Thursday, January 31, 2019

Dog Training: Skin In The Game

I teach and practice that good dog training requires students to have some skin in the game. That means they have to be involved in, and committed to, the training, and the more difficult the issue, the more I need them to invest in the process.

For example, I received a call the other day about an older dog that isn’t good with cats. It hasn’t been good with cats its entire life. The owner has the dog living with relatives right now, has moved in with her boyfriend, they have 2 cats. One of the cats isn’t good with dogs. So, she is shopping around for a trainer to “socialize” her dog. The problem is much more, and much worse, than this.

I first asked a lot of questions regarding the situation. I need to know who is involved, something about the dogs, the living situation, and what kind of time frame we have to work with.

From the nature of the answers, I recommended a solution. Part of that was explaining the time it was going to take, and the risks that might be involved for the dog, the cats and the owners. An aggressive fight can injure everyone. I also quoted the price. It wasn’t going to be cheap. I let her know that this wasn’t going to be one of those things that can be solved in 3 to 5 lessons, the standard answer given by what I sometimes call, “quick fix trainers.”

She thanked me, and moved on. I don’t expect a return call to set up lessons. I just don’t think she wants to put the necessary skin in the game. The dog will probably end up in a bad situation. She only has a few months to work this out before she either decides to keep the dog or give it away to a shelter (and most likely a certain death sentence).

If an owner wants me to put skin in the game, then they also have to put skin in the game.

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Dog Training: The Learning Curve

Dog Training: The Learning Curve: The Learning Curve (LC) is a graphical representation of how learning increases over time. As a general rule, the more experience, knowledge and wisdom you have regarding a specific skill or topic, the greater the learning, and the greater the proficiency you develop over time. The vertical axis of the graph is the amount you have learned. The horizontal axis is the time elapsed. The curve starts at the intersection of the vertical and horizontal axes. The slope of the curve varies over time. The assumption is the steeper the slope, the harder the task is to learn, but also the faster the subject is progressing with the learning. I have many thoughts regarding using the LC concept when it comes to dog training. Here are two, of many, that I teach… (MORE)

Monday, January 28, 2019

Dog Training: New Dog, Old Dog

Right now, I'm training a new dog alongside an old dog I trained years ago. The owners are friends, but this is also business, and they get the same level of service as any student. And homework...

The first issue when getting a new dog is getting the right dog. After another of their dogs died of old age recently, we started this discussion. Since I knew that dog, knew the other dog they had, and knew them, I could give good advice. They started looking for a match, and eventually found a good prospect, paid for the dog, and had it transported to the Phoenix area.

I was there within 2 hours after the pup arrived. My first concern was that the dog had a low stress introduction to the new family, and that he did his first potty in the yard instead of the home. I then spent the afternoon with them, helping introduce him to the resident older dog.

The next day, I returned, spent more time there, and before I left, I wrote up a list of observations and training goals. Top priorities were getting the dog to bond to the family, getting the resident older dog to accept him, getting him house trained, and setting a training schedule.

The resident dog didn't like him at first. He is super friendly with dogs, but she wasn't having any of it. She wasn't the type to attack, but she bared her teeth and snapped at him a few times. We got to work on their relationship right off the bat. On the other hand, he had not been heavily socialized with strangers, so he was very tentative in meeting other people (he accepted the new family immediately). So, we implemented a plan for guests. That has worked out well.

We then began my Basic Obedience I program, plus a Tune Up for the older dog. He came as a "blank slate": a good dog, just didn't really know anything. Didn't know how to walk on a leash, any commands, how to get into a car, and so on. The good thing, he is a very adaptable and gentle dog, so he is moving along quite well with the lessons. He now loads up into the SUV perfectly. He is good in his crate. He now is fine on a leash without balking. He has a beginning understanding of Sit, Down, Heel and Come. We are also working on a number of other skills, such as Drop It, and laying a foundation for swim lessons this coming summer.

We are also beginning the Tune Up for the older dog. She has gotten rusty on her commands, and she needs to obey alongside him, as well. She knows a lot, but her response rates aren't up to my standards, so we are going to fix that. You have to keep a dog tuned up over the years, and if you don't regularly practice the obedience, it can get sluggish. That needs fixing now. She is now accepting of the new dog, but they are not yet playing together. No more snarls, no more avoidance, but I'm waiting for the day they start to play. We will get there.

