Games: Red Light / Green Light

Games can be fun for your kids to play with the dog.   But they can also be great educational life skills for you dog.   Red Light / Green Light is one that will help teach your dog a bit of impulse control by allowing him to get all excited and playful and then stop instantly when told. 

It's easy and it's fun for everyone to play.  

Your dog will need to know the basic skills Sit, Down, and Come before you play the game.  They should also be familiar with Okay! as a release cue.   So if necessary, teach those skills first.   Remember:  all learning is good for your dog so take the time necessary to build the foundation.

Play in large enclosed (fenced) area that is safe from hazzards that your kids or dogs might fall  over or get the dog's leash caught on.  The leash will be used initially to help teach your dog the game.

Engage your dog in a fun game of chase or with a toy tug.

Once the dog is engaged and excited, stop suddenly and issue a command like "Sit"

• If they sit, quickly say Okay! start playing again with the toy or the game of chase
• If they don't sit on command, use your leash to prevent the escape and them help them sit

 Play for several intervals and take a break.

Over the course of the next few days play the game and increase the time the dog has to hold his command before you release and play again.

Play with enthusiasm, but become calm and still when you ask the dog to sit for the first few days.   Then up the ante by getting excited or showing the toy again before you release him to play with you.

Dogs love fun and challenges!  You do too -- right?  Get out and play with the dog.

Once he knows the game, you can apply this quick issue of a command in moments when your dog may be getting to excited in the house, when the kids friends come over, or something unusual distracts him.  






Dana Brigman
The K9 Coach
Dog Training - Matthews, NC
980-339-8064
www.thek9-coach.com
info@thek9-coach.com

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The K9 Coach is a Professional Certified Dog Trainer Serving Charlotte, NC, Matthews, NC and surrounding areas.


Ask us about a photo shoot with your dog !   Weenie Dog Photography   All K9 Coach clients are eligible for a discount! 

My mission is a better life for dogs as members of a forever family.

My goal is create training solutions for the home owner, to rehabilitate dogs from shelters and rescues, and to prevent dogs from dying alone as strays or owner surrenders in shelters due to unnecessary aggression or behavioral issues.

Begin all training with a consultation with a professional trainer to be sure you're solving the right problem. Misdiagnosis can make the matters worse. Be sure that there are no medical issues at play and that your dog is not in pain, as pain can be a contributor to a new display of aggression. If you have any fear or uncertainty -- do not attempt the techniques without professional supervision.

New Dog Introductions

New Dog Introductions

There is absolutely NO REASON to rush dog to dog introductions or integration into your home.  You have nothing but time to get it right.   When it get it wrong, it's even more difficult to over come.   

Take your time.

_____________________________________________

A dog just pulled from the shelter or dropped off by their owner is in a state of confusion.   Even without visible behaviors, they are very likely to be highly stressed.  They may be fearful.  Every dog has the potential to be reactive.   They may not trust you fully – assume that they don’t.   

It’s important to keep some basic training thoughts in mind when you bring in a new dog to your home.  Rescue dogs are not perfect – they are being re-homed because they have issues of some sort.  In some cases it's simply a lack of basic training.   Assume they have had no leadership.  If they had -- chances are they wouldn't be with you today.

Some dogs will be effortless to fit in your family, while others may be more of a challenge.  You are doing an in-home evaluation of the unknown.  Their behavior at the shelter may not be what you experience.   Their behavior day 1 may not be the same as some point in the future when the honeymoon is over.   

Your own dogs may also respond in ways you have not predicted depending on their level of training, the energy of your pack and the energy presented by the new dog, and how you respond to it all.   You must assume the role of leader.   Period.  

Foster programs not only provides love, shelter and medical care for a rescued Dane;  the foster will need to  provide some basic training, discipline and boundaries..  We may or may not know the truth of their previous background.   It’s up to you to manage introductions, start training, and above all keep everyone in your home safe.

We all want to love these rescues and give them a better life.  Spoiling them rotten or letting them get away with everything because they have never been loved will NOT help these dogs.    You will show your love for them more if you create boundaries and discipline along with lots of TLC as you prepare them for a new home.  

