Train Your Dog Like You Train an Athlete. Practice Often.

Train Your Dog Like You Train an Athlete.   Practice Often.  Before The Big Game.

Use your words. 
Use your hand signals. 
Use your training.

We want you to have a very clear communication method with your dog. It is a consistent word choice. Consistent hand signal / body language. And very clear expectations of what to do when "x" happens.

We teach you how to achieve that.

For dogs that have a history of fear aggression, resource guarding, or other behavioral issues -- this is critical. You must you practice it many times when distractions are low. Then, when the stakes are high, you are simply asking something of him he has done many times before and knows how to be successful.


Do what you're both trained to do and give him a command for "off". It takes time to create of course. It truly is training and practice much like an athlete. Practice often and just because even when you are no long having problems. 
 
When you do anything other than what you have trained for, it may be confusing to your dog. Confusion can lead to frustration which can lead to him communicating with you by growling, snapping, or even biting in extreme moments.

This can be applied to many scenarios that will help prevent your dog from "guarding". Teach what to do and how to be successful - -then use that teaching when the stakes are high and don't panic.

Example: your dog guards the couch. You've taught him not to be on the couch. A few weeks later you find him up on the couch. Your first reaction cannot be to physically remove him by reaching for his collar or shooing him off by poking his butt or sitting on him.

This can be the same for him having a kids toy he shouldn't have -- don't pry it out of his mouth, use the command you taught for drop it.

YOU have to be consistent to and can't expect him to perform well if you change the expectation and start physically manipulating him to move or give up some object.

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Start training your dog for basic skills (whether he has issues or not) as soon as you bring him home!
Basic life skills include Sit/Stay, Come When Called, Drop It, Leave It and Watch me. 

If you have not yet trained him and see a new guarding behavior redirect him to some other item of value (treat, toy, etc) -- in the heat of the moment just get him out of the aggression mindset -- we can begin training later, but we can't undo snapping and biting. 



(And that my friends is an early bite-prevention tip)

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

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6 Common Dog Personality Types

6 Common Dog Personality Types

Not all training is created equal.  Until you understand the primary personality of your dog you will not achieve the desired results of training.  Each dog will go at his/her own pace.   We need to learn to evaluate where they are in their ability to learn and know when to push forward gently or to be patient.

Remember the Doggie Language Chart from yesterday -- learn to speak dog and read when he's shutting down from fatigue or frustration.  Likewise, you should never bring frustration, intimidation, anger or other emotions to your training activities with your dog.  If either of you are in the wrong state of mind.  Take a break!!!!    

If you are not giving clear signal and clear expectations -- you could be part of the difficulty of him learning and progressing.   It's easy to push to far to fast -- that can be dangerous with a fear biter or aggressive.   It's also easy to not go fast enough with can create boredom with a Happy Go Lucky or Hyper.

A job well-done is always praise worthy.  ALWAYS PRAISE and reward the the behavior when your dog gets its right. Don't ever forget to praise your dog.    We'll talk about effective praise and reward in a day or two. 
 

Happy Go Lucky

A pleasing dog most of the time, even without training. May demonstrate selective hearing or amnesia as they mature.

Most learn obedience as if it were a game or trick, but often do not choose to comply. Often well socialized and confident.

Training Approach – You must be enthusiastic and fun but hold him accountable to skills and your non-negotiables. Keep him challenged with new skills, new distractions.

Hyper Active

Endless energy. Out of control, pulls against leash. Social, but short attention span and lack of focus. They do not grow out of this personality.

Training Approach Use obedience skills to teach focus and impulse control. Teach restraint. Handler must remain calm and use very limited body movement. High level of verbal or physical praise may be too much for the dog causing him to break commands. Save enthusiasm until the end of a training series.

Shy

A dog displays discomfort or lack of confidence in association with living things. Dog withdraws from unfamiliar living things.
These dogs may become comfortable with some living things but not others.

Usually harmless to others, will not come out of this behavior without help.

Training Approach: Patience and very calm assertiveness. Dog must learn to work through stress. Creating specific patterns of activity and repetitive experiences to build trust and confidence. Teach simple playful games that can be easy and fun for him to learn the value of praise and reward.    Later add obedience work and socialization in incremental steps further builds confidence.

 

Basket Case

A dog that demonstrates anxiety, fear, panic, lack of confidence around unfamiliar people, places or things. As a puppy often raised in isolation.
This personality type usually acts reasonable in his own environment, unless something changes.

Training Approach: handler must build communications slowly and with patience, but still require dog to work on new skill levels each day. It’s a soft requirement to push beyond his current capabilities.

 Fear Biter

An insecure Dog that when cornered or threatened may display aggression. They may also display aggression to people / things that are hesitant or show fear. Most likely to strike when the back is turned.

This personality is often scared, confused, and frustrated. Doesn't make friends easily. Not all fear-biters bite, and it's not limited to large dogs.

