Yocum Dog Training

12/18/2024

Making Memories with Our Dogs: Unlocking a World Beyond Four Walls

As dog owners, we cherish the time we have with our furry companions. On average, we’re blessed with about 12 years of their unconditional love and loyalty. Yet, how often do we consider the quality of those years? Are we truly giving our dogs the experiences they crave, or are we inadvertently confining them within the four walls of our homes?

While a cozy home, a daily walk, and a secure backyard are important, they alone cannot foster the mental health and happiness our dogs deserve. Just like us, dogs thrive on new experiences, social interactions, and adventures in the great outdoors. They long to explore, meet new friends, and engage with the world around them.

When we isolate our dogs, we limit their opportunities for enrichment. Imagine living your entire life within the confines of your house—what a dull existence that would be! Dogs are naturally curious creatures, and they benefit immensely from exposure to different environments, scents, and, of course, fellow dogs. These interactions not only provide mental stimulation but also help them learn important social skills and build confidence.

Making memories with our dogs means getting out into the world together. Whether it’s visiting a dog-friendly park, attending a local event, or simply exploring new trails, these experiences create lasting bonds and enrich their lives. They deserve to see more than just the backyard—they want to feel the grass under their paws in new places, hear the sounds of the city, and meet other dogs to play with.

Let’s not forget that our time with them is finite. When the inevitable day comes that we must say goodbye, we don’t want to look back and regret not having shared more experiences together. Instead, let’s embrace every moment we have, creating a tapestry of memories filled with adventure, joy, and connection.

So, let’s commit to expanding our dogs’ worlds. Take them on spontaneous outings, let them meet new friends, and allow them to experience the beauty of the world around them. Our dogs deserve more than just a life confined to the four walls of our homes—they deserve a life filled with exploration, play, and love.

In the end, it’s not just about the years we get with them; it’s about the memories we create and the experiences we share. Let’s unlock the door to a bigger world for our dogs and make every moment count!

09/26/2024

Something has been heavy on my mind recently and we need to talk about it…
We’re facing an epidemic of anxiety in our dogs, and it’s time to address the root causes. For thousands of years, genetics have shaped our canine companions, and simply showering them with love isn’t enough to overcome those deep-seated instincts. We want nothing more than for our dogs to be happy and healthy in their new roles as pets, but we often don’t try hard enough to meet them in the middle to help them adapt. We live fast paced lives and our dogs are left in the dust behind us.

In the last century, society and the pet industry have shifted dramatically, often neglecting what dogs truly need. Many of us are led to believe that puzzles, a daily walk, and affection will suffice. But for high-drive breeds like Staffies, Aussies, and Huskies, this just doesn’t cut it. It’s not just high drive dogs that suffer but they are some of the most misunderstood.

These dogs were bred for adventure, to run and work tirelessly. They don’t find fulfillment within the confines of our homes or backyards. Many natural behaviors that we view as problematic are simply instincts trying to surface, and when we suppress them without providing alternative outlets, anxiety can set in. Anxiety is a chronic condition many dogs suffer from. Anxiety leads to behavior problems like destruction and excessive barking, it leads to increased sensitivity because their nervous system is always on, it leads to physical health problems including gastrointestinal problems, it leads to social withdrawal or depression, it leads to an inability to learn in training and impacts the relationship you have with your dog, and ultimately decreases their quality of life.

It’s crucial to recognize that our dogs need more than just basic care—they need opportunities for physical and mental engagement that align with their breed-specific traits. They need opportunities to express natural behaviors. Let’s commit to understanding and fulfilling their needs so we can help them thrive! Don’t know where to start? Send me a message.

08/23/2024

Let’s discuss a misconception that many dog owners face. Love. Is that all a dog needs? Maybe Love is not what you think it is in relation to the relationships we share with our dogs. Comment your thoughts about this topic. Here is my view.

Many dog owners mistakenly believe that affection alone signifies love, leading them to prioritize cuddles, treats, and praise over building a solid foundation of trust and respect. This misconception often results in trading meaningful trust for fleeting affection, which undermines the true nature of a loving relationship with our dogs. In reality, authentic love is rooted in trust, leadership, boundaries, and clarity. By focusing on these elements, we can establish a stronger, more balanced connection that fosters understanding and promotes our pets' well-being.

When we emphasize affection without trust, we risk creating a dependency instead of a genuine bond. Dogs flourish in environments where they feel secure and understood. A focus solely on affection can unintentionally encourage behaviors driven by the desire for immediate gratification , rather than cultivating mutual respect.

This approach can also confuse dogs, making it difficult for them to understand which behaviors earn affection, leading to anxiety and uncertainty. Trust, developed through consistent training, setting boundaries, and clarity, nurtures a deeper connection that goes beyond simple affection. It motivates dogs to engage with us actively and fosters a harmonious relationship grounded in respect and cooperation rather than transactional exchanges. Prioritizing trust is essential, as it sets the stage for a lasting and fulfilling bond with our canine companions.

