Traits that may impact training.

There are many traits a dog may inherently have that can impact training.  A dog's various behavior drives have a huge impact on training (previous blog posted 3-29-2011).

Other traits that may impact training include a dog's harness and independence.

Independence is a dog's need to govern himself.  Some dogs that do not easily take direction may be born leaders.  Dog's like this are usually unresponsive and may seem pushy.  To modify a dog with strong independence, owners must develop a training drive.

Most dogs will easily take direction given the proper motivation.  Many people think their dogs are highly independent when really they only took the leadership role because their owner did not.  Keep in mind that training a dog always includes reminding him who's in charge.  This does not mean you should yell at or abuse your dog, but that you should remain firm while being gentle.


Hardness refers to a dog's pain tolerance and ability to recover from pain.  A hard dog is able to accept large amounts of pain without seeming to notice.  People sometimes describe these dogs as having "tough hides."  Harsh corrections will not usually work on a hard dog.  Training should be focused on proper motivation and positive reinforcement.
A soft dog cannot tolerate pain at all and will cry or cower at the tiniest provocation.  When training a very soft dog, owners must remember to go very slow and always remain calm.  Often it is helpful to be extra aware of your body language and movement.  Moving to quickly around a soft dog can frighten him and hinder your training.

Being aware of where your dog is within all of these traits (behavior drives, independence, & hardness) will help you design a personalized and more appropriate training program for you and your dog.  

Breed of the Month--Silky Terrier

Silky Terrier

Color:  tan and blue

Height:  Males 9-10 inches/  Females: smaller

Weight:  8-10 lbs

Life Span:  12-15 years

Breed Health Concerns:  Allergies, patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, epilepsy, diabetes, collapsing trachea, dysplasia.

Coat:  flat, glossy, fine, silky single coat

Country of Origin:  Australia

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

The Silky is a mix of many terrier breeds, developed in Australia in the early 1800s.  This breed is very adept at killing vermin but was mainly developed as a house pet and small companion.  

The Silky Terrier enjoys being with his humans, but is not really a lapdog.  The Silky Terrier is curious, smart, friendly, and lively.  It is important to socialize this breed from a young age; as with many small dog breeds, socialization is important to ensure a dog that behaves in all situations.

The Silky Terrier is very capable of quickly winning the hearts of anyone passing by.  They are small, cute, fluffy, and soft.  Who wouldn't fall in love with such a cutie?

Exercise:

The Silky Terrier does require more exercise than most other toy breed dogs, but one moderate walk and a bit of playtime each day will keep this little guy happy.

Grooming:

Silky Terriers must be bathed regularly and brushed daily to keep from developing tangles and mats.  Many non-show Silky owners will clip their dog's hair to help keep it simple.  Often Silky Terrier owners tie the hair up above the dog's eyes.

Training:

The Silky Terrier is intelligent and is a quick learner because he aims to please his master.  Socialization is vitally important to this breed.

Dog Behavior Drives

The instincts that make dogs act in the way they do are Behavior Drives.  Good training will manipulate each dog's drives to get the desired results.  Most anything a dog does can to attributed to one of these behavior drives.  Always consider your dog's behavior drives in training.

Sociability Drive.

This drive refers to a dog's natural friendliness and desire for companionship with other dogs and humans.  A dog's sociability drive falls into one of the following categories:
1)  Overly Social
2)  Neutral
3)  Unsociable
As I have noted many times throughout this blog, properly socializing your dog is vitally important to raising a well-balanced, well-behaved pet.  Depending on your dog's natural sociability drive, you can may have to take extra time and care in socialization exercises.  Dog's should always seem relaxed during socialization and allowed to move forward at their own pace.

Food Drive.
This drive refers to a dog's willingness to take food in exchange for performing a known behavior.  A dog with a high food drive is generally easier to train.  Positive reinforcement training uses food lures and food rewards.




Prey Drive.

This drive is defined as a dog's eagerness to chase small animals or objects, or to play tug of war.  Dogs with a high prey drive may be offered a toy as a reward during training instead of food.  When training using a dog's high prey drive, use his favorite toy only during training sessions and then put it away where the dog cannot get to it.  This will keep the favorite toy's value very high for training.

