The domesticated Dog

26/12/2022

Looking for ways to start your dogs New Year off right?

Here are some recommendations we think can help.

1- Schedule a wellness exam to make sure vaccinations are up to date and your dog is in tip top shape.

2-Check your dogs everyday equipment.
Make sure the leashes are intact and clasps are working properly. Check all buckles on your dog’s harness as well as fit.
Make sure the collar fits and displays an up to date Identification tag.

3-Husbandry, making sure your dog’s nails are appropriate length; coat is combed out; teeth are brushed; ears are clean.
You can do this your self or take them to the groomer (check out fear free groomers).

4-Get enriched! Get creative and add more enrichment to your dog’s life.
Let them sniff, shred, scatter meals(tossing food in the lawn), snuffle mats, scent training.

5-start a training plan.
Join a group class or work with a trainer. Join groups, or make your own. Strengthen your relationship with your dog by teaching how to live successfully with you in this word we share.

Tell us in the comments how you plan to start your dog’s New Year off right!

Happy holidays,
Be an advocate, train humane.

18/11/2022

The domesticated dog
Behavior & Education Center,

Will officially open January 2023!🥳
I want to thank this community for all the love and support while away! This is truly a dream come true!

This 2500sq ft facility has allowed us to really take behavior modification to the next level with our in-patient program that focuses on the emotional and mental components of reactivity, not suppressing behaviors as traditional board and train do.

We also have a mock veterinarian clinic that allows us to practice better vet visits with reduced stress and a controlled environment.
The ability to practice in a controlled environment allows pet parents the ability to work through scenarios they may encounter and learn how to set up their dog for a successful vet visit.

Our training and education room allows for us to teach the public how to advocate for their dog and train humane!
We now also have the ability to host other Professionals and agencies who are working with dogs, as well as being in other professionals from around the globe!

We are excited for the new year and thank each and everyone of you for being here!

We are community!

Be an advocate, train humane.

10/02/2022

The domesticated dog
The unbalanced dog trainer.

Be an advocate, train humane

02/02/2022

Boarding visit

243 Likes, 10 Comments - 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐨𝐠 () on Instagram: “This is havok. His pawrents are on vacation and he is being boarded while they are away. This is…”

01/02/2022

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐨𝐠 shared a post on Instagram: “I get DMs all the time from people who want to start a career in the dog industry. Some of the…” • Follow their account to see 244 posts.

28/10/2021

25/10/2021

Why positive reinforcement?

Positive reinforcement training Builds a strong bond with your dog based on trust and respect. Through positive reinforcement training we are able to develop a humane way to communicate with our dog.
Positive reinforcement training gives our dogs the opportunity to earn reinforcement for doing behaviors we like and set them up for success.

Here is an excerpt from
The American veterinarian society of animal behavior (AVSAB) and the effectiveness of positive reinforcement.

“Reward-based training methods have been shown to be more effective than aver- sive methods. Multiple survey studies have shown higher obedience in dogs trained with reward based methods”.

If you have questions about positive reinforcement training you can reach out here in the DMs.

Be an advocate train humane.

13/10/2021

Above are five misconceptions that are commonly made about dogs, and below things we can learn about these misconceptions.

#1 The fully trained dog.

Dogs do not generalize like we do. Behaviors learned in a training facility are different from behaviors learned at home,the park, and other places.Our dogs may still make mistakes because we have not properly generalized or proofed the behavior.

#2 The guilty dog.

The guilty look is given by our dog as a response to our behavior. Dogs are trying to deescalate the situation, with the “guilty look”. If we are seeing the guilty look, we might want to examine our relationship with our dog and see where we can improve.

#3 The stubborn dog.

Dogs don’t choose to “disobey”,they are just doing their best with the information given to them. Many times what is deemed “stubborn” is really a lack of clarity,information, and/or training.Environmental factors can also contribute to a dog not performing tasks.
Next time you feel your dog may be acting “stubborn” ask yourself have you given your dog enough information to succeed and was it clear enough?

#4 The dominant dog.

An excerpt from Dominance and dog training-APDT(APDT resource center).

Dominance isn’t a personality trait.
Dominance is “primarily a descriptive term for relationships between pairs of individuals”. “the use of the expression ‘dominant dog’ is meaningless, since “dominance” can apply only to a relationship between individuals. (Bradshaw et al., 2009)

#5 The clean slate puppy.

Genetics, nutrition, and socialization are just a few things that impact your puppy before they come home.
The socialization period is a very critical period when our puppies learn the skills they will need to interact with the world. lack of socialization and interactions at sensitive periods can have an impact on who they will become.

