Can A Dog Be Too Food Motivated?

January 16, 2017 by Fanna Easter

Your Food Obsessed Dog May Just Be Distracted

When pet owners are introduced to positive reinforcement, a common question they ask is, “Can a dog become too food motivated?” I must say the concern is a very misunderstood one.

When teaching your dog new behaviors, there are no black-and-white answers. Instead, there are shades of gray that can confuse novice pet owners and dog trainers alike. What seems like excessive excitement about food may simply be something completely different.

Before assuming your dog is too food motivated, you should make a few dog training adjustments, which can make a huge difference in food obsessed dogs.

Signs of a Food Obsessed Dog

When dogs get excited about food, many pet owners feel they’re “too food motivated.” From another perspective, I know many people that behave similarly when margaritas are served. 🙂 When dogs are excited, they may:

Jump up
Drool
Knock over furniture and people
Lack focus
Focus only on food in hand, on floor, etc.
Ignore (not listen to) “commands”
Will only sit for a treat
Mug, bump or steal from treat bag

Is It Really Food Causing Excitement?

Dogs get excited about food; it’s natural canine behavior. When dogs are introduced to high value treats (i.e. baked chicken, cubed cheese, chopped up lunch meat), especially if they’ve never eaten it before, over excitement is understandable.

Excessive excitement can frustrate the pet owner and dog, so it’s important to bring a dog’s arousal level down a bit. Plus, excited dogs have a harder time learning because they lose focus. During dog training sessions, pet owners should be aware of their own behavior too.

To keep your behavior in check during training sessions, record both you and your dog on your smartphone. Then, make the following adjustments suggested below and record again. You’ll notice a quick and positive difference in your food obsessed dog’s behavior.

Avoid High-Pitched Rapidly Repeating Sounds

Dogs love high-pitched and rapidly repeating sounds—that’s why dog toys have squeakers. When dogs hear squeaky sounds, they get excited. They jump up, run over to the sound, focus on the person or thing making the sound, and dance around because they’re excited!

Fortunately, humans can easily mimic these high-pitched sounds. While many pet owners use these sounds as rewards for good behavior, they can inadvertently use these sounds during dog training too. When pet owners rapidly repeat a cue (e.g. “sit,” “sit,” “sit”), this can cause excitement even if said in a deep tone.

When teaching your dog a new behavior, or practicing an old behavior, say the “sit” cue once. If your dog doesn’t respond, he or she probably doesn’t understand what the verbal cue means. Or your dog has never practiced this behavior in that situation, and is too distracted. Never assume your dog understands a cue. Even if your dog has done the behavior before or will do it elsewhere, it may have been a fluke or you forgot to reward it.

Go Slowly

Oh, this is a big one! Fast movement will get a dog super excited—and quickly! Don’t believe me? Try running around the backyard with your dog. Even better, try running around the backyard while your dog watches you from a window. 🙂 Not only is movement fun, but it’s very distracting for dogs too.

During dog training sessions, it’s important to move slowly. Stand still and hold a treat in one hand. When luring a dog, place the treat on your dog’s nose and move slowly. If you move a food lure too quickly, your dog will move just as fast. When in doubt, put the treat back in your pocket and take a deep breath. Slowly remove the treat from your pocket and try moving slower. Make sure to keep the food lure in front of your dog’s nose. Holding treats too high will cause your dog to jump up for the treat. When you move slowly, your dog will too. 🙂

Make It Clear

When teaching or practicing a dog behavior, clear communication is key. Confusion can look like excitement, especially if a treat is bouncing around a dog’s face. If someone is holding a $100 bill in front of you, while speaking in a foreign language, you’ll try to figure out how to earn the $100.

Now, if this person moves the money around your face really fast, while repeating a sound over and over again loudly, you’ll likely snatch at the money due to frustration. From your perspective (learner), this person is teasing you with a $100 bill, right? From the other person’s perspective (teacher), he’s just holding the money in his hand while asking you to “sit.” 🙂

When in doubt, stop and video record your dog training sessions. When re-watching the video, ask yourself if you’re clearly communicating with your dog. If not, take a moment and think through your plan. Better yet, ask a certified dog trainer for tips. They can help jump-start your training sessions.

Still Think You Have a Food Obsessed Dog?

High-pitched, rapidly repeating sounds coupled with fast movements are exciting for your dog. Add a dash of confusion into the mix, and your dog is bouncing around like a ping-pong ball. Ninety percent of the time, a dog will sit still around food when pet owners remove these exciting and distracting factors. As for the other 10%, these dogs will relax quickly after earning and consuming a high value reward a few times. If a dog still leaps into the air for baked chicken, it’s time to reward impulse control games.

