Connection vs. Correction

When I first started offering private lessons over a decade ago I thought that success as a trainer was gaining results as quickly as possible. I worried about the owner's emotional state (a happy owner refers others) and less about the dog's emotions. After all an owner who has spent money to solve a problem that still persists isn't satisfied, and you know the old saying "a happy client tells 3 people, an unhappy client tells 30." If I could solve the problem the dog would remain in the home, tell others how good the training was because I "fixed" their dog, and everyone wins, right? 

Well in those early years I quickly realized that every dog has an emotional side that drives behavior. And all too often the dog's emotional state was at least, in part, an underlying cause of some of those more common complaints from owners. If I failed to take the dog's view of what was happening into consideration the dog was still "losing," even if the owner was satisfied. I changed the way I work with each dog, dropped a professional membership that seemed to conflict with the way I wanted to train, and set out to begin educating owners about their responsibility of looking at situations from the dog's point of view first. This philosophy is not for everyone and yes, I'm sure it has cost me some business, but it is the way I want to train. 

So often we work with owners who can Identity behaviors from their dog that they would like to change, and yet they haven't thought about the miriad of things that could be driving the behavior. They haven't thought about what they would like the dog to do instead. They don't give the slightest thought about the dog's emotional state or well being. All they know is that they want the behavior to stop as quickly as possible. Words such as "correct," "punish," and "bad" are almost always a part of the owner's dialogue. 

I now always ask owners to try to understand that a dog doesn't magically know what we want from them. Every behavior serves a purpose from the dog's perspective, and it is a human definition when the dog is "bad."  Many owner defined "bad" behaviors are often quite normal to the dog.  When we understand the dog's view of our world we begin to become "connected" to him. If we are "connected" to the dog we can often change the behavior quite easily and it may not require a "correction!" The brilliant trainer Suzanne Clothier uses the phrase "how is this for you?" when working with any species. It is this phrase that embodies the importance of connection! 

Let's look at some specific examples of connection vs. correction:

"Bad " behavior at the front door? When connected we look to the dog for signs of anxiety, stress, fear, or simply excitement. Knowing what the dog is feeling helps determine how to best change the behavior. Should we move him away from the door, and place him in another room with a chew toy before guests arrive to help him be more comfortable? Some forms of punishment designed to "correct" barking and jumping when guests arrive can exacerbate fear based behaviors, making a dog's behavior at the door worse instead of better. Dog's who suffer physical punishment at or near the door, or repeatedly in the presence of unfamiliar people entering, often resort to biting if given the chance. Dog's who are helped to " feel better" about guests often learn to relax. Dogs who are simply over exuberant greeters can learn that jumping means they don't get to greet if we ignore them, walk away from them, or move them away from guests using gentle guidance from the leash. 

Pulling on leash! When connected we learn what the dog finds interesting, worthy of exploring, and important in the environment, as well as anything that makes them nervous, scared, or intimidated. Interesting places, smells, and people can be used as rewards for good decisions on the dog's part. What's a good decision? Sitting quietly, paying attention to the owner, and above all else, not pulling towards it! Any combination of these can result in the dog being allowed to sniff, eliminate, investigate, or "say hi!" Repeated leash pops, designed to "correct" pulling, are simply nagging as most dog's don't learn what it is we really want. Intimidation through collar corrections in the presence of something scary, or making a young dog move closer toward something it is frightened of, may serve to ingrain that fear forever.

Barking! This is the behavior most owners want to "correct" quickly, yet all barking does not mean the same thing! A bark is a communication attempt, plain and simple. What the dog is saying dictates how we change it. You cannot change it if you don't know what it means! Being connected affords you the opportunity to learn if the bark represents "Go away! You frighten me!" "Hey mom, play with me," or "I'm so lonely!" "Correct" two of these and you've now got bigger problems! Connect and you make changes that make you and your dog happier! 

I choose to connect to both my clients and their dogs. I approach every class or private lesson knowing that they both have individual needs. I try not to "correct" my clients, preferring instead to empathize with them, "connecting" to their view as well. I see better training outcomes from those owners willing to connect instead of just correct! And the relationship improves, which truly is a win for everyone! 

Please Be Dog Smart!

Ten years ago, this month, Two Paws Up Dog Training was born. The focus of the business has always been to educate owners as we change their dog's behavior, creating a positive relationship for both dog and owner. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our clients for their referrals, as we continue to grow every month. We do not advertise so your personal recommendations are a testament that our mission is working! 

