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Dog-to-dog reactivity is a common issue that many dog owners face. It can be frustrating and disheartening to see your furry friend react aggressively or fearfully towards other dogs. However, there is hope! With the right understanding and training techniques, you can help your dog overcome this challenge.
Dog-to-dog reactivity can stem from various factors, including:
Understanding the root cause of your dog's reactivity is the first step towards helping them.
Positive reinforcement training is a scientifically backed method that focuses on rewarding desirable behaviors to encourage their repetition. Here's why it's the best approach for addressing dog-to-dog reactivity:
Dog-to-dog reactivity can be challenging, but with patience, understanding, and the right training approach, it can be managed and even overcome. Positive reinforcement is not only effective but also strengthens the bond between you and your dog. Remember, every small step towards calm behavior is a victory worth celebrating. Stay positive, and keep reinforcing those good behaviors – your dog can and will improve!
Ah, the joys of a dog barking at the fence. If you’ve ever experienced this, you know just how frustrating it can be. Trust me, I’ve been there. As a dog trainer, I’ve seen it all, and yes, I’ve had my fair share of fence barkers. But don't worry, there's hope! Here are five steps you can take to bring some peace and quiet to your yard.
1. Identify the Trigger
First things first, you need to play detective. What’s causing your furry friend to turn into a barking machine? Is it the neighbor’s cat, kids playing, or the mail carrier? Understanding the trigger is essential to address the behavior effectively. It might feel like you’re living in a Sherlock Holmes mystery, but this sleuthing is worth it!
2. Create a Barrier
Once you’ve identified the culprit, it’s time to think about creating a visual barrier. A solid fence or privacy screen can work wonders. By blocking your dog’s view of whatever sets them off, you’re reducing the visual stimulus that provokes the barking. Think of it as giving your dog a pair of “doggy blinders” – out of sight, out of bark!
3. Provide Distractions
If only we could tell our dogs, “Hey, relax, it’s just the wind!” But alas, they don’t speak human. Instead, we need to redirect their attention. Interactive toys, puzzles, or a good old-fashioned game of fetch can do the trick. Keeping their minds and bodies busy will help them forget about that oh-so-enticing fence.
4. Teach the "Quiet" Cue
This is where you channel your inner dog whisperer. When your dog starts barking, calmly say “quiet” and wait for them to stop. As soon as they do, reward them with a treat and some praise. Consistency is key here, folks. Soon enough, your dog will get the message that silence is golden (and treat-worthy).
5. Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Last but definitely not least, make sure your pup is getting plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. A tired dog is a happy dog – and a quiet one! Whether it’s a long walk, a romp in the park, or some agility training, burning off that excess energy will make a world of difference.
A Little Patience Goes a Long Way
Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, patience, and a good sense of humor. Yes, you might find yourself talking to your dog like they’re a toddler (“I said QUIET, Rover!”), but that’s all part of the journey.
Hang in there and keep these steps in mind. Before you know it, your dog will be the calm, quiet companion you’ve always wanted – and you’ll have your sanity back!
Happy training!
Hey dog lovers!
Choosing the right trainer for your furry friend is a big decision. A good trainer can make a world of difference in your dog's behavior and your overall relationship. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to decide who’s best for your pup. Fear not! We're here to guide you through the process of finding a fantastic trainer who uses positive reinforcement and has the right credentials. Let's dive in!
First things first, let’s talk about positive reinforcement. This training method focuses on rewarding good behavior rather than punishing the bad. It’s all about treats, praise, and lots of love! Here’s why it’s the way to go:
Certification is a sign that a trainer has invested time and effort into learning the best practices in dog training. Here are some reputable certifications to look out for:
Now that you know what to look for, here are some tips to recognize a great trainer:
While searching, be aware of these red flags:
Lastly, trust your instincts. You know your dog best. If something feels off or if your dog seems uncomfortable, it’s okay to keep looking. The right trainer will make both you and your pup feel confident and happy.
Finding the perfect trainer takes a bit of effort, but it’s worth it for the well-being of your furry friend. With positive reinforcement and the right credentials, you’ll be on your way to a well-behaved and happy pup in no time!
Hey fellow dog lovers!
As a dog trainer and lifelong dog enthusiast, I know firsthand how the 4th of July can be a mixed bag for our furry friends. While we humans enjoy the festivities, our dogs might find the loud noises and bright lights a bit overwhelming. But fear not! With a few tips and tricks, you can help your pup stay calm and happy during this exciting holiday. Here’s how I help my own dogs, and those I train, have a stress-free 4th of July.
