FURRY TAIL DOG TRAINING-PUPPY/DOG GROUP AND PRIVATE TRAINING
  • Home
  • Dog Training Classes
    • Group Classes
    • Private Lessons at the Park
    • In-Home Private Lessons
  • Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
  • Pet First Aid & CPR
  • About Furry Tail Dog Training
    • About the Trainer
    • Photos >
      • Class Photos
      • Furry Tail Graduates
    • References and Reviews
    • Wildomar Rap: Better Know A Local Business: Furry Tail Dog Training
  • Contact Us
  • Furry ReTail Store
  • My Doggy Blog

my doggy blog

Barking at deliveries

7/19/2022

1 Comment

 
Picture
Make your dog Smile

Inner-Ear Noogies
Put your hand in noogie position, and with the knuckle of your middle finger, rub the little piece of cartilage that juts out at the entrance to your dog's ear.  The dog's head will probably tilt to one side, with her eyes half-closed.
​
-Excerpt from "97 Ways to make a dog Smile" by Jenny Langbehn
"Why does my dog bark at the mailman?"  This is a common question trainers are asked daily.  In today's world, it's not just mail carriers, we now have UPS, FedEx, Amazon deliveries, Grubhub, etc.  But why? and what creates this behavior?  It's important to understand dogs and what they inherited.  Your dog's ancestors had to defend their territories and food supplies from trespassers.  Anyone who is making a delivery is an easy target.  

Let's try to see this from the dog's point of view.  A stranger comes to the door, your dog starts to bark because that is what his instincts are telling him to do, the stranger leaves a package, then the stranger leaves.  Well, the bark worked.  Or so your dog thinks.  Also keep in mind the "stranger" leaves behind a package with unfamiliar smells.  Dogs are suspicious of new smells.  Especially in their territory.  This can cause unwanted behaviors such as marking around their territory.  

Now that we understand, what can we do about it?  It's not easy to stop a dog from protecting his territory.  But, you can teach your dog to respect those who are making these deliveries.  Leave treats where those who are making a delivery can easily see them with a note.  Let anyone who is making a delivery know they can give your dog a treat.  A friendly stranger who provides food is less of a threat to the territory.  Consider the arrangement of your furniture.  Sofa's and Chairs placed under a window gives your dog visual access.  This will not stop any barking, but, without a visual it will prevent your dog from extreme volume.  Avoid repeating yourself.  If you say "no bark", only say it once.  If you keep repeating this cue, your dog will hear you barking along with them.  

It's a good rule that you have to catch the dog's behavior in order to stop the behavior.  This is true, but you are not limited to this rule.  You can also prevent the behavior.  If you are not home to catch your dog's behavior, leave some music on at good volume.  This will drown out outside noises and prevent your dog from hearing outside footsteps.  
Picture
1 Comment

Sensitive Paws

5/17/2022

2 Comments

 

Why your dog doesn't want you to touch its paw.

Picture
Dogs have rough, thick paw pads.  Their pads allow them to walk comfortably on surfaces that people couldn't handle walking bare foot.  However, the top of their feet and between their toes are very sensitive due to the loaded amount of nerve endings dogs have on the top of their feet.  These nerve endings send signals to the dog's brain with warnings of potential injury.  This is why, no matter the breed, most dogs jerk away when they are touched on the top of their feet and between their toes.  This sensitivity becomes a problem when it comes time to trim nails and to check their paws for any foreign objects. 

