Make a list of all the things that are important to your dog, ensuring the inclusion of the obvious ones like food and water, extending to less apparent resources such as access to space or sniffing grass.
Now, review that list and contemplate ways to establish yourself as your dog's gatekeeper to these essential resources. For instance, consider practices like hand-feeding or implementing a simple "waiting for the okay" protocol before meals. Have your dog walk nicely by your side, only allowing them access to sniff around upon your release. Begin keeping a leash on them even indoors, ensuring that your dog accesses space solely through you.
While I could continue with examples, I'm confident you can devise additional ideas on your own. The concept here is that your dog receives everything they need, enjoy, and appreciate exclusively through you.
Implement this approach consistently in a very strict manner for a month and observe how all the remaining training becomes significantly easier and smoother. This is because you are finally becoming important to your dog, giving them every reason to want to listen to you, and very little reason not to.
Dogs just don't care, and I think that's beautiful. They aren't concerned about what others think. If it's fun, feels good or makes them happy, they do it even if it looks weird and gets them dirty. They don't care about all the craziness of the world. To them, it just doesn't exist.
They truly live by the idea of "every day is a new start." When they wake up, they don't check the news, see how many likes their social media post got (yes, I'm guilty), or what the president had to say.
They sh*t, they eat, run around a little and they're happy.
It's so easy to make a dog happy because they appreciate the simple yet truly important things, like a good walk, some yummy food, and a place to sleep. While the world goes crazy, dogs can serve as a great reminder that the simple things matter.
Why don't we all live like that? Why not, for one day, just live like a dog, enjoy the simple things, be happy we have what's truly important, and stop caring about all the nonsense that keeps trying to invade our minds?
Dogs live simply, and there's so much beauty in that simplicity that we can all learn from. 💛
When using food, toys, play, praise, treats, or affection to train a dog, it's important to keep in mind that their purpose is to positively reinforce behaviors, positions, or states of mind that we are trying to teach. It's easy to forget this concept when rewarding our dogs.
For example, let's say you are teaching your dog to be calm on their place. You have taught them to hop on the cot and rewarded them several times. Then, you set the boundary of the place with a leash and wait for your dog to settle in. After fifteen minutes of working and waiting, your dog finally lays down calmly. You praise them and give them a treat, but the dog gets excited again, and you're back where you started.
Did the reward actually reinforce what you were trying to teach, or did it accidentally punish the down and calmness you just worked to achieve?
If your "reward" is not helping you get more of the behavior or mindset you're trying to achieve, it's not a reward. In fact, it can become a punishment for the very thing you're attempting to teach.
It's essential to think big picture and ask yourself if the treat, toy, praise, or touch is helping you achieve your goals. Is it actually being used to positively reinforce and teach your dog, or are you just using it because it feels good, looks good and it's what everyone does?
Imagine trying to teach a toddler how to dance, climb, ride a bike, or even walk before first ensuring they can crawl.
This seemingly obvious concept is exactly why so many owners struggle with their young dogs.
Instead of teaching your dog how to walk, you're jumping straight to daily 5ks. Instead of teaching calmness at home, you're running to take your pup to every local cafe and family outing.
All too often, owners are skipping all the foundational steps and then wondering why they're out there struggling with the absolute basics.
Take time to teach your dog every step and make sure you're not asking them to do things they actually have never been shown how to do.
Take your time with the basics!
Start with just a driveway walk with the goal of the leash staying loose the whole time. Only once you've mastered that, is it time for a walk in front of the house and so on and so forth until you're taking on the whole damn neighborhood.
If you skip steps, you'll end up needing to start all over and attempt to redo all those parts you missed on the first try.
Remember you're building a puzzle with your puppy. If you miss pieces now, the final picture will be nowhere as pretty as it can be. 💛
Training is happening at all times whether we realize it or not.
Each and every life experience our dogs have is training them how to respond to similar situations in the future. More often than not most owners let the training just happen on its own and in turn their dog ends up with all sorts of unhealthy, inappropriate, antisocial, or dangerous habits.
