Speak…Up with Dogs!!!!!!
Watch this funny video, except it’s not really funny for dogs when they are trained using shock collars 8-)
Dog Training Ladder Climbing Vs Climbing Stairs! Is it any different?
Dog Training Ladder Climbing Vs Climbing Stairs! Is it any different?
I recently watched a short video clip of Cesar Millan, the so-called “Dog Whisperer” working with a huge Great Dane. The Great Dane was afraid to go up and down stairs, a common fear and if not introduced to stairs as puppies, it would not be unusual at all for an older dog to be afraid. Cesar Millan demonstrated using a flooding method and other behavior associated with climbing stairs that might influence the overall behavior, example running starts!!!!!
Here’s an example teaching my Jack Russell to climb a 6 ft ladder actually even more difficult (!), simple lure and reward and/or combined with shaping works fine for all dogs. What Millan did was no different from someone throwing a frightened child into a swimming pool and telling them to sink or swim!
After all that running trying to force the scared dog up stairs Cesar Millan wasted a lot of energy. Energy expenditure is costly, animals take that into consideration when hunting prey. Additionally, a confident animal doesn’t waste energy, this seems contrary to good leadership skills!
Give the dog a break, using a little positive reinforcement up front makes the experience much more pleasurable for any animal.
“Nature Rewards Behaviors That Promote Evolution” (Balcombe, 2006)\
“…the most persuasive argument for pleasure in animals is that it is adaptive (Balcombe, 2006)
“Pleasure is nature’s way of rewarding good behavior (Balcombe, 2006)…this also helps to reinforce that same behavior the next time it is performed (Bradbury, 2006).”
Why consider the use of Shock Collars (E-Stimulus, E-Touch) carefully
Dog outsmarts Pavlov and some humans!
January 30, 2010
Why consider the use of Shock Collars (E-Stimulus, E-Touch) carefully
This is a bit technical but brief overview on this issue. I will do my best to make it easy for everyone to understand. In the JVB (2007) Overall evaluated the molecular and cellular use of shock on the learning process. She suggested, “we may be changing other behaviors or processes” with these collars technically called E-Stimulus Devices.
Overall (2007) uses what she describes as “a landmark study” by Schilder and van der Borg published in Applied Animal Behavior (2004). Schilder and van der Borg noticed dogs exhibiting more stress related behavior when using these types of devices. Stress related behavior continued with the control group, during free time in the handlers presence while at parks, when dogs should be relaxed. Stress behaviors and/or conflict resolution behaviors is extensively defined in recent dog literature.
The authors, Schilder and van der Borg (2004), concluded three negative effects from the use of e-stimulus devices (shock collars). They are as follows:
- This type of training is stressful
- Dogs are feeling pain
- Dogs learn to associate the collar with shock and presence of the handler/owner!
Overall (2007) suggests, though some guard type dogs are successfully trained using these devices, other concerns i.e. “heightened uncertainty and reactivity” were reported. She says, president of a regional detection dog group in the US believed “any handler who hits the streets with a dog wearing a shock collar did not have a well-trained or reliably trained dog.”
As said earlier, I am attempting to offer only an overview on the use of e-stimulus devices, aka shock collars, not an in-depth study or research paper. There appears a growing number of dog trainers schooled to use these devices as standard training equipment. One such school is located in Florida. Their slogan “We do this quickly, effectively and lovingly. Plus we GUARANTEE our E- Touch approach and dog training for the life of your dog.”
Guaranteeing results is a very questionable practice in the discipline of behavior and often advised against in literature when selecting a dog trainer or behavior specialist. Not even a human therapist will guarantee your results. This is purely marketing, and when their system fails, because they have not correctly identified any underlying problems associated with a behavior complaint, the owner will either seek other counsel or worse, surrender the dog to an unknown fate at a shelter.
A legitimate concern exists for newly introduced dog trainers, veterinarians, dog owners/handlers, dog-related businesses, and dog owners who are unaware of these findings and literature on the subject is sorely lacking.
The following statement and review comes from a “Letter to the Editor” in response to Overall’s (2007) editorial cited earlier. The response appeared in the JVB (2008) published by a “representative” from Radio Systems Corporation, the world’s leading manufacturer of e-stimulus devices which they refer to as “static stimulation.” The brands represented included Invisible Fence, PetSafe, Innotek, SportDOG, and Guardian Brands.
