MERRY CHRISTMAS

FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS!

Leave it!

I've been working with the boys for almost two years now.  In all honesty, they are so smart they have succeeded despite my attempts.  Punishment and force as training tools (no, I've never beaten my dogs) was how I was raised ~ old school.  When we started our first class I didn't know how well this old dog was gonna learn new tricks, mainly because this old dog wasn't convinced positive reinforcement "worked".  I'm here to tell you "It does!"

Clicker training is actually really cool, especially when shaping, but I prefer to use "yes" as my marker.  In other words, I immediately say "yes!" when the behavior I'm asking for is performed, followed by a reward.  Rewards start out as edible treats.  Since treats aren't always available in your pocket 24 /7 they are phased out and replaced with play, hugs, or simply a scratch of the ear or pat on the head.  "Yes!" always lets the boys know they've done well.

Now, on to "leave it".

This can be one of the most important commands you can teach your dog to recognize.  Do you really want them cleaning up after you drop the whole bag of chocolate chips that will lead to a visit to the vet?  How about the baby's pacifier?  Can they reach the 20 pills you just knocked off the counter from an open bottle before you do?  Squirrel, rabbit, cat, or skunk (much more difficult with some dogs)?  This command can be used in any instance that you want the dog to leave something alone, including people, other dogs, or even trash left behind on the path you walk daily.

It's quite simple and you'll be surprised at how quickly it is learned.  You will need to regularly reinforce the wanted behavior so they don't get lazy and pretend not to know what you're talking about 6 months after the last time they heard it.

Take your time.  Be patient.  Keep training sessions short.  Always end on a positive note (a command performed correctly).  Repeat 1-3 times a day increasing your demands daily.

Once each step is mastered end the session.  Start the next session with a few repeats of the last lesson learned for reinforcement and as a stepping stone to the next level up.

Step 1 ~
While in a sitting position, allow her to watch you place a treat in your hand.  As she goes for your hand (to get the treat) close your hand saying, "leave it" at the same time.  (It doesn't have to be loud, or harsh, but in a firm commanding voice.)  The moment she backs off, or preferably looks at you, say "yes!" and give her a treat from the other hand.  Repeat this until the action is performed without hesitation and she's staying in a sit.  Then you're ready to move on.

Step 2 ~
Now that she is getting the idea of "leave it" the temptation is bumped up.  (You'll need her on leash and able to stop her short of reaching the treat.)  While she is sitting, place the treat on the floor saying "leave it" as you're doing so.  If she goes for it, cover the treat with your hand or foot preventing access to it.  Yes, she'll get a few until you get faster and are able to protect the treat.  A hand on her collar can help too.  Ultimately you want to be able to place the treat on the floor within her reach, have her leave it, and treat with "her treat" in your hand.  The idea is ~ if you drop something on the floor you should be able to say "leave it", pick it up and reward her with her own treat.

Step 3 ~
Once you feel she is able to consistently "leave it" start tossing down a treat as you are walking using the command.  Her response should be to look at you.  She's looking to you for affirmation and this is a very good thing.  Let her know she has done a good job and reward her.  Always reward!

Continue using "leave it" on a regular basis.  Find things to "leave" ~ drop things on purpose, tell her to  "leave it" with cats, people as you're walking by, etc.  I use it when my dogs go to the front to bark at kids, trucks, or whatever is going on outside.  With regular use "leave it" can help you control your dog's desire to smell everything it passes and possibly save her life one day.

Before you are tempted...

So, I'm gonna rant a bit this morning.  What about?  Being a pet owner.

If you are not willing or financially able to...

• take them to a good vet for preventative care
• feed them quality food, not too much, and healthy treats but no junk
• clean up after them
• keep them clean, brushed, and trim their nails
• provide them proper shelter indoors
• room to run outdoors (not cats)
• make them feel safe and loved
• give them heart worm medicine (cats too)
• socialize them to be around people, children, and other animals
• teach them good behavior
• neuter and spay them
• learn how to best deal with their personalities and quirks
• realize "tough love" doesn't work with animals ~ they only want to please you
• realize training is for you 
• keep them for their whole lives, not until it's no longer convenient or they are too much trouble
• seek out and ask for help/advice from your vet
• give them exercise both physically and mentally (yes, they love to learn!)
• give them the care and attention they need as they get older because... it will happen
• commit to them as you would a child because they depend on you for that relationship
• be prepared for emergency care 
• spend time giving them the attention they thrive on
• allow them to be themselves

among other things...

... then you need to seriously think about NOT having a pet.

{{ Yes, there are situations we can't control and "things happen" but those are the exceptions and we should be prepared for them. }}

Obesity

Short and simple this morning.  I want to dig deeper into this subject but that's not happening today.  Maybe soon.

Check the following charts to see if your dog and/or cat is overweight.

If so, do something about it.  Look at their food and treats for calorie content and lower it.  Take them for a walk.  Or two.  They'll live longer and happier at a healthy weight.  Their joints won't have to carry extra pounds and their hearts work harder and they'll feel better all round. 

I've been following Obie on FaceBook as his new mom has done a wonderful job with this precious boy helping him lose weight.  He is a standard dachshund that reached the weight of 77 lbs.!  He is currently 56.14 lbs. and dropping.  Here's a link to his FaceBook page:  Obie

Thanksgiving De-stressing Tips

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday!  I love having a house full of family, food, and fun.  Since our pets are a part of our family I make sure they are happy and comfortably enjoying the festivities too.

As pet owners we need to be more aware of our dog's sensitivities during the hectic times when schedules are thrown to the wind, people are coming and going, and there are lots of new smells and noises, etc.  Here are some things you can keep in mind to help your pets (both dogs and cats) feel more at ease.

• No table scraps ~ Really, I can't emphasize this enough.  Let your guests know, especially children, that the dogs will receive their own special holiday treat at feeding time.  So many things can upset their tummies.  I inform my family they can feed from the table as long as they plan to stay through the night to make the many trips outside as a result of a messed up digestive system AND clean it up....
• Keep things normal ~ Routine is comforting to your dog and cat and can help them feel more secure while everything is chaos around them.  Take that daily walk rather than skipping it because you're too busy.  It'll give you time to organize your day while exercising with your dog.  Feeding at the regular times avoids accidents.  Give them an interactive toy to keep them entertained if you're not able to play with them as much.
• Introduce your guests to your pets ~ You should have socialized your pets at a young age by getting them out around different noises, places, situations, other animals, people of all ages.  If you missed out on this, it's not too late, just takes longer.  This is important for when they are around others even in their own home.  Make sure the children understand how to act around your dogs and cats.  Always supervise your pets with the children.
• Provide a safe haven ~ If your pet has not been socialized or is normally skittish, have a quiet place away from noise and activity where they can safely relax, get away from it all, and not be bothered or upset by humans.
• Up to date information ~ Nervous animals and even those not likely to escape can get out and not be missed if there is a house full of people and activity.  Make sure they have secure collars with ID tags on.  Check to make sure their microchip information is correct.  

Better to be safe than sorry and enjoy your turkey!

Pumpkin Pies

While out shopping for your Thanksgiving dinner, or anytime of the year, grab some extra cans of pumpkin.  NOT the pie filling with all the goodies in it, just pumpkin.

See my post from last year to find out why:

November 2011 Prescription Pumpkin

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!