Play Drive.
This is a dog's desire to play with people or other dogs.  Although this drive can be used in training, it is generally too distracting to use as a regular reward.

Defense Drive.
This is a dog's desire to protect himself, his owner, or his territory.  This drive will often surface when using harsh training methods, and typically will manifest as aggression.  You must always be aware of your body posture and movement when dealing with a dog with a high defense drive.  The best training option for a dog with a high defense drive is an operant conditioning program.

Temperament

Temperament in dogs refers to the way a dog reacts to stimuli or situations.  It is how a dog thinks, behaves, and reacts to things.  A dog's reaction to stimuli or situations can include:  curiosity, fear, aggression, etc.  Research indicates that dogs (like humans) tend to have a general personality type.  Although breed can play a role in a dog's overall temperament, it is mainly based on each individual dog.  These natural traits of the dog can be weakened or strengthened through life experiences.  Raising your dog in a positive environment while giving him positive experiences, will help shape a good overall disposition in your dog.

There are seven general dog personality traits:


1)  Shy, fearful, timid
2)  Stubborn, dominant
3)  Nervous, anxious
4)  Hyper, excitable
5)  Calm, low-energy
6)  Aggressive, combative
7)  Moldable, responsive, eager

When looking to add a new dog to your family, keep the above information in mind.  Although every dog deserves a loving home, choosing a dog with a good natural disposition or temperament will help you get the fun-loving family pet you've always hoped for.  

Breed of the Month--Saluki

Saluki

Color:  Tricolor, fawn, red, white, cream, grizzle, tan, black and tan

Height:  Males:  23-28 inches/  Females:  smaller

Weight:  29-66 lbs

Life Span:  12-14 years

Breed Health Concerns:  eye problems, thyroid problems, heart problems, and cancer.

Coat:  Two types, smooth, and smooth with feathering

Country of Origin:  Iran

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

The Saluki name for the breed comes from an ancient Arab city, and the breed itself dates as far back as ancient Egypt.  This sighthound has amazing speed and can reach speeds up to 40 miles per hour.  The Saluki has been used for hunting for many centuries.

The Saluki has a very high prey drive, but is even-tempered, gentle dog.  He is independent, dignified, and intelligent.  This sensitive dog is known to "sing" rather than bark.

Exercise:

The Saluki needs plenty of exercise and some good running time every day.  This dog cannot be trusted off leash because of their intense prey/ chase drive.  A good, fast walk each day and some running time will keep the Saluki happy.

Grooming:

The smooth coat Saluki needs only be brushed occasionally.  The feathered type should be brushed a few times each week to prevent tangles and mats from forming.  The ears of any Saluki should be kept clean to remain free from infection.

Training:

It is vitally important to teach the Saluki basic obedience right away.  It is hard for this breed to resist his inborn characteristics to chase small prey.  The sensitive Saluki responds best to positive reward based, gentle training.

AKC Canine Good Citizen

The American Kennel Club (AKC) developed the Canine Good Citizen award as an entry-level certification program.  The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) was developed to reward dogs who have good manners within the community, as well as at home.  Passing this 10-step test will gain you and your dog a certificate from the AKC.  Developed in 1989, the Canine Good Citizen test is often used as a screening process for therapy dogs, and is also used by animal control and police for dealing with problem dogs.  The CGC certification is made up of two main components:
1) Teaching responsible dog ownership
2) Certifying dogs that have been trained and are well-balanced, well-behaved members of their community.

Dogs of any breed or age are eligible for the test (provided they have all their vaccinations).  To participate, owners are required to sign the "Responsible Dog Owner's Pledge."  The CGC test is designed to evaluate the behavior of the dog in everyday situations, and is always held in a non-competitive, relaxed atmosphere.  Use of treats or training equipment and harsh corrections are not allowed during the CGC test.  To pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen test and receive your certificate, you must pass all 10 components.

Many local trainers or facilities offer the test at a small fee.
To find a place near you, visit the American Kennel Club.