The author, in the first paragraph says, “We are in complete agreement with Overall…decisions to use such equipment should not be made lightly,” and states their literature includes warnings. I am purposely omitting the author’s reasoning for suggesting e-stimulus devices as a “legitimate means of behavior modification” that would need discussion on learning theory, highly technical and lengthy paper. The intended target audience is to bring attention to dog-related business’s, shelter and rescue personnel, foster parents, veterinarians, groomers, daycare owners, and dog owners.
Before making an informed decision using dog-related equipment for purposes of behavior modification, a complete behavior history and medical workup should be completed. This gathering information about the dog, family, and dog’s environment, help the behavior consultant identify the problem and informed choices how to approach modifying the dog’s behavior.
Additionally, any medical reasons sometimes masquerading and/or contributing to a behavior problem need eliminated first by a veterinarian.
Once these two requirements are completed, any medical problems eliminated, the consultant can begin offering solutions including training, modifying the owner’s behavior, and any necessary management. If the case involves a dog who has already bitten, a risk assessment is necessary. The owner/handler, rescue organization, or foster care person is apprised of any risks and recommendations keeping in mind the public’s safety and anyone coming into contact with the dog.
If a certified behavior consultant (IAABC), board certified veterinarian (ACVB), ABS and/or AVSAB member were to decide the use of an e-stimulus device is warranted, then according to the representative the following must be taken into consideration.
The choice of the targeted stimulation is important, and since instrumental behavior (learned) is usually rewarded by its consequences, “not all behaviors are equally likely to be associated with certain consequences.” They state, “researchers discovered that certain responses can be exceedingly difficult to establish” using shock avoidance!
Here’s the kicker… they admit animals are not ‘biologically prepared’ to associate a negative event when faced with danger. I’m including any type of fearful stimulus. It is widely known animals have choices when faced with threatening situations. They can freeze, flee, defend themselves offensively or offer appeasement behavior (tend-befriend). The author says, “if a trainer attempts to punish defensive aggression in an already frightened dog, the aggression is likely to escalate,” not diminish. Aggression, except predatory, is always associated with fear and unless you change the emotional response, you cannot change the dog’s perspective toward that fear.
The author suggests behavior “targeted for suppression” using e-stimulus devices include roaming, chasing vehicles, prey drive and “other high-arousal behaviors far removed from stress.” The bolded phrase is concerning since “high-arousal” behavior can manifest in a myriad of ways and reasons and often already associated with stress! An example of “high-arousal” behavior could be jumping, barking, or zooming around the house to release energy! All of these suggested behaviors, often undesirable “high-arousal” behavior are always associated with the owner, not the dog.
The dog is often responding using normal dog behavior, often perceived negatively by their owners. Many of these dogs are living in dysfunctional environments. A dysfunctional environment often does not include clear rules and boundaries associated with the dog’s behavior, and in most cases, owner reinforcement is often present. So punishing the dog for owner-reinforced behavior, inconsistency, lack of enough outlets for energy expenditure, and generally not meeting a dog’s needs seem rather cruel.
The following statement made by the author needs understood, especially by dog owners considering these devices for training and/or behavior modification. The author states, “experienced trainers acknowledge…motivating learning through aversive control” is only effective if the trainer concentrates on “one response at a time” and “intermixing behaviors only when performance” of the first target response is “fluent” (reliably trained).
Most problem behavior consists of chained behavior. For example, dog hears owner’s car arrive home, dog begins to get aroused, owner walks in, dog jumps all over owner. If they suggest the correct way to use these devices means, the owner/dog trainer must stop the behavior before it gets started, when the dog hears the car! All other points in the entire chain of behavior must be “fluent” (reliably trained) first, before proceeding to the next! I have to ask, how many of these trainers are training reliably each sequence in a chain of undesirable behavior with the owners? This is exactly how positive trainers shape desirable behavior, but without using punishment.
The author’s argument that other punitive procedures, i.e. time out, are ineffective, citing “electrical stimulation is potentially superior to and safer” than other aversive punishment, i.e. spray bottles, restraint, and noxious tastes, is unsubstantiated. This suggestion is weak lacking any research or quantification.
