Before Flying With A Dog, Teach These Skills

June 5, 2017 by Fanna Easter

Dog Training Tips for Flying With a Dog

For a safe and stress-free flight with your dog, it’s important to teach your dog a few valuable skills before boarding an airplane. All dogs should know these behaviors before taking off in a jet plane regardless if they’re riding in the cabin or as checked baggage (in belly of the plane).

As a reminder, resist purchasing fake service dog certificates and vests. These “special” permits are not fooling anyone. Plus, airlines are cracking down on fake services dogs, so follow pet airline travel restrictions and teach your dog to enjoy riding in an airplane. 🙂

Crate Training

First, teach your dog that her airline pet carrier is a wonderful place to be, so she happily walks into it on the day of your flight. You’ll also want to train your dog to comfortably rest in her carrier for an extended amount of time. Check out this article for crate training tips.

Introduce Movement

Once your dog enjoys relaxing in her crate, it’s time to introduce movement.

With your dog inside her pet carrier, take a stroll through your neighborhood and reward her for remaining quiet. Vary your walking pace too, as sometimes we’re rushed at airports. Then, slip a few yummy treats inside when she happily remains still.

If you’re traveling with larger dogs, place your large dog’s crate inside your car. Now, load your dog into his crate, close the door and toss a few treats inside. Drive around your neighborhood, on the highway and around curving roads. Start slowly, then add additional distance, so your dog gets used to movement in his crate.

Simulate Airplane Sounds

As if being in an airport isn’t stressful enough, it’s very loud and the sound of jet engines is absolutely ear-piercing. All of this could be very distracting to your dog, so it’s recommended to positively introduce your dog to these weird sounds weeks before a flight.

For small dogs, bring your dog into your laundry room when clothes are drying. While inside the laundry room, play a few games of “touch.” (Of course, your dog should know how to play “touch” prior to this exercise.) Once she’s comfortable with the dryer noise, place her inside her pet carrier in the laundry room. Continue to practice for a few days.

Finally, set your dryer on low without any clothes inside and place your dog inside her carrier on top of the dryer. The bouncing and noise of a running dryer will feel like a plane ride. Reward generously throughout the entire process.

For large dogs, you can simulate the flying experience using this method too, but you might have a little trouble getting your dog into her carrier on top of the dryer. 🙂

Friendly Behavior

The last tip before flying with a dog is to teach your dog to be friendly. This means your dog isn’t barking at people, walks politely on leash, and can be easily picked up and carried.

Security areas are packed with noise and people. If you have a small dog, you’ll be walking through scanners together. Many bystanders might ask to pet your dog, so it’s vital your dog responds appropriately.

While large dogs don’t walk through main security gates, they will walk into the check-in area of an airport. This place is buzzing with people, rolling suitcases and, at times, hot tempers. From there, your dog will get inside her crate and be wheeled off by an airline employee. You’ll want to ensure your large dog is friendly at all times.

Safe Travels!

Help! My Dog Doesn’t Like Me

May 30, 2017 by Fanna Easter

10 Things Humans Do That Dogs Hate

Dogs do speak; they just don’t necessarily verbalize it all of the time. For some, reading dog body language is like solving a puzzle, but it’s not as hard as it seems. Dogs will make it clear when they don’t like something, and it’s our job as responsible dog owners to determine when something is wrong.

Also, if your dog doesn’t like something, please stop doing the behavior. This is how most dog bites occur. Here’s a list of 1o things humans do that dogs hate.

1. Forcing Our Dogs to Meet Strange Dogs

Dogs enjoy greeting strange dogs, right? Wrong. As a dog trainer, I’m called in to pick up the pieces after a dog greeting another dog has gone wrong. Nine out of 10 dogs are completely uncomfortable with dog-to-dog greetings whether you’re at the farmers market, pet store or even dog park.

