Hints on How to Correct Your Dog

I have heard all sorts of ideas and suggestions on how to correct my dog and get him to listen.  Frankly, they are all over the spectrum and doing all of them would just be nuts.  Is there anything that I can do to at least start the process?

The big hurdle that any dog owner has when their dog is misbehaving is to get their attention.  Once you have your dog’s attention, you have the ability to move forward with their training.  There are multiple methods and schools of thought regarding how to properly train your dog.  We are canine behavioral trainers.  This means that we focus on how the dog naturally responds to stimuli from the canine perspective.  There are also trainers who use positive only reward systems and trainers who use more physical methods such as e-collars in their training programs.  With this in mind, let me give you some simple hints that will help in correcting (teaching) your dog.

I think that all dog trainers using any method will agree that dogs can’t communicate like humans.  They can’t talk like Scooby-Doo, Huckleberry Hound or Augie Doggie.  Our dogs use their body language when they need to communicate.  If you have several dogs, just watch how they interact.  You might see one jumping on the other, one getting down low or lying on his back, or your dog might have his tail up like he is standing at attention.  All these actions help one dog to tell the other what they are thinking. 

Let me make it real simple and give you two hints regarding what you can do to let your dog know that you need him to listen.  I want to emphasize that this is not the only thing you must do.  What you are doing is to is to send a message to your dog that he needs to focus on you and the training you are about to employ.

• Be calm and still when you are about to correct your dog.  From your dog’s perspective, their leader is not a crazy person.  We get mad when our dog has eaten the remote or pulled the freshly marinated steak off the kitchen counter.  We then run and scream because that is how we (humans) react when something goes wrong.  Remember, we are dealing with a dog so we must portray the message that he will understand.  Running and screaming does not do that.  Being calm and still is what your dog needs to see.
• Stand up and face your dog when you are about to correct.  From your dog’s perspective, height shows leadership.  This is what they are doing when they have their tail and ears up.  The same thing occurs when they are jumping.  They are saying “Look at me.  I’m in charge around here”.  We can easily portray leadership to our dog by simply standing up.

As some people would say “easy-peasy”.  No matter if you use our canine behavior training method, the positive only training method, or a more physical method, letting your dog easily know that you are the one that demands his respect is always important.  Incorporate these two actions the next time you are working with your dog and you will see a great improvement.  If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact us at The Best Dog Trainers in SouthFlorida.

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Potty Training Away a Long Time

Sometimes my work requires long days and I have to leave Wolfie alone in the house for ten or twelve hours.  He is still a puppy and I am still working on Potty Training.  Thats a long time to keep him inside!  What do I do?

We all know that "life happens" and we cant get home to let our little puppy out to go potty.  There is a rule of thumb that the number of hours a puppy can "hold it" is their age in months.  (After 8 months, that is where it stops...)  So what do I do with my four month old puppy when I am working twelve hours that day?

First of all, you dont want to leave him in his crate.  Part of crate training and potty training is enforcing your puppy not to potty in his crate.  As long as we stay within the limits of your puppy physical abilities, this is a pretty easy process.  If we surpass his physical limits to hold it, of course he will go in his crate.  This will undermine this part of the potty training process.

What you must do is to find an area that you can allow your puppy to potty.  It must be enclosed and away from your puppys normal "roam of the house".  The best areas would be a bath room or washer/dryer room.  Pick up any rug and remove anything that your puppy "could get into" (toilet paper, boxes on the ground, etc.).  You might even put down a wee-wee pad just to see if he would use it.  I would also suggest that you get a doggie gate to enclose the area so it wont appear so confining.

When you have to be away from the house for extended periods of time longer than your puppys "ability to hold it", you put him in that area.  If he potties, you have a small area to clean and you havent damaged your crate training process.  

Be sure to clean the area well with an enzyme cleaner like Natures Miracle and then a normal cleaner like Lavender Fabuloso.  Also, as I alluded to earlier, keep the door closed to this area to keep him out.  You only want him in here when you are away for a long time.  For more information, please contact us at The Best Dog Trainers in South Florida.

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My Dog Pulls and Goes Crazy on A Walk

My dog walks pretty well most of the time, but sometimes he sees something and just goes nuts.  He is jumping, charging, standing on his two back paws, and barking like a crazy dog.  Is there any special technique I can use to fix this problem?

We see this walking problem a lot with many dogs that are a little overactive and aren’t clearly attentive to their owners.  The normal “walk next to me” exercises are actions that you must initially use for proper, obedient walking, but this problem requires that you will take the next step. 

