Training Breaks Can Be Good (Dec 23rd)

There are many times where I have seen benefits from training breaks (a few weeks to a few months)!  Sometimes not training a behavior for an extended time period can speed up the learning curve in the dog.

I am not exactly sure why this but I remember reading about it years ago and I see it over again.  My dog is a great example his recall (“come”) regressed.  We took a break from working on “come” for about 2 months.  He received much exercise in my yard, from training and during on leash walks.  After the break, his recall was 100% at Tanner and at City Creek Canyon even with birds (birds were a number one distraction for him).  My hypothesis is that the dogs have time to actually think about the material (integration time) instead of being constantly bombarded with learning material.

Sometimes a break results in a regression in training.  So how do you know if a break will be beneficial or not?  I have no clear cut answer to this.  Generally when I have taken breaks away from training it was never conscious.  It was a break due to circumstances that appeared in my life.  Then when I got back into training…wow…..progress….just like that!

My insight would be to follow your impulses and intuition.  If you strongly feel pulled to take a break follow that impulse.  If anything if you back track in training your dog will learn it faster the second time around.  Generally impulses and intuition if clearly felt are rarely wrong.

So throw away the guilt about not working with your dog constantly!  Remember breaks can be good!

Also another tip.  You do not have to train your dog everyday for him to learn a behavior or command.  Consistency is the key and daily boundaries.  So many of my clients feel guilty when I show up and they haven’t worked enough with their dogs daily.  If you are working on a command 2-3 times a week you will see progress. Short training sessions lasting 2-5 minutes are generally best as well.

Take a break around the holidays and be consistent with your dog!  Have a wonderful time and may your season be filled with love and light!

Happy Holidays!

Johanna Teresi, Professional Trainer and Owner of Four Legged Scholars LLC

Weekly Dog Training Tip: Holiday Party Tips (Dec 18th)

Holidays can be easeful with your dog(s) or very stressful.  Here are some tips to create a more easeful holiday.

1.) First and foremost keep your dogs occupied during this busy part of the season.  If you don’t have time to exercise your dogs contact one of the following dog walkers:

Adam 801-828-7200

Kathy 801-503-5256

Portia 801-755-2881

2.)  There are also awesome toys to keep your dog busy that I recommend: http://www.petexpertise.com/jfteresi/

3.) If you need a break put your dog in his crate with a Kong or bully stick for your dog to chew on.

4.) During parties give each guest a small ziploc bag with some kibble or treats.  Your guests are then instructed to give your dog a treat when he sits.  If your dog jumps, the guests are instructed to turn their backs and ignore him until he sits.

5.) Children should only be with your dog under adult supervision.

6.) Exercise your dog BEFORE your guests arrive.  Off leash walk or play is best.

7.) If you are boarding your dog I recommend Animal Medical Clinic in Bountiful.

8.) Give yourself time for just you so that you are not rushing around doing everything for everyone else.  The more relaxed you are the more easeful the holidays will go for you and your dog!

Happy Holidays!

Johanna Teresi, Professional Trainer and Owner of Four Legged Scholars LLC

Community Event Class: Teaching “Quiet”

• Clicker Training
• Teaching “Quiet” when Your Dog Barks for Attention
• Teaching “Quiet” when Your Dog Barks at People, Dogs, etc.

When?
Saturday, January 23rd from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Where?
Liberty Wells Building
On the southeast corner of 700 South and 400 East
Salt Lake City
The class will be held in Gym

RSVP:

Info@FourLeggedScholars.com or 801-463-1668

Payment:

• $10 Per Person.
• Pay cash or check upon arrival.

What Should I Bring?

• You
• Your Dog
• Friends
• Other Dog Lovers
• Soft dog treats (pea to a dime in size; bring a small Ziploc bag full)
• Flat collar. No choker or prong collars please.
• 4-6 cloth/leather leash. No flexi-leashes please.
• Treat bags (attach to your pants) and clickers are recommended. *
• Distractions to be used in class (squeaker toys, balls, bones, treat toys such as kongs, tug toys, etc.)
• Children 12 years and older are invited if they are patient and listen well.
• Money for class and products (clickers and treat bags will be for sale)

* You may purchase a clicker and treat bag from Four Legged Scholars.

