Dog Training Nation

In Dogs We Trust

You are here: Home / Archives for Behavior

Dogs vs. Sprinklers: Avoiding a Water Obsession

by

Dog Training Tips for the Dog Obsessed With Water

Dog Obsessed With Water Hose
Joshua_Todd/iStock

What human or dog doesn’t love running through a water sprinkler on hot, humid days? Playing with water sprinklers can be exciting and exhausting fun for dogs, especially dogs that were bred to love water. To answer the question of whether or not dogs should play with water sprinklers: of course, dogs can play in water sprinklers, but add a couple of cues first! There are a few dogs that become obsessed with water. Let’s discuss how to prevent this behavior.

When Water Fun Turns Into Obsession

Some dogs become completely obsessed with water from a hose, lawn sprinkler or bathroom faucet. For the most part, these dogs will play endlessly for hours and never tire. But when dogs stand next to a hose, lawn sprinkler or faucet, waiting for it to be turned on, that may indicate an obsession. Some dogs take it a bit further; they become consumed with waiting for water to spray out of these devices. Some dogs refuse to eat or drink and, instead, they wait tirelessly next to a hose.

Many pet owners think it won’t happen to their dogs, but prevention is worth its weight in gold!

How to Prevent Dog Water Obsession

Before turning on spraying water, give your dog a cue that means it’s about to happen. Examples of cues are “water time,” “let’s play” or “sprinkler.” Usually, your dog will respond when you walk toward or touch the hose, which is a different type of cue than verbal, which is totally fine. Now, turn on the water and have a blast!

When it’s time to end the water session, give your dog a different cue, such as “all done” or “game is over” and turn the water off. If your dog sits next to the hose or sprinkler, just walk away and ignore your dog. The worst thing you could do is reward your dog’s cue for turning the water on. Yes, when your dog sits next to the water hose, he is basically asking you to turn it on. 🙂 If you reward this behavior, you’ll have a dog that sits next to the water hose waiting for someone to turn it back on. Yes, dogs teach us cues all the time, and we respond pretty darn quickly too. 😉

If your dog is still waiting by the hose in hopes it will turn on, call him inside for treats. Or better yet, grab a frozen food stuffed toy out of the freezer and show him the peanut butter stuffed treat. He will gladly follow you back indoors to enjoy his prize!

While this seems like a lot of work, it’s a safe way to prevent water obsession and still have loads of fun.

If It Doesn’t Get Better

If your dog refuses to eat, drink or move away from the water hose (lawn sprinkler, faucet, etc), then it’s time to get professional help. A professional dog trainer can watch your dog’s behavior and make additional suggestions. If your dog truly suffers from his obsession, which is called Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), a dog trainer will quickly refer you to a veterinarian board certified in animal behavior.

Have fun and stay cool this summer!

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Laser Pointer Games are Bad for Dogs

Crystal Healing for Dog Anxiety

by

Crystal Healing for Dogs: Does It Work?

Crystal Healing
ViewApart/iStock

Yes, I was just as skeptical as you! For thousands of years, crystals and stones were said to protect the wearer and change energy, but crystal healing never crossed my mind with dogs. That changed when my beloved holistic veterinarian mentioned calming crystals for Sobek’s (my Rottweiler) anxiety. Hmm, could it hurt? I was willing to give it a try.

Sobek’s Crystal Healing Story

As many Dog Training Nation followers know, Sobek has anxiety issues and his holistic veterinarian recommended trying a few healing crystals that would reduce his anxiety. At first, I scoffed at the idea, but as the days wore on, I thought it wouldn’t hurt, right?

Pursuing a crash course in calming crystal healing for dogs, I found a local metaphysical and spiritual store in my city with a quick Google search and decided to give it a try. I purchased a few crystals and stones that our holistic vet recommended, and headed home.

Healing Crystals Recommended for Anxiety

Our vet recommended magnetizing hematite and blue lace agate. Hematite is a shiny gray-black metal that absorbs negative feelings of worry and fear. In alternative medicine, magnetic therapy has been used for hundreds of years to restore physical and mental health balance as well as reduce swelling and pain. Hence, magnetizing hematite. Blue lace agate is considered the powerhouse of calming crystals, and highly recommended to decrease panic attacks and reduce overall anxiety.

While using crystals with dogs may seem new, the practice has been around for many years. To benefit from healing crystals, they must be worn or have some type of contact with the dog. Many pet owners hide healing and calming crystals in their dog’s bedding or attach them to their dog’s collar. Dogs don’t understand that crystals should not be swallowed (that would be contraindicated for healing and calming :)), so wrap crystals in metal and attach to his collar, especially if he enjoys destroying his bedding.