Lacks socialization.

Training Approach: handler must be calm and confident. Slow and deliberate in movements. Build trust before obedience. It is highly recommended that you work with a trainer to create controlled environments to add controlled stress to the dog teaching him to cope with it successfully. Muzzle as needed.

 Aggressive

A confident dog with the ability to back it up and reactive poorly (if and when he feels it is needed). Most have learned to intimidate and control other animals and people from an early age. No size limitation.


Training Approach:  An aggressive dog presents significant risk and liability. Training can be extremely effective if the handler is 110% committed to the training and supervision/management of the dog & environment.
 Obedience work builds trust and socialization creates controlled stress to create new behavioral responses from the dogs to his triggers. Handler must be extremely confident (not intimidating or threatening) and non-fearful of the dog. Calm and confident leadership is essential.  Muzzle as needed

Training a dog does not come without risk.   
Consult a professional trainer for all your training needs and questions.  

Coming Up

• Teaching Sit and Using It In Every Day Life

• What is Praise Worthy and How to Give Praise Your Dog Values

• Why Consistency Matters

   

  Dana Brigman
  The K9 Coach
  Dog Training - Matthews, NC
  980-339-8064
  www.thek9-coach.com
  info@thek9-coach.com
  
  Follow us On
  
  
  
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Reactivity to Dogs or People

 Solving reactivity to people or dogs -- a general guide.

When a dog demonstrates reactivity to people or other dogs, it's most likely rooted in fear.   Since they can't tell us they are afraid, they use the only tactic they know how to get the scary thing to go away -- Aggression.   

Many dogs don't have the social skills to deal with normal every day situations of greeting.   Owner's get frustrated. Friends or neighbors become fearful and sometimes disrespectful. If not treated this behavior escalates. It does not get better on its own. And in some cases the dog is out on the street, dumped in a shelter, or put down.

It must be hard for the dog to be in this state of mind because people and other dogs are everywhere.   So the stress builds and then explodes.  We're lucky if the dog warns us with a raise of the lip or a low growl.   If we're adept at reading our dog, we can discover other signals prior to the showing of teeth and the growling.   If we miss all those signals, the dog is likely to lunge, snap or bite.

There are options to turn make improvements in behavior.  You may never solve it completely, but you can make it better or learn to manage it.  It's important that you start training immediately upon identifying any warning signs or displays of aggression.   These issues do not resolve themselves.  In fact, they typically escalate. 

  

Assume a stronger leadership role in your home and begin implementing the following:  

• No permission to be on the furniture.    
• Teach your dog to "Place" on her bed or in her crate.   Build up to her being able to stay in a place for  30 minutes while you watch TV or make dinner.  
• Begin making her sit and wait for her food.  Start with a brief wait, and then work up to a couple of minutes.  
• Require your dog to sit calmly before going in or out of doorways.   Leaders first. 
• Do 10-15 minutes of basic obedience each day.  Giving praise for a job well done, and holding them accountable to not performing the task on command. 
• Require her to stay in command until you either release her with a verbal OK! Or you issue a new command.
• Spend some time each day in play.   Allow her to know that you’re also a good source of fun.  If your dog escalates with rough play or tug games, throw the ball.   Don't encourage the bad behavior.
  

  • If your dog is guarding toys -- he may not be allowed to have toys for a while, until behavior is improved.   
• Offer affection on your terms -- if the dog seeks it out, ignore them.  You call them to you or go to them to give praise and affection. 
• Offer treats on your terms -- but only when they have learned to sit patiently with manners.

Now about the reactivity.    It’s easy to want to avoid taking her out, but the truth is to address the issue you actually do have to take her out to work on this problem.  After you have spent about a week tuning up the leadership methods described above -- head out in public.  This week at home with obedience and leadership work can also help your dog

Start in small intervals and build up.   You may find that you drive to PetSmart or the park but don’t actually go in the first few times.  You may just stand on the sidewalk watching people/dogs go by.