We always try to use a positive approach to change behaviors first. We are always an advocate for the dog. We also realize that in some cases owners can't have a physical fence, may need a stronger tool to help with control, or may have physical limitations. These situations can be challenging for everyone.

Recent events in the Lake Forest and Lake Bluff communities unfortunately highlight that we have so much more to do to educate dog owners. Based on personal observations, and our clients own challenges, we would like to share a few thoughts with our readers:

1) Not all dogs want to interact with unfamiliar dogs. Your dog may get along beautifully with other dogs but that doesn't mean all other dogs are like yours! Some dogs missed out on early socialization, which means that their social skills are not as good as your dog. Others may have had a bad experience with another dog, and would rather your dog just keep his distance. Every time your dog approaches one of these dogs it creates a "fight or flight" response. Dogs on leash often don't feel that flight is available so fight becomes their only option. These dogs aren't bad, just need their own space! These dogs don't care if your dog "just wants to say HI!" Ask first and teach your dog not to pull towards other dogs!

2) An underground containment system (electric fence) is not an excuse to leave your dog outside unattended for hours. Dogs are social in nature and when left by themselves often become destructive to pass the time. Digging and chewing are normal canine behaviors so if you leave your pooch outside unattended don't be mad when he becomes a landscaper.

3) Speaking of electric fences did you know that they often have unintended consequences? Barrier frustration, where the dog can see others but not get to them, leads to perimeter barking and, in many cases, aggression. One or two pairings of a stimuli (person or dog for example) with pain or fear can be a very powerful lesson learned. From the dog's perception the person or dog they see becomes the reason they get beeped (aversive to many dogs) or shocked (a pain response ensues.) If your dog constantly barks at other dogs when outside alone be responsible and keep him indoors during peak periods of activity in your neighborhood.

4) Retractable leashes should be banned! Seriously folks throw these away! Most owners have no control over their dog when it's 3 or 4 feet ahead of them on a regular leash, let alone at 10-15 feet! If your dog on a retractable leash walks into another dog's yard and gets bitten by the dog defending its own space, SHAME ON YOU! We also recently witnessed a dog on a retractable leash run into traffic and was killed before his owner could react! 

5) And why are dogs being walked on a retractable leash AND a prong collar? One teaches the dog to pull by having constant tension on the neck, and the other is presumably because the dog pulls and the owner felt,at some point, there was a need to correct it! You either teach a dog not to pull or let them do what they want! How confusing is this for the dog? 

6) Dogs should be restrained in cars, period! Dogs in front seats are dead if the airbag is deployed. A dog loose in the car creates a distraction hazard for the driver and will be thrown from the car in an accident. Dogs left to hang out the windows are at risk for eye injuries, falls, or worse yet, leaping out the window. Yes, this just happened in Lake Forest! The dog either jumped or was tossed out the car and struck by the car behind the one he was riding in, killing it instantly! Dogs tethered near the open window can be dragged outside or hung, sometimes inside the vehicle, often while the driver is unaware of what has happened.Don't even get us started on dogs in the back of pick up trucks! Crates are safest but any thoughtful restraint is better than none! 

7) Your dog doesn't magically know what your expectations are, especially when you parade them around for hours in public. Yes, this means that unless your dog has had a lot of short trips to town that were positive, AND you've slowly increased the time he's been there, AND you've created a positive association with noises, people, and other animals, he shouldn't attend fairs, parades, and festivals. Do you know the most common signs of stress in your dog? Have you paid attention to your dog, watched for the signs of stress, and returned your dog to the safety of his home when they first begin to appear? This is the hardest thing for us to watch as trainers! Owners who, for some reason, thought it would be a great idea to include their dog, but are then completely oblivious to how the dog is feeling. Owners who let their dog wander up to another dog uninvited, and then get offended when the dog is met with a growl, snarl, or snap. The FAMILY DOG is a living, breathing member of the family. Would they put their children in the same situations? 

Being Dog Smart means that you pay attention to what your dog needs, as well as the needs of other dogs you encounter. It means you are open to new ideas, you want to have a cooperative relationship with your dog, and you believe he has needs as well. Dog Smart owners are aware of their  responsibility to keep their dog happy and healthy! Our job is to help more people become dog smart ! It's easy! It can be fun! And it's beneficial to our communities! Spread the word and remember, we are here to help make Lake Forest and Lake Bluff dog friendly and Dog Smart!