The Role Of Management In Dog Training

January 9, 2017 by Fanna Easter

Using Management to Prevent Dog Behavior

Dog Behavior Management — Klynn84/iStock

As a professional dog trainer, it’s my job to help both dog and pet parent change inappropriate dog behavior. Depending on the situation, management protocols and tools are suggested first before jumping in and changing a behavior. When I mention management tools, many pet owners smirk and give me a side eye because they’re skeptical the tools will work. However, dog behavior management is an essential component of dog training and it can prevent inappropriate behavior from happening. To be completely effective, management must be paired with behavior protocols.

What is Management?

In a nutshell, management means organizing and controlling situations and things. Within the dog training world, management means controlling your dog’s environment to stop your dog’s behavior from happening. Think about management this way: It prevents dogs from engaging in inappropriate behavior.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Think of behavior like a muscle; the more the behavior is exercised, the stronger it becomes.[/perfectpullquote]

When dogs practice behaviors (e.g. barking at the front door, digging in the trashcan, fence fighting, etc.), they get better at it. Think of behavior like a muscle; the more the behavior is exercised, the stronger it becomes.

Management stops certain behaviors from happening, but it doesn’t really teach your dog anything. Stopping the behavior from happening is the key to changing your dog’s behavior. Once your dog stops barking, digging or chewing, it’s time to teach your dog what to do instead.

How Does Management Work?

Management works well in many situations. Remember, management is controlling the environment, so your dog stops the inappropriate behavior. Here are a few examples.

Behavior: Dog barks out front windows.
Solution: Prevent dog from entering room with front windows by placing a baby gate to block access.

Behavior: Dog digs in trash.
Solution: Purchase a trashcan with a heavy lid.

Behavior: Dog runs away from you.
Solution: Keep dog leashed at all times.

Behavior: Dog chews furniture when you’re away.
Solution: Crate dog when you leave.

Behavior: Dog barks at outside noises.
Solution: Play soft music to drown out noises.

How to Use Management in Dog Training

Sometimes, if you’re really lucky, management will stop a behavior immediately. Usually, this happens when management is introduced early, so the behavior isn’t that strong. For example, if a pet owner prevents a barking dog from running over and barking out windows quickly by installing a baby gate in the doorway, the behavior will go away because the dog is unable to run over and bark out the window.

Management can prevent behaviors from happening too. Purchasing a heavy lidded trash can will prevent a dog from dumpster diving. For persistent trash digging dogs, placing a trashcan inside a cabinet works amazingly well too.

Management Isn’t Foolproof

This is very true. Management will stop or prevent a behavior from happening, but it’s not 100% effective. Usually, management breaks down due to human error. We forget to close a baby gate, close the trash can lid and so forth. It takes only one successful opportunity for your dog to start digging in the trash or barking intensely at the window again.

Additionally, if a dog has practiced a behavior for a long time, it might take some time for management to help. Management should be used to prevent inappropriate behavior from happening while pet owners should train dogs on what they should do instead. For example, keeping your dog on a short leash will prevent him from jumping up on guests. Asking your dog to sit (and rewarding him lavishly) when greeting guests teaches your dog that sitting works best.

Conclusion

Management is the first step in changing dog behavior, and it should be followed thoroughly. Furthermore, management shouldn’t be the only option. It’s important to teach your dog how to react differently. When in doubt, reach out to a professional positive reinforcement dog trainer for advice.

UP NEXT: Should a Beginner Dog Trainer Take Aggression Cases?

Choosing The Right Dog Monitor Camera For Your Home

January 6, 2017 by Fanna Easter

Best Dog Monitor Cameras of 2016

The pet industry is exploding with hi-tech gadgets due to vast advancements within technology. One such trend that’s been garnering much attention are dog monitor cameras. Checking in on the family dog became a huge benefit of home security systems, leading to the expansion of pet monitors.

From a pet owner’s perspective, home security cameras offer peace of mind. With a few clicks on a laptop or taps on a smartphone, pet owners can quickly check in to see their dogs comfortably snoozing on the sofa. Some home security system companies now offer additional pet-friendly features catering to pet owners who work long hours and have to leave their dogs home alone.

You can now find dog monitor cameras that have a two-way microphone, provide interactive laser games, send bark alerts, dispense meals and so much more.

If you’re struggling to decide on the best dog monitor for your home, check out our reviews of two popular dog cameras from the perspective of a pet owner and professional dog trainer. Both dog monitors offer plenty of bells and whistles, yet one system takes things just a bit further.

Reasons to Purchase a Dog Monitor Camera

Interactive dog camera systems were huge in 2016. When polled about why they purchased interactive dog monitor cameras, pet owners had many different reasons. Guilt was a popular reason; many pet owners felt guilty leaving their dogs home alone for 8-10 hours per day. They wanted to check in and see what their dogs were doing while they were away.

