Simple Dog Training Tips for Teaching Your Dog How to Walk on a Leash
Jan 24th
Dear Poncho:
We need dog advice. Our beagle is fabulous with tricks, sit, stay and high-five, but even after several classes he’s horrible with leash-walking. Last week, he pulled me down during a walk and I broke my foot. What’s the trick to getting him to calm down and enjoy his walk — without pulling so hard?
Thanks for any help.
— Bartlet’s Mom
Dear Bartlet’s Mom:
Coming from an inquisitive canine point of view, I’d say Bartlet is enjoying his walks. It sounds more like you might not be having the best time, especially if you took a trip to the emergency room with a pair of crutches as the consolation prize.
My mom is a certified professional dog trainer and loving dog guardian, and she knows how important it is for both dogs and humans to master the art of loose-leash walking.
She has spent time teaching yours truly to walk politely on leash, which you can read about on her dog training tips blog. I’ve also written a thing or two about how enjoyable walks can be on my blog about dog training from a canine perspective. So I would be happy to pass along additional information for you and Bartlet to use the next time you venture out together.
First, I’d like to address walking equipment:
» Collars: They should be used for licenses, ID tags, rabies tags, to attach a leash and to match your outfit. That’s about it. It’s important to avoid collars that are more correction-based, such as choke chains and prong collars. Those focus only on behaviors humans don’t want, such as pulling. They never tell us what you want us to do instead. Plus, they’re uncomfortable.
» Walking harness: I find the harnesses that allow the leash to attach in the front by the chest (instead of up on our back) to be the most comfortable. They gently discourage pulling by directing our attention back toward you.
» Leashes: Mom thinks the plain 4- to 6-foot styles are the best. The ones that are retractable tend to send us pooches mixed messages and create inconsistency in teaching us what you want. By letting us pull away on the leash, you’re basically telling us to do whatever we want, and then you yell at us to stop when we’re at the end of the leash. I realize that this type of leash is appropriate for certain situations, but for teaching it’s best to stick with something that provides more consistency and that are easy to handle by human hands. However, I do think it’s funny to watch people using the retractable leashes. It reminds me of fishing.
Once Bartlet is on the proper, user-friendly equipment, you can break down the art of loose-leash walking into easy, simple steps that bring success while still having fun.
» Reward what you want, and make it easy. You’ll get more of it.
» Go from easy to more difficult. Begin practicing in environments with little or no distractions, then gradually make it more difficult. That is the best way for Bartlet (and you) to learn. He’s more likely to stay focused on figuring out which choices are the best ones for him to make while on leash. For instance, start inside your home, then move out to the yard and to your front walkway, then to the sidewalk.
» Use higher-value rewards for those times when the behavior is more difficult for him. Kibble is fine when practicing inside your home, but use little pieces of chicken or steak when outside in situations that may be highly distracting.
» Give Bartlet an alternate behavior during those times when he wants to go off and meet another person or dog. Mom will reward me for looking up at her. Or, we play “Find it!” — which is when she says “Find it!” and tosses a treat on the ground. This game keeps me occupied while having fun, plus makes the situation less frustrating for me. This is similar to human children playing video games on long car rides, which gives them something to do besides asking “Are we there yet?” or fighting with each other in the backseat.
» Practice! Dogs weren’t born knowing how to walk on leash, and humans weren’t born knowing how to use them. Practicing is key when learning any new skill, especially one that can be very difficult for dogs, and one humans so often want us to learn.
Focusing on and rewarding what you want, practicing loose-leash walking using fun techniques and being consistent in what you’re teaching Bartlet surely will help avoid injuries while creating good walking times together.
Dog Behavior Advice Column in Easy Reach for Inquisitive Dog Owners
Jan 18th
Hello inquisitive canine‘s and inquisitive dog guardians! Our friends from Noozhawk have updated their beautiful website, but not to worry, our Dear Inquisitive Canine dog behavior advice columns can still be found quite easily! Just head over to our designated Noozhawk web page where you can peruse all of the dog behavior topics me and my certified dog trainer mom have written over the years.