• You will need to determine her distance threshold and stay below that to start.   You want to keep her calm, focused and prevent the reaction.   The more positive experiences you have the better.
• You will also want to observe to see if you can find common themes in your dogs triggers?   Is it men only?   Men with hats/hoodies or sunglasses?  Children?  Children who are running & squealing?   Is it only when you're sitting down?  Small Dogs?  Big Dogs?   Dogs at play?  Dogs straining on the end of the leash?    It may be everything  -- but it may be much more specific.   Try to identify exactly what it is, then focus on those setups.
• As people/dogs approach, start requiring her to be in Sit Command  and focused on you.   Give a very high value treat rewards (a treat that she ONLY gets when doing these exercises so it’s special) and calm verbal praise for her staying calm and focused on you.   The lesson here is less about obedience, and more about learning to stay calm around potential threats, though you need obedience foundation.
• No food is to be given in response to a reaction.  It's only for staying calm.  
•  If she does begin to give indication of reaction draw her away with a verbal NO!, giving her distance from the threat.  Cross the street if you have too.  Then put her to work in Sit, Down, Heel, etc.  Always praise her obedience work when she does commands as expected.   When she’s calmer, praise her, and try to reduce the distance again. 
• If she has an aggressive reaction (lunging  & snapping) --- you should give her a very effective leash-based correction.  She should know she’s made a mistake.  Do NOT Offer any praise or comfort following this correction.
• You need to stay calm and disciplined in your response to your dog.   If you become fearful, head straight for your car and end the training.    Call a professional if you need help with trying again, but this training must be done.
• If your dog is stronger than you are, you may wish to consider a prong collar.   The correction then is just a pop & release straight up on her prong collar with a verbal NO, and draw her way, and put her to work in obedience commands.   Remember no food reward for obedience work in this case.  
•  Don’t push to fast.  If the threshold is 20ft today, don’'t try to go to 10  feet tomorrow.  Work a day or two at the greater distance, and then move in 2-3 feet a few days later.  Take your time and go slow.  It's better to practice a success than to create a reaction.

• Once you’re able be closer to people  (or other dogs)
• Ask them to just toss great treats in her general direction and pass by without stopping.    Be sure they are not talking to her or making eye contact.
• Once that’s working well for a few days, consider asking them to give her a treat directly (only you can judge her comfort level).   
• You may  never get here.   Meaning, it just may be better for people not to get in close proximity, but you do want to reach the point where they can stand in a conversational space with you and ignoring her and she can remain calm
• People should come in sideways, hold their hand out with the high value treat, and then walk away quietly  -- again no touching or eye contact with her
• She should be sitting
• You should offer praise and control the leash and her head – if anyone is uncomfortable, don'’t do it.
• If at anytime during any phase of the training exercise you feel safety is at risk, use a muzzle for your dog.   Do not put other people or dogs as risk.   It's not worth it.       
• And if you are at all unsure about any techniques, behavior or results  -- call a professional trainer to assist.

  

Practice as often as you can, but it is good experience to work around people in the who understand the challenge, who will follow instructions,  and can help with scenarios and where appropriate have dogs suitable to the practice sessions.  

Review other teaching aids on our FB page.

This can feel overwhelming.   It's not as complicated at is seems and the methods to teach these techniques can be done in just a few lessons with The K9 Coach.    Call us today.   We can help!

Dana Brigman

The K9 Coach

Dog Training - Matthews, NC

980-339-8064

www.thek9-coach.com

info@thek9-coach.com

Follow us On

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The K9 Coach is a Professional Certified Dog Trainer Serving Charlotte, NC, Matthews, NC and surrouding 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's Training Blog

This training blog is to show the progress, methods and potential setbacks of pulling a shelter dog deemed "aggressive".  My goal is to educate you on the process and training techniques I will use with him can help rehabilate through postive associations and obedience training this dog and get him placed in the best possible forever home.  You'll see that we take things slowly and work to address the needs we know about and those we discover as we go. 

I am a Professional Certified Dog Trainer, Member of the IACP and APDT and a foster home and volunteer to Great Dane Friends of Ruff Love.    My business is The K9 Coach.

If you have not already -- please "like" my Facebook page

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Wilson's Story:  

December 28 -- Wilson time with me has come to an end.   At least his time as a foster and trainee.   He will never leave my heart and he will forever have a place to come home to if he needs it. 

Wilson has come a long way from that wild-eyed stressed out dog I took to the park the first week.   He's not reacting negatively to the sight of kids, but he still is a quite leary of strangers.  It  angers me that people can take a beautiful puppy and damage him in ways that change him forever.  How can parents allow children to poke an taunt a dog.   It's wrong no matter how you slice it but with a powerful breed it's just stupid.   Yes, I said stupid. It's senseless.  Its outrageous.  They made him fearful of people and it takes him a long time to trust anyone.  He is forever different than the dog he could of been, though he is still fantastic.   I know he learned to trust me and was an absolute joy to have in my home.   I am thankful for the experince  Now, he has a new start and I know he will learn to trust his new family. 

He's off to a new home of his own, in Morehead City.  I wish I could go with him to the beach.   His new parents are expereinced Dane owners, but learned over the last 2 days that even experience doesn't always prep you for the next dog.   Yes, we spent time over two days getting Wilson acclimated.  

I like Jackie and Mike -- a lot.  They are the kind of people I could be friends with.   I believe they will do eveything possible to give Wilson a loving home and to keep him safe and to continue his training.   Wilson has issues from his past abuse that may forever be part of his personality.  He may never be the kind of dog they can let off-leash at the beach, allow friends to pet, or grandkids to hug. 

