Recondition your dog to LOVE the car

When it comes to taking your dog with you in your car, most dog owners just do it - meaning they just put the dog into the backseat or cargo area and go. For most dogs, that is no problem. In fact the “it's not a big deal” attitude of the owner is the best way to approach any training. If your dog trusts you, and you convey with your relaxed manner that there is nothing to be afraid of, the dog will quickly become accustomed to riding in the car. In fact, most dogs soon learn to love it.

There are a few dogs who are anxious and even afraid in the car. More then likely, they were in a frightened state of mind when they first were put in the vehicle and have started to associate the car with this anxious state of being. Since dogs learn by association, it is important that they are given the opportunity to experience the car in a positive and fun way. Then they can become the car-loving canine companion that can't wait to get into the vehicle and go for a ride!

Is your dog anxiously pacing around the vehicle, panting or drooling? Is he whining or even getting carsick? If any of these are the case, take some time to reintroduce the car to your dog in a positive and fun way.

1. Start by getting your dog used to the inside of the car, without the engine running or the car moving.

This is important, and you should spend some time and several repeat sessions to do this. Cover the backseat or cargo area with a blanket that smells like home and put the dog bed you use in the house in the car. Be sure your car is parked in a secure area.

Get the dog into the car. If he is really afraid, you may need to lift him into the car. If this is the case, be sure to lift him forward, not with his rear into the car first. It is best that he uses his own feet to get in, so even when you lift him up, just bring him up to where he can get in and allow him to do the last few steps. For smaller dogs, or puppies, lift the dog and then let him step out of your arms onto the car seat.

Let him explore the area. He may just lay down or he may walk around panting excitedly. Either way, don't praise him too much. You don't want to reward and reinforce the anxious behavior. Just let him be in there for a moment, let him experience that nothing bad is happening. At first he should spend only a few moments in the car, gradually increase to several minutes. Repeat until he relaxes while in the vehicle. Once he relaxes, you can pet or praise him.

Get into the vehicle with him. You may sit in the front seat and just be there. Your quiet and calm presence will reassure him everything is fine. Do not leave him in the car on his own.

2. Find a fun game to repeatedly get in and out of the car.

Once the dog is becoming relaxed inside the parked car, you want to make the association of car and fun. Offer some treats or a chew bone and let her associate the car with it. Remember, you do not want to reward anxious behavior, so only use the treats or food when the dog is in a relaxed and calm state of mind.

Bring the favorite dog toy and start playing with your dog inside the car. Create a fun game of getting in and out of the car. Most dogs can get in and out of a vehicle on their own. Let the dog figure out what the best way is, by letting her get out on her own several times. Smaller dogs may hop into the foot space area first and then jump out. If the dog cannot get in and out of the car on her own, consider a ramp, especially if the dog is to big for you to lift.

3. Start with short rides that will have a fun destination.

Now that you are going to drive someplace, take a few moments to make a permanent spot for your dog. Is he going to be on the backseat of your car, or behind it in the cargo area? I used to fold down my rear seat to create a nice flat area in my vehicle. If you have a very energetic dog, that bounces around the vehicle, be sure to use a crate, or tie down to prevent the dog from jumping around the car, while you are driving.

In the beginning, it would be good to have someone else drive while you sit and supervise the dog. If this is not possible, it is very important that your dog is in a place where he cannot interfere with your driving.

Make the first few car rides short and go someplace fun. Drive only a few minutes and then stop and go for a nice long walk. The short ride home will be another opportunity to reinforce the car ride.

Your goal to reconditioning your dog is to have a calm and relaxed dog. Keep this in mind and do not move forward unless your dog is in a calm state of mind. Conditioning takes repeated experience of the wanted behavior. So take your time and have fun with the first two steps, before taking your dog on the road.

I hope the information provide is helpful to you. Please share your experience or comments below.

Until next time: Keep your Paws on the Road,

Bee

Are you (unintentionally) reinforcing your dog's bad behavior?

Many of our dog training clients have dogs with behavior problems. The dogs are annoying the neighbors with their excessive barking, chewing up the family's shoes and socks, lunging on the leash or stealing food off the counters, to name just a few.

To help correct these issues, we recommend in home training. By coming to the clients home, we can see how the dog owner interacts with the dog. 9 times out of 10, it is the owner that enables and reinforces the bad behavior. Now to be fair, they mostly do this unintentionally.

Dogs like attention, especially from their owners. Behavior problems often stem from the dog not getting enough exercise or mental stimulation. People often don't realize that their dogs are simply bored and are looking for something to do. When the animal is acting out with unwanted behavior, it is often times the owners that will reinforce the bad behavior by giving it attention. Let me illustrate with a few examples.