Parenting Today's "Children"

We live in a world that is progressive and tries to be politically correct. Children today are involved in more activities, clubs, and sports than ever before. Parents are often pulled in multiple directions as they try to get everyone where they need to be. Family dinners are virtually a thing of the past. We live in a world where we believe "more is better." 

Parenting today is more difficult than ever. Divorce, long work hours, and social commitments all pull parents away from the relationship with their children. And yet, in our politically correct, progressive society we are no longer pet owners, we are "pet parents." We no longer live with a dog or cat, they are our "fur children."

I refer to my dogs as my "kids" and, just as I did with my two human children, I take their education seriously. It is my responsibility to make sure that they behave when in public, that they are not a nuisance to my neighbors, and that they get along with others. These are the same goals I had when parenting my human children.

My human children went to preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle school, high school and finally, college. If we are going to have " fur kids" it is our responsibility to make sure that they are as educated and well behaved as our two legged kids. As "pet parents" we should enroll our puppies in a puppy class so that they can attend preschool and kindergarten. Their elementary education should include a manners class, beginner obedience class, or similar curriculum, where they learn how to behave around people and other "kids." Higher education is also available! 

I see so many clients struggling to balance their lives with their dog's basic needs and education. Comments such as "I just don't have the time" or "I didn't know it was going to be this much work" are heard weekly. The similarities between poorly behaved children and out of control dogs cannot be ignored. What is a "pet parent" to do?

Set clear rules and make sure everyone understands why they are important. Be ready to a help your dog learn what you want and expect from him, through a system of rewards, instead of trying to punish him for what he doesn't understand, or worse yet, has never learned! Know what "normal" behavior is for your dog's breed and age, and make sure that he has aerobic and mental exercise that meets his needs, not yours. 

Sound impossible? Welcome to "pet parenting!" You are responsible for your "kid's" behavior. Need help? That's where we come in. As teachers we can help you set realistic expectations. Through private coaching lessons or day training we can tutor your fur child. And yes, their is even boarding school if you are going away. Together we can make a difference, one " fur kid" at a time.

Silence is Golden

It's no secret that I love to work with dogs. I enjoy watching them figure out problems, work to perform what they think I want, and I am continuously amazed at how they can adjust and adapt to their environment. Their human counterparts, better known as owners or pet parents, could learn a thing or two just by spending some time watching them.

Think about how little dogs "say" and yet they communicate among themselves quite clearly. They only use verbal communication, barking, when absolutely necessary. Even confrontations can be solved without verbal communication. A subtle lift of the lips, a change in ear position, or tensing of the muscles can clearly say "back off" without even so much as a sound!

When I work with a dog I always observe his body language first. I wait to see if he will offer me attention, often without making a sound to cue any particular behavior. When I teach a new behavior I rarely give a verbal cue, preferring to wait until I have the behavior first, then building an association between the new learned behavior and the human word. After all it is the human who needs to call the behavior something. A simple hand motion (signal) or body language cue and the dog understands what I want. 

My vocabulary when working with dogs is often quite limited. I use "yes" to mark behaviors I want, praise in a happy tone when I want to maintain attention especially when moving or teaching walking skills. I sometimes use an "oops" cue but more often than not I let my actions tell the dog he is wrong. My students are always amazed at how much focus I get from even an aroused or excited dog. Noted trainer and German shepherd breeder Suzanne Clothier calls this "connection." 

When we are connected we can learn from each other. When connected we move together. Dogs connected to their person ask for permission instead of pulling toward what they want. Owners connected to their dog recognize what the dog needs, and they know how their dog can earn it. They also know how to "pay" their dog, recognizing the behaviors that need a jackpot of rewards, and those that a simple smile or "yes" will suffice.

The disconnect often occurs when the human uses his mouth instead of his brain and body. Owners verbally ramble, repeat the dog's name or commands over and over, often raising their voice as if the dog was deaf. They keep walking forward as their dog pulls towards other dogs or people, instead of standing still, waiting for the dog to reconnect. They complain about their dog's behavior, or worse yet make excuses, instead of committing the time to train. Then they reach for punishment based tools and techniques out of frustration.

Try not talking to your Pug. Just stand there in the room with him. And wait. Be patient. Then reward him when he looks at you. Pet him, tell him what a good dog he is. Treat him, then stand quietly and wait for his response. You might be surprised at how connected you become. 

Silence is golden. Body language speaks volumes! Especially when you are a Pug!

The Journey!

I have an amazing little Pug, CH Brenich Sharp Dressed Man, known to everyone as Sharpie. I like to refer to him as my Border Collie in Pug clothing. He would do anything I ask him to do, and do it with energy and enthusiasm.