Unfortunately, many pet owners are too busy chatting on their phones, selecting the best tomatoes or picking out a toy for their dogs to notice. When dogs are uncomfortable meeting other dogs, they:

Shrink back
Flip their ears backwards
Tuck their tail
Growl
Snap
Lunge

Instead, you should maintain at least 6 feet away from other dogs and listen to your dog’s body language. When in doubt, just don’t do it.

2. Skipping Sniffing Opportunities

After polling pet owners about daily dog walks, more than 50% feel powerwalking for a specific distance meets the criteria for a successful dog walk. There’s one huge piece missing though, and that’s allowing their dogs sniffing opportunities.

Dogs perceive the world through their noses, so make sure your dog has plenty of time to sniff blades of grass, tree trunks and bushes. When dogs sniff, they’re reading “pee mail” where squirrels had hunted for nuts, bunny trails and so very much more. Dogs will briefly sniff usually no longer than one minute unless something alive is hiding in that spot, and then they move along to the next sniffing spot.

Bring treats along during each walk to reward your dog for the “leave it” cue, especially when your dog finds chewed up gum or discarded bones. Sniffing provides plenty of mental stimulation for your dog and it exhausts him too, so let him sniff away.

3. Putting Our Faces in Our Dogs’ Face

Dogs enjoy close contact with humans, but they feel most comfortable when they can choose the distance. Humans get close—like really close to their dogs’ face. We enjoy showing affection by putting our face right in our dog’s face to snuggle or give kisses. However, this is way too close for most dogs.

Now, I’m not saying dogs dislike face contact. Some dogs will reach in and kiss our faces, but face contact should be your dog’s choice. You can tell when your dog isn’t comfortable with your face being next to his face when he:

Turns away
Yawns
Pulls away
Flips his ears backwards
Licks his lips
Freezes
Growls
Walks off

Listen to your dog, and remember most dog bites happen to faces because humans like to stick their faces too close. Give your dog the choice to make face contact instead.

4. Staring

It’s the same with humans; staring is one of those things dogs hate and find rude. While humans stare lovingly into their dog’s eyes, dogs hate it. Refrain from staring at your dog, especially during dog training sessions. Instead, focus on your dog’s chin or chest.

Also, spend a few moments teaching your dog that eye contact is rewarding by teaching the “look at me” cue. If you find yourself gazing into your dog’s darling face, and he looks away from you, then understand your dog finds staring very uncomfortable.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]And bringing another dog into the mix, so your lonely outdoor dog has a friend, is still cruel.[/perfectpullquote]

5. Secluding Our Dogs

Permanently banishing dogs to the backyard, another room or garage is cruel. Dogs enjoy lounging next to their humans—either in the same room or right next to their feet. Dogs are domesticated, meaning they need contact from humans and other pets.

Dogs are not lawn ornaments. And bringing another dog into the mix, so your lonely outdoor dog has a friend, is still cruel. Bring your dog indoors, and teach him polite manners, so he’s able to happily co-exist with his people. 🙂

6. Moving Straight Toward Them

Dogs hate when people walk straight toward them. They find it annoying. Instead of making a beeline toward a dog with outstretched hands, bend down and turn sideways. Keep your hands at your side, and ignore the dog. Allow dogs to make choices. Understand that dogs will run toward their pet owners, but they may also choose to ignore strangers and other dogs. Support a dog’s choice.

7. Repeating Cues

“Sit, sit, sit, sit. I said sit, no…SIT.” This is annoying to read. Imagine hearing this sound happening over and over again. When pet owners repeat cues, it sounds like you’re nagging, which never works. Instead, say a cue once. If your dog doesn’t respond instantly, she may not really know the cue (or understand the cue in that situation).

8. Pushing & Pulling

Pushing or pulling a dog into a behavior or giving physical corrections is beyond annoying to dogs. Plus, it can scare dogs, causing them to bite. If we can train zoo animals using force-free methods, we can certainly teach dogs polite behaviors without pushing or pulling. Choose force-free training, please.