If the family pet is stealing shoes and socks, and chewing on them, the owners will often times go after the dog, as she runs around with the shoe in her mouth. The dog loves the chase-me-game and will not understand the owner is chasing her because they don't want her to destroy the expensive footwear.

Next time, instead of chasing after the dog and trying to pry the valuable item out of her mouth, try this approach:

Stand still and find an item that the dog should be chewing on. Without paying any attention to the dog, pick up the item, like the rawhide bone, or even a squeaky toy. Start paying a lot of attention to the item you are holding. You can squat down and squeak the toy, or waive the rawhide. The dog will lose interest in the shoe she is currently holding and will come over to investigate what you have. If she hasn't dropped the valuable item you are after, don't try to take it from her, that will only start the game of tug of war again. Offer the item you have to her. Since she cannot hold two items in her mouth, she will drop what she has and take the toy or treat you are offering. Praise her and remove the item you want.

Here is another example. If the dog is lunging on the leash, jumping and barking at cats, other dogs or other people, owners often try dragging the dog back, holding it very tight and frantically telling the dog to stop. The owners are either embarrassed or frustrated or even afraid. All this is actually increasing the behavior. So if your dog tends to act out while on the walk, next time try this approach instead:

Always make sure that you are calm and relaxed. Do not tense up and hold the leash tightly. You should always have your arms down and relaxed, holding the leash loosely. At the first sign of lunging or jumping, give the dog a correction and tell him “no”. If he is already escalated to were he is fixated on the cat, dog or person, change direction and get him to focus back on you. You can walk a few feet in the other direction, and then get better control of him. Give only short corrections with the leash, but do not let it be tight. As you walk past the distraction, make sure you are not fixated on it. If you pay no attention to the distraction, your dog will be less likely to as well.

This of course only works, if you have control of your dog on a normal walk, with a loose leash. If your dog always pulls you on the leash, you need to work first on having him walk on a loose leash. Being in control of your dog on leash is the most important thing to teach your dog. If this is something you and your dog still need to work on, you may find my blog on leash training of interest. 

Whatever the behavior issue, be aware of your reaction or your actions. Are you giving attention to the very thing you wish the dog to stop doing? To correct behavior issues, you need to show the dog what behavior you want. Dogs don't understand “don't do this”,they need you to show them what to do.

For more FREE dog training advice, see our website: Modern Canine Services

I hope you find this information helpful, you may also like to read my previous blog easy exercise for calming your super excited dog.

Until next time – Keep your Paws on the Road!

Bee

Jack Russell and Mini Aussie puppy play inside tree

If you been wondering why there have not been any posts in the last few days:

We got a new puppy!

 

 

Three Reasons to Crate-train your Puppy

Crate-training is something we highly recommend to our clients. Especially when you first get a puppy, it can be one of the most versatile tools in early training and greatly aids potty training. Some of our clients don't understand the benefits of the crate and think of it as a mean cage. One of the main reasons is that many dog owners make the mistake of using the crate as a form of punishment, rather then a safe place. If used correctly, dogs see the crate as a comfortable and safe place to relax. Here are three reasons why you should crate train your puppy.

1. The crate is the best way to keep your puppy save when you cannot supervise him.

In the beginning stages of training your new puppy, it is important to supervise him at all times. Pups like to explore their new surroundings and will use their teeth on carpets and furniture, if they are not redirected.

It is a good idea to secure the pet in the crate when you cannot supervise him. Whether you want to take a shower, or need to go to get groceries at the store, leaving the pup in the crate keeps him out of trouble. He can't chew up electrical wiring or your rug. Give him a nice bed inside the crate and a few chew toys to keep him busy. Then you can leave him for short periods of time without having to worry about him getting into something he shouldn't.

2. The crate is the fastest way to house train the dog

The crate is a very effective tool to potty train your pet. Using the crate at night is the fastest way to house-train a puppy, as it prevents accidents in the house at night. Make sure that you get up about every 3 hours during the first few weeks to let the puppy out to do her business. Gradually extend the time in the crate to 4 or 5 hours. Once she gets older, let her tell you when she needs to go out, and pretty soon she will sleep through the night.

3. The crate gives the pup a safe place of his own.

The crate quickly becomes the pups den, where he feels comfortable and safe. He can get away from other pets or from children. During the day, place the crate in an area where you and the family hang out the most. Let the door remain open, and you will see the pet going into the crate to take naps, or just to lay down and chew on his bone.

