My Dog would NEVER do That!

My dogs are 'mostly' perfectly behaved in public. I say 'mostly' because Jethro is not quite 2 years old and still VERY excited about new people and other dogs. However, when we walk they both heal very well. When we stop at the corner they both sit on command, and wait until I step off to go and fall right into their heal. I do not consider this "well trained" but merely the foundation to train them, but other people seem to disagree.

Hondo out for a walk with the family!

"WOW, they are so good. My dog would never . . ." is something we hear a lot. While I am very happy to get the compliment about my dogs behaving well, I always ask them about their dogs and why they think their dog can't "be good." The story will almost always come back to the same general issue. They tell me about how their dog drags them down the street when they USED TO try and walk them, or they just don't have time to walk their dog, or (my FAVORITE!) their dog doesn't NEED exercise because they have a yard. So their dog gets zero exercise.

I encourage them by telling them that my dogs are the result of 2 or 3 years of work, every day. One of my new favorite expressions (new because I just made it up in Home Depot the other day) is:  "Rome wasn't built in a day, and if you don't walk your dog he will NEVER obey!

Training your dog is work, and that work begins with daily exercise. Pick small, attainable goals, and keep expanding them as you go. With the example above of the dog pulling on the lead during a walk, I will ask questions about the equipment they are using, how they walk, and how often. In many cases the problem lies not with the dog, but with the owner. Using a PULLING harness on a Pitbull or other medium or large dog and then being SURPRISED it is pulling you is what Bekki

Two happy dogs after a nice long walk up and down hills!

likes to call "paying your stupid tax." Changing to a harness that is designed to not allow the dog to pull, and you will quickly change the pulling behavior. We have reviewed the Premier Easy Walk Harness and Bekki absolutely loved it as it helped her control Jethro our Pitbull and helped her confidence when she was out with him.

Once this issue has been addressed, the next is repetition. With this example changing the equipment is only the first step. Walking the dog every day is the next. Dogs require exercise every day, and some dogs (like Huskys and other working dogs) require more . . . a LOT more. So find time every day and get out with your dog. By adding consistent exercise into your training routine will absolutely help you achieve your other training goals. why? Because a tired dog is easier to work with!

Consistency is the key. Decide what the rule are, and what the dog is required to do, and do it every time. I GUARANTEE that  you will see results or your money back!

(yes, I know you didn't actually pay for anything, but you have to admit, it WAS a dramatic ending!)

Patience is the Thing

As responsible dog owners we have done our research into training methods, how you should do this and that, and in general learned what we want be doing and teaching our dogs. This might sound like the simplest part, however with all the different methods and styles and tools out there even deciding how to train your dog can take more time than the actual training.

We are NOT training experts, but students and observers of dog behavior. We have taken a compilation of a number of different philosophies and approaches and have started down the training path with our now 2 dogs. I will say that for the most part, either by talent or dumb luck, we have been pretty successful. Our dogs will sit, down, and stay and they also walk well on a leash without pulling, among other things.

There are some challenges, I will be honest, but they are usually on my part and not the dogs. After all, they are dogs and I am supposed to be smarter than they are.  One of the biggest I have is at feeding time, but is not the same one that many of you have; in fact it is probably the opposite. My dogs do not rush me and try to hurry the process along. Instead they leave me standing there with their bowls in hand while they run around the yard play (to impress dad while he is watching is my suspicion) and will eventually come back to me and start eating. Instead of just putting the bowls down and letting them fend for themselves, we have been working on getting the dogs to know it is feeding time, to come to whoever is feeding them, and sit down politely and wait. They will then get fed.

It is very easy, and ‘some others’ in the house do it frequently, to say “forget it” and just put the food down and go back to watching American Idol or whatever.  I totally get that this seems easier in the short term, especially to the person who really does not want to be doing the job. However in the long run this is very counterproductive and makes the process of training your dogs take much longer. Not taking that extra 3 – 5 minutes for the dogs to give you the behavior you are working for sets your efforts back significantly.

In order to get the behavior we want the feeder needs to fill the bowls (which gets their attention and into the yard) and take them outside, and stand there and wait. After 10 – 15 seconds the commend ‘Come’ is given, and then stand their patiently. The desired behavior (and believe me they KNOW what we want of them) is to walk up to the feeder, sit, and patiently wait for the bowl to be put down. If the dogs do not come in the next 30 – 45 seconds the command is given again and then nothing.