The way to make training really matter is to train through everyday experiences and to use the training in a practical real-life manner. All throughout the day we have tons and tons of opportunities to create conscious learning moments for our dogs. Instead of just letting those lesson opportunities slip by, step in and constructively use them to teach your dog how to live with you.
Instead of just practicing training a couple of times a day, start to make training a daily practice that is integrated into every part of your life with your dog.
Remember that if you don't consciously use your training in daily life with your dog then the training will become pretty quickly become useless. 🤷♂️
Very often dogs end up getting mislabeled as aggressive when they're really just trying to communicate to us that they're highly uncomfortable.
Ruby here is a great example of this. She has a history of biting people which has resulted in her being rehomed. Her owners by no fault of their own were not reading their dog right and in turn, kept putting her in situations that were very uncomfortable for her. When Ruby saw that each time people pushed themselves into her space she went on to growl, snarl, bark, show her teeth and even bite simply to communicate that she needed some space.
By simply switching my approach to engaging with her and giving her the space to be able to "escape" the situation safely she felt much more comfortable with me touching her even though it is one of our very first encounters.
Of course, this isn't "the fix" to all of Ruby's problems but it is a huge step in helping her feel safer and in helping her owners be able to better understand her and in turn advocate for her needs.
When we learn to understand our dogs and in turn how to respond accordingly very often half the issues may fall by the wayside.
Most dogs who act aggressively are just doing what they need to get by, cope and feel safe because their owners have failed to do so for one reason or another.
Ask any relationship coach what's one of the most important things in any relationship and you'll hear something along the lines of "clear, healthy, and open communication is the foundation for a healthy relationship".
This is true across the board, regardless of what type of relationship it is and it definitely applies to your dog as well.
No matter how much you love your dog, enjoy their company, and can't even imagine life without them, if you can't communicate clearly with them then there's only so far that relationship will go.
Can you imagine how hard it would be to build any sort of meaningful relationship with someone who spoke a completely different language than you?
If you want the most out of your life and relationship with your four-legged friends then be sure that you have a clear, healthy, open line of communication with them otherwise you'll be stuck in a very uncomfortable, dysfunctional, and superficial relationship with them for their whole life with you.
Cheers☕️
If you want to consider yourself a parent and your dog, your child then you may want to take a close look at your parenting techniques.
No half-decent parent leaves their child to just figure things out.
No half-decent parent doesn't give their dog guidance and help them be prepared to face the world.
Every half-decent parent understands that children need rules, boundaries, structure, guidance and leadership in order to be successful and thrive.
So, you're a dog parent, huh?
Well then it's best you start doing what any half decent parent would do for their human child.
Being a parent is a big responsibility. Stop taking that title so lightly.
Your dog deserves the best parenting out there!
Halloween is a holiday for us humans, not for our dogs. There are so many thing happening that are completely out of the norm and can be very difficult for our dogs to relate to. So much of what we find fun and exciting about Halloween can be extremely scary and unnerving for our dogs.
If your dog is not comfortable with any of the celebrations that you want to involve them in please do not force it on them. That doggy costume that looks so cute is not worth forcing your dog into if it makes them uncomfortable. If you want to include your dog in the fun family photos then try to take that picture earlier in the day when your dog will be less overwhelmed.
Here are some tips to help your dog cope with this hectic, scary and exciting day:
1. Feed your dog earlier than usual and then get them out to potty before the trick or treaters start making their rounds.
2. Get your dog out for an extra walk, a game of fetch or any other form of physical exercise prior to beginning the days celebrations. This will help your dog hopefully be more settled, tired and maybe even sleep through the craziness.
3. Once the trick or treating, drinking and fun times begin either crate your dog or put them in a safe back room where they won't be exposed to all the scary stuff and can't run away. You can even throw on some calm music for them and let them just chill on their own.
If you and your dog are both proficient and confident in the use of the place command this is an option as well. I highly recommend using a tie-back just in case if your well behaved dog does get spooked.
This is NOT the time to start teaching place or any new behavior for that matter. If your dog isn't ready to be on place during the festivities, that is absolutely fine and you can always make that a goal to work on over the next year.
