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 Tips--Lavender Oil & Dogs

Lavender Oil for your Dog:

Lavender is a naturally calming scent for both humans and dogs.  To use lavender for your dog, take some time to give your dog a massage and some good petting.  Put just a little dab of lavender oil on your hands.  Before massaging your dog and/or petting him in his favorite spots, allow him/her to smell the oil you have applied to your hand.  If the dog remains calm, proceed to using nice, calming, slow strokes.  Slowly massaging the outsides of the spine from the neck down is a proven approach.  Do this several times to really associate the smell of lavender to a relaxed state of mind for your dog.

The point of this exercise is to associate the smell of lavender with a nice calm, relaxed state of mind.

Be sure that you are purchasing oils free from contaminants.  Be sure to only use therapeutic-grade Lavender Oil from a reputable company and verify the quality of the oil before use.  (For Maui, I recommend purchasing your Lavender Oil from Down to Earth in Kahului.)

Do not use a lot of Lavender oil.  A tiny dab will do just fine.  You do not need a lot to get the smell, and we do not want to have dogs licking excessive amounts of oil off themselves.  Be sure to buy diluted oil or dilute it yourself.  Use oil on your dog in moderation and with caution.  Be sure to avoid the eye and mouth areas.  I also recommend that you do NOT use Lavender Oil on your dog every day.  Some dogs may develop a sensitivity to the oil if used too often.

Why use Lavender Oil?
Lavender Oil is naturally soothing to the central nervous system in both humans & animals.  Many humans with anxiety-related issues use lavender oil to help calm themselves in stressful situations.  This oil may be used in a similar way for your dog.

Anxiety:
If your dog suffers from anxious or nervous behaviors or has separation anxiety, Lavender oil could help.  You want to start using the oil as directed above, and then continue to have the scent present in situations that are stressful to your dog.  

For example if your dog suffers from separation anxiety, start as directed above, then do the same ritual before leaving your dog for the day.  Remember to remain calm and relaxed (do NOT try and do this if you are rushing out the door).  Your mood must match what the lavender oil is trying to accomplish:  a calm state of mind.  

Another example:  if your dog is frightened of guests:  start again as directed above, then bring back the scent of lavender right before guests come over and have them follow the "No touch, No talk, No eye contact" policy to further help relax your dog.

Have a dog that is afraid of car rides?  Start as directed above and then apply a drop of diluted Lavender oil on your dog's collar before your next car trip.  Remember to remain calm yourself.

Over-Excitement:
If you have a dog that is high-energy who easily gets over-excited, Lavender Oil can be used to help calm their behavior.  Start as directed above then re-apply the scent before events that may excite your dog.  For example if you dog becomes very over-excited when guests arrive, apply the oil a few minutes before they arrive.  (Also remember to remind your guest to follow the "No touch, No talk, No eye contact" policy until the dog fully calms down.)

Older Dogs/ Dogs with Physical Pain:
Lavender oil is also an excellent way to help dogs with joint and other types of physical pains.  Two of our dogs are getting into their "senior" years and starting to show signs of joint pain.  We use lavender oil while massaging the areas of the dog that are aching and in pain.  This helps both relieve their joint pain and relaxes them at the same time.  We are associating the smell with the relief of massage and relaxation.  Essential Oils have also been known to help reduce inflammation.  So next time you notice the dog is having a bad pain day, you can bring out the Lavender smell and it will help the dog both mentally and physically relax.

Allergies & Skin Conditions:
Lavender oil has also been known to help with dog allergies and skin conditions.  If you dog suffers from hot spots, try applying a few drops of diluted Lavender oil.  Start out small to be sure your pet does not have a bad reaction.  
If your dog suffers from allergies, try adding a Lavender oil diffuser near the pet's main area.

Lavender Oil is also a natural repellent for fleas, ticks, and other insects.  Add a few drops of Lavender Oil to your dog's shampoo and shake well.  Use as normal for bathing and your dog will have an added natural insect repellent, plus smell great!



More Information on Animals & Essential Oils:

Previous SGDs Blog Article "Trainer Tips--4th of July Safety."
Audio Clip & Article:  Dr. Karen Becker interviews Melissa Shelton, DVM.
"Essential Oils & Dogs" article by The Bark.
"Essential Oils for Pets" article by Dogs Naturally.

Breed of the Month--Miniature Bull Terrier

Miniature Bull Terrier

Color:  Pure white, white with markings, and color predominating

Height:  10-14 inches (no more than 14 inches)

Weight:  25-35 lbs

Life Span:  10-14 years

Breed Health Concerns:  allergies, congenital deafness, primary lens luxation, mitral dysplasia, compulsive tail chasing, and subaortic stenosis.

Coat:  Harsh, flat, glossy, short; in winter a soft-textured undercoat may be present

Country of Origin:  England

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

As with its standard cousin, the Miniature Bull Terrier was originally created from bull and terrier breeds.  As stated in my previous post, the Bull Terrier breed was established by Englishman James Hinks in the 1850s by crossing a Bulldog with the white English Terrier (now extinct).  The Bull Terrier was bred for agility, tenacity, and endurance.

Bull Terriers ranged from as little as 3 pounds up to 50 pounds at one time.  The smaller version of the Bull Terrier with the same features of its larger-sized counterpart was admired by many breeders.  They continued breeding these smaller versions to make a more manageable house pet.  Although the Miniature Bull Terrier breed was shown in the United States in the early 1900s, the breed was not accepted by the American Kennel Club until 1991.

The best word to describe the Miniature Bull Terrier is ACTIVE.  This compact bundle of fun is playful and clownish.  This breed enjoys being the center of attention.  He is very protective of his family and must be "kept in check" so as not to become over-protective or aggressive.  Miniature Bull Terriers have a tendency to chew many objects, so it is important to train early and often and to keep valuables out of reach.

Exercise:
The Miniature Bull Terrier enjoys being part of the action, whatever it may be.  He requires a lot of regular daily physical and mental activity.  He enjoys games like fetch or finding an object.  He is energetic and playful and loves being active.

Grooming:
The Miniature Bull Terrier requires little, but regular grooming.  A hound glove and soft brush every now and then are sufficient to keep him looking and feeling great.  Special care must be taken to ensure his skin around the eyes and ear canals stay clean.

Training:
Properly socializing the Miniature Bull Terrier from puppyhood is essential.  This breed needs a firm leader using positive reinforcement and proper motivation to learn.  It is best to keep this breed's training sessions very short, sweet, and to the point.  His natural, silly nature makes him a great candidate for teaching fun tricks.

Such a cute little puppy.

Size comparison.

A Miniature Bull Terrier with a standard Bull Terrier.

Trainer Tips--Professional Dog Help

When seeking professional help for your dog training needs, make sure you do your research.  It's always great if you know a friend who can highly recommend someone for you, but many of us are starting from scratch when trying to find help.  My advice?  Look for someone that has been professionally trained.  Look for a trainer that has knowledge in positive reinforcement dog training, and has been certified as a companion dog trainer.  Above all else, work with someone you feel comfortable with.  In order to properly learn, both you and your dog must be comfortable and fairly relaxed during training.  Find a trainer that enjoys what they do, that is happy to work with you, and excited to help you and your dog.