Sit Stay Succeed Dog Training

09/21/2024

It was an absolutely beautiful morning for our walk. We did about 2 miles and only came across one person, a runner, which proved to be a good spur of the moment training opportunity.

Don't be fooled by the size of the group - smaller groups of dogs can be less overwhelming to new participants, as well as less of a distraction than a large, loud group. You can use this opportunity to work on anything you would like before, during, or after the walk. Just let us know!

For newcomers we usually recommend doing a group down (or sit, whichever position your dog is most comfortable in) after the walk to allow your dog to rest and focus on you. In addition to the actual walk, this helps create a neutral dog around other dogs, as opposed to encouraging your dog to meet and greet every dog they see (which can create anxiety and reactivity over time due to frustration when they come across a dog that, for whatever reason, isn't a good prospect to engage with).

Would you like additional information? Just shoot us a message!

09/18/2024

Chewy is one pooped pup, but he sure knows how to nap in style! We always take breaks during our session to let your dog rest and reset. This helps them from becoming overwhelmed, overstimulated, or simply over-tired, all of which can prohibit progress.

While we are with you for 45-60 minutes, you are never expected to set aside an hour each day to train! That is a lot for any pup, of any age, which is why we take breaks. Instead, most goals require only a few short minutes of training, several times a day, to start. As your puppy matures you can make your sessions a bit longer. However, always be sure to make the sessions fun and try to stop while things are going well so your pup looks forward to working with you when you train the next time.

09/13/2024

As a friendly reminder, the socialization walk tomorrow is RESCHEDULED for the following Saturday. Please join us at 7:30am in Boydton at the To***co Heritage Trail trailhead. Registration is required in advance, including proof of UTD shots. Please contact us with any questions or to grab your spot! $15/dog + handler

Send a message to learn more

09/07/2024

My lovely clients and followers, I have another adoptable dog! Make that 2! These puppies are just 7 weeks old today, so it will be another couple weeks before they can go to their new homes. Lottie is the brown and white female. She is outgoing, curious, and confident. Her sister, Ember, is more reserved and working on her confidence, but is a complete snuggle bug. As they grow into their personalities the fosters (who just so happen to be my brother and family) will be able to share additional information. The puppies are located in Zebulon, NC. Please get your applications in as these munchkins will probably be very popular! Listed as "mixed breed" but they appear to have one or several of the bully breeds as part of their makeup.

As a training note, it is not recommended to adopt 2 puppies together as you will have to do twice the work, training and socializing each one separately. This allows you to develop a bond with each one rather than allowing them to significantly bond more with one another instead of you. Why does this matter? Because it is so incredibly important that the puppies learn to look to you for direction in any given scenario as opposed to completely ignoring you and instead seeking out each others comfort. If you want two dogs, I personally recommend adding a second dog once the first has turned at least 1 year, if not 2. Many rescues and reputable breeders will NOT allow 2 puppies to go to the same home for this reason. I am not sure what this particular rescue's policy is, but again, I strongly discourage it.

If you would like to pursue adoption, please fill out an application at the following link --> https://form.jotform.com/203054507158148

The rescue itself is Charley's K9 Rescue --> https://www.charleysk9rescue.com/adopt

Please share share share!

09/04/2024

Oso is a tad over 4 months old and is just the cutest pup ever! We are going over ALL things puppy and today we addressed polite greetings, jumping, mouthing, sit, and down as well as discussing how we set him up for inherent stays down the road.

Are you ready to get started with your own puppy? It's never too early. Let's chat!

09/03/2024

Some pup was getting comfy for a nap after our session! Learning can be tiring for dogs of any age and you will often find your pup snoozing after a training session. While your own training will only be a few minutes long at a time (for most goals) it's great to remember how effective working your pup's brain can be, both for learning and for tiring her out! Raining outside? Play games indoors and throw some training sessions into the mix! Other activities that can help your dog settle down on a rainy day include licking, chewing, and sniffing.

09/02/2024

This is such a good explanation of how puppies develop, what fear periods are, and how we can address them when they occur. It's worth a read!