Please please remember that your dog doesn't get any of what's going on and why there's so many strange things happening. Do not risk traumatizing your dog and giving th
As my dogs get older I find myself needing to pause more and more often and thank them for all they've done for me.
As cheesy and clichés as it sounds, my dogs are a huge part of why I'm even still alive. My dogs are the only reason any of you know who I am and the only reason I ever got into this whole dog training thingy.
My dogs are so much more than just pets to me. They are my reason to keep going when I see no other reason. They are a sense of meaning, purpose and feeling needed when I can't find that elsewhere. They bring comfort, support and reason to me in ways that I often can't get from others.
This sweet old lady in particular is just a special soul that was gifted to me by the universe. Every time I look at her I'm reminded to never give up, to keep trying, to put my past behind me and like her to just live in the beautiful moment we've been gifted. I half jokingly told a friend recently that Mama Bear is more angel than dog because of the huge impact she's had on my life.
I'll forever be grateful for every moment I get to spend with this gentle soul and for each of my other beautiful dogs.
Anyhow...back to training for this sappy ass dog dad. 💚🥰🥺
A leash is so much more than just a tool used to train a dog. It is actually one of the more underrated tools out there for training, managing and communicating with our dogs.
All too often a dog will act out inappropriately or not be able to settle down simply because they've been given way too much freedom too soon and the dog can't handle it. A dog that is given a ton of options and not taught how to handle that will most likely end up getting into some sort of trouble sooner than later. All of that freedom with jo direction can keave a dog confused, anxious or just in an overly aroused dog and excited state.
By simply putting a leash on our dog and having that leash with us we can prevent our dogs from getting into so many mischievous behaviors. When a dog sees that they can't run around the house, jump all over, bark etc then eventually they're left with nothing else to do but settle down and chill.
The cool thing about this is that absolutely zero skill or training is required to do this. All you need is your dog a leash and some patience.
Try the following:
Put a leash on your dog, loop that leash around your wrist and go watch a show or get some computer work done. When your dog attempts to run aways calmly use that leash to move them back to you. If they attempt to jump, use the leash to move them off and slightly away from you. Don't talk to them about it or make a big deal of it. Just quietly and calmy keep them by your side. Eventually your dog will notice that it doesn't have many options and it will sit down and usually lay down next. When this happens, resist the urge to get excited, excessively praise and pet or even reward them. Simply let them experience what it's like to calmly coexist with you.
Remember that patience is key. Your dog may struggle and this may take time but the more you make this a daily practice the quicker your dog will reach that chill state and eventually you'll find your dog just calmly chilling with you more and m
Off leash time is a privilege not a right!
That privilege is earned through the hard work yoy out in with your dog and it comes with some serious responsibility. Your dog must be under your control at all times and be able to follow directions regardless of what's going on around them. Along with this idea, you also need to have a way to hold your dog accountable if those rules are broken.
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If you and your dog have put in the work and built a relationship and communication system in that now allows you to have them safely off leash you still must keep in mind some basic off leash etiquette.
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It is so important to be considerate of the fact that not everyone likes dogs or wants them running up to them when they're enjoying the park. The most respectful and responsible way to approach this is to put your obedience skills to use when you see others approaching. Immediately recall your dog back to you and then pull to the side of the trail and place them in a down stay and let the others pass by. If you can't do this yet then you're not ready to have your dog off leash.
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A great in between for those not ready for this and/or those working towards this is to keep your dog on a long line. This will allow them to feel free while giving you the ability to reinforce the directions yoy give your dog and ensure that they follow through.
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Don't jump to having your dog off leash without first putting in the work, building a solid relationship and proofing these important skills in all different environments and scenarios.
When was the last time you were fully at peace and calmly living in the present?
In today's fast pace, highly stimulating, forever hustling culture that we live in it can be very difficult for both ourselves and our dogs to find some sense of peace and calm.
Unless we consciously take the time to practice calmness it can be very difficult to reach that state. So many dogs and people are living in a constant state of anxiety or excitement. For so many of us it can be extremely difficult to shut our brains off for a few moments.