 A dog's claws are very thick and even routine nail trim and/or filing can be very uncomfortable or even very painful if cut to the quick.  Dogs have good memories when pain is involved.   The more the dog has been clipped in the quick, the more the dog will fight to keep their paws out of reach.  A dog can believe that foot contact is bad when the dog gains multiple negative memories of only having the paws touched when they are being worked on at the groomer's office or veterinarians' office. 
Picture
Is it too late for your dog?  No.  It is NEVER too late to help your dog cope in any situation.  You can help your dog no matter your dog's age.  Start playing with your dog's paws and let your dog know their paws are in safe hands.  Anytime you have cuddle time, rub your dog's paws.  Nail time=cuddle time.  It's a win-win for all.  Don't be afraid to throw some treats in there also.  Teach your dog to give "Paw".  Not only is this a polite behavior, but, it also teaches the dog to trust you with their paw.  When they do so, they are saying "I trust you with my paw".  When trimming or filing your dog's nails, take your time.  There is no need to flood your dog's emotions.  To avoid overwhelming misery, consider trimming one nail a day (no trimming on weekends).  Dogs can handle a little discomfort, and doing it slowly will help make the process more bearable.  ​

Picture
Make your dog Smile

Lower-Ear Noogies
A tried-and-true message location, the ears are very sensitive sites.  At the base of the ear, gently rub your knuckles in true noogie fashion.  (to make a noogie, from a half fist with your knuckles sticking out.)

-Excerpt from "97 Ways to make a dog Smile" by Jenny Langbehn
Picture
2 Comments

Compressed and Knotted Rawhide

3/29/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Rawhide's are made of dried cow or pig hides and processed into a variety of shapes and sizes.  Some rawhide's also come with garlic, beef, or cheese flavors to increase your dogs interest.  A proper rawhide should have some flexibility and should be made in North America to reduce the amounts of added chemicals.  When selecting a chew, use caution.  To turn white, some rawhide's have been bleached with titanium oxide or washed in formaldehyde.
Rawhide's are good for the dog's teeth and gums, a great source to relieve boredom, and satisfy a dog's natural need to chew.  When selecting a chew, it is a good idea to select a size that appears to be slightly too big for your dog.  This will help prevent your dog from finishing the chew too soon and possibly choking.  Anytime your dog chews a rawhide small enough to fit in his mouth, the chew needs to be thrown out.  If your dog enjoys these chews and you notice small pieces of rawhide hanging off the chew, cut them off with scissors to prevent the dog from ingesting them.  Always supervise your dog with any type of rawhide.

Pros:

1.  Dogs love the flavor and scent of rawhide's.
2.  Compressed rawhide lasts longer and is more durable than shredded  rawhide.

Cons:

1.  Not ideal for aggressive chewers.  Large pieces can be swallowed or consumed quickly.  This can cause an intestinal blockage.
​2.  Compressed rawhide's can cause damage to teeth.
3.  Chemical preservatives found in inferior rawhide may be dangerous to a dog's health.
4.  Rawhide's with flavor can stain carpet and furniture.  This can possibly encourage the dog to chew carpet and furniture.


Below are links for compressed and knotted rawhide on Amazon.com

123 Treats - Rawhide Bones 4-5 inches for Dogs (15 Count) Premium Rawhide Bone Chews from Free Range Grass Fed Cattle with No Hormones, Additives or Chemicals. Packed in The USA
123 Treats - Dog Rawhide Knotted Bones 5-6” (25 Count) - 100% Natural Beef Hide
Pet Factory American Beefhide 38812 Rawhide Knotted Bone 12-13 inches. Great Peanut Butter Flavor. American Beefhide is a Great Natural Source for Protein and Assists in Dental Health
Raw Paws Pet Premium 4-inch Compressed Rawhide Bones for Dogs, 20-Count - Packed in USA - Small Dog Bones - Puppy Bones - Long Lasting Dog Chews - Natural Pressed Rawhides - Beef Hide Bones
Raw Paws Pet Premium 10-inch Compressed Rawhide Bones for Dogs, 5-Count - Packed in USA - Long Lasting Dog Chews - Natural Pressed Rawhides - Large Dog Bones - Beef Hide Bones for Aggressive Chewers
0 Comments

Natural Bones with Tissue

3/8/2019

1 Comment

 
Natural bones with tissue have been roasted, smoked, or basted with marrow and meat attached.  These bones are bovine femur bones that have been cut into knuckle size.  When choosing the proper size bone, it is a good idea to go larger.  To prevent possible choking, never choose a bone that can fit into the dogs mouth.  
Natural bones with tissue will satisfy your dogs natural instinct to chew.  Plus they help to cure boredom.  
Pros.
-Unlike the sterilized bones, bones with tissue have an aroma dogs love.
-A good alternative to rawhide.