🐾Understanding a puppy’s developmental stages is important to providing the right training, support, exposure, and socialisation at each phase. These stages have a profound effect on shaping a pup's long-term behaviour, especially when it comes to handling stress, fear, and new experiences. The key to having a ‘well-rounded’ adult dog is to recognise and understand the fear periods puppies go through, and how these can impact their overall development and emotional well-being.

Neonatal Period (0–2 Weeks)

During the neonatal stage, puppies are entirely dependent on their mother. Their eyes and ears are closed, and they spend most of their time sleeping and nursing. At this age, there’s very little environmental interaction or learning beyond the comfort and safety of their litter[1].

Transitional Period (+- 2–3 Weeks)

In this short but crucial phase, puppies start to develop their senses. Their eyes and ears open, and they begin to explore their immediate surroundings. This is when their motor skills develop, and they become more active. While fear isn’t yet a significant factor at this stage, early positive and gentle handling can set the groundwork for future interactions and socialisation[1].

Socialisation Period (+- 3 -16 Weeks)

The socialisation period is one of the most critical phases in a puppy’s life. During this time, they are highly receptive to forming social bonds and learning about their environment. Positive exposure to various people, animals, sounds, and experiences is extremely important to shaping a well-rounded adult dog. Socialisation during this period has a lasting impact on their behaviour, making it a key time for introducing puppies to the world in a controlled, and positive way[1].

Fear Periods in the Socialisation Stage:

Around the 8–12 week mark, puppies experience their first significant fear period. This is when they become particularly sensitive to new experiences and can easily form fear-based responses. During this window, it’s important to ensure that any exposure to new environments or stimuli is positive and non-threatening. Negative experiences at this stage can lead to long-term fear or aggression issues. This sensitivity is linked to the puppy’s rapidly developing nervous system, which makes them more reactive to stimuli[1].

Juvenile Period (+- 3–6 Months)

The juvenile period which is also known as the ‘terrible teens’ is influenced by increased independence. Puppies become more curious and eager to explore their surroundings. Their motor skills are more refined, and they start to solidify the behaviours and social cues they’ve been learning. However, they are still developing emotionally and mentally, so ongoing socialisation and positive reinforcement are incredibly important[2].

At this stage, some puppies may experience a second fear period, usually around the 4–6-month mark. This is typically a shorter phase but can still lead to heightened sensitivity and reactivity, particularly to unfamiliar people, animals, or environments. Like the earlier fear period, it’s important to carefully manage their experiences during this time to prevent the formation of long-term fear-based responses[2].

Adolescence (+- 6–18 Months)

Adolescence can be the most challenging stage for both puppies and their owners. As their bodies and minds continue to develop, many adolescent pup’s become more independent, test boundaries in the sense of figuring out what behaviours work or don’t and may even seem to “forget” cue’s you may have taught them. It’s so important to remember and understand that the environment plays a HUGE part in their behaviour.

During this period, various areas of the brain mature at different rates. This phase is associated with increased levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can influence a dog's emotional responses and sensitivity to stimuli. The amygdala, a region in the brain linked to processing emotions, becomes more reactive, contributing to heightened fear responses. Additionally, changes in neurotransmitter levels, particularly serotonin, impact mood regulation and influence how the dog perceives and copes with stressors. These neurochemical fluctuations shape the dog's behaviour and emotional responses during this critical developmental period [4].

The two last fear stages are around 6–13 months, and around 14-18 months, where adolescent pups might suddenly become cautious or reactive towards things they were previously comfortable with. This stage can coincide with hormonal changes, and careful environmental management is needed to set the dog up for success, not put them in a position where they may ‘fail’, and to reinforce positive experiences as well as avoid letting fearful responses become habitual. It’s a good time to revisit training, focus on building confidence, and continue appropriate exposure and socialisation.

🧠The Role of Fear Periods in the Fight-or-Flight Response

This is the most important thing to understand when it comes to fear periods!!!! Instincts are involuntary and are a natural part of puppy development, designed to help them become more aware of potential threats to defend and protect themselves. These periods are characterised by the fight-or-flight response, which is triggered by specific chemicals, mainly adrenaline and cortisol [3].

Adrenaline is responsible for the immediate fight-or-flight response, making animals more reactive and alert to perceived threats. Whether they choose to flee or defend themselves depends on their temperament, past experiences, and how they are managed during these fear periods.