* You may also purchase head collars and front hook harnesses from Four Legged Scholars.

* *Note: Friendly Dogs Only Please. If your dog has aggression or fear issues please contact Four Legged Scholars for training.

Want to Hold a Seminar or Party at Your Facility or Home?

Contact Johanna 801-463-1668 or E-mail. She loves educating the public and is open to holding more in other facilities or homes!

Weekly Dog Training Tip: Knowing What You Want

On Wed Dec 9th I was on a radio show, “Who Let the Dogs Out” with my Life Coach Megan Sillito.  I would love for all of you to listen to it!  Click Here to Listen to the Show.

As I was talking in the show, I realized that I have a formula that I use to help owners create what they want with their dogs.  Below are the steps to create what you want with your doggies!

1.) Be clear with your body language.  Some of you have heard of this before and it cannot be told enough.  This is extremely important.

For example: If your dog is about to break a sit stay lean into your dog.  This is telling him not to move forward because you are moving into his space. If you lean back or stand still your dog may still break the stay.

Anther example:  If you want your dog to learn come.  Run away from your dog with your back toward your dog. This is clear body language.  If you run with your front facing your dog then you are saying come to me but don’t.

2.) Be confident.  This is created easily by visualizing success.  If you visualize yourself training the behavior you want with confidence, clear communication, and clarity you are increasing great communication to your dog.  If I am your trainer, watch carefully how I train when I am with you.  Now close your eyes and visualize yourself as me training your dog.

3.) Be authentic.  If you feel frustrated, fear, anger, sadness, or any emotion voice it.  Let it out.  Do the same with stories.  If you have a story voice it.  One story might be “My dog won’t listen to me”.  You might even have a story that your dog only listens at home or that your dog is not smart.  After voicing it (this creates conscious awareness), do one of the following:

• Wonder.  Wondering if this story is possibly untrue.  If you agree that it is untrue recommit.
• Recommit immediately.  Recommit only if it is a “yes” for you to recommit.

When recommitting here are some suggestions (Make sure the recommitment statement resonates with you.):

I recommit to:

• creating ease and flow with dog training.
• wondering how to create obedience with my dog.
• allowing my dog to listen to me.
• being clear in my communication so that my dog knows exactly what I want.

All of the above helps you become clear with what you want to create with your dog.  If you are hesitant or unsure with want you want, positive results are less likely to be created.  Your body language, confidence in training, and emotions all affect your success with your dog.

Happy Training!

Johanna Teresi, Professional Trainer and Owner of Four Legged Scholars LLC

Weekly Training Tip: Introducing Your New to Dog to Your Home (Dec 5th)

When bring a new dog to your home there are some general guidelines that can make the transition more easeful.  Below are some tips!

1.) Take some time off of work.  When you get a new dog you should have plenty of extra time to dedicate to your dog.  Your new dog will be stressed in his new home and will want some time to acclimate to you!

2.) Look for a reward-based dog trainer (Group obedience training is great.).  Four Legged Scholars offers many training programs for all types of income levels.  It is best to have the training lined up BEFORE getting your dog.  Some dogs are great to start training immediately when you get your dog.  Others may do better with some alone time with you first for a few weeks without doing much training.

3.) Be prepared to walk your dog regularly.  Think of ideas BEFORE getting your dog what your walking schedule could look like.  Make it feasible and easy.

4.) Know places to take your dog.  If there are nearby dog parks I recommend you go to them at their least busy times.  Busy dog parks usually result in too much arousal levels and fights can result.

5.) Be ready to schedule a wellness check after receiving your dog to make sure your dog is healthy.  I recommend Animal Medical Clinic.

6.) If changing your dog’s diet please do so gradually.

7.) Plan on doing some house training with your dog.  He may not be fully house trained quite yet.  Plan on taking him out every hour on leash and wait for 3-5 minutes.  Click and treat immediately after your dog goes potty.