The things you do beginning Day 1, will create the foundation for success.  You have to create the bond of trust & authority (this is not about dominance).  If new issues begin to arise, the sooner you address them the better.  If you are uncertain about a behavior – please seek assistance.  

Be patient and realize training and evaluations take time & effort. Puppies can more quickly overcome poor manners, but an adult dog might actually take many months of training, reconditioning & positive reinforcement to master these skills, and much of the success will depend on you as the handler and the environment you create.  Every positive experience you create for them today, and every negative one you prevent helps set them up for success.

Now, get out the treats and start rewarding all the positive things you want to reinforce and keep him doing.  And correct the issues that are not acceptable.  

Some *Suggestions* from The K9 Coach Include:

Phase I -- at least 48 hours

• Transitions are hard on dogs.   Bringing a new dog into your home also be difficult on your own dog.    Have a quiet place for your new foster to rest and relax on their own.   Preferably this is a crate, x-pen or behind a baby gate.  You want them to be able to see you and your family/pack, but not to interact directly.

• Correct any negative responses from your foster or your pack.  A water bottle can work wonders.

• Feed them in their crate.

• Consider a relaxation cocktail:     Chamomile tea,  Rescue Remedy, Meletonin, and Lavender Oils for their bedding, collar, etc.  

• Interact with them only to provide food, water, and take for a walk to potty several times, and ideally a long walk to just be present with them.   His potty breaks outdoors should be without the other dogs.  

Phase II -- at least 48 hours

• Introduce them to your pack slowly one at a time and on neutral turf such as the front yard with everyone on leash. Don't just open the front door or the fence gate and let the go. This may take you a few days to manage introductions & have safe boundaries for everyone to sniff and smell before they greet directly.

• Watch for and learn the signals the dog is giving you -- and he will in most cases give you an indication of his stress, fear, or attitude. Knowing those signals can help you solve many problems before they escalate. And remember, not all indicators are bad. In fact, it's better to be warned, than not be warned at all and a fight or bite occurs.    What is their response to each other?   Play?  Cautious?   Fear?   Aggression?   These answers will dictate the steps you need to take moving forward and determine your pace.    Review Dog Body Language Signals Here

• Go for a long walk with just you and the foster.   It’s important that they learn to trust you and you learn to read them before a full integration in your pack. 

Phase III

• Begin to take time each day to do some basic training. 10 - 15 minutes a few times a day goes a long way.  Work with a leash and lots of treats on Sit, Come, Heel and Wait (for doors, food etc). Down is much harder and often stressful for the dog, so get the others mastered first even if it takes you several weeks to master them one at a time. A dog with trust issues or fear may be much harder to teach -- so go slower with these dogs.

• Consider some quiet time each day in their crate/x-pen, with time to come out and play/train with you. Play can be training too. Have time that your own dogs are out with you alone without the new foster/adoptee. Just take it slow and give everyone some time and attention to acclimate.

• Always be careful reaching for their collar as a correction, or to move them from the couch (which he shouldn't be on yet anyway). Consider a leash vs direct hand to collar corrections until you are confident in his behavior.  Remember – when he gives you the behavior you do want – give a small treat and lots praise.  Over time phase out the treats and emphasize the praise and physical touch!   Treats should be used only randomly over time. 

• It is as important to train children (and some adults) about respecting the dog, his personal space, his resources (toys & food), his size, etc as it is for you to train the dog about respecting the kids.   Visitors may not be as savvy as your own family, so never leave them unsupervised.   If necessary, put the Dane in his crate during play-dates.  Use This Document as a Teaching tool for your Kids  (Other documents are also in this location)

Phase IV

• When you do give them time out of the crate in the house,  supervise at all times.  Consider having them drag a leash behind them in case you need to correct them.

• Don't let them on the furniture right away. They may begin to guard it and you. Give them a nice cozy, safe place of their own.  If they are guarding you or the kids, from others – a sharp correction, and temporary removal from the presence of the person or thing he’s guarding is a good start.  Note:  Dogs who have a tendency to display aggression should NEVER be allowed on the furniture or bed. 