The longest I have waited in 6 minutes, but only once. Usually it takes less than 3. The good news is they come and sit much quicker than they have been, so patience DOES pay off. The most important things, and you will have seen these in previous articles, are:

1. Set Realistic Goals
2. Get Everyone on the Same Page
3. Be Consistent – Same Way, Every Time

No matter what it is you are working for or training for, be patient. Take the time to allow the dog to ‘think it over’ and give you your reward, then be sure to give them theirs. They earned it!

Dog Training is a Family Affair

Dogs are pack animals. While this may seem a little “DUH!” obvious on the surface, this utterly simple concept is quite often ignored or just missed by some dog owners. Dogs are happiest when part of a structured social group with rules and boundaries. Their entire existence is based upon the fact that they are part of a social structure with very specific roles and responsibilities. What does this means to you? Well simply put, if you have a dog (or dogs), anyone in your house is part of their pack. Whether a family member including Jodie, Buffy, and Mr. French (I HAD to get a reference in here somewhere!), or a roommate that is renting the spare bedroom, this is their pack.

In every pack there are leaders (Alphas) or dominate members, and followers (Betas) or submissive members. As a pack member, your dog is happiest when it does not have to think and can just be a dog. They like knowing their place, what they can and, most importantly, CAN NOT do.  There is a long list of common behavior issues that begin to arise when the lines and social strata are blurred, and the dog must decide for itself who is an Alpha and who is a Beta. When this happens, family members may be deemed as a Beta by your dog that will of COURSE see itself as an Alpha, or even THE Alpha. This can lead to dominate, aggressive, or even potentially dangerous behaviors.

In the world of good vs. bad dog behaviors, this is very high up on the BAD list. Your dog should never have to decide anything for itself, but instead know what is expected from it at all times. From the moment it comes into your home it should know its place in the social hierarchy and that all humans are Alphas over it. Quite simply put, when not all pack members are not applying rules and discipline equally you will end up creating your own “monster.”

How do you avoid becoming your dogs Dr Frankenstein and creating a “monster” out of your wonderful, loving pet? It is quite simple actually, and all it takes is education, communication, and repetition:

• Education - Read, Research, Learn
• Educate yourself on how to effectively communicate with your dog
• Use this as the foundation for setting the rules
• Communication - All humans must be on the same page
• This means that the rules must be discussed, agreed upon, and enforced – every time, all the time. Whether the dog IS or is NOT allowed on the couch is irrelevant. What is important is that whatever the rule is everyone enforces it the same
• These rules need to be simple and unambiguous. Confusing the dog with complicated rules and too much talking is a common problem
• Repetition - So often the root cause of behavior issues can be traced directly to unequal application of discipline
• Every Time, All the time!
• The rules MUST be consistently enforced by all other Alpha pack members, meaning the humans

It does not matter if you are looking for your first dog or have had the same dog for years, the plain simple truth is this; it is never too late to start being a better more responsible dog owner. One of the wonderful things about dogs is that, as you become a better owner, they learn their place very quickly and actually reward you for being a better owner by becoming a better dog. Try it and I am confidant you will find this to be true. Please visit us at CapawbleHands.org for additional information about how to be a better owner.

Disclaimer: If your dog has any behavior issues that concern you or you feel may be unsafe, please contact a professional dog trainer for a consultation.

Is Your Dog Walking You?

Walking a dog is supposed to be a simple, enjoyable activity for you and your dog. an opportunity to get outside and, for a few minutes to a few hours, enjoy some time together and some exercise. However, so often I see the supposed activity ruined by dogs that pull like they Balto hauling the diphtheria medicine to Nome! This mutual activity becomes about your dog hauling you around the neighborhood, completely ignoring you to snuffel and sniff and do whatever HE wants.

It is simple; If the dog is in FRONT of your hip, the dog is walking YOU! If your dog is walking you, then he is in charge and you are the follower. This is "bad" for you and your dog on a number of different levels, and will hold your dog back from becoming the dog both you and he wants to be. It sets the expectation that the dog is in charge, and that he decides where to go and what to see. This behavior can and will translate into every other area of your interaction with this dog. It is not uncommon for owners to report that the dog "suddenly" developed some aggressive behavior that he never did before. Untrue, it was there all along, the owners just don;t or refuse to see.

Tip #1 - Correct dog walking begins with selecting the right equipment. 
No, a harness designed for PULLING is not the correct equipment (Hello, clue phone time!) If you decide you like the idea of a harness (as Bekki did with Jethro) find one that does not allow the dog to pull, like the Premier Easy Walk Harness. Otherwise, any pinch style collar will work, as will a Martingale or old fashioned "choke chain" style collar (an unfortunate name, as it does not in fact choke the dog when used properly.)