Behavior concerns were another common reason for purchasing a dog camera, especially if the dog suffered from separation anxiety. Other pet owners just missed their dogs throughout the day, so they liked the ability to check in, dispense treats, talk to their dogs or play a quick laser game.

Furbo Dog Camera Review

Understanding pet owners wanting to interact with their dogs when they’re gone, it’s understandable why Furbo Dog Camera is considered one of the best pet monitors. Aside from its 4-star rating on Amazon, many dog trainers recommend this pet monitor.

Furbo Dog Camera Features

Installation: Installation is easy. All you need to do is set it up in your home and download the app on your phone.
HD video: It has night vision options and amazing zoom features. The video recording option can be helpful for dog training or simply sharing cute dog snoring videos with friends.
Treat dispenser: This dog monitor treat dispenser holds 30 treats.
Two-way microphone: Chat with or comfort your dog while you’re away through this interactive dog camera.
Bark alert: Camera sensors can detect if your dog is barking, immediately notifying you.

When choosing an interactive camera system, steer clear of laser pointing game options. Studies have shown laser games can cause obsessive compulsive behavior, which is never a good thing. It’s also best to choose dog monitor systems with high quality video recording.

Dropcam Review

Simple and easy-to-install dog monitor cameras appeal to many pet owners as well. This type of dog camera system doesn’t offer interactive dog games or treat dispensing options, but instead offer amazing video with two-way microphones to keep an eye on your dog. By far, Dropcam system easily exceeds these simple requirements. Dropcam offers crystal clear HD video with night vision options, two-way microphones, alerts and easy installation.

Where to Install Dog Monitor Cameras

Most pet owners gravitate toward interactive monitors for their dogs, but some would choose simple and effective home security cameras. Interactive dog cameras should be placed counter-height for dispensing dog treats while regular dog cameras be mounted onto the ceiling. The choice is yours.

Regardless of the dog monitor system you choose, it’s worth having peace of mind knowing your dogs are actually snoozing the day away when you’re not home.

Training Your Dog Through An Interactive Dog Camera System

January 4, 2017 by Fanna Easter

Interactive Dog Cameras for Dog Training

Over the Christmas holidays, it seems every pet owner had an interactive dog camera under her Christmas tree. Interactive dog cameras allow pet owners to peek in on their dogs while they’re away from home. Plus, these pet surveillance cameras offer special features, so pet owners can talk to or toss a treat to their dogs, making these dog cameras so popular. When used correctly, you can successfully train your dog through your interactive dog camera too—with a few caveats.

Let Sleeping Dogs Sleep

Most dogs sleep when pet owners are away, which is quickly confirmed after installing an indoor camera system. While it’s tempting to toss a treat or speak to your dog over the microphone, it’s best not to wake sleeping dogs.

Think about it this way: Waking up to the pinging sound of a treat being dispensed loudly from across the room is startling. Same things goes for when pet owners speak to their dogs through a microphone. These sounds can certainly scare some dogs so much so that they avoid hanging around the scary camera.

When dogs associate scary things with a pet camera, they’ll sleep in another room, defeating the purpose of camera check-ins throughout the day.

Common Dog Behavior Issues

Barking

Many pet owners worry that their dogs will bark incessantly when away at work, which is completely understandable. This is the perfect time to use the interactive treat dispensing feature! Most interactive dog camera systems will email or text a barking alert to notify you when sound is detected in your home. Quickly check the video feed and verify your dog is barking.

When your dog is barking, ignore it. Don’t say anything over the microphone; wait until your dog is quiet. Now, this may take a few minutes, but the moment your dog stops barking (even for a nano-second), dispense a treat. You’re rewarding quiet behavior even if your dog is quick for a split second. Plus, your dog will stop barking while he or she runs over to the camera and eats the treat. If your dog starts barking again, practice a few more times. Your dog will likely wait around the camera quietly, hoping a treat will fall out. 🙂

Take note of what causes your dog to bark, and prevent it from happening again. Close curtains and blinds, or prevent your dog from walking into rooms with front-facing windows by placing baby gates in doorways. Try leaving soft music playing in a windowed room to drown out noises. If ringing doorbells cause your dog to bark, hang a “Do not ring doorbell” note on the doorbell.

Management is an important part of changing dog behavior. Continue rewarding quiet behavior by dispensing treats when your dog is awake and quiet.

Stress

Separation anxiety is a common reason pet owners purchase dog cameras. It’s important to understand that separation anxiety is a very serious issue. In true cases of separation anxiety, dogs have complete panic attacks when left alone. Panicked dogs will bloody themselves trying to escape, vocalize for hours, pace, drool excessively and completely stress out. Pet surveillance cameras can only confirm your dog has separation anxiety, but it won’t help change the behavior.