New dogs added to old dogs is a project. Do it thoughtfully, and it is lots of fun. This dog has added new life to their home, and was a good decision. They are retired, and it isn't good to not have new challenges in your life. This dog is going easily because they involved me from the start, and they have trained with me before. We will do Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Obedience with him, and he will be quite the dog in a year. He is stunning to look at (a totally white Standard Poodle), carries himself well, social, confident, mild mannered, and playful. When we combine that with proper training, he is going to be like "power steering"... easy. Very easy to look at and live with.

Sunday, January 27, 2019

Dog Training: What Happens In The Home Doesn’t Stay In The Home

I watch a number of reality TV shows… business rescue shows, for example… The Profit, Bar Rescue, Gordon Ramsay’s 24 Hours to Hell and Back. I also watch Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles and New York. Plus, Hell’s Kitchen, Masterchef and Masterchef Junior. There are parallels between what you see in those TV shows and what I see in dog training… (MORE)

Saturday, January 26, 2019

Dog Aggression

This morning, my first lesson of the day was continuing work with a female pit bull that wasn't good with other dogs. We are mostly past that problem now, and putting finishing touches on the training.

The current issues are reactions to seeing stray cats (which are many in their neighborhood) and bicycles/ scoooters/ skateboards.

This dog has come a long way. Today, we passed by several dogs, including some idiot with 2 small dogs on retractable leashes who feeds out the line to let his dogs growl and bark, face to face, at every passing dog. Fortunately, no reaction from my student's dog any more.

Next lesson was cancelled. My student is still sick with something like the flu. The other lesson after was rescheduled. Now I'm killing time until my first afternoon lesson, a doodle puppy starting Basic Obedience. And then my last lesson is another pit bull, which is good with other dogs, but not so with strangers.

Happy Training! Get out there, it is a beautiful day

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Do Dogs Get PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)?

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychological disorder generally considered a result of real or perceived threat(s) to life, serious bodily injury, witnessed threat to others, destruction or loss of a home or community. Similarly, dogs can develop PTSD from these same situations. I’ve seen dogs after such events. The jolt, the pain, of experiencing one or more traumas were beyond what the dog was capable of handling. There are some very recognizable behaviors in a dog with PTSD. They can be grouped into two categories: fight or flight. Some examples… (HERE)

Monday, January 21, 2019

Dog Training A Cavachon

I am currently training two Cavachons, which are a cross between a Bichon Frise and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Cavachons are one of the newer "designer dogs". Similar crosses are the "doodles"... Goldendoodles, Schauzerdoodles, Labradoodles, Australian Labradoodles, etc.

One of the main reasons people get these dogs is to get a dog that doesn't shed. I understand the urge! There are a lot of breeds that I really like, such as German Shepherd Dogs, Golden Retrievers, etc... but... they shed. A lot.

A dog's coat is selected because of a function. The coat has a purpose for the function. However, for pet dogs, who are mainly for companionship, there is less need for specialized coat types to deal with the elements. In a home, the excess hair, the shedding type of coat, isn't necessary or desired for most people, thus the rise of these designer dogs. People want a pet with many of the desired traits of the traditional pure breds, but the public wants dogs that are easier to care for in the home.

The tradeoff, however, is a dog that requires grooming, which is an expense that not everyone can afford. You might ask why they don't just adopt a short haired dog. It is partly because many people like the look of a fluffy "doodle" type dog. The other is because lifestyles don't always work out for a short haired dog, such as climate. Short haired dogs don't have as much "insulation" as longer haired dogs. I remember years ago... my Doberman shivering in the fall when I lived in Seattle. Winter was a hardship for him. I was assured by the breeder they would be fine in the cool Northwest climate. Not so. I learned, the hard way, that a short haired dog needed more protection than a longer haired dog. Living in the Phoenix area now, a short haired dog is much more feasible, such as getting a pit bull or Chihuahua. But, since I like to hike, I prefer a dog that has a coat for those cold mornings in the mountains, and to protect the dog from the burrs and needles that are part of the Southwest. It is desirable to have a longer coat to protect a dog if you are an outdoors person. You'd much rather have to brush burrs from your dog's coat rather than treating scrapes and cuts on a short haired dog.

