Please note that Milo the dog is reading Karen Pryor’s, “Don’t Shoot the Dog”-a great resource!

Day EIGHTEEN-21 Day Positive Training Kickstart Challenge

It can be tricky figuring out just where you can find good, reliable answers to your dog behavior questions. There are many “pseudo” experts in all fields who can seem convincing online. As such, I’d suggest the following (this is not a complete list, but a good spot to begin) for some great information from valid, science based sources:

• PAW-sign up to get regular updates!  positiveanimalwellness.com
• American Association of Veterinary Medicine position on “dominance”: http://avsabonline.org/uploads/position_statements/dominance_statement.pdf
• Why Punishment Fails: http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/vetmed/data/articlestandard//vetmed/382008/550620/article.pdf
• Dr. Sophia Yin on Dominance vs Leadership in Training: http://www.veterinarybehaviorclinic.com/downloads/DominanceFinal.pdf
• Dr. Susan Friedman, BehaviorWorks on Applied Behavioral Analysis http://www.behaviorworks.org/index.html
• Body Language of Fear in Dogs: http://www.okawvetclinic.com/sites/site-2547/documents/Sophia%20Yin/Body%20language%20of%20fear%20in%20dogs.pdf
• Children and Dogs: http://www.okawvetclinic.com/sites/site-2547/documents/Sophia%20Yin/How%20kids%20should%20interact%20with%20dogs.pdf
• Types of Barking: https://www.apdt.com/veterinary/assets/pdf/APDT_Barking.pdf
• Chewing: https://www.apdt.com/veterinary/assets/pdf/APDT_Chewing.pdf
• 10 Top Training Tips: http://www.deerrunanimalhospital.com/sites/site-3302/documents/10TipsHandout_v2Proof32.pdf
• The Pet Professional Guild-for Force Free Professionals (connecting Pet Lovers and Pet Professionals): http://www.petprofessionalguild.com
• Crate Training: http://bestfriends.org/dog-crate-training.aspx , http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/14_1/features/Crate-Training-Basics_20167-1.html
• Karen Pryor Academy: https://www.karenpryoracademy.com
• Doggone Safe: http://www.doggonesafe.com

 ACTION: Choose three of the above resources & get reading this week! You might be surprised what great information, tidbits, & usable tricks you find to help enhance your relationship with the learners in your world!

Day SEVENTEEN-21 Day Positive Training Kickstart Challenge

Today we’ll be talking logistics. We’ll break down how to actually train a behavior using positive reinforcement & what the whole process looks like.

There are two ways to begin when training a dog to “sit.” One is that we can “capture” the behavior & the second is that we can “shape” the behavior.

We’ll discuss capturing it as it is a behavior that dogs often might do & this allows us to catch them doing it.

We will begin by standing near our dog. The moment the dog sits we will use a marker (clicker for our explanation) & then reinforce with a tiny bit (as in pea sized) of something tasty.

Then, take a step back. Your dog will likely follow you & if you just be patient & wait (jumping up earns nothing..just turn & then turn back, but ignore) he will probably sit again. Once more just as he is sitting, click & then treat. Repeat the back up, again, just one or two steps & stand still & wait for your dog to figure it out. Then again, when he sits, be sure to mark & reinforce!

ACTION: Let’s try it! Gather your dog in a safe, quiet, and low distraction area with some tiny (precut) REALLY tasty (in the dog’s opinion, not yours) bits of something yummy & a clicker (you may also use a verbal marker, like “yessss” or “goood!”).

Be patient. Wait for a sit & then mark & reinforce! Back up & see if your dog sits again. Mark & reinforce. Try to do it many times-keep up the great work!

Zoro is our latest foster pup (He’s looking for his forever family!). We picked him up late on Thursday evening & since Friday until this morning he’s had about six seasons of around five minutes each.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a40PX-J9oC4

Zoro already knows how to sit, lie down, hand target, & follow a moving target (for a spin). He’s working on recognizing his name, a recall, & an interrupter noise (handy if you would like to get a puppy’s attention). Zoro is also well on his way towards being house trained!

With positive reinforcement, communication is clear & learning is fun! Contact PAW today if you would like to begin learning with your companion animal!