Thank you for joining my Linkedin/Blog community. I look at these forums as an excellent medium for sharing information and helping others to achieve their goals. I have a project that humbly needs your assistance or guidance.

I am currently trying to promote a program called: Just a Dog Gone Minute. Each one minute televised visual tweet will attempt to dispel many myths regarding canine behavior and training. I hope to syndicate this program to local, as well as, national television stations.

1. ·       Are you aware how women are often being disenfranchised by the professional dog training community?
2. ·       Ever met an “Alpha Dog”?  If you think you have, let me explain otherwise.
3. ·       Did you know that dogs are not pack animals – they are scavengers and consequently adhere or mimic few wolf behaviors? Perhaps someone needs to explain this concept to dog trainers who continually ask their clients to become “leaders of their pack.”

Dogs are like computers. Junk in = Junk out! Help me to stop the nonsense permeating the dog training profession.

Sincerely,

Roger Alan Bernard

www.Savvycaninetraining

704-249-1567

6 Things Every Savvy Dog Owner Should Know

1. Dogs are scavengers not pack animals; therefore when a dog trainer encourages you to be an "Alpha Dog" or "leader of your pack" they are providing you with misleading information that could compromise or undo your human-canine bond. A puppy's most influential teacher is its mother (daddy dog has long since departed and contributes virtually nothing toward helping a mother dog raise and protect her young.) 

2. Training a puppy or dog in a pet store/building is ludicrous. A dog's psychological profile consists of two different components. One is personality and the other is temperament. A dog's personality is most apparent when the dog is in a familiar or comfortable environment, e.g., in the home. Its temperament is most likely to be displayed in an unfamiliar environment, e.g., outside the home. Be pet smart: train your dog in the real world and not in a pet food warehouse where both the dog's personality and temperament may be misdiagnosed by the instructor.

3. No dog trainer has ever been state certified. Despite the impressive list of credential behind many dog trainer's names, there simply isn't a governing board of directors testing, guiding or censuring a dog trainer for unethical behavior. Buyer beware! Arborist, psychologist, plumbers, and most professional services require state certification before being issued a business license. The only requirement for becoming a dog trainer is a business card. Anyone can become a dog trainer and unfortunately, any one is.

4. Clicker training is to dog training what a baton is to learning Italian. When did dog owner become so gullible? Isn't it odd that clicker trainers always seem to charge more for their unique service? You have hands to clap? You have a mouth to whistle? You have a voice to give commands? Wonderful, now save your money and leave the clicker training to less savvy dog owners.

5.  Your Dog is a Unique Creature.  Enrolling your dog into a group training session implies that a one-size-fits-all-approach to training will fulfill your needs and accommodate your dog's ability to learn. Might you be ignoring some important considerations? Not all dogs have the same ability for learning because dogs follow three distinct instinctual patterns of learned behavior: Stalking prey, circling prey and killing prey. That's why some dogs are better at herding sheep while others provide a service for the visually challenged. The most egregious thing about group training classes is: Men and women are taught the same. Men and women acquire, interact and then train their dogs for different reasons. Women have been disenfranchised by the dog training community for many years. When will it stop? When women stop supporting this method of training and begin hiring dog trainers who provide in-home training services.

6. Your Veterinarian Might Be Getting A Kick-Back. Certainly this applies to the many vets who sell less-than-quality dog foods that are comprised mostly of grains or treats/rawhides that have been treated with chemicals that come from third world countries. Ask yourself, "Why does my veterinarian only recommend this dog trainer and not others?" You will receive a plethora of answers, but mostly you will hear, "We know and trust that company." Really? I have been in the dog training business for more than 18-years and have appeared on NPR four times, international radio, authored a book, produced a video on canine behavior in 2000, presented more than 50 lectures on canine behavior/training for libraries and dog clubs throughout the Southeast and and have a regular guest spot on a local television show in Charlotte, N.C.  Yet, not one veterinarian in Charlotte recommends my services. Do you know why? Refer back to title #6:) 

'Education is when you read the fine print; experience is what you get when you don't." - Pete Seeger, (1919 - ) American songwriter.

Why training with treats; especially while trying to teach a puppy house-training manners, might not be such a great idea. 

Treats are a form of bribery. The mother dog doesn't use treats to train, so why would you? Treat trained puppies will expect a treat for eliminating, but become confused for being reprimanded for eliminating in the home.

Best scenario: Allow a puppy to eliminate outside while on a long leash. Do not look at or praise the puppy while it is performing a natural function. Direct eye contact or verbal praise many be misinterpreted by the puppy as threatening. ( Remember: Mother dog tends to look away from her puppies while they are eliminating. He job is to be vigilant to environmental dangers.) Don't rush the process. Remain outside for several more minutes to provide the puppy additional time to eliminate. Male puppies cannot completely empty their bladders on the first try.

