Thursday's Tip: Tackling Leash Aggression

Today's tip comes straight from Dogtime.com and deals with leash aggression...

Leash aggression is an extremely common behavior issue faced by many dog-loving owners.

 

You start on the blissful journey of puppy parenthood, envisioning a future of leisurely strolling with your dog: cup of coffee and newspaper in hand, ready to settle in on a park bench, street café, or just around the neighborhood. Then reality sets in. Lovable Fido often resembles Cujo while on leash.

 

I feel for owners battling leash aggression. I know they scratch their heads in bewilderment, sometimes even resorting to defending sweet Fido by blurting aloud to passersby, "Really, he's very sweet. He only does this on leash!"

 

Here's what is going on. Your dog is probably frustrated and anxious. Very likely, he wanted to run after or gain access to whatever he saw while on the street; it could've been a squirrel, other dogs, skateboards etc.

 

That pesky prohibitive collar and leash however prevented your dog from gaining access to these things and over time, exuberant curiosity was replaced with frustration. Your dog needs to release that frustration and voila, the barking and lunging begins.

 

"I WANT IT! I NEED TO GO INVESTIGATE! I JUST NEED TO SAY HELLO! WHY CAN'T I HAVE IT?"

 

It is very likely that your dog's initial outbursts were met with some form of disapproval from you.

 

"FIDO, NO! HEY! STOP IT!"

 

The cycle then begins and now Fido begins to also feel anxious. He begins to think that not only do these things frustrate him, but they make Mom and Dad angry!

 

"HEY DOG! GET AWAY! MY DAD GETS MAD WHEN YOU ARE NEAR! GO AWAY!"

 

Now that we likely know the why, let's focus on how to manage the behavior.

 

In any case of aggression, I strongly advise working with a gentle and humane professional to guide you through this process and teach you about the importance of your timing and consistency. Seek a trainer whose methods are firming planted in reward-based training.

 

You need to develop a more refined replacement behavior for the lunging and barking. A dog that is quietly trotting along your side, staring into your sparkling eyes is ideal. In order to get this going, you need to be a vigilant owner. It is now your job to scout out other dogs before your dog has the opportunity.

 

You must also be a well prepared owner. You must always be stocked with tasty treats or your dog's favorite tug style toy.

 

Game plan

 

The very second you see a dog (before your dog has the chance to react) you quickly get Fido's attention with a happy voiced, "Fido!" Give him treats or access to his toy as you get close to and continue to pass the other dog. During this time, it's important that you remain calm, happy and refrain from tightening up on the leash. We are teaching Fido that both you and he need to relax in presence of other furry friends. Once the other dog has passed and is at a distance, the treating stops or the toy is put away.

 

Learning that you are the giver of all good things, your dog will become conditioned to look at you automatically when spotting another dog. This conditioning will also help improve Fido's association with other dogs.

 

It is very important, in kicking off this project, to be lavish in your reward giving, distributing treats every second while in sight of another dog. People often immediately retort, "My dog is going to get fat!" Not if you are a good owner and recognize that treats are incorporated into your dog's daily ration of food. Cut back on what is going into the bowl, knowing that tackling this behavior hurdle is top priority for the health and happiness of both you and your dog. It might take a bit of retraining yourself!

 

Over time, as your dog becomes increasingly comfortable looking at you, while ignoring other dogs, you will slowly decrease the number of treats given. If you are a good consistent trainer, by the end of this process you will be flipping one treat to your dog after you've passed the other dog and even sometimes simply offering a "good boy!"

 

Setting yourself up for success

 

1. When you are feeling lazy, avoid routes with dogs! If you aren't going to be a good trainer, don't allow your dog to react--and thus unravel all the work you are doing. (It's like a smoker who picks up a cigarette again!)
2. Practice "Fido, look!" every chance you get, NOT just when faced with other dogs. Your dog must make eye contact with you for everything he wants in life: before you put his food dish on the floor, snap on his leash, open the door for him to go outdoors, between each toss during a game of fetch. This is your batting practice. The more you and your dog get in the batting cage, the more successful you'll be at the big game!
3. Exercise your dog. If you have a backyard, play fetch for fifteen minutes before going on a walk. Your dog will be a bit more tired, a bit more convinced that you are cool (after tossing the ball to him), and likely to be less anxious about those other dogs.

 

Work hard and your training will pay off. Sitting at at outdoor café without worry that your table flies out from under your plate as Fido lunges for another dog IS possible.

 

[NOTE: If your dog is unable to pass another dog--while being treated and without reacting--you will need to consider proximity. Establish a comfort/space threshold: approaching other dogs only to the point where your dog is comfortable, and then crossing the street or creating a visual block as you get by. Over time, you'll increase proximity. This will definitely require working with a professional.]

 

Written by Colleen Safford, of New York Walk & Train and Far Fetched Acres, one of NYC's most recognized dog trainers.