10 Test Components:
Dogs may be tested by their owner or a handler.

1)  Accepting a Friendly Stranger.  The dog must allow a stranger to approach the owner and engage in friendly conversation.  The dog must not exhibit any sign shyness, nor break his position to greet the person.

2)  Sitting Politely for Petting.  The dog must allow a friendly stranger to touch him.  While sitting at the owner's side, the dog must allow a friendly stranger to touch him without showing shyness.



3)  Appearance & Grooming.  The dog must allow the evaluator (or helper) to groom and examine him.  The dog must appear to be in a healthy condition, and hold his position during the examination.  This component was added because dogs must be comfortable will all kinds of people touching them, such as:  veterinarians, groomers, boarding staff and friend's of the owner.

4)  Out for a Walk (Walking on a Loose Lead).  A path will be presented for the handler to walk with the dog.  The path will include:  at least one stop, a right and left turn, and an about turn.  The dog should be obviously paying attention and closely following the lead of the handler.


5)  Walking through a Crowd.  This part of the test will demonstrate that the dog is under control and capable of politely moving through a crowd.  The dog should not jump or pull on the leash to get to members of the crowd.  The dog must walk with the owner without showing over-interest in anything else.

6)  Sit & Down on Command/ Staying in Place.  This test will demonstrate that the dog has been trained, and will respond to the owner's commands.  The dog must first sit and down on command.  Next the owner will leave the dog in either position and have the dog stay while moving several feet away.  The dog must remain in position until released.

7)  Come when Called.  The owner will walk away from the dog 10 feet and stop, then turn to face the dog and call the dog.  The dog must go directly to the owner without detour.

8)  Reaction to another Dog.  This will demonstrate that the dog can behave and act politely around other dogs.  Starting from a distance of 20 feet apart, two handlers will walk towards each other, stop, shake hands, and then continue on.



9)  Reaction to Distraction.  This will demonstrate that the dog is confident when faced with every-day distractions.  The Evaluator will select and present two different distractions.  These can be things being dropped to make a loud noise, or people moving quickly by (biking or running).  They dog is allowed to appeared startled by must not panic, show aggression, bark, or try to get away.

10)  Supervised Separation.  The owner will go out of the dog's sight for three minutes.  During this time the dog must not wine, bark, pace, or show any kind of nervousness.  The dog must remain with the evaluator, but is not required to stay in any specific position during this time (sit, down, etc.).


Helpful Links:

Dog Stages of Learning
Leadership

American Kennel Club main page.
Using Positive Reinforcement and Rewards to Train your Dog

Training Programs

There are several different types of training programs you may be interested in to help train your dog.

Obedience Training means teaching your dog to perform certain specific behaviors on cue.  These include things such as sit, heel, and down.  Just training your dog to perform certain behaviors on cue does not automatically make him a good dog.  A dog needs to be all around well-balanced to be a good member or your family and of society.





Problem Solving is the prevention, curtailment, or elimination of undesired behaviors, or "problem behaviors."  These problems can include things such as:  chewing, jumping, digging, and elimination in the house.

Behavior Modification is the management, curtailment, or elimination of complex and dangerous behaviors.  These include things such as:  separation anxiety, aggression, and phobias.  Dealing with these types of problems takes a patient owner, an owner that will remain calm during these situations, and an owner that is willing to put the time in.  These problems are often times more difficult to deal with for many people, and usually take longer to modify, but is IS possible to train your dog out of these dangerous habits.

Activity Training means teaching a dog a specific activity.  These include things such as:  agility, flyable, herding, and cart pulling.  Many dog training facilities offer several of these activities.  These types of activities are especially helpful to train dogs of certain breeds.  For example, herding breeds enjoy doing herding activities.  Larger breeds such as the Saint Bernard may enjoy cart pulling.  Many different types of breeds can excel at agility.  If your dog is a breed that needs a lot of mental and physical activity on a regular basis, I highly recommend some type of activity training.  Keep in mind that just because your dog is of a breed that usually enjoys herding, that does not mean your dog will love it.  Each dog (just like each person) has their own likes and dislikes.  Your dog should look relaxed and like he's enjoying himself when engaging in any type of activity training.