You can find common dog behavior topics such as:
- Introducing a puppy to a resident cat: Of course young puppies want to play with kitties! Its fun!
- Teaching a dog to greet politely. (Instead of jumping up like us canines like to do)
- House-training: please, sending us outside to go potty? Of course we need to learn where to go! It’s as if we’re having to camp when we’re at home!
- Counter-Surfing: Oh come on! This is my favorite sport! If you’re gonna leave goodies out, us canines are probably going to help ourselves!
Anyway, if any of you have a question about dog behavior or life with each other, please feel free to email us with your questions. Your answer may just appear in one of our Dear Inquisitive Canine dog behavior advice columns.
*Need help right away? Contact us directly so you can find out what dog training services there are for you and your inquisitive canine.
New Year’s Resolutions That Benefit Dogs and Dog Owners Alike
Jan 3rd
Dear Inquisitive Readers,
Welcome to 2011! The new year is a great time to reflect on the past, as well as begin planning for the coming year. For many, this includes establishing “resolutions”. So my sidekick Poncho and I thought it would be the perfect time to explore a few of the most commonly discussed commitments found on resolution lists and help readers apply them to life with our inquisitive canines. Poncho is working on his own tips from the canine perspective, so please keep an eye out for his upcoming special New Years Resolution Inquisitive Canine blog post.
Whether you plan on giving back and getting organized, or resolving dog behavioral issues and enhancing your daily routine with your canine companion, this list of New Years resolutions is designed to help set you up for success in the new year while enhancing the bond you and your dog share.
- Get Fit: Losing weight is often at the top of resolution lists for many people. What about your dog’s weight? If that’s an issue, the new year is an ideal time to begin an exercise program. As a certified professional dog trainer I often recommend regular walking regimes or enrolling in agility classes to boost both physical as well as mental health. Note: You’ll want to check with your vet first to make sure your dog is medically cleared for an increase in any new exercise routine.
Evaluating your dog’s overall physical health is also important. When was the last time your dog had a “check-up”? Veterinarians recommend an annual physical. (Sometimes more often depending upon age and health history). You’ll want to make sure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations and any other age specific assessment and/or treatment that would help improve his or her quality of life. Similar to humans needing different requirements with aging, our pets do too. If budget is a factor, check into your local resources for inexpensive vaccination clinics and medical care.
- Learn Something New: Evaluating your dog’s overall behavioral health can also have great benefits as well. If your dog is already a perfectly behaved dog, then bravo! You’re doing the right thing: rewarding the behaviors you want and preventing or ignoring unwanted behaviors. If, on the other hand, you want to improve your dog’s behavior, consider dog training services that can empower you and your dog with a rewarding education that will help further develop and enhance your everyday relationship.
Similar to adults going back to school for a fun class, dogs enjoy sharpening their skills or learning new ones. Nowadays there are more options for dog training classes and workshops than ever. It doesn’t always have to be “obedience” classes. Why not try something different? Agility, Rally-O, Canine Freestyle, Scent and Detection work, or Canine Good Citizen are just a few you could check out. For additional information on these types of activities, check out our Inquisitive Canine Resources page for helpful links. If you’re in a remote area, or your schedule conflicts with class times, there are many DVD’s and downloadable training programs you can buy online and complete in the comfort of your own home.
- Enjoy Life More: Spending more quality time with your dog can be a great way to break away from a daily routine that’s become too routine. Walking your dog at the same time every day, or not at all? It’s easy for us to get into a rut or to avoid the last item on the checklist. How about changing it up this year? Something as simple as walking in a new place once in awhile, or making arrangements to walk with a friend or neighbor. The novelty of a new neighborhood can be like Disneyland for your dog. Or, instead of going for a walk you can play a dog training game or other interactive activities.