Don’t worry, the “next step” does not mean that we are going to use choke chains, chock collars, or anything that would scare your dog.  What we must do is to actively enforce the fact that your dog must constantly provide you with focus and attention on the walk.  By doing this, your dog is submitting that you will take charge of any “strange distraction” you might encounter and it is not his responsibility to do all those annoying and embarrassing actions.

Here are some things you should do:

• I would first think about using the right collar for the walk.  When I have to guide him with the leash, I want my dog to experience a quick tug/snapping sensation.  I do not want him to simply experience a continual pull.  We recommend the use of the Bark Busters Training Collars.  These allow you to create that quick tug/snap and also provide an audible correction sound.  If you can’t get one of these collars, try using the Martindale collar.
• Give your dog more leash than normal when you go out for your walk. 
• As soon as he begins to walk in front of you or his gaze begins to wander from you or the path directly in front of him, give the leash a quick tug (it might take several of these actions) until he returns to your side and is focusing on you.
• If he continues to walk ahead of you, stop walking and allow him to continue until he reaches the end of the leash.  Just as he reaches the end, give the leash a firm tug/snap for him to look back and see that you are far away from him.  Continue your walk in the opposite direction.
• Stop multiple times while you are walking and have him sit.
• Change directions while you are walking.  Give the leash a quick tug/snap as soon as he is not attentively changing direction with you.

Do not start this process during “busy times” in your neighborhood.  The whole purpose of this exercise is to enforce your dog’s need to constantly “check in with you”.  Start off when it is quiet so that you can constantly provide him with the proper instruction.  Ramp up the exercise by walking at progressively active times.

We just finished this program with a very large Pit Bull that wanted to go after neighbors and their animals while on a walk.  After a few sessions using these techniques, the dog was great.  If you have any additional questions regarding this technique, please contact us at Great South Florida DogTrainers.

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Why Fluffy Goes Nuts at People in the Car

My dog, Fluffy, is the greatest dog in the world until she gets in the car.  Bark, Bark, Bark,Bark,Bark!  She barks at everyone as I drive down the street.  What gives?

I have seen this time and time again.  Here is Fluffy in her car seat.  The owner is doing the right thing by constraining her so that she wont go flying around if they had to put on the breaks.  So far so good.  So Fluffy constantly barks and drives you crazy.  That is bad.  What is the problem and how can you fix it?

...The answer is simpler than you think and the explanation is just as simple.

Dogs are always very aware of dominance and their role in the pack.  Who is the dominant one?  Who is in charge?  Look at this picture of Fluffy.  She is in her car seat that is raised off the normal seating which puts her in a raised position.  In the canine world, height is dominance.  Guess what?  We are sitting lower in your drivers seat while Fluffy is sitting high and mighty in her "dominance seat".  On top of that, we have given her a very clear view of everyone around the car.  She is dominant and she sees all these "other animals" (people) moving around the car.  Some of these "other animals" might even be walking towards the car which is a naturally aggressive move.  

We put Fluffy in the dominant role and she sees issues.  Barking, jumping, growling are all natural actions she could take to try and protect the rest of the "pack".  We put Fluffy out in front.  We told her that she was the one who had to protect us.  We did this by giving her height and dominance.  We elected her the "boss of us".

Now, what do we do?  The answer is simple.  Lower her height.  Find a car seat that sits on the seat of your car.  Find a doggie carrier that you can put on the seat or floor of your car.  All you are doing is lowering the height of Fluffy and lowering her requirement to be the "boss".  Also, make sure that you dont put her in the front passenger seat, unless you can turn off the air bag release.

This is a quick fix that seems to work over and over again.  Take away your dogs requirement for dominance in the car and your rides will be a whole lot nicer!  For more information, please contact The Best Dog Trainers in South Florida.

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Jade Goes To The Fair

We took Jade, loaded up my mobility scooter and headed off to the County Fair last night.  What a great time!

I wondered how Jade would do with all of those people around her, screaming, whistling, eating, walking, running past her, petting her when theyre not supposed to, and her being in the middle of it all.  I wonder no more.  Jade was amazing! She did such a wonderful job that I rewarded her with her own super-long, County Fair hot dog, which she LOVED, and washed down with the bottle of water I snuck in her for.

Jade used to have a thing with loud noises, and my trainer said, "We need her to be bomb-proof." Boy is she ever!  My trainer always had those "loud noise sessions" in training class and I would get so frustrated, because Jade would

get so anxious and worked up, sometimes tucking her tail so far under her belly that I couldnt even find it.  Shed start shaking and press in up against me, and Id have to take her outside to calm her down.  She would get so anxious that she would fail to perform her tasks.  I would get frustrated and discouraged, thinking, "shes never going to get over this." My trainer was great! We continued to have loud noise sessions, and my trainer would be so supportive and say, "Be patient, give her time, shell come out of it." Finally Jade started showing immense improvement, and now, she is becoming the bomb-proof dog that I want and need so badly. I wondered how shed do at the County Fair, but she amazed me once again. 

