Hi! My Name Is...

Had a really fun conversation with a client recently.  They had just picked up their new puppy from the breeder and were trying to decide what the pup's name should be.  They were hoping to make the decision democratically, letting each family member have input, but as of this writing, they still hadn't settled on a name!  She even asked for my input, so here is what I told her:

Pick a name that doesn't have any negative/scary/weird connotations.  Meaning don't name your dog Killer, Cujo, Bane, Trouble, or Psycho. Likewise, don't pick a name that has emotional baggage for you.  That is, don't name your new pup, Buddy, if that was the name of your last/favorite/childhood dog.  Those are big shoes to fill and that's a lot of pressure for your new pup.

She also asked if I'd ever made a mistake naming a pet.  Sigh.  Yes, I have.  In college, my roommate and I adopted an adorable orange Tabby kitten.  He was so precious!  He had really cute, white markings on his face, so we named him Gizmo after the cute Mogwai in the movie "Gremlins."  You guessed it.  Gizmo matured into his name and became nothing short of the crazy gremlin that Gizmo turned into when exposed to bright light, water, or fed after midnight. Our Gizmo became our nightmare. He stalked us and attacked us in our sleep, leaving deep bite marks and scratches.  He grew enormous and those stripes on his face became quite bright making him look even more like the crazy Mogwai alter-ego, Stripe. No amount of behavior modification worked on Gizmo and we finally had to re-home him out at the horse barns where my roommate rode everyday.  He ended up being the best mouser that barn ever had. And he ruled; no other males allowed. 

Now I know darn well that Gizmo's personality was in no small part due to the fact that he was a kitten born to a feral mom. However, I can't help but feel that naming him Gizmo certainly didn't do him any favors!

Have you ever named a pet something and had them live up to that name in a bad way? A good way?  Do you think what you name a pet is important at all with respect to their behavior?

Gizmo as a 6 week old kitten. Before we added water after dark ;)

When Loud Noises Are Just Too Much

It's a fact.  Loud noises can be startling.  For some animals (and some people as well), loud noises can be more than just startling; they can cause profound anxiety and lingering stress.  While repeated exposures to loud sounds like thunder, trains, and fireworks can work to desensitize some animals, it doesn't work for all of them.  And some animals are so noise sensitive that even relatively common sounds like a dishwasher running or an ice machine making ice can cause them to react. So, what can be done to help a noise sensitive pet?

I think it goes without saying that the easiest way to treat a noise sensitive pet is to work with them outside of the provocative/noise-producing setting. Trying to work with your dog in the middle of a thunderstorm or on the 4th of July is too daunting of a task, to say the least!

I will once again be offering a seminar series aimed at helping noise sensitive dogs and their owners gain relief.  While the timing of the class is set to help those who are particularly concerned about upcoming 4th of July fireworks, the strategies we will cover in class work well for any and all noise sensitivities. I plan to cover why some animals are more noise sensitive than others, as well as holistic, traditional, and behavioral modification techniques to help dogs with noise sensitivity become less reactive.

If you think this seminar would be helpful for your dog, you can get more information and sign up as well at www.adobedogs.org. And if you have questions, or would prefer to work one-on-one with your pet's noise sensitivity, just let me know.

The Perfect Thing About Puppies

Puppies.  OMG.  Their breath is tantalizing.  Their fur is so soft.  They make THE cutest noises.  They are joyous about the simplest things: a toy, a treat, a piece of lint, your hand.  And regardless of breed, a puppy is the one time in your dog's life when you will be able to pick them up and squeeze them. I just love puppies.

Of late, I've had the pleasure of evaluating several puppies, of different breeds, for people looking for their next canine family member, or insuring that the puppy they brought home was a good choice. I have a 16-point test I conduct on the puppy to determine their temperament, personality, and style of learning.  Kind of sounds like one of those 16-point inspections they do on your car when you have it serviced, but trust me, this is even better!  Once I have determined how a puppy learns and the way he thinks, I can better advise the owner on everything from choosing classes, picking a collar/harness, to how to crate train, etc.

Puppy appointments are satisfying all the way around.  New puppy owners feel relief as I leave them with a game plan on how to proceed effectively. Puppies enjoy them because I am helping their owners better understand their needs. And me? Well, I get to play with puppies which is enjoyable any day of the week.

Consequently, I have discovered a new niche for myself. Many of the families I work with are too busy to really get what they need from puppy classes.  Many have kids with schedules that conflict with class times, so they end up missing classes and getting frustrated.  They still want to do the right thing for their puppies, they just need a different option.  That's where I come in.  Through a combination of in-home instruction, guided field trips, and supervised socialization experiences, I can help these new puppy owners and their pups get what they need outside of a traditional classroom setting. Don't get me wrong...I still LOVE puppy classes. I think they are THE best place for a puppy to socialize with other puppies, meet new people, and explore their world safely. However, I do think that there needs to be an alternative for people who can't attend those classes, and I am happy to provide that.

Adding these puppy appointments into my work schedule has become my new happy place.  Plus, seeing these puppies thrive is so gratifying. And the relief and appreciation from their families is immeasurably satisfying.  So, bring on the puppies. The doctor is in!

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?