Kapalua Coastal Trail

Hike with the pups in Kapalua.

Nekita, Caravaggio, my mom Kris, and Devo.

My mom, Kris, on the Kapalua Coastal Trail.

Athena, Caravaggio, Devo, and Nekita on the Kapalua Coastal Trail.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from Adam and Athena.

Hana Trip

We took a fabulous trip and spent a few days in Hana.

Here are a few pics from our fun.

Athena and Adam.

My toes enjoyed the black sand beach.

Beautiful sunrises on the east side of Maui.

Roasting marshmallows.

Adam and Athena at the Banyon tree in the Bamboo Forest.

Seven Sacred Pools.

Athena and baby Nico.

We had a great time.  Thanks Hana.

Redirection--Bad Dog Behaviors turned Good

Many times when a dog misbehaves, people focus on the bad behavior.  Often times when I am called in to help a dog with bad behaviors, people love to tell me the numerous stories about the dog's repeated bad behavior.  This example, that example, oh this one time...  Although some of this information is helpful in deciding on a training program, every single owner focuses only on what the dog is doing wrong.  Instead of focusing on the bad behavior, I like to ask them, "What would you like the dog to do instead?"  

That is the question you should always be asking yourself when your dog presents an unwanted behavior:  
"What is it I would like the dog to do instead of this current bad behavior?"

This is called redirection.

When a dog misbehaves, it is best to apply what we call a No Reward Marker, meaning to the dog..."I do not like what you are doing right now."  

No Reward Marker:

This is what we do when the dog does not do what we are looking for.  Try using an “Uh-oh” (for mistakes during regular training sessions) or “Eh-eh” (for behavioral issues such as barking or chewing).  This will let the dog know that the behavior just performed is not what we wanted.  

For example, for a barking dog, I recommended doing a loud clap and an "Eh-eh" to snap the dog out of the behavior.  Then immediately redirect the dog to a behavior your would like them to do instead.  For example:  go lay on your bed, chew this bone or toy, etc.  You may need to begin by using a food lure to get your dog's attention on you and not the thing that is making the dog bark.

Another Example:  If your dog is chewing on something inappropriate such as furniture (like the dog in the first picture), first mark the behavior with your "Eh-Eh," then redirect them to chew on something appropriate, like a toy, bone, or Kong filled with yummy treats.

Food Lure:

This is something we use to teach many new behaviors and commands.  A food lure involves getting the dog to follow your baited hand into a desired position.  It is basically "attaching" your dog's nose to the food and encouraging them to follow it.

Although it is important to mark bad behavior, it is more important to mark the good behaviors.  We must teach our dog what behaviors are considered good and/or acceptable by us (you and your family).  To mark good behaviors, use a Marker Word.

Marker Word:

Use your chosen marker word:  “Good” or “Yes” (or the Clicker).

This is the word (or sound) that says to a dog, “Yes! That is exactly what I wanted you to do!” and is then followed with a reward.  Rewards do not necessarily have to be food.  Rewards are different for each dog but can include:  toys, bones, petting, praise, and even your calm energy.  

Henry being told "Good!" for doing what he was asked.

When you have successfully redirected your dog's bad behavior to a good behavior, be sure to mark that behavior as "GOOD!"  This is so important.  The more we mark good behavior, the more your dog will want to engage in good behaviors.  Dogs enjoy pleasing their owners, we just have to learn to communicate with them in a way they can understand.  You can achieve this goal by marking your dog's behaviors in appropriate ways.

Puppy Playdate: Mini Australian Shepherd

Some socialization and play time with Maile, a 2-month-old Mini Australian Shepherd.

Maile and Devo playing.

Maile was a little intimidated by Caravaggio's big size.

Maile had lots of fun with Devo.

Maile and Lucy.

Breed of the Month--Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard

Color:  White with various red shades, white and brindle, white markings.
Height:  Males:  27.5-35.5 inches/  Females:  25.5-31/5 inches
Weight:  120-200 lbs
Life Span:  8-10 years

Breed Health Concerns:  epilepsy, elbow and hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, osteochondritis dissecans, ectropion, and osteosarcoma.

Coat:  Two types:  1) Longhaired:  profuse undercoat/ plain medium-length outercoat,
2)  Shorthaired:  profuse undercoat/ dense, smooth, coarse, close-lying outercoat.
Country of Origin:  Switzerland

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.

This breed worked alongside monks to help people through a dangerous pass between what are now Switzerland and Italy, named the Great St. Bernard Pass, after an Augustine monk, Saint Bernard of Menthon.  The monks and their dogs would travel the pass after heavy storms, searching for possible survivors.  The Saint Bernard made a good draft and guard dog for the monks, and used his keen nose to sniff out survivors.  The Saint Bernard's sheer size aided in his ability to push through large drifts of snow.

The Saint Bernard is noted for being able to tolerate rambunctious children.  He is loyal, tolerant, intelligent, patient, and friendly.

Exercise:
Puppies under 2 years of age should be restricted in activity to help protect their growing bones.  After 2 years of age the Saint Bernard needs regular daily walks.

Grooming:
Both types of coats shed twice yearly.  Weekly brushing is important to maintain the coat; the Saint Bernard should not be bathed unless truly necessary.

Training:
The Saint Bernard must be socialized and taught proper manners from an early age.  These dogs grow quickly and grow to be very large animals.  The breed can be stubborn at times, but is loyal and aims to please.  Positive reinforcement training is recommended.  