Once the pet identifies the crate with safety, you can further use it to train him. As the puppy grows, and needs to go places with you, use the crate in the car. He will have a familiar place, he already associates with quiet and calmness, so the car ride won't seem so scary.

If you travel with your dog, having him crate trained is optimal, since you can bring the crate into any new and unusual surrounding and provide the pet with a place of his own.

I hope you found the information helpful, please share or comment, I love to hear your feedback.

For information on how to properly crate train your new puppy, look for my upcoming post on the subject. Until then: Keep your Paws on the Road!

Thank you,

Bee

Saturday Nov 05, 2016 - Dogs' Day in the Garden

Don't miss  this weekends' special opportunity to bring your dogs to the Desert Botanical Garden on 1201 North Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008 from 8 am to 2pm ONLY!

Here is a great opportunity to socialize your dog and enjoy the beautiful November weather in the Valley! Explore the many Garden trails, mingle with other dog lovers, and pose for photo opportunities. You can also learn about local dog-related nonprofits, shop for dog stuff and enjoy some samples with Fido. There are also several canine-themed activities. Don’t miss this tail-wagging good time!

General Garden admission (Adults: $22 Children: $10) and $4 per dog. The admission fees for the dogs are going to benefit the Arizona Humane Society

Garden admission includes:

• All ages craft activity
• Samples of dog treats
• Special presentations from behavioral solutions to local activities for you and your dog
• Doga (dog yoga) spaces limited
• Before you enter the Garden, visit the Arizona Humane Society Waggin’ Wheels Mobile Adoption Vehicle near the Garden Entry | 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Special Dog etiquette, please read:
All dogs must be on a leash and remain on marked trails at all times.
Dogs must be up-to-date on all vaccinations and licenses.
Handlers must pick up after their dogs and properly dispose of their waste.
Desert Botanical Garden reserves the right to refuse entry to or remove any dog thought to be dangerous to other dogs or visitors.
Dogs will only be admitted to the Garden between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Dogs will not be allowed in Gertrude’s or the Garden Shop.
Programming subject to change.

For more information go to the Facebook events page at:
Dogs' Day in the Garden Event


We hope to see you there! Please take a picture with your dog and share here on our blog. Thank you for stopping in and as always - Keep your Paws on the Road!

Easy Exercise for Calming Your Hyperexcited Dog

For many of our dog training clients, taking their dog out for a walk is a stressful and hectic task. I see them pick up the leash and usually say something like” Fido, do you want to go outside? Let's go for a WALK!” Their dog spins around in circles and excitedly jumps around and crowds toward the front door. The dog is so hyper that the owner has to fight to get the leash clipped to the collar. Then the dog owner will swing the front door open and the dog will run out, dragging the owner behind him. 

If your dog is acting in a similar manner when you try to put on the leash and take him outside, he has learned to be excited every time the leash gets put on, or the door is opened. Most of the time the excitement is increased by the owner talking in a happy voice about how fun it will be to go for a walk.

Similarly, I see many dogs get excited when they see their special toy, or even when the owner goes out through the door without them. In each instance, the dog associates hyper excitement with the item or task. I have even seen dogs that show this hyper excitement during feeding time or when given a treat.

Become aware of your verbal cues

To curb any hyper excitement, first, review your own behavior during these times. Are you increasing the excitement of the activity by speaking in a happy, excited voice? Many dog owners will communicate joyful events to their dogs in this way. What they do not realize is, the dog will pick up on their happy excited energy, and will respond in a hyper excited way of his own.

If your dog is very excited, jumping and running around, try holding back on your verbal cues all together. Animals don't actually need the verbal communication, they mostly communicate via body language. So try to say nothing at all.

Recondition your dog's behavior

Over time, your dog has learned to associate the act of you picking up the leash, or another item, or activity, with getting into an excited state of being. Dogs are conditioned over time by repeated behavior. To curb the hyper excited state of mind, you need to re-condition the dog's mind to associate calmness with the particular task or item.

Here is a simple exercise you can do a few times a day to recondition your dog and curb the excited behavior. The exercise is very short, and after reading through it, you can see it will not be hard to do.

Plan to do this when you are not going out for your walk, if the leash is the cause of the excitement.

Calm your excited dog exercise

For my description I will use the leash as the item of excitement, as this is a fairly common issue with our clients. You can substitute based on your particular situation.

Pick up the leash, or the item that creates the excitement. Fido may get super excited just by you holding the leash. Ignore the dog completely and walk around the house, with the leash or item in hand. The dog will follow you around, jump or bark; simply ignore him. Put the leash down in a few different places. It is important that you act calmly and don't speak to the dog. Say nothing, ignore Fido. Simply pick up the leash, walk a few feet and put it down someplace. Repeat several times until Fido looses interest and stops running around. Do this for a few days in a row.

