information when we needed it.

What does weight loss have to do with dog training?  Accountability!

The reason my weight loss program worked?  I had to weigh-in in front of someone every other day, and although they were not negative about our weigh-ins; I did not want to fail or even stay the same.  I felt like I HAD to show progress.  I had a goal and my long term goal was to lose weight, but my short term goal was to not be embarrassed on the scale every 2 days!

Accountability makes a HUGE difference, at least for me.  If I am left to my own devices, I might not choose the right road.  I often get lazy and put off things like: dog training or weight loss.  I always have tomorrow, right?

In order to run every day, I need to train for a half marathon or marathon and put smaller goals on my calendar. Read more »

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