Very often this can be exceptionally challenging for the average dog because they are not wired to live in our extremely stimulating human centric modern world. As our dogs owner, leader and advocate it is our responsibility to help them find some calm in their lives.
Place time is essentially daily meditation time for your dog. It's a time and space for them to just shut off, settle down and stop worrying about the world around them. The reality is that this is something we can all really benefit from.
Start today and set aside five minutes for you and your dog to just sit in complete stillness and slowly build from there. It can be challenging in the beginning but once it becomes a practice, it will become something you look forward to daily.
"Still the body and the mind will follow." 🧘♂️😇☮️
Simba and I took a trip to Lowe's yesterday. This was a big test for this previously reactive Great Pyrenees×Rottweiler giant. To be honest I was not sure if he'd be able to handle the pressure of being in such and environment but he absolutely killed it.
Over the past few weeks I've watched Simba slowly open up and become more and more comfortable with other dogs, people, noises and all sorts of things that used to trigger an unhealthy response from him. He started off with zero trust in me and wanting very little to do with me.
Through training, guidance, leadership and a ton of patience this sweet boy has become a real friend of mine. There's something so special about the ones that make you work for that relationship.🥰
I'm extremely proud of this gentle giant and can't wait to reunite him with his folks and help them start living their absolute best lives together!
Yesterday I showed a video of the dogs out and about playing together but I want to clarify that dogs who play together are not necessarily dogs that are well socialized.
Let me explain.
Very often people think that taking their dog to the dog park, daycare and tons of play dates is the key to having a well socialized dog. Then after months of doing this they can't figure out why their dog is always excited, reactive, anxious or just overall can't settle and especially not with other dogs around. Without realizing it owners end up training their dogs to be in an aroused state around other dogs by making every interaction they have with them excited and highly arousing. Now you have a dog that in the name of socializing them now has a whole host of anti social behaviors it displays every time it's on a walk, around other dogs or sees a person.
The truth is a that a properly socialized dog is one that knows how to calmly and peacefully coexist around other dogs and people in a passive manner. Dogs should be able to just exist around each other and in all different situations without needing to engage with their surroundings.
The reason why so many dogs and their owners struggle with this is because they not only practice behaviors and activities that lead towards lots of highly aroused stated of mind but they also don't practice calmness.
In our extremely highly stimulating, fast paced, human centric world it can be extremely difficult for many dogs to just settle down and chill. It is our job to help them reach their zen.
Practice calmness with your dog daily and both of your lives with be enhanced tremendously! 💛✌️
Yesterday I showed a video of the dogs out and about playing together but I want to clarify that dogs who play together are not necessarily dogs that are well socialized.
Let me explain.
Very often people think that taking their dog to the dog park, daycare and tons of play dates is the key to having a well socialized dog. Then after months of doing this they can't figure out why their dog is always excited, reactive, anxious or just overall can't settle and especially not with other dogs around. Without realizing it owners end up training their dogs to be in an aroused state around other dogs by making every interaction they have with them excited and highly arousing. Now you have a dog that in the name of socializing them now has a whole host of anti social behaviors it displays every time it's on a walk, around other dogs or sees a person.
The truth is a that a properly socialized dog is one that knows how to calmly and peacefully coexist around other dogs and people in a passive manner. Dogs should be able to just exist around each other and in all different situations without needing to engage with their surroundings.
The reason why so many dogs and their owners struggle with this is because they not only practice behaviors and activities that lead towards lots of highly aroused stated of mind but they also don't practice calmness.
In our extremely highly stimulating, fast paced, human centric world it can be extremely difficult for many dogs to just settle down and chill. It is our job to help them reach their zen.
Practice calmness with your dog daily and both of your lives with be enhanced tremendously! 💛✌️
We have a full house here which means adventure time has to happen in shifts.
I know all the dogs in my care and understand each of their needs, personalities, temperaments and behavioral backgrounds. I am care to take all this into account when splitting these groups up and when watching them play and interact.
When having dogs play, mingle socialize or whatever word you wanna use for it, it's imperative that all of their needs are taken into consideration and that each dog is individually advocated for.