Rainbow

Beautiful rainbow at Kapalua Bay.

Nekita, Devo, and Caravaggio.

Trainer Tips: Introducing your new dog to the cat

I have recently had several clients with new puppies ask advice about how to get the cat and dog to get along.  Here are my thoughts on the subject.

Cats are a Prey animal:

Dogs are a predatory animal, whereas cats and other common pets (rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, gerbils, and farm animals such as horses, goats, sheep, etc.) are prey animals.  For a prey animal to truly become comfortable around a predator, they must feel safe.  In order for the animal to feel safe, you must be in control of the predator, or your dog.  

It's all about Energy:
Animals read other animals by their energy.  Your energy can send signals of intent.  For example, a cat can feel the energy behind a dog's want to chase him.  But if the dog has calm energy of his own and has no intent to chase or harm the cat, the cat can sense he is safe. 
In training your energy is very important.  Ever tried to train your dog when you were angry or frustrated?  Yeah didn't really get anywhere did you?  All animals, including our dogs read us by our energy.  That is why it is so important to remain CALM. 
I often use my calm energy as a barrier to a dog.  This is how you can "claim" something...anything from the cat, to a friend, or the front door.  Your energy, used correctly, can do wonders for you and your pets.

How to be in control of your dog:

Your dog needs training.  I obviously suggest seeking the help of a qualified dog trainer, but many people do train their dogs just fine on their own.  I do recommend at least a Basic Manners class to really get important basic commands down with your dog, and to help socialize them.  Most dog trainers know more than you think.  And a good trainer can offer several solutions to help curb any bad behavior problems.  Remember to seek out a trainer who uses positive reinforcement training methods.  Ask for references and to observe during a class or lesson to see what kind of vibe you get from that person, and how they interact with dogs and their owners.   

To be able to control your dog, you must have a good relationship.  That means giving your dog plenty of physical (walking) and mental (training) exercise.  Once you have established a good bond, here are a few methods to try to get your pets together.

Introducing the Cat to the Dog:

Create a Barrier:

Training the cat to be comfortable with the dog is really just showing the cat that you control the dog, and that you will not allow the dog to harm the cat in any way.

The best time to introduce your new dog to the cat is after the dog or puppy has had plenty of exercise and is in a calm state.  Generally, when a dog first sees a cat (or other household pet), they will be very curious and want to investigate.  This is a good thing.  But we must control HOW they do so.  I recommend creating an invisible barrier around yourself.  I like to use a wall of my own nice calm energy.  The dog is not allowed past this barrier.  The dog must learn to give you space when you ask for it.  If you are uncomfortable or nervous creating your own barrier, use a baby gate.
-----I also recommend practicing setting up barriers with your dog around the house.  Such as the dog is not allowed in the kitchen when preparing or eating food.  Practice your circle barrier (used here) with a toy in your lap before practicing with the cat (or other small prey animal).-----

Place the cat in your lap and hold the cat with one hand.  Make sure you are calm.  Try and stroke the cat calmly in your lap and get the cat to settle.  The other hand will be used to block the dog.  Since you have already started basic training with your dog, your dog should know an "uh-uh" command, meaning "I do not like this current behavior."  This is what you will say when the dog gets to close/ crosses your boundary line.  The more in control of your dog you are and the more calm you are, the easier this will be.  Remember to not stress your cat out too much.  If the cat has reached his point, let him go where he can easily escape away from the dog.  Remember it is YOUR job to protect the cat and make the cat feel that you will keep him SAFE!  Do this only a few minutes (2-10) the first couple times.  Allow your cat to come out and explore is he wants to, and encourage him to do so.  Treats are always nice.

If you are consistent in basic training with your dog, and remain calm during this exercise, eventually your dog will start showing signals of calming down.  Mark these things with your, "Good!"  These signals will include:  backing away, looking to the human more, siting or laying down outside the boundary.  Any time your dog shows these signals, mark that good behavior and reward (toss them a treat).

Impulse Control Approach:
Place your dog on a leash and have several small treats ready.  Have another human hold the cat (or lead of the farm animal) in a calm and comfortable way on the floor or couch.  Basically what we are training here is the dog's impulse to want to go after the cat.  Approach the cat with the dog on the leash.  You want to take a step or two, then stop.  If the dog does not react, praise.  If the dog looks at the cat then looks back to human, praise and treat.  Remain calm.  Calmly move 1-2 steps closer.  If the dog offers good behavior again, praise and treat.  If the dog lunges, barks, or tries to go after the cat, mark the bad behavior with your "eh-eh" or "uh-oh" and immediately move away from the cat a few steps until the dog calms down.  Once the dog and cat are calm, start over.  
The person holding the cat in this exercise should remember to also remain calm and make the cat feel that he is safe and protected.  The person holding the cat should ignore the dog.  If you are doing this exercise with a larger farm-type animal, I recommend the person holding the lead stand in between the animal and the dog, but still ignore the dog.

In the End:
Depending on the age of your pets when they are first introduced, they may never become the best of friends.  But they can certainly learn to tolerate each other and co-exist peacefully.  (The best way to guarantee they will become friends is to adopt them both at a young age and near the same time.)
I have heard several times that this cat and that dog will just never get along.  
It is possible.  Read about one of my stories here.