Austin Dog Trainer Blog

Set some dog training criteria for yourself

As you begin to look for dog training for your dog, set some criteria for yourself. Ask yourself what methods and training philosophies you are willing to use on your dog.

At our Austin Dog Training facility, we ask ourselves the following questions in evaluating dog training methodologies:

 

1. Is this a method that is based on science? Although there is certainly art in applying dog training methods, the training itself is and should be based on science. This is the science of psychology (operant and classical conditioning) and the science of ethology (the study of the dog in its natural environment). Dog training should be based on science not on myths and fads, family recipe, or something that wolves supposedly do.
2. Is this a method that all of the members of my family, our neighbors and friends, or a child can employ? Children and friends cannot safely alpha roll a dog or challenge a dog with physical force to get what they want. If you cannot ask a child to do it safely, is it something that you should do as part of training? No! Dogs don't generalize concepts very well so just because you and I can do something with a dog doesn't mean that they will understand things should work the same way when a child approaches them. Children, friends, and neighbors should all be able to safely participate in dog training if you choose the right methods!
3. Does it demonstrate res[ect for the animal? At our Austin Dog Training Center, we believe in treating dogs with respect. I don't believe that I have the right to put a shock collar on a dog or to kick a dog (yes, this still happens!) in the name of dog training. This doesn't mean that we don't set limits and structure on our dogs. We absolutely set rules and enforce the, but we do this without causing pain or fear.

As yourself what you believe in as you look for a dog training program and stick to your guns! Your dog will thank you for it.

Cara Shannon, Austin Dog Trainer

What a great set of resources!

In this episode, Dr. John Ciribassi talks reviews several of his recent cases, including a lab who rushes the door, and exhibits anxiety and fear induced aggression. He talks about dealing with fearful dogs, and evaluating them for possible treatment with pharmaceuticals.

via abrionline.org

Is your dog reactive?

We receive a lot of calls at our Austin Dog Training Center from people that want to know if their dog is reactive or aggressive. Most people don't know that there is a difference between a dog that is reactive and one that is actually aggressive. They may tell us "my dog plays with other dogs all the time at the dog park but when he sees a dog on a walk, he barks and spins around at the end of his leash."

This is not uncommon and there can be several different reasons for it. Just because your dog reacts to other dogs on leash with barking, whining, howling, or lunging (and is, therefore, "reactive") doesn't always mean that they'll be aggressive off leash. Many reactive dogs are simply reactive because they lack impulse control and have begun to cope with the excitement of seeing another dog on leash by barking and acting like a fool! Other times, the dog may have learned that frustration or even correction from a collar follow shortly after the sighting of another dog on leash so they go on the offense and bark at the dog as if to say "hey, stay back - I don't want to engage on leash." Of course, we can never read a dog's mind to know what is going on or what combination of factors led to a dog's leash reactivity.

We can; however, take a history of the dog and look at the dog's body language, the type and nature of vocalization the dog does when it sees another dog, and talk to the owner about the dog's history with other dogs to be able to have a better understanding of why the dog is reactive on leash. Then, we begin to get that dog on a management and training protocol to not only change the behavior, but to try to change any underlying feelings the dog has built up with the sight of other dogs. The good news is, even though your dog is reactive if they bark, whine, spin, howl, or lunge on leash at other dogs, this problem can be fixed with consistency, dedication, and humane training.

Cara Shannon, Buddy's Chance, Austin Dog Training

Beat the Heat!

We just left August in the dust and on this summer is on record as the longest, hottest summer in Austin.  How do you keep your dog cool?

• Stuff food toys with a mixture of dry and canned food and stick them in the freezer. Not only will it keep your dog busy, but it’s a tasty frozen meat treat they can lick slowly to cool them off..  At Buddy’s Chance, we use these treats to entertain our Austin dog daycare and boarding dogs. 
• Set up a kiddie pool and make sure it always has enough water to splash around (but be sure to empty this every day - standing water can pose health hazards to dogs!).
• Use cooling coats specifically made for dogs to help cool your dog on walks (available online, but be sure to keep it wet on the walk and remove it if it dries off faster than you thought it would).

Grooming for the summer:
Our professional dog groomer can discuss the best options for the particular needs of your dog.

• If your dog has a short coat, you probably don’t need to do much grooming for the hot weather.  Their fur is designed to protect them from the sun.  If you remove their fur, they could get sunburned.
• If your dog has a short double-coat that sheds a lot, the groomer can blow-out the undercoat, which will help them stay cooler, and keep your house from turning into a fur ball.
• If your dog has a long coat,  help your dog stay cool.routine grooming to remove dead hair and ensure that your dog is not matted will help keep your dog comfortable and cool. This is preferred over shaving to maintain the coat's own cooling properties.

Of course, no matter how hot it is outside, your dog still needs some exercise and entertainment. We now offer Nosework classes, which will stimulate your dog’s brain in our air-conditioned training room or dog daycare indoors in a climate controlled playroom.

Stay safe in the heat!

Carly Rose, Buddy's Chance Dog Daycare