So, back to the Cavachons. They are sweet small dogs, having the soft natured traits of their parent breeds. Expect the need to be more diligent in the house training. Be educated in how to work with sensitive dogs, because any training that is harsh will cow these dogs. They need a family life, they are gently social with their family, and are good with the kids. Also, set expectations higher for the amount of obedience training required. Many people never train their small dogs, so they pee and poop everywhere, and won't obey commands if they get loose in public. These are trainable dogs, and to get the most out of them, or any small dog: train them! Train them well, put in the time and investment early, so you get years of enjoyment.

I like these pups. They are very sweet and gentle. We are doing 3 lessons a week, and we started the lessons early on, at 10 weeks of age. I'll see them again on Wednesday, and I'm looking forward to it.

Happy Training!

Sunday, January 20, 2019

Don't Quit Dog Training

Are you about to give up on your dog? Why?

Dog training works. Get a good trainer, do your homework, dig in and work it out.

That is today's advice

Friday, January 18, 2019

Friday Humor


Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Dog Rescue Donations

Over the years, I have regularly donated my services, money and dog supplies to dog rescue efforts. Animal rescue typically operates at a loss, or break even, thus relying on donations to do their services...

Right now, I have a student that has some extra dog food she wants given away. I've located a rescue organization that can use the food, so I'll be picking it up this week and delivering it.

There are many ways you can help out, too. Look around, see what you or your business might donate, and find reputable animal rescue organizations that need help. It's as simple as that!

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Dog Training Rescue Friends

Most of my friends are in some capacity involved in dog rescue. Today, I went to breakfast with a long time friend who got me actively involved in dog rescue almost 2 decades ago. She lives in Seattle, and was in Phoenix for a few days, so we were able to spend some time together this morning...

I first met her at the annual Seattle Kennel Club dog show at the Seattle Center. She bred Mastiffs, and as the dog I had then was becoming a senior, I spoke to her about the breed. Her dogs were well mannered, looked great, did well in crowds and around all that chaos.

Later, at some point, I can't remember how, she hired me to train one of her dogs. From there, we became friends, she saw I was interested in rescue, and she was already heavily involved, and things went from there. We rescued a lot of dogs, and we became good friends.

I have met a lot of quality people along the way. Parallel with the dog training I do, I have also donated countless hours working to rescue dogs. My contribution has been to offer my training and behavioral services to them for free.

As I look back on the beginning of all of this, rescue volunteering started with me looking for a new dog. You never know what the future will bring you. You just do life and opportunities to make a difference come along. You also will meet a lot of good people in the journey, and some will be on your same path.

Monday, January 14, 2019

Dog Training Scammers

I've been around dog training for a long time. I've seen a lot of things, met a lot of dogs, trained a lot of people. There is one type of person that I have come to understand very well... the dog training scammer...

These are they types that call me to an appointment, then say that they are not yet ready to start training but have a few more questions. OK...

How would you do this? How would you train my dog to do that? And so on.

They aren't interviewing me, they are looking to get free training. They are scammers. They never end up hiring me.

I think there are people out there that are brought up to be thieves. Somehow in their upbringing, they are taught that it is OK to steal, to scam people. It is actually a very strange phenomenon if you are someone who never steals.

Anyway, no harm no foul. I had one of these a few days ago, spotted it right away, and got out of there after a minimal amount of minutes. In the old days, I would try to get the appointment, thinking they were real students. But, it didn't take long to figure out the game. And it is a game. You can see it in their questions, their faces, everything. It is a scam.

If anything, I feel sorry for the dog that won't get trained. And I am not happy that my time was wasted on them instead of someone who really cared more about their dog than saving a few bucks.

Saturday, January 12, 2019

Dog Training And Feelings

I train a lot of dogs. I see a lot of dogs. Every once in a while, however, I come across a dog that I know would be “mine” if I was looking for a new dog…

I think dogs and owners select each other. You somehow connect with a dog, and the dog with you, and it just works. I can’t explain it all that well, but you know what I’m talking about if it has ever happened.