What misconceptions have you heard?Let us know in the comments.

Be an advocate, train humane

11/10/2021

If you were not aware the sent out an email with updated to the policies we addressed here in the stories a little bit ago.
You can find the update in your email.

I would like to invite Executive Director Bradley Phifer to a LIVE here, to walk us through the process they went through and talk us through the updates to the policies so people know the process. As well as any other changes we may not be aware of.

Let me know what you think of the update in the comments.

29/09/2021

5 items I use when training my dog:

Before we start, I always check over my training plan, so I know what I am teaching and what criteria I will be reinforcing.

#1
A timer.
This can be on your phone, a watch, or a designated timer.

I use a timer to keep me on track and make sure my session doesn’t go on too long.
I keep it consistent. 3-5 minute sessions throughout the day can accomplish a lot.

#2
A marker.
I use a mechanical marker known as a clicker.
I use this because it’s consistent on every day that ends with Y😉

You can also use a verbal marker such as your voice.
I like to use a simple “yes”. It’s nice to have options if you don’t have a clicker handy.

For dogs with hearing loss you can use a flashlight or hand signal as a marker as well.

#3
A bait pouch (treat pouch).
I love using a treat pouch because it keeps my treats all on one place, and it allows me to keep my body language quiet because I am not fidgeting with the treats in my hand.

Treat pouches can also separate treats and can hold other items such as hand sanitizer, waste bags, phone, keys, or a collapsible water bowl to name a few.

#4
3-5 different types of treats.
I have 3 medium value treats for my session, then 2 higher value of treats. I use the higher value treats to finish my session strong, when I introduce a new behavior, or when my environment has changed.

#5
A target stick.
I love target sticks, especially with built in markers.
Target sticks can help us teach many great behaviors, such as touch.

I think everyone should have a target stick in their training bag!

Let me know some of your favorite items for training!

Be an advocate train humane.

#

27/09/2021

5 tips for better training sessions with your dog

#1 Plan your training session and know the criteria you will be reinforcing.

It’s been said, "We don’t plan to fail, we fail to plan."

More success is achieved in training when adequately prepared prior to the start of a training session. It is important to have all training equipment and props ready and treats/food prepared, as well as a treat pouch and any markers being used. It is also just as important to ensure the training environment is clear of distractions so it is beneficial for learning. Don't forget your timer (if you use one) to track the length of the training session.

It’s also helpful to have a defined training plan that clearly provides an agenda and the criteria that will be reinforced throughout the training session.

#2 Train the dog that shows up and go at their pace.

Dogs have good days and bad days just like we do. Many factors can effect the emotional, mental, and physical health of our dogs. Keep that in mind when training your dog and adjust training to the dog that shows up today (not the dog that was there yesterday).

#3 Know your dog's currency and pay appropriately.

Know what your dog's reinforcement currency is and use it according. When we ask for higher criteria and/or change environments, we need to adjust our reinforcement and pay appropriately for added criteria.

#4 If your dog is not having success,
go back to the point they were last successful.

If you are practicing a behavior with raised criteria and notice your dog not being as successful as before, this might be an indicator that you moved forward before your dog was ready.

A simple fix is going back to the point your dog was last successful and starting again from there.

#5 Keep your sessions short and fun.

Training should be fun! We want our dogs to enjoy training. This is a time we get to spend with our dogs, as well as learn about them and their personality.
You can accomplish effective training in a few 3-5 minute training sessions daily.

Play is also a fun way to teach new behaviors. Try it sometime!

Be an advocate, train humane.

11/09/2021

“My fellow Americans, let’s roll!” -Todd Beamer sept 11, 2001.

Todd Morgan Beamer, 32, was aboard United Airlines Flight 93 when it was hijacked and crashed as part of the September 11 attacks in 2001.

Beamer was one of the passengers who attempted to regain control of the aircraft from the hijackers. During the struggle, the Boeing 757 lost control and crashed into a field in Stonycreek Township near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

This picture is a picture of 11th Marine Expeditionary unit deployed in support of Operation Enduring freedom on the the 1st anniversary of sept11,2001.

The words on our LHA-3 The USS Belleau Wood flight deck are made up of the Marines and sailors sent in support of Operation enduring freedom and the Global war on terror.
This is my unit, I am in the second 1 in 911.

I have been to Shanksville, Pennsylvania. And seen flight 93 site.
I have ran the .
I have been to the World Trade Center memorial, I have seen the pentagon crash site. I have been deployed across the world because of today. I will say,

Many have forgotten… some have not!

Today and everyday, I remember.

“My fellow Americans, Let’s roll”!