8.) Dog proof your house BEFORE getting your dog.  Many new dogs will want to chew chew chew.

9.) Have plenty of chew toys for your dog: balls (NOT tennis balls…these are bad for their teeth), bully sticks, nylabones, raw beef soup bones, etc.  There are some awesome toys that I recommend at http://www.petexpertise.com/jfteresi/.

10.) Crate train your dog immediately.  This is where you will want to put your dog when you are not able to supervise him and will prevent potty accidents and chewing.

11.) Expect that your dog may chew on something or have an accident.  He is in a new place and accidents can and more than likely will happen.

12.) Your dog will probably pull hard on the leash.  I recommend using the Front Hook Harness or the Head Collar.  Stay away from chokers and prong collars. These can cause aggression and damage the esophagus and spinal column.

13.) Create support.  Join my Dog Training and Activities group and meet other dog people.  If you adopted your dog from a rescue attend their parties and events.

14.) Do things that you enjoy.  Remember owning a dog can be stressful especially during the first few months. Take time for yourself.  Do things you enjoy.

15.) Plan on keeping your dog on leash for awhile.  If he is off leash it should be in a fenced area.  Some rescues never allow adopted dogs to be off leash in an unfenced area.  Make sure you know the rules.  Recall training (training “come”) takes time.

15.) Most of all have fun with your new dog!

Best Training Wishes!

Johanna Teresi Professional Owner and Trainer of Four Legged Scholars LLC

Community Event: Weekly January Dog Walks

What are Community Dog Walks?

• Casual Walks (some walks are on leash and some are off leash)

• Meet Other Dog Lovers and Have Fun

• Optional: Celebrate the Weekly Themes (each week there will be a theme)

What to Bring on the Walks:

• You
• Your Dog
• Friends
• Other Dog Lovers
• Soft dog treats (pea to a dime in size; bring a small Ziploc bag full)
• Flat collar. No choker or prong collars please.
• 4-6 cloth/leather leash. No flexi-leashes please.
• Treat bags (attach to your pants) and clickers are recommended. *
• Children 12 years and older are invited if they are patient and listen well.
• Poop bags
• Water for you and your dog
• Dress warmly

* *Note: Friendly Dogs Only Please. If your dog has aggression or fear issues please contact Four Legged Scholars for training.

Registration (RSVP)

Registration: Free (Donations are optional and welcome)

RSVP 801-463-1668 or Info@FourLeggedScholars.com

Dates and Locations

1.) Sat. Jan 2nd 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Place: City Creek Canyon, 300 Canyon Road, Salt Lake City

Meet on the sidewalk at the first gate that leads in Memory Grove (near the parked cars on the street) If you get lost call Johanna 801-463-1668

Theme: “New Year’s Resolution Walk for Your Dog”

*Off Leash Walk

2.) Sat. Jan 9th 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Place: Tanner Park, 2760 South 2700 East, Salt Lake City, 84109

Meet on the grass in front of the parking lot (park in parking lot with the Tanner Park Sign).  If you get lost call Johanna 801-463-1668

Theme: “Doggie Meet and Greet Walk”

*Off Leash Walk

3.) Mon Jan 18th from 4:00-6:00 PM

Place: Liberty Park, 900 South 700 East, Salt Lake City, 84105

Meet on the grass at the entrance to Liberty Park from 900 South.  Call Johanna if you get lost 801-463-1668.

Theme: “Breed Equality Honoring Martin Luther King Day”

*On Only Leash Walk

4.) Mon. Jan 25th 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Place: Sugarhouse Park, 1300 South 2100 East, Salt Lake City 84108

Meet at the south side of the pond. Call Johanna if you get lost 801-463-1668.

Theme: “Bring a Friend Walk”

*On Only Leash Walk

Happy Training!

Johanna Teresi, Professional Owner and Trainer of Four Legged Scholars LLC

Training Tips for Success- Nov 12th

I wanted to write an overview this week of some broad basic tips to create success in dog training:

1.) Be in open space.  This means that you are letting your emotions flow through you rather than exploding your emotions all over your dog.

