Help! We’ve had family staying with us all weekend, and our dog, Wiley, has had a hard time behaving. At the family’s request, when we go outside, we have to put him inside, in his crate. That’s because if we let him out when we go out to play, he jumps on and nips at us, the extended family, neighbors, the gardener and anyone else stopping by for a visit. When we are inside, Wiley must be sent outside in the yard.

Wiley is part of our family, and I want him to blend in and be able to play with us. When we try to ignore him by turning away, he jumps on our backs and also continues to nip. We just can’t have him doing that, especially to my 85-year-old dad or our 2-year-old granddaughter. We’ve tried lots of praise when he sits and we pet him, but then he jumps and nips. I hope you have some suggestions for us — we’re so frustrated, we’re happy to try anything you suggest!

Ellen (Wiley’s mom)

Dear Miss Ellen,

Sounds like Wiley is living up to his name — skilled and clever at getting what he wants. I’d be happy to offer some tips on how you can help your own inquisitive canine become part of the group, not left out in the cold.

Let’s talk about dogs and a few of the general behavior traits we possess: jumping to greet, having enormous amounts of energy (especially when we’re young or haven’t burned off the excess energy), using our mouths to explore the world, wanting attention (positive or negative), preferring to be around people than alone and always game for a good time.

Hmm, yep, sounds like Wiley is a full-blown canine extraordinaire! My first tip is to understand these characteristics and appreciate Wiley for who he is — a dog who loves people of all ages and wants to spend time with his family.

From what you’ve described, it sounds as if everyone is leaving it up to Wiley to figure out what is expected of him, without being clear on what the requests are. If he isn’t aware of what you want, then for my second tip, I say: Teach him. Taking the time to communicate with him exactly what it is you want will help clarify the what, when and how, in terms of behavior. Even just a few of the basic behaviors taught in most dog training classes, along with some management of his environment, can help make the picture much clearer for Wiley, so I encourage you to consider the following:

Tried-and-True Training

Sounds like he already knows at least one of the basics: “sit.” This is one of the top behaviors that can be used almost anywhere! In your situation, you’ll want to teach him to “sit to greet,” instead of having him do so after he jumps up. And you’ll want to add in “stay” to make sure he gets the idea.

You’re doing the right thing by interrupting him, asking for a better behavior and rewarding him. But it might work better if you ask for the right behavior before he has a chance to jump or nip. From what you’ve described, it sounds like the behavior chain is backwards — jumping up, getting attention for jumping, then the sit and praise. Try doing it this way instead: person comes in, ask for him to sit, reward him. You can even practice using “down” too, especially when the youngest and eldest family members are around.

As for the rewards you’re using, we dogs love praise, as well as belly rubs or tossing a toy. But for these to really be effective, you’ll first need to practice before he’s around all the fun distractions. After he understands, you can add in a distraction, one at a time. And to really help you reach your goals faster, I’d suggest pulling out the big ammo, like pieces of chicken or steak to motivate and reward for behaving nicely when company comes over. You can even recruit your friends and family to play along, similar to some of the easy, fun activities in my mom’s dog training game.

You can multitask by combining practice sessions with fun and games. One suggestion would be to ask for “sit” before tossing the toy or before beginning a game of tug. This makes for a Good Manners practice session, all while providing physical and mental activities.

Expend His Energy

If you’re expecting company, then set it up so Wiley is too tired to jump up — or at least tired enough so his training attention span is at its peak. A brisk walk or jog, game of tug and/or hide ‘n’ seek, fetch, attending a dog training class and/or a play-date with a doggy friend are just a few things we canines love that can help deplete energy. Again, you can even recruit some of your visitors to help. When they show up, hand someone a ball or leash to help you out — provided it’s safe for everyone.

Environmental Protection

Sequestering Wiley to his own area is understandable. However, you’ll want to avoid a situation I like to call the “Cinderella Syndrome” — tossing him in the dungeon with nothing to do while everyone else has fun. Providing enrichment, such as interactive food toys and chew bones, or arranging a scavenger hunt by hiding pieces of his kibble and a few treats in or outside your home are fun options for mental and physical activities. If you really don’t have the time or the inclination to monitor or train Wiley, then ask for outside help — an outing with a dog walker, or arranging a doggy play-date with a neighbor are alternate ways for everyone to be taken care of. For detailed explanations of each of these options, check out our dog training tips blog posts on environmental management.

