Author archive: Terrie Hayward

Crate training is a great management  tool to help you and your pup co-habitate safely and comfortably.

Crate training involves a kennel-there are the airline style and the all-metal side types. The crate should be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down easily.

The crate is a piece of equipment which should always be viewed in the positive by both you and the pup. It is never to be used as a punishment.

For your dog to enjoy his/her crate you’ll want to start by adding comfy bed inside and begin by throwing super yummy treats in and letting the pup go inside on their own to explore with the door OPEN. You want them to believe that the crate is a great spot.

Eventually you will move to closing the door in short duration increments with your puppy inside of the crate. Again, making certain that there are plenty of AWESOME toys/treats so that a positive association with the crate is built.

You may want to add a cue to let your dog know that it is time for him/her to go into their crate as well. It is likely that your pup will venture in own their own with time, as, again, the goal is that the crate is a happy place where your pup feels comfortable and is safe (and your house is safe, too!).

Boston and Newton were rescued late Wednesday evening from the side of the road. They had been abandoned and were taken right to the vet. Once we were able to get them on the road to recovery (within 24 hours) the clicker training began!

Already these two 8 week old puppies have mastered the cues for “sit” and “touch.” Touch can be used to build many other behaviors including a good “recall” (which they are doing really well at, too!-not shown in video).

The pups are learning name recognition and in this video Newton has started working on “paw!”

Flaco is a sweet, male pup (neutered this week and up to date on vaccines) who is in the ARF system and seeking his forever family. He was rescued from the streets and is a shy fellow and nervous.

Terrie of PAW (Positive Animal Wellness) is working with him on developing confidence and sociability. Via clicker training first steps are introducing Flaco to the sound that the clicker makes and helping him to make the association that “click” = “good things” (this case in the form of tiny bits of hot dog).

Slowly Flaco emerged and came closer.

The next phase involved giving Flaco the choice to touch his nose to Terrie’s hand to sniff the treat that was inside. Upon doing this he earned a “click” and a “treat” (the piece of hot dog).

As Flaco grew more comfortable he also earned clicks and treats for allowing Terrie to touch and pet him. Eventually he rolled onto his side and even let her rub his belly. This is all good progress for a first time session!

If you are interested in adopting Flaco, please contact ARF at www.arf.org.