1. Exercise Before the Fireworks
One of the best ways to prepare your dog for the evening’s fireworks is to tire them out earlier in the day. A good long walk, a vigorous game of fetch, or a visit to the dog park can help burn off excess energy. A tired dog is a calm dog!
2. Create a Safe Space
Just like us, dogs need a safe space where they can retreat if they’re feeling anxious. Set up a cozy spot in a quiet room with their favorite bed, toys, and maybe even a piece of your clothing for comfort. My dog, Max, loves his little den in the laundry room – it’s quiet, cozy, and smells like home!
3. Use Calming Aids
There are plenty of calming aids available to help ease your dog’s anxiety. Thundershirts, for example, provide gentle, constant pressure that can help reduce anxiety. There are also natural supplements and calming chews that can be quite effective. I’ve found that a combination of these can work wonders for my more anxious pups.
4. Distract with Background Noise
Drown out the fireworks with some calming background noise. Turn on the TV, play some soothing music, or use a white noise machine. I like to put on a nature documentary – the sounds of birds and flowing rivers seem to relax my dogs quite a bit.
5. Stay Calm and Positive
Dogs are incredibly attuned to our emotions. If you’re calm and relaxed, they’re more likely to be as well. Talk to your dog in a soothing voice, give them gentle pets, and try to act as normal as possible. Remember, if you’re freaking out, they will too!
6. Avoid Punishment
It’s important to avoid punishing your dog if they’re scared. Fear is a natural response, and punishment can make it worse. Instead, offer comfort and reassurance. Positive reinforcement goes a long way.
7. Desensitize in Advance
If you know your dog has a hard time with fireworks, you can try desensitizing them to the sounds in advance. Play recordings of fireworks at a low volume while offering treats and praise, gradually increasing the volume over time. This helped my dog Bella get used to the noise and reduced her anxiety significantly.
8. Plan Ahead with Your Vet
If your dog has severe anxiety, it’s worth discussing with your vet. They might recommend medication to help keep your dog calm during the fireworks. It’s always better to plan ahead rather than scrambling on the day of.
Remember, every dog is different, so what works for one might not work for another. The key is to be patient and understanding. With a little preparation and a lot of love, you can help your dog have a peaceful and enjoyable 4th of July.
Wishing you and your pups a safe and happy holiday!
Our pets are part of our families. Words can’t even describe how much joy and comfort a pet can bring to your family. Your dog pet is your best friend that will always show you unconditional love, boundless enthusiasm, and trust all the time. As a loving pet owner, you will always do everything possible to provide your dog with high-quality food, abundant exercise, and of course, a warm shelter.
However, did you know that taking care of your dog’s gut health may be the most important thing that you need to do? Just like human beings, your dog’s gut is the foundation of their health and by far, the largest immune organ in their bodies. The gut plays a critical role in your dog’s life such as preventing toxins and other undesirable bacteria from finding their way into the dog’s bloodstream.
It also ensures that your dog digests and absorbs all the valuable nutrients from the food and other supplements that it feeds on. Therefore, it is crucial to think about what you are feeding your dog on since it could be causing a wide range of dog behavior problems.
Dog Food, the Gut, and Behavior Problems
Just like humans, dogs tend to have larger stomachs and shorter digestive tracts. The dog’s mouth also lacks the essential glans that can initiate the process of starch digestion in the mouth. The anatomy of dogs is perfect for digesting high-quality protein within a short period. Various studies have also proved that some dog breeds have developed the unique ability to produce some enzymes that aid in the starch breakdown.
This means that some dog breeds have developed starch tolerance to crease their odds of surviving alongside human beings. This is the primary reason why most pet owners believe that dogs can eat exactly as we do but the big question remains; what kind of nutrients do they get from their diet?
The food that you fed your dog and its impact on the gut may be one of the most overlooked things in the modern world since most of us tend to be more concerned by other aspects such as brand, taste, ingredients, shelf life and the list goes on.
You might be surprised to learn that a recent study conducted at the University of California established that microbes link to specific areas of the brain which usually affect mood and behavior including response to fear and anxiety. This means that the food your dog eats can lead to various behavior problems. High quantities of trans fats and high-sugar diets may also lead to anxiety and depression.
