A snippet into this morning's session 🐶
Sophie is working on having her focus on me as I build her understanding of communication using the e-collar. This also sets a foundation for the heel command.
Charlie and Allie are working on the place command with the added distraction of us walking around the room. This helps them work their impulse control, as well as learn how to be calm and disengage while on place.
Everyone got a turn walking around the room, and Berlynn practiced on a smaller scale with just Toby in the room! Everyone progresses at different paces that fit the need of what each dog needs every day 😊
✨ Client Spotlight ✨
Finn's owner says, "Finn is doing great with his Place at work! He is doing great with recall, heel, and place!! Plus his whole temperament is awesome! And he’s 1!"
So proud of Finn and his owners for staying consistent with training after competing his board and train here at Top Dog, which has opened the door for these opportunities and bonding together. A testament to how truly life changing training can be. Keep up the great work! 🐶
We have one opening remaining for a board and train in April. Message or visit TopDogIN.com to learn more!
Helpful tip during a storm: Use your dog's crate. Use the crate daily, so it is a part of your dog's routine and provides a sense of comfort during these moments. Since crate time is part of our routine here, the storm was just like any other crate break and everyone was relaxed. They're used to the crate and crate covers.
What I would not do during a storm: Coddle my dog, stroke them, and tell them it's okay. I know it sounds like a good idea and harsh not to do, but coddling during those moments will reward the anxious behavior. When your dog is rewarded for being anxious, they will think it's what they should be doing. Their routine would be anxiety during a storm vs. calm crate time during a storm.
I shared a story this morning about the importance of calming your dog's mind down, and it led me to talk about that more. Daily place practice is beneficial in so many different ways. Your dog does not have to be constantly played with and stimulated. That can do more damage in the long run. Those play times and active training are important, but the calm time is just as important if not more!
What does the progression of getting your dog on the place bed look like? How can you guide your dog to the bed once they've mastered walking on with leash guidance? Watch this video for some place progression tips! Side note - yes, I was made aware of how many times I said "um" when I watched this back and added captions 😆 it's a work in progress! Next time will be better 😁 still helpful tips!
These are all possible progressions with consistent use of the command.
An example of a dog that's very nervous of new things. I've built trust with Vinny and follow through with what I ask for to provide clarity and help his confidence grow. I also wanted to show this to show the messiness of what training can look like in the beginning. Not every dog that comes to me magically wants to go on the bed and stay there. I used a lot of leash pressure and was confident in what I was doing with Vinny to help him understand what we're doing and provide clarity vs confusion. We practice this every day, and it gets easier as we go. I know that place will provide huge calming benefits for Vinny and help regulate his nervousness as he gets more comfortable with it.
Being a confident leader and guiding your dog through the nervous moments also builds your relationship together. Instead of rewarding nervous behaviors by coddling our dogs in these moments, we can show them what we want and guide them through it.
How can you use the place command for kitchen manners?
Put your dog on place while you make dinner, eat, or load and unload the dishwasher. This is great impulse control practice for your dog and helps with unwanted begging at the table or near the stove! The place command also helps with counter counter surfing while you're prepping food. Give your dog the job of place, so they won't find one on their own - like prewashing your dishes 🙈
We've been practicing "place" every morning while I make and eat breakfast. 🐶 This is an easy way to make the place command a part of your daily routine.
Remember - if you want your dog to be able to handle place time with guests at your house, then you have to practice regularly with less distractions as well. Set your dog up for success with regular practice, so they will be able to do it when you really need it!
✨ Client Spotlight ✨
Carl and his owners have done a great job practicing the heel command, and that practice has given them the opportunity to move to an off leash heel! A huge benefit to e-collar training is the ability to progress with off leash work. Training and continued practice can truly improve your relationship and bond with your dog as you see with Carl here! Great job!!
I love this and had to share!
This is so common. Thinking our dogs need to be doing something all of the time, and then unintentionally creating an overstimulated dog that can't settle. Teach your dog the place command and leave your dog home alone to relax! Use the crate for rest times during the day and when you are gone. I promise your dog is better off at home resting than at doggy daycare where they are super overstimulated all day long, never learn to be calm, and become super pushy. If your dog's needs have been met, then there is no reason that they can't be on place relaxing as part of your daily routine.
@whata_bout_winston thank you for sharing this!