With Sharpie by my side I embarked on the journey into K9 Nose Work. He took to it immediately! What Pug wouldn't? He got to find food and eat! A perfect sport for Pugs! We attended a 2 day seminar in Iowa and we were both hooked. I knew I wanted to teach this activity but I needed Sharpie's help to achieve that goal. 

I received my certification earlier this year but it wasn't until today that I realized just how much Sharpie has learned and just how much our partnership has taught me. Through the last 2 years he has learned to recognize 3 individual odors. Sharpie has learned to search vehicles, interior rooms, exterior locations, and containers for these odors. He has learned to tell me when he has found the hidden odor, in anticipation of his food reward. He has won an element In a trial, the first Pug in the history of the sport to do so. He has yet to get his initial title. We've competed at two trials. I failed him the first time, as nerves got the better of me and I called the first search too early. We passed the remaining three elements. The second trial we almost didn't compete as he was recovering from an eye injury. But he got the okay from the vet and although he wasn't as jazzed up as usual in the morning, he passed the afternoon elements with flying colors, even winning the exterior search in less than 10 seconds! He has proven that a Pug can do anything the owner is willing to teach.

More importantly he has taught me how to trust my dog. He has taught me to pay attention to the smallest of details as he searches. Details such as breathing patterns, body movements, ear positions, and tail positions. He has taught me patience. He has taught me humility. He has taught me that it isn't whether you pass, it's about having fun together.

His search style has helped me to be a better instructor for my students. He's taught me to think about the "why" if a search isn't easy. His ability to find the edge of the scent cone, affectionately known as the "Sharpie circle" to everyone who knows him in the sport, has taught others to really learn to watch their dog, and to stop worrying if they go slightly outside the search area. Sharpie has taught me to get creative when faced with each new problem we encounter together. Our experiences together have helped me be a better instructor so my students can be better trainers.

All of my initial Nose Work students have now passed their initial odor recognition test. Two have passed the second odor as well. One is competing at the same level as Sharpie and I. I've made some wonderful new friends, fellow instructors who are enjoying their own journeys, and fellow competitors who are having fun seeing what their own dogs can do. 

I owe it all to an amazing Pug who gives me 100% every time! Sharpie, thanks for letting me take this ride with you. You never cease to amaze me. We will enter another trial soon. And I promise to try not blow it again! Be patient with me. I am a human after all!

Unintended Consequences

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I have historically resisted going to the dentist. Fortunately for me I found a dentist that doesn't terrify me as much, so I've been pretty good about seeing him routinely for cleanings. I've had a tooth that for the last several years I've been told, at every visit, needs a crown. For a variety of reasons, excuses really, I've put that procedure off. What does that have to do with dog training? Well as many of you know I had a dental emergency last week. The Unintended consequences for the decision to put off the crown procedure were a fractured molar, bone infection, pain, swelling, surgery, and a bone graft. And yet to come, an implant.

Every training decision we make can have Unintended consequences as well. More often than not, the consequence is not a positive one. Many owners, in their efforts to "correct" one perceived bad behavior, are left with other behaviors that may be more harmful to the dog, the relationship, or innocent bystanders.

Here are some common scenarios we see every week in training:

Electronic stimulation collars: Why these are available in big box retailers, hardware stores, and elsewhere is beyond me. Most owners want to use them for one of two reasons - aggression/reactivity toward other dogs or failing to come when called. These collars deliver a pain stimulus at varying levels and durations when the owner pushes a button. The Unintended consequence?

Dog barks/lunges at other dog -ZAP! His perception is that the other dog now causes pain too! He is quite likely to be more reactive or react quicker the next time. What happens if the owner's timing is a little off and the instant the dog notices a child near the scary dog -ZAP! You guessed it! The dog now begins to fear children as well. 

Dog fails to come when called -ZAP! The dog doesn't know at that moment he is being corrected for not coming, especially when he's too busy chasing something. He either becomes desensitized to the pain, or worse yet, keeps running because the pain doesn't make sense! What if the owner's timing is off on that button? "FIDO COME!" Is repeated just a couple times, he is just turning after making the decision to head back to the owner -ZAP! Now coming when called is painful. Forget it now!