We spent an hour or so at Petsmart last night and they got to see first hand that he is very well behaved in public, but that everyone wants to pet him.   And they are going to have to be willing to tell people, "Thank you but no he can't be petted right now."  It was an hour well spent for them to see the reality.    Not to mention Wilson go deer antlers, squeaky toys, and treats!

He loved the fact they kept giving him treats, but a 1/2 beat to long as Jackie tried to pet him too soon led him to grumble at her. Lesson learned. Slow it down. Really slow. He wasn't ready for that kind of intimacy, even from his new mom. 
 
They assume a great responsibility in adopting a rescue dog.   They are prepared for it and committed to it.   They have promised not to let me or Wilson down.   His future success is all in how they build a bond, establish leadership and give him love.   He has to the tools he needs to be successful and I know that he will.  

They have already called me to say he's riding well in the car, following the commands they give him, and has nuzzled up to Jackie to lay his head on her arm.... well at least when he stops chewing his new antler ....

Much love to you Wilson.   Have a great life and I do hope to see you again soon with your new family!   Maybe I'll vacation at the beach.......





Best Buddies
Photo by Amy Breckenridge Smith

December 19 -- Wilson is off to Club K9 for the holidays.   I'm really going to miss him, but I'm sure Cosmo will miss him the most.  It's a big test to see how Wilson does away from "home" for a week.  The folks at Club K9 have all been informed about his issue with eye contact, and the need to let him approach them, to go very slowly and build trust, etc.    He should however love playing with other dogs for the week.   

He has a potential adopter coming after the holidays to meet with him.  So we'll see how things go and maybe he'll have a new home for New Years.....

Yes, I'm just a bit sad -- but it's what we do.   Sadly, we have to do it over and over again.    And so begin's Zoe's journey training with me this week.   2 dogs in the house reactive to other dogs should be quite the challenge....  

December 9  --  Wilson and Cosmo went on a little pack walk with a new friend Atlas Thursday.  They both did really well as we passed people and dogs on the greeway.  We also passed an elementary school with about 50 kids out for recess.   You know kids squeal, run towards the fence, and make all sorts of rukus.   Wilson got a little vocal, but it wasn't growling.   Just mostly excitment.  He was easily controlled and able to continue a sit/stay and down/stay across the street from the school.    We also encountered a man who had a few "issues" shall we say.    The man didn't quite understand that I told him he could not approach to pet Wilson.   He kept asking if he was "nice".   As the man got closer Wilson barked, and it startled the man a bit so he finally understood not to come closer.   Wilson held his down stay a moment, before we turned to head back home.

On Friday he went for his eval at Club K9.  He had an absolute ball.   The folks there are great at helping to deal with a dog who has issues.  They are very experienced at working with dog.    Wilson loves other dogs, but it was the staff we wanted to be sure he would respect.    They respected him and he did great!  He came home and passed out!  

He did really well at Starbucks on Sunday.  You can still tell that when someone looks straight in his eyes for a 1/2-beat too long he's a bit threatened.   But when they have treats in their hands and come in side-ways -- he's good to go!  It will continue to be a requirement to manage Wilson's intros to people and watch his signals.     I had a visitor over on Friday and Wilson did great having someone in the house for a few hours and greeted them easily for petting.

December 5 -- My goodness, it's been a while since we posted an update.   Wilson is doing GREAT!   He now weighs in at 102 pounds - that's up from 78 when he came in.   He's very atheletic, but he's also a silly goofy dane puppy.  He's rolled of the bed twice!   Today, I couldn't help but laugh.  He's stretched out relaxing and then plop, right on to the floor.  He had no idea he was going to fall off.   All I saw after was one paw stretch up in the air as if to say "I'm good, I meadnt to do that".

 

He and Cosmo as having so much fun together!   Wilson is relaxed and happy.  But both are still looking for homes of their own.  Wilson has had several outings this week testing him with strangers and he's amost seeking out people on his own now -- and loves when they give him treats.   Having treats on hand will be a continued exercise for a while and his future parents will always need to be observant and manage his greetings -- but he's ready for his forever home.  

 

Here's a video of him trying to get my dachshund to play.    They seem to be the funniest in the early mornings. 

 

More pictures of Wilson can be found on my Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/thek9coachcharlotte   -- Please "Like" and "Share:  :-)

November 27--

Avoiding Eye Contact With Me
Required to Down Stay

Wilson hit the point in training that he decided he needed to challenge me.   He's done exceptionally well in learning the basic commands, rules of the house, etc.   As with every dog, he decided it's time to challenge authority to see how serious I am about things.   It started with not coming in when called -- and I'd go get him everytime.   Then it because a refusal to not lay down on command.

Last night, Wilson and his new buddy Cosmo decided that they needed a little rough-housing play-time in the house.    Now if you have never seen a Catahoula and a Great Dane get wound up -- well you've missed some joy and some chaos.    

