Ripley: Reactive dog training

A dog that barks, lunges, or has a negative reaction to other dogs, people, or objects is what we would call a reactive dog.  

The distance from a dog to the other dog, human, or object that they react to is what we call the threshold.  For this training, we are working on decreasing the distance of that threshold.  Basically, any time your dog reacts in a negative way or way you do not like, you are going to mark that behavior with a No Reward Marker...saying "Uh-oh" or "eh-eh," and move the dog away from what they are reacting to.  Once the dog calms down a bit, move back towards whatever has made them react.  Again, once the dog barks or lunges, mark the unwanted behavior and move the dog away.  Continue this exercise until you are able to get close to the other dog, person, or object without the dog reacting in a negative way.  Take your time doing this exercise and remember to stay calm and have lots of patience with your dog.  This training will take time, but does work.

Ripley is very reactive to things, meaning she has a reaction that we would consider negative or unwanted.  Reactive dogs do things like growl, lunge and bark.  Dogs can be reactive to people, other dogs, or even objects.  Ripley is reactive to most things, but especially to dogs. 

As you will see in the video, to help train a reactive dog to change their behavior and react in a positive calm way, there are a few things you must do.  First, mark any unwanted or negative behavior with an "Uh-uh" or "uh-oh."  Then immediately move away from the thing that has made the dog react.  Move far enough away until the dog calms down, then move back towards the thing that made them react.  If they react again, mark it with your "uh-oh" and move away.  Do this until you can get closer to the thing without the dog reacting.  Praise the dog whenever they don't react or react in a positive way.
If your dog can get to the point where they do not react near the dog, try walking side by side (but still keep plenty of distance between you.

The use of a head collar is recommended for this type of training.  This type of dog tool will assist in reactive dog training and offer better control to the handler.

Related blog articles:
Reactive Dogs Training Tips
Reactive Dog Training
Head Collars

Reactive dog training

Video of the Day:
Reactive dog training.
Featuring:  Ripley.

Ripley is very reactive to things, meaning she has a reaction that we would consider negative or unwanted.  Reactive dogs do things like growl, lunge and bark.  Dogs can be reactive to people, other dogs, or even objects.  Ripley is reactive to most things, but especially to dogs.  In today's video, we take Ripley around the Banyan tree in Lahaina, then down to the Harbor.  She does very well.  You will see her barking and lunging and growling at a dog at the Harbor.  Lucky for us, the harbor dog is very calm and well mannered and her owner was happy to help.  All they had to do to help us was exactly what they were already doing, their normal day.  The dog was tied so she could only go so far and was very nice and friendly.  She was a great help today.  Thank you Liko.

As you will see in the video, to help train a reactive dog to change their behavior and react in a positive calm way, there are a few things you must do.  First, mark any unwanted or negative behavior with an "Uh-uh" or "uh-oh."  Then immediately move away from the thing that has made the dog react.  Move far enough away until the dog calms down, then move back towards the thing that made them react.  If they react again, mark it with your "uh-oh" and move away.  Do this until you can get closer to the thing without the dog reacting.  Praise the dog whenever they don't react or react in a positive way.


Related Blog Articles:
Trainer Tips:  Reactive dog training

Socialization with Lucy & Yoshi: Video of the Day

Video of the Day:
Socialization for Lucy & Yoshi.

Both Lucy & Yoshi are reactive around dogs they do not know.  They will bark and lunge.  Today we are working on basic social behaviors.  If you have a dog that is reactive and barks and/or lunges at other dogs, people, or objects, this video can help.  Whenever your dog reacts negatively to something, mark the unwanted behavior with an "Uh-uh" or "Uh-oh" and move the dog away in the opposite direction.  Once the dog calms down a bit, go back towards whatever made them react.  If the dog reacts negatively again, repeat the "Uh-Uh" and move away.  The distance a dog can be to an object without reacting is what we call the threshold.  What we do with this kind of training is work on decreasing that threshold.

Related blog articles:
Trainer Tip Video:  Socialization
Proper Socialization
Socialization with Ripley
Socialization with Olivia

Video of the Day: Socialization with Ripley

Video of the Day:
Socialization with Ripley

Featuring Caravaggio, Devo, Riley, & Moana.