In your gut, you know that would be the perfect dog for you. Of course, when I’m training dogs for my students, I’m not actually looking to take their dog from them. It is just that I get a connection every once in a while with a dog, and I know that dog would be a great dog for me if I was looking to adopt a dog.

I think when you are looking to get a dog, you’ll also get that gut feeling when it is right. When all the traits line up, but also that special feeling inside is there, that is the dog. Get that one. That is the Pearl of Great Price.

Dog Training Enthusiasm

I love seeing motivated students. They get the most out of their dog training lessons: lessons are scheduled; appointments are kept; homework is diligently applied; supplies are obtained; attitude is excellent. Sometimes I see students who try to get ahead of the homework. That is usually a mistake. Proper technique has to go hand-in-hand with enthusiasm to get the best results…

I saw this yesterday. We are early into the lessons. They were trying to do more than we have worked on so far, and it wasn’t working. Fortunately, I don’t teach harsh methods, so the things they tried produced no harm. That could be, however, a disaster if working with a trainer who uses harsh methods. I see this sometimes with people who work with dog trainers who specialize in using electric collars. These homemade approaches make things worse, and we have to fix what they have damaged.

In my lesson yesterday, I showed them the proper techniques, worked on them together, and now the dogs are doing more than they were the previous day… correctly. The owner was surprised how easy it was for me, and when they started doing it correctly, it started working for them, as well.

Enthusiasm is great energy. It just has to be channeled properly.

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Dog Training A Chow Chow


I’m currently training a 3 year old rescued male Chow Chow. When I first met him, he first came and checked me out in the yard, no aggression, just sniffed me, and then went away. I then went inside the home and went over his training goal and the dog’s history. We then went to work.

First issue was that the dog was quite dirty. But he didn’t want to be brushed or bathed. Chow Chows will bite people they don’t know and trust. I needed to get the dog to trust and bond to his new owner. Next issue was getting a leash and collar on the dog. He didn’t want that, either.

We are now several lessons into this dog, and things are turning out well. The dog will now allow the owner to brush and handle him. We can get a leash and collar on him. He is a happy dog, smiling all the time, comes up to give you kisses on your hands, and a happy tail when you interact with him. We are also working on Basic Obedience. He has been introduced to Heel, Sit, Down, and Come.

In order to get the best results from a Chow Chow, you have to gain their trust and affection. Everything else flows from there. We are well on our way. I like this dog, and I like the owner. They are a good match. I have a game plan for them, and it is all going quite well. Today we had a great lesson, and I see them again this weekend. I’m looking forward to it!

Happy Training!


Dog Training Husbands and Wives

A few years ago, I was hired to help with a male Vizsla that was fearful of strangers. When I first evaluated the dog, yes, he would react when he saw someone he didn’t know. His defensive zone was approximately 30 yards. Within that zone, he would start barking. The dog was also afraid of the husband, and would bark at him in the home. What was the cause? Let me explain…


Wednesday, January 09, 2019

Dog Training On Dangerous Turf

I train dogs throughout Maricopa County. I have been in most neighborhoods and train all types of dogs. Yesterday, I had and evaluation and lesson set up for an aggressive pit bull near Sky Harbor airport. Not a safe dog. Not a safe neighborhood. Lots of people wish they had my job, but they are not aware of some of the situations I encounter. In this case, the owner’s mom said she was afraid of her son’s dog, and proceeded to set up an evaluation and lessons...

Tuesday, January 08, 2019

My Yorkie Needs Training

I have trained many small dogs throughout my career. One of my favorites are the Yorkies. “Yorkies”, or more properly, Yorkshire Terriers, are enjoyable small intelligent companions.

My first impression of a dog is always whether it is fearful or social. Most Yorkies I have encountered have been social, right from the start, especially if I sit down at a sofa. Immediately, they are coming over to me, climbing up on my lap, getting their noses near my face, and boom… I get a few, or a lot of kisses. They will then go about their business, yet come back several times to engage me.