Jade was a bit stressed as we walked through the entry gate into the fair, and she looked around excitedly at all the people, the carnival rides, and games, with her eyes wide.  Soon after, I could see her face relax, and just because there were so many people, I was afraid shed be stepped on, and children were walking by patting her,  I put her on the scooter to ride with me. She loves that. 

We rode over to the concert area where Ted Nugent was playing, and found a good spot amidst the huge crowd, and Jade got off the scooter and lied down between me and my boyfriend. The music was loud, to say the least, and whenever the band would stop, people would yell and scream and whistle so loudly....Jade wasnt phased. I was pleased. At one point I dropped my phone and Jade got down to pick it up and handed it to me. She was still performing her tasks in the middle of this huge, loud, whistling and screaming crowd! I cant tell you how relieved and thankful that makes me feel! 

We walked around the fair, I rode and Jade rode with me....we stopped and played a couple of games, winning a couple stuffed toys, thanks to my boyfriends dart playing, balloon popping skills, and Jade watched him intently, never afraid.  As much as I hated those "loud noise sessions" in training, I cant thank my trainer enough for turning Jade into the best dog EVER! 

Weve also managed to tackle the defensiveness issue that Jade was having with other dogs.  My trainer invited myself and my field trainer to her class session last week.  We used about 5-6 other dogs to help Jade.  She had been getting over this defensiveness anyway, and last week I do believe we had the huge breakthrough wed been wanting. 

The trainer placed me and Jade inside a fenced pen, she was unleashed and we did some basic check-ins for review.  The other dogs then walked around us, with their handlers, again and again.  They were allowed to sniff Jade through the fence, and Jade sniffed them.  Then she would come back to me, check in and get a tasty treat.  She did great! No snarling, no teeth showing, no growling, no nothing! Jade was just her friendly old Lab self! What a great feeling! 

Then we put her back on lead and walked her around the other dogs, finally putting them all in a down/stay next to each other, while one dog would run past them all (including Jade) chasing a bone.  Jade didnt move a muscle, but just looked at me, with that beautiful smiling face, waiting for her next command.  Everyone cheered for Jade.  I was almost in tears with happiness. 

Then the trainer brought her own dog out, a little Aussie, and we place Jade in a down/stay between the Aussie and the huge Rottie that belongs to my field trainer.  The trainer made her Aussie bark, and get up, bark and growl.  Jade didnt move.  She looked at the dog then back at me, awaiting a command.  I was so happy!!!! The trainer was impressed. 

Afterward, we continued to walk Jade passed and around the Rottie for practice. Jade was so relaxed, and I could hardly believe it! They even bumped hips while passing a few times, and Jade would just keep walking or look up at me for a tasty treat. My field trainer was almost as happy as I was! She really wants Jade to excel, and that is exactly what shes doing.  These trainers are great people! 

I wish I had thought to get some photos. I will next time. 

After we were finished, the trainer pulled me aside and we talked a bit.  She talked to me about the fact that Jades defensiveness with other dogs is really about my fear of her being approached by other dogs.  She explained that the leash is not just a way of keeping your dog close to you, its a way of communicating with your dog.  Everything that I feel is transmitted down to Jade through that leash, as if it were some kind of vein that connects us. I know shes right because the only time I have seen Jade react to other dogs approaching is when I react. When I see another dog approaching her, I usually pull up on the leash, and making it tight, try to pull her away.  I am usually thinking, "Oh my god, not again!"while doing so. This is what causes Jade to react, as the trainer explained.  The trainer said, "This training isnt so much about Jade, its about you....its about getting YOU to relax when another dog is around, or  another dog approaches her....when you tense up, Jade reacts."  The trainer told me to keep practicing, as this will get easier and easier for me as time goes by.  She asked me to come up with a word I can use that will "take me to my happy place and help me relax" when in such a situation.  Sort of an "anchor" word.  Im still working on coming up with something I think might work.

If anyone has a suggestion for a good "anchor word," Im all ears. 

The reason that I tense up when Jade is approached by another dog is quite obvious if youve read my page on our attack story.  Jade was viciously attacked by a pit bull some time back, and I thought it was Jade that hadnt gotten over that, but apparently it has been me. It seems that Jade has let it go, and Im the one who hasnt.  Quite an interesting epiphany.  I will keep working on that, but its hard. If your dog has ever been attacked by another dog, especially a pit bull, you know what I mean.  I want to protect her, and never let her get hurt again, but my paranoia of her being approached by other dogs isnt doing her any favors, although I will NEVER let another pit bull anywhere near her if I can help it.  