RELATED: New Dog Anxiety Medication for 2016

The Crystal Therapy Experiment

Now, understand that I was completely skeptical about healing crystals, so I conducted an experiment. Sobek has two beds that he equally adores, so I placed these crystals within the bed stuffing of a randomly chosen bed and watched his behavior. On the first night, and every night afterwards, Sobek would only sleep on the bed with crystals. Still skeptical, I moved the crystals to his other bed, and then he slept in that bed every night afterwards.

Wait, did he see me move the crystals or was it my scent left behind? I know I’m grasping at straws, but I had to rule a few things out. The next day, I asked my husband to move the crystals to the other bed, and Sobek slept in that bed every night going forward.

Okay, so this was not a controlled experiment, but Sobek’s sleeping choices were certainly interesting–he followed the crystals.

Did Crystal Therapy Work?

Honestly, I don’t know. Sobek still has anxiety, but his bed choices totally baffled me. One thing I did notice was Sobek finally slept soundly through the night, so I decided to keep crystals  stuffed in his favorite “crystal” bed. Interestingly, I found my other dog sleeping on his “crystal” bed too, which is totally odd. I also noticed her sleeping right on top of the crystals (she’s a small dog).

While it didn’t reduce his anxiety, calming crystals definitely had an impact on his sleep and both dogs still seek them out to nap on. 

If crystal therapy has worked for your dog, I would love to hear how crystals were used and which ones were chosen.

The Real Reason Dog Trainers Dislike Cesar Millan

by

Honest Truth Why Some Dog Trainers Dislike Cesar Millan

Why Dog Trainers Dislike Cesar Millan
purple_queue/iStock

With social media outcries against Cesar Millan’s latest Nat GEO TV show at an all-time high, as a dog trainer, I need to address it. This backlash was due to Cesar allowing a dog that has killed pigs in the past go off leash to attack a live pig. Please dear readers, understand this is an example of how not to train an aggressive dog ever! No press release, fan comments or justifications can make this right. Cesar made a poor choice. Now, let’s discuss why dog trainers dislike Cesar.

Why Do Dog Trainers Dislike Cesar Millan?

As a dog trainer, I’ve personally witnessed and changed numerous dogs’ behaviors without using punishment or force-based methods. I’ve also discovered that positive reinforcement methods work much quicker. Also, as much as pet lovers hope with everything they have, aggression cannot be cured. It will always linger until a trigger appears and the dog (or person) is unable to control his actions. Let’s dive into Cesar’s dog training methods.

Alpha and Pack Theory

This alpha and pack theory has been dispelled many years ago. Dogs do view us as dogs or wolves. While dogs and wolves share similar DNA, they are totally different in behavior and appearance. Plus, the original author who cited these “alpha” behavior findings with wolf packs dispelled the theory as well, which says a lot.

Do Dogs Need to Be Dominated?

Dogs do not need to be dominated to teach them polite manners. They just need to be taught polite behaviors. Dogs are not pre-programmed to understand that pulling on a leash or barking at neighbors is rude. It’s your job to train your dog to walk politely on leash and to keep his feet on the floor. Just like teaching children and zoo animals, providing your dogs choices is key to teaching polite behaviors. As an example, if a dog is jumping up on someone, remove treats or the exciting person when the dog jumps up. This way, the dog learns that good things go away when he jumps up. When all four feet are on the ground, treats and the exciting person come back.

Red Zoned Dogs

Cesar uses the term “red zoned dogs” when referring to aggressive dogs. His claim to fame is putting an end to aggression in un-savable dogs, or basically saving extremely aggressive dogs from being euthanized. What people don’t know is this is not just a Cesar thing. Dog trainers every day work with aggressive dogs and their pet owners, and have tremendous success. However, we do things much differently than Cesar. We teach dogs that scary things are good and/or safe by pairing good things with scary things to change their perspective rather than resort to punishment.

Example From a Human Perspective

Let’s look at an example from a human perspective. If you are afraid of spiders, and I pushed you toward a spider while correcting you with a leash correction or rolling you over whenever you tried to squish or run away from a spider, do you think your behavior would improve? It’s highly unlikely.

Eventually, you will push me back (equivalent to a dog growl), punch me due to frustration and fear (like a dog bite) or shut down (become helpless). And if the spider gets really close, all you’re thinking about is running away; you don’t hear a word I’m saying. Now, if I gave you a $100 bill every time you were around spiders, you would soon learn that spiders equal good things (money, if that’s what you find rewarding). Understand, rewards are not bribery; they change behavior and then fade out.