I told them both to settle down, and to lay down.   My rule is you do perform the command when and where you're told.   Cosmo complied.   Wilson decided he needed to go lay on the dog bed.   Nope, you're coming back to the center of the room, and you're doing to lay Down.   He did and in 2 seconds bounced back up and headed to the bed.   Rinse and Repeat several times.    Each time I led him back to the spot the command was issued and repeated the command.   Then he tried to sit, or to stand.   So we had a little exercise in discipline and authority.  He finally stayed in place about 30 minutes before I released him.   I missed most of the TV show I was watching -- but life lessons are more important.     

Video of Wilson and Cosmo  

More on Enforcing Commands

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November  18

Wake Up!  It's time for Mass O'Danes

Lesson for the day -- don't get lulled into a false sense of security!   Wilson was a grumpy-butt at Mass O'Danes today.  Despite how well he has been doing greeting people for the last few weeks, he just really wanted know part of anyone today.    Do you ever have days like that?    I'm sure we all do.  I'd rather get the warning rather than the reaction so that as the handle you have time to respond and address the behavior.   The problems is that some dogs just lunge and snap.   That's what happened to another foster dog today.   After a few weeks in her foster home, today, she lunged at several people for no apparent reason. 

So how do you address this -- well leadership has to be in place in all aspects of day to day life, and obedience training is a good foundation.   Does it solve everything -- no,  but it definately gives you a means of communication with the dog and a foundation to build trust and expectations.

Somes dogs will always require supervision & awareness from the owner to read their signals and respond to them before the dog takes matters into his own hands.  In time they get better and better -- but a responsible handler can never take for granted what may happen.

Look for more information coming this week on my blog about reactive dogs.

November 15

Wilson made a new friend.   A new board and train came to me this week who has taken to Wilson quickly.   In part because Wilson is such a good energy when he greets other dogs.  He knows to offer all the right cues that say "I mean you know harm -- I just want to play!"

This new dog is a bit uncertain around other dogs.   So he can definately learn from Wilson how to play and relax. 

November 11

Wilson gets some gentle pets from a little girl and some treats too to create a positive association.     (This scenario was well managed, took 3 weeks to get to, and involved a very dog saavy little girl who is part of our rescue organization).  

Giant step forward for Wilson!

November 8

It's official!   Wilson is going up for adoption this week.   Wilson is doing really well in his training.   I'm having really no issues with him beyond typical puppy stuff.    He's still cautious about meeting people, but he's looking to me (handler) for queues which is great!   There is still work to do, and living with kids is not an option -- but he's ready to find a home where an expereinced handler can continue to work with him on his developmental needs and enjoy him as a puppy.   If you have had a Dane puppy -- you know exactly what I'm talking about :-) 

November 3 & 4

Days with no house accidents -- Caught in the act.   Let's just say as soon as Wilson eats you better send him outside.   No time to finish what you're doing.

His obedience training is going great.  He's learned the commands and is able to do them with distractions and in public locations. What we're working on now is having him hold the commands and distance work.  He's in that phase where he's figured out the leash and thinks if it's not on that all bets are off and the rules don't apply.

Petsmart yesterday was a big test.    We got surrounded by 3  children in the fish alcove.  Wilson was not distressed at all and was able to heel and walk right pass them to more open space.    Another young boy (10ish) came rushing over to pet Wilson and I stepped in front of him and told him he couldn't pet Wilson, that he was in training.   I took an educational moment to tell what happened to Wilson and to explain to the kid AND his mother, that they always need to ask permission to pet a dog.

Wilson wore himself out at Mass O'Danes today.  Lots of people.  Lots of dogs.   I think he just reached a point of fatigue.  He got a little grumpy near the end.  He gave a couple of warnings to say he'd had enough to another dog and to one of our rescue members who was leaning lover him a bit too long.  I'd rather him warn than to just lash out -- so that's good.  But he was still corrected.   He will get better and better over time, but like you and I we all have limits and we all need to respect that. 

He has spent the last 2.5 hours napping in his xpen.   He put himself there as soon as we got home. 

Oct 28 - November 1
Days with no house accidents -- We are on a roll!!!  

Sorry for not having a post this week.  I've been crazy busy and have had to make a couple of trips to visit family out of town.  

Wilson is doing great!   On Monday, I had to leave the entire crowd crated for the day and have a friend come over to let them out.   Wilson did well in the xpen and also was good with my friends.   Wilson is actually laying in his xpen right now sound asleep.   l love when they learn that they can just chill in their own space!

He and Vinnie play a lot.  It's fun and entertaing to watch.   I understand that while my friends were over on Monday, Vinnie actually hid in the bushes and caught Wilson with a surprise run and tackle.   Wilson loves it -- it's a lot like watch a little boy idolize his big brother :-)

We're heading back to the park tomorrow and over the weekend to continue our work around the kids.   I don't anticipate any problems, and think that we should be able to start looking for Wilson's forever home soon, with an experienced handler. 

