But How Long Will That Take?!

I get asked that question ALL the time. How long will it take to:

• get a dog to calm down
• train a new behavior
• get rid of an old behavior
• stop the barking/chewing/biting
• get used to the baby/kids

In order to answer the question as to how long it will take, we have to look at several factors.  First and foremost, how long has the problem been going on? If it's a relatively new issue and you are addressing it right away, the hope is that you are "nipping the problem in the bud" and solving the issue will happen faster.  If, on the other hand, the behavior has been going on for a long time, whether in your home or the previous home, then it's definitely going to take longer to resolve.  Plus, you have to look at the problem from your dog's point of view.  For example, while YOU may hate the fact that your puppy is chewing on the furniture, chewing is indeed a normal puppy behavior and therefore it isn't about correction per se, but about redirection from the furniture and providing appropriate chewing outlets for the pup. And barking?  Dogs bark for lots of reasons. First figure out why they are barking, then you will have a better chance of modifying the barking. Your dog isn't going to stop barking altogether.  And, really, don't you want a dog who barks appropriately? I know I do! And if you are trying to introduce your dog to a new baby, or blend a family together, you need to have reasonable expectations for the kids AND the dog.  Not every dog likes kids and vice versa.  Most can coexist IF they are taught mutual respect and boundaries. And THAT, obviously takes time.

Second, changing behaviors takes patience and perseverance.  You can't just spend an hour one time teaching your dog not to jump on people.  That isn't going to work long term.  Rather, lots of little sessions where your dog has opportunities to jump up on people and where you teach your dog a different, more appropriate behavior, is key.

Third factor:  we don't all learn at the same pace.  Some people (and dogs!) take longer to learn.  As most of you know, I have two collies.  Their personalities are very different and their learning curves are as well.  I can teach Ozzie multiple new behaviors in one sitting and he will retain them.  With Desi, it takes longer to teach a new behavior and I have to teach each new behavior separately.  If I move too quickly between behaviors, he gets frustrated and shuts down.  If I don't go fast enough with Ozzie, he gets bored!  Take the time to figure out what your dog's learning style is and tailor your training sessions accordingly.

This is one of the reasons why I have always found hour-long training classes so counter-intuitive.  Most dogs and people can't focus for a whole hour!  And, yet, classes are traditionally that length. When I teach a class, I try to break it up into manageable parts: some lecture, some learning, some doing, some relaxing, with summaries and time for Q & A built in.

And, on that note, I just have to share a story with you.  A couple years back, I received a phone call from a potential client seeking help for his dog.  The dog jumped up on people, grabbed clothing, counter surfed, pulled on the leash, and barked at any strange noise in their house.  He was seeking help because his wife was pregnant and they were told by their vet that they needed to address these issues before the baby arrived.  Excellent so far, right?  That's when he told me he had time to work with the dog now as he took some leave from work because his wife was due...that week.  Sigh.  I had to tell him that while we could get started with the dog, there was no way we'd have it all wrapped up by the end of the week. And who knew when that baby would actually be born?? And his wife at 9 months pregnant sure as heck wasn't interested in dealing with the dog at that point. Moral of the story? Realistic expectations are key.

How does your dog learn?  How long does it take you to teach a new behavior or get rid of an old one?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

Such A Drag!

I just got off the phone with a new client.  She called because her dog embarrassed her at the vet's office today by dragging her through the door so quickly that she ended up ramming her shoulder against the door frame and tripping over a potted plant! I tried to lighten the mood by suggesting that her dog might just be one of the very few who really can't wait to get into the vet's office!  She scoffed and said that no matter where she goes, good or bad, that dog is dragging her there.  Bummer. But it doesn't have to be that way, right?

I got a few more details about her dog and made a couple of suggestions on how she might go about fixing this completely fixable problem.  She was surprised to learn that even a class could help as she did puppy training when her dog was younger and they didn't do much leash work there.  I explained that classes aren't just about obedience skills, per se, that there are classes for pretty much any skill or issue she could possibly want to work on!  There are leash walking classes where you work on getting your dog's attention and teaching them to stay with you on a walk out in public.  Doing a class for this problem is actually quite beneficial as unlike at a private lesson, you can guarantee the presence of other dogs and lots of distractions if you take a class.  Plus, you get the added benefit of a group of other dogs owners having the same problem as you to sympathize, commiserate, and cheer you and your dog on!

I love teaching single issue classes and seminars because targeting one specific issue, like walking nicely on a leash, means everyone enrolled is truly there for the same reason, and it allows me as the instructor to dive into the "why" of the behavior we are correcting.  I truly feel that these single issue classes/seminars are the wave of the future as they allow dog owners to target specific problems they are having and deal with them faster and more effectively that just taking a basic manners class where leash walking is covered, but it is one of many issues examined so it isn't the primary focus. A huge benefit of these targeted classes is about time management. Because you are only dealing with one issue, the classes are shorter, usually 1-3 sessions, which means less stress on your own busy calendar.

