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Being a Basset Hound, walking Lilly is sometimes a challenge, as it's in her genes to be out in front trying to pick up a scent. So today we did plenty of work to reinforce a nice, loose leash, which she did really well.
We took both Duke and Jax out to teach them Loose Leash Walking. Duke, the older of the two, walks very well after some initial excitement. Jax, on the other hand, is very excited to go for walks and pulls a lot. But after some time he began to respond to our cues and did much better.
We began our day by taking Lance to a local park to get some work on socializing him to dogs as well as other novel things. Boy, did he get more than he bargained for: many people, a band, joggers, kids, and horses! Oh, and some dogs, too. And, Lance did very well, even though he wasn't too sure about those big horses!
 Before humans die, they write their last will and testament, give their home and all they have to those they leave behind. If, with my paws, I could do the same, this is what I'd ask...
To a poor and lonely stray I'd give my happy home; my bowl and cozy bed; soft pillow and all my toys; the lap which I loved so much; the hand that stroked my fur; and the sweet voice that spoke my name. I'd will to the sad, scared shelter dog the place I had in my human's loving heart, of which there seemed no bounds. So, when I die, please do not say "I will never have a pet again, for the loss and pain is more than I can stand." Instead, go find an unloved dog, one whose life has held no joy or hope, and give my place to him. This is the only thing I can give......the love I left behind. -Author Unknown On this beautiful fall day we took Sam out to work on his Come When Called. He did really well on the long line as we reinforced his recall by letting him go back to sniffing and playing.
Today we met Harley, a 6-year old Golden Retriever, and his brand new little brother (actually nephew), Hero, a 3-month old Golden Retriever. In the coming weeks we will be working on integrating the puppy into his new family, as well as training for both of them.
Roxi excitedly jumps on people when they come in the door. She has a bed near the door so we taught her Go To Spot, which she excelled at! We also taught her to Down on cue (no food lure) and she mastered that within seconds! Smart (and motivated) dog!
Tucker has made progress with his Go To Spot and Stay. Tonight we brought in a stranger and a neighbor who he gets very excited over. When Tucker is left to his own impulse control he struggles, but when he is redirected he does very well. Mastering this will take more consistent practice.
Week 4 of PK saw Atlas, Hunter, and Kingsley learn Leave It. I consider Leave It to be one of the most versatile things you can teach a dog, and they all did very well!
 TIP #1: EXTINCTION BURSTS
We've all had this happen to us before: we are checking out at the store and we slide our credit card, but it doesn't work. We slide it again. Nothing. We slide it harder, faster, and upside down. Still nothing. This is called an extinction burst: one's reaction to a stimulus that once produced positive reinforcements, but that ceases to exist. Extinction bursts are quite common when trying to eliminate a dog's behavior, especially attention seeking ones (barking, jumping, etc.). We ignore the behavior, so the dog tries even harder to produce those positive reinforcements that came so easily before. But be patient. Behaviors that are no longer reinforced become less probable, leading to extinction. TIP #2: HAVE REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS Most behaviors that we find to be a nuisance - barking, digging, chewing, etc. - are really normal, everyday doggie behaviors. Many of those behaviors are genetic, or have been habituated by years of reinforcement. They can't be changed overnight. It takes time, patience, and consistency. |
AuthorJeff Dentler, CPDT-KA, IAABC-ADT, FFCP, CTDI Archives
March 2025
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