Bernie demonstrates a safe greeting
We are obsessed with Bernie and celebrating another 180 degree difference in greeting behaviors. In the past, Bernie had made some pretty iffy choices during greetings, due to fear and being inappropriately pressured by guests.
We'll say it time and time again that what the human does during the greeting is just as important as what the dog does. Not only do we teach the dog behavior patterns and routines during greetings, we also teach guardians how to advocate for their dogs during inappropriate greetings and what to watch out for.
We practice these methods together, then with trusted people in his social circle, and then with unfamiliar people. We are slowly building a proper greeting method that works for Bernie. This helps him establish emotional resiliency so that if a human makes a mistake in the future, he has the skills needed to make space on his own.
Bernie is now very good at saying a brief "hello" and then retreating away. Go Bernie go!
Our Behavior Basics digital course explains the processes we used here:
🐾Conditioning safe spaces for greetings
🐾Self-regulation skills
🐾Proper gear & leash safety
🐾Treat & retreat
🐾Scatter feeds
🐾Consent to pet
🐾And so many other concepts and topics!
https://www.mindfulmethodstraining.com/digital-courses
We are so proud of all the progress our clients have made this year. You've risen to the challenge and done the damn thing! Thanks for including us in your dog training journey!
MMCC offers private, in-home dog training in the Chicago suburbs or virtually for anyone, anywhere in the world ❤️
Don't forget to let your friends and family know that we can help. Support small business this holiday season!
Our digital courses are currently on sale 50% off till the end of the month. No code necessary. Discounts are automatically applied at checkout on our dog behavior courses.
Here's what to do:
👍 Follow us
📢 Comment LEARN below, and we'll send you a link!
➡️ Share the post with a friend who needs help
🔗 Visit the link below to view our courses
📖 Save/bookmark this post for later
https://www.mindfulmethodstraining.com/digital-courses
#mindfulmethodstraining #dogtraining #dogtrainer #dogtrainingtips #forcefree #fearfree #chicago #Chicagoland #dog #dogs #dogbehavior #sale #smallbusiness #spotifywrapped #positivereinforcementtraining #dogaggression #help
Physical health is behavioral health! For CeCe, when she is experiencing heightened pain with her arthritis, she flinches when I touch her and has a higher likelihood of being grumpy when laying down, which looks like area guarding but is really motivated by discomfort and nervousness of being stepped on by other dogs. For many dogs, pain and discomfort can cause them to appear aggressive or fearful.
When CeCe seems painful, we use the Assisi Loop from Assisi Animal Health. It uses Targeted Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (tPEMF) therapy and delivers electromagnetic waves precisely tuned to stimulate an animal’s natural anti-inflammatory recovery process. Along with NSAIDs and nerve pain meds, this keeps her discomfort in check and helps her behaviorally. Here she is enjoying a session. :)
This is NOT a paid advertisement. We just really like this device ❤️
CeCe is available for adoption thru Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus
#mindfulmethodstraining #dog #dogs #dogtraining #dogbehavior #fearfree #forcefree #positivereinforcementtraining #Chicagoland #bullterrier #bullterriersofinstagram #ildoberescue #adoptme #fosterdog
CeCe is a resource guarder, so getting a safe space on cue was essential for her. Here's how:
Step 1: each time you put your dog in the designated space, say "crate" or whatever word you prefer, and toss treats in at the same time.
Step 2: feed every single meal in the space, and while delivering the food, use the same cue.
Step 3: give every single enrichment item/chew inside the space. While delivering the item, use the same cue.
Step 4: Practice all for about a week or until it's clear your dog understands the routine (ie: heads toward the space without being cued). Keep using the magic cue as they cross the threshold and giving treats.
Step 5: begin testing your cue sooner. If you normally cue right in front of the crate, begin cuing a few feet away, then 5, 10, 20 feet, etc. With each new distance, you may need to stay there for several days before adding more distance.
If your dog associates this area with safety and abundant positivity, they will begin preferring to take their items to this area. CeCe doesn't even need the door closed anymore as she will stay inside until she's finished with her items now. 😄 this avoids potential fights over high value chews, like these bully sticks.
CeCe is available for adoption thru Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus.
#mindfulmethodstraining #dogtraining #cratetraining #dogtrainer #dogtrainingtips #tipsandtricks #forcefree #fearfree #positivereinforcementdogtraining #dogs #bullterrier #muttsofinstagram #Chicagoland
Comment LEARN for a link! For the rest of this month, we're donating 50% of all sales from our digital courses back to Camp Cocker Rescue ❤️ This is a great cause that you can support, while learning at the same time.
We have 2 courses to choose from: our body language mini course is the gateway to interpreting what your dog is feeling and how to intervene. Our larger course, The Behavior Basics, is jam packed with 7 self-paced modules on topics including body language, enrichment, resource guarding, safety and training for kids & dogs, proper greeting protocols for your guests, and more! All of this for super affordable prices, delivered from multi-certified behavioral trainers. We use positive reinforcement-based training techniques with a focus in welfare and humane methods!