Oct 28
Days with no house accidents -- Four!
On Saturday we didn't do a lot of training -- everyone needs a break now and then.  Last night, Wilson was enjoying TV time with the rest of my crew and when it came time to go outside for last call, I was greeting with a lovely display of teeth.  He obviously doesn't know me well.   You have to expect the unexpected with any dog and Wilson is no different -- he's challenging authority to see just how much he can get away with.  Zero. 

I don't recommend it for everyone -- but I clamped down on his muzzle with my hand and nabbed the collar with the other and pulled him off the bed.   I could read in his eyes he had nothing to back it up.  Every dog is different, every situation is different and must be managed accordingly.  Never take an action if you are fearful or unsure of yourself.  For other is may be better to leash the dog first or to find another means to call them off the bed.   But they need to learn you mean business and their behavior like that won't be tolerated.  Period.

We went to Mass O'Danea today.   It was his first big outing with a crowd of other dogs, other people and children.   He did great!    I didn't allow any kids to pet him today, but we did allow pets from people who approached him with calm ease, no eye contact, and just allowed him to approach on his own.   Many of them gave him some yummy hot dogs that I had brought with me.    Wilson was so good that many times he just opted to lay down on his own and observe what was going on around him.   He watched the kids and I think it's was a success to have children around that showed him he didn't have to worry about them at all.   He met several new puppy friends and had a few games of bite-face too :-)

Wilson attended Mass O'Danes for the first time
Photo by Jamie Smith

Oct 26 --
Days with no house accidents -- Two!

There is no better trainer than the pack.   I'm sure someone said that long before I did, but I don't know who.   If not, maybe I'll be famous!   Wilson absolutely loves Vinnie.  They are truly buds and when I take them out together Wilson reads Vinnie's energy and follows suit.

Last night I was able to walk both of them through a shopping area side by side on a nice loose leash, basically with my pinky finger.    I had over 250 pounds of dog walking alongside me!

We sat for a while and watch as families ate dinner near the fountain and children played.  Wilson was able to lay down on his side and relax a bit.   He didn't close his eyes, but he did allow himself to just hang out a while.

Later a mom and child came rushing past and he got a little grumbly, but was easily corrected.  There is no lunging, barking, really any movement at all -- just a very low almost imperceptable rumble.   We're working on it everyday.

Today, he met two new women, and a golden retriever.  One was a client and her dog, another was a visitor to my house.  Both went great!  We controlled the greeting with the classic Cesar Milan "no touch, no talk, no eye contact" and allowing Wilson to approach with manners on his terms.   After a few minutes, he loves everyone!

Oct 25 --
Days with no house accidents -- One!   Very exciting (even though the day is not quite over.... I'm still counting it!)

It has been an awesome day!   Wilson and I went to a park I had never been to before.  The weather was beautiful and so was the park.   Wilson worked his training commands while we were with a client.  It was good distraction training for both dogs!   

There was a children's playground that we walked a couple fo times and Wilson was able to keep his focus on me, and still do Sit & Down commands with children playing nearby.   I didn't see the same stress I saw on Tuesdsay, but there is still work to do for sure. 

Wilson got some play time with the clients dog Maggie today and they had a ball -- running, jumping, and rolling in the grass.  He met Maggie's dad with overall ease.   Maggie's mom on the other hand, lingered just a tiny bit too long on greeting and we heard a low rumble of discomfort.   I asked her to give Wilson some space as I corrected Wilson.  It was great to see her simply withdraw without panic or fear, just to stop and step back.  This calm reaction goes a long way in helping a dog work through their stress.  5 minutes later he approached her for petting :-)

Oct 24 --
Days with no house accidents -- zero :-(   I know you all are wondering how this is possible.   He will do it right in front of you, and is completely stealth overnight.   So when all else fails -- you can only blame yourself for the failure and try something else.   Alarm set tonight at 3am.  And he will be tethered to me otherwise until this is resolved so I can grab him by the leash and escort him out.   Until today -- no amount of disruption would stop him once he started.   Today, I had books in my hand as he started to pee in my floor -- I threw them on the floor, yelled like someone was killing me and he went straight to his crate.   I think he figured out I don't like that.

We made it to Duncan Donuts today and he met a new friend, Star.  He also approached my friend for some petting.   There were no children there today, which is highly unusual, but it was a good day.  He relaxed with us and just observed the scenery.  No dialted pupils, no panting, just present in the moment.

Oct 23 --
Days with no house accidents -- zero :-(   Seriously Wilson?  You do it right in front of me! 