I am really hoping this client signs up for my next leash walking seminar.  In the meantime, we are going to work out some of her dog's other issues in the comfort of her own home....while she ices that shoulder ;)

Playing Favorites

I've said it time and again. Dogs play favorites.  While it is indeed true that dogs have the capacity to enjoy the company of lots of different people, most have a favorite person.  You know...the person for whom the sun rises and sets in their eyes.  Pet assisted therapy dogs like my collie, Desi, are social butterflies. He loves meeting new people and actually gets offended if folks don't stop to pet him and make a fuss. However, I know he plays favorites.  He loves my husband.  My husband is all about the pack and shares anything he has with Desi. Cheese. Yogurt. Popcorn.  Desi's three favorite things, coming from his favorite person.  I'm the one who feeds Desi his meals, so he does love me, don't get me wrong.  But he adores his dad.  Then there is my other collie, Ozzie.  I am his person.  He likes many people he knows, but he loves me. Most of the time, that is. When I bring out the nail clippers, he hides.  His other favorite?  My two teenage girls.  He adores them.  They will hug him, let him on their beds, and fuss over him.  What boy doesn't love that?  But Ozzie is aloof with strangers.  He isn't aggressive, he just holds back.  Which works just fine because Desi wants to meet everybody.

So, what was the point of all that?  Well, I tell clients the same thing.  While they may have chosen a dog with every intent that the dog will be theirs and theirs alone, said dog may prefer someone else.  Some breeds are notorious for this. French Bulldogs, for example.  I have more than one client who picked a Frenchie for themselves only to find the dog loves their spouse, their parents, or a neighbor more. There are definitely things that can be done to swing the odds in your favor if you find yourself being snubbed. Do something that the dog enjoys. Take them for a walk, a ride in the car, or out with you to lunch.  Share your time...and your snacks. You may not be their first choice, but you will still be in the top two!

There is actually some science behind this as well. Female dogs tend to bond more with male owners and vice versa.  Again, this doesn't mean you won't find a woman with a female dog who is hopelessly devoted to her, because you will. It's just statistics and probabilities.  So, if you are a man looking for your next canine companion, you can put the odds forever in your favor by choosing a female dog.  However, if you fall for a male dog, don't be too surprised if he favors your girlfriend/wife/daughter/mother.  Just remember that can work in your favor as that dog will make you look really good in the eyes of those women in your life. And any person with a sociable, friendly dog is viewed by others as more sociable and friendly as well. So, while you may have to work for your dog's affection, he's making you look good in front of others. Enough said.

A New Class!

Pretty excited to be teaching a new class for Molly's AdobeDogs Dog Training starting on April 28!  It is a class for people who have pet assisted therapy dogs and want to learn more about shaping behaviors for the pet assisted therapy setting.  I will be teaching some basic behaviors such as having your dog put his head on a lap, side of a bed, or the arm of a wheelchair, as well as advanced behaviors like how to train them to lay quietly on a bed without disturbing a patient; staying with the handler without shortening the leash, for better mobility in tight hospital corridors; and standing on a riser so that patients who are prone can reach the dog, to name a few.  I love to shape new behaviors in my own dogs, and teaching others how to shape behaviors is so much fun!  You can actually watch a dog learn without frustration.  A clicker can be used to shape behaviors, but isn't required, so any dog can still have success.

I really do enjoy pet assisted therapy work and introducing it to others.  Visits are rewarding not just to the patients, but to the volunteers and their pets as well. And having a few special behaviors that you can ask of your dogs on their visits just makes it all the more enriching, and gives dog owners doing pet assisted therapy work new goals to set their sights on.

Had to share this funny picture of me with "Trouble," during a recent pet assisted therapy training class. He's coming to the new class in April.  How about you?

Teaching An Old Dog New Tricks!

Well, if you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, then you already know that I have begun taking herding lessons with Ozzie, my 3 year old Rough Collie.  Ozzie is an 11th generation direct descendant of the original Lassie, and thus a real working dog...of the Hollywood variety...lol.  Ozzie likes to work, and then he likes to take breaks in his trailer, aka the back of my SUV with the door up, where he can watch everyone else work.  He's such a hoot.

All kidding aside, it really is a pleasure to work with my dog and have someone else be in charge.  We love our instructor; Trish Wamsat has been my friend for 20 years.  I am grateful to have her in my life, and even more grateful to have her as our herding instructor.  She is patient with us both, but she does spur us along.  That's what makes a good instructor.  Someone said to me, "Oh, it must be hard for you to take classes from someone else. And even harder for someone else to be your teacher!"  This really made my smile.  I LOVE learning, whether it's from clients and their animals, things that I read, a family member, or even one of my kids.  I think we should never tire of learning and always be open to the process.  I can't speak for Trish, but I do hope that having us in her class is not too painful!