I was honored to have a story about my dog training services in The Charlotte Observer, August 12, 2012


http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/08/22/3470410/this-dog-trainer-will-bike-to.html

Affirmations

1.     What happened today that delighted you?

2.    How did you get closer to your goals?

3.    What struck you as particularly beautiful?

4.    What act of kindness did you do?

5.    What act of kindness did you witness?

6.    What did you learn today?

7.    Who did you thank today?

8.    Who did you help today?

9.    How did you avoid getting angry or passing judgment?

10.   What did you take special note to listen to while living your life today?

11.    What did you feel thankful about?

12.   What happened today that struck you as spiritual?

13.  Which “force within the universe” made its presents known or caught your attention if only for a moment? Example: wind, water, fire, the smell of earth, gravity, a bee collecting pollen, a esoteric awareness

14.  Did you present someone with a compliment?

15.   Did you receive a compliment today and accept it without denigrating or dismissing it?

16.  What message or instructions did you receive today? Example: a saying, a proverb, or words repeated by more than one person during the day.

17.  Did you receive an unexpected surprise?

18.  What “free-bee” did you receive?

19.  What request did you make and did it come to fruition?

20. Do you feel you are going in the right direction and not compromising your purpose for living?

Despite the numerous books on dog training and behavior, the almost mushroom-like growth of national pet supply stores, veterinarians, groomers, kennel operators and doggie daycare centers offering dog obedience training courses; and the increased number of celebrity canine trainers on radio and television, I continue to receive questions from clients that reflect a profound lack of knowledge or naiveté regarding canine behavior. The truth is: Perhaps, you first began reading about Dick, Jane and their dog Spot in first grade, but the information you’ve gleaned since that time regarding dogs and their role in our lives and society, has been minimal, based on conjecture, or completely false.  1000 falsehoods does not make anything more true. – Chinese proverb

I am also concerned with many dog training professionals who are being supported and financially rewarded for disenfranchising women who own dogs. Do these trainers who conduct group training classes or the one-size-fits-all approach really believe that women and men acquire, interact and then train their dogs the same? Why are women being instructed to act like an alpha dog or leader of their pack – both phrases are not only antithetical to the way women create, maintain and then nurture relationships, they simply have no foundation in scientific fact. Dogs are scavengers not wolves and have never needed an alpha dog or a pack to survive… and dare I say, never needed a prong collar, e-collar or treat to facilitate learning.          Roger Alan Bernard        www.savvycaninetraining.com

Despite the numerous books on dog training and behavior, the almost mushroom-like growth of national pet supply stores, veterinarians, groomers, kennel operators and doggie daycare centers offering dog obedience training courses; and the increased number of celebrity canine trainers on radio and television, I continue to receive questions from clients that reflect a profound lack of knowledge or naiveté regarding canine behavior. The truth is: When you first began reading about Dick, Jane and their dog Spot in first grade, the information you’ve gleaned since that time regarding dogs and their role in our lives and society, has been minimal, based on conjecture, or completely false.

I am also concerned with many dog training professionals who are being supported and financially rewarded for disenfranchising women who own dogs. Do these trainers who conduct group training classes or the one-size-fits-all approach really believe that women and men acquire, interact and then train their dogs the same? Why are women being instructed to act like an alpha dog or leader of their pack – both phrases are not only antithetical to the way women create, maintain and then nurture relationships, they simply have no foundation in scientific fact. Dogs are scavengers not wolves and have never needed an alpha dog or a pack to survive… and dare I say, never needed a prong collar, e-collar or treat to facilitate learning.

Roger Alan Bernard

www.savvycaninetraining.com

Child/Dog Safety Tip

Parents should periodically test their dog’s ability to withstand being inappropriately handled. Pull gently but firmly on the dog’s ears, check its mouth with probing fingers, take away a treat or toy and grab a lock of fur from the dog’s neck, back or hindquarters. Do not physically hurt the dog during the exercise but make each step moderately uncomfortable because a child might not be so judicious or gentle. The objective of the exercise is to ascertain whether or not the dog can tolerate being handled roughly. If the dog shows concern, growls or attempts to snap during such an encounter then consider this a warning. Contact a canine behaviorist or trainer immediately and then determine a course of action to get your dog acclimated to being handled, especially by children. 

Canine Myth: Dogs are Pack Animals

Watch any National Geographic video that shows human beings living in a stone-age or primitive setting and you will see dogs living among them. Take a very careful look at what you are seeing - dogs in the village do not mingle with one another, but stay segregated from their brethren. Why? The answer is simple: Dogs are scavengers and most of them are watching for a free-handout or unguarded morsel to come within their reach.

It would not be in their best interest or feasible for these village dogs to form packs because their food source is limited. Dogs are inept hunters; therefore they seek out rodents, insects, berries and grasses for sustenance and leave larger prey; such as deer, bison or caribou to their more skilled hunter cousins the wolf. Forming a pack would also present a potential danger to children, livestock and those humans within the village who might be unable to protect themselves if attacked by a groups of dogs, e.,g., elderly, physically or mentally challenged.

