Just two dogs generalizing some behaviors.
Animal Behavior at Carroll University
Here’s what a polite greeting might look like from a dog’s perspective:
Approach Slowly and Sideways: Dogs perceive a direct approach as threatening. A polite greeting involves approaching slowly and from the side, signaling non-threatening intentions.
Avoid Eye Contact: In the dog world, direct eye contact can be seen as a challenge or threat. It’s more polite to avoid direct eye contact during the initial greeting.
Sniffing: Sniffing is a primary way dogs gather information about each other. A polite greeting allows for this sniffing without any interruption.
Relaxed Body Language: A dog with a relaxed body, wagging tail, and open mouth is signaling that they are comfortable and happy. This is a sign of a polite and positive greeting.
As a human, you can advocate for your dog during greetings by doing the following:
Respect Your Dog’s Comfort Zone: Not all dogs are comfortable with close contact immediately. Allow your dog to set the pace of the interaction.
Educate Others: Teach children and others how to respectfully approach your dog. This includes avoiding direct eye contact and allowing the dog to sniff their hand before petting.
Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog for polite behavior during greetings. This could be with treats, praise, or petting.
Know When to Step In: If your dog seems uncomfortable or the other dog/person is not respecting your dog’s signals, it’s okay to remove your dog from the situation.
Remember, every dog has their own comfort levels and ways of communicating. It’s important to pay attention to your dog’s signals and advocate for their needs.
Animal Behavior at Carroll University
Hello again! Sisu here, with a little information about using "wait":
Safety First: My human taught me to “wait” before I go outside or leave my crate. It’s not just a game, it’s for my safety.
Treat Time: Every time I “wait” correctly, I get lots of praise and sometimes even treats! Even if I am not entirely successful. It’s like a fun game we play.
Impulse Control: Learning to “wait” has helped me control my impulses, like not rushing through doors or waiting while my human places the food bowl on the floor.
No More Bolting: Now, I don’t bolt outside or lunge out of my crate. I’ve learned to “wait,” and it’s made a big difference.
Patience is Key: My human says patience is essential when learning new things. So, I’ve been practicing my “wait” command and getting better every day.
Rewards for Good Behavior: The best part about learning to “wait” is the rewards! Going outside is especially nice when I "wait" at the front door. My human always