Jade is an amazing dog, and never ceases to show me that. I was so proud of her at the fair this weekend, and she knew it.  I continued to praise her and give her a lot of love. I was also amazed at her friendliness with other dogs at training last week.  It appears we are moving past both the loud noise problem and the approaching dog issue, thanks to the wonderful trainers at Handi-dogs, Inc.! 

Jade is becoming a wonderful bomb-proof service dog! 

Jade in her sweater and booties made by me. 

I never imagined youd amaze me the way you do, sweet girl! 

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Jades First Time at the Movie Theater

Tonight my better half and I went to the movies, and for the first time took Jade with us.  Shes never been to the movie theater, and Ive always been weary of bringing her just because the movies are always so loud. Ive always wondered if itd ruin her hearing, or cause her unneeded stress.  Its true that  a Service Dog is allowed to accompany a disabled person WHEREVER that person can go, or decides to go....but a good and smart Service Dog handler considers the situation in which they place their Service Dog.

I wasnt sure if Jade was ready, but again, she amazed me, as usual.  She was just as calm and relaxed as could be, as she always is when on the job. I brought her a small blanket that Id crocheted a long time ago to help her feel more comfortable. Its the same blanket I keep on her bed.

We entered the mall where the theater is located and Jades been in there several times in the past.  Nothing unusual, but it was fairly packed; which was odd for a Monday evening.  We found out why when we arrived to see some people dressed in costume as Star Trekies. Jades used to being in large crowds and that doesnt phase her at all. Once we bought our tickets, we headed for the elevator, because as Ive stated on my blog many times, the one thing you should NEVER do as a SD handler is to take your dog on an escalator.  Its way too dangerous for your dog, but some handlers are less inclined to consider their dogs safety.  Jade is great with elevators....never had a problem.  The first time she got on an elevator was at the mall, and it was as though shed ridden in them her whole life.

Jade at 11 weeks

So we arrived on the top floor to get our popcorn and drinks, and Jade waiting patiently in line with us, doing a "front."  This is where she moves to the front position, in front of me, sideways, parallel to the service counter, and sits and waits patiently.  Once we had our goodies, we headed to the theater, and I thought, this is where she could get a bit stressed since this is totally new to her.  Its not like the old days anymore, where the lights are on in the theater and its very bright until the previews start and the lights dim; the theater is already dark upon entry. Without hesitation, so as not to make Jade think something was wrong, we entered the theater and found the handicap seating toward the front. I squatted down to avoid getting in peoples way, and spread the little blanket next to my seat for her.  Jade got right on the blanket and did a perfect down/stay.  For a little while, she watched the big screen intently, with her ears up and alert, turning her head from side to side.  It was as if she was watching the movie, but Im certain she was trying to ascertain whether the people on the screen were real or inside that screen-like thing, like the one we have at home, only smaller.  :)  I watched her out of the corner of my eye for a while looking for any signs of stress, but then she lay her head between her front paws and began to doze a bit.  She stayed right there until the movie was over!

What an amazing dog! I swear this dog NEVER ceases to amaze me.  She makes me proud!

The one very NOT new experience we had was all the folks at the theater staring at us as we entered the building, waited in line, entered the theater, exited the theater, etc.  I really dont like people staring at us, but I suppose its to be expected.  People dont usually see service dogs every day, although I wish they did.  I wish there were more of them out and about.  Theres always at least one small child that says something like, "Look mommy, theres a dog!" or "Hey that lady has a dog!"  Cant get anything passed the children, especially a dog! :)

Jade hanging out with buddies

What I  absolutely get tired of and find absolutely RUDE and DISRESPECTFUL are those people who say things like "Whats wrong with you?"  or "Why do you need a dog, youre not blind?!" or "What are you training her for?" and the most annoying one...."Isnt it hard to give them away once you have them trained?!"

I really dont mind people asking questions, inquiring about her training, her breed or making conversation about service dogs, etc.  I dont even mind when people stop to tell me about their Uncles friends service dog, etc. as long as Im not in a rush, and Im MORE than willing to take a moment to help educate others on the value of service dogs and such, or even to let someone pet her, especially children...that is, IF THEY ASK!

In summary, it was the very first time Jade attended the movies with me, and she was masterful! It was as though shed been doing this her whole life.  You amaze me, Jade! Youre the BEST DOG in the world!

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