The Connection between a Dog’s Gut Health and Behavior Problems
Typically, high-sugar, processed dog foods lead to increased release of bacterial toxins referred to as lipopolysaccharides that hang out safely in the dog’s gut. However, when these bacterial toxins enter the dog’s bloodstream, they become highly toxic.
But, how does this affect your dog’s behavior? Well, the lipopolysaccharides tend to destroy the brain cells that secrete the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine which are the primary happiness hormones. Scientific research has proven that the lack of these essential hormones will have a significant impact on your pet's behavior.
Dog Food and the Behavioral Brain Waves
Improving your dog’s gut health will play a critical role in ensuring that there is sufficient production of the neurotransmitters needed to improve its behavior. Therefore, it is safe to conclude that your dog's behavior largely depends on the food it feeds on. Just like human beings, the Enteric Nervous System (ENS) of your dog links to the emotional aspects of its central nervous system.
In simple terms, every time your dog eats, the ENS transmits messages to its brain which affects its emotional state. Certain types of foods will help your pet remain calm while others will make it more anxious. If you love your dog, then you should understand that feeding it on food additives and other grain-based foods can cause a leaky gut that will negatively affect your dog’s behaviors.
Most of the dog problems that you may experience stem from your dog not receiving a well-balanced natural diet free from food preservatives and other chemicals. Some of the common dog problems caused due to lack of a balanced natural diet include but limited by: aggression, stress-stacking, self-mutilation, separation anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders, house training problems and hyperactivity. The most effective way that you can deal with these problems is by taking a holistic approach to your dog’s health and wellbeing.
Ways to Support Your Dog’s Gut Health
Fortunately, there are lots of things that you can do to help improve your dog’s gut health and lessen the negative impact it might have on your dog’s behavior. Look carefully at the labels on dog food containers. Be mindful of the amount of chemicals that you are feeding your dog and always ensure that your dog is eating the right nutrients. Here are some of the simple ways that you can support your dog’s gut health:
Provide your dog with fresh water instead of chlorinated water
Avoid dog foods that contain “by-products”, corn or chemical additives.
Provide your dog with probiotics, such as yogurt to supplement their diet regularly
Feed it with various supplements
Consult with a holistic veterinarian to help you make good dietary choices
DOGGIE LAWN, November 30, 2018 4:04:21 PM America/Los Angeles, CA
Because HEART’s theme for December is fear-free, our blog this month talks about Nutraceuticals For Fear, Anxiety, And Stress? What to Consider?
Linda Lomaardi, Ph.D. and the author of Dogs Behaving Badly offers a primer on some practical strategies you and your clients can use with their dogs.
Here is the link: https://fearfreepets.com/nutraceuticals/
A two-year-old dog is adopted from a rescue. The dog has not had any socialization. He does not seem to know how to play with other dogs, and annoys the adopter’s resident dog with his lack of manners. He also has an unfortunate habit of jumping up and playfully grabbing sleeves with his teeth, which may be fun to him but can be painful to the owner of the arm. The owner declares the dog aggressive, and surrenders him to the city shelter, telling them that the dog bites.
Another dog, a breed known for territorial behavior, goes to his new home. He bonds with the owners, and all goes well. Then one day, a person who is a stranger to the dog wanders into the house unannounced. The dog bites him. A trainer tells the family that the dog needs to be put down.
What do these two scenarios have in common? Are these dogs actually aggressive? In the first case, it’s understandable that a dog who is new to being around other dogs wouldn’t know how to act around them. An adult female dog who could teach him manners would be a great help. As for grabbing body parts with his teeth, the dog has not been taught otherwise. He’s barely out of adolescence, and it is easy enough to teach the dog that the obnoxious behavior is unacceptable. Is the dog aggressive? Based on this information alone, I think not.
Is the dog who bit the person entering the home aggressive? Assuming the dog has not threatened anyone else, a guardian breed that is bonded with his family defending his people and territory from what he perceives as in intruder is understandable. Does the dog need to be euthanized? Of course not, although management and training should absolutely be implemented.
I hear stories like these all the time. Of course, there are dogs out there who are truly aggressive. There are many more who appear to be aggressive when in reality the behavior is coming from a place of fear (this is fear-based reactivity, not aggression), but there are those who actually want to hurt other dogs or people. Do aggressive dogs belong in homes? No. But it is far easier to simply deem a dog’s behaviors “aggression” than to do the work required, with the help of a trainer if necessary, to work on the issues.