Paws and Reflect

Keep in mind, If all Wiley wants is to be part of the group, and he’s using inherent behaviors to gain the attention he wants, then guess what? He’s gonna keep doing what’s working for him. So I encourage you to spend the time to teach him what it is you want and when you want it. This goes for initial teaching as well as practice sessions, so he can maintain his skills. And hey, if you can get everyone else on board with the plan and they practice with Wiley, pretty soon he’ll be the best behaved family member you have!

_______
Dear Inquisitive Canine is written by Joan Mayer and her trusty sidekick, Poncho. Joan is a certified professional dog trainer and human-canine relationship coach. Poncho is a 10-pound mutt who knows a lot about human and canine behavior. Their column is known for its simple, commonsense approach to dog training and behavior, as well as its entertaining insight into implementing proven techniques that reward both owner and dog.

Joan is also the founder of the Inquisitive Canine and developer of the Out of the Box Dog Training Game, where her love-of-dog training approach highlights the importance of understanding canine behavior. If you or your dog have questions about behavior, training or life with each other, please email them directly.

The new year is officially here. For many, this means creating lists of resolutions with intentions of modifying one’s behavior. In honor of this tradition, my sidekick, Poncho, and I have decided to join in, talking about resolutions to help dogs stay in their homes and out of animal shelters. We encourage you to team up with us and add the dogs of your community — whether your own or someone else’s — to your list of personal achievements.

Solutions Start with Preparation

According to a study conducted by the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy on Reasons for Relinquishment of Companion Animals in U.S. Animal Shelters, the top reasons dogs are sent to shelters have to do with living situations, cost, time, owners having personal problems and behavioral concerns of the dogs themselves.

As a certified professional dog trainer, I can attest to this, as I commonly hear similar complaints. As for Poncho, he used to live in a shelter, so he knows firsthand the reasons he and his buddies landed there. Together, he and I have compiled the following tips to help dog lovers everywhere do what they can to reduce the shelter dog population:

• Location, Location, Location: According to the study, 17 percent of dogs were relinquished to shelters due to moving, landlords not allowing pets and “inadequate facilities.” We realize it’s difficult to foresee the future, but these numbers indicate that people need to investigate before they bring a dog into their homes. If you’re a homeowner, it’s best to match the home layout with the dog’s temperament. Consider age and energy level vs. size or breed. If you rent, know the current policies where you live. As for moving, determine if you can bring your dog to the new location. If not, have a back-up plan. Make arrangements with a friend or family member to house your dog, even if it’s just temporary, until you can find a place that allows canine residents.

• Basic Training: The ability to be a dog parent is a luxury and an honor. Therefore, it’s important to keep in mind that putting canine needs ahead of your own is necessary for developing a healthy and happy dog, both physically and mentally. Many behavioral issues that lead owners to relinquish dogs to shelters in the first place can be prevented through management and the use of simple training steps. Even a few minutes a day can buy years of being problem free. The Out of the Box Dog Training Game I developed is designed for busy dog parents who have mere minutes a day to teach the skills and behaviors they want to see from their dogs.

• It’s All About the Budget: Fortunately, the needs of our domestic dogs are, for the most part, pretty minimal. Water, food, shelter, an old tennis ball or stick, our attention and belly rubs are usually all they’ll ever really want. However, because of some laws, and the fact that we enjoy spoiling them and want to keep them around for as long as possible, health care, licensing, collars, leashes and all the extra goodies we want to provide tend to add up — especially health care. Determine if the expenses calculated over the lifetime of your dog is something you can afford. For those on a tighter budget, check your local area for low-cost health-care options. Fostering a shelter dog is another option to fulfill your Fido fix while keeping your list of financial responsibilities to a minimum.

• And Puppy Makes 3 … or 4 … or More: Adding another dog to the list of household pets can often lead to unforeseen circumstances, even resulting in sending him or her to a shelter — about 4 percent, according to the study — either because siblings don’t get along, you find out there really isn’t enough space or there were policies that went overlooked. Again, we encourage you to ask around and plan ahead.