We hope to see you in class 😉
https://www.mindfulmethodstraining.com/digital-courses
#mindfulmethodstraining #dog #dogs #dogbehavior #dogtrainingtips #dogtrainer #dogtraining #positivereinforcement #behaviormodification #reactivity #dogaggression #dogbite #charity #fundraiser
Spread love today and always 💕 sounds like we could use it lately. ✌️
#mindfulmethodstraining #welcome #acceptance #lgbtq #women #dogs #dog #dogtrainer #ally #safe #dogtraining #mentalhealth
GO RALPHIE AND FRIENDS! 4 months ago, Ralphie could barely get outside to potty without losing his mind to every movement in the neighborhood. Through careful settling protocols and counter conditioning, Ralphie can relax in his yard now, even with a party across the street, and at night! WINNING!
#mindfulmethodstraining #reactivity #positivereinforcementdogtraining #dogtraining #chicago #Chicagoland #stcharlesil #aurorail #dogs
2 years ago, CeCe would have had a 75% chance of guarding the couch every single time a dog jumped on or off of it. These days I'd put it around 1% and that depends on how deeply she is sleeping and her pain levels that day. One thing I do for her now is lay my hand near her shoulders to make her aware first (and get ready to manage her if needed), and then offer tactile reinforcement with petting, praise, and her name once my dogs get on the couch. I also do this with my cats who like to share my lap. We've been incident free for a long time. ❤️ sometimes success looks like identifying triggers and implementing easy, reliable routines and offering reassurance. Behavior mod is not always about fixing, but rather greatly improving outcomes and setting up the environment/interactions appropriately. CeCe is available for adoption with Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus.
Does your dog guard? What are some easy ways you avoid conflict?
#mindfulmethodstraining #stcharlesIL #Chicagoland #dogtraining #dogtrainer #tipsandtricks #dogtrainingtips #resourceguarding #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementdogtraining #forcefree #fearfree #rescuedog #fosterdog
How to tell if a dog wants to be kissed! As humans, kissing is a way we show affection but that's not something most dogs appreciate. Putting your face into a dog's face can feel very confrontational to them. Recently I was laying with my grandmothers Chihuahua and she kept putting the side of her face really close to mine and sitting still. My grandma said "she's giving you her face, she wants kisses." So I made a kissing sound and sure enough, she pressed into my lips heavily and asked for more. You can see that interaction in the first clip. This is a dog that is consenting. In the second clip, I offer to the same to CeCe. She doesn't appreciate being kissed and licks her lips (stress signal) and turns her head. This means NO CONSENT. Pushing dogs to accept interactions like this can cause escalation into growling/biting. For most dogs, kissy lip noises become a predictable cue for this interaction and they can choose to opt in or out of it. Does your dog like being kissed? How can you tell? Tell us in the comments!
#mindfulmethodstraining #dogbehavior #kiss #dog #dogs #chihuahua #bullterrier #fosterdog #rescuedog #dogtraining #dogbite #dogbiteprevention
If you felt I displayed Dobermans yesterday in a negative or scary manner, this video is for you. Let's have a deeper discussion regarding philosophies on behavior and what dogs may be trying to tell us instead of labeling things as "bad". Understanding helps promote acceptance and reduce feelings of embarrassment for people with any type of dog that displays these behaviors.
Do you have a reactive dog that you've ever felt embarrassed of? Tell us in the comments what helped ease your stress and gain understanding.
#mindfulmethodstraining #dogbehavior #dogtraining #doberman #tips #dobermanpinscher #rescuedogs #dogaggression #dog #dogs.#dobelove #dobermansofinstagram #reactivity #aggression
Just a friendly PSA that not everyone lives where you live and the internet is a big place. Striving to understand cultural differences (especially in the US where there is a huge melting pot of culture) should be paramount, whether you're a rescuer, animal welfare worker, or just an average citizen. We assist people of all backgrounds here at MMCC, and we always try to understand there may be differences in upbringing for people.
#psa #culture #culturalheritage #mindfulmethodstraining #dogtraining #positivereinforcement #forcefree #dogs #dog #unitedstates
The moment of the truth when a dog leaves board and train. Did we proof the skill enough? Will it stick in a new environment? We proofed the HELL out of this one and it paid off in spades. Mindful Methods Companion Coaching offers force free training using positive reinforcement methods for private in-home training, day training, and board and train services in the Chicagoland area or virtual training anywhere.
#mindfulmethodstraining #cooperativecare #nailtrim #positivereinforcementdogtraining #forcefree #fearfree #dogtraining #tipsandtricks #lifehack #puppytraining #puppy #kingcharlescavalier #cavalierkingcharlesspaniel #spaniel #stcharlesIL #Chicagoland #dogtrainer #boardandtrain