The outing at the park went great.   Wilson is definately a little reactive to children.   We walked for a while through the playground while there was only 1 or two children.   As more kids came we sat on a park bench and watched.  He was very attentive and observant.   As long as they were about 50 feet away everything was fine. We sat for about 15 minutes with kids doing what kids do -- running, squealing, crying, etc.   As 2-3 children came closer to the swing set the hair on his back bristled up, he growled a little, and got visibly a bit more stressed (panting, drool, dialted pupils, etc).   I offered treats which he had taken previously without any trouble, but he declined.   After about 2-3 minutes, we just quietly moved on our way.

You never know if a training session is going to be 5 minutes or 30 minutes.  The key is to read the dog effectively.  You don't want to push too far but you also don't want to avoid the scenario altogether.   I'd call it a success.   We'll go back tomorrow.

Wilson is doing well in his obedience practice so he went to Group Class tonight.  He is however quite the drama king and it really comes from just lacking confidence.   He's very smart though and in two days has caught up with lesson 3 other participants are working on!  I asked the prticipants in the class to approach Wilson and I as if we were passing each other on the street, and toss him some yummy treats and move on without petting.   He liked that a lot.  He also got to meet a new Great Dane Puppy tonight in class and did very well with the greeting.

Wilson is going to be just fine :-)


Oct 22 -- Training Begins

Days with no house accidents -- zero :-(

Wilson had a big day today!   We went out for a walk.  He was already walking nicely on a leash & he seems to enjoy going out for a walk.   He also seems to know what "sit" means so it took less than about 5 minutes to have him anticipating that he should sit when I stop walking.      



Done!   After his first lesson in Down.

Our 2nd outing today was to pratice the heel and auto-sit and to start working on Down.   This was not something he wanted to do.  Most dogs protest down on command the first few times.  Wilson gave me the body block, a soft mouth on my arm, planted his feet, yawned, tried to scratch, and vocalized his protest.  He tried everything he could to resist being placed in a Down.  Clearly, this is a new concept for him -- having to work on command.   I finally swept his front feet gently out from under him and placed him on the ground.  He got a nice back rub and lots of praise but he was not a fan of Down at first.  He rolled on his side, his back, anything he could think of.   Off we go in heel again, auto-sit, and repeat Down -- same protests for about 5 iterations of the practice.   And finally -- he caught on.    After a 5 or 6 successful practices, we ended the training session with lots of praise and other back-rub!  But his brain was officially melted.    (If only I could get that sort of reward for a workout).

After Wilson had a nice long nap, we went on an outing.  Wilson went to his first car wash.     He's doing super well, and I decided to take him for a ride and to see how things would go at PetSmart.  He was AWESOME!  He was highly alert -- but was able to work.  I was actually able to get him to Sit and Down at Petsmart, and to walk past several women working in the store with no issue.   He got lots of hotdogs and lots of praise for doing such a good job.   I wanted the whole outing to be a positive experience.   We didn't do any meet and greets with passersby.    We didn't encounter any children -- I intentionally went during school hours.



On high alert at his first PetSmart Outing -- he was able to calm before we left

Previous Weeks Content.



The K9 Coach
Dana Brigman, CDT, IACP, APDT
980-339-8064
www.thek9-coach.com
www.facebook.com/thek9coachcharlotte
info@thek9-coach.com

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

Tomorrow we go to the park after school just to observe his response and to have some positive rewards for the presence of children.

How Day to Day Leadership Can Address Aggressive Behaviors

The K9 Coach's Corner:  Training Tips for Fans of the K9 Coach

Establish Leadership With Your Dog

Thoughts on Aggressive Behaviors

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I am fascinated by the ability to influence a dog’s behavior – to reshape how they think and respond to various scenarios and stimuli.  I’m most interested helping a dog overcome what humans have done to them. 

There are so many techniques, opinions, and ideas that it’s easy to become confused.  I’m finding I have to weed through some really bad opinions and some pretty opinionated people to get to be able to develop my open opinion and values that I can stand confidently behind.  What must it be like for the average pet owner who starts to see bad behavior in their dog?  Do you even recognize the early signs?  Do you practice conflicting methods based on what a friend, breeder, vet told you?  Or do you just keep trying the same method that worked for your old dog, but things just get worse now?

Many recent articles and books suggest a dog who shows any sign of aggression should be put down immediately and make room for the healthy non-aggressive one’s.  That's an extreme view. 

It’s true that millions of perfectly healthy and happy dogs are put down each year because we humans continue to fall short of t the public on spay/neuter programs and millions of people continue to breed their dogs because “oh, he’s just so perfect, my friends want one just like him” or for profit.  And as if we don’t have enough overpopulation – people are now cloning dogs!  Think of the thousands of dogs that could be saved if that money went to spay/neuter and rescue programs.
 
So what if we put down every dog who demonstrated aggression?  Who gets to define what aggression is?  And what about the people who created the aggression by their abuse, or  failure to train or even nurture positive attributes in the dog? 