I purposely left time out from their list; time out, used effectively and consistently, with rules, timing and proper social settings can/is very effective, given the dog wants to stay in the social environment. If the dog’s social environment lacks rewarding opportunities and training an incompatible behavior, sending them to time out will have no effect at all, in some instances, it may offer the dog relief. Therefore, the author’s statement is weak and appears to lack understanding correct time out rules and when/where its use is effective.
The author further justifies using electrical stimulation by comparing it to human cases of “self-injurious behaviors,” i.e. head banging. Dog owners commonly complain about barking, running away and jumping, these common dog behavior problems don’t come remotely close to “head banging” but aversive punishment is commonly recommended. A recent study, on territorial aggression suggested owners are most responsible for their dog’s behavior. See related blog post, “Spoiling dogs, is it really good for them? .” Until owners step up to the plate, take responsibility for contributing to their dog’s behavior… after all, it was their choice to adopt or buy a dog… We will continue to debate this issue as well as how many dogs are euthanized every day and yearly because of unresolved behavior problems.
Lastly, using the author’s own words the use of e-stimulus devices “should never be considered in isolation from positive reinforcement” when used to correct unwanted behavior. My answer is: if more owners were properly educated in the use of positive reinforcement and life rewards, there would be limited need for these devices.
The only consideration for the use of an e-stimulus device might be to control prey drive. However, this requires your presence, a dog allowed to roam freely will still be able to kill. A dog diagnosed with prey drive is a danger to the community and based on a risk assessment, should be remanded to its property, and if taken out in public should wear a muzzle to protect the public and other animals.
Joyce Kesling, CDBC
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (IAABC)
Professional Dog Trainer (APDT)
Sarasota, FL
Dog Training with Darwin
Dog Training practice heeling and/or walking nicely on lead exercise with Darwin at new location Mote Marine Sarasota Florida on 01.27.10
Dog Training Recalls with Darwin
Dog Training, practicing recalls with Darwin in a new location (Mote Marine), trying to keep the training relaxed and fun.
Playing Fetch and Retrieve with Darwin and Boudicca
It’s pretty obvious both dogs compete for my attention…this causes anxiety and frustration, watch! This is one reason WHY one should choose carefully breed and/or if you are ready to train and play with two active dogs. Both are fun and interesting, two completely different dogs with their own personalities, I wouldn’t give them up for anything!
Dog Training Mote Marine Sarasota Florida
Just a fun day dog training by Mote Marine in Sarasota Florida. Darwin is doing Up, Off, on a table and bench with a graded see through surface, using lure and reward.
Darwin & Dallas Playing Island Park Sarasota 012410
Great play session between Darwin & Dallas (m Husky). I didn’t get their initial play session on video, this session was after Dallas got distracted (dogs!) and ran off to the water, probably to cool off. His owner was concerned about having him loose, that’s why she’s holding his lead now, but doing a nice job of keeping it loose. She liked the idea using a long-line, she was not familiar with how useful they are in teaching off lead control. It was a great play session for Darwin and Dallas. My purpose was a relaxed time out without serious obedience work.
How selective breeding is impacting the welfare of dogs
Isn't she cute!!!!!
How selective breeding is impacting the welfare of dogs
According to a recent report done in the UK selective breeding practices are associated with “exaggerated anatomical features and inherited disease.”
Breed standards contribute to the problem by focusing more on physical attributes rather than “health, temperament, welfare and functionality.” These standards trickle down to the average pet population.
Most significantly reported are anatomical features that directly result in disability, behavior problems or pain, resulting in unnecessary suffering, high rates of disease with hereditary causes.
An extreme example are those breeds with heads so large natural birthing is impossible, their faces are so flat breathing and exercise is limited and/or include risks of early heart disease or cancer. These limitations affect quality of life and according to the report, “Society has become ‘desensitized to [these] welfare issues.”
The UK Kennel Club acknowledges breeding for “extreme morphology” is a danger and continuing to follow current breed standards presents a “matter of continued urgency.”
According to this report, “most dog breeding is a hobby conducted by ‘dog lovers’, rather than utilitarian.” The suffering which some pedigree dogs endure could be avoidable with revised breeding practices” and suggests society has a “strong moral obligation” for solving the problem.
The experts who participated in this study suggest current breeding practices, efforts by breed societies and kennel clubs are ineffective and are not protecting the welfare of many breeds. They consider it so serious suggesting “drastic measures” are needed and that all members of society especially those who benefit from dogs have a “moral and ethical obligation” to take every action to rectify this problem to protect the health and welfare of future generations of pedigree dogs.