05/09/2021

I want to thank every single supporter, follow, client, colleague, and everyone else who's been a part if this community!

Congratulations we did it!

Our community is 10,000 strong🙌

I am so proud of what this community has become and what this community has done.
Together we can, together we will.

The mission here is to promote humane training and help our dogs and dog guardians live fulfilling lives together.
I am thankful for everyone here and all the fun times we have.

We are community🙏

To celebrate and say thank you, we're doing a giveaway! Three lucky winners will be picked.
*international community included

I listened to your giveaway suggestions and this is what I came up with.

First prize
1-90 minute zoom for use to use as you wish.
1-be an advocate train humane hoodie
1-Doggone Good Limited Edition Rapid Rewards Pouch w/Belt
1-book of choice from my favorite dog training books.

Second place:
1- Be an advocate train humane hoodie
1-Doggone Good Limited Edition Rapid Rewards Pouch w/Belt
1-squishy face studio flirt pole
1-book of choice from my favorite dog training books.
1-3 pack, happy howies (12oz)
1-3 pack of clickers

Third Place:
1- Be an advocate train humane hoodie
1-Doggone Good Limited Edition Rapid Rewards Pouch w/Belt
1-book of choice from my favorite dog training books.
1-3 pack, happy howies (12oz)
1-3 pack of clickers

To be eligible:
- Make sure you're following
- Like this post
- Tag three friends in one comment.

*Each comment with 3 tags will count as an entry.

Winners will be announced Friday, September 10th at 1PM PST (4PM EST).

Deadline to enter is September 10th at 9AM PST.( Not affiliated with Instagram)

Thank you for being apart of
The Domesticated Dog Community.

Be an advocate, train humane.

*Should international winner not be able to receive prize for unforeseen reason, virtual training will be substituted of equal value.

29/08/2021

I would like to acknowledge the statement made by addressing the reporting process for members of CCPDT, addressing the issue of holding those members who are in violation of CCPDT standards accountable, and for taking a stance against aversive training techniques.

I stand in full support of a cross-organization ethics panel and standardizing how the training industry reviews those who violate ethical standards.

From here, we as a community need the CCPDT to align their training policy with that of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB). It is imperative that they continue their commitment, and hold imputable those who violate this policy. It is crucial we maintain channels of communication with CCPDT through this process. I am more than willing to help the CCPDT bring about this change and will lend my time and resources to this aiding this effort.

Many professionals choose to be certified through the CCPDT to show their personal and professional commitment to humane training in an unregulated industry.
I am calling on the CCPDT to honor this commitment and thanking the CCPDT for working towards the change this industry desperately needs.

Thank you,

Richard Gonzalez, UW-AAB, KPA-CTP
Chief Executive Officer.

02/07/2021

Happy

You made it! 👏👏👏

I thought we would share our
Lessons from a puppy pad on our feed today.

This quote is probably my all time favorites in regards to dog training and training humane.

If it is not clear my stance on these tools ( prong, shock, choke chains) are this. They are not tools we use, endorse, or advocate for.

I believe in training that allows my dogs to be an active willing participant.

My dogs are not Marines, they are not my subordinates, they are my family members.

As someone who has fought in combat with multiple tours, and has has Marines under their charge; I don’t understand the mindset of breaking a dogs will to be subordinate and militant.

Most people that do this, couldn’t even make the military themselves, be held to the same standards they hold their dog too, or be in combat.

Cause if they could, they would know, that, that type of discipline only serves one purpose and after that purpose, it’s life long fallout.

I ask you, when choosing a trainer, please ask for recommendations, ask for the certifications, look up the certifications.

Remember the day when you first brought your puppy or rescue home, and carry that feeling with you all through their life.

Be safe, and as always

Be an advocate, train humane.


#

29/06/2021

Week #7

Two more weeks left with the potatoes.

This week we will be doing our temperament testing.

We are introducing individual crate time and more car rides.
As well as meeting new people.

Since it’s is just me doing all of this, besides the sitter to give me a break, I am breaking the group up, for field trips, and so I can make sure the interactions go well.

So Zoe and the boys, and then Zoe and the girls.

This way it’s 4 at a time.

Today we went on a car ride to our Pet-store and got our nails trimmed.

On the way back our vet clinic opened a room for us so the staff could come visit us(videos in the stories).

I am very fortunate to have a community who is so helpful and works with me.

I am still working on placements for three puppies, so I will keep you updated when the whole litter has been placed.

This has been a dream come true, and am glad to have been able to share it with everyone.

Thanks for being with us.

R & the potatoes

21/06/2021

We are 6 weeks old today🥳
And entering our third week of our socialization period.