Tip 1A - Educate  yourself on how to properly use the tool you have decided upon. 
This is not really it's OWN tip, but is a portion of #1 that MOST people blow off, and it a very critical step. Read the instructions in the package, look your tool up online and see if there are any videos showing proper usage. Know your tools and how to Properly adjust and use them!

Tip #2 - ALWAYS lead the dog through any door or obstacle.
Proper dog handling technique begins now. This is one of the most important techniques to use with (not ON) your dog, and it is one of the simplest ones. You are the Alpha, they always follow you. This simple technique sets the tone for everything down line and should be followed religiously.

Tip #3 - Walk Your Dog!
No, this is not just a matter of getting out the door and walking. You have to have a process, and you have to follow it every time. With our dogs my process is as follows:

1. I make them come to the front door area and SIT and wait until I am ready to get them ready.
2. Then I leash them both and make them continue to SIT and wait until I (or we) are ready to go. 
3. I go out the door first, and lead them to the sidewilk where I make them SIT. Why all the sitting? I believe it helps me establish this is a structured walk, not a free for all like when we go to the beach, etc. It helps me to stop and center myself. Your energy will translate to your dog. If you are calm and ready, they will be also.
4. When I am ready, we will begin our walk with me giving the Heel command. The dog may try to go in front of me, but I use the tools I have to let them know NO, you follow by giving a quick corrective tug/jerk on the lead and then letting it go while giving the Heel command again
5. If the dog will NOT heel, I stop and sit them and wait until they calm down a little, then try again.

Tip #4 - Same Way, Every Day, Every Time
If you are just starting this process with your 'old' dog or a new one (puppy or 'old' dog) you will experience some level or resistance. Do not stop. Work the process every day. The distance you and your dog cover is not as important as the lessons you are teaching. Depending upon your dog, they may 'get it' right off like Jethro did. They may also fight you for control for a while, like Hondo did. Just keep working the process, stay calm, and eventually you will suddenly notice in the middle of a walk one day that you have not corrected your dog ONCE! This is a cool feeling. I hope you all have the opportunity to be able to feel what it is like being in sync and harmony with your dog.

The above 'process' is what has worked for us. It is based upon many articles we have read, advice from trainers we have spoken to, and plain old trial and error. Your dog may have 'special needs' and as always, consult with a dog trainer if you have any questions of how to correctly work with your dog, but please remember; work with your dog. BOTH of you will be much happier!

More Exercies is the Cure. Now, What's the Problem?

One of the things you will learn quickly about us is that before Bekki & I do anything, we do a lot of research. We research, read (mostly Bekki), and general learning on the subject. After a while we started to see a pattern. Regardless of the training method, process, or school, they all seemed to be saying the same thing.

A Tired Dog is a Happy Dog.

One of the many resources we discovered in our research was Cesar Millan and the Dog Whisperer. If you have caught his show, it can come across as a put on. That he can walk in and in moments eliminate unwanted behaviors by "simply tiring out the dog on a walk." (yes, I know now that there was a LOT more going on there) I thought so too, until I started employing some of his techniques, most importantly regular exercise. I began to see good results, and as I started thinking it through it began to make a lot of sense. The terminology he uses is that a dog cannot be a "balanced" dog if it has pent up energy it has not and cannot release.

"Most" negative dog behaviors are a) created by humans, because b) their dogs are bored. Why are they bored? Well, most dogs spend most of their days in a fenced yard or locked in the house alone. Most are not exercised on a regular basis. If you do not burn off your dog’s energy on a regular basis it begins to build up, just like his bladder. Sooner or later that energy, like his bladder, will need to be released. Unfortunately, that relief can take some very negative and destructive forms:

•    Chewing on/tearing up the furniture
•    Peeing/pooping in the house
•    Nervousness/insecurity
•    Constant barking
•    Separation anxiety - tearing up your house when left alone
•    Increasing aggression - 'Suddenly' nipping or biting
•    Many More!

I was skeptical to say the least. It seems too good to be true that by walking my dogs and giving them regular exercise, I can eliminate or significantly lessen the bad stuff like I listed above? So from the beginning with Hondo, and now with Jethro as well, at least one 20 - 30 minute walk is a part of our daily routine. I can honestly say that on the days when it is raining (rare here in Southern California) or I am just stuck working all day and they do not get out their behavior is worse, some days a lot worse. Like a couple of 9 year olds on a Mountain Dew rush.

Let me state I am speaking only from the research that we have done,, articles we have read, and personal observations on this subject. There are very real behavior issues out there that require the attention of a professional. However, that said, you can go a long way to dealing with most issues by hitting the pavement with your pooch.

If you require additional motivation, I will say that I have lost 30 pounds in the last year, primarily due to walking with my dogs on average once or twice a day, 20 – 30 minutes a shot. So, go walk with your dog. They will be happier, and so will you.