Ripley is about 8 months old and has poor social skills.  Her family came to Such Good Dogs for help.  Today is the second time we have done some socialization with Ripley.  But today we brought a few extra friends along to help.  Ripley lunges and barks at people and other dogs.  We are teaching her how to react to new things in a better way.  It is important to mark when your dog is behaving in a positive way.  This will communicate to your dog that you like this behavior, and encourage them to act the same way in future situations.

Proper Socialization:  Is teaching a dog to not react to stimuli by desensitizing him to every day things. 

This means the more experiences your dog has in a good, positive way, they less they will react to things that are unfamiliar with them.  All of these experiences should be introduced at a pace the dog is comfortable with.  Do not force a scared dog, let him take his time and become comfortable with the situation at his own pace.  A dog (and especially a puppy) should always appear happy and relaxed during socialization.
Another way of thinking about proper socialization is to literally desensitize your dog to regular sounds and occurrences.  Things like cars, skate boards, and bikes.  Also people who are different:  short, tall, wearing a hat or glasses, etc.
Improperly socialized dogs tend to be over-reactive or shy.  They withdraw from people and sometimes flinch or freeze.  Many improperly socialized dogs suffer from anxiety.  Poor socialization can also lead to aggression. 

Related Blog Articles:
Trainer Tip Video:  Socialization
Proper Socialization

Video Adventure: Pineapple Hill/ Napili Park

Today's Dog Adventure:
Pineapple Hill Linear Trail near Napili Park and the gulches around Hui Road F.

Featuring:  SGDs Caravaggio & Devo, and our friend Riley.

I live on Hui Road F in Napili.  A friend and neighbor showed me a secret trail that goes through Napili Park, the gulches on each side of Hui Road F, and the Pineapple Hill Linear Trail.  This hike is not easy to get to but is absolutely beautiful and lots of fun for the dogs.

Video of the Day: Socialization with Olivia Day 3: Puppy Party

Today's Video:
Socialization with Olivia Day 3:  Puppy Party.

Olivia has been working with Such Good Dogs and getting some much needed socialization around other dogs.  She is doing very well.  Although she is still a little unsure around new dogs, she is much more calm and does not react nearly as strongly as she first did.  I am very happy with her progress.

Today we have a full pack including my dogs Caravaggio & Devo, and our friends Nalu, Moana, and Phinney.

Socialization

This term tends to be thrown in your face a lot if you're a dog owner.  Everyone from breeders, rescue personnel, and veterinarians will tell you to socialize your dog.  This is very true, proper socialization is vitally important to raising a well balanced, well mannered dog.  The problem is that many people are confused by the term. 

Proper Socialization:  Is teaching a dog to not react to stimuli by desensitizing him to every day things. 

This means the more experiences your dog has in a good, positive way, they less they will react to things that are unfamiliar with them.  All of these experiences should be introduced at a pace the dog is comfortable with.  Do not force a scared dog, let him take his time and become comfortable with the situation at his own pace.  A dog (and especially a puppy) should always appear happy and relaxed during socialization.
Another way of thinking about proper socialization is to literally desensitize your dog to regular sounds and occurrences.  Things like cars, skate boards, and bikes.  Also people who are different:  short, tall, wearing a hat or glasses, etc.
Improperly socialized dogs tend to be over-reactive or shy.  They withdraw from people and sometimes flinch or freeze.  Many improperly socialized dogs suffer from anxiety.  Poor socialization can also lead to aggression. 


Related Blog Articles:
Video of the Day:  Socialization with Olivia (first day).
Video of the Day:  Socialization with Olivia Day Two.
Trainer Tip Video:  Socialization.
Proper Socialization.
Socialization.
Adding a second dog to your pack.
Introducing your dog to the cat.

Trainer Tip Video: How to teach your dog to swim

Today's Trainer Tip:
How to teach your dog to swim in the pool.

Featuring Phinney, a Cocker Spaniel who is almost 9 years old.  Phinney has hip dysplasia and luxating patellas.  Basically he has bad hips and bad knees.  If you have a dog who has bad hips, bad knees, arthritis, or joint pain, swimming is an excellent exercise!  It is also a good low impact exercise for anyone or any dog in general.

To get a dog comfortable in water, the first step is to be sure than YOU are calm during the training.  Anytime you introduce your dog to something new, they are going to be a little unsure about it.  If you stay calm, this will help your dog stay calm during training.

