Day EIGHT-21 Day Positive Training Kickstart Challenge

It’s time to discuss equipment. Collars & leashes-there are so many options. How to know what might work best for your dog.

First of all, we may want to follow the advice of t.v. trainer Victoria Stillwell (It’s Me or the Dog) when she states, “Do no harm.”

Science has demonstrated that it is possible to effect behavioral change without force, intimidation, or pain. As such, we have an ethical responsibility to use the least intrusive, most effective tools available to us. Having said this, prong collars, choke chains, & shock collars should never be an option.

The Gentle Leader or Haltie Head collars work well with training for dogs who are strong & have the inclination to pull. The Gentle Walker, front clip harness is a great option for most dogs as harnesses don’t put pressure on the delicate necks of dogs.

Dr. Sophia Yin (veterinarian, behaviorist, & animal trainer) has a nice post  on collars & leashes & their pitfalls & benefits.

ACTION: Be sure that if your dog has on a collar that it fits well & is comfortable. Flat fabric collars with plastic buckles work well & can be adjusted. Look into a front clip harness for your pup. It provides more security (from escape), safety (from neck injuries), & piece of mind (that you are doing the best thing for your pup).

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Day SEVEN-21 Day Positive Training Kickstart Challenge

Could you live a healthy life if you ate nothing but fast food and candy?

Just like people, nutrition for companion animals is important. Lots of times folks have purchased the big bags of commonly marketed commercial dog food without much thought to what ingredients might be inside. Thus, just like humans, the more “junk” our pets consume the more poor performance & health result.

Treats or food used in training is worth considering as well. Often times commercially available “treats” are not very healthy options for your pet. Don’t forget to read labels there as well as there are healthy alternatives, but one must be aware of the ingredients.

Your number one defense agains poor nutrition is to read the labels. As with any food, our pet’s food should list the ingredients. With dogs, you want to be sure that the first (& preferably second & third) ingredient(s) is a meat rather than a filler or corn or “by-product.” As applies to people food, the fewer overall ingredients & the more natural (pronounceable) ingredients, the better!

ACTION: Take a look at your dog’s food. Read the label. If you don’t know what the items are &/or the dog food starts with “corn” or “filler” or “by-product” commit to seeking out a healthier alternative for your pet 🙂

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Day SIX-21 Day Positive Training Kickstart Challenge

A reinforcer is something that the learner finds of value & something that they are willing to “work for.”

The reinforcer is in the eye of the beholder. In other words, if you are looking for something that your dog finds reinforcing, it’s not up to you to decide if it is reinforcing, it is up to your pup.

For example, If I offered you a brand new car if you “sit” for me, you might decide that that new vehicle is a pretty strong reinforcer & you may decide to sit in order to get the car. Whereas if I made the same offer to my dog, Milo, she is unlikely to think that a brand new car is something worth sitting to get. However, if I were to offer Milo big chunk of chicken if she sits, she may find the chicken appealing enough to work for. Again, the learner who needs to work for the reinforcer is the one who decides whether or not it’s worth it!

ACTION: Make a list of 20 things that are reinforcing to your dog. We’ll start you off with some examples. If you think that your dog enjoys them, add them to your list. Remember, reinforcers can be food (like cheese or chicken), environmental (like going for a ride in the car or playing fetch), or social (like a belly rub or hanging out by you while your are working).

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