Dog Paddle Boarding with Devo

Devo is learning how to paddle board.  Although Devo is not a huge fan of the water, he does enjoy being with mom.  To get him used to how the paddle board works, we have taken him out a calm day.  I am teaching him where to stay on the board and when it is okay for him to jump off and swim to shore (and when it is not).  Today we are doing some basic foot moves and turns to get him used to the movements of the paddle board.  Remember to always use a dog life vest for safety.

Remember to remain calm when teaching your dog something new that they are unsure of or a little scared of.  The more calm and in control you are, the earlier it will be for your dog to learn the new thing and become comfortable to doing it.

Related blog articles:

Dog Paddle boarding, Step One (with Ahsoka) How to teach your dog to swim
Teach your dog to swim in the ocean:  Step One
Teach your dog to swim in the ocean:  Step Two

Devo & the evil hand fan

Video of the Day:

Devo attacks evil hand fan.

It is summer and it is hot, so one afternoon I decided to break the hand fan to assist in my cooling needs.  I opened it and started fanning myself and Devo began barking and giving me a strange look.  I guess the fan must be evil.  What you see in the video is me having a little fun with Devo.  He made me laugh pretty hard.  But it is very important that if your dog does react like this to a strange object, you teach your dog not to fear the object.  After this video (I wish we would have kept recording), I had Devo come and practice a "Touch" with the fan closed and open.  I placed the fan on the couch so he could come over and touch it and sniff it and know that there is actually nothing to fear from this strange object he had not encountered before.  

If your dog is fearful of things, practicing "Touch" training can be very helpful for them to overcome their fears.

More on teaching the "Touch" command coming soon.

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Basic Manners Review

Trainer Tips:  Barking Dogs

Proper Leadership

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

Choosing the right dog: chicken chaser...Video of the Day

Video of the Day:

Choosing the right dog for your needs.

Today we are looking for a dog to chase away chickens, but not go after a cat.

I have a new client looking to adopt a dog.  She is looking to get a dog that will chase the feral chickens and roosters off her property, but not go after her cat.  For this, we will be looking for a dog with a good prey drive.  We use a feather duster to see what dogs might be a good potential fit for the client's needs.  After finding a few potential candidates, we talk with the Maui Humane Society staff to see what they know about these dogs.  One dog in particular likes to chase chickens on their morning walks.  This could be the right dog for the client.  We meet with the dog in a private area, then have the staff do a "cat test."  The dog reacts well to the cat.  He is interested but does not seem to want to chase the cat.  This is a good sign.  The client and I then sit down to discuss her options and what she thinks she might want to do.
It turns out that the client has a few upcoming commitments that would maybe make now not the right time to adopt.  She decided that it would be best to wait a few weeks and prepare a little more and try again when the time is more right for her.

When considering adopting a new family member into your household, it is important to everything into consideration.  What kind of pet would fit best into your lifestyle.  If you are someone who is very active and goes running every day, a dog that is high or very high energy would be a good choice.  If you are someone who likes to stay home and hang out, a low to medium energy dog might be the best choice.  When considering adopting a new dog, it is important to do your research.  What kind of breed types might be good for you and your family's needs.  These are important things to consider.  It is also important to note that just because you go the Humane Society or shelter, does not mean you need to find a pet that day.  Perhaps the perfect new pet is not there today.  Never rush into making the decision.  It should feel right, the timing must be good, and you should feel a connection with that animal.

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Dog behavior drives
Traits that impact training

Happy Birthday Devo!

Video of the Day:
Happy Birthday Devo.

Today is Devo's third birthday.  It's hard to believe how fast my little baby boy has grown up.  He has been the best blessing to our family.  He's a little princess and enjoys lots of love and cuddle time, but also knows what is expected of him.  Can you train your dog to be a good dog and still get a cuddle bug?  Yes!  Yes you can.
Below are some of my favorite pictures of Devo over the years.  I love you baby boy!

Devo at 3 months with his big brother Caravaggio.

Devo & his sister Nekita who passed away :(

Devo's first trip to the beach.

Devo's 2 favorite things:  napping & play time.

Devo Yoda :)

Devo & Maile.

Devo & Ogi.

Devo working.

Devo working by helping another dog.

Devo, Nekita, & Caravaggio at one of our favorite spots, Kapalua Bay point.

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

Trainer Tips for Reactive Dogs

Trainer Tip Video:
What to do with a reactive dog.

A dog that barks, lunges, or has a negative reaction to other dogs, people, or objects is what we would call a reactive dog.  So how do you help train a reactive dog to act in a manner that you like?  Find out in the video...
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.


Related Blog Articles:
Socialization Video with Lucy & Yoshi
Socialization Video with Ripley
Trainer Tip Video:  Socialization
Proper Dog Socialization
Walking a scared or timid dog
Redirection / No Reward Marker

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

Puppy Party: SGDs socialization

Video of the Day:
Puppy Party at Lucy's house.

Join SGDs Caravaggio & Devo, and their friends Lucy, Nalu, & Moana.
They are having a lot of fun today.



Related Blog Articles:
Trainer Tip Video:  Socialization
Proper Dog Socialization

Riley plays with tree park: Video of the Day

Video of the Day:
Riley plays with tree bark.

Join SGDs friend Riley at Flemmings Beach Park in Kapalua.  He has found a fantastic piece of a tree to rip apart and have fun with.

Trainer Tip Video: Monthly dog meds

Today's Trainer Tip:
Your reminder for monthly dog meds.

Each and every month you should be giving your dog medication for flea and tick prevention and for heart worm prevention.  Currently we are using Interceptor Plus for our dog's heart worm and other internal parasite prevention.  This should be given every month.  Devo gets a pill for his flea and tick prevention called Bravecto.  For some dogs this kind of pill can be difficult on their stomach so it is recommended to take with food.  This pill provides protection for 3 months.  Caravaggio does not do well with this pill because it upsets his stomach, so he gets the topical flea and tick prevention instead.  The topical we are currently using is called Activyl.  It is easy to apply.  You simply pop the package open and apply the liquid in between the dog's shoulder blades behind the neck.  Once this is applied, be sure to avoid touching that area on the dog until the liquid is dry.  It is also important to not bath or take the dog swimming for at least 2 days before and after applying this medicine.
These are examples of the meds available for your dog.  Your vet may recommend a different type depending on your dog's needs.  Please talk to your vet if you have any questions or concerns.


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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).
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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:
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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.

Video of the Day: Dog tries to bury food.

Video of the Day:  Dog tries to bury food.

Caravaggio has decided that he wants to bury his food in the rug.  Not sure why but I find it amusing to watch.  I linked some articles below if you have a dog that does this regularly.  I think in this instance, Caravaggio was trying to hide his food from his brother Devo, who scarfed his own food down quickly then was hovering around Caravaggio and his food bowl.  Hope you enjoy our video.  Don't forget to like and share!


Related Links:
The Dog Pretends to Bury Food Before Eating
The Food Covering Canine

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.


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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

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!


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Indoor dog games
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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!