Cortisol, the stress hormone, plays a key role in managing longer-term stress. Repeated exposure to stressful situations without proper appropriate management can result in chronic anxiety and reactivity in the dog[4].

💪How to Support Your Puppy Through Fear Periods??

Fear periods can be daunting for both puppies and their owners, but with the right support with a force-free positive reinforcement trainer, puppies can navigate these stages and become more confident and resilient with emotional maturity and time.
To end off my very long post here are a few tips to help manage fear periods…

Reward behaviours you like when you see your puppy doing them. This includes calm behaviour and DO NOT punish fearful responses, which could make the situation worse. Puppies do not misbehave the way humans interpret it! Their behaviours are usually natural responses to their environment, and what we might label as “misbehaviour” is often just a result of unmet needs, confusion, or stress.

Introduce new experiences gradually, ensuring that your puppy doesn’t become overwhelmed. Make new interactions positive and manageable.

Remember that fear periods are temporary. Remain calm, and don’t force your puppy into situations they find intimidating.
I hope this helps you understand fear periods and your puppy or adult dog better. Please reach out to your nearest force-free, science-based trainer in your area if you need help.💜

[1] Scott, J.P. and Fuller, J.L. (1965) Genetics and the Social Behavior of the Dog. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

[2] Serpell, J. (2017) ‘The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behavior, and Interactions with People’, in Serpell, J. (ed.) The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behavior and Interactions with People. 2nd edn. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 21-47.

[3] Overall, K.L. (2013) Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. St. Louis: Elsevier Health Sciences.

[4] Freedman, D.G., King, J.A. and Elliot, O. (1961) ‘Critical Period in the Social Development of Dogs’, Science, 133(3457), pp. 1016-1017.

09/01/2024

Happy Sunday! We are a week early from when we usually post this information but we have a scheduling conflict for this month's walk and wanted to give everyone enough notice for the rescheduled date. Instead of the 2nd Saturday, we will be meeting the 3RD Saturday, which is September 21st. 730am start time in Boydton. Please contact us if you are interested in joining!

08/30/2024

We have talked in the past about how important it is for owners to educate themselves about dog body language. We often hear "it came out of nowhere" when a bite occurs, but in reality, there were likely MANY subtle (and maybe not so subtle) signs that occurred prior to the bite. In cases where the bite DID seemingly come out of nowhere, the dog's body language was either ignored or their emotions and subsequent behaviors had been previously suppressed.

Today we are going to share some information about one fairly obvious way to tell how your dog is feeling - the tail wag. We are likely all familiar with the wiggle butt dance and helicopter or exaggerated tail wag (sometimes more to one side or the other) when your dog greets you upon returning home. However, in other cases, a tail wag doesn't always mean your dog is happy. A raised tail that is wagging in rapid short succession is NOT a wag of a happy dog but rather one of heightened emotion and possible aggression. A slow wag may proceed a fast one, or stand on its own, while your dog tries to figure out how they feel about a situation. They may escalate toward aggression, sometimes out of fear, or choose to retreat. If you see either of these two scenarios it is usually best to remove your dog from the situation if another dog is involved OR stop whatever it is that you are doing that your dog may be finding upsetting.

As with all body language, it is important to be aware of all aspects of your dog's behavior, in their totality. One behavior by itself may just be your dog's baseline, or "normal" behavior (such as a dog that frequently gives "side eye", also known as whale eye, even if the rest of their body says they are comfortable). By taking into account the rest of his or her body language you will better be able to read how they feel about a situation.

08/27/2024

Chewy, short for Chewbacca, is the absolute cutest cocker spaniel puppy! We are going to work on several things, including barking, politely walking out the front door, and refreshing a bit of obedience.

We are quickly closing in on September, so give us a ring/email/text to get on the books!

www.sitstaysucceed.com

08/26/2024

Happy National Dog Day! What makes sharing your life with your pup(s) so special?

08/24/2024

I see nothing wrong here 😅 Just a little Saturday fun. We can absolutely spoil our dogs and still ensure that they are well-behaved. You simply have to determine what is important to you, and create boundaries from there (if any need exist!).