- You may even want to consider turning off all of the electronics and simply hanging out on the couch or floor with your dog for some bonding time. You could read him or her a favorite story, talk about your day (dogs are perfect to vent to), or meditate together. What a great way to clear the mind and spirit!
- Get Organized: Is the toy box spilling over? Stuffed squeakies and old tennis balls under every piece of furniture? No need to wait until Spring – go through everything now. Throw out the non-salvageable ones, donate the unused ones to local shelters or give to friends’ dogs. You can even machine wash some of them too. I’ve found that using a lingerie bag and washing on the gentle cycle can refresh many toys.
- Other items you might want to go through are dog blankets and beds, leashes, collars and crates. Check with your local shelter to see if they would want any of these items. Many rescues have a website with a list of items they would want and need.
- Help Others: Giving back to others in your community can take many forms. Besides donating unused items to local shelters and rescues, you might want to consider doing something more with your dog that allows him or her to “give back”. If your dog enjoys being around people and other dogs, consider having him or her certified as a Canine Good Citizen with the American Kennel Club or join a group such as the Delta Society where you and your dog can apply to become registered Pet Partners. Programs that allow you to visit such places as schools and nursing homes are fulfilling to both humans and non-humans alike.
We believe it’s nice to have choices but we understand that it can sometimes become overwhelming. So please adapt any and all to your own situation, preferences and overall goals. Our objective is to set you all up for a successful new year! Poncho, myself and everyone here at the Inquisitive Canine wish you and your family a very happy, rewarding and dynamic 2011!
How to Teach an Old Dog New Tricks: Practice!
Nov 10th
Dear Inquisitive Canine:
My dog Andrew is an 8-year-old Boston terrier and, in almost all regards, is the perfect dog. I knew that training a dog was honestly the most important thing that I could do, to provide him protection. Andrew did great in all of the classes. He learned all of his tricks, minded perfectly and seemed to benefit from what was expected. The problem is that Andrew seemed to have a mind of his own outside of the class.
Certified professional dog trainer Joan Mayer and her sidekick, Poncho
Andrew doesn’t come when called by name in the house or out of the house. He doesn’t listen to the commands “stop” or “stay” unless you have a treat in front of him — and only inside the house. I can’t open a door without securing him, and I worry every time anyone comes in the house or leaves the house that he will run out the door.
It is a constant worry that he will go out that door and that I would never be able to stop or catch him. Even on a leash outside he doesn’t listen. It’s almost as if his hormones take over and he loses all brain connection when out in the world.
I have consulted with animal communicators and other well-known trainers, and still nothing changes. As an animal guardian, I want to be the best parent I can be. Please help.
— Andrew’s mom
Dear mom of Andrew:
Bravo for being such a responsible and caring dog guardian! You started Andrew out on the right paw by attending classes, recognized behavioral concerns and made efforts to resolve them. You deserve a treat yourself. Thank you for writing in.
I will be happy to provide some insight into resolving some of your issues. My sidekick Poncho decided he wanted to provide some dog training tips as well. Please check out his Inquisitive Canine blog post on what he has learned about coming when called.
The topics I’d like to address have to do with both management of your environment and with dog training tips that will help utilize what Andrew already has learned in class. Both elements are important, because when you’re not training you need to manage to help prevent unwanted situations.
In your case, management has to do with securing Andrew’s environment in order to help prevent him from practicing behaviors you don’t want — such as door dashing and taking off down the street. This means doors must remain closed, gates installed to block doorways, leashes to keep Andrew tethered to you, or sequestering him to an area of the house away from escape routes during those times when there’s an increased risk of someone leaving a door open.
As a side note, if Andrew is going to be sequestered somewhere for longer than a minute or two, you’ll want to provide some sort of enrichment such as an interactive food toy or chew bone. You want to avoid turning a management situation into a timeout.
As for training tips, it’s wonderful that you’ve already taught Andrew his foundation skills in a class. Now it’s time to take those behaviors outside the classroom. What is the best way to do this? Simple: Practice each one before you need them!