It was a terrible disservice to the domesticated dog, when in the early 1940's, behavioral scientists used captive wolves as a general model for dog behavior. It gave rise to terms we are all too familiar with: Alpha Dog, Pack Leader, Submission & Dominance. Imagine comparing a Neanderthal's social proclivities with those of a modern banker or politician? O.K. Bad example, but I hope you get the gist.


Dogs bonded with humans more than 800 centuries ago because they shared with us several survival/social commonalities: food source, techniques for hearing, teaching and protecting their young and forming relationships based on assimilation rather than an organized pack. Assimilation means that leadership roles fluctuate within the family unit. Even wolves technically do not form packs, because their organizational structure is typically a family unit. So called Alpha Dogs have been seen being physically challenged by their mates and pounced-on by infants and teenagers within the group.


Humans are primates. Dogs are canines.  The next statement puts things into a profound and unique perspective. Dogs are encouraged and then molded to follow primate patterns of socialization if they expect to remain in their adopted family home. Imagine if the tables were reversed? Could we be as savvy, intuitive and malleable as our dogs?


Next Blog: The Many Ways Puppy Classes, Dog Parks and Doggie Day Care Centers can compromise the Human-Canine Bond.

Child/Dog Safety Tip

Parents should periodically test their dog’s ability to withstand being inappropriately handled. Pull gently but firmly on the dog’s ears, check its mouth with probing fingers, take away a treat or toy and grab a lock of fur from the dog’s neck, back or hindquarters. Do not physically hurt the dog during the exercise but make each step moderately uncomfortable because a child might not be so judicious or gentle. The objective of the exercise is to ascertain whether or not the dog can tolerate being handled roughly. If the dog shows concern, growls or attempts to snap during such an encounter then consider this a warning. Contact a canine behaviorist or trainer immediately and then determine a course of action to get your dog acclimated to being handled, especially by children. 

When you buy from a mom or pop business, you are not helping a CEO to buy a third vacation home.


You are helping a little girl get dance lesson, a little boy to get his team jersey, a mom or dad to put food on the table, a family pay a mortgage, or a student to pay for college.


Our customers are our shareholders and they are the ones we strive to make happy.


Thank You. Please support small business ventures.

"If the ground is too hot for your bare feet, then it's too hot for your dog's feet too:)"

“What steps do I need to take to gain control of my alpha dog?”

                                                                               

          Answer: There is no such thing as an alpha dog because dogs are not wolves or pack animals, but rather scavengers. Out-of-control dogs, often misdiagnosed as alpha dogs, typically belong to owners who fail to establish house rules that provide their dog with behavioral boundaries. These same owners will sometimes deliberately or inadvertently allow the family dog to become a decision maker, opening the door for many unwanted, aberrant canine behaviors to foster and develop. 

Child/Dog Safety Tip

Parents should periodically test their dog’s ability to withstand being inappropriately handled. Pull gently but firmly on the dog’s ears, check its mouth with probing fingers, take away a treat or toy and grab a lock of fur from the dog’s neck, back or hindquarters. Do not physically hurt the dog during the exercise but make each step moderately uncomfortable because a child might not be so judicious or gentle. The objective of the exercise is to ascertain whether or not the dog can tolerate being handled roughly. If the dog shows concern, growls or attempts to snap during such an encounter then consider this a warning. Contact a canine behaviorist or trainer immediately and then determine a course of action to get your dog acclimated to being handled, especially by children. 

No More Excuses in Charlotte for Untrained Dogs.


Offering an In-Home, 90-Minute Training Session for Residents of Charlotte & Ballantyne, North Carolina area. 


Cost: $45.00


Behavioral Goals & Prevention


1. No jumping-up on guests
2. Reliable re-call (getting your dog to Come)
3. Food Counter Surfing 
4. Walking on Lead 


or create your own unique 4-part program....


please call..don't text:)

Good Morning!


Dog Training Tip for Women Who own Dogs: 


The "Come'" Command


Turn your head slightly to the left or right whenever you use the "Come" command and avoid direct eye contact with your dog. By doing so, you mimic the mother dog's behavior. She expects her puppies to follow her lead; those that do - survive, and those that don't ...........


The mother dog will stare at her puppies to make them freeze or stay where they are. This is a survival technique. A puppy unable to grasp this concept is more likely to attract the attention of a predator.


The big-box-pet-store trainers are misinformed and misguided whenever they teach their clients to stare or maintain direct eye contact with a puppy or dog during the "Come" command. Now you know better. 


Discover Something Wonderful to be Thankful for Today.
........................pause, take a breath and it will appear!

