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

Weekly Tip: The Adrenaline Rush (Oct 23rd)

There are so many aspects to dog training that just don’t pertain to technique. This week I want to focus on the “drama triangle” and when we are on the drama triangle with our dogs behavioral issues seem to lock in place rather than shift.

Many of you may not be familiar with the drama triangle.  There are three positions on this triangle “victim,” “villain,” and “hero.”  Whenever we are in conflict with money, relationships (including with our dogs), our business, etc. we are on the drama triangle.  The benefits of being on the triangle is an adrenaline rush similar to riding a roller coaster ride.  It actually can be fun for most of us (an addiction)!

When you are training your dog if you are being a hero then your dog has to be a victim or villain.  If you are a victim when training your dog then your dog has to be a hero or a villan.  If you are a villain than your dog has to be victim or a hero.

What does this mean?  A victim generally says  ”poor me!”  You could be whining “My dog won’t listen to me!”  or ” I just can’t get my dog to behave!”.  A villain is attacking and might say “What is your problem?”.  You could say to your dog “You need to listen to me!”  or “You are listening to me because you want to misbehave on purpose!”.  A hero generally says “I will save you!”.  This could be done when you see your dog reacting “Oh you are scared!  Let me calm you down” or “Let me reassure you so you know all is okay”.

All of these methods are away from essence.  When you are training your dog I invite you to check in and notice if you are on the drama triangle.  When you notice you are on the drama triangle you can do one of the following to get back into open space / essence:

• Breath through your belly and choose to shift to love and wonder.
• Breath and move your body (run, dance, or just move any body part easefully).
• Take a training break and play with your dog.

When adrenaline is high constriction in the body is high.  As a result, energy and emotions have a hard time flowing through the body.  You then have a harder time creating the results you want.  By being in open space you are able to manifest solutions much faster

Notice if you have an extremely tough or rough behavior problem.  Are you on the drama triangle?  Remember you don’t have to stay there.  Choose love, essence, and wonder instead.

I have seen this process work time and time again with my clients.  Even still, I would love to hear experiences as people shift off the drama triangle and move into essence!  Please submit your personal experiences.

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

FREE Halloween Dog Walk

• Dress You and Your Dog in A Costume (Optional)
• Socialize and Create New Friends
• Exercise You and Your Dog

When?
Saturday, October 31st  from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Where?
Wheeler Farm

6351 South 900 East, Salt Lake City 84121

Click here for directions

We will meet in the South Parking Lot area promptly at 10 AM (We will be leaving for the walk fairly close to 10.  If you arrive late you may miss us so please be on time).

Click Here for a Map of Wheeler Farm

RSVP:

Info@FourLeggedScholars.com or 801-463-1668

What Should I Bring?

Please bring a donation for Utah Animal Adoption Center

• 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.
• Dress warm and pray the weather holds up for us
• Water and Poop bags

* 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.

**Also your dog must be at least 6 months of age to attend.

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 Tip: Gratitude (Oct 14)

I have a dream.  My dream is a ranch that I own where disabled come to experience love through dance, hypnosis, life coaching, etc.  There are also rescue dogs on this ranch that are yearning for love as well.  The children coming to the ranch experience unconditional love through obedience training and bonding with the dogs.

My life coach, Megan Sillito with Lifeworks Strategies, lead me through an amazing experience last week.  I am in the process of manifesting this ranch.  What I have learned is gratitude for what is now.  As I carry the vibration of love and light that I feel when I am on the ranch right now then the ranch comes easefully.

I want to walk you through a process where you can do the same with your dogs.  It is very powerful in creating the behavior you want and desire.

1.) Think of what you want to create with your dog: walking on a loose leash, sit stay, calm behavior, quiet behavior, relaxed behavior, etc.  whatever it may be.

2.) Pick an object in your house that resembles this goal.  For me I used a mirror which resembled the ranch.

3.) Place the object on the floor.  Walk away from the object so that you are creating a path toward the object.

4.) Take one step forward focusing on your goal and check into your body.  Notice what you feel and what thoughts come up.  Remain at this step until you are feeling in the moment and present with this step.