Similar to when we were kids learning all about fire, earthquake and tornado drills, you’ll want to run Andrew through his behavior drills over and over again in various locations in and out of your home until he becomes “conditioned” to hearing your cues such as “sit” and “stay.”
With enough practice, he’ll react accordingly without even thinking about it. Once he is able to “generalize” these actions, you can then add in one distraction at a time. This will make it easier on him and less frustrating for you while setting you both up for success.
For additional steps you can take to teach Andrew doorway manners, please check out this Inquisitive Canine column on greeting people politely at the front door.
Another dog training tip I’d like to bring up is motivation. All animals (including the human variety) need motivation to perform behaviors. Whether it’s something we want or something we want to avoid, motivation and consequences are what drive us to make behavior choices. For Andrew, right now the environment is much more motivating than the alternative — not getting to run around and play. So you’ll want to consider the best way to motivate him in wanting to stay with you, stay within the boundaries you’ve set and come when he’s called.
I appreciate that you’re already using treats. I’d suggest for keeping Andrew motivated under highly distracting situations that you use food treats that he would do back-flips over! Small pieces of chicken or even fish might motivate him to stay and play. You can then redirect his energy to playing indoors — fetch or tug would be good energy outlets that would still keep him safe inside your home. Plus, with toys, you’re able to direct him to the opposite area of the front door. In other words, toss the toy in the opposite direction of the door. Once he’s had the practice and has become conditioned to the routine, you can then use fetch or tug as his reward with food treats.
I appreciate that you want to be “the best parent” you can be, and as much as we’d all love to have dogs that are always 100 percent, no animal is perfect under every situation each and every time. But with proper training, practice and motivation, Andrew could certainly learn that listening to you is much more fun and rewarding.
Teaching Your Dog to Come When Called – Should be music to your dogs ears…
Nov 1st
Our latest Dear Inquisitive Canine dog behavior advice question comes from a responsible dog mom who has concerns about her dog Andrew dashing out the door. (Door dashing is considered a fun sport amongst us canines).
My certified professional dog trainer mom, and fellow dog behavior advice columnist decided to take care of the home management, enrichment and greeting at doors etiquette while I thought it would be best for this inquisitive canine to handle the running back to my mom when I’m called, AKA “recall” AKA “coming when called.”
Mom uses the same dog training tips and techniques with me as she teaches to students in her Ventura dog training classes and workshops, and with her private dog training clients. They were pretty easy and fun for me to learn, so I thought I’d share them with Andrew and his mom, as well as with our Inquisitive Canine readers.
- Be happy when you call us: I love when mom uses her happy voice – it means she’s in a good mood and loves me up when I arrive. She knows that using a deep angry voice will cause me to ignore her wishes! Just like when her mom or dad were upset with her as a child she learned a certain tone of voice predicted nothing good for her. I learned the same thing. No matter what I’ve done, she always loves when I come running to her – so she knows which tone of voice and which facial expression will prompt me to run towards her and not away from her.
- Only call us if you know you’re going to get the response you want: Otherwise it’s a waste of your breath which leads you to be more frustrated with your dog. If us dogs are in the middle of playing, chasing something or rolling in something dead, do you really think we’re going to come running to you if you’ve never taught us to do so? I think not. This means…
- Practice-practice-practice! First with no distractions, then build up one distraction at a time! Until your dog becomes conditioned to run to you immediately after calling him or her one time, it’s unlikely to happen.
- Motivation! Give your dog a great reason to come running to you. And remember, if you’re calling him or her at a time when the other motivator is highly competitive then you’ll want to make the reason for running to you worthwhile. My personal favorites are pieces of tuna, a fun training exercise like the ones in our Out of the Box Dog Training Game, and playing fetch with my stuffed squeaky toys. Mom just redirects the energy to a rewarding outlet!
As mom says, “Practice it before you need it!” This means, get out there and start calling your dog to you, because this is one of those behaviors that never goes out of style!
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