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands - you need to be able to throw something back.  
                                                                               -   Maya Angelou
Forget about the fast lane. If you really want to fly, just harness your power to your passion. - Oprah


My passion for more than 18-years has been assisting women who own dogs toward creating a positive human-canine bond that is based on compassion, respect and predictable behaviors. 
                                                                        -  Roger Alan Bernard

Today's Training Tip for Women:

The word "No" might not be your best choice to use when training a dog.  Some dogs might think their name is "NoRover":) 


The truth is: The word "No" has a long vowel sound and might actually be misinterpreted by the dog as a howl or distress signal.


Try using the words "Now " or "Enough" which give the voice a growl tonality, not unlike the growl of the mother dog. It's easy and..it works!

It was a great honor to be invited on "Charlotte Today" with hostess Colleen Odegaard. She is a gracious and wonderful person who makes all her guests feel welcomed and appreciated,

Another honor this week was talking with Ms.Julie Hill, from DogCastRadio, Surry, England. This was my first international interview and although I was nervous before the program began, Ms. Hill put me at ease - it was like talking with an old friend. We laughed and shared comments throughout our time together.

I am doing my best to teach women who own dogs that there really is a difference in how men and women acquire, interact and then train their dogs. Group training, or the one-size-fits-all method is especially insulting to women because it feeds into the pathology that "women can't do it alone" and therefore need the support and companionship of others to be successful. Your human-canine bond is unique. No other one like it exists in the entire world.

If you know of a radio/television show looking for a guest with a unique message (Women Who Own Dogs) let me know.

Hope your day is blessed with something wonderful.. & remember: It doesn't have to be grand to be wonderful!:)

Quotes for June 2, 2012


"A woman is like a tea bag, you never know how strong it is until it's in hot water." - Eleanor Roosevelt


"Being a woman is a terribly difficult task, since it consists principally in dealing with men." - Joseph Conrad

Dog Training Tip for Women

When taking a puppy or dog out to eliminate, don't look at, touch or talk to your pet while it is performing a natural function. Remember: Mother dog, your pet's first teacher, remains aloof when her puppies are eliminating because she must be the sentinel who guards them from danger.

Do not give a puppy a treat for eliminating.  Mother dog doesn't do it and therefore neither should you.. It can also cause other problems that I will be addressing in a further blog: House training 101.

Part 3:  It’s Your Dog Too!  …how women inadvertently become the family dog’s caretaker.

          Time restraints, household duties, childcare, employment concerns, and hectic schedules, among other concerns, have placed many women in a constant crisis mode. Never in human history is so much being expected of them. In many homes across America even relatively simple tasks such as feeding or taking the dog for a walk are often contingent upon a woman’s schedule and availability.

          Whether single or married, many women can expect little to no assistance in the care of the dog from male family members or friends. Men are often unwilling to participate in teaching a puppy house training directives (cleaning fecal matter or urine), attend canine obedience classes, offer financial support if needed (especially after a divorce), and volunteer to occasionally take the dog for a walk and provide a woman time to rest or complete other errands. Although men may appear at times complacent or insensitive, the fact is, many of them have nurturing issues and are often unable to recognize or relate to a woman’s needs. Evolutionary patterns of male-centered thinking and perception allows them to assume the female species was designed for reproduction, motherhood and for the benefit and convenience of men. It is only natural for some men to assume that all care and nurturing tasks regarding the family dog should also be delegated to women.

          Socioeconomic conditions are redefining sexual roles. Due to structural changes in both the family and workplace, women today are confronting unique financial and physical challenges. Women are now entering many professional fields that were the exclusive domain of men (woman now outnumber men in veterinary degrees awarded annually). But they are still unfairly expected to continue orchestrating the needs of their household (shopping, cooking, laundry, cleaning) and adhere to personal family schedules (doctors' appointments, carpooling, PTA), as well as organizing social or holiday celebrations. 

June 1, 2012

Training Tip for Women

First: Purchase a training leash that is at least 8-feet long. Do not use a retractable leash. Place several knots in the leash. Measure about 5 inches from the clip-on near the dog's collar, then make three or four knots at 5 to 6 inch intervals.

Next time your dog acts-up in public, e.g., barking, jumping-up, pulling, simply step on the leash placing your foot (both feet for bigger dogs and stand in a fighter/boxer stance so your center of gravity is nearer your mid-section)) in between one of the knots, but leaving the dog comfortable enough to either sit or stand. The knot will catch on the underside of your foot and keep the dog from pulling. Turn away from the dog while still standing on the leash and ignore what has caught his attention. With a firm voice, and only once, tell him "Now" or "Enough". These words give women's voices a natural growl, not unlike the mother dog. Try to avoid using the word "No" because the dog may think you are howling:) Do not look at, touch or talk to your dog until the object of his attention has left. Step off of the leash and then proceed with your walk.

Too many women reprimand or talk to their dog while the dog is acting unruly. The dog misinterprets the woman's attention and verbal actions as a form of participation. You are actually barking with your dog!