Cons.
-These bones are not good for aggressive chewers.  They may chew off and swallow pieces of bone that can cause digestive problems and broken teeth.  
-If grease and/or meat get onto carpet or fabric furniture, the dog may go back and chew the carpet and furniture at a later time.
Below are links for Natural Bones with Tissue on Amazon.com
Jack & Pup Premium Grade Roasted Meaty Beef Shin Bone Dog Treats (3 Pack) – 11” Long Lasting All Natural Gourmet & Healthy Dog Bone Treat Chews – Savory Smoked Beef Flavor
Baxter Boy Premium Roasted Pig Femur Bone Meaty Dog Treat Chew (Pack of 3) - 8” Dog Bone - Fresh Natural Gourmet Marrow Dog Treat Chew – Delicious and Tasty Smoked Flavor
1 Comment

Natural Sterile Bones

3/1/2019

0 Comments

 
Sterilized bones are found in most pet stores.  They are large cow bones with a hollow center that can have food mixed in for added flavor.  These bones have been cooked to remove tissue and marrow.
A sterile bone is a good chew bone that will keep your dog busy and help decrease boredom.  because of it's hallow center, you can fill the bone with can food, peanut butter, or any other treat your dog may like.  
Pros:
-Sterile bones are a great alternative to rawhide bones (rawhide can be consumed quickly).  
-Sterile bones are easy to clean.

Cons:
-Sterile bones are not meant for aggressive chewers.  If they chew the actual bone it may result in broken teeth and/or ingesting bone splinters.
-If filled with greasy treats, the grease can get onto furniture or carpet, and the dog may go back and chew them at a later time.
-If the bone is dropped on hard surface, it may crack and need to be thrown out.
-Unless the bone is stuffed with flavor, the dog may not show any interest since the natural flavors of the bone have been removed during the cooking process.


Below are links for sterile bones on Amazon.com
Cadet Sterile Natural Bone For Dogs, 4 To 6-Inch, White
Cadet Sterile Natural Bone for Dogs, 7 to 9-Inch, White
Redbarn Filled Bone Peanut Butter, Large 6-inch (3-Pack)

0 Comments

Chew Toys and Play Toys

2/21/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
A common question I am asked by clients is "what kind of toys and bones should I buy for my dog?".  There is a wide variety of toys to choose from these days.  Of course, when choosing the right toy for your dog, many factors need to be considered.  This includes your dogs size, if he is or is not an aggressive chewer, as well as the type of toys he typically shows interest in, It is important for you as a dog owner to be educated in providing an appropriate chew toy for your dog because chewing is natural in dogs.  Toys are grouped into 2 categories:  chew toys and play toys.     

Chew Toys

​Providing appropriate chew toys gives your dog constant mental stimulation, allows them to burn energy, and satisfy their chewing instinct.  Just like we get lost in a good book or movie, dogs can get lost with a good chew.  Anytime your dog is working on a chew toy, it is important to supervise the dog.   

Play Toys

​Keep in mind that each dog will react differently to a variety of toys.  If you have multiple dogs, one may be very interested in one toy and the other dog shows no interest at all.  Of course, you can always teach a dog to have interest in a toy by simply using the toy during playtime and ending playtime by taking the toy away before the dog loses interest. 
​In this new series I am going to talk about the different chew toys and play toys.  I will list the pro's and con's of each, and how to use each one properly.
0 Comments

Consistency and Consequences

1/17/2019

0 Comments

 
When addressing a problem behavior, it is important to treat the cause of the behavior as well as the symptom.  A proper treatment plan for unwanted behaviors will have four components.

1.  Positive Reinforcement of Alternate Behaviors
2. Managing and setting the dog up to succeed
3. Consequences for the problem behaviors
4. Consistency in Dealing with Problem Behaviors

With these four components you have a treatment plan.  In order to eliminate unwanted behaviors, all four components needs to be addressed.  