• Begin early teaching that food from the table or during meal preparation is not going to happen. It just reinforces counter surfing and begging. Send them to their "place" or crate during meal times. Once they are more trustworthy, begin setting boundaries to keep them out of the kitchen or dining room during meal time. This may also mean the kids can't eat on the coffee table, unless he's very well trained to stay in place while they eat.

• Avoid allowing resource guarding -- teach them to wait for their food, and do some hand-feeding. If you feel comfortable, see if you can remove the bowl and give them something of greater value while you do so. He's not going to understand if you just take his bowl mid-meal.   

• If he is showing any signs of food aggression –seek help if you are inexperienced in handling these issues.

• Work on the "leave it" command, by asking them to give up some toy or bone by giving them a much greater value treat or toy, then giving the object back. They need to learn that it's ok to give up something they like when you ask. It just might be your shoe or your kids favorite toy.    Training Guide for Leave It  

• Don't entertain guests or take them on outings (events, Petsmart, etc)  for the first 2-3 weeks. We know you want to show them off, but you need to bond, and gain some experience with the new pack member. When you do take them out or have people over -- do not leave them unsupervised. Manage their environment, the energy present, and the greetings by others (human and dogs, and especially kids). If any indications of fear are present, give him some space & distance from the greeter.  Teach your guests and your family to respect boundaries with the new dog.   

• When you finally do have guest overs – ask them to give your dog a treat or two.   Even if it’s to gently toss the treat in his direction.  Do this every time they come over (for a few months) – it teaches them visitors mean I get some yummy treats!  You may need to have him crated for the first few visits, sit quietly by the door, on a “place” in the living room away from the door, before they enter, etc.  

There are generally 3 transition phases in the home -- 3 days, 3 weeks and 3 months.    Keep your leadership level consistent at all times, but be alert to the time-frames and watch for possible changes in your dog.  If necessary go back to the basics and reclaim your role as leader. 

Dana Brigman
The K9 Coach
Dog Training - Matthews, NC
980-339-8064
www.thek9-coach.com
info@thek9-coach.com

Follow us On

Facebook,  Youtube, Twitter, Pinterest , Instagram  & Google+

The K9 Coach is a Professional Certified Dog Trainer Serving Charlotte, NC, Matthews, NC and surrounding areas.


My mission is a better life for dogs as members of a forever family.

My goal is to create dog training solutions for the home owner, to rehabilitate dogs from shelters and rescues, and to prevent dogs from dying alone as strays or owner surrenders in shelters due to unnecessary aggression or behavioral issues.


Seek professional dog training help if you have questions about behavior or dog training.  Your own dogs are going through transitions as well. so monitor their behavior and get help if needed. 

*NOTE*  Every scenario is different. You must evaluate your own experience level and understanding of the techniques before implementing them and you must evaluate the response you receive from the dog regarding your pace and your follow-up actions.  Seek professional training if necessary.

This is a suggested list of considerations.   It is NOT intended to be a substitute for professional dog training nor is it a guarantee of success in rehabilitating a dog or safely integrating them into your home. 

This document was developed for a Rescue Foster Program with Great Dane Friends.   It may not be reproduced or distributed in anyway other than sharing a link to this blog.   Other rescues are welcome to refer foster homes or new adopters to this document.  
  

Don't Coddle Fear or Anxiety

Our instincts as lovers of dogs, tell us to hold or pet our dogs to comfort them when they are scared or showing signs of anxiety.  Our hearts tell us to comfort them with gentle words and a pleasing voice.

It doesn't work.   

In fact is may have an adverse affect on the well-being of your dog.   How is that possible?   It helps kids, right?

Dogs don't rationalize in the same way people do.   They don't understand that you are verbally telling them not to be afraid.  But rather they associate your soothing behaviors as reinforcement for their state of mind and behavior.

The best thing you can do to help your dog through something fearful, is almost to do nothing.     I showed you recently in the BAT graphic from Grisha Stewart's book, to give distance when things are scary and that's fine to keep from them getting reactive.   But if your dog is just hiding behind your legs quietly while you talk to a stranger, don't even acknowledge your dog.  Let their noses and your body language and confidence do their magic. You might even occasionally change your stance or position near your dog.    Your dog will, in time, start to realize its not big deal.  