Part 3: It's Your Dog Too!  How women become the sole caretaker of the family dog

 Women were designed by nature to give birth and therefore are natural caretakers and providers.

What possible harm can come from allowing a woman to provide most, if not all, of the dog’s needs?

“Regardless of the species, when parenting, one must be very careful not to cross the line from caretaker to servant. Dogs everywhere are beginning to let us know through their misbehavior that far too many of us humans are acting like attendants rather than masters.” – Jodi Andersen, The Latchkey Dog, HarperCollins Publishers, 2002, ISBN: 0062736663

Many men consider the family dog a house item and therefore assume all dog care duties would be under a woman’s jurisdiction. Ever notice the disproportionate number of women who are more likely than men to bring a dog to a veterinarian, groomer, day-care or kennel appointment?

“On average, women perform two to three times as much housework as do men … In general, women have felt obligated to perform housework, and men have assumed that domestic work is primarily the responsibility of mothers, wives, daughters and low-paid female housekeepers.” – Scott Coltraine, Professor of Sociology, University of California, Riverside, California

          Some men are reluctant to assist in the care of the dog because they fear it might be misconstrued by their mates as interfering, critical or a negative comment on her nurturing ability.                                                        

“When a women innocently offers her husband a suggestion for doing something differently, or gives him information she feels will be helpful, or asks for something she wants more of, he doesn’t hear what she actually says. He hears “You’re bad. You’re wrong. You made a mistake. You aren’t good enough.” – Barbara De Angelis Ph.D. Secrets about Men Every Woman Should Know, Dell Publishing, 1990, ISBN: 0-440-20841-6

Part 2 :  It's Your Dog Too!..how women are often delegated to the role of family dog provider

We often use phrases such as the family dog or family pet, but these terms do not point to the all-too-frequent reality: The family gains the benefits of the work accomplished by the principle caretaker who is typically a woman. 

Since 1995, women have represented approximately 95% of my client base. The majority of call-ins I receive during a radio or television presentation are predominately from women. Why do these programs which help listeners to better understand canine behavior appeal primarily to women. The answer is obvious - in many homes across America; men are relinquishing their canine ownership responsibilities to women.

The following erroneous assumptions men make regarding women are often used to justify their perspection regarding the female sex. Women can no longer allow men the luxury for sustaining the following misguided beliefs.

(See you tomorrow)

Beginning June 1, 2012 I am going to be presenting excerpts from my first book: At the End Of Her Leash: What Women Need to Know about the Human-Canine Bond.  


This book was never published, but it should have been. Instead, I caved-in to critics who recommended that the book be written for both men and women to increase its likelihood of being sold.


I caved in then, but never again. I have worked almost exclusively with women who own dogs for almost two decades. I feel women have been disenfranchised by many within the canine training profession and I mean to put a stop to that, for I have a great deal of respect for women and count them not only as family but friends.


Thank you for joining my blog and get ready to have your beliefs regarding canine behavior and training altered ...as Betty Davis said " It's going to be a long, bumpy night." ..at least I hope that is what she said...






  

Mimicking Mother Dog's House-training Methods: A Special Message for Women: Part 2

The mother dog literally ingests a puppy's eliminations and the enzymes in her mouth sanitize surfaces she has licked keeping both puppy and den area relatively free of harmful bacteria. A less distasteful approach, but one that still utilizes the mother dog's method; is to clean areas in the house (where the puppy has had an accident) with enzymatic soap. These bacterial agents literally consume the puppy’s elimination odors and may reduce or remove a puppy’s propensity to re-mark a previously soiled areas.
Another method I have employed with great success to prevent a puppy from marking or remarking a valuable rug, for example, is to use Right Guard original scent men's underarm deodorant or corn-starch baby power. Spray the underside of a rug with the Right Guard or dust the top of the rug with baby powder corn starch (lavender scented works best). The puppy will undoubtedly re-investigate the area of it's last social faux pax, breath in the scent and realize too late that the odor makes him sneeze.   It's harmless. (You can also dust or spray the insides of shoes with these products to prevent a puppy from chewing on them or do the same by applying either product to a child's pant cuffs to stop a puppy from jumping-up on a child or pulling/nipping behaviors.)
Not unlike the mother dog, women are often delegated to the task of house-training a dog. We often use phrases such as the family dog or the family pet but these terms do not point to the all too frequent reality - the family gains the benefits of the work accomplished by the principle caretaker who is typically a woman. 
Time restraints, household duties, childcare, employment concerns, and hectic schedules, among other concerns, have placed many women in a constant crisis mode. Never in human history is so much being expected of them. In many homes across America even relatively simple tasks such as feeding the dog or taking it out for a walk are often contingent on a woman's schedule and availability. 