When we first brought Bodhi home, he was a mess. Truly. He had major insecurity and fear issues paired with excess energy, and zero socialization. I could not take three steps across the floor without him jumping up on me and putting his teeth all over my arms and legs. I’m not exaggerating. My book Hit by a Flying Wolf describes the whole ordeal, along with how we solved his issues. Had I not been a canine behavior specialist, it would have been easy to see his behavior as aggressive. As it was, I understood that Bodhi simply did not know what to do with all of that fear and nervous energy, and he was “acting out;” all that energy had to go somewhere, after all. That wasn’t his only issue, either. He was reactive with other dogs, destructive…I could go on and on. I won’t lie; it took months before I felt he was a dog I could enjoy living with. And it took longer than that to fully change his behaviors. It’s now 8 years later, and he’s lying here patiently, watching me type this blog and wondering when I’m going to stop working and feed him.
I don’t expect the average person to understand dog behavior to the point that they can determine without a doubt whether a particular dog’s issues are resolvable, or, barring a serious incident, if the dog is truly aggressive. If there are children involved, or someone in the home is being hurt (including another dog), giving a dog up would be understandable. But barring that, sometimes having a dog is work. Sometimes we have to admit that there is a serious problem, and if needed, hire a trainer to help resolve it. Simply dismissing a dog as aggressive if it’s not warranted can be a tragedy, and end as a death sentence for a dog who does not deserve to die.
For those who appreciate science based and peer reviewed studies of dog training related subjects, the following article may be of interest to you.
The Welfare Consequences and Efficacy of Training Pet Dogs with Remote Electronic Training Collars in Comparison to Reward Based Training.
This is an Open Access article offered by PLUS One, published in September 2014 | Volume 9 | Issue 9
You can reach this article by clicking on the following link:
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0102722&type=printable
Your Aggression, Dog’s Aggression, By Trainer & Author Suzanne Clothier
From the University of Pennsylvania comes an interesting new study that actually looks at how an owner's aggressive behavior affects a dog's aggressive behavior.
Not too surprisingly, lead researcher Megan E. Herron notes:
"Our study demonstrated that many confrontational training methods, whether staring down dogs, striking them or intimidating them with physical manipulation does little to correct improper behavior and can elicit aggressive responses."
Just recently, a fellow trainer was asking on a list about best ways to help a toy breed dog who had been biting. The history presented highlighted that this little dog was physical hurting (had health issues that were painful), did not know a great deal (so had limited options for interacting and responding in good ways), and was being "corrected" for defensive snaps with more serious aggression from the owner.
Despite this trainer's attempts to help this dog, despite the dog improving in the hands of someone who took the time to teach the dog and stop acting aggressively themselves, this little dog was put to sleep a few days ago by the original owner for "unprovoked aggression." A heartbreaking outcome of owner aggression and confrontational "training" techniques. (So sorry, CK ---)
The U of P study has some interesting highlights:
· Number one reason owners take their dogs to veterinary behaviorists: aggressive behavior
· 43% of the 140 owners involved in the study had "hit or kicked the dog for undesirable behavior
· 31% had used an "alpha roll"
· 30% had used a "stare down"
· 29% had used a "dominance down"
· 25% of the dogs on which the above were used responded with their own aggression (I'm surprised it's not more; speaks to dogs tolerating a lot from humans)
The study was published in Applied Animal Behavior science. Check it out.
Since common sense and empathy for fellow beings are sometimes insufficient to demonstrate the folly of using confrontational techniques (especially with aggression!), perhaps simply proving the point with this study and many others will eventually open people's eyes.
Sad but true that while we'd resent being trained in a confrontational and abusive way, it remains not only accepted but popularized.
Ask me why I cancelled my National Geographic subscription . . .
In sad memory of a pair of bright eyes that asked for understanding and education, that warned she would not tolerate being attacked in the name of "teaching her" --- and for that light now gone out. May her life's lessons do their work. Rest in peace, little one. You deserved better.
To Muzzle or Not to Muzzle: That Is the Question
Weighing the pros and cons of wearing basket muzzles for dogs who may bite. A Facebook post from Psychology Today, Posted Sep 06, 2017. Written by Emily Levine. DACVB
I hear it every day in my practice. Dog owners are hesitant to train their dogs to wear basket muzzles. I get it. I really do. And in a perfect world, with perfect people and perfect dogs, we wouldn't even need to broach this topic. But alas, we do not live in a perfect world. So let’s talk about of the pros and cons of having our feisty Fidos wear basket muzzles.