First I recommend gently placing your dog into the water in an area where they can easily touch without having to swim.  After doing this a few times, (if your dog is small enough to lift) place your dog into the water where they are unable to touch and get them swimming.  At first it is natural for them to freak out a little and splash about.  Stay calm.  Wait until the dog calms down and has a good swimming rhythm going.  Once that happens, allow them to calmly and slowly swim to the step where they are able to get out of the pool.  Praise lavishly!

Next attach a leash and a dog life vest (if necessary).  If you have a larger dog that you are unable to life, start here...
At this point, you will gently lead your dog into the water.  This is the hard part for them.  Most pools have steps with a drop off and not a gradual entrance into the water (like a lake or ocean might have).  Remain calm and gently pull on the leash until the dog moves forward.  Once the dog moves forward, immediately remove the leash tension.  Going over that lost drop off may take a few minutes.  Take your time.  Once the dog moves into the pool and begins swimming, praise lavishly!  Allow the dog to swim around the pool while you guide them with the leash.  Once the dog has a good rhythm going, allow the dog to swim to the edge where they may exit the pool.  Again praise lavishly.  If while swimming in the pool the dog begins to panic, do NOT panic or become nervous with the dog.  Stay calm.  If you need to (and the dog is small enough), lift the dog out of the water and allow them to calm down.  Once they are calm, put them back into the water and get them swimming again.  Hold along both sides of the dog and allow them to swim in place and get a good rhythm going again.  Then allow the dog to exit the pool and praise for a job well done.

Repeat this until the dog becomes more comfortable in the water.


Related Blog Articles:
Trainer Tip:  How to get a scared or timid dog moving.
Trainer Tip:  Lavender Oil
Teach your dog to swim in the ocean, Step One.
Teach your dog to swim in the ocean, Step Two.
Notes on teaching your dog to Fetch.
Trainer Tip Video:  Having your dog Off Leash.

Trainer Tip Video: Walking a scared or timid dog

Today's Trainer Tip Video:
How to walk a scared or timid dog.  Featuring Sherman, the bulldog.

When it comes to a dog that is scared, timid, or unsure, the most important thing you need is patience.  You must be patient and allow the dog to take extra time in exploring a new place or moving out into the world.  Be sure to encourage the dog with any movement forward or movement towards whatever they may be scared of.  Only use "baby talk" when the dog is doing what you like.  Remember that any time you reward a dog (which baby talk is a reward), you are letting the dog know you like the behavior they are doing.  This is why you should NEVER "baby talk" a dog that is scared.  By saying "its ok, its ok" you are actually unintentionally encoring the dog to continue the scared behavior.  Obviously this is not what you want.
For more information on this, 
please review What's rewarding to Dogs

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3 Things on your body that are Rewarding to Dogs:

1.  Voice

2.  Eye Contact

3.  Touch

Anytime you engage your dog in one of these things, you are rewarding them and encouraging whatever behavior they are currently doing.  This is important to keep in mind so you do not unintentionally reward bad or unwanted behaviors.  

Example:  when a dog jumps up on you to greet you, the proper thing to do is cross your arms and turn your back while saying nothing.  

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When using the leash in training a scared or timid dog, be very careful how you do so.  Never just pull on the leash and drag the dog while not releasing the tension on the leash.  What you want to teach any dog about walking on a leash is that a loose leash is good and pulling or tension on the leash is bad.  So when walking a scared dog, you want to pull the leash just enough until the dog starts moving forward on their own.  As soon as that happens, be sure to release the tension on the leash.  By doing this, we are communicating with the dog that we like that he is moving forward.  However if you continue to pull on the leash and there is always tension, the dog will never learn how to move forward on his own.


Related Blog Links:
Trainer Tips Video:  How to Walk your dog on a leash
Common Training Terms
Training Terms Help

Trainer Tips--Pulling towards an object on Leash

Breed of the Month:  Bulldog
Proper Leadership
Other Helpful Commands
Reward Marker or telling your dog "Good"

Video of the Day: Puppy Playtime with Mini Australian Shepherds

Video of the Day:
Puppy Playtime with two Miniature Australian Shepherds.

Meet Maile and Mana.
Mana (brown front leg) is actually about 4 weeks younger than Maile (while front legs).  But that didn't keep him from quickly outgrowing her.  These two are neighbors and enjoy lots of good socialization with each other.  Puppy playtime is important for every young dog.


Related Blog Links:
Breed of the Month--Miniature Australian Shepherd
Breed of the Month--Australian Shepherd

Video of the Day: Socialization with Olivia-Day 2

Today's Video of the Day:
Socialization with Olivia, Day 2.