The recommendation is this will take a concerted effort for all involved and that all groups who benefit from dogs “buy into the process” as well as fully support the actions necessary. This in my long standing opinion is the challenge we should be concentrating our energy and resources toward. This is contrary to the current road where we find ourselves. We are being reactive rather than proactive, filling the voids with bandaid solutions while continuing by ignoring the bigger picture!
Joyce Kesling, CDBC
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
Dog Trainer, Dog Behavior Specialist
http://www.responsibledog.net/
Dog meeting, Stay Dog Distraction, Boxer Behavior Unknown
This is meant to be an educational video demonstrating meeting a strange dog and dog whose handler when asked was uncertain about the dog’s behavior. Based on what I observed and lack of knowledge concerning the dog’s behavior, i would not allow my dog to meet. This was also additional training for my dog to stay, wait for permission, and just be Darwin!
Dog training, relaxed sniffing, recall, stay, weird guy distraction
I’m purposely allowing relaxed sniffing before we work stay and distractions with other dogs and people. Several weeks ago, I noticed Darwin would take off without permission to meet another dog, this IS a problem. We’ve been working on listening/attention, stay, either in sit and/or down position. To date, since beginning to correct this identified problem, he has not broken a stay cue! He is learning to wait for permission, including in heel position. I had identified at times when prevented from arbitrarily meeting dogs, he was getting aggressive. There were/are times when I DO NOT want him to meet a particular dog and/or person. I make this decision, not Darwin! This is improving. The point is, he may be slow responding during these couple of recalls, but sniffing for Darwin and/or any other dog for that matter is serious business. It would have been helpful gaining his attention using my whistle and/or squeaker, but my purpose was allowing him to casually sniff, not obey commands strictly. Finally, my overall point is, considering the environment, my relaxed intention, Darwin was adequately responsive, everything else he did was perfect, and I did not have to use any heavy-handed corrections or e-stimulus (shock collar) to get the kind of behavior I want.
APDT TRAIN YOUR DOG MONTH
It’s train your dog month…what new behaviors have you trained your dog this month? APDT is promoting dog training for the month of January, but dogs need guidance and training every day, it’s easy, fun and your dog will love you for it!This was Darwin’s first time jumping a bench from back to front…how easy does he make it look?
Problems with aversive dog training techniques
PRESS RELEASE
15 December 2009
Problems with aversive dog training techniques
UK animal welfare, behaviour, training and veterinary organisations1 are warning of the possible dangers of using techniques for training dogs that can cause pain and fear, such as some of those seen used by Cesar Millan, who has announced a UK tour next year.
The organisations have joined forces to voice their serious concerns about techniques which pose welfare problems for dogs and significant risk to owners who may copy them. These concerns are shared, and the statement supported, by similar organisations around the world2 and in continental Europe3.
Aversive training techniques, which have been seen to be used by Cesar Millan, are based on the principle of applying an unpleasant stimulus to inhibit behaviour. This kind of training technique can include the use of prong collars, electric shock collars, restricting dogs′ air supply using nooses/leads or pinning them to the ground, which can cause pain and distress. The use of such techniques may compromise the welfare of dogs and may worsen the behavioural problems they aim to address, potentially placing owners at considerable risk. A number of scientific studies have found an association between the use of aversive training techniques and the occurrence of undesired behaviours in dogs.
The organisations believe that the use of such training techniques is not only unacceptable from a welfare perspective, but that this type of approach is not necessary for the modification of dog behaviour. Dog trainers all over the UK use reward-based methods to train dogs very effectively. Where dogs have behaviours which owners find unacceptable, such as aggression or destruction, qualified behaviourists achieve long term changes in behaviour through the use of established and validated techniques of behaviour modification without subjecting dogs to training techniques which may cause pain or distress.
We urge dog owners to carefully consider the help they choose to train their dogs or tackle behavioural problems. Anyone can call themselves a behaviour expert, but we believe that only those with a combination of appropriate qualifications, up to date knowledge as well as skills and experience should be treating dogs, and should only do so in a way which does not put the welfare of the dogs at risk.