Can't we all just get along?  ~Zoe

Tuesday's Tellings: Tails of Woods

As you know, this month we are featuring Woods Humane Society.  Well, you'll be pleased to know that Woods provides a multitude of ways to get involved.  We've already shared about pet adoptions, training, etc., well, here is just one more way you can support Woods!

Woods Humane Society is proud to announce the return of our annual dinner/gala fundraiser TAILS on Saturday, May 8 2010 at the Embassy Suites in San Luis Obispo. This year’s Tails of Woods promises a night of elegance, friendship, and fun. Join us for exclusive wine and beer tasting, a full course dinner, dessert, and both live and silent auctions.

Woods has been an important part of the Central Coast since 1955, sheltering and finding homes for those cats and dogs that find themselves in need. We are proud to have placed close to 40,000 dogs and cats into caring homes over the last 55 years. Our state of the art facility has allowed us to do so much more, but it takes events such as Tails of Woods to keep the facility running and continuing to realize its full potential. Fundraising represents 70% of our operating budget and the primary purpose of our event is to raise enough revenue to offset one full month of operational expenses.

Will you put a wag in our Tails?


Please contact the shelter directly at 805-543-9316 x19 for tickets, event information, or to join us as a business sponsor. Moreover, check back soon for a listing of this year’s wonderful Live Auction Items and participating wineries.

I don't think I'm invited to such an event, but if you are human and will be in the area in May, I encourage you to check it out!  ~Zoe

Chapter 12: Good Shepherd Dog Obedience School

Of all of the training I have received, I have enjoyed the Good Shepherd Dog Obedience School the best!  Linda is the proprieter, and she, along with her german shepherd, Reina, has a wonderful way with dogs and humans. 

My hu-mom had heard about Linda's Good Shepherd Dog Obedience school from several friends -- it seemed EVERYONE with a happy, well-balanced, well-behaved pet had been to the Good Shepherd Dog Obedience School.  My hu-mom was convinced that we HAD to go to "that" school!

Well we signed up, and Linda did not disappoint!  She really knows her stuff and shares information in such a gentle, but firm manner.  Not only did we learn the basics, sit, down, stay, heel, halt, etc., but she made sure there was a lot of interaction with other dogs and humans, and she also shared a lot about hygiene.  She showed our humans how to brush our teeth, clip our nails, clean our ears, check for and remove ticks,  and bathe us.

There was a lot of postitive reinforcement in Linda's training, and she even prepared us to put on a "show" for some local residents. You see, Linda was involved in taking animals into schools and nursing homes, to share the love of pets, and proper pet care, with those in attendance.

Linda encouraged lots and lots of fun activities with our humans, and helped our humans teach us tricks that we could perform in the show. My hu-mom worked with me to teach me how to shake hands, give a high-five, spin (to the left) and twirl (to the right), do puppy push-ups (sit, down, sit, down, etc), lay flat (play dead, although she didn't like that term so she uses a hand motion to encourage me to lay flat), leave it (with a piece of food), take it (same piece of food), catch (a ball, frisbee, etc), find it (she will hide a toy or food and it's my job to find it), flip a dog bone off of my nose and into my mouth, and curtsey.

Sadly, something happened (I don't remember exactly what), but our performance was cancelled.  So although we didn't get to share our tricks with the public, we had a lot of one-on-one time with our owners and learned lots of tricks!

In addition to the training, the hygiene, and the tricks, Linda also introduced us to dog agility.  Dog agility is F-U-N!  I'm pretty energetic, and had a blast jumping, climbing, running, etc.  My hu-mom and I haven't explored this any further, but I have a feeling this is next on my hu-man's list!

Linda now offers dog obedience, nose work (tracking a scent), and dog agility.  I and my hu-mom HIGHLY recommend Linda and her school to anyone wanting to strenghen your dog-human bond and learn obedience from a pro.  To find out more about the Good Shepherd Dog Obedience School, go to: http://www.appliedvb.com/goodshepslo/

~Zoe

Happy Easter!

Just a short note to wish you a very Happy Easter!  ~Zoe
(click here)

Thursday's Tip: Dear Labby -- Petiquette Expert

Have you ever run across something clever and thought, "Boy I sure wish I would have come up with that idea!"  Well today's post is about a very clever pet tip site on pet ettiquette -- or "petiquette".

Similar to Dear Abby or Ann Landers, this site allows you to ask a question and receive an answer -- only this site is for dogs and your questions are answered by...

This clever site is run by Dog Time, and as I said before, Labby will answer your dog related questions.  For example, here is a question submitted about whether it is okay or not to correct someone elses dog...

Dear Labby, My mother-in-law's Golden Retriever is a jumper. She's a friendly dog, and I like her, but she's pretty big and I don't care for the constant, attention-seeking jumping. My mother-in-law and I have not always been on great terms so I don't want to rock the boat by chastising her precious pet. On the other hand, I'd like them both to get the message that this behavior is not appreciated. What's the proper etiquette for correcting someone else's dog?