When I bring a new foster or training dog into my home, for the first day or two I barely interact with them.   I feed them, take them for a walk, and give them warm shelter of course, but I really don't pet them or talk to them otherwise.   They may stay far away from me for a few days or they may approach me for affection.    If it's a dog with a great fear of people, I always let them make the first move to see me out for attention.

I have brought in many fosters who were scared of everyone!  One dog I brought in, Sara, as you see in the picture, took nearly a week before she approached me on her own.   Even when I took her outside in my fenced yard, I had to have her on a long-line so that I could get her back in the house.  Otherwise, she ran from me.   She didn't pee, poop, or even drink water for about 3 days.   She was truly terrified.  She hid under tables at my house - but over time, she sit under the table at my feet.   

As we progressed, I put her on a shorter lead and went for walks.   I offered treats for approaching me.   Petting took several days.   And its a tearful moment when a dog like that allows you to pet them for the first time.  Even if only for a moment.

There are many techniques you can use with a stressful dog including massage-type therapies, holistic supplements and essential oils, or even music. 

Not all case are extreme as Sara or other fosters -- they may be afraid of Thunder, Fireworks or strangers, or even the most unlikely objects.   Whatever you do -- don't coddle the fear.   They will draw their confidence from your lack of response to the scary thing.

If you have a dog demonstrating anxiety or fear, please seek help so that you can help your dog recover.  They do not generally get better on their own.  These are issues you don't want them to live with or to intensify. 




Dana Brigman
The K9 Coach
Dog Training - Matthews, NC
980-339-8064
www.thek9-coach.com
info@thek9-coach.com

Follow us On

Facebook,  Youtube, Twitter, Pinterest , Instagram  & Google+

The K9 Coach is a Professional Certified Dog Trainer Serving Charlotte, NC, Matthews, NC and surrounding areas.

My mission is a better life for dogs as members of a forever family.

My goal is create training solutions for the home owner, to rehabilitate dogs from shelters and rescues, and to prevent dogs from dying alone as strays or owner surrenders in shelters due to unnecessary aggression or behavioral issues.

Begin training with a consult with a professional trainer to be sure you're solving the right problem. Misdiagnosis can make the matters worse. Be sure that there are no medical issues at play and that your dog is not in pain, as pain can be a contributor to a new display of aggression. If you have any fear or uncertainty -- do not attempt the techniques without professional supervision.

 
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Wilson Traning Blog -- Week 1

Wilson Traning Blog -- Week 1


October 20

It has been a great weather here today. The dogs enjoyed early morning play time and I tried to capture a few pictures. I'm really trying to get one of Vinnie doing the puppy play-bow.




Wilson and Vinnie played for quite a while until Wilson discovered Howie playing with a soft-toy and a stick. The tenacity of a dachshund says you are NOT going to take my toy from me-- so this investigation from Wilson led to a little altercation. The good news is Howie won. Howie laid himself over the toy to protect it and and Wilson laid on Howie. A lot of snarling was going on, but a firm verbal warning from me separated both of them. Wilson does a lot of vocalizing, but is really a big baby. That's really the good news about Wilson -- he's pretty submissive to the other dogs. He backs his butt up, does the play bow, and is easy warned by all my pack members.

Wilson started tonight having to sit and wait for his food delivery. It only took a few attempts before he realized he was not getting fed until his butt was firmly planted on the floor.





Vinnie plays keep away from Wilson, by standing on the toy!

• See you all Monday for Wilson's first "real" obedience lesson. Should be fun, and I think he's actually going to be pretty easy to train. Famous last words? We'll see.