When dogs panic, they won’t eat treats. And hearing a microphone version of your voice will likely freak your dog out even more. Unfortunately, this behavior won’t get better on its own. It’s important to work with a professional if your dog suffers from separation anxiety.

Schedule an appointment with a veterinary behaviorist. Record and save a video of your dog stressed out at home and send it to your veterinary behaviorist before your scheduled appointment. The information captured through your interactive dog camera will help you and your veterinary behaviorist determine whether or not your dog’s behavior is improving when you’re away.

Chewing

Sometimes, when peeking in on dogs, pet owners notice their dogs chewing or destroying furniture. Instead of screaming over the microphone, make a smooching sound to distract your dog. When your dog looks away from whatever he or she is chewing, quickly dispense a treat. If your dog walks right back over and continues to chew on the pillow, make a smooching sound again over the microphone. Dispense a treat the moment your dog looks at the camera.

Usually, a recently rewarded dog will hang out, and sometimes fall asleep, next to the pet camera until you return home. They’re hanging out in hopes of treats dispensing from the camera again (smart dogs!).

Once home, management is important. Remove pillows from sofas, or block dogs from going into rooms containing chewable items. Crating your dog works well too; just make sure someone brings your dog potty after 3-4 hours.

Potty Accidents

Potty accidents happen, but an interactive dog camera system won’t change your dog’s behavior. Refrain from scolding your dog through the camera microphone—no use crying over spilled milk. Clean up the potty mess silently when you get home. To prevent your dog from pottying inside your house again, crate your dog while you’re away. Remember, it’s unfair to crate dogs longer than 3-4 hours, so hire a pet sitter to take your dog out to potty.

What have you witnessed while watching your dog through a dog camera system?

New Year’s Resolutions For You And Your Dog

January 3, 2017 by Fanna Easter

New Year’s Resolutions List

2016 has been a challenging year for most, so let’s start 2017 off on the right paw. While you may be percolating on personal New Year’s resolutions, don’t forget the dog! Starting on January 1st, incorporate one or two from the below New Year’s resolutions list. Even better, tackle one resolution per month until all become habits. Not sure which resolution would work for your dog? Check out these suggestions. Seriously, your dog will thank you!

1. Spend More Quality Time Together

Everyone is so busy that our dogs’ emotional needs are often pushed aside. Of course, our dogs’ basic needs for food, water and shelter are met, but we need to fill our dogs’ love tank too.

Once a day, take your dog out for a 15 to 30-minute walk around the neighborhood, play a super fun game or polish up on dog training for a few minutes a day. Even better, enroll you and your dog in a super fun dog training course, such as beginner’s agility, nose work or barn hunting! Spending time together will refill your dog’s love tank and strengthen your bond.

2. Provide Daily Mental Stimulation

Most dogs are left alone all day while their pet owners are at work. Sitting home alone is boring, so spice up your dog’s day with mental stimulation. Provide meals in food puzzles, hide treats around your home and provide frozen food stuffed Kongs throughout the day. Once home from work, play a game of tug or “touch.” Hide treats in a puzzle, and applaud when your dog moves latches and levers to uncover hidden treats. Physical exercise is good, but pairing it with mental stimulation is much better!

3. Lose Those Extra Pounds

We all have extra pounds stashed somewhere on our bodies. Dogs have them too. Every dog has an ideal weight. Ask your veterinarian for your dog’s target weight goal. If your dog needs to shed a few pounds, start walking your dog daily for 10 minutes. Slowly add 1-2 extra minutes per week until dog walks last 30 minutes.

Start measuring your dog’s food each day, and cut back on snacks. For dog training treats, choose healthy pea-sized portions of dried fruit or baked chicken breasts. Every calorie counts!

4. Aim for Daily Tooth Brushings

It’s true: Dogs need their teeth brushed daily too. Many chronic diseases are caused by tooth decay, including heart disease. Purchase a small toothbrush and toothpaste made specifically for dogs, and teach your dog that tooth brushing is fun. Tooth brushing sessions should last one minute. We all have an extra minute in our schedule, so aim for daily brushings after your dog’s evening meal.

5. Polish Up on Manners

Every dog has at least one pesky habit that drives us crazy. Maybe your dog barks outside or jumps up on guests. Some dogs pull on leash or beg during dinner. It’s a new year, so it’s time to address your dog’s pesky habit.

Carve out 2-3 minutes per day to teach your dog to do something else instead. Stick to it daily and keep dog training sessions short (1-2 minutes). Through consistency, soon this pesky dog behavior will be gone!

What are your dog’s New Year’s resolutions?

Can A Dog Be Too Food Motivated?

Your Food Obsessed Dog May Just Be Distracted

Signs of a Food Obsessed Dog

Is It Really Food Causing Excitement?