This is what differentiates what I do with these groups of dogs vs what happens at dog parks and daycares.
I never ever force interaction, play or friendship amongst dogs. If dogs don't want to interact with each other they don't have to. Because they all know that I'll advocate for their safety and needs, nine out of ten times even the "anti-social" dogs end up letting loose and having fun.
They can let their guard down because they know Uncle Russ has got their back!✊️🐶
Greet the human, not the dog.
You're out on a walk, you love dogs and you spot an adorable dog (or seven) heading your way in a cute perfect heel, of course you want to say something. So, you pull out your sweetest, highest pitch mommy voice and you start telling little fido how absolutely adorable and well behaved he is. You walk on with a huge smile on your face, feeling really good that you got to "chat" with that pupper and then you walk on to find your next little "victim".
Meanwhile that sweet little dog you just said hello to is now pulling in your direction, highly aroused and completely unfocused on their owner. The owner is now trying to recoup. They're fixing their leash, grabbing treats, training tools and any trick they may have learned to get their dog to relax and walk nicely again. They finally get their sh*t together and keep on walking calmly together......until they meet their next fellow dog lover and the cycle continues.
I bring this perspective to you as someone with years of experience walking big groups of dogs and watching how the average dog lover reacts when they see us and how the dogs in turn respond, as well as from hearing similar experiences from many dog owners who are simply trying to get their dog to walk nicely.
As fellow dog lovers, we gotta try to keep a full picture in mind when we encounter dogs out 'n about. Keep in mind the affect your fun, loving expression may have on the dog. Remember that many owners may already be struggling tremendously to simply walk their dog.
Let's try to be conscious of all this so that next time we see that cute dog walking with their owner, we'll smile, wave to the owner, give them a quick little compliment on their dog and walk on by so that we don't accidentally ruin their walking time together. 💛
You're out on a walk, you love dogs and you spot an adorable dog (or seven) heading your way in a cute perfect heel, of course you want to say something. So, you pull out your sweetest, highest pitch mommy voice and you start telling little fido how absolutely adorable and well behaved he is. You walk on with a huge smile on your face, feeling really good that you got to "chat" with that pupper and then you walk on to find your next little "victim". Meanwhile that sweet little dog you just said hello to is now pulling in your direction, highly aroused and completely unfocused on their owner. The owner is now trying to recop. They're fixid their leash, grabbing treats, training tools and any trick they may have learned to get their dog to relax and walk nicely again. They finally get their sh*t together and keep on walking calmly together......until they meet their next fellow dog lover and the cycle continues. I bring this perspective to you as someone with years of experience walking big groups of dogs and watching how the average dog lover reacts when they see us and how the dogs in turn reapond, as well as from hearing similar experiences from many dog owners who are simply trying to get their dog to walk nicely. As fellow dog lovers, we gotta try to keep a full picture in mind when we encounter dogs out 'n about. Keep in mind the affect your fun, loving expression may have on the dog. Remember that many owners may already be struggling tremendously to simply walk their dog. Let's try to be conscious of all this so that next time we see that cute dog walking with their owner, we'll smile, wave to the owner, give them a quick little compliment on their dog and walk on by so that we don't accidentally ruin their walking time together. 💛
Off leash life
Off leash time with your dog is a privilege that you get after putting tons of work into the relationship you build with a dog.
Very often people look at off leash reliability as their immediate goal with their dog. The problem with this mindset is that it insinuates that this is something you can reach with some simple steps, tool usage etc. The truth is, there is no amount of obedience, training tools or techniques that can mimic a healthy relationship between you and your dog.
The way to build a relationship with your dog where they're so in tune with you, trust you and believe you that they can be reliably off leash is by becoming the most important thing in your dogs life. This means that you recognize that every interaction and every moment with your dog has an impact on how they view you.
Off leash reliability is really a side effect of what happens when your lifestyle with your dog leads them to believe that you are the center of their life and that nothing matters more then you. When you both trust each other, believe in each other and your dog is confident in your ability to lead then everything else is easy.
Is your dog in tune with you enough to stop check in and wait for you on their own even when out 'n about off leash?