This week we have our first set of shots.

We are exploring and learning things everyday, watch us grow in the stories.

Next week we will be conducting the
Avidog Puppy Evaluation Test (APET)
This will help us find the home best suited for us.

We are glad you are here, we hope you are enjoying the show, thanks for watching us grow.

The potatoes.

17/06/2021

Today Mr. grey had his first car ride, and got to meet to of his vet staff he will have for life.

I feel socialization is so important I am starting now.

I am exercising extreme caution but I feel a under socialized dog is more at risk and outweighs the risk of contracting parvovirus.

We are set to get our first shots here next week.

If you don’t know, the mother passes antibodies at birth when nursing.

These maternal antibodies will cover the pups till first shots and longer possibly.

Today I called the vet and made sure there was no outbreaks and that they were set to have us.

We had a great time, got to experience the vet clinic prior to a procedure.

This is important so there is a positive association to a place our pups will go all their life.

Proper Socialization is crucial, consult with a certified trainer to help you with proper socialization when you get your next pup.

All pups will have this visit before their shots next week.

Be an advocate, train humane

09/06/2021

Cause, science is sexy😉

sitstay.slay • Original Audio

07/06/2021

1st week of socialization period down.
We were exposed to a new item everyday, handled, we started lapping liquids. We were exposed to many sounds as well as our nails cut weekly.

This week we get our sensory items in that we will be sharing our interactions with them .

Thanks for watching us grow.

06/06/2021

“Force-free for all”
-The domesticated dog

Be an advocate train humane

05/06/2021

Instead of telling our dogs no, try this.

Interrupt, redirect, reinforce.

This helps are dogs so they get a chance to earn reinforcement for desired behaviors instead of punished for the ones we do not want.

Everyone wins.

Give it a try

Be an advocate, train humane

01/06/2021

The puptatoes have Arrived!
🎉🎈🎊🥳

Week #3

This is the most influential time in your pups life( and will have the most impact on who your pups will be come).

The time period of 3-12 weeks of age for a dog is known as the socialization phase.

Primary socialization takes place between 3-5 weeks. Secondary 6-12 weeks.

The puppies at this age are more willing to interact with new people and items.

During this period they will also learn, from Novie and their littermates.

Some things they will learn are, bite inhibition, social cues, and fear learning.

It’s important to appropriately expose the puppies to things they will experience through out their life, while the fear levels are low.

As fear comes in the pups get more apprehensive of being willing to try new thing as they are during this period.

It’s important to know, puppies that are removed from their litters before 8 weeks of age may show deficits in these important areas.

Welcome to the socialization period.

30/05/2021

We all love some “just because”🥰

What are some of you and your dogs favorite “just because”, or love language?

Let me know in the comments.

Be an advocate, train humane.

28/05/2021

Like Dj Khalid says “ANOTHER ONE”!

Proud to be

Be an advocate, train humane

Richard

Also check me out on Instagram/ tiktok for more content.

27/05/2021

BEFORE YOU HIRE, you need to acquire

⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS:

What dog training equipment is used and recommended to owners?

What happens during training when my dog responds appropriately?

What happens during training when my dog responds inappropriately?

How does the trainer identify fear, anxiety or stress during training?

Have they ever worked with your specific breed/ behavior issue before?

What certifications do they have, and are the up to date?

What continuing education do they participate in?

Which professional dog training associations is the trainer a member of and for how long?

Do they have references?

Do the research , ask the questions.

Be an advocate, train humane.

26/05/2021

(Cameo by Zoe)

Do your research.

Be a voice not an echo.

Experience is good, education is good; but both is best🔥

Here are some myths about R+ I hear.
Also here is my stance 🤣
+

23/05/2021

Day 13
We have our first eyes open🥳🥳

The eyes will gradually open wider, revealing grayish-blue eyes with a hazy appearance.
Puppies' eyes will continue to develop over the next several weeks, reaching full vision around eight weeks of age.

The fun is about to start! The ears should be following here any day.

Watch our growth in our stories

20/05/2021

PUPDATE:

The puppies hit ten days old today🥳

Puppies eyes will begin to open in the second week of life, usually between 10 to 14 days of age.

The puppies are moving around so much more and even starting to stand up and take steps( not all but some).

The puppies eye sight will be blurry and continue to develop till about 8 weeks of age.

There is a lot of growing here and new important developments happing this week, such as ears opening, starting to starting to stand (even starting to take steps).

We are happy to have you all here and hope you continue to watch us grow in our stories.

Enjoy this picture of sleeping puppy 😍

Be an advocate, train humane.

📷