5.) Repeat step 4 over and over again until you reach your goal.  Remember to fully settle into each step so that you are not rushing.  Checking in with your body to discover what you might be learning from your body.

6.) Once you reach your goal pick up the object.  Check in with your body and notice what you feel.  Take the feeling into your body fully.

7.) Go back to the beginning of the path and take this body feeling with you.

Remember whatever you are training your dog to do it is learning journey that you have the chose to love or not.  Loving is the fastest way to shift into open space and leaves room for the behavior you want to train to develop faster.

Also notice a feeling of longing, hope and desperation while you are training your dog training creates the process to be hard.  Carry the vibration in your body as if you have reached the dog training goal now:)  This shows much gratitude and appreciation for what you have now.  How fun!

I hope you find this exercise very helpful.  The more I shift into love the more I manifest and create.  I hope you find the same with your dog training.

Best Training Wishes!

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

New Puppy and Adult Obedience Courses Enroll Now!

“Immediate Education Inspired with Love” Puppy Kindergarten Course 8 weeks to 6 months **Note: If puppies are not socialized well before 3-4 months of age from a group puppy class, they are more likely to develop behavioral problems as adults. Puppies are more likely to become euthanized as adults from not being socialized early enough in their life than they are to die from a disease from taking a group puppy class. Is Your Puppy? Hyper? Chewing? Peeing in the House? Take this course and watch your puppy grow into the dog of your dreams. Johanna creates great results that feel good to you and your pup. Classes are held weekly for 8 weeks. You may join at anytime during the course as long as space allows. Wednesdays from 6:15-7:15 PM starting October 14, 2009. Click here for Class Schedule Click here for Class Descriptions Click here to Enroll Elementary Obedience Course 6 months and older Is Your Dog? Dragging You on the Leash? Running Away Instead of Coming? Barking and Jumping Instead of Sitting Quietly? If you experience the following challenges you are not alone. Take this course and create a loving and obedient rapport between you and your dog. Classes are held weekly for 8 weeks. You may join at anytime during the course as long as space allows. Wednesdays from 7:45-8:45 PM starting October 14, 2009. Click here for Class Schedule Click here for Class Descriptions Click here to Enroll What are others saying about Four Legged Scholars? Testimonials Working with Johanna was a great experience for both Sophie (our standard poodle puppy) and me. Johanna is a knowledgeable and experienced trainer–you can tell that she really enjoys her job! As a first-time dog owner, I also appreciated Johanna’s insight into canine behavior–Sophie and I both learned a lot! -Owner of Sophie “We have loved the multiple training classes. We have tried other training classes and this one has enforced the relationship we want with our dog. The techniques we have learned will be used every day of her life. Everywhere we go we got compliments on her behavior. I would recommend this class to anyone who wants a positive relationship with their puppy.” -Samantha Nelson with Brooke (Yellow Labrador) “Johanna’s love for dogs is obvious. Mastering skills is just as exciting for her to watch, as it is for the owners!” -Lina King with Abby (Pug) “The emphasis on keeping positive- especially with voice- is so counterintuitive but is the most effective training. Johanna was great at using the approach to train us-the owners- as well. In spite of the large class size she knew all of us and all our critters and all our idiosyncrasies.” - Judy Goddard and Kirk Thomas with Nugget (Samoyed Mix) “Awesome understanding and intuition of dog’s mindset behaviors.-Tina Schulz with Della.” (Pit Bull) “We really enjoyed Johanna’s class. She is an excellent teacher. Her handouts were very helpful. Sprocket is much more obedience than my other dog who took classes at..” -Lynisa Lava with Sprocket (Mix Breed) “I took Johanna’s beginning obedience class and also asked her to help me with Snowball’s anxieties…Johanna is an excellent and accomplished dog trainer.”-Snowball (Lab Retriever / Chow Mix) “I saw so many break-throughs with Zoey in such a short time that I still can’t believe she is the same dog I rescued 3 months ago. THANK YOU. I am a huge believer in obedience school. I know it would and does benefit so many people and their pets. You provide a great service and are a wonderful teacher. It was a pleasure to be in your classes.”-Tamara with Zoey (Poodle) Best Training Wishes! Johanna Teresi 801-463-1668

Weekly Tip: Teaching “Drop” (Oct 9th)

Many times it is easy to just grab something out of your dog’s mouth.  This can encourage your dog to bite you and even play keep away.  A much better option is to train your dog to spit things out of his mouth on command with a “drop” command.