• Ain’t Misbehavin’: A higher percentage of dogs turned in to a shelter are young, energetic and lacking in basic manners. Therefore, at the top of any pet parent’s list of responsibilities should be to help teach the dog the behaviors they want and to try to resolve any issues they’re experiencing. Attending a dog training class, joining a dog group and/or working with a certified trainer or veterinary behaviorist can help you achieve success in your overall behavior goals.

For additional info on helping keep dogs in homes and out of shelters, click here to check out the Dear Inquisitive Canine installment “Before You Adopt a Dog.”

An Ounce of Prevention

Pet overpopulation resulting in crowded shelters is a great concern in our community, and around the world. In the United States alone, millions (yes, millions) of dogs and cats are euthanized every year. But we can do something about it! Poncho and I say, “Resolve to solve.” Take the necessary steps to ensure you’re being a responsible dog parent — or dog-loving friend — by being inquisitive, planning ahead and taking care of your dog’s physical, mental and emotional needs. This way, dogs get to stay in loving homes and out of shelters.

Happy New Year!

On behalf of Poncho, myself and the Inquisitive Canine team, we wish you and your family a joyous and pawsitively reinforcing 2012. Your readership is always cherished and appreciated, and we thank you for continuing to be with us as we venture into the new year. And hey, we’re big fans of holiday photos — we invite you to join our Facebook community so you can share photos and all things dogs with us!

— Dear Inquisitive Canine is written by Joan Mayer and her trusty sidekick, Poncho. Joan is a certified professional dog trainer and human-canine relationship coach. Poncho is a 10-pound mutt that knows a lot about canine and human behavior. Their column is known for its simple common-sense approach to dog training and behavior, as well as its entertaining insight into implementing proven techniques that reward both owner and dog. Joan is also the founder of The Inquisitive Canine, where her love-of-dog training approach highlights the importance of understanding canine behavior. If you or your dog have questions about behavior, training or life with each other, e-mail them directly.

5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – Wow! Welcome to 2012! As an inquisitive canine who knows a lot about human behavior, I’ve learned that many of you bi-pedals start the new year with a list of self-improvement goals for the next twelve months. I thought it would be the perfect time to jump on this little bandwagon, explore a few of the more common commitments found on these resolution lists, and apply them to life with a dog.

Here are my special tenet’s to honor the new year:

• Get Fit: Looking for ways to stay in shape or lose a little holiday weight? What about your dog’s weight? Is he or she more on the curvy side? How about their endurance? If either or both are an issue, or if you just want to maintain your current condition, the new year is an ideal time to start fresh, don some new athletic shoes and begin an exercise program. You will find no better or more enthusiastic training partner than your dog. Walking, jogging, running, hiking, playing hide ‘n’ seek, attending a dog training class or joining a canine sport group, such as agility or Flyball, are all known to boost physical and mental health – for humans and canines alike!

• Learn Something New: Think your dog is only able to absorb information when they’re a puppy? Newsflash, folks! You can teach an old dog new tricks! Yep – whether we’re old, young, big, small, male, or female, we are all eager to learn–and, we enjoy it! We’ll never argue about going to school, either! Dogs enjoy sharpening their skills, as well as learning new ones. Nowadays there are more options than ever for dog training classes and workshops. Once you’re done reading through your daily Edhat, head over to your Google search field and check to see what’s in your neighborhood or online in the virtual classroom.

• Enjoy Life More: Has life become too mundane? Are you walking your dog at the same time every day, or not at all? It’s easy for most folks to get into a rut or to avoid the last item on the checklist. How about changing it up this year? Spending more quality time with your dog can be a great way to break away from a daily routine that’s become just that – too routine. Something as simple as walking in a new place or even walking the same route in the opposite direction can make things more interesting. How about making arrangements to walk with a friend or neighbor? Variety is the spice of life for us dogs too!

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 your dog a favorite story, talk about your day (dogs are perfect to vent to; we are very non-judgmental), meditate or do yoga together (I’m quite skilled at downward dog). What a great way to clear the mind and spirit!

• Get Organized: Is the toy box spilling over? Are 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, disgusting ones, and donate the unused ones to local shelters or give them to friends’ dogs. 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 want any of these items. Many rescue organizations have websites that list items they want and need.