08/09/2024

Changing a living being's behavior, especially in dog training, can be a challenging endeavor. Many people approach this task with the expectation that results will come quickly, forgetting that dogs, like us, have their own lives, needs, and established habits. Just as it’s hard to change our own behaviors or even influence those of a spouse, modifying a dog's behavior presents its own unique set of challenges.

The language barrier further complicates the process; dogs don’t understand our words in the same way we do. This means that effective communication relies heavily on consistent cues, body language, and tone. Achieving meaningful change in behavior requires not just skill, but also a great deal of patience, empathy, and understanding.

Training a dog is a journey that demands time and dedication. With consistency and a compassionate approach, we can foster a deeper connection with our canine companions and help them adapt to new behaviors more successfully. Remember, every small step counts in this rewarding process of collaboration and growth.

You also don’t have to face these challenges alone. It’s my greatest joy to help owners and their dogs through the process of changing behavior. If you find yourself overwhelmed when facing the task of trying to change your dogs behaviors send me a message and let’s unleash both of your potentials.

05/17/2024

Owning a dog should be seen as a big commitment and yet people give dog ownership less thought than they do getting married or having children. The idea that pets are for our pleasure, entertainment, and fulfillment is exactly why people feel they can throw away dogs that don’t fit their idea of how a dog should be in their home. If one doesn’t work out rehome or give up because it must be a lemon right? Only to have this happen over and over again. And guess what, it’s not because of the dog, it’s our current pet culture. I could go on for days about the pet industry but I’ll save that for later. For now I just want to highlight that owning a dog or any pet is not something to take lightly. We have to take responsibility for what we are doing to these animals and how we are contributing to the massive problems we are seeing today.

Did you know that millions of dogs are currently in shelters and rescues, struggling to find homes? It's time for us to step up and make a difference! By becoming responsible dog owners, we can help reduce the number of dogs being abandoned and support these incredible organizations. ❤️

Let’s address a serious issue - incidents of dog bites and attacks are on the rise. Woah, that's concerning! We need to understand dog behavior and take proactive measures to prevent such incidents. As responsible dog owners, we need to prioritize proper training, socialization, and responsible handling to ensure the safety of both our furry pals and the people around them. 🐾

Love is important, no doubt about it, but it's not the only thing our dogs need. They thrive on structure, consistency, and clear communication. Let's provide them with a loving and structured environment by setting boundaries, giving them appropriate training, and keeping their minds stimulated. This will contribute to their overall well-being and happiness in their role as our pets. ❤️

Being a responsible dog owner means more than just giving cuddles and treats. It's about being a leader and providing guidance. Let's establish ourselves as leaders by setting clear rules and expectations, consistently reinforcing them, and providing appropriate training. By doing so, we can create well-adjusted and happy dogs who are integrated into our communities. 🐾

Sometimes, it's hard to say "no" to those puppy dog eyes, but trust me, it's important! When dogs are never told "no" and always get what they want, it can lead to demanding and even aggressive behavior. When we don’t set boundaries we inadvertently create what would be widely considered a bully. Let's be responsible dog owners and provide the structure and guidance our furry friends need to thrive! 💪

Remember, loyalty isn't always a sign of happiness. Dogs often have a reputation for being loyal companions and for the most part they are. There is however something to think about…are they truly loyal or do they just lack the ability to leave their current situation? Yikes, I know that’s a hard pill to swallow, but it needs to be said. Dogs have little to no control over many of the aspects of their lives from what, when, how they eat, to even getting permission to go to the bathroom. Imagine such a level of control in one of our human relationships and the world would tell you to leave, and you as a human have that ability to walk away. Your dog does NOT. The entire point of training, boundaries, and structure are not to control your dog or to have an “obedient” companion but to allow them to learn how to to make good choices and have more control in their lives. An empowered dog is a well balanced dog, but they cannot get there on love alone. We can change the world for our dogs by being more proactive and responsible. These are living and sentient beings who deserve more from us as their caregivers. ❤️🐕

05/15/2024

Breeds I wanted as a child:
-GSD
-Standard Poodle
-Border Collie

Breeds I’ve had in the past
-Rottweiler
-GSD
-Cane Corso

Breeds I have right now:
-Armenian Gampr
-Golden Retriever

Breeds I plan to have:
-Border Collie
-Rottweiler
-Corgi

Breeds I want but I doubt I’ll have:
-Dutch Shepherd
-Doberman
-Pomeranian

Breeds I will never have:
-Most medium+ sized brachy breeds
-Husky
-So many more that I can’t think of- ask me!