Picture

Positive Reinforcement of Alternate Behaviors

Most unwanted behaviors are typically normal dog behaviors that are not appropriate when mixed in our human environment.  Digging, jumping, and chewing are normal dog behaviors.  Dogs normally enjoy engaging in these behaviors, which is why we call them self-rewarding behaviors.  When addressing a self-rewarding behavior, you need to teach the dog an alternate behavior that is more rewarding then the unwanted behavior.  It is also important to find the trigger to the unwanted behavior and desensitize the dog to the object or situation while teaching an acceptable behavior.   

Picture

Managing and setting the dog up to succeed

The idea to manage the the problem and setting the dog up to succeed means to provide the dog with every opportunity to learn that the alternate behavior is more rewarding than the unwanted behavior.  This means the dog needs to be supervised so the dog does not perform the unwanted behavior.  Every time the dog has the opportunity to perform unwanted behaviors the dog is being positively reinforced, and it will make reaching that goal much more difficult.  Until the owner is consistent in managing the dog and the dog's environment, the dog will not learn the alternate behaviors.  

Picture

Consequences for the problem behaviors

A proper consequence should impact the dog so that he decreases his desire to repeat the behavior, and compels him to give the wanted behavior.  A consequence is designed to tell the dog that the behavior he just gave moves him farther from his reward.  

Picture

Consistency in Dealing with Problem Behaviors

Dogs are happy, confident, and secure in their environment when the rules and expectations are consistent.  When rules are changing and expectations of compliance are sometimes and not others, dogs become suspicious and untrusting of the owner.  Allowing the dog on the couch when the owner is home alone, but not allowing the dog on the couch when company is visiting will confused the dog and make it very difficult to teach the dog he is not allowed on the couch.   Consistency plays a crucial role when treating unwanted behaviors. 
0 Comments

change Jump to Sit

12/13/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
One of the most common problem behaviors I hear from my clients is jumping.  A jumping dog can be embarrassing when guest are over and a dangerous behavior when kids are involved.  Although this can be a problem for dogs of all ages, this is a common problem for small breed dogs and young large breeds.  Jumping is not a natural dog behavior, so why do they do this?  Jumping is a learned behavior that most owners don’t realize was taught by them.  As humans it is very natural for us to be drawn and attracted to large round heads of puppies, large puppy eyes, and of course that puppy smell.  We also like to show love and nurture the puppy by picking it up and holding the puppy close to our faces.  As we do this, the puppy is getting familiar with our scent.  The puppy is enjoying the smell of your skin, hair, and breath.  Plus, the puppy is enjoying the warmth from our body, the touch from our hands, and all the attention.  This is positive reinforcement.  Positive reinforcement is what you give when you want to increase the possibility of the behavior to repeat.  We have a puppy enjoying the closeness to its owner and receiving positive reinforcement.   As you notice the puppy is getting older (and much bigger for the large breeds) that “puppy attention” dies down but the dog has learned the positive effects of being close to people.  Not being aware of its own growth your dog wants to get close to you and to do that, he starts jumping. 

So how do we stop the jumping?  Make sure NO ONE gives your dog attention for jumping.  Most people like to hold a jumping dog down or pet the dog thinking it will calm the dog.  The dog will take any kind of physical contact as a reward, along with eye contact and spoken words which will make the behavior stronger.  Turn your back, look at the ceiling till all four paws are on the floor, then give lots of praise and attention.  
  
If you do not like your dog’s behavior, change it for an alternative behavior.  A good replacement for jumping is sitting.  Ask your dog to sit, then lower yourself to the dog’s level for its praise and reward.  Your dog will learn there is no need to jump for your attention.  He simply needs to sit.