          A spouse or partner; as well as other family members should be recruited to assist during the house-training program. Do not assume they understand what will be needed to accomplish the task. Rather than becoming angry or disappointed with their lack of enthusiasm or support during the house-training process - then delegate:)        

          Contact a veterinarian if the puppy continues to eliminate in the house despite your best efforts. After removing organic reasons for the puppy’s behavior, then hire a canine trainer (get references) to assist in the house-training process or investigate  information available in, “Puppies for Dummies,” Sarah Hodgson, Wiley Publishing, Inc., Hoboken, N.Y. 2006.


Roger Alan Bernard, a canine behaviorist and frequent guest on national and international radio shows and television programs throughout the Southeast, works exclusively with Women Who Own Dogs....and the men who love them. He can be reached at: www.savvycaninetraining.com  or http://womenwhoowndogs/blogspot.com

          

Mimicking Mother Dog’s House Training Methods: Part 1

Mimicking Mother Dog’s House Training Methods: Part 1

 

            Do not stare at or talk to a puppy while it is eliminating. The mother dog avoids staring at the puppy during this time because she does not want to indicate danger, displeasure or concern and remains detracted or aloof. Too many women become overly excited and praise their puppy for pooping outside. The puppy either becomes concerned, “Did I do something wrong?” or distracted and ceases to eliminate. Either way, the house-training instruction has been disrupted and will ultimately delay the learning process.

            The mother dog’s verbal directives during house training sessions are kept to a minimum. She needs to keep her senses attuned to possible danger in the environment. It would be alien to her to verbally praise the puppy for performing a natural function. The mother dog resorts to verbal directives only if she becomes concerned or aware of danger. Her silence and detachment however provide the puppy with a peaceful and safe moment to eliminate.

            Mother dog does not give her puppy a treat for performing a natural function because she instinctively knows most puppies are food motivated and likely to be distracted by the treat and not complete the task. A smart puppy, owned by a human knows it will receive a treat for eliminating. The treat becomes the stimulus and their sole motivation. Eliminating equals receiving a reward. The puppy may be savvy enough to know that by eliminating just a little, a treat will be in the offering. The owner, however, assumes the puppy has completed its business, gives the treat for a job well done and immediately brings the puppy back into their home.                                                          

            Unfortunately, within a few minutes after their arrival the puppy makes a deposit on the Oriental rug. This time no treat will be offered and what becomes even more baffling to the puppy is why its trusted and loving owner has suddenly become so angry. “I pooped again, what’s the problem?”

·         Provide a puppy ample time to eliminate outside. Don’t rush the process.     

Female puppies will often urinate twice during a 10-minute outing and most male puppies have to investigate and play before getting down to business. Therefore, refrain whenever possible from allowing toddlers to participate in the outside house-training session because their exuberant cries and yelling might distress the puppy or compel it to participate in the children’s antics rather than concentrate on the task at hand. Keep the environment peaceful and quiet.

Do not immediately clean the area where the puppy has eliminated. Women typically stoop or bend down to clean the soiled area. A puppy can misconstrue these actions as an invitation to play or a sign of submission. It is not uncommon for dominant dogs to attempt to mount or body-slam a woman when she is on her knees cleaning.

          Remove the waste after the puppy has been safely returned to the home or carry colored Popsicle sticks in your pocket. Drop them near the puppy deposit. Perform this action when the puppy is distracted. The stick will indicate to the neighbors your intention to return and clean the area later and it will also make it easier to find the location. Continue to employ this procedure until the puppy is fully house trained and after you have established some degree of authority over the dog.

Never place a puppy’s nose in its own excrement. This house-training technique is never employed by the mother dog. You wouldn’t place a child’s face in a soiled diaper to teach the infant a lesson, so don’t do it to a puppy! This tactic is not only a form of animal abuse; it can make a puppy fearful of its owner.

Inherent Problems with the Group Training Method

            Every dog is unique. No two dogs share exactly the same genetic makeup or encounter the same experiences despite the fact they may have come from the same litter and cohabit in the same home. This phenomenon is also observable in families with two or more children. Sometimes the differences between siblings (appearance, character, personality, temperament) are nothing short of astounding. Despite the fact that each child might receive the same educational benefits, each will require a different approach or seek other ways for grasping knowledge.

            Every client is also unique. No two individuals will have the same life experience and undoubtedly will have different canine obedience training objectives, expectations and needs. A professional trainer must take into consideration their client’s age, sex, physical and mental health, home environment as well as goals and expectation. Furthermore, the dog’s age, sex, physical and mental health, home environment and ability to follow basic obedience directions must also be ascertained

before beginning an obedience training program. There is little hope of success in attempting to train any dog with a physical or mental limitation.

            Consider the following questions and the number of factors that might confront a trainer in a class consisting of only three participants. Most group training sessions consist of 8 or more participants and their dogs.

Question 1: Are the participants all the same age?