 Signed: Put Off by Undisciplined, Needy Canine Energy

Dear Put Off, Who doesn't fancy himself a dog expert, P.O.U.N.C.E., and relish the chance to drop pearly liver bits of wisdom on naïfs such as ourselves? So bank some points with your mother-in-law by asking her advice. Something along the lines of: "I'm sure you're teaching Cricket not to jump - how can I help reinforce proper behavior?"


It's not unlikely your mother-in-law will respond with, "Oh I don't mind if she jumps!" In that case, it's up to you to set boundaries. Turn away from the dog as soon as you notice her front paws come off the ground; she's looking for face-to-face contact, but if you quickly turn away from her, she'll eventually learn that jumping does not get her what she wants. At least not with you.


In general, the rule is to leave the correcting to the owner. The exceptions are when safety's at stake. Or when you've got a lemon meringue pie in your hands and the Retriever hasn't eaten since morning.

And so, I encourage you to send Labby your questions.  You can reach her at dearlabby@dogtime.com

Today's parting quote:  "Knowledge is realizing that the street is one-way, wisdom is looking both directions anyway" ~Unknown


Zoe

Tuesday's Telling: Woods Humane Society

Since we are focusing on Woods Humane Society for the month of April, I thought you might like to know about a couple of upcoming "events" --

April 10-11 - 2nd Annual Wine 4 Paws Fundraiser

April 10th-11th is the 2nd Annual Wine for Paws Fundraiser. Last year’s event featured over 30 local wineries and the shelter receives a portion or percent of the entire day’s tasting room sales. Visit http://www.wine4paws.com/ or email info@wine4paws.com for more details. In addition, do not forget that a great way to support the animals of Woods is to support the wineries that go out of their way to support Woods.

April 15th - Critter Camp Registration Opens

Woods Humane Society offers a summer “Critter Camp” for children between the ages of 8-11 years and is a week long day camp specifically focused on teaching humane education.


Today's adoptable pet feature... 

Meet Sammy!  Sammy is an Australian Shepherd/Collie mix.  He is black and tan, weighs 37 pounds, is 1 year and 1 week old, has been neutered, and is up to date with routine shots.  (Pet ID 9066).  For more information about Sammy or other dogs/cats available for adoption please contact Woods Humane Society.

Thursday's Tip: Beaching It

Ahh, it's spring and the weather on the Central Coast of California is B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L!  With such nice weather, it is just a matter of time before my hu-mans take me to the beach.  I love, love, love to run on the sand, play in the water and chase the birds (don't worry, I've never caught one!). 

If you are preparing to take your loving sidekick to the beach, Cesar Milan (The Dog Whisperer) offers these tips for beaching it:

•Know the local laws. Some beaches do not accept dogs. Others require that they be on-leash at all times. Find out before you head out.

•Prepare. You may not be aware that, like humans, dogs need protection from the sun. Talk to your veterinarian about protective goggles and canine sunblock.

•Be confident in your pack leadership. For a dog to get the full benefit of a beach visit, off-leash (where permitted) is ideal. But remember, the beach is full of interesting scents of the sea life there. This can send your dog into a very primal state. If you don't have your leadership skills down pat, you could lose your dog.

•Protect your dog from fleas. This is not an issue most people associate with the beach, but sand fleas are prevalent in some areas. Be aware that a wet flea collar is ineffective and can also irritate your dog's skin. Consult your veterinarian to find the best solution.

•Let your dog dig! This is the perfect spot to let your dog try to make that tunnel to China he's been dreaming of.

•Check conditions. Sea lice, jellyfish, undercurrents, and rip tides all pose just as much of a threat to dogs as they do to humans. Before you let your dog roam, verify with a lifeguard that the environment is safe.

•Keep your dog hydrated. Make sure your dog has access to clean, fresh water—and never let your dog drink salt water. It can make him sick.

•Be aware of your dog's physical and emotional state. A trip to the beach isn't the time to punch out. Your dog may be having so much fun that he looses track of how tired, hot, or thirsty he is. It is up to you to watch for signs of dehydration or over-exhaustion. Sand and heat can make a normal exercise routine more strenuous. Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, call your dog back to rest in a shady spot.

•Be respectful of other visitors. Whether canine or human, other visitors to the beach may not appreciate your dog's company. Make sure to keep your dog in check.

•Be vigilant. Remember that many items washed ashore, like fishing lines, litter, plant-life, and dead fish, may not be safe for your dog. When he goes exploring, keep a close eye on the objects he finds.

•Pick up after your dog! Help keep the water clean and the beach pleasant for other visitors.

•Give your dog a bath. If possible, give him a good rinse with fresh water before leaving the beach. When you get home, make sure to wash your dog immediately! Chemicals from sea water can be harmful to your dog's coat and health.

Until next time, enjoy the beauty of today!  ~Zoe