Olivia is a small Yorkie mix that tends to bark and lunge at other dogs.  Her owner came to Such Good Dogs to help socialize her.  After the initial appointment, we set up a some socialization.  I always start by using my own dogs.  I use them often in training and socialization.  They have been trained how to react, or not react, when other dogs present bad behaviors to them.  They are excellent for some beginning socialization.  Once I see how the client's dog reacts to my dogs, I know whether or not they are ready to socialize with other dogs.

Since Olivia did so well in her first Socialization, this time I brought another friend of ours, Nalu, to join the pack.  Nalu is a small Miniature Pincher & Chihuahua mix and loves to play and run with other dogs.  He tried several times to get Olivia to play.  Although she is still a little unsure about it, she did run after him a few times.  I am pleased to see that Olivia is progressing very well.

Socialization

This term tends to be thrown in your face a lot if you're a dog owner.  Everyone from breeders, rescue personnel, and veterinarians will tell you to socialize your dog.  This is very true, proper socialization is vitally important to raising a well balanced, well mannered dog.  The problem is that many people are confused by the term. 

Proper Socialization:  Is teaching a dog to not react to stimuli by desensitizing him to every day things. 

This means the more experiences your dog has in a good, positive way, they less they will react to things that are unfamiliar with them.  All of these experiences should be introduced at a pace the dog is comfortable with.  Do not force a scared dog, let him take his time and become comfortable with the situation at his own pace.  A dog (and especially a puppy) should always appear happy and relaxed during socialization.
Another way of thinking about proper socialization is to literally desensitize your dog to regular sounds and occurrences.  Things like cars, skate boards, and bikes.  Also people who are different:  short, tall, wearing a hat or glasses, etc.
Improperly socialized dogs tend to be over-reactive or shy.  They withdraw from people and sometimes flinch or freeze.  Many improperly socialized dogs suffer from anxiety.  Poor socialization can also lead to aggression. 


Related Blog Articles:
Video of the Day:  Socialization with Olivia (Day 1)
Trainer Tip Video:  Socialization

Video of the Day: Socialization with Olivia

Video of the Day:  
Socialization with Olivia.


Olivia is a small Yorkie mix that tends to bark and lunge at other dogs.  Her owner came to Such Good Dogs to help socialize her.  After the initial appointment, we set up a some socialization.  I always start by using my own dogs.  I use them often in training and socialization.  They have been trained how to react, or not react, when other dogs present bad behaviors to them.  They are excellent for some beginning socialization.  Once I see how the client's dog reacts to my dogs, I know whether or not they are ready to socialize with other dogs.

Olivia reacted strongly at first, barking and lunging, as she has done for some time.  But was able to calm down quickly around my dogs and under my supervision.  Olivia ended the lesson in a very calm and happy manner.  She did very well.

Socialization

This term tends to be thrown in your face a lot if you're a dog owner.  Everyone from breeders, rescue personnel, and veterinarians will tell you to socialize your dog.  This is very true, proper socialization is vitally important to raising a well balanced, well mannered dog.  The problem is that many people are confused by the term. 


Proper Socialization:  Is teaching a dog to not react to stimuli by desensitizing him to every day things. 


This means the more experiences your dog has in a good, positive way, they less they will react to things that are unfamiliar with them.  All of these experiences should be introduced at a pace the dog is comfortable with.  Do not force a scared dog, let him take his time and become comfortable with the situation at his own pace.  A dog (and especially a puppy) should always appear happy and relaxed during socialization.
Another way of thinking about proper socialization is to literally desensitize your dog to regular sounds and occurrences.  Things like cars, skate boards, and bikes.  Also people who are different:  short, tall, wearing a hat or glasses, etc.
Improperly socialized dogs tend to be over-reactive or shy.  They withdraw from people and sometimes flinch or freeze.  Many improperly socialized dogs suffer from anxiety.  Poor socialization can also lead to aggression. 

Related Blog Articles:

Trainer Tip Video:  Socialization
Wilma Cat
Pack Walk
Trainer Tips:  Dog Friends
Island Dogs
Dog Parks
Caravaggio Loves Cats
Trainer Tips:  Island Dogs & Socialization
Adding a second dog to your pack
Introducing your dog to the cat

Trainer Tip Video: Walk no matter the weather

Today's Trainer Tip:
Get out and walk your dog, no matter the weather.

