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

Home Remedies for Cabin Fever

I think we experiencing a Polar Vortex Sequel!? Can you believe we have, yet, another day of zero temps! 20 degrees (a virtual heatwave) would be nice because we could spend more time outside; at least longer than just a quick pee and dash back inside.

Yup going a bit stir crazy! What is happening at your house? Are your dogs bouncing off the walls? Are you wondering what can be done to use up all that energy?

Here are some indoor remedies to cure Cabin Fever!

1. Which Hand Holds the Treat: Indication game.
Your dog will smell where the treat is then either use their nose or paw to point at the correct hand.



2. Come and Go: Return and Send game.
You send your dog to eat a treat in the food bowl then have them return to you when called.



3. Broom Jumping: Directional Control game.
Your dog will follow your directions as you make him wait to jump over the broom.



Take your pick! Each game will have their own challenge as you figure out how to teach your dog to play.
You won't need any fancy equipment either; just time and patience. An these days while stuck indoors, we have plenty of time!

Oh and only 50 days till Spring!!

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

Double Trouble: Siblings + House mates

Many times I get calls from folks who own more than one dog. Sometimes their dogs are litter mates, sometimes they are just house mates. A lot of these types of calls are because these folks are having dog problems such as fighting and not listening. 

From the first day the puppies arrived, unless certain rules and ways to manage living with more than one dog were planned, these other worrisome problems do arise:

1. Over bonding between the puppies. There is no room for the puppy to learn when all they do is spend time with their sibling to the exclusion of people. The puppies rely on each other rather build a relationship with their new human family.

2. Slow to learn basic Life skills. Many times, litter mates have difficulty getting house trained because when they do go outdoors they forget to go potty; they are too busy playing, chasing and biting each other.

3. Lack Bite Inhibition. As puppies, they are constantly biting each other, they learn to tolerate the behavior. They think it is alright to bite everyone else. They don't learn self control.

4. Distressed when Separated. Often the puppies are always together; going outside; riding in the car; and many times crated together. This reliance on each other mask their weakness because as a pair they are confident; separated they feel unsure and afraid. 

5. Coming of Age Fighting. Since they were little they have been rehearsing how to fight. Now that they are older it has become more serious as they grow from adolescents to adults.  This may be a ranking issue that created a boldness rather than tolerance.

Some unhappy out comes from living with a house full of dogs without Rules and Control are:

• Lack of Trust
• Nervous about People and other dogs 
• Afraid of Sounds and Novel Stimuli
• Difficult to gain Attention and Focus
• Life Threatening Fighting

So what to do? Divide and conquer! Keep a schedule for your dogs that includes; spending time alone from each other, time separately with you and time with each other. 

Do keep in mind that two puppies or dogs mean Double Everything!! Double food; Double poop and pee; Double walks; Double crates; Double boarding; and Double Vet bills and Double Training!! 

While it isn't impossible to have more than one dog, it isn't for the Faint of Heart either! Already in this boat?! Well roll up your sleeves, make your "To Do" list and then you can have double the fun!

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

Who stole the Cookies from the Cookie Jar?

What a temptation! There, the cookie jar sits; just waiting for someone to help themselves to a cookie while no one is looking.

Now in my house, our cookie jar has dog bones in it! And honestly, Daisy doesn't get on the counter to sneak out bones.

But how often does this happen? Your dog knows where you keep the treats and will go to that "Special" spot where she always gets her treat every day and barks at you to give her one? And sure enough you look at her and say " Do you want a Cookie?" Guilty! Right?!

How often are you throwing the ball or shaking a paw because that is what your dog wants?

I can think of a number of situations where dogs will do something that we don't mind doing for them but really they should be asking permission.

Here are situations we like in which we can have our dog earn what they want when they ask:
1. Some kind of signal to go outside to potty.
2. Coming to us for affection or play.
3. Another signal to say they are thirsty or it is time to eat.

Really this isn't a dog problem it is a people problem. You certainly should answer your dog's questions. We just need to keep in mind that our dog should not be demanding and we need to make sure they ask so that we can answer in a way that builds respect and a bond of trust.

This way everyone gets what they want.

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

Five Minute Dog Training

I know a person really can't multi-task but you aren't alone in this process...you have your dog as a partner. So what can you really accomplish as you live your day to day life?

Amazingly, a lot! Think in minutes. I would even go for seconds because all this time is going to add up to a huge amount of time and training.

Begin simple and small.

1. Have your dog "Sit" for the food bowl; It could only be for one second but count it and add another second tomorrow.

2. Make your dog "Come" to you to the door you let them out into the yard. I am sure if your dog loves that open door your dog will come running.

3. Morning beckons a cup a coffee or tea. Have your dog lay down for the entire process. WOW! That could be your five minutes of bliss as you wait for the coffee to brew or the kettle to boil. Then you can reap the rewards of  hot comfort and a good dog.

Mind boggling as to how simple it can be, right?!

A challenge:
Make a list of your every day habits and then match them up to what your dog can do.

In a matter of minutes your dog can get trained.

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