Maybe you like to feed your pup some of your dinner but you don't want them to beg. Teach them a place cue and then release them and give the leftovers once you have finished! Do you like allowing your dog to snuggle next to you on the couch? Teach them to ask permission before climbing up with you. Does your dog like to shred and you want to support this innate behavior? Give them your Amazon boxes with the packing paper inside! Don't forget to hide some treats too!

How do you spoil your dog(s)?

08/22/2024

My silly phone camera focused on Axel's nose instead of his eyes, but you can still see 100% of all the cuteness he has to offer! This 6.5 month old pup has had a great start - he is also dog and people social, a snuggle pup, wants to please, and is eager to learn. Adolescence always mixes things up and can add some new challenges, but he is not quite to that point yet. We only have a couple things to work on for now but I see great things in this boy's future!

08/18/2024

Oh puppy hood, you either love it or you don't. Puppy Blues are a real thing, but don't worry, you aren't alone! Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious is not out of the ordinary, and you may even question whether or not you made a good decision by getting a new pup - however many people share in those very same feelings. Taking on a little life is absolutely stressful - you are responsible for that puppy's complete well-being and your life can change dramatically. But, there are a few things you can do to help you feel a bit better about your situation.

The emotions you are experiencing are not forever! Be kind to yourself and remember that puppies ARE a lot of work and training takes time. Try to create a schedule for both daily activities (including potty training) and obedience training. Take small steps so that your puppy will be less likely to feel overwhelmed and will be more likely to succeed. Remember that puppies explore the world with their mouths so you will likely see lots of nipping and mouthing, and, teething hurts! Set realistic expectations while your puppy matures - for example, teething lasts until about 6 months of age and most chewing beyond that is due to boredom. Make sure your puppy has a slew of appropriate toys and chews that you can redirect him to. Barking is a form of communication but it is important to ascertain what kind of barking your pup is engaging in. This way you will be able to successfully address it. Jumping and climbing on you are usually ignored, but remember that it won't be so cute when that puppy is 80lbs! Start teaching appropriate behaviors from day 1. And finally, don't forget to take time for yourself! Have a friend watch your pup for a few hours so you can get some "me" time in, or, once your puppy is fully vaccinated, take him out to meet your friends.

While life and training can feel daunting, you can always join support groups or reach out to a certified trainer - it is never too early to start teaching your pup.

08/16/2024

Dog friends! This handsome floof is being fostered by one of my former clients in Lynchburg. He is looking for a 5* home. It doesn't appear that he has had any formal training, and is, quote, "a bit of a wild child", but he is eager to learn and please! He has settled in with their small pack, so he is dog-friendly! About 50lbs or so, breed mix unknown. If you would like additional information or to adopt, please let me know and I will put you in touch with the foster! Feel free to share with your dog friends, too!

08/13/2024

Oh Lou, you are just the sweetest little pup! We are teaching *all* the things to lay a solid foundation for him.

It is never too early to start teaching your puppy! Our puppy sessions contain information on socialization, biting and teething, potty training, crate training, jumping, and how to communicate in a way that your pup understands. It also includes teaching impulse control, structured play, and all basic cues such as sit, down, come, heel, drop it, leave it, and even place/mat work, if desired. If your pup already knows and is doing well with some of the above topics, we can work on increasing difficulty and proofing those behaviors as he or she matures.

If you have a puppy and you are struggling, let's set up a consultation and get you back on track! It's much easier to instill good behavior from the get-go than to fix potential problems that have popped up over time.

Happy training!

08/08/2024

Socialization walk notice: While today and tomorrow calls for rain thanks to Debbie, Saturday is forecasted to be CLEAR, albeit humid. As we will be walking on a natural path, please plan to wear rain boots as it may be a bit muddy. Please contact us by end of work day tomorrow (friday) to let us know if you will be joining the group. Remember, if you have not yet come to one of our walks, proof of current rabies is required (as well as proof of full set of vaccs for puppies). See you Saturday!

08/06/2024

What are the 3 D's of dog training?