2.) If you are not creating the results you want and feel frustrated.  Take break.  Breath and fully feel and love the frustration you are feeling.  The more you resist your frustration the more you will create it and the less success you will create.  The more you love it and be in the moment with it the faster it will pass and the faster you will be in open space.

3.) Be consistent.  Do not change the rules on your dog.  Be clear.

4.) Be visually clear.  Your body language is the most important communication to your dog.  If your dog is confused look at how you were moving your body.  Can you think of a clearer way to communicate with your body to create your dog to do what you want?

5.) Use plenty of praise.  When your dog does a great job acknowledge him / her.

6.) Use treats.  Treats are more of a motivator than praise by far.

7.) Use a clicker if you wish.  A clicker speeds up the learning process.

8.) Say your commands only ONE time.  Repeating doesn’t usually create success.  Repeating usually creates frustration.

9.) Look at associations.  What happened before and after your dog performed the behavior?  Your dog will do something again if he likes what he is receiving.  Pay attention to pay offs and antecedents.

10.) Stop reprimands.  Yelling at your dog doesn’t communicate to him /her what to do.  It increasing negative emotions between you and your dog and decreases success.

11.) Most of all have fun!  If you are not having fun then figure out how to create the training to be fun.

12.) End your training sessions on a positive note the best that you can.  Your dog remembers the first and the last thing of the training session the best.

13.) Create easy approximations.  Allow your dog to be successful.  Take the terminal behavior that you want and break it up into steps.

14.) Focus on the positive.  Remember your dog has a learning curve just as you do.  Success doesn’t happen over night.

Happy Training!
Johanna Teresi, Professional Trainer and Owner for Four Legged Scholars LLC

Calm Behavior at the Door – Nov 3

Many owners dread it when people knock at their door.  Their dog barks and then immediately jumps all over the visitor when they enter in the house.  Read below and learn some simple solutions to make this transition more easeful.

Have treats, your clicker, and your dog’s leash readily available by the door.  When someone knocks at the door, put your dog’s leash on and  lure your dog away from the door.  With a treat in your hand move your hand toward your dog’s muzzle.  Then guide your dog by moving your hand to the location that you want him to remain. Usually your hand is like a magnet when you have a treat in it.  Choose a location that is out of the visitors path when he enters and a place that is not in the pathway of the opening door.

Next, ask your dog to sit.  Say “sit” then C/T (click and treat).  Repeat this multiple times in a row at a fast rate.  It might be beneficial to have multiple treats in your hand so that your C/T are super quick.  After your dog has been retaining the sit for a few seconds ask the visitor to come inside.  Body block your dog by standing in between the visitor and the dog.  Continue to say “sit” and C/T as the visitor walks inside.  When the visitor is visible this is the hardest time for the dog to retain the sit so once again have a high treat frequency.  I also recommend that you request the visitor to open the door rather than leaving your dog to open the door.

When you are ready to let your dog up say “okay” and he will be free to break the sit.  Repeat the above process multiple times with a variety of visitors.  Once your dog is consistent with holding the sit, you can begin to increase the time interval between the C/T.  Eventually, you will stop using the clicker and switch to random rewards.

For any further explanation contact Four Legged Scholars.

Happy Training!
Johanna Teresi Professional Owner and Trainer for Four Legged Scholars LLC.

Clicker Training – Oct 28th

There are many aspects to dog training.  The biggest tip I can give you is that dogs learn by association.  If the dog receives something wonderful for a behavior then that behavior is more likely to occur again.  This is called positive reinforcement.  Four Legged Scholars uses Positive Reinforcement dog training.  Positive reinforcement increases the trust bond between you and your dog.

You can also use something that the dog highly dislikes to decrease a behavior.  This technique is not one that I recommend.  It can include shock collars, choke chains, etc.  Anything that causes pain can inflict a huge conflict with your dog.  Your dog could become aggressive or fearful.

