Trust me....

How willing is your dog? Will your dog do anything you ask? You may not know but it takes a lot of cooperation for Daisy to sit on the step stool which is on top of the table, which she must climb up on top to sit. Really how did she do it? What has gotten her up there? Trust.

She trusts herself that she can do it, the stool to hold her and me to keep her safe. Trust builds my faith in her abilities.

She's a DOG! right?! How does she know she isn't in danger? Because we PRACTICE goofy things all the time; I make her wear crazy hats; hold unimaginable things in her mouth; jump over, go through and under all sorts of obstacles. And you know what? She loves it!

I love this quality about Daisy. And I hope to encourage all the training dogs and their owners to reach past their comfort zones to try new things. When they do and realize "We did it!", they want to do more!

But where and how to start? Let's start simple by doing one thing today.

1. Bring out one "New" thing. Something your dog will eventually put their paws on; stool, box, or a tray. Have your dog walk by, then walk over it, and the finally stop on it. Remember, each small attempt is to be rewarded. These small baby steps will add up to huge victories!

I get so excited when the dogs accomplish new feats of daring. Not life threatening mind you, no walking a tight rope across a canyon but that doesn't mean it can't be done. All it takes is practice and builds with Trust and Faith.

Out of the DogHouse LLC website www.ohiodogtrainer.net

Contact Dru Therrian 440.286.9070

Doggy Death Grip or How to get Stolen items Out of Your Dog's Mouth

"Now what do you have?" Ever hear yourself saying that to your dog? Or "Come back here with that!" And the chase begins. When you actually get a hold of your dog, don't they have the death grip on whatever you want back?!!

While the prize possession is in your dog's mouth, you could scold them with a  firm "NO". They may let go and drop it or they may clench their jaws with no intention of letting go! You can prevent a lot of frustration and chasing games just by teaching your dog the Out Command.

I like the word Out because it sounds firm and is short; it can be said quickly and with authority. I think is is easier to say than Leave it. Out can also be said when your dog thinks about putting something undesirable in their mouth. I have used this command for many years to "Make" dogs let go by inserting my thumb into the side of their mouth or by waiting til they let go. Both of these ways can cause a "Battle of Wills"....as in Who can Outlast Whom?

I was pointed in a new direction by a fellow dog trainer, Peg Munves. She suggested looking at another technique by Chirag Patel (a trainer in the UK)  that teaches the dog the word's meaning before they even have something in their mouth. Then when they do have something they shouldn't, the dog will understand how to let go for something better. The dog is cooperative from the start; no fighting you for the item.

This technique is like a trade because you will offer the dog something more valuable. The difference is how the reward is delivered: Tossed on the floor. Most importantly, because you will be pointing out pieces of food for your dog to eat, it teaches your dog not to bite you when your hand is close to the item and their mouth. That way you can reach safely for the item.

Here is a video of a practice session with Tommy and his owner. Teaching Out is a process and this is only the beginning. Having the Out word in place will be beneficial when it really counts.






Out of the DogHouse LLC website www.ohiodogtrainer.net
Contact Dru Therrian 440.286.9070

Tough Love; Why, When and How to Use a Muzzle

There are just some situations you will need to use a muzzle. You may have a perfectly lovely dog except....when it comes to:

• Nail trims
• Going to the Vet office
• Shots at the Vet office
• Getting a bath
• Any kind of handling
• Overcoming biting

Sure you don't want to put a muzzle on your dog! You think that means you have a bad dog. You may be embarrassed from the fact that your dog needs a muzzle to get some task accomplished. But I will tell the sooner you start using a muzzle the quicker it will take to stop using it. Your dog will learn that you are determined to do what is necessary.

You may need professional help for this type of training. Don't hesitate. Don't get bit! But I will tell you that once you realize that using a muzzle is a safety precaution and using one will keep you from being bit you will be happy to put it on your dog to do what you need to do. State of mind is just as important for you as it is for dogs.

I actually refer to the muzzle as 'jewelry" and will say "Aren't you Handsome or Beautiful!". That puts me at ease!! You will need to practice putting it on your dog. In fairest terms, you should prepare your dog for a few uncomfortable seconds to teach him that he "Will Not Die" and it will come off when YOU remove it.

So here goes:

1. Have a leash on your dog and food ready.
2. Stand behind your dog or somewhat to the side. (A less threatening position)
3. Put the muzzle on your dog's nose without clipping it close;don't let go of the straps. Say Good. 
4. Remove the muzzle, Say Yes and offer a treat (Don't worry if your dog is too stressed to eat. Keep proceeding.)

Repeat these steps till you are confident in the procedure. Now comes the point of clipping it closed. Once it is clipped, do not let your dog try to paw it off his face. If he has front dew claws he will scratch himself. Also he needs to learn to cope and recover so that wearing a muzzle is not a problem. 

You love your dog and it isn't right to be afraid your dog will bite you because you need to get into his personal space. They don't call it  "Tough Love" for nothing! Do what is right, stay safe and show your dog how much you love him.

Video notes:
This little beagle is in my Overnight Boot Camp because he has personal space issues. Muzzle work is new territory for him so we are both cautious. Because of training, our relationship is good and is based on trust. There is a rocky moment where he reacts but he manages to cope with the stress and willing lets me continue putting on the muzzle. I am very proud of his good work attitude!

Again, using a muzzle will help your dog in fearful, stressed situations. Doing muzzle work is not an easy thing to do if you don't know how. So get help for your self, your dog and prevent a bite.

Out of the DogHouse LLC website www.ohiodogtrainer.net
Contact Dru Therrian 440.286.9070

Calm vs Hyper

Sometimes I feel like a Beauty Pageant Contestant when all I want is "World Peace and Harmony"! I truly do!! I want happiness, contentment and joy. Don't we all?! So how do we get that if our dog is hyper-crazy or a nervous wreck?

First all, we have to understand the extremes of bouncing off the walls all day long then crashing into a dead sleep just to start over again the next day is not what we want. Enduring this "Over the Top" energy just to fall asleep at the end of the day does not make a calm, content dog. Please understand, I do believe exercise is important but not just to wear out the dog to the point he doesn't want to move or can't. And who wants a well conditioned bad dog?

Now being a nervous wreck is a bit of a different problem. I think the base line of this problem is fear and lack of trust. This is a much tougher puzzle to solve than hyper-crazy. You may see your dog shaking, trembling, jaw chattering and believe me, they are not cold. These are emotional responses to how your dog views the situation at hand. The troubling part of this could be how your dog acts while in this state such as being defensive to the point of growling and biting or messy by submissive peeing.

Both hyper and nervous dogs are going through a physiological state of chemical change in their bodies.
1. Rush of adrenaline
2. Feeling an arousal alert or excitement.
3. Show of hackles on the top line of their bodies.

Side note: Keep in mind even happy dogs can raise their hackles. This just means they are excited. Think of what it is like to have "Goose Bumps". 

So what to do?
1. First all you need to be the Benevolent Leader. This means you need to control yourself to help your dog learn how to be calm; You must act gentle but firm and remain calm.

2. Create a daily schedule of movement and rest. Plan out your dog's day so that he does get exercise, time with you and time alone.

3. Practice being Calm: Give your dog a place to relax and make him stay there to learn how to be calm.

Making your dog lay down for long periods of time throughout the day will help them relax. The chemicals in their body will dissipate and they will stop feeling excited or on edge. Being calm can become a learned habit that way you won't have to live with crazy all the time. And maybe at first you will only have moments but you can have Peace and Harmony in your world.

Out of the DogHouse LLC website www.ohiodogtrainer.net
Contact Dru Therrian 440.286.9070