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.