Setbacks

I know setbacks are something that happens to all of us so lets talk about it.  There are times when we train our dogs and then they have what we could call a “setback.”  What is this all about?

Remember our dogs are no different from us.  They will NEVER do anything perfectly all of the time.  They have good days and bad days just like us.  They have emotions that are affected by our emotions.  They have emotions that are affected by their routine or lack of routine.  Sometimes there are changes in the environment that are different so it appears the dog is having a setback and actually the dog just needs to generalize this behavior to the new circumstances (a new environment, new person, new distraction, etc.).

What is the best thing to do when your dog has a so called “setback”?  The best thing is to feel any emotions and notice the stories that arise.  Recommit to a new story if the story is preventing you from moving forward.  Presence your emotions and sometimes channeling them to an activity such as running, skiing, yoga, etc.  Taking a break is also helpful.  The biggest thing to remember is that no matter what thoughts you have and what feelings come back this is just a circumstance of the moment.  Things change.  Nothing stays the same.  The next day your dog could perform the behavior perfectly.  Sometimes reminding yourself of the good days can be helpful so that you don’t overreact and actually convince yourself to believe that your dog has unlearned everything.

Be in the moment.  Learn from the moment.  Look at what is being communicated to you and be with it 🙂

Remember to allow training to be fun.  It is not a race or competition.  It can take time for a dog to change an ingrained habit!

Much Love!

Johanna Teresi, Professional Trainer of Four Legged Scholars LLC

Leash Walking Two Dogs (May 11th)

With two dogs it is best to train any command that you want your dogs to know with each dog separate.  Each dog will learn at their own pace and when our attention is focused on one dog instead of two our reaction time for rewarding is much better.  Leash walking is no different.  Commit to walking each dog separately for awhile.  When each dog is great on the leash without the other dog being present, add the second dog into the picture.

Here is the way I train leash walking.  I hold the leash in my right hand and leave about 3 – 4 feet of the leash hanging down so that it is forming a “J.”  I have the dog on my left side.  I also have the treat bag on my left side.  If I am using a clicker, I C/T (click and treat) when my dog is walking nicely on the leash (not pulling).  Smelling during walks is allowed.   The placement of my hand when giving the treat is alignment with the seam of my pants.  Therefore, I am not treating my dog for being in front of me.  I practice this over and over again until my dog gets it! A front hook harness (the Easy Walk)  or a head collar (the Gentle Leader) can be useful as well to speed up the learning process.  When training the other dog I may train him to walk on the right side.

When they are good on the leashes alone then it is time to walk them together.  You can do so with the head collars, flat collars, or front hook harnesses.  I like to walk the dogs so that I have the dogs on opposite sides.  Some people find it nice to have both dogs on the same side.  There is no right or wrong.  It is what works best for you.  If you want both dogs on the same side you can use a double ended dog leash.  It is best to get one with a swivel so that the dogs are less likely to get tangled.

Most of all have fun!

Happy Training!

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

Weekly Dog Training Tip: Letting the Passerby’s Pass (June 6th)

Please feel free to submit training questions.  Your question maybe answered in a weekly dog training tip! 

Weekly Dog Training Tip!

 

Four Legged Scholars will now be sending you

brief dog training tips every single week!

 

Please feel free to submit training questions.  Your question maybe answered in a weekly dog training tip! 

 Letting the Passerby’s Pass

 

Sometimes when walking your dog it is best to move onto the grass and let others pass.

 

On the street and sidewalk bikers, people, other dogs, etc. walk toward your and pass you.

 Rather than just allowing your dog to pull on the leash toward the stimuli lets teach your dog to sit.

 

Carry plenty of treats on you during your leash walks.  When someone goes to pass you ask your dog to move onto the tree lawn (target works great for this).  Targeting is when your dog follows your hand with his muzzle and then touches his muzzle to your hand.  Place a treat inbetween your thumb and pointer finger.  Your palm is open and facing your dog.  Start with your hand an inch or two away from your dog’s muzzle.  Your hand is perpendicular to the ground.  Then move your hand away from your dog’s muzzle and C/T (click and treat) when he touches his muzzle to your hand.  When moving your hand, move it so that you are guiding your dog off of the sidewalk and onto the tree lawn.

 

The next step is to train your dog to sit as the stimuli passes you up.  Tell your dog “sit” then C/T.  Repeat this multiple times saying “sit” C/T.  The best results are created with a fast repetition.  It is best to say “sit” immediately after your dog eats his treat and then click as you are putting another treat in your hand.  Then give your dog the treat.  If your dog is having a difficult time holding the sit then hold numerous treats in your hand so you don’t have to take the time to reach for them from your treat bag.

 

When the stimulus passes you tell your dog “okay” and continue on your walk.

 

Spread the Word: 

 

Puppy Kindergarten and Elementary Obedience Courses starting today and continuing until the end of the year.  Join at anytime.  The sooner you join the sooner you create the obedient dog of your dreams!

 

Best Training Wishes!!!!

 

Johanna Teresi

Four Legged Scholars LLC

“Convenient Dog Education”

http://www.FourLeggedScholars.com

(801) 463-1668

Meet other dog lovers at:

http://www.meetup.com/trainingdogs/

Blog

http://www.fourleggedscholars.wordpress.com

I always ask myself “Am I working with my dog or am I working against her?”.  Strengthening the bond and the connection between you and your dog is the best lesson you can learn.

 

Sometimes when walking your dog it is best to move onto the grass and let others pass.

 

On the street and sidewalk bikers, people, other dogs, etc. walk toward your and pass you.

Rather than just allowing your dog to pull on the leash toward the stimuli lets teach your dog to sit.

Carry plenty of treats on you during your leash walks.  When someone goes to pass you ask your dog to move onto the tree lawn (target works great for this).  Targeting is when your dog follows your hand with his muzzle and then touches his muzzle to your hand.  Place a treat inbetween your thumb and pointer finger.  Your palm is open and facing your dog.  Start with your hand an inch or two away from your dog’s muzzle.  Your hand is perpendicular to the ground.  Then move your hand away from your dog’s muzzle and C/T (click and treat) when he touches his muzzle to your hand.  When moving your hand, move it so that you are guiding your dog off of the sidewalk and onto the tree lawn.

 

The next step is to train your dog to sit as the stimuli passes you up.  Tell your dog “sit” then C/T.  Repeat this multiple times saying “sit” C/T.  The best results are created with a fast repetition.  It is best to say “sit” immediately after your dog eats his treat and then click as you are putting another treat in your hand.  Then give your dog the treat.  If your dog is having a difficult time holding the sit then hold numerous treats in your hand so you don’t have to take the time to reach for them from your treat bag.

 

When the stimulus passes you tell your dog “okay” and continue on your walk.

 

Spread the Word: 

 

Puppy Kindergarten and Elementary Obedience Courses starting today and continuing until the end of the year.  Join at anytime.  The sooner you join the sooner you create the obedient dog of your dreams!

 

Best Training Wishes!

 

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