You can find more information on our website at www.capawblehands.org!

Top 6 Dog Training Tips for the New Owner

Since Bekki and I got our first dog together in 2008, I have been doing a lot of research into training methods and models, and those that practice them.  I have had some experience as a dog owner, but we had decided that we wanted to train them as Therapy Dogs, so I wanted to make sure I “did it right.”

So I began doing research, and a lot of it. During this research it has become apparent that for every trainer that says you should do ‘X’ there are at least two others that say the exact opposite. So, what is the ordinary dog owner to do when the experts can’t even seem to agree?

Well, I have always thought that common sense, observation, trial and error is the best path to separate the wheat from the chaff.  After a couple of years of research and working closely with 'The Lads', our 2 dogs Hondo and Jethro. I can only vouch for what has worked for me and the following is a simple but important list that every dog owner can benefit from.

In an effort to help the new and/or confused dog owner, I have created the following “Top 6 List.” (come on, anyone can do a top TEN list!):

I.                    Punishment is Counter Productive
Yelling at or striking/kicking your dog is not only ineffective, but also makes the training of your dog harder and take longer. Bully breeds like pit bulls, rottweilers, etc. are especially affected by this as they are more sensitive than most other breeds.

II.                  Consistency Wins the War
Decide what the rules are and what commands are and stick to them, period. The poor dog is easily confused when rules are situational and needs the comfort of knowing X = 4 every time. How does your dog know why he can jump up when you are wearing jeans, but not when you have your best suit on? Confusion is a big road block to success.

III.                Reward, Reward, Reward
Instead of carrot and stick, think carrot and carrot. Think about it, if your boss gave you say, a corn dog every time you did your job, how much MORE would you want to do it? It is about the same with your dog.

IV.                Realistic Expectations
Just because you THINK your dog knows what you’re saying, in point of fact, they do not. Do not start teaching them to do big tricks. Instead build a solid foundation with the basics, and then build upon those behaviors until you get to where you want to be.

V.                  One Command, One Time!
How many times have you heard a dog owner saying “Sit! Sit! Sit! Lassie, sit. Come on girl, sit”? Too often, and soon the command becomes part of the noise the dog ignores. Be clear one time, then be patient. If it is a new behavior it is OK to physically manipulate, but after that the command and a jerk on the lead is all you should do.

VI.                Remember what They Say about Assuming
Just because your dog got something right in your last training session does NOT mean he “knows it.” It only means he kinda got it last time. Sometimes they do well for a while, and then begin having trouble. This is often related to the environment in which you are working. It is a good idea to go back a step and do your training in a quiet place to reconnect with your dog, and then move back into more and more distracting venues.  

TRAINING TIP: If you have difficulty working with your dog, start with a brisk walk to drain some (or a LOT) of the dogs energy before  you start working with them. Will really help the dog to focus and for you to get the most our of your session. Remember to go find more articles and information at www.capawblehands.org!

The Simple Tricks are the Best

In working with Jethro (the 75 pound AmStaff) we have decided one of the things we do NOT want to teach him to to jump up, like Hondo (the 20 pound Shiba Inu) does. Cute when Hondo does it, potentially scary when Jethro does it. So I started on 'shake.' A good, simple trick that will serve him well in his future Therapy Dog days.


Jethro has a high food drive, so getting his attention is generally an easy thing regardless of what kind of treat you have. I began by getting his attention, then having him sit. I would then say 'Shake" clearly, then pick up his paw the way I wanted him to and shook it, then praised him vigorously and gave him a treat. I would then repeat this, but generally only once.

One of the mistakes I believe some people make is over working the dog, meaning they have the dog repeat something so many times that they actually turn the dog OFF and hurt their progress in the long run. The dog begins to actively NOT pay attention and wants nothing more than to get out of there.

I did this with Jethro once or twice a day, repeating the process as described above. By the second time on the second day, I could see he was starting to get it, and by the morning of the third day he would present his paw almost before being asked. Actually, he began walking up to me while watching TV, sitting down and presenting his paw to shake, in hopes of a treat. If was comical, but since he was not asked, I thought it best not to reward the behavior in any way. He tried it a few more times, but has not given up and knows only when asked does that trick work.

Simple, easy goals with a couple repetitions multiple times a day is still the most successful training method I have yet found, and requires less time on your part. Kinda what my boss calls a "win win."

TRAINING TIP: Spend a little time investigating and experimenting to find the treat that really gets your dogs attention. Once you have that, the battle is nearly won! Remember to go find more articles and information at www.capawblehands.org!