• Your dog has a toy show him a treat in your open hand.  As your dog drops the toy say, “drop.”  Then C/T (click and treat).

• Open your hand as if presenting a treat and say “drop.” When your dog drops the toy C/T.

• When your dog has a toy just try saying, “drop.”  If your dog drops the toy then C/T.  If your dog does not drop the toy then present your open hand (just as you did when you had a treat in it) but this time do not have a treat in it.  C/T when your dog drops the toy.

• Eventually your dog should “drop” the object with just the command.

If your dog aggressively guards objects from you please consult Four Legged Scholars.

Happy Training!

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

Weekly Tip: Establishing a Great Rapport With Your Dog – Oct. 3

I am in the process of becoming a certified NLP Practitioner (NeuroLinguistic Patterning). The process below is used to create open space and to allow solutions to arise when you notice a conflict between you and your dog.

Think of a specific conflict or struggle you are having with your dog. It could be pulling on the leash or not performing some command.

Go back in time so that you are remembering this specific conflict / struggle.

Notice where you would be standing and where your dog would be standing if the conflict were real again. Step into the spot where you would be standing. Take on the emotions and the body posture you were feeling during the time of the conflict.

Shake to move these emotions out of your body.

Step into the space where your dog would be standing. Be your dog. Take on the emotions and the body posture your dog was feeling during the time of the conflict. Notice any communication that may going on inside your dog’s body and mind.

Shake to move these emotions out of your body.

Step into a neutral space. A space where you are the observer. Observe the conflict with no judgment. Notice any information you gather as the observer.

Step back into your space where you were standing during the conflict. Take all of the above information you have gathered and come from a new point of view that is more open and curious. What new information have you learned? How can you apply this new information when you are training your dog again? Use this information to create the result you want in a more fluid manner.

As I am learning more and more with NLP you will see shifts in my training techniques as I create an even greater rapport with my clients and help them establish the same with their dogs.

Happy Training!

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

Weekly Tip: Teaching Your Dog to Stay – Sept. 23rd

Recently I have had a few inquires on “sit stay.” Below are some simple steps to teach this wonderful command.

Sit Stay:

• Ask your dog to sit. Take a one step away from your dog and click. Then take a step inward toward your dog and give him a treat. Immediately remind him to “sit” and take step back. Then repeat.
• When it is time for your dog to get up from the stay walk to either your dog’s left or right side. Then say a release word such as “okay.” As you release the stay walk away from your dog. Do not give your dog a treat after releasing him.
• Gradually increase the stay time from 1-2 seconds to 3-4 seconds. Then to 5-6 seconds, etc. Practice each time interval at least 5 times before increasing the time period. C/T during this entire time interval.

• When your dog can hold the sit for 30 seconds begin to use the stay command. Then GRADUALLY increase the staying time to 1 minute. It is important to release your dog from the stay before he releases himself. If he broke the stay then you asked him to stay for too long. The next time you have him stay do the stay for a shorter time period.
  • DO NOT INCREASE THE STAYING DISTANCE B/W YOU AND YOUR DOG. WE ARE JUST INCREASING DURATION AT THIS TIME.
• When your dog will stay with you standing 1 or 2 feet away from him for 1 minute, it is time to gradually increase the staying distance. When you are increasing distance you will decrease the staying time (duration). Always return to your dog when releasing him (Do NOT call your dog to release him).
• Repeat the same process but stand 4 feet away from the dog. Return to your dog to give treats and remind him to stay after each treat you give your dog. Only expect your dog to stay for 1-5 seconds. Gradually increase the time period to 30 seconds.
• Now increase your staying distance to 6 feet and repeat “a.”
• Gradually increase the staying distance until you reach the distance of your choice. 10 feet is great!

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