9. Assuming Dogs are Guilty

Nope, dogs do not feel guilt nor spite. When pet owners yell at their dogs, it’s important to understand their dogs are not leaving the situation due to guilt. Rather, their dogs are scared.

10. Being Pestered by Children

When children constantly touch, pet, poke, harass or play with a dog, it’s exhausting. All dogs deserve a quiet place to get away from all the hustle and bustle. Children should learn not to pester dogs. Plus, children should never sit, lie down or stand on a dog. The same goes for forcing kisses and hugs. Dogs don’t like it.

Solutions To Common Dog Training Mistakes

May 24, 2017 by Fanna Easter

Don’t Make These Dog Training Mistakes Again

Everyone makes dog training mistakes; it’s part of the learning process. When mistakes happen, it’s important to recognize and learn from them and leave frustration at the door. If you’re making these common mistakes in dog training, give these simple solutions a try!

Mistake #1: Ego Getting in the Way

Solution: Record Your Sessions

Human egos can quickly interfere a dog training session. When pet owners justify that their choices were right and their dogs were wrong, that’s ego creeping in. Justification rears its ugly head when pet owners blame their dogs for certain choices when actually their dogs didn’t know what else to do instead.

It’s hard to hear it, but the human ego is part of each dog training mistake made. As humans, we assume we’re right and our dogs are “just not getting it.” Instead of assuming, look at each dog training session from the perspective of a learner.

Still not convinced? Record your dog training sessions using a dog camera and review afterwards. Are your instructions clear to you? If you’re still not convinced, mute the video and ask a truthful friend what behavior you’re teaching in the video. If you nor someone else aren’t sure, then your dog certainly isn’t either.

Mistake #2: Touching Your Dog

Solution: Use a Clicker and Treats

Humans are very tactile, resulting in numerous mistakes during dog training sessions. When teaching new dog training behaviors, refrain from touching, pushing, pulling or forcing a dog into a behavior. Physically reaching out and touching dogs get in the way.

Use a hands off approach via clicker and treats instead. At first, it might be difficult using new dog training techniques because you’re learning something new, but it’s so worth it. (Remember, your dog is learning to adapt to this training technique as well!)

Hands off dog training means no physical or verbal corrections either. Remove your dog’s leash when practicing behaviors in your home. If your dog disengages, then you need better treats or your dog will become completely confused. For dog training sessions outdoors, attach your dog’s leash to a body harness instead of a collar. This prevents collar corrections.

Taking a hands off approach to training your dog will boost your dog’s success. Quickly reward any of your dog’s attempts toward the desired behavior. As a rule, you should be rewarding more than withholding treats.

If your dog makes a mistake—remember, it’s part of the learning process—just withhold a treat. Take a break and rethink your training plan, and keep your ego in check please.

Mistake #3: Using Low Value Treats

Solution: Use Treats Your Dog Loves

Dog training treats are your dog’s paycheck, so pay him or her extremely well. Using treats during training is not bribery; it’s far from it. Rewarding good behaviors with yummy treats works, and it works super fast. High value treats include chopped up hot dogs, baked chicken, cheese cubes or anything your dog absolutely adores. Using a high value treat will make training your dog so much easier because your dog wants to earn it.

Mistake #4: Using Huge Cheese Chunks

Solution: Break Treats Into Small Pieces

Break training treats into small pieces. Pea-sized treats work best for all dogs. Clicking and tossing pea-sized treats ensures excitement during training, and sessions move quickly with lots of success.

While it’s tempting to toss a huge cheese chunk every time, it’s actually slowing down the process. Dogs take forever to eat a cheese chunk (well, most do), and they’ll fill up on the treat fast. There’s nothing wrong with tossing a cheese chunk, but use it strategically.

Save large cheese chunks for breakthrough moments, such as your dog responding to a cue for the first time, ignoring another dog or coming when called.