It is very important for your dog to get good daily exercise.  This does not change just because the weather may not be favorable.  So grab your rain coat or snow suit and get out there and walk!


Related Blog articles:
Video:  How to walk on a leash.
Indoor dog games
National walk your dog day
The Shade Walk

Video Adventure: Hiking the L in Lahaina

Join us on our adventure hike to the giant L in Lahaina.



Related Blog Articles:
Trainer Tip Video:  How to walk your dog on a leash.
Trainer Tip Video:  Having your dog off leash.
Trainer Tips:  What does your dog really want to do?
Trainer Tips:  Dog Backpacks
Trainer Tips:  Grass eating dogs

Trainer Tip Video: How to Claim an Object

Today's Trainer Tip:

How to Claim an Object from your dog.

Trainer Tip Video: Is Human food okay for your dog?

Today's Trainer Tip:
Is Human food okay for your dog.


Related Links:
Trainer Tips:  Picking a good dog food.
Trainer Tips:  Begging.

Trainer Tip Video: How to Walk your Dog on a Leash

Today's Trainer Tip:

How to properly walk your dog on a Leash.

Loose Leash Walking:

Loose leash walking (LLW) means that a dog walks nicely, not pulling on the leash, and not completely all over the place.  LLW is not the same thing as Heel.  To teach a proper Heel, you must first teach LLW.

Consistency is very important when teaching LLW.  Doing this technique is actually very easy, but does require a LOT of patience.  Remember to stay calm.  If you are calm and consistent, your dog will be walking nicely on a leash in about a week.

To begin, go out for a walk with your regular 4-6 foot leash and buckle collar properly fitted to your dog’s neck (so they can’t slip out).  As soon as there is tension on the leash, you have two options:

When the dog pulls:  1)  Stop and wait for the DOG to move in a way that releases the tension.  When s/he does, continue walking.

2)  Say “Let’s Go!” and walk off in the opposite direction.

It is best to try and do option #1 as much as possible.  Be sure that when you stop and wait, you do not move in a way that is releasing the tension on the leash…the dog must do it.

REMEMBER:  Patience!  Patience!  Patience!

Trainer Tip Video: Dogs who like to Dig.

Today's Trainer Tip:

Dogs who like to dig.

If you have a dog who likes to dig, find an outlet for that digging.  The best place you can do that is at the beach.

Trainer Tip Video: Beach Fetch

Today's Trainer Tip:
Enjoy a game of fetch at the beach with your dog.

Fetch:

Fetch is very helpful game that every owner should teach their dog.  It is an excellent  way to exercise your dog without wearing yourself out. 

Rules of Fetch:

1. Dog must Sit.
2. Dog must Look.
3. Fetch.
4. Dog returns toy.
5. Dog drops toy.
6. Repeat.

To start, we must have a toy that the dog likes.  Get the dog interested in the toy, then throw it a 2-4 feet away.  Say “Fetch” as you throw the toy in a very energetic, excited voice.  When the dog reaches the toy, praise if he touches it with his mouth.  Encourage the dog to pick up the toy.  When he does, say your “Good!”  Use Come when Called to encourage the dog to return to you with the toy.  If the dog drops the toy along the way, give your “Uh-oh,” return to the toy and encourage the dog to pick it up again.  When the dog returns with the toy, DO NOT REACH OUT TO GRAB IT.  The dog must learn to bring it to you.  Once the dog is within one foot of you, grab the toy and encourage the dog to drop using your “Drop It” command.  When he does, give your “Good!”  Have the dog Sit.  Good!  Wait a few second; use the toy to practice “Look.”  Once the dog looks in your eyes, throw the toy and say “Fetch.”

Trainer Tip Video: Adventures near home

Today's Trainer Tip:
find an adventure near home...

A whole new video world...

I have officially decided to start doing more videos with Such Good Dogs.  
Working several jobs has made it difficult for me to make videos on a regular basis in the past.  After a great talk with my husband, we have decided it is time to start having some fun.

I will be doing videos as close to daily as possible.  The goal is to give out little bits of dog training knowledge each day while also showing you some of the fun we are having on Maui on a regular basis.

I absolutely love my dogs.  Walking my dogs every morning is my favorite part of the day.  Many of my videos will include my own dogs, but we will also be filming with all kinds of other dogs as well.  If you have any ideas or things you would like to see covered in one of these videos, please let us know.

Visit our Such Good Dogs Facebook and like our Page.