Shut Down Behavior

From a dog trainer’s perspective, the video of the pig-biting dog shows a dog completely shut down. When dogs become so confused or scared, they either fight, flee or shut down. That dog on Cesar’s show is a perfect example of a shut down dog around pigs.

What Does It Mean When a Dog Shuts Down?

Shutting down is totally different from normal behavior. Dogs will move slowly, blink excessively, lay their ears backwards, crouch away from the trigger (the object that worries them), pull corners of their mouth backwards, sniff the ground excessively and try to avoid what scares them at all costs. If they can’t get away, most will flop down (shut down) and hope they are not harmed. This is not submissiveness; this is sheer terror.

Shutting Down From a Human Perspective

Let’s look at this from a human example, using spiders again. If I tie you to me with a leash, then pull you toward spiders or encourage spiders to walk next to you, you’ll likely do a couple of things (like the last example). Once you realize you can’t get away (I’m holding you firmly next to the spiders), you’ll likely shut down and become helpless. This basically means you’re giving up, covering your eyes and hoping with everything in your body that spiders will not hurt you. No one deserves to be so scared that they shut down; it’s like a silent panic attack.

Many novice pet owners and dog trainers assume shutting down means a dog has changed his behavior around a trigger or is just stubborn, but this is not true. When a dog encounters that trigger again, he may either shut down again or become aggressive–it all depends on the dog. This is not changing behavior. Also, assuming a dog is stubborn is a rookie mistake, and can most definitely cause irreparable harm.

Changing Dog Behavior With Psychology Tools

You can most certainly change a dog’s behavior using common psychology tools. As a psychology major, I’m shocked Cesar focuses on punishment-only tools despite numerous options that are documented to be effective. Human psychologists understand that punishment causes many fallouts, meaning it has nasty side effects. That’s why dog trainers focus on positive reinforcement instead.

Experienced dog trainers (and trained psychologists) focus on changing behavior with proven behavior modification techniques, such as counter conditioning and desensitization. By teaching a dog that triggers cannot hurt them, they also learn to walk away or ignore triggers instead of attacking them. Choices are a huge reinforcer for dogs–sometimes more reinforcing than yummy treats.

Be Your Dog’s Voice

So that’s the honest truth on why some dog trainers strongly dislike Cesar Millan. I know changing everyone’s opinion about Cesar is difficult, but I hope you know that Cesar’s “way” is not the only way and we need to be the voice for our dogs. There are much kinder and effective dog training methods out there. I invite you to research more before jumping back on Cesar’s bandwagon.

My Dog Steals Food From Children

by

How to Keep Your Dog From Stealing Food

Dog Steals Food
Tuned_In/iStock

Dogs are so smart. They can quickly figure out that children are little dispensers of yummy food, so they stick around. Younger children, especially toddlers, drop food often because they’re learning to use their little fingers; and the family dog is right there to pick up any dropped Cheerios or splatters of baby food. The more a dog practices this behavior, the stronger it becomes until a dog steals food from your child’s fingers.

If your dog steals food from your child, check out these tips to prevent (which is always best) and eliminate this dog behavior. If your dog hovers or stares at your child’s food, it’s time to change this behavior now.

Teach Your Child Not to Feed the Dog

When small children offer food to a dog, we all think it’s absolutely adorable until the dog learns to hover around them while they’re eating. While it’s cute now, this dog behavior will most certainly teach your dog to beg for food whenever your child eats. Remember, giving a dog human food does not teach a dog to beg; it’s offering food from a plate that creates begging behavior.

When your child starts offering your dog her food, it’s time to give your dog something else to do instead of accepting food gifts until your child is old enough to understand she shouldn’t share her meals with the dog yet.

For children over 4 years old, ask them not to give or share any food with their dog. Also, if your dog is in the kitchen, keep an eye on him. Better yet, give your dog something else to do instead of hovering around your child while she eats.

Give Your Dog Something Else to Do During Meal Times

During meal times, offer your dog a food stuffed toy to enjoy inside his crate. This keeps your dog happily busy while everyone enjoys her dinner. Plus, it keeps your dog from hovering around your child while she eats. Remember, it takes just one time for your dog to learn that children drop food on the ground, so your dog will come running the moment he hears the clatter of the high chair.

Now, I understand young children snack often, so fill your dog’s food stuffed toys with portions of his daily ration of dog food. If your dog eats one cup per day, divide this into four food stuffed toys by sprinkling ¼ of it with a bit of canned food or peanut butter and freeze overnight. When your child is sitting down for a snack, toss your dog a food stuffed toy to enjoy instead of waiting around for dropped food. Soon, the sound of an opening freezer door will cause your dog to run into the kitchen.