To teach sit, first have your dog in a standing position.  Hold the treat between your thumb and index finger keeping your hand open with palm facing up. Hold the treat in front of your dog’s nose.  Slowly lift the treat above your dog’s head so your dog starts to look up.  This should cause your dog to sit.  Once the dog is in a full sit position say “Good” then “OK” to release.  Another way is to capture the behavior at home.  Always keep treats available.  When you see your dog sit, reward and give praise.  This will give the dog the idea that he or she is training you.  When he or she sits, you give treats.  There are different ways to use the capture technique.  Use a room that will be boring to your dog, this will be a room like a bathroom or a laundry room.  Take a chair with you (this could take some time in the beginning) and just wait.  The dog will get bored and eventually sit.  When that happens say “Good” and give reward.  DO NOT USE THE WORD “SIT” UNLESS YOU ARE 100% POSSITIVE YOUR DOG WILL SIT.  Repeating “sit sit sit” over again can make the word meaningless to the dog.  Reward the dog first for its sits, and the dog will learn that sitting gets him a reward.  The behavior then will increase.  When this happens, you can start to apply the cue to the behavior. 
​ 
The key to training is patients and timing.  Be aware of what you are rewarding.  Food, treats, touch, speaking and eye contact are all rewards to your dog.  Reward all wanted behaviors and do not reward unwanted behaviors.  
0 Comments

ESTABLISHING LEADERSHIP

12/6/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture

The Duties of a Leader

A training class never goes by without mentioning the importance of being your dogs leader.  We all love our dogs and love to spoil them.  However, when we spoil our dogs, we sometimes don't see the damage we are doing to our relationship with them and how it can cause unwanted behavior.  Just like raising children, dogs need structure.  Rules need to be established and enforced to maintain social order.  The leader of the pack chooses who is in the pack, and what authority each member has or doesn't have.  
Here are a few exercises to practice to show the dog who is the leader.

Leaders:
1.  Eat First.
2  Go through doorways first.
3.  Stay calm and in control.
4.  Set the pace and the direction.
5.  Do not let their personal space be invaded.
6.  Say when play begins and when it ends.
7.  Do not offer free treats.
8.  Assume the higher ground (beds, couches, etc.)
9.  Never change their direction or step over the dog.
10.   Assign resting spots for other pack members.

By implementing these leadership exercises consistently on a daily basis, you will see a positive change in your dogs behavior.

0 Comments

5 Reasons why dogs make mistakes during training

11/29/2018

1 Comment

 
Picture
When a dog continues to make mistakes during training it is important to know the reason why before you can address the issue.  

Possible causes for a dog to make mistakes more than 10% of the time:

1.  The exercise may be too difficult for the dog.  It is important to set your dog up to succeed.  Keep it simple and clear.  If not, the dog can become frustrated and/or uninterested.

2.  More practice may be needed.  It is possible the dog has not had enough shaping or being guided correctly into the behavior with a food lure.

3.  It is possible the dog is not motivated enough to respond.  This usually happens when the dog gets what he wants for free outside of training.

4.  Your signals may be unclear to the dog

5.  Check your surroundings, there could be too many distractions too soon for the dog.
When the dog give the correct behavior approximately 90% of the time, you can be confident that your dog is ready for the next training level.
1 Comment
<<Previous

    Holly S.

    Owner and trainer for Furry Tail Dog Training.

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    #98662
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Holly Stephens
    Furry ReTail Store

    Archives

    July 2022
    May 2022
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    August 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    February 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017

    Categories

    All
    Dog Parks

    RSS Feed

    Currently Reading:

    Picture

    Books I've read:

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
Furry Tail Dog Training is Licensed and Insured
Copyright ©2023 Furry Tail Dog Training
  • Home
  • Dog Training Classes
    • Group Classes
    • Private Lessons at the Park
    • In-Home Private Lessons
  • Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
  • Pet First Aid & CPR
  • About Furry Tail Dog Training
    • About the Trainer
    • Photos >
      • Class Photos
      • Furry Tail Graduates
    • References and Reviews
    • Wildomar Rap: Better Know A Local Business: Furry Tail Dog Training
  • Contact Us
  • Furry ReTail Store
  • My Doggy Blog