People don't want other people to think they have a mean dog. People who have dogs who bite really wish others could see the wonderful side of their dogs that they get to see everyday. They want people to see the friendly, playful, cuddly side of their dogs and well, a muzzle isn't exactly a hallmark card sending those sentiments. People do not want others to see their dog in a muzzle and think that their dog is mean, dangerous, or untrained. The reality however, is that many dogs do not cope well being around strangers and are not going to show their “best” selves to them and trust me, no one is having fond thoughts about a lunging, barking, growling dog simply because they are not wearing a muzzle. No one thinks aggressive behavior is cute and endearing and will have warmer thoughts about your dog because the dog is not wearing a muzzle.
Another concern people have about their dog wearing a muzzle is that of it being cruel for the dog. Can it be cruel to have a dog wear a muzzle? Yes it can. It can be cruel if the wrong muzzle is used (it does not allow the dog to pant for example), it does not fit properly, the dog isn't acclimated to wearing the muzzle, or, in some cases, if only a muzzle is used without addressing the underlying issues that require its use in the first place. Muzzles do nothing to change or modify or treat the underlying behavior issue. They are simply a safety tool that prevents bites and, in many cases, facilitates a behavior modification program. Yep, you read that correctly. Muzzles can, in certain situations, actually help dogs to learn what we want them to learn. We will come back to this idea later.
When muzzles are fit properly, the dogs are acclimated to wearing one, and they allow the dog to pant easily, eat treats through them, and drink water through them, they are just another piece of equipment like a collar, harness, and leash. Oh..and most people that I see in my practice say their dog will never wear a muzzle because their dogs hate them. Ninety-nine percent of the time it is because they have not used the correct muzzle and/or have not acclimated the dog to wearing a muzzle correctly. Click here to see a clip of a dog wearing a muzzle after proper sizing and training.
Let’s get back to how a muzzle can actually help facilitate a behavior modification plan as opposed to simply just being a safety tool. Let’s think of those dogs who do “okay” until a person insists on approaching and interacting with your dog. Everyday, people with reactive, stressed, anxious dogs who ask people not to approach because their dog is shy, fearful, not friendly, etc...are told ”it’s okay, I’m a dog person. Dogs love me!” Then, when they get close, bam! A bite is attempted or occurs. Then, that oh so friendly “dog person,” likely having their pride hurt, is not so friendly anymore and at the end of the day, you, as the dog owner, are responsible for your dog biting someone, legally and ethically. I never really hear of people insisting on approaching a dog when a dog is wearing a muzzle. Let the muzzle speak for itself in terms of letting people know, your dog does not care to have close interactions with strangers. There is nothing wrong with that at all. Not all dogs are social beings who enjoy interacting with strangers and that is OK. This is a concept that dog owners of dogs who need muzzles should embrace! As a side note, muzzles can be such a great deterrent to people approaching dogs when we are trying to teach them to trust strangers, that I sometimes recommend it for dogs who are very fearful/shy without any aggressive tendencies if those clients live in a place where people are constantly trying to interact with their dog. It is your job as a dog guardian to keep your dog safe. Muzzles can help you with that, on several levels.
Let’s talk about the layers of safety that a muzzle can provide. The obvious is that the risk of a bite decreases significantly. With a decreased risk of biting, there is less risk of a lawsuit, less risk of losing your home owner’s insurance, and depending on the severity of bites or number of bites in your dog’s past, it can prevent a reportable incident that may result in you losing control over what happens to your dog. Also, you want to be a good citizen and make sure the people in public who are walking, jogging, cycling, etc., aren't bitten. People should be able to be in public without the risk of being bitten. Too many times in practice I have seen friends, family, and neighbors in feuds and lawsuits over bites that could have been prevented.
When you think of all the pros and cons of a properly fitted and sized muzzle and you still find it hard to get over any feeling of public shame, try to take the attitude that Suzy Arrington, CPDT-KA, offers: “Own it like you would if you were wearing a big hat!” In other words, wear it with confidence!
Next time you see someone walking a dog in a muzzle, offer them a smile. They are being responsible dog owners who are trying to help their dogs and keep everyone safe.
A great site that goes over valuable information about muzzles is www.muzzleupproject.com Emily Levine DACVB
Animal Behavior Clinic of New Jersey
www.animalerc.com
https://www.facebook.com/FetchTheFacts/
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