October 19

• Wilson woke this morning feeling great. He was allowed to go out in the yard off-leash with the other dogs. He got a case of the zoomies and just had a grand time, even though he's not supposed to be overdoing it. Video: http://youtu.be/iQfASo9RYJM
• He and Vinnie have become buds today, though I did allow Vinnie to tell him to back off on the humping. Lexie did too this morning. Wilson is wide open and there is no better trainer for a dog than the pack.
• We are still working on the house-training. He went outside this morning, then came in and did it again! And he discovered counter-surfing. He quickly jumped up on the counter -- trying to nab a bottle of medicine and then a decorative object! These are the reasons you cannot leave a dog unsupervised. Living in a house my foot -- I dare say he's never been in a house. He has no boundaries on what's acceptable and what's not.
• I feed dogs separately. There is just no reason to have them all sharing a space to eat. So Wilson was fed in the x-pen in the front room. After my doxie's finished eating they tend to see if anyone has dropped food from the raised bowls. Wilson guarded his empty bowl from within the xpen. So there's an issue we need to work on.
• I had some friends over tonight -- Dane Rescue savvy peeps and Wilson did very well to begin with, but then he got a little growlie as we were having some food and even when one of the men guests tried to pet him. (Hmmm, thought he liked men?) These are issues we're definately going to need to work on, and Wilson is very likely headed for a pinch collar. I'll discuss more about that training tool next time --- I can assure you it's not the medieval device some think that it is, and far better than allowing a practiced inappropriate behavior that can lead to a bite. Would treats and clicks work??? -- depends on how long you're willing to wait and how much risk you're willing to take.
• He also got a little growlie with the doxies when food was around, even though the dogs were not eating. So Wilson was sent to kennel to just chill for a while, until we can work on these issues another time. It had been a big day and it was time for hime to take a break.

October 18

• Wilson is at the vet today for neutering.
• He pooped in my car on the way there and then trampled in it. Dogs do not generally poop where there rest or where they will be standing or laying in it. This suggests to me that Wilson has had no experience in the house, and probably lived more often than not in his own feces prior to being taken to the shelter. That's a hard thing to overcome.
• Wilson is home now from surgery and doing quite well. He was a little growlie with the girls at the vet but did seem to warm up to them as the day progressed. They were all cautioned to take it slow with him. He said bye to everyone one the way out without any trouble. He seemed to have no trouble with men in the office.
• He's confirmed to be no more than 7 months old based on the new arrival of his canine teeth. He weighed in at 76 pounds.
• He'll rest quietly tonight, and have limited activity this weekend.
• He's got a skin irritation that will require medicated baths.

Previous Entries:

Thoughts from The K9 Coach: Dog's learn something from us in every single interaction they have. Wilson is learning I'm the leader of this pack. That he can trust me, and I will give him a shared respect. He's learning there are boundaries that he has to abide by. From me he will not only get obedience training, but he'll learn confidence and how to handle new and stressful situations. He'll be exposed to many new things.

His first outing probably will not occur until mid-next week and we'll take it very slow. He may see people, but not be petted for a while. And it may be weeks before we begin work around children. He will have to have great reliability with other distractions before I put him in that scenario. I'm confident I can help him overcome his fear around kids -- but he may prove to be a rescue who cannot be placed with kids based on his history of being taunted and having rocks thrown at him. But we'll have to judge that in due time.

Wish him well during surgery tomorrow.

He looks agressive -- right?

Well, no. But there's much more work to be done.

October 17

• We started the morning with a nice potty break and walk. He was quite playful this morning. So I gave him a toy and he played with it for quite a while.
• I also decided to sit on the ground with him to get eye-level with him. He tried to hump me. That's not allowed. So he was definitely corrected for that. He tried again. And then he acted like he was going to pee on me. Seriously, Wilson. Not going to happen.
• After a correction, he came and sat in my lap. Progress. He's buying the leadership.
• I brought him into my office where he chilled at my feet for a little while. And then allowed him to play with my two dachshunds. They will put him in his place in a second if he gets to be too much. As they nestled in their favorite chair -- he backed up to them butt first as if to say, "here, smell me & let's be friends!". That's a great sign.
• I then allowed him another short time with my pack -- and he thought humping my 165lb Great Dane Vinnie was a good idea. Vinnie did nothing, and I called Wilson off and all is good. Supervision is necessary at all times, and Vinnie trusts me to deal with the new kid!
• We'll do another training walk this afternoon, but formal training won't begin until Monday. He gets snipped tomorrow. Bye Bye Woohoos. He'll need a few days to recover, and then the training plan startes in earnest.