• Help Others: There are more than likely plenty of volunteer opportunities right in your community. Besides donating unused items to local shelters and rescues, you might want to consider doing something with your dog that allows them 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 think about joining 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 places such as schools and nursing homes are fulfilling to both humans and non-humans alike. I myself enjoy visiting people of all ages. If you prefer to head out on your own, check with the local shelters to see what volunteer programs they offer. When I was living in my shelter, I enjoyed playing, walking and spending time with anyone who came by. I wasn’t picky about who gave me belly rubs – I just know I liked and appreciated their care and attention!

Paws and Reflect

My objective is to set you and your dog up for a successful new year! Remember to stop and smell the roses, trees and shrubs now and again, and to think about your best friend and how they can assist you in fulfilling your own life goals. On behalf of myself, my mom, and the Inquisitive Canine, we wish you and your family a very happy, rewarding and dynamic 2012!

Poncho Mayer is a 10-pound inquisitive canine who knows a lot about human and canine behavior. He and his mom work together running the family business providing dog training services to other inquisitive canines and their humans. For additional training and behavior tips subscribe to their blog.

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Dear Poncho,

Several years ago, I brought a new puppy into the family “to keep my older dog company.” That backfired because they fought constantly. The older one passed away a few years ago, but now I’d love to add another dog to my family.

What is the best way to introduce a new dog into a family with another dog while avoiding what happened the last time?

KG

Dear KG,

Geez, I hate when setting up a mutt-match backfires. As you’ve learned, arranging relationships between two or more dogs living in the same home takes more than just pointing to the cutest nearby pooch or making the decision based on who you think your dog would like.

Speaking as an inquisitive canine who currently resides in a single-dog household, allow me to point out a few tips I’d want my folks to use if I ever decide I want a sibling. (Yep, that’s right, I said “I.”)

Here are the four tenets of my Mutt Model:

Know Your Animal(s)!

In this case, know the likes and dislikes of both your own dog and any potential dog you wish to bring into your home. Some dogs are total social butterflies, loving each and every dog they meet. Then there are those who prefer to hang out with pooches of a specific breed or appearance, gender, age, and/or personality (a.k.a. temperament). And finally, there are those like myself, who enjoy being the one and only fur child in the house. Although, I am drawn to beagles, so if the opportunity ever presented itself …

Anyway, if your dog is more the type who wants to meet and play with all other dogs, then you’ll find it a bit easier to play matchmaker — as long as the potential sibling feels the same way. If your dog is more the loner type, then unless you want to take the training steps to create the pawfect relationship, you might want your current situation to stay as is, knowing you can continue to keep the door open, auditioning potential pals until you happen upon a best bud for your other best bud.

Now, if your dog falls somewhere in the middle, enjoying the company of another dog who fits into his or her ideal picture, then it’s best to watch and learn: Keep an eye on your dog’s body language and how he or she communicates toward dogs who float their boat — or, in this case, raise their paws. That’s one way he or she will let you know if it’s a match made in heaven (as opposed to that other place).

Whaddya Want?

What’s your goal for bringing in another dog? Because you want more? You feel guilty about leaving your dog alone? Or because you think your dog is lonely and needs a friend? Self-imposed guilt is not a reason for getting another dog. Also, hiring one non-human animal to babysit another non-human animal is not always the smartest plan — as you quickly learned the first time. Doggy daycare, pet-sitters, dog walkers and arranging play-dates with other dog friends or human friends are reasonable options for creating a more fulfilling, and less isolated, life for your dog.

If your main reason for wanting another dog is because you need an extra fix, how about volunteering at a local shelter? You can get your fill of dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds — including us mutts. This way, you can meet your wants, while at the same time not having to deal with the extra responsibilities and expenses. It’s also a great way to meet and greet lots of other dogs (or cats or bunnies), keeping your eyes open for a potential mate.

Set the Scene — and Reward, Reward, Reward

So let’s say you decide to adopt another dog. What’s a great approach to help make this relationship work? I suggest the following:

• Creating scenarios in which both dogs are enjoying themselves, each other’s company and the overall situation. This is especially true for the initial meeting — first impressions are key!