Breed of the Month--Chihuahua

Chihuahua


Color:  Any color, short coat any color, long coat solid-colored markings/ solid color
Height:  6-9 inches
Weight:  Up to 6 lbs
Life Span:  15 years or more

Breed Health Concerns:  eye problems, patellar lunation, seizure, collapsing trachea, hypoglycemia, pulmonary stenosis.

Coat:  Long and short coat types, both types can be double or single coat...smooth, soft, silky
Country of Origin:  Mexico

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

The Chihuahua is the smallest and oldest breed on the American continent.  It is believed that travelers from Spain brought the beginnings of this breed, mixing them with hairless breeds, making the Chihuahua of today.  The Chihuahua is one of the most popular toy breeds today.

The Chihuahua is affectionate, lively, playful, and alert.  He will bond quickly with his family and must be properly socialized so strangers will not intimidate and frighten him.

Small and easy to transport, the Chihuahua is a favorite choice for many Americans.  It is important that even these small dogs still learn rules, boundaries, and basic manners.  Many people let these little dogs get away with a lot of bad behaviors because they think it looks cute or funny coming from such a small little dog.  It's not cute, and it's not funny!  It is very important to teach these dogs proper manners and socialization.  I have also found this breed to be very susceptible to anxiety.  The Chihuahua owner would do well to create a nice calm home life and give their dog plenty of regular exercise to keep this from becoming a problem.

Exercise:
The Chihuahua can be prone to short little bursts of energy.  An easy daily walk and following his owners around are usually enough exercise for this breed.  It is important to give the Chihuahua several little play sessions each day.

Grooming:
The shorthaired Chihuahua is easily kept clean with regular brushing and bathing.  The longhaired version needs more attention, including trimming.  All Chihuahuas must be kept clean around their eyes and ears.

Training:
Positive, fun, upbeat training is necessary to keep the Chihuahua'a attention.  This breed can be difficult to potty training.  Never use punishment or harsh tones with this breed.  Socialization is especially important to keep the Chihuahua comfortable in all situations throughout his lifetime.

Playtime with Nemo

So a co-worker of mine adopted a little Pug puppy recently.  Of course being the insane dog lover that I am, I offered to puppy sit for a night.  The little Pug puppy, Nemo, came over and played with my two dogs (Caravaggio & Nekita).  Nemo had a fabulous time and got a head start on some potty training and basic manners by staying at my place.  I don't care what your dog might get away with around you or at your house, but my house has rules that ALL dogs will follow.  It's funny how much better behaved my friend's dogs are after spending a day or two with me.  People are always amazed how well positive reinforcement training works...that's why we use it :)

Oh yes, I will chase you!

Playing is hard work you know.

History of Dog Training

Before WWI, dogs were responsible family members that had various important jobs to do, such as:  personal protection, herding, guarding property, killing vermin, hunting, pulling sleds and carts, and finding lost people.  When WWI began, people found a need to have dogs help them in a new way.  Many dogs were used in the war to assist our armed forces, and the need for trained dogs rapidly grew. This brought about the birth of formal dog training and the compulsion method of teaching dogs.  When the war ended, many military trainers that were discharged were now educated in the new compulsion training methods.  As people began transitioning from farm work to factories, dog owners began to find it necessary to "train" their dogs.

Because so many military trainers were now available, society accepted punishment as a proven method of training dogs.  The idea of now training the family dog through this method caught on quickly.  The door for compulsion training was opened by our society's acceptance that learning is done through punishment.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) introduced obedience training in the late 1930s in the United States, using compulsion training for competition dogs.


The release of military trainers after the Korean War (1950s) and the Police Action of Vietnam (1960s) brought about the wide use of physical punishment and choke chains.

As people began training their dogs themselves with help from new books and television in the 1970s, harsh training methods began to take a turn.  Even though operant conditioning research was done in the late 1800s, it did not come into use by the masses until the 1990s, in the form of clicker training.  As trainers started noticing the positive effects of this new method, they began to change their ideas.  Although operant conditioning uses negative reinforcement, negative punishment, and positive punishment, the main component of this training is positive reinforcement.  Using positive reinforcement training can produce greater results in a wide variety of dogs.