At Willow River Dog Training we always say consistency is key and that successful dog training involves the whole family. Despite hectic schedules including having a toddler, our new clients wanted to make sure they implemented training to make sure they set up their new puppy for success. Congratulations to them for a great job so far and we are looking forward to how this pack evolves in future sessions!
Meeting your dogs needs is much more than doggy daycare or leash walks. Allowing them to explore with a friend or 7 with a confident pack leader can meet their needs in so many ways. Teaching them how to read and communicate body language can be so beneficial to them. Traveling as a pack with their own species while exploring all the elements of nature is so fulfilling for them.
Training dogs involves more than just basic obedience, it should be a fun and bonding experience. Incorporating play, bonding, and obedience is crucial for effective communication with your dog.
I often receive requests for training packages, but I don't offer them. Let me tell you why, it's because dogs and their owners are truly one-of-a-kind, and every team has their own set of goals and learning styles. There's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to training. I’ll share an incredible example that perfectly illustrates this point - Goose and his owners. Goose's owner reached out to me because they were feeling defeated by Goose's reactive behavior on the leash, the constant pulling, barking, lunging at dogs and and chasing cars along with other things. Walking Goose was not a relaxing experience for Paul and Jessica. But, I was absolutely blown away by how Goose and his owners embraced my approach to their daily training. They worked as a team and made remarkable progress in no time! Goose and his owners did an outstanding job. In just a few lessons, I received this amazing update.
“We took Goose on the rail to trail this morning and passed several leashed dogs and dogs rushing their fences to growl at him. He never made a noise back and rarely crossed over Paul’s body. We are feeling very thankful for you and proud of him this morning.“
I take pleasure in sharing unedited videos as they play a significant role in the education and development of both canines and humans. Today, accompanied by my one-year-old Doberman named Wolfgang and a three-year-old female mixed breed named Eliza, we ventured off the conventional path and stumbled upon a picturesque flowing river, which proved to be a thrilling discovery for all of us. During our outing, Eliza expressed her need for a short break from Wolfgang, as he sometimes disregarded her boundaries. As a seasoned trainer, I possessed the knowledge and intuition to determine when and if my intervention was necessary. Allow me to elaborate on the situation and clarify Wolfie's excessively dramatic reaction to Eliza's initial correction, despite his subsequent lack of attention. In order to support her, I firmly commanded "leave it" after he persistently ignored several of her signals indicating the need for a pause. So, if you have ever questioned when and if you should intervene, it is crucial to let dogs communicate with each other, but if multiple attempts have been disregarded, your skill as a pack leader should take precedence over play and prey drive when consistently taught. It is important to allow all dogs to communicate with each other initially. Intervention is warranted when those signals have been ignored.
Kerry Blue Terriers are proud, sensitive, have a tendency toward moodiness, and have a strong sense of justice. Taken together, this means the Kerry Blue doesn't meekly accept teasing, unfairness, or rough handling. That kind of sensitivity means that when you're training him, you can't push him too far. And yet, if you don't demonstrate firm, consistent leadership, a Kerry Blue Terrier will walk over you. Erin is not only a KBT breeder, she is a professional groomer and runs her own shop. As a professional trainer, I realize that even dog professionals will need guidance with training, even with their own breed. Left leg awareness and eye contact is my first step in teaching loose leash walking. Dogs are non-verbal and speak through body language, here is our first lesson outside of the show ring.
Dogs use body language to communicate with both humans and other dogs. When a dog refuses to go into a down position in front of other dogs but will do it at home, there are a few different possibilities:
1. Social hierarchies: Dogs have a social structure, and in the presence of other dogs, there can be a dynamic of dominance and submission. Some dogs may feel uncomfortable or submissive when in the presence of more assertive dogs, making them hesitant to assume a lower position like the down.
2. Anxiety or fear: Being in unfamiliar or challenging environments can trigger anxiety or fear in dogs. In the presence of other dogs, a dog might feel on edge or threatened, which can cause them to resist certain behaviors such as going down.
3. Insecurity: Some dogs may be less confident or more insecure in social situations. They may have had past negative experiences with other dogs or feel uncertain about their standing within the group. In these cases, they may prefer not to display submissive behaviors.
It's important to understand that each dog is an individual with its own personality and past experiences, so their reactions can vary. After developing a relationship with Rocky (a reactive dog) and working with him and his leaders to develop confidence on both ends of the leash and always advocating for him, we were able to get Rocky into a relaxed down not only in front of Wolfgang but also in a public environment with lots of distractions! Go Rocky!