Mistake #5: Making Assumptions

Solution: Practice the Behavior

Again, the human ego is the cause of this common dog training mistake. Pet owners assume things too quickly, and will justify why their dogs should know a cue. Do the following sound familiar?

“But he’s done this behavior before.”
“He knows how to do this.”
“She’s ignoring me.”
“She knows better.”
“He’s choosing not to listen to me.”
“This is the first time this has happened.”

This is justification. Instead of assuming and justifying, teach your dog the behavior. 🙂

Dogs ignore a cue for two reasons: 1) They’ve never practiced the behavior in a specific situation before (e.g. a squirrel runs in front of them) or 2) They’re confused. So many times, pet owners convince themselves that canine confusion doesn’t exist, and their dogs should know the behavior.

Yes, human ego rears its ugly head again. Practice a behavior in a myriad of situations, including an environment where a squirrel runs in front of your dog. Always remember, dogs are a living soul, not a robot, so understand they may not respond every time.

Happy Training!

The 3 Most Challenging Steps Of The CGC Test

May 5, 2017 by Fanna Easter

Tips for Passing the Canine Good Citizen Test

Completing and passing the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test is difficult for both dog and pet owner. To pass the CGC test, you have to do all 10 steps completely successfully.

The three most difficult steps are Sitting Politely For Petting, Reaction To Another Dog and the dreaded Supervised Separation. To best prepare your dog and yourself for the CGC, enroll in a CGC prep course, which lasts 6-7 weeks. This will give you plenty of time to practice.

The 3 Most Challenging CGC Steps

Sitting Politely For Petting

Sitting still is challenging for some dogs, and being petted by a friendly stranger makes it even more difficult to sit still. In the beginning, use high value food rewards and ask a friend for help. Move slowly and ask your dog to sit first. Then, ask your friend to take one tiny step toward your dog, and click/treat when your dog chooses to remain sitting.

Ask your friend to turn around and slowly walk away from your dog (like resetting almost). After a few seconds, have the person repeat this exercise again (one tiny step toward the dog). It may be helpful to place a strip of tape on the floor, so your friend knows where to start again.

Over a period of 4 weeks, slowly practice one step at a time with different friends until a person is able to stand next to your dog while he or she sits politely.

The next step is to introduce petting. As a friendly stranger touches the side of your dog’s neck or chest once, click as the pat happens. When the person walks away, give your dog a treat. Continue adding one pat at a time, and vary where your dog is petted. Now, practice with different people and in different environments, such as:

Your backyard
Your home
Vet’s office
Park
Sidewalk

Reaction To Another Dog

Most dogs get super excited when they see another dog and will pull toward him or her. To prevent this dog behavior from happening, enroll in a 4- to 6-week long group puppy training class and teach your puppy to focus on you instead of other puppies.

There are group adult dog training classes where you can practice the “look at me” cue. You can also practice during a 7-week CGC prep course. It takes a lot of practice, but teaching your dog to ignore other dogs is worth it!

Practice the “look at me” cue in various environments. Reward your dog with treats every time, then reward every other time once your dog gets really good at it. Continue weaning your dog from treats, and reward only really good performances, such as ignoring another barking dog. Remember, no treats can be used during a CGC test, so fading dog training treats completely before entering a CGC test is required.

Supervised Separation

Some dogs and pet owners ace every part of the CGC test except the Supervised Separation step. Expecting a dog to hang out with a stranger for 3 minutes is tough. Enrolling in a puppy and adult dog group class is invaluable, and will help prepare your dog and you for a CGC prep course.

During a CGC prep course, each dog will have ample time to practice supervised separation. You’ll also receive valuable tips from the instructor. Continue practicing at home by asking family members to hold your dog’s leash while you walk around the block. During vet visits, ask veterinary staff to hold your dog’s leash while you run to the bathroom. While your dog is hanging out, ask friends to play a game of “touch” for a few seconds. By pairing good things with scary things, your dog will soon learn to enjoy previously scary things.