• Allow the dogs to set the pace at which they want to go, making sure they’re able to communicate in their normal doggy language while still having fun together!

• Let them know they’re on the right track by telling them. Reward them with all things us doggies love, such as being pet, yummy treats and hearing,  “Good dog!” I do believe many dates you humans go on involve consuming beverages and/or meals together? Well, you can create a similar situation with dogs, as I can assure you, most all of us love a good pawty too!

Know Yourself

What exactly are you and other members of your family willing to do in order to start the relationship out on the right paw, and keep it going strong? Besides the initial meeting steps, you’ll want to maintain a happy home while also preventing disasters from happening. You can do this by:

• Encouraging, recognizing and rewarding both dogs for any and all behaviors you want, such as showing interest in one another and interacting nicely

• Allowing them to set the pace for how quickly they want the relationship to progress, establishing their own canine boundaries

• Supervising interactions for at least a few weeks before leaving them on their own

• Maintaining your resident dog’s regular routine as much as possible, since change of any kind can be stressful

• Providing individual attention for both dogs — after all, everyone enjoys being mama’s boy or daddy’s girl now and again

Paws and Reflect

Before you go and fetch yourself another dog, first determine your reasons for wanting one, then decide if it’s the best choice for all involved (including the dogs and the humans). Then, figure out what you’re going to want from your dogs, and what steps you’re willing to take to help establish a meaningful and loving bond between the two of them.

Finally, keep in mind that when it comes to creating a relationship, it’s important to allow those involved to have at least some, if not all, of the say. Oftentimes, the one animal who’ll be spending the most time with the new resident should have the last word…or in this case, woof.
______

Poncho Mayer is a 10-pound inquisitive canine who knows a lot about human and canine behavior. He and his mom work together running the family business, providing dog training services to other inquisitive canines and their humans. For additional training and behavior tips, subscribe to their blog.

Let’s connect!
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Got a question about behavior, training or daily pup life? Email Poncho directly.

If you or someone you know intends on spending the pawliday season giving or receiving the gift of a puppy or adult dog, then yippee and woohoo! As a dog mom, I know how meaningful the human-animal bond is. I’m truly thankful each and day for the relationship my sidekick (Poncho) and I have.

Speaking as a certified professional dog trainer, I can attest that being proactive and planning ahead before bringing a new puppy or adult dog (or any pet, for that matter) into your home, can help ease the transition and reduce stress — for everyone, including the dog. So for those who are in pet-parent-to-be mode, we’re here to assist you in making the transition a little easier by providing a few simple tips to help start you out on the right paw.

Planning to Succeed Leads to Success

Health and Wellness:  Similar to human health practices, prevention is key! So we encourage you to schedule a wellness exam for your dog, to be sure he or she has been evaluated, and is receiving all they need to maintain good health. This goes double if you have zero health history about your dog. If you feel your dog doesn’t need a full exam, ask if you can bring your dog in just to say hi, meet the staff and get a treat. This will leave a nice impression the next time your dog has an appointment (FYI, this goes for any dog, not just newbies).

The Right Resources: If you’re in the market for a groomer, dog training services, dog walker, petsitter or daycare facility, you’ll want to start investigating for names and places sooner than later.

For day-to-day needs, look to local pet supply stores, garage sales, thrift stores, friends cleaning out their garages (checking expiration dates on products) and, of course, the Internet. When hiring someone who provides such services, an Internet search, along with word of mouth from friends and neighbors, is a great way to begin your hunt. As for those you’d hire, we feel interviewing two or three is a sensible approach. If possible, have your dog meet each provider as well, since your dog is the one who’ll be spending the most time with the person.

Start with the Basics. There are thousands of pet products on the market nowadays. For sure you’ll need a collar with ID, as well as food, water bowl and leash. Depending where you live, a license might be required as well. Check with your county animal services department. Microchips are optional, but quite handy; ask your vet for information regarding the insertion of a chip. If your dog came with a chip, the facility or person you got your dog from should be able to provide you with what you’ll need in order to update the contact information.

When it comes to toys, beds, treats, and games you can play with your dog, we suggest you test out a few you think your dog might like, at least until you get to know his or her preferences. Then you can go nuts and start spoiling them silly. (Guilty!)