Further information on:
- the misconceptions which underlie the use of aversive training techniques
- the development of behaviour in dogs
- the problems associated with the use of aversive training techniques
- finding a suitable trainer or behaviourist
can be found at: www.dogwelfarecampaign.org
1 Dogs Trust, The Blue Cross, Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), The Blue Dog, Wood Green Animal Shelters, World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), The Kennel Club, Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, Canine Partners, UK , Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB) Accreditation Ltd, Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC), Association of Pet Dog Trainers, UK (APDT, UK), UK Registry of Canine Behaviours (UKRCB), Companion Animal Behaviour Therapy Study Group (CABTSG), British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) and British Veterinary Association (BVA).
2 Australian Veterinary Association (AVA), Australian Veterinary Behaviour Interest Group (AVBIG), American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) and The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, Inc. (CCPDT)(USA).
3 European Society of Clinical Veterinary Ethology (ESCVE), European College of Veterinary Behavioural Medicine – Companion Animals (ECVBM-CA), the Flemish Veterinary Working Group on Ethology (VDWE) and Norwegian Association for Pet Behaviour (NAPB) Norsk Atferdsgruppe for Selskapsdyr (NAS).
More information about organisations supporting this press statement can be found at www.dogwelfarecampaign.org
Dog Training “Behind” Cue
Some might question why I would train my dog to get “behind” me. If you’ve ever owned a Doberman or perhaps other large type guarding dog it’s not unusual to pass people who are afraid of your breed. The most obvious maneuvers humans do is either move completely away or they move their hand behind their back. There are also occasions when you need to pass and there’s only room for you or your dog to pass first. You DO NOT want your dog to pass in front of you. There may also be times when it might be convenient to prevent a loose dog from getting in your dogs space/face. And finally, while mentoring a SAR person I suggested it might have been helpful in preventing his working GSD snapping at an evacuee reaching out to pet the dog! Additionally, when you see a professional trainer, especially a working dog trainer, it is not appropriate to pet the dog, there may be instances when some handlers will give you permission, but you should ask first.
Unpacking the HSUS Gravy Train ~ Who’s benefitting?
H$U$
Unpacking the HSUS Gravy Train.
Unpacking the HSUS Gravy Train
There are only two things certain in life, as the saying goes, and a byproduct of one of them requires nonprofit organizations to file paperwork with the IRS. So now that the deceptively named“Humane Society” of the United States (HSUS) has submitted its “Form 990″ for 2008, we thought it was time to take a close look. The tax filing itself is a bit more detailed than ones in the past, thanks to some new IRS rules. And more detail equals a clearer picture of exactly what HSUS is doing — and what it’s not doing — with all its money. [Click here to view the full document.]
HSUS reported spending almost $20 million on “campaigns, legislation, and litigation”—enough to worry any livestock farmer or hunter looking to keep their chosen lifestyle alive. The group collected over $86 million in contributions, and spent more than $24 million on fundraising, including $4 million on professional fundraisers. Think about it: 28 cents of every dollar contributed to HSUS goes back out the door to raise more money. HSUS even paid a single “lockbox” company more than $4.2 million to count and process its cash hauls. We won’t comment on that company’s curious “ALF” initials (for Arizona Lockbox & Fulfillment).
The bottom line is the same as it ever was: HSUS rakes in millions from unsuspecting Americans who may confuse the animal rights group with an unaffiliated local humane society. And with all this cash flying around, it’s no surprise that 41 HSUS employees made at least $100,000 last year. All told, HSUS paid out over $30.9 million in salaries, wages, and other employee compensation.
HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle earned more than $250,000 in salary and benefits in 2008. We wouldn’t begrudge him a large salary, of course: He runs an animal-rights business “charity,” after all.
But the real trouble lies in where most HSUS money doesn’t go: to pet shelters. In contrast with the group’s extravagant spending on people, HSUS’s total grant allocation was less than $4.7 million. And of that, almost half went to a political campaign committee called “Californians for Humane Farms,” the main lobbying organization responsible for California’s “Proposition 2” ballot initiative.
For all the cute pictures of puppies and kitties on HSUS paraphernalia, you’d think it would operate a pet shelter, or at least give a substantial portion of its money to one. But HSUS has lobbying to do, a PETA-inspired agenda to push, meat eaters to stigmatize, and livestock farmers to put out to pasture. Lobbying? Oh, yes. HSUS takes four full pages to detail its lobbying activities on the state and federal levels.