I'll be the first to admit it. Ozzie is much better at herding than me.  That dog has the moves of a natural. Me? Not so much.  I am learning what it means to trust my dog, but still keep my eyes on him; to ask him to do behaviors without him actually looking at me; to use my voice in a commanding, but still nice way; to turn my back toward the sheep, while still watching them so that I don't get trampled; and most importantly, know where I want those sheep to go!  More than once, I found myself simply observing.  Watching the dog, watching the sheep, but not actively being the shepherd.  Trish laughed at me (with me?!) and reminded me that I have to actually have a plan. I can't just be an observer, I have to be part of the job.  It's a dance.  Shepherd, sheep, and dog.  Ozzie is a great partner. I just need to learn how to lead without stepping on his feet or losing track of the beat.

I am looking forward to our next herding lesson already.  I love running around with my dog, having sheep nuzzle my fingers, and the sun shine on our heads.  To be able to spend this quality time with Ozzie is truly a pleasure. To spend time with  and learn from a dear friend at the same time is priceless.

For more information on herding lessons for all experience levels, visit Trish's website at www.homeschooledhounds.com.

Ozzie in his "trailer" during herding lessons

Kids & Dogs Class Returns!

More than once, I've been told that I'm crazy to teach a class for kids and their dogs.  Comments have ranged from, "that must be like herding cats!" to "that must be a nightmare!"  I always laugh because my kids and dogs class is a blast.  Kids have energy and enthusiasm which many adults are sorely lacking. Plus, the kids in my class get a kick out of the fact that no parents are allowed until the last class where they get to show off what they can do. I know that the parents are often skeptical about leaving their kids and dogs in my care (I'll admit that some actually seem relieved!), but the class always gets rave reviews from parents and kids alike, so I must be doing something right.

So, what makes this class different and fun?  First off, it's all about teaching kids that they can be responsible and have control over their dogs.  Second, we play games and work on trick training as a means of gaining respect by the dog for the kids and vice versa. I truly think the dogs enjoy the limbo game as much as the kids do!  It's a pleasure to see kids become more confident and to watch their dogs build trust in their young companions. 

It IS a lot of work to teach this class, don't get me wrong.  There have been times when siblings got into it with each other during the class, we've had dogs get over-stimulated, and we've had treats dumped on the floor more times that I can remember.  Nonetheless, I enjoy this class and continue to offer it a couple of times each year (usually around Spring Break and during the Summer).  I've had kids take the class more than once, so I know they must be having a good time. For me, it is a sweet reminder of a time when my own kids were little and I let them work with our dogs one-on-one.  The pride they felt and the tricks their dogs accomplished are memories I hold dear.  My hope is that when the parents of these kids show up to the last class to watch their kids and dogs in action, that they too feel a sense of pride in what their kids can accomplish outside of a traditional classroom, and with an instructor (me) who is anything but conventional!

If you would like more information on this class, visit www.adobedogs.org for details.

My niece building confidence working with two of my dogs (2006)

A Cost Benefit Analysis

I had a lovely conversation with a new client yesterday. She has had her new canine companion for just 10 days, but in that time he's already begun displaying some concerning behaviors.  She, on the advice of her veterinarian, reached out to me to get a handle on the situation early in order to decide whether this dog will be a good fit for her family or not. Our appointment had been set for an hour, but I always allot more time for new clients, just in case.  It was a good thing that I did as this appointment ran well over two hours. As we were finishing up, she said how much she appreciated the extra time that I had spent and the fact that I didn't rush through my treatment plan.  She had time to formulate her questions and understand my game plan. We trouble-shot different scenarios and what her responses should be. We figured out how she would track her progress, and discussed how to share her progress with me along the way. She said she felt relief. And hope. And that I really understood. She also said that it was quite obvious that I wasn't just good at my job, but that I truly enjoyed it and was passionate about what I do.

As I was driving away, this conversation really stuck with me. And it's still in my head today. I do enjoy what I do and I feel that I can help people AND help their animals at the same time. Even my more jaded clients who have had bad experiences with other animal practitioners usually walk away feeling that they "got their money's worth" with me.

Which brings me to that cost benefit analysis title for this post. I have certainly heard, more than once, that my fees are too high and that there are other, more affordable options. While this is a competitive field, I never argue with those who tell me this. Pet owners have the right to seek out and work with whomever they choose. As long as they understand the difference between working with a dog trainer and working with an animal behaviorist and why they might need one more than the other...I am good with it.  It's like Match.com....I'm not the right person for every prospective client, and they aren't the right match for me either. Each pet owner must determine what their animal needs and how best they can reach that goal, keeping their budget, schedule, and their own experiences in mind.

I will say this....you do get what you pay for.  I have had more than one client return to me and rather sheepishly state they went elsewhere only to realize that they really should have worked with me in the first place. I never make them feel bad and welcome them to my process....my philosophy...and my plan...without ever saying, "I told you so."

I often joke that I am not a people person, but obviously that isn't true. I would only be able to work with people's pets if those owners allowed me the access to do so.  So, I think instead of saying that I'm not a people person, I will say that I simply understand animals better than people. My dad said it was a gift and I choose to believe that. And I will never undervalue what I do.  Another lesson from my dad.  Sure wish that he was here today to see what I have accomplished in the last 27 years.  I like to think it would make him happy as well.