After a few days, pick up the leash, walk around and then squat down without saying anything. If the dog comes over quietly, put on the leash. If he acts excited and jumps around, do not put on the leash, simply get back up and hold the leash. Continue with this until he is calm and no longer shows signs of excitement around the item. Once he is calmly waiting, put on the leash. Stand up straight and don't move, just stand there with Fido on the leash and wait. He should be calmly standing or sitting. If he is jumping around, trying to drag you toward the door, don't do anything. Simply stand still. The idea is to get him to calm down and not feed him more excitement by adding movement or words. Do the entire exercise without a spoken word.

Modified Exercise

You can modify the exercise for other items. Let's say getting out a bag of dog treats from your pantry is causing the dog to act over excited.

Take out the dog treats several times per day, hold the bag and do not give the dog a treat. Simply hold the bag and then put it down in another area. After a few moments, go back and take the bag and hold it again. Each time, totally ignore the dog. Treat the bag as though it has nothing to do with your dog. Eventually the dog will lose interest and go do something other than excitedly hop around. Now go to the bag, pick it up and stand in front of the dog. Take out a treat. Wait until your dog calms down, and then reward him with a treat.

Never reward the excited state of mind

Never reward your dog when he is in a hyper excited state. Don't pet him to calm him down. Petting or giving treats is positive reinforcement. You are rewarding your dog for whatever he is doing at the time. So if you pet or treat him while he is excited, he learns that he is getting a reward, whenever he is excited.

Each dog is different, so the time needed to recondition may vary on your particular situation. Remember to show the dog calm behavior, by being calm yourself. Don't talk, communicate with your body language.

Thank you for stopping by my blog. I hope the information provided is helpful to you. I would love to hear from you and have you share your experience with the exercise. Please comment on the blog below. Until next time – Keep your Paws on the Road!

Bee

Natural Supplement with amazing results in Senior Dog!

About a year ago, I notices my dog Jaeger was starting to show signs of becoming a senior dog. He was getting the white hairs around his snout and eyes. He was slowing down, walking more slowly, and at times had trouble getting up off the tile floor. I also noticed that he would lick his front paws for long periods of time in the evening, which I took as a sign that he was developing some arthritis. He still loved to play fetch, but I could tell he tired more easily and was visibly sore the next day.

I started to feed Jaeger senior dog food, with added glucosamine and chondroitin and also gave him some yucca powder on days he seemed to be uncomfortable or sore. He showed some improvement, however, he really started feeling much better, when I remembered to feed a dog supplement I had found on the internet a few years back.

I first used this dog supplement on my 12 year old Collie several years ago. The product is called Fresh Factor and is made by a company called Springtime, Inc. My Collie had  severe arthritis and was hardly walking, when I first came across this product by chance. I ordered it on the internet and within just a few days of feeding the supplement, I saw amazing improvement in my dog. He was walking around completely normal, with no signs of stiffness or pain. He even started to jump into our truck, something he had not done for some time. I kept him on the supplement until he died in his sleep at age 18, laying in the sun on my front porch. I know it added several years to his life and I am sure it made his last years a lot more comfortable.

I am so glad I remembered this stuff! Jaeger, just like my Collie, is showing signs of improvement within just a few days of feeding the chewable tablets. He is jumping around like a young dog, bringing the ball to me to remind me to play fetch with him every day. He is no longer showing any signs of being sore after playing with the ball. I have not seen him have any trouble getting off the floor and I noticed he does not lick his front paws, like he used to at night.

Fresh Factor tablets are made with natural ingredients since 1979. The company uses Bee Pollen, Chondroitin and Kelp for the main ingredients. They also add desiccated raw beef liver, which makes the taste irresistible to dogs.The wafers can easily be quartered, to help break them down in size for smaller dogs. For more information on this amazing product, go to:

 https://www.springtimeinc.com/product/fresh-factors/All-Natural-Dog-Supplements

The company offers several other natural supplements, none of which I have tried. 

I am recommending this Fresh Factor because I have personally used the supplement on my dogs, and have seen incredible improvement in them. I am not paid, nor have I received any free products from Springtime, Inc. in order to write this blog or give my recommendation for this product. 

I hope the information provided here is helpful to you and your dog. If you have an older dog, and any natural remedies or supplements that you can recommend, please do so in the comment area below. I appreciate your feedback. 

If you are looking for an online Pet Pharmacy, we like to recommend WorldPetExpress

Until next time, keep your paws on the road!

Sincerely,
Bee