With all the politicking going on, the animals—remember them?—seem to get lost in the shuffle. We added up the totals, and HSUS gave only a little more than $450,000—that’s just half of one percent of its total budget—in grants to organizations providing hands-on care to dogs and cats. That’s less than 11 percent of what it paid “ALF” (see above) just to count its money.
We’re musing today about HSUS’s next big self-marketing blitz, and some new slogans it might want to use. Our favorite? “HSUS: Feed the lawyers, save the fundraisers, screw the pets.”
Dog Training, Distractions, Out of Control Dogs
This is dog training in a public place, it’s not easy, but it’s a great way to proof your dog’s behavior. I’ve included an example of two pairs of dogs that could use loose lead walking improvement. When dogs pull owners (worse in pairs) toward oncoming dogs and/or humans we have no idea what can be expected from your dog, they appear out of control! This is one behavior owners should really work on with their dogs, it’s important and the message you’re sending is calm behavior versus excitable impulsive and unpredictable.
Socializing, training, have a great day out with my dog Darwin!
Socializing, training, having a great day out with my dog Darwin! Island Park was busy, lots of great distractions, friendly people and wonderful weather!
Dog Training “Behind” me at Island Park Sarasota Florida 12.26.09
Dog Training “Behind” me at Island Park Sarasota Florida 12.26.09
Dog Training ~ Loose dog, fast downs and behind me!
The loose dog could not have been more perfect…even ran by after we began working! We are working on fast downs and “behind” for a few reasons, this was our first session working on this new behavior. What a great job Darwin is doing and I was pleased to see his social skills are still progressing!
Training is a quality of life issue for pets…What training tools are recommended and should be avoided?
- Darwin in his Doggles!
Training is a quality of life issue for pets…What training tools are recommended and should be avoided?
I’ve included in the following a list of recommended dog training tools and dog-training tools that should be avoided. The recommendation was published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior (2006) and presented at the Advanced Behavior Course at the North American Veterinary Conference, Post Graduate Institute
However, many dog owners are unaware of these recommendations and continue to use Flexi-Leads even though professional dog trainers do not use them. However, given the right instruction, proper size Flexi-Lead, owners can learn to navigate their dog effectively. I have created the following video demonstrating how a professional trainer can use them. If you still prefer using this tool but still struggle to manage your pulling dog, you can get help from a professional dog trainer. However, these devices can be very problematic, dangerous and not used properly do encourage inappropriate dog manners and behavior.
Often, owners are unsuccessful teaching their dog to walk nicely on lead struggling as their dog takes them for their walks. Often owners succumb to their dogs pulling and relieve their anxiety using a retractable lead (Flexi-Lead) as a way to solve this problem. This is incorrect thinking, you still have a pulling dog, and you don’t have control over your dogs behavior, this can create a community problem when you don’t have your dog under control. A dog pulling you on walks says a lot about your relationship you have with your companion dog.
As you watch the video notice, Darwin IS walking with me, often looking for cues. When training different behaviors you must be careful how much lead is extracted and when retracting, this is done carefully to avoid snapping your dog and/or causing him to change position. There is an example included. There may have been a slight pull during a down stay causing Darwin to stand up; I simply correct him, getting him back into down position. This is unlikely to occur using a long line!
I also prefer using a Flexi-lead larger than recommended; I’m using a Flex-lead for dogs exceeding 100 lbs. It’s my experience the small Flexi-leads are too flimsy providing little to nothing to actually hold and control. I recommend if you are going to use these products that you learn how to use them properly as well as buy an adequate size for full control.
Additionally, Darwin has no problem doing any common behaviors, sit, down, stay, even roll over. I make one correction associated with attention, followed by releasing all tension between the lead, my dog and myself. The same is done using any type lead!
I am not advocating using Flexi-leads, I am demonstrating if you choose to use one, equal importance should be placed on training your dog to walk correctly and confident you have a good recall and out; meaning you have control using this tool
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QNKdkjFGdQ
What training tools—in addition to their brains—do the trainers use?