Social Director Extraordinaire: Depending upon the age, breed, temperament, and likes and dislikes of your dog, you’ll want to plan activities that enrich your dog’s life — both physically and mentally. The following is a list of things you can do with your dog (most all are budget-friendly):

• Neighborhood walks for fun and to show your dog his or her new neighborhood. Until your dog learns to stay with you and has a good recall, staying on leash is highly recommended. (Plus, it might be the law). Bring along treats to reward behaviors you like, and when introducing your dog to new people and other dogs.

• Field trips to places you frequent. Many dogs love car rides and running errands. Make sure your dog is kept safe while going for rides. Seat belts and car seats are easy to find, inexpensive and help protect your dog from injury.

• Meet-and-greets with friends and neighbors. Allow your dog to set the pace as to how quickly he or she wants to socialize. It might be overwhelming with all the new changes, so be patient.

• Dog training classes. No matter your dog’s age or skill level, classes with emphasis on manners or sports are enjoyable activities for having fun, learning new skills and enhancing your bond.

• Yard play. Playing games in your own home and yard — fetch, tug, hide ‘n’ seek, scavenger hunts or just chillin’ with each other and giving belly rubs — is quality time and enjoyable for everyone, and often the best part of the day.

Huddle Up: No matter how many people will be caring for your dog, delegate responsibilities and how they’ll fit into your current schedule.  Feeding, walking and exercise, potty outings, clean-up, vet appointments, grooming and training are just a few general responsibilities that make up your dog’s daily agenda. Make sure everyone knows the routine, his or her list of duties and that maintaining consistency is essential to your dog adapting and learning what you want.

Environmental Management: No matter the age of your new dog, he or she will need to learn about, and settle in to, your environment. Puppies will require additional guidance on house-training, which includes rewarding desired behavior, tighter management and observation. Older dogs still need to be taught where the bathroom is, and get rewarded for using it. For a step-by-step plan on how you can house-train your dog, check out our free eBook.

Puppy- and dog -proofing your home will also set your dog up for making better choices. Take the time to section off off-limits areas,  safely putting away those things you don’t want your dog to get to (lead your dog not into temptation, and not into danger). As you learn more about each other, you can slowly increase your dog’s boundaries, allowing more freedom.

Sleeping arrangements: You’ll need to decide where your dog is and isn’t allowed to sleep. Will your dog slumber in his or her own bed? Crate? Your bed? Floor? Couch? There’s no right or wrong answer. Just make sure you’ve approved it, it’s safe and you’re able to monitor your pooch — at least initially, until you know his or her sleeping patterns.

Pet siblings: If this is a second dog or second pet, you’ll need to take the necessary steps to introduce your new dog to the seasoned residents. Allow each of them to set the pace on how fast they want to establish a relationship. Keep the vibe positive and easygoing, while at the same time safe. Read more tips on introducing a new dog to a resident dog.

Tracking down resources, gathering supplies, delegating responsibilities and establishing a dog-friendly environment are key components in setting you and your new canine companion up for success. We encourage new pooch parents to begin developing a plan of action to help your dog feel welcomed!. By doing this, you’ll make the adjustment easy on everyone, which leaves more time for fun and games (and belly rubs).

Happy Pawlidays
On behalf of Poncho, myself and The Inquisitive Canine, we wish you and your family a joyous and pawsitively reinforcing holiday season. Your readership is the ultimate gift, and we thank you for being part of our family. (Want to see the official Mayer Family holiday photo? Check out our Inquisitive Canine Facebook page where we’ll be unveiling it mid-December).

Dear Inquisitive Canine is written by Joan Mayer and her trusty sidekick, Poncho. Joan is a certified professional dog trainer and human-canine relationship coach. Poncho is a 10-pound mutt that knows a lot about human and canine behavior. Their column is known for its simple, common-sense approach to dog training and behavior, as well as its entertaining insight into implementing proven techniques that reward both owner and dog.

Joan is also the founder of the Inquisitive Canine, and developer of the Out of the Box Dog Training Game, which highlights her love-of-dog training approach and the importance of understanding canine behavior. If you or your dog has questions about behavior, training or life with each other, please email them directly.