✔️Duration: the length of time your dog is expected to maintain the cue (previously known as "command")

✔️Distance: the distance your dog is away from you or the distraction, or, when counterconditioning, the trigger

✔️Distraction: anything that your dog may be distracted by in the environment

Why is it important to remember these? Because for your dog to learn, we need to set him up for success rather then failure. If we take a dog that has never recalled before, throw him into the woods with deer and rabbits, and then expect him to recall from a trail 50 yards away, that is a recipe for disaster. We have to work our way up to the difficult asks by putting our dogs in situations that slowly grow harder. Don't throw your dog into the deep end right off the bat!

So how do we do this?

We start easy, by maintaining a close distance, short duration, and no novel distractions. Then we choose ONE of the D's to change. It is incredibly important that you only modify one D at a time to ensure your dog has the best chance at succeeding. If we start changing too many D's too quickly your dog will not be able to do what you've asked. It is simply too hard. So, just pick one D and work within that constraint. Once your dog has nailed what you are asking under varying (and increasingly difficult) circumstances, then select a different D *and start over*. This is also so important. Take the original D that you chose and take it back to where you began, then slowly increase the difficulty of the second D. Once your dog has succeeded with the second D, go back to the beginning for the first two D's and then start working on the last D. Finally, when your dog can perform each D under varying circumstances by themselves, then you can start combining the D's to really solidify your dog's understanding and performance. By going slowly and carefully planning out your training sessions, you will help your dog progress while maintaining focus and confidence.

Happy training!

08/05/2024

It's time for our next walk on Saturday August 10th! This month we will be back at Occoneechee. The park requires a 6ft lead or shorter, and we require regular leads, not flexi-leads, for safety.

This monthly event is perfect for young dogs learning how to be neutral around other dogs as well as for nervous or less confident dogs to learn that they don't have to fear other dogs running up into their space. Of course, you can bring your dog-social dog to focus on responsiveness around dogs he or she isn't allowed to meet.

This is NOT a play group and dogs will not be allowed to greet one another.

Please contact us to secure your spot in advance (if you have not walked with us before, proof of rabies for adults and rabies+core vaccinations for puppies 16 weeks - 1 year required). If you are unsure if your dog would be a good fit, please send us an email with a little bit about his or her temperament and how s/he reacts around other dogs.

We will be meeting at 7:30am to beat the heat.

Hope to see you there!

[email protected]

08/03/2024

We LOVE when a dog growls! This is extremely clear communication that our dog is uncomfortable and wishes for an interaction to stop.

NEVER punish a dog for growling because you are effectively taking away his voice. Then, the next time your dog is in a similar situation he will feel like his message was not clear enough the last time and he may escalate to a bite. Of course, it may take numerous punishments (or simply ignoring the growl) before a dog may escalate, or, it may just take one. The thing is, we never know until it happens.

So, what do we do when our dog growls? Immediately stop what you are doing and back away. Then analyze the situation and determine the cause for your dog's discomfort. This gives you information for not only how to prevent it in the future (via management) but also how to properly address it, if training is suitable for the scenario. The other scenario is when pain or illness is a factor - this requires veterinary intervention. No amount of training will resolve the situation if your dog doesn't feel well.

No dog ever "bites out of nowhere". At some point in his life his communication methods were either missed or ignored. Remember, your dog isn't intentionally being "bad". He is simply reacting in a way that he feels will be "heard".

Have any questions? Let's chat!

07/31/2024

This may look like a funny cartoon, but many of these "petting techniques" may actually cause your dog anxiety.

Many dogs do not enjoy being hugged, however at times we do see a certain level of tolerance which may make it appear as though they are ok with it. Many times bites occur when someone is hugging or trying to hug their dog as that person misses their dog's body language indicating it's discomfort. The same can be said for invading your dog's space to kiss their nose, play with their ears or face, or poke their tongue during a yawn (which in itself may actually indicate your dog is already uncomfortable). We do see more tolerance with immediate family members or people that the dog is exposed to on a regular basis but this still shouldn't be a green light to approach them in these ways if you aren't confident he is ok with it.

Always be aware of your dog's emotional state when interacting with him. A good sign that your dog is enjoying your attention is to interact for 3-5 seconds and then back away. If your dog nuzzles you/pushes his snout into your arms, paws you, moves toward you, or shows any other indication that they want the attention to continue, then you can move back in to love on him.

