Walkin' the Walk

Have you and your dog been hibernating all winter? It's time to break out the old leash or break in a new one. Spring officially arrived, at least that is what is written on my calendar! But Hey! Not so fast, maybe you need to get in shape before you head out? You don't want to be dragged down the street. It is important for your dog to walk nicely by your leg but also we like our dogs to sit when we come to a stop. This is in our dog's best interest especially when we have to look both ways before crossing the street or when you want to strike up a friendly conversation with your neighbor.

Here is a video clip of dogs in different stages of learning. Maybe your dog is somewhere along this line?

• Benny is new to this style of leash work and stopping to sit.
• Millie understands how to walk, stop and sit. She just needs some adjustment to straighten her up.
• Daisy is the Queen of Walk! She could probably walk and chew gum at the same time!!

If the Spring Snow is still keeping you inside, No Problem!; just start walking inside. Be sure to walk up to your door leading outside and practice having your dog Sit. When you do see the flowers blooming you can really have a Spring in your Step!

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

A Leash = A Life Line

My family owned a large wooden boat that we pulled on a trailer when I was a little girl. It was the type that had a cabin, a head and I could climb through the hatch to sit on the bow. Throughout my childhood, we boated on the Great Lakes and many rivers in the Northeast States, Canada, the East Coast, and Down South. Some of my favorite places are Flower Pot Island in Canada, the Chesapeake Bay and going through the Inter-coastal waterways.

My earliest memories of boating began when I was six years old. I loved to swim and as a safety measure my parents kept me from floating away by tying a boat rope to my life jacket. It gave them peace of mind and me the joy of swimming.

I too, use this same idea of a Life Line that I refer to as Tethering in my dog training. I have peace of mind and the training dogs get the joy of being out of their crate. The dogs have limited freedom but can move around without being in danger or harm's way.

Another thing that is similar about then and now is that my parents just didn't throw me overboard; they kept a vigil watch. When I have dogs tethered, they are under my watchful eye and ear. They may be attached to a door knob, a heavy piece of furniture or to even me. While tethered to me, I obviously know what they are doing! The bottom line is we are in the same room so I can supervise their activity.

As a tool and training aid, I like to think about my leash as a Life Line. Not only will it keep my dog safe but allow learning within that safety.

Out of the DogHouse LLC www.ohiodogtrainer.net

Contact Dru Therrian 440.286.9070

Training Tiny Dogs

Are you one of the 52% U.S. small dog owners? That number was listed on the U.S. Pet Ownership Statistics fact sheet. 

I can see why so many people have small dogs.

1. They don't take up much room.
2. They are easy to take traveling.
3. They eat less food; have smaller poops!

These days there are many tiny breeds weighing in under 5lbs. Does this excuse you from training your puppy? It certainly shouldn't but training a small dog will have it's challenges. 

Here are some creative approaches to teach your small dog.

Table Top Training: Use an old table or some sturdy work bench to raise your small dog higher. This will make training easier if you don't have to bend down so low. Also you won't seem like such a Giant leaning over your dog.

Step Stool Training: Teach your small dog to climb up to sit on top of the stool. The top step will be just the right size and will help your dog want to stay on to prevent falling off. This activity builds confidence and coordination.

String Toy Training: Many small dogs have been bred to catch the "Proverbial Vermin". Tie a string to a toy and pull it away from your dog. At first you will want to get your dog interested in chasing the toy. Once your dog knows how to play the game, you will be able to teach your small dog all sorts of commands such as sit, down, come and stay while using the toy as a reward.

Don't sell your small dog short! They are just as capable of learning as big dogs. Try not to be over-helpful; let your small dog do the work that it takes to climb up and down the stairs. Resist picking up your small dog unless he really is in danger. 

Training tiny dogs doesn't have to be difficult. All you need is patience and a little creativity!


Here is a video of Joey. He is so tiny that I am using upside down rubber bowls. 

 


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

Light Bulb Moments: When You Know Your Dog Knows!

It starts with a flicker. The next time it is brighter until the light bulb is glowing brilliantly! 

What does this mean? Your dog just did something you asked and really understood what you said. I think those are the most amazing moments! True recognition and accomplishment.

I am addicted to Light Bulb Moments; I get the pleasure of teaching lots of different dogs how to turn on the light bulb. 

You too, can have many Light Bulb Moments with your own dog. I do it all the time with Daisy. That is why I continue to teach her to do new things.

Don't you just love it when your dog looks at you with a tilted head. That shows your dog is interested and thinking......."What do you want?". And gosh darn if that's not a cute picture!! 

It really starts there too, with your dog looking at you with interest. Your dog may be trying to figure out what is going on. Through focus, engagement and interaction, your dog will begin to learn.

So what is next? Spend time with your dog; play interesting games, teach new tricks and enjoy each other's company; Have Fun! Before you know it, you and your dog will be glowing example of a wonderful relationship.

Out of the DogHouse LLC website www.ohiodogtrainer.net

Contact Dru Therrian 440.286.9070

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