I love using clicker training.  This is a form of positive reinforcement.  The clicker marks the behavior and tells the dog that they have done the correct behavior and that a treat is coming.  First you must teach your dog what the clicker means which is called clicker loading.  Click one time and immediately give your dog a treat disregarding any behavior your dog is doing.  Do not practice clicker loading if your dog is performing bad behaviors such as barking or jumping.  Practice clicker loading in a variety of rooms and a variety of different times throughout the day for about 3-7 days.

Once your dog understands that click means treat you can then pair the clicker with a behavior.  For example: when you ask your dog to sit click and treat (C/T).  Now sit will happen again because it was rewarded.

Why clicker training?

• The clicker speeds up the learning process.

• The clicker allows you to mark behaviors that happen quickly.  (For example if your dog is walking on the leash nicely for less than a second you can mark it easily with a clicker.  You probably would miss the reward time with just a treat).

• It is universal so it sounds the same no matter who uses it.  As a result, it is great to use in families.

• It reaches the primitive part of the brain called the amygdala so the dog knows he did the correct behavior without consciously thinking about it.  A verbal word such as “yes” requires conscious thinking.

When you first train a new behavior you use C/T continuously.  Once the behavior is occurring at least 70% of the time then you can stop using the clicker for that particular behavior, and you can reward with a treat randomly.  Sometimes  you give a treat for performing the behavior and sometimes not.

Happy Training

Johanna Teresi Professional Trainer and Owner of Four Legged Scholars LLC

The Emotional Roller Coaster (Oct 28th)

We have two choices with emotions in our lives.  Choice one is to feel our feelings.  Choice two is to repress our feelings.  Today I had an amazing session with Megan Sillito. The anger I felt today was so intense.  She allowed me to fully feel my emotions with happiness and peace.  It was an amazing reminder that I can choose to feel my emotions without a negative connotation behind them.

I notice I do this more and more.  The more I fully embrace how I feel the more open space is created.  The more authentic relationships I create with my clients and the more present I am in my relationships.

Getting out of my head and into my body can be conflicting at times.  Last week I created a conflict with a close friend of mine as my mind got wrapped around stories and what I wanted to say.  When I chose to really “feel  my feelings” the conflict resolved itself and my friend chose to feel as well.  It was amazing.  I felt more love for her than I ever have.  The connection was one of the soul and was about ultimate truth.

So today I have felt much anger and sadness.  I have chosen to play with it.  As a result, I was so present with my dog client this afternoon it was amazing.  I arrived at my clients house feeling angry.  I chose to breath.  Then when I entered into the house instead of ignoring the anger I chose to be crazy.  I told the dog I felt angry.  I said it multiple times until it past and sadness came. The anger was covering up the sadness.  So I cried and the dog came and laid with me.  It was beautiful.  I realized in that moment that I had chosen so many times to repress my emotions when working with this dog.  I would choose to put on a mask that I was feeling fine on days that I really wasn’t.

So today I chose differently.  The bond I created with the dog was so amazing.  When we left for our walk anger arose again so I chose to run and run.  It was so fun to feel my anger while running.  The dog ran with me and enjoyed it so much.  She was so happy.  I was laughing and felt so open.  I shifted to happiness and presence.  We worked on recalls and leash walking.  The session was amazing.  I also noticed the more I allowed myself to be who I was the more I was giving permission to this gorgeous dog to be who she is.

I noticed after I left I felt more sadness. I chose to go home and turn on some sad music and dance.  Seiki, my dog was so happy to dance with me.  We had fun with my sadness.  He loved it and I enjoyed it as well.

So the moral of the story is to feel your feelings.  It does great things to your body.  Most of all it allows you to create open space so that you can create wonderful space for your dog….amazing presence, a soul connection, easeful training, etc.  When you repress emotions training becomes so very very hard.  Create it be easeful.  Use any of the tools I have stated above and most of all have FUN doing it!

Happy Training!

Johanna Teresi, Professional Owner and Trainer of Four Legged Scholars LLC