In my opinion, dogs are not born aggressive or shy/fearful.   Certainly, how they are raised including in the whelping box (by the mother, the owner/breeder, or the male if he is present) and time with their litter mates (too long or too little) can have an effect on their behavior.    Behavior is further shaped by what they are taught by humans and the boundaries and expectations that are set by us.  Lack of consistency and failure to set boundaries is in fact teaching your dog something.  In fact, everything you do with or to your dog shapes who they are and how they respond to situations in life.     What are you teaching?  What have you taught?   What have you failed to teach?   If you have rescued a dog – what past injustices are you trying to overcome from a shelter dog, life on the street, in an abusive home, or being chained to a tree with little human interaction?

People often think it’s cute when little dogs bark, growl, or nips – they  think it’s altogether different if it’s a big dog or a bully-breed.   It should not be acceptable behavior regardless of size or breed.  A little dog with bad behavior can often be the trigger for a reaction and the big dog takes the blame simply because he’s capable of doing more physical damage and looks and sounds a lot scarier.

There are some basic things you can do to begin to create boundaries and expectations for your dog that can lead to a better balance in their state of being and to prevent bites.

·         Train your dog

o   Start socializing puppies early (8 – 16 weeks).  Set boundaries and discipline even at this young age.  Many developmental phases happen as a puppy matures and how you and they respond will carry forward into their adult lives.  Puppy Training & Puppy Pre-schools are designed to introduce your puppy to other dogs, other people, loud and moving objects, and experienced they will encounter in every-day life.

o   If you have a reactive dog, fearful dog, or extremely shy – start desensitization programs asap.   These issues do not get better over time.   They get worse.  Much worse and can escalate to aggression.

§  Remove your dog from the situation giving them enough space to keep them below the threshold of reaction and reward only calm and relaxed behaviors

o   Aggression – seek professional help immediately.  Aggression is a serious matter that can put people, dogs and property at great risk.  It’s not a natural state of being for your dog – so help them overcome this state of mind.

§  Avoid interactions with other people or dogs until you have professional assistance in training.

§  Keep everyone safe.

·         Train your Children How to Approach Dogs (even parents of non-pet households)

o   Teach your children to ask permission before petting a dog and listen to the owner/handler.   Don’t be offended if the handler tells you “No”. 

o   Teach children to be calm, quiet and approach gently.  Allow the dog to smell them before reaching out a hand.  Never let your child reach their hand over the dog’s head.

o   Don’t allow your children to hug or kiss an unfamiliar dog.  You may find there are some dogs that will never enjoy hugs and kisses from children or adults.

o   If a loose dog is approaching your child, teach them to freeze.  Stand still, quiet and avoid making eye contact.  Running will only entice the dog to give chase.

o   We love when dogs and children play together  -- but that relationship has to be created & should not just be assumed to happen on its on.  You must also realize with some dogs it’s never going to happen.  Therefore, be sure to take precautions when visiting family members or friends with dogs.    (See our blog on the tolerant dog at the holidays)

·         Bringing a new Dog into your home

o   Be the leader from day 1 – or least start today.  Be Consistent.

o   Teach everyone to respect a dog’s space (bed, crate, etc)

o   Teach respect of food.   Feed your dog without small children around until you are 100% confident in your dog’s behavior around food.

o   Never leave small children unsupervised around a dog.  Teach children not to pull his tail, his ears, jump on him, or try to take toys from him. 

o   Teach your dog “leave it” to be able to take a toy or other object from the dog – whether it’s his toy or your child’s. 

§  If your dog is already guarding resources (toys, food, objects or people) it is important to begin training techniques to stop this behavior soon!

o   When visitors come over – have a “place” that your dog goes when the doorbell rings and when guests enter the house.   Set expectations with them about how to greet your dog or to interact with him.  If necessary, put your dog in his crate until your training programs are demonstrating trustworthy results.

o   Train your dog daily.  10-15 minutes of basic obedience.   If he masters those commands, add something new to challenge the both of you!

I am a professional dog trainer and yet,  I don't kid myself.  I still have much to learn.  I  seek to learn every day.  I respect that every dog is different and I've learned to expect the unexpected.   

If you are seeing warning signs of bad behavior it's best to nip it in the bud.   Call me.  I can help. 

 *Disclaimer:

This guide is offered as one method to train a skill.   There may be many others.   Leverage this document as you deem appropriate with your dog. 

Every dog is different.  All dogs learn a little differently.  Some will learn more quickly than others.  Some required different techniques or methods to learn a skill.   Be patient with your dog, praise lavishly, and reward often for doing something right.  While we do recommend consistency in leadership, expectations, boundaries and discipline for your dog, you must also evaluate when something is not working. Don’t just continue practicing a failing method.  

Owners are responsible for the care and behavior of their dogs in the home and in public.   Please be responsible for the safety of you dog, yourself and others.  Know how to read your dog’s signals and respect them appropriately.  

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

If you need help with your dog, call us to schedule an appointment. 





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.

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 trianing 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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