Author archive: Terrie Hayward

Tulip is wearing a “Gentle Leader” head halter in this photo. (she also has her rescue dog ARF-arfrincon.com-ID tag on)

Have you ever decided to take your dog for a walk or a run but your dog had other ideas? Does your dog, whilst walking along think it’s a good time to play tug of war with the leash? What is the best thing to do in this scenario to stop this unwanted behavior?

If your dog thinks that the leash is a tug toy you should first stop your walk or run and stand still. Next, hold your dog by their collar right up against your thigh (I use my left side). Finally stay in this position without talking or moving. Your dog will eventually (usually sooner rather than later) get board and drop the leash from his/her mouth. Then you can calmly resume your treck. What if it happens again? Repeat!

Remember, consistency, calm, and patience will yield rewards. Once your dog is walking or running along nicely you can praise them with a “good job!”

Need additional help with walking politely? PAW can help! 787.23.6736

(next Dog Manners class starting June 4th in Rincon-sign up today!)

***NEXT CLASS BEGINNING June 4th! Call now to reserve your spot!***

Proximo classe comenzando 4 de junio! Llame ahora para reservar su espacio!

This six lesson class will meet twice per week in Rincon. There are a maximum of ten spots available, so call today to reserve your place! 787-235-6736

Este classe de seis lecciones estara dos veces a la semana en Rincon. Hay un maximo de diez espacios disponible, asi que llame hoy para reservar su espacio! 787-235-6736

Payment in full at sign up.

Pago entero al inscribirse.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5vaPjXkTr4

Tulip was rescued about one week ago. She has already been practicing hand targeting and has now begun to grasp the cue for the behavior “lie down.” One thing you should remember with training is that it takes consistency and repetition.

Tulip learned to lie down with a cue in the kitchen, but that didn’t mean that she could do it automatically on the porch. Cues must be practiced in different locations-preferably beginning with a quiet spot without distractions. Then, slowly, you will want to practice behaviors in new places and eventually while adding distractions-again starting from minor and moving to bigger things that might catch your dog’s eye/nose.

You should practice all around your area and in as many locations (indoor and outside) as possible. You should also gradually add new distracting elements to your environment and repeat short practice sessions often. When it comes to your dog listening to the cue that you give for “sit” instead of chasing a squirrel or a chicken (in our case) if you have practiced many places and with many things going on and many, many times, you should have built up a good “bank” of reinforcements that will help your dog to make the correct decision.