What breeds do you have? What breeds would you never have?

05/11/2024

Great session tonight! Keith and Brenda have been making so much progress with Laynie!

05/10/2024

04/25/2024

Doogie is 92 # solid train. He’s used to conducting the walks and pulling his owners wherever the wind takes him. Doogie and his owners are making huge improvements in walking and their leash skills, so proud of them all! Keep walking toward the goal and get that train back on track.

04/19/2024

Verbal cues play a crucial role in dog training to establish expectations. However, anticipating situations where cues may not be present is equally important. Teaching dogs the concept of permission without explicit cues is essential. For example, they should learn not to run through an open door or assume dropped food is theirs without needing a reminder. Does your dog steal your food, counter surf, or run through open doors? If you’re struggling send me a message!

03/16/2024

I have seen this reel going around and the amount of comments with wrong information concern me. There are many people living with this level of resource guarding, however in the second part of the clip it shows someone and another dog who is putting their hand in and taking away food to prove a point. That’s not the point people need to see. That’s not a point I make to my dogs, could I? Yes, I could take a steak away, a bone, a toy, their food but I don’t because I don’t want to create any issues with insecurity.
Resource guarding is a survival behavior and comes natural to every domesticated dog, from chihuahua to mastiffs, and more. Although it’s natural, it’s considered highly unfavorable. Dogs are primarily scavengers, so if they’re on their own they generally eat what they want however if they don’t have it long enough to eat it, they will starve and die. It’s defined as a dog displaying guarding behaviors around a resource.
A common misconception is that only dominant dogs display this behavior, false. If you observe a more “dominant” dog and a less “dominant” dog, the less dominant will still guard his resources from being stolen by the other animals in the household. Because this behavior isn’t about dominance, it’s about a fear of losing something valuable. Many of us guard our valuables..it’s natural. Imagine someone coming up to your plate of food while you’re eating and picking up and messing with your pasta…..you’d be pretty upset because that’s just rude, and yes your dog is not a fan of that either. I’ve done it too, however it didn’t teach my dogs anything, I was lucky to have dogs without resource guarding. Now that I know better, the dogs I have now have never had an issue and I’ve never had to man handle their food. Neither do you.
This particular issue can be very scary and very problematic, especially with children and other animals in the home. Understanding a few key concepts will help you and your dog make strides in this area.

1) 🏠 Environmental management
2) 💣 Triggers
3) 🐕 Body language
4) 🔬 Classical counter conditioning/desensitization
5) 💕 How to build trust in an animal between human/dog or dog/dog

If your dog is struggling with resource guarding please reach out so we can formulate a plan and help bring peace of mind to the whole family, dog included.

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03/07/2024

When it comes to training our furry friends, failure is not something to fear or avoid. It's an opportunity for growth and a stepping stone towards the life we envision with our dogs.
Instead of viewing failure as a roadblock, let's see it as a pathway to success. Embrace the lessons learned from each unsuccessful attempt and use them to refine our techniques and adapt our approach.
Let’s shift our mindset and celebrate the growth that comes from failures in dog training. With patience, perseverance, and a positive attitude, we can help our dogs thrive and achieve the life we've always dreamed of sharing with them.

Thank you to Liz Fosslien for this reminder. She is an author and an expert on emotions in humans, which we can also apply to our lives with dogs.

02/13/2024

Enrichment is a wonderful and essential thing we can do for our dogs to ensure that we meet biological needs. When we use this we can both physically and mentally stimulate our dogs promoting a more fufilled life.
But enrichment like anything in dog training can be misunderstood. This is because every dog is an individual and unique and not all dogs will enjoy the same benefits from any one type of enrichment. This can also mean that your dog may not find stuffed food items very enriching.
That’s why understanding your dogs breed group or breed needs and their individual personalities are so important. My golden retriever doesn’t like to play collie ball like an Aussie or border collie. And my Gampr doesn’t play fetch like my golden, he prefers tug and to hunt for small animals.
But the biggest enrichment item i can give them is enrichment with me. Your dog would prefer to participate in enrichment with you near by or participating with them.
Does this change your understanding of enrichment? How do you enrich your dogs life?

02/08/2024

What does your dog enjoy? We have a part of our property called the forbidden pasture, it’s long and the dogs aren’t allowed to freely go in there, but as a reward for doing some training tasks I like to bring the boys out there to play ball and hunt in the pasture. Rewards don’t always have to be food based or praise, you can use your dogs favorite activities to reward them for some work done. Not only is this enriching to them but it can be more reinforcing than food or praise! What do your dogs enjoy doing? What kind of adventures do you take them on? Can you use that as a reward for them? I want you to think about those things and enjoy photos of Bear doing his favorite thing, hunting in the forbidden pasture. This time he flushed out a rabbit!