Legends Dog Training

12/12/2023

CUT THE LABELS, WILL YA?

We've come a long way since first considering the "unlabel me" concept and developing a new habit of describing observable behavior and conditions unambiguously. When the description of a "stubborn" parrot was revised to "remains on perch when I offer my hand" and an aggressive dog was further described as "growls when I reach for the food bowl" our ability to solve behavior problem situations really soared. Cheers to a new year of great work ahead and a new "unlabel me" meme. Download this and all BW art for free here: https://www.behaviorworks.org/htm/downloads_art.html
Happy holidays!

12/07/2023

Hope you and your pups are in good spirits as we approach the holiday season! 🐾

I’m excited to invite you to an upcoming webinar on December 8th at 3pm PST/ 6pm EST, where we'll be addressing the common challenge of managing dogs that struggle with visitors during the holiday season. The webinar is titled "How to Prepare Your Dog for Holiday Visitors," and I have the privilege of speaking along with three other distinguished dog behavior experts: Tiff Shao, CPDT-KA; Dr. Clare Browne, PhD; and Dr. Valli Fraser-Celin PhD.

🌟 Webinar Details:
Title: How to Prepare Your Dog for Holiday Visitors
Date: December 8th
Time: 3:00 PM PST / 6:00 PM EST

🌟 Topics Include:

* Preparation. What to do (and not do) before guests arrive
* How to set the stage for calm introductions
*What to do if your dog isn't settling down with visitors
*How to read dog body language, knowing when to step in and help your dog out
*What to do with guests that don't comply with your requests to give space (like young kids or that relatives that think they have magical abilities with dogs)

🎁 Bonus:
Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions during a live Q&A session at the end of the webinar. Feel free to share questions in the comments below. We'll do our best to address them during the dedicated Q&A portion.

🎥 Can't Make It Live?
No worries! The webinar will be recorded, so you can still sign up and benefit from the valuable insights even if you're unable to attend the live event.

📌 How to Join:
These discussions are hosted by the Dog Rehoming Project, which uses scientific research to improve dog rehoming efforts in shelters and rescues. Tickets can be purchased as a donation of any amount, and support a great cause. Don't miss this chance to enhance your understanding of dog behavior and make this holiday more enjoyable for you and your dog.


Reserve your spot by clicking on this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-to-prepare-your-dog-for-holiday-visitors-tickets-767816960197

Learn how to prepare your dog for all of the holiday chaos to help ensure everybody is calm, safe, and stress free!

08/27/2023

Great poster from Canine Arthritis Management

03/31/2023

This was an overview of training for a Jindo that exhibited fearful and aggressive behaviors.

About this video: Lucky is a 3 y/o, male, Korean Jindo exhibiting chronic fear and anxiety. As a by product Lucky was also becoming aggressive with his famil...

03/29/2023

New topic! On April 5th we will be discussing Fearful Behavior in Dogs.

We'll talk about how to build calm, confident and curious behaviors in dogs that exhibit fearful, shy or timid behaviors. This includes hiding, running away, tucking tail or dogs that snap when they feel cornered or overwhelmed.

This discussion will also look at common mistakes when training a fearful dog, and what to do instead.

These discussions are hosted by the Dog Rehoming Project, which uses science to improve dog rehoming efforts in shelters and rescues. Tickets are purchased as a donation of any amount, and support a great cause.

Here's a link to reserve your spot:

In this talk, Alyssa Rose will discuss how to help build calm, confident, curious behavior with fearful dogs.

11/24/2022

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Grateful for all the amazing dogs and amazing people I've had the opportunity to know and train with over the past 12 years. I love what I do with all my heart.

Behavior modification is a healing process for our dogs, but there is also something deeply therapeutic about this process for people. It's a beautiful and rewarding path to walk with your dog, one that encourages people to be present and be compassionate. This group was made to inspire people to see their dog's behavior challenges as an unexpected opportunity to build a higher level of connection, communication and understanding.

Thank you for being here. 🙂

11/23/2022

Training Tips for Anxious or Reactive Dogs with Guests

If you have a dog that has a history of being anxious or reactive with visitors, here are a few signs that your dog could be overwhelmed and needs your guidance.

- lip licking

- ears drawn back

- stress / worry lines or furrowed brows

-moving away from an outstretched hand

- not accepting food

- hiding under tables or behind your legs

- Barking. When a dog barks excessively this is a sign that the dog is not coping well with the environment.

- Hyperactivity. Hyperactive dogs aren't always just "happy" sometimes excessive jumping is a sign that a dog is nervous!

- Not responding to known cues. What people typically label as "defiance" or a dog being "stubborn" ("he knows this! he's just being 'stubborn'") is usually a red flag that the environment is overwhelming.

If you see these signs, here are two things that will help:

Offer guidance. If you see these signs (especially if your dog has shown signs of fearful or aggressive behavior in the past) this is your cue to put your dog on harness and leash and offer guidance. Teach your dog to move away from triggers (including people, kids and loud events) and observe from a distance that helps your dog feel safe.

Be Your Dog's Voice. Advocate for your dog and ask people to be neutral and give your dog space. If there are people that are not able to be compliant (especially people that say things like "don't worry, all dogs love me" or young kids -- it's a good idea to bring your dog to a private, secure area with special high value chewies that will help them remain calm and content.

Go to my youtube channel for more insights into behavior modification for fear, anxiety, hyperactivity and aggression. Or learn more about structured and effective training classes that can help you work through behavior challenges by going here:
www.legendsdogtraining.com

www.youtube.com/legendsdogtraining

11/22/2022

Keep this in mind over the holidays!

Tis the season! Spoil them a little this holiday. Just make sure it’s not something that will make them sick. Responsible Spoilage is the mantra!