In almost all cases, the first issue that comes up is house training. Most Yorkies are pottying in the home when I meet them. These are smart little doggies that just need some proper guidance, and the owners need a solid potty training program, to sort this out. It takes a bit of effort, but if the owners are diligent in implementing the program I give them, we stop the accidents in the home.

The second issue is, of course, obedience. Surprisingly, most tiny dog owners don’t do a lot of obedience training with their dogs. Yorkies are highly trainable dogs, being able to work up to advanced obedience, if you just put in the time. Some of the problem is that the owners don’t have very high expectations of their dogs. I think they figure obedience is for big dogs, and they expect their little dogs to not listen to them.

A trained dog is a happy dog. A trained dog is a joy to live with. A trained dog is a safe dog, because you can call them back if they get away from you. The owners that decide to finish the training are much better off than the ones that only dabble in the training.

At first, Yorkies are going to be like most terriers, distracted with everything around them… the blowing leaf, that man over there, a dog walking by, scents on the ground, and such. Maybe owners just figure that their dogs are not trainable when they see this, and don’t realize the positive effects that proper obedience training will have on their dogs. With a proper program, and full follow through on the part of the owner, these dogs can be peppy and obedient companions.

I like Yorkies. Super nice dogs. I like training them, and every owner I have met has been a very nice and caring person for their dog. I did a house training lesson for a Yorkie yesterday. We are going to do his first obedience lesson in 2 weeks. I hope we get to finish the entire program together. He is a very funny, intelligent, social dog.

Sunday, January 06, 2019

Today’s Project – PATCHES Animal Shelter Proposal


For the past 5 years, I have been working to turn Phoenix, including Maricopa County, into a no kill community. Our town kills thousands of adoptable cats and dogs every year because of our terrible rescue system. I set out to change that in 2013, and continue to pursue change. I started talking about this with rescue friends. Others have had similar ideas, but they needed to be coordinated into a working group.

The first meeting, we were sitting at an outside restaurant table at Tempe Marketplace, discussing this as a concept. That led to numerous private meetings at libraries to dissect the problem and to gather information. Citizens Animal Welfare Society was established in 2015 to attempt to privatize Maricopa County Animal Care and Control. That project has melded into the PATCHES Project, a shared workspace/ shelter project to take in the overflow animals of the County and to support all the good animal rescue organizations in our community.

This afternoon, we have a meeting with our development team. We are preparing to build and operate our own private animal shelter, called PATCHES. You can learn more about it by going to PatchesAZ.org. We have assembled a fine team of professionals. We are here to help. PATCHES is not an adversarial organization. It is here to open several private non-profit shelters throughout Maricopa County.

Many fine people have come and gone along the way. Lives change, people have other ideas, relationships change. What hasn’t changed is that innocent adoptable pets are being killed. That still is my passion, and the passion of our team.

Friday, January 04, 2019

Dog Training vs Practice

Most people don’t know the difference between dog training, and practice. Training is what you do with me, practice is what I want you to work on from that lesson.

Thursday, January 03, 2019

Today's Lesson - Separation Anxiety

I'm heading out to do a lesson for a 1 year old pit bull with bad separation anxiety. The family can't leave the dog alone at home, can't leave him in a crate, either. He is destructive, and will chew and destroy his way out of a crate. They have tried CBD oil, but that isn't a solution. He needs behavior modification.

I'm very familiar with this kind of dog issue. Drugs, without behavior work, are a waste. They won't solve the problem. That's where I come in...

Tuesday, January 01, 2019

Happy New Year!!

I recommend setting training and socialization goals for each of your dogs for 2019.

First, it is time to clean up any behavioral and emotional issues. Afraid of fireworks? Fearful of strangers? Reactive to other dogs? Separation anxiety? Jumping on guests?

Second, if your dog hasn't completed Basic Obedience, then let's get that accomplished in 2019. If you've already done that, then consider Intermediate Obedience. After that, how about Advanced Obedience.

Third, how about other things that can use work... such as... teaching your dog to swim. Getting your dog ready for hiking. Getting your dog ready for your vacation.

Lastly, maybe it is time to consider training your dog to be a therapy dog. Your dog is social with people and other animals? That is the foundation, and we'll work from there.

You can have a lot more enjoyment... and so can your dog... if you plan on it being that way in 2019!