            If not, their generational proclivities and needs will have to be addressed.  It is unlikely that an 80-year-old person will need the same training directive as a 23-year-old.

3 people x 3 different age brackets = 9 different factors

Question 2: Are the dogs all the same age?

            There can be a considerable difference in behavioral patterns between a 6 and 12-month-old dog. An older dog (more than 1 year old) may be intolerant of more rambunctious puppies or adolescence dogs participating in the class.

3 dogs x 3 different age brackets = 9 factors

Question 3: Are the human participants all the same sex?

Women and men typically have different needs, expectations and objectives. Because there are only two sexes the equation will be presented the same for both humans and dogs.

                                                                    

2 individuals x 2 sexes = 4 factors  /  2 dogs x 2 sexes = 4 factors

            Each person (3) and dog (3) has a different personality, (3 x 3 = 9)

            Each person and dog has a different temperament, (3 x 3 = 9)

            To conduct a class of only 3 people and three dogs, the trainer will have to be cognizant of approximately 44 different factors (9+9+4+4+9+9= 44). Most group sessions consist of 8 or more participants. In a class of 9 individuals and 9 dogs that becomes 132 different factors (Each group of 3 dogs and 3 owners: Group 1 + 2 + 3 (44 + 44+ 44 = 132)! Despite the fact that veterinarian’s, canine authors and television canine training celebrities continue to tout the benefits of group training, I see little evidence for its continued support.

            If you must participate in a group training program at least ask the trainer if they might consider offering age-appropriate programs for both humans and dogs. For example, a senior citizen group with puppies ranging in age from 3 to 5 months or an adult group that owns adult dogs. Mature dogs tend to have little toleration toward rambunctious or out-of-control puppies.

            If you decide to forgo the group training and decide to purchase an obedience training manual, at least try and find one that is breed and age appropriate, e.g., “What Every St. Bernard Puppy Should Know” or “Health and Training Concerns for the Older Dog.”                                                       

            Whenever possible enroll in a private obedience training course. The trainer will be able to determine your needs and the dog’s ability to follow direction. They can then design a special non-confrontational training program contoured to your dog’s ability.

            How much is such a service worth? Let’s consider a canine obedience course as an insurance policy. If the policy cost $5 per month x 12 months = $60 x 10 years (average life span of a dog) = $600. Most trainers offer their services for considerably less, $250 - $500. Always check the trainer’s references and do not be swayed into believing that a more costly program is necessarily a better one. 

            Be sure the sales representative for the service is also the trainer. The sales representative might be a polished professional but his work associates may not have the same standards. Many national obedience training companies may use a number of different trainers for each course, which not only breaks the continuity of the sessions but means the dog will have to adjust to a new trainer’s approach and personality. Such disruptions arguably may cause a dog to act up during class, become confused by a different training approach and undoubtedly suffer a learning setback. 

             

One Size Fits All?

A training approach for one dog may be entirely inappropriate for another. Female dogs tend to be more passive or reserved because they are the caretakers in the canine world and therefore more likely to respond negatively to harsh tones, questionable training devices or heavy-handed training methods. Male dogs, who typically don't mate for life, nor care for their brood, may have difficulty discerning what a pleasant and soft-spoken female owner is trying to say.

Like you, dogs are individuals and have their own unique temperaments, personalities, physical and mental abilities. When you enroll your dog into a canine training obedience class you rightfully have certain expectations, objectives and concerns regarding how that's to be accomplished, but men and women think differently and therefore will seldom agree. One-on-one training is perhaps the only sensible approach to take when selecting a training method for you and your canine companion..

Be pet smart...train your dog in the real world, not in a building.  Support dog trainers who conduct a one-on-one training curriculum. Perhaps together we might cease the practice of training dogs in groups or the-one-size-fits-all approach (which is insulting to the consumer). Support the private class training method and learn how to create a unique and positive human-canine bond that meets your unique needs and will last a life-time.

 

A Terrible Trend

Before continuing with my previous blog I wanted to interject some information that I believe is pertinent to both men and women who own dogs. I terrible trend is occurring in the dog industry and I will no longer remain silent about my concerns. I will try to avoid "preaching" but doesn't it strike you as odd that so many canine businesses: e.g. veterinarians, kennels, groomers, and doggie day care centers are now offering dog training classes?

This concept would have been laughed at by savvy dog owners just 30-years ago. Why? Because even 30-years ago the American consumer was still somewhat in touch with their dog and nature and dubious about businesses attempting to multitask or offer services outside of their expertise. Corporate greed has contributed to the decline of the skilled worker, the artisan, and the craftsman.  Quality dog trainers, like my mentor Peg Benson, a Shuzthund certified trainer, who retired after being in the business for more than 40-years, are unfortunately also becoming a "thing of the past."  A business card = you can become a dog trainer. No questions asked. No requirements needed,

American ignorance fuels the engine for incompetent dog trainers and provides them with the platform they need to continue to "push their wares" to an unsuspecting and perhaps apathetic consumer. The increased use of prong collars (banned in many European countries), e-collars, and  the ubiquitous group training classes (the one-size-fits-all approach) being offered today bears testament to the decline of a once respected profession.