October 16, 2012

• He was crated for the morning because I had a dental appointment and I didn't want to risk him toppling the xpen and being in my pack unsupervised. He pooped in his crate. A lot.
• Late yesterday afternoon we began a little bit of training. Just working on "heel" and "sit" Words I don't think he's entirely familiar with.
• I did not begin any sort of correction with Wilson in Sit training tonight. I offered some treats, a gentle touch to the butt to encourage him to put his butt on the ground and lots of Praise. Verbal and Physical touch. This too seems a big foreign to him.
• Why no correction yet? Well he's likely been abused, he doesn't trust me yet, and its more about teaching him how to learn than requiring him to comply at this point. Obedience requirements will come in a few days. And to be clear -- a correction is NOT something that is harmful, painful, or intimating. It's just a reminder than not doing what he's asked will not be acceptable. (We will talk more about that when we start obedience training next week).
• And yes, he pooped in my house twice today -- on the carpet. Try having to clean up poop after dental surgery -- yay pain meds :-)
• He was allowed a short interaction off-leash with the rest of my pack today -- everyone napped.

October 15, 2012

• After spending the weekend with volunteers he was transported to me on Monday afternoon. After he was taken out of the truck, he felt the need to snap at me. I had approached him sideways, but I made the mistake of making eye contact a bit too soon. Yep, he may have a little issue with women and a bit of fear in general.
• After a 2 hour ride home, I took him out for a nice long walk. While there was no obedience training taking place or even any leash work, he walked along side me nicely. It was just a bit of time to bond and give some soothing communications.
• You can see in the picture I took after we got home, that there was still a fair amount of uncertainly in his eyes.

• When I bring a foster into my home, I always take about 24 - 48 hours (or more) before I let them interact with my pack directly. They get to smell each other from behind a metal baby gate briefly, and then the new arrival is crated or put in an x-pen to chill out from transport and to get acclimated to my house and my pack. In less than 5 minutes, Wilson met me in the kitchen along with the rest of my crew. He had made a very silent leap across the baby gate. Let's just say he's athletic.
• Even though there were no issues, he was still removed and put into a tall xpen to relax.
• New arrivals at my house are also not allowed off-leash in the yard for the first first days. We go out on a long line. Why?
• One I don't want them chasing the other dogs and potentially starting a fight. You never know! and I've come to expect the unexpected. This way I can control a separation if I need too.
• I'm never sure if they are going to be a fence jumper. And until they learn to trust me and we can begin working on recall and on making them think my yard is far more enjoyable than anything on the other side, I play it safe.
• Within minutes of eating, he pooped in the house. Yay -- He's not house trained. I'm guessing he was never taught. So we're starting with the basics -- the beginning. (See my house training document on FB.)
• And then bedtime -- after a little bit of whining, he settled and slept all night

October 12, 2012:

• GDFRL contacted me to ask about foster to train. I agreed. He's only six months old and I felt confident we could work to rehabilitate him and find a good handler for his forever home. He was pulled that day by two GDFRL volunteer in Raleigh and kept for the weekend. He warmed up easily and playfully to the husband, and with a little more time warmed up to his wife. Both are experienced dog owners and Great Dane Rescuers. Over the weekend someone came to their home with a child, and even with the Wilson secure inside and out of side, he reacted poorly to the sound of the child. So we know we have lots of work to do to address this issue.

October 10, 2012 ---

• GDFRL received a message on Facebook about a young male puppy in a shelter who was showing aggressive tendencies with the shelter employees.
• As an owner surrender, kill shelters like the one he was taken to can put the dog down immediately. Couple that with the fact they deemed him aggressive, and there are few chances for this boy to be adopted. Other rescues in this area, rejected him and even suggested calling GDFRL.
• We understand that Wilson was allowed to be taunted by children who threw rocks at him, and he had become "aggressive" and did not like women.