Good tools promote calm and relaxed behavior, and efficient learning that is in the best interests of the dog and the dog-human team. Good tools include
a) small, bite-sized treats (check for food allergies first!!!)
b) leashes
c) head collars
d) flat collars
e) harnesses
f) praise
g) toys (as a reinforcer of good behavior)
2. Tools that should be avoided because they increase fear and anxiety:
a) shock collars / electric collars / e-collars / static collars
b) prong collars
c) “correction” collars
d) choke collars, choke chains (sometimes euphemistically referred to as training collars)
Some tools can be problematic or become problematic when used incorrectly, but you might not think
so at the outset. Examples include:
Flexi leads: Flexi leads are not training tools. If the dog does not know how to walk nicely on a lead, he will not learn using a Flexi lead alone. Also, Flexi leads allow dogs to explore without overt supervision and without the attention of the client. Thus, the dog can become a victim of another dog, a bicycle, or a car, or the dog may injure someone who he or she trips with the lead when turning a corner or lunging through crowds. Finally, the handle of these flexible leashes is difficult to impossible to use well if you are elderly, young, have small hands, or have arthritis. If this handle is pulled from the clients hands it can become an airborne weapon and do damage to the dog or to another individual.
Reference
Journal of Veterinary Behavior (2006) 1, 47-52. Good trainers: How to identify one and why this is important to your practice of veterinary medicine
Responsible Dog and Cat
Training and Behavior Solutions
Combining Art and Science for Training Animals
Joyce D. Kesling, CDBC
P.O. Box 15992
Sarasota, Florida 34277
941-966-1188
http://responsibledog.wordpress.com/
Dog Training Darwin Island Park Sarasota Florida
Dog training, practicing cues, weather conditions, distractions. Darwin is doing great, he’s really learning it’s fun to learn, train and be with me! 8-)
ISLAND PARK DOG TRAINING PART TWO CHLOE SHOWS UP! 12.11.09
Dog Training Darwin at Island Park Sarasota Florida, friend and dog Chloe show up! This is Part Two from our training session on 12.11.09. What a great day, windy, cold, rainy, but what a great day to train dogs!
Island Park Dog Training Session Part One
Dog training session part one, Island Park, Sarasota Florida. Practice cues, distractions, weather conditions. Darwin is learning what it means to learn, he’s beginning to like to work. He requires less food reinforcement, but his food drive still tends to interfere with his reliability.
Dog Whisperer Ditches DC ~ Don’t Despair…there’s a more positive approach!
Dog Whisperer Ditches DC
He says it’s due to charity events
By ASHA BEH
Updated 2:30 PM EST, Sun, Dec 6, 2009
Cesar Millan and NOT a happy dog...they just don't get it!
Pssst,
Dog Whisperer fans… Think Cesar Millan will be in DC today? Think again.
Cesar’s diehard fans probably heard the news weeks ago, but for anyone who hasn’t, his show at the Patriot Center was cancelled “due to Cesar’s commitments to charity events.”
But don’t despair, says The Washington Examiner. You can get “better, more positive” doggie behavior advice — and for free, no less — locally.
You’ll just have to sit and stay a few months.
Dr. Kathryn Meyer, VMD, is holding a “Dominance in Dog Training — an outdated and dangerous approach” workshop at the Potomac Community Center on February 20th from 2-4 p.m. Meyer may not be The Dog Whisperer, but she is “a well-known veterinary behaviorist,” according to the Examiner.
First Published: Dec 6, 2009 2:29 PM EST
http://www.nbcwashington.com/around-town/events/Dog-Whisperer-Ditches-DC-78640567.html?__source=Facebook
Responsible Dog ~ It’s All About Dogs
Joyce Kesling, CDBC, Author
It’s all about Dogs!
It’s all about dogs is for moments when I have a fresh thought or idea about dogs, dog behavior, dog training or other thoughts concerning dogs welfare, and quality of life. I hope to pass these thoughts on to everyone who loves and keeps dogs but most of all to those who want to understand them better.
Understanding dogs from their perspective has potential for providing a much more interesting view of your relationship and bond with them.
I’ll be posting thoughts concerning dogs, sometimes using studies, sometimes using my own perspective, observation and views.
visit me
Responsible Dog and Cat
Training and Behavior Solutions
Combining Art and Science for Training Animals
Joyce D. Kesling, CDBC
Certified Dog Behaviorist
Professional Dog Trainer
P.O. Box 15992
Sarasota, Florida 34277
941-966-1188
http://responsibledog.wordpress.com/
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Responsible Dog
Joyce Kesling, CDBC
Professional Dog Trainer, Certified Dog Behaviorist, Personal Gravatar-
Responsible Dog Flickr Photos
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