Underground containment systems: this is the biggest source of frustration for owners, and something I get called about on a weekly basis. The dog learns to stay within the boundaries or risk pain crossing through the barrier. While I will agree a dog safely in the yard is better than one risking being hit by a car, there are some Unintended consequences I see over and over-

Uncontrolled barking - territorial aggression, frustration at being unable to visit beyond the barrier, but still being able to see the entire neighborhood's activities, and boredom all lead to barking. Once a dog is barking in this situation is is very difficult to change unless the owner is willing to change how the dog is managed outside.

Aggression toward unfamiliar dogs - friendly breeds such as Golden Retriever and Labradors just want to play. Those that choose to test the fence, and receive several painful "lessons" , or break through the fence, now begin to associate the sight of unfamiliar dogs with pain. Pain is a powerful motivator. This quickly develops into full blown aggression for some dogs.

Destructive behaviors - owners often leave their dogs outside unattended to "have fun" and "play", or for exercise by themselves. Well guess what dogs do to amuse themselves? They dig up flower beds, they chew on siding or landscaping, and they run and bark at others in the neighborhood.

Physical punishment techniques for biting, etc: old school training techniques based on force and intimidation have sometimes devastating consequences. "Alpha rolls", "scruffing", or muzzle grabs can all cause fear based aggression toward owners or people in general. When a dog chooses to defend itself from these techniques, and a bite occurs, who gets the blame? Would you not defend yourself if someone you knew repeatedly grabbed you, pinned you down, or pinched you? We call this domestic abuse when it involves two humans.

"Walking" a puppy before he learns what impulse control is: all puppies need exercise and without it, there are other Unintended consequences such as destructive chewing. But allowing a puppy to pull its owner everywhere it wants to investigate, pull to greet people and other dogs, and jump up to say hello, leads to an adult dog with the same habits. He learns these behaviors work and then suddenly, one random day in the dog's life, suddenly these behaviors are not okay. Now, without rhyme or reason for many dogs, they might even be painful (I.e. Owner uses pinch/shock collar).

The message: train, don't complain. If you feel you have to change a behavior beware of the Unintended consequences you might end up with. Your goal should be to change the behavior in a humane way that makes sense to your dog. Otherwise it might be a more painful, more expensive consequence just like my tooth!

Blueprint for Success

As a breeder and dog owner I face the same challenges as my students when it comes to having well behaved dogs. I admit that sometimes my dogs fall into the "shoemaker's children" category, since my time is split between managing my multi-dog household, running the training business, and managing a veterinary clinic.

I began to think about why my dogs, with admittedly limited to no classroom training time, always behave well in public, whether at a dog show, a client's house as a distraction dog, or in public for demonstrations. You might argue that since I am a professional dog trainer my dogs have an unfair advantage. That might be true but my dogs get less one on one training than the majority of my students. Many never attend a class, and my dogs have to work well individually, as well as together as a group, in all sorts of locations and situations.

I realized that although dedicated training time is very limited in my dogs' world I make the most of each training opportunity. Here is my blueprint for success:

* You can't be in "correction" mode and expect your dog to be well behaved. 

       Punishment won't teach your dog what you expect from him and it certainly isn't pleasant. Do we continually punish children for their behavior in public? 

* Teach your dog what you need from him, don't expect him to "know" what you want.

       Just because he can sit at home when you show him a treat doesn't mean he can sit at the farmers market when the distractions are great, you aren't bribing him, and he isn't directly in front of you.

* Be patient. You didn't learn everything you need to succeed in a few short months. 

       Why do we think our dogs should become great citizens in 6 months or a year, with little to no schooling? Learning new skills takes time. Additional time is needed for your dog to perfect these skills and then rehearse them in the situations you will gradually expose him to. If you can't be patient don't blame your dog! If you don't train don't blame your dog.

* Pay attention to what your dog is telling you.

        Our definition of "bad behavior" may actually be your dog's way of trying to say he is anxious, scared, or unsure of what is happening in the world around him. Punishment only makes your dog more anxious. Watch for signs of stress such as lip licking, cowering, whining, panting, and "wide eyes." Is your dog trying to leave? These are all signs of stress, not bad behavior! Get him out of that situation as soon as possible instead of getting frustrated. 

* Reward what you want, even if its a tiny piece of the end goal.

        Positive reinforcement goes a long way! It builds the relationship between the two of you, teaches him what you want, and allows you to feel good about the goals you achieve. 

* Accept your dog's behavior as your responsibility.

        You accepted this bundle of energy into your life. He didn't ask to be in yours! You owe it to him to spend whatever time is necessary to help him learn what you expect, not punish him for what he doesn't understand.

* Train, don't complain! Frustration should be your motivation to effect a positive change.