Punishment Doesn’t Work

You’re probably tired of hearing me say this, but it’s so true. Punishment doesn’t work. Yelling or punishing your dog with leash tugs or time outs will only make the food stealing behavior worse. Basically, punishment teaches your dog not to steal food when you’re around. Plus, punishment will tear you and your dog’s relationship apart; it’s not worth it. Punishment is a slippery slope and often the first thing pet owners employ, but it has major fallouts.

Instead of punishing the dog behavior, prevent it from happening by keeping your dog occupied while your toddler eats meals and snacks. Secondly, teach your child not to share meals with your dog. Lastly, if your dog has already learned to hover around your child during meals, give him something else to do instead. Soon, your dog would rather lick a food stuffed toy than hang out under your child’s high chair. This is the best way to change dog behavior permanently.

Help! My Dog Steals Food Off The Table

by

Proven Tips to Keep Your Dog From Stealing Food

Dog Stealing Food
monkeybusinessimages/iStock

As a child, I remember watching our small dog strategically jump from chair to chair until she landed on our dining room table. There, she promptly helped herself to a banana from the fruit bowl. My first thought was she’s pretty darn smart! Then, I was shocked she ate the entire banana.

While most pet owners appreciate their dogs’ skill and finesse when stealing food from the table, it’s not always entertaining watching your Rottweiler eat your carefully prepared roast. 🙂 These dog training tips not only stop dog stealing food behavior, but they also prevent it from happening in the first place.

Why Dogs Steal Food Off Tables

Who can resist deliciously smelling food sitting on a table, right? When food is left on tables or kitchen countertops, it can easily become an open invitation for your dog. Once your dog rewards himself by pulling down a loaf of bread and eating every slice, including the plastic wrapping, he learns to patrol tables and countertops heavily.

Every time your dog steals food, he is rewarded, which strengthens the behavior. As a result, the dog stealing food behavior happens more often. Think about it this way: If you found a $100 bill under a large tree in your backyard every week, I’m pretty sure you would keep an eye on it constantly or, if not, live under the tree.

RELATED: Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?

How to Prevent Dog Stealing Food Behavior

As you’ve probably guessed, keeping food off tables and counters prevents this dog behavior from happening in the first place. Get the children involved and stash bread, snacks and fruits in closed cabinets or refrigerator. Remember to pick up food items after cooking.

If you’re cooking, and food is scattered across your counters, keep an eye on your dog. Or better yet, push food items further back from counter edges to prevent your dog from sniffing or snatching food. If your dog starts sniffing counter edges, call your dog to you and ask him to “lie down” and reward with a treat. Soon, your dog learns that lying down in the kitchen makes food appear rather than stealing it.

For proven food thieves, or dogs that have a history of stealing food off tables, fence the kitchen off with a baby gate. By creating a barrier, your dog is unable to patrol the area and look for food. Also, keep your dog in a crate when you’re away. This prevents your dog from learning to climb furniture for fruit bowls placed in high locations.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]If you punish your dog for stealing food, he will learn to steal food when you’re not around. [/perfectpullquote]

Don’t Punish Your Dog For Stealing Food

We all scream when a dog steals food and runs away with it; we’re shocked it just happened. Do know that punishing your dog for stealing food won’t stop him, but instead make it much worse. So many times, pet owners are advised to set up their dogs with tempting food dangling from the table edge. The moment their dogs walk toward it, they’re advised to punish him. Let me explain how this creates a super sneaky food thief.

If you punish your dog for stealing food, he will learn to steal food when you’re not around. Yes, punishment creates stealth thieves, meaning you never hear it happening or it happens so fast that everyone in the house is clueless. Think about it this way: If you’re speeding near a specific bridge and the police stops and issues you a ticket at that location, you’ll either learn to drive slowly everywhere or slow down when approaching the bridge.

Preventing a behavior from happening is key! If dog stealing food behavior occurs down the road, prevention still works best, so the behavior is never rewarded (dog is unsuccessful at stealing food because it’s not available). This works!

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Get Your Dog to Take Treats Gently

Dog Training Nation is a dog training blog for pet owners and dog lovers. We cover a range of topics from puppy socialization tips to dog aggression to dog health. It is our hope you share our content to make the world a better place for dogs.

Dog Training Nation

Quick Links

Dog Training
Dog Behavior
Dog Training Videos
Become a Dog Trainer
About
Contact Us