07/29/2024

1 year old Molly is as sweet as pie!

We will be working on several things, including re-teaching recall. Have you ever called your dog to "come, come, come, come here, come here now, cooooome" to no avail? You have likely, unintentionally, poisoned the cue. This means that your dog has paired that word with something unpleasant and therefore the word has lost its true meaning and is now unreliable. What is "unpleasant" is defined by your dog, so what you as an owner may feel might be negative may not be the same to your dog. A few examples are calling your dog to come inside from the outdoors, calling your dog to take a bath or clip it's nails, or calling your dog away from one of its friends. We can absolutely fix this scenario! But we have to start from the beginning and ensure that we always pair recall with something amazing! Even better than what your dog just left behind.

And remember, repeating cues means that you are teaching your dog that the word has no meaning. Is your dog supposed to listen the first time or the fifth? This leaves you with a dog that is confused about your expectations for that cue word. Always set your dog up for success when teaching something new, or, re-teaching a behavior. That way your dog clearly understands what behavior they should offer, and that it should happen the first time they hear the cue.

07/26/2024

Attention: Is anyone missing a female, sweet, docile hound in the Shiney Rock Rd area? She showed up at an acquaintance's home. The dog did not have a collar on but the family that found her put one on. She is safe for now but they aren't in a position to foster or keep her. SPCA has already been contacted, and a message was left with SVBC.

In the meantime, is there anyone out there who could temporarily foster this girl while we wait and see if an owner turns up. Or, is anyone interested in adopting her if no owner comes forward? Please be aware that as of this posting no rescue is yet involved so fostering costs would be your responsibility.

She has been scanned for a microchip and Animal Control has been notified.

07/25/2024

The face of a puppy who is ready for a nap. Lucy is such a smart girl and loves to learn! She also passes out after each training session because mental stimulation is tiring! Don't be surprised if your own pup takes a nap post-training with us. An hour is a long time to try and focus and learn (which is why we take breaks and chat about all the things) and when it's time for you to train on your own it will only be a few minutes at a time (depending on your goals). Of course, you can always combine homework exercises together, but breaks are always encouraged.

Mental stimulation is so very important for dogs of all ages and training is a great way to occupy their minds on rainy days. Don't have any formal training to review? Teach tricks!

Are you ready to sign up your own pup for classes? Contact us today!

07/24/2024

We have talked much about behavior and that what is rewarded is what we will see more of. This goes for both intentional and unintentional reinforcement. Management will prevent unintentional reinforcement while we make a conscious effort to reward the behavior we like. But, how do we communicate to our dog that they are doing something good?

Markers!

You have probably heard of a clicker. This is a great tool to have because it makes a novel sound that stands out to your dog. After loading the clicker, you can use it to tell your dog he just did something you liked! With repetition your dog will understand that if he does more of "the thing" then he will get rewarded for it. And if he is rewarded for it, he will want to do it more often! The downside to a clicker is that you have to have it physically on you at all times. Not a problem if you like pockets as much as we do, but if you accidentally forget it then you don't have any way of communicating with your dog in the moment.

Or do you?

Enter - a marker word. This is a word, such as "yes!" that plays exactly the same role as a clicker. The benefit is that you always have your voice on you and can mark any behavior, at any time, when it occurs. You must load the word you opt to use, just as with the clicker, but it is a fantastic way to quickly tell your dog they did a great job.

Timing is crucial for both clickers and marker words. If you find that your dog doesn't seem to understand you, one of the things you should do is ask yourself whether you are actually quick enough to mark the behavior or if you are lagging a bit and missing it. There are many other factors that can affect a dog's understanding (or lack thereof) of a behavior, but that is for another post (or take a scroll back through our previous posts to see the information we have shared in the past).

Be mindful that using a marker of either type is also a promise of reinforcement to your dog. If we mark a behavior but do not follow up with something the dog really likes (a treat, a game of tug, some belly rubs) then your dog will be less likely to do that thing in the future AND the marker will start to lose its relevance. Because, why would your pup do something (even if it's something us humans prefer) if he isn't getting paid for his efforts?

Have a question about markers? Leave a comment below!