How else can we explain why so many dog owners today will enroll their treasured pet into less-than-stellar dog training services being offered at some veterinary clinic, groomer, kennel or day care center, but fail to ask, "How can I expect my dog to act predictably in the real world when these classes are taking place in a building?" It defies logic.

How many of these dog trainers are cognizant to the fact that men and women acquire, interact and then train their dogs with different objectives and expectations?  Are you aware that men tend to experience fewer behavioral problems with dogs than do women? Think the dog can't discern the unique psychological and physical differences between a man and a woman? Think again.  Are any of these dog trainers who conduct group training sessions at your local veterinary clinic, kennel, groomer or doggie day care center addressing these concerns. Think again:)

It's your money ... its your dog.

A Dog in Wolf’s Clothing? Part 2

Part 2: Dog in Wolf’s Clothing

What if your belief system regarding how a dog thinks and acts were incorrect? If dogs are like computers, Junk in = Junk out, it is little wonder why so many women are experiencing problems with their dogs.

For example, women tend to dread the puppy stage, especially the house-training phase and with good reason. Most of them are left with the task for housetraining the family pet. I will address this issue in future blogs. For now, if you follow the advice of most trainers, your puppy may take several weeks longer (if ever) to become reliable and trustworthy in your home. Using treats to house trained a puppy can be counterintuitive and cause it to have more accidents. Are you aware that staring at a puppy while it is eliminating outdoors may be misinterpreted by your pet as a threat? 

How many times have we heard an owner lament, “My dog flunked obedience class at Petdumb.” Worse still, “My dog and I were asked to leave before the course ended!”  Ladies:  It’s not your fault. It’s not the dog's fault. You have been working with the wrong information.

As preschoolers, most of us were introduced to the “Dick and Jane” series to help facilitate our reading ability. Dick and Jane run and jump and play with their dog, Spot. We delight in the fact that the dog is having a wonderful time with its human playmates. Unfortunately, for the remaining 12 or more years of our education, few of us receive any further information regarding dogs.

For centuries, some historians have perpetuated the idea that a cave man one day found a cute wolf puppy and brought it home as a companion for his mate and

children.  Survival was a daily struggle, it is pure conjecture and highly unlikely that the wolf puppy would have been regarded as anything less than a source of food and clothing. Wolves are also wild animals, not amenable to human contact or being confined and would require too much attention. If you were stranded in the Yukon and 1000 miles from civilization with limited shelter or food resources, would you go out and adopt a wolf puppy?

Research facilities focusing on wolf studies continue to report incidents of caretakers being challenged or attacked by a wolf that the attendant cared for since it was a pup. This is more likely to occur during the wolf's mating season or when vying for food or attention. A dog owner should never encourage or forcibly teach her dog to display wolf-like behavior.

Although wolves are capable of developing a lasting though perhaps unpredictable bond with humans and perform rudimentary tasks, they cannot pass this trait to their offspring. Wolf puppies, not unlike tiger kittens or bear cubs, are wild animals. They will not adopt their parents' passive behavior around humans unless imprinted at an early age or trained to do so. Many circus trainers and zoo animal handlers are mauled and killed every year by their unpredictable, wild charges. Even domesticated dogs that are one-quarter or more wolf stock must be considered potentially dangerous, because unlike their wild wolf, the hybrid has lost its fear of man.

Archeological research of primitive cave drawings provides no conclusive evidence that wolves ever mingled with humans. Sandia Cave in Las Huertas Canyon, New Mexico, one of the oldest sites to contain both human and wolf bones, cannot confirm that cave dwellers and wolves lived together. It would take another 100,000 years and the inception of agriculture and village life before the human-canine bond could develop.         

If the current theory that dogs are domesticated wolves continues to go unchallenged, dogs will continue to suffer the consequences. How many dogs have been abandoned, relinquished to animal shelters or euthanized by their owners because the dog couldn’t comprehend obedience instructions or behavioral modification directives based on wolf behavior? Your dog has no concept of pack order and is even less inclined to comprehend or obey the whims of that mythical creature, the alpha dog. No other domesticated animal (cat, pig) is compared with or expected to display similar behavioral traits as its wild (lion, boar) counterparts. What brought us to the belief that dogs are somehow domesticated wolves? 

Dr. Kohler, an internationally recognized and respected canine trainer and behaviorist during the late 1940s, developed a theory that dogs shared many behavioral commonalities with wolves. Although Dr. Kohler is to be praised for the significant contributions he made to the field of cynology (the study of dogs), he appears to have overlooked two important details: Dogs are not wolves. Dogs are not pack animals.