Passing the CGC test is difficult. It takes time and lots of practice to learn polite manners. Spend extra practice time on these 3 challenging steps and complete a CGC prep course!

What Is The AKC Canine Good Citizen Test?

May 3, 2017 by Fanna Easter

AKC Canine Good Citizen Certification

There are 60.2 million households in the U.S. that own a dog, according to American Pet Products Association. As the human population continues to grow, it’s only natural more and more dogs will become pets as well.

With that said, we have a few responsibilities as pet owners. One of them is ensuring we have a sturdy and protective fence to keep dogs from fence fighting and possibly getting harmed. Another responsibility is teaching our dogs polite manners. AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test sets the standard for pet owners and dogs.

What is the Canine Good Citizen Test?

American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen test was designed to provide a standard for canine polite manners and promote responsible dog ownership. Thankfully, the CGC test is open to all dogs regardless of breed. However, dogs must be up-to-date on all vaccinations, including rabies.

The CGC test involves 10 steps. A CGC evaluator sets up the course, observes and assesses a pet owner and her dog’s training skills within a myriad of everyday distractions.

Dogs and pet owners must pass all 10 steps to earn the CGC certificate, and treats cannot be used during the exam. Dogs should wear a flat buckle collar, martingale collar or body harness, and must be leashed at all times.

Before a CGC test is completed, a pet owner must sign AKC’s CGC Responsible Dog Ownership Pledge. This pledge verifies a pet owner will be responsible by providing her dog proper veterinary care, picking up after her dog and training her dog.

10-Step Canine Good Citizen Test

Accepting a Friendly Stranger

Tested dog allows a stranger to approach and chat with handler for a few minutes, then turns around and leaves.

Sitting Politely for Petting

Dog allows a friendly stranger to pet him or her while out for a walk with pet owners. Dog should not jump up on stranger.

Appearance & Grooming

Friendly stranger is able to touch the dog’s front paws and ears and brush the dog’s body.

Out for a Walk (Walking on a Loose Leash)

During an informal walk, dog is able to walk on a loose leash. Remember, a loose leash (no pulling) is considered polite leash manners. 🙂

Walking Through a Crowd

Dog is able to walk happily through a crowd (three or more people) while remaining well behaved. Dog should not jump up on people.

Sit & Down on Cue Plus Stay Behavior

Pet owner asks the dog to “sit” and “down” on cue. Both behaviors should be performed separately. Using a 20-foot line, pet owner asks the dog to stay in either a sit or down position until evaluator instructs pet owner to release her dog.

Coming When Called

Pet owner walks 10 feet away from her dog while the dog wears a 20-foot leash, then calls the dog to her.

Reaction to Another Dog

Leashed test dog is able to walk near another leashed dog without barking, growling or pulling toward the other dog. Both handlers will stop, shake hands and chat for a few seconds, then walk away in opposite directions.

Reaction to a Distraction

Test dog should ignore or show slight interest in a distraction within his or her environment. Distractions can be many things, including an evaluator walking near the test dog with crutches, a cane, a walker or a baby stroller, or an evaluator dropping a phone book or pushing a shopping cart nearby.

Supervised Separation

Test dog is left with the evaluator for 3 minutes while pet owner is completely out of sight.

Upon successful completion, the tested dog earns the title of “CGC” after his or her name. If a team fails their CGC test, they may take it again.

Benefits of the Canine Good Citizen Title

With breed-specific legislation and strict homeowner restrictions, it’s important to achieve proof of your dog’s good behavior. In fact, some homeowner insurances offer discounts for dogs that have passed the CGC test.

Preparing for the CGC Test

The CGC test is tough. Pet owners and dogs should attend puppy and adult dog group classes first. It’s also highly advisable to complete a 7-week CGC prep course too. Most CGC prep group classes offer a CGC test upon graduation, which is very convenient. Don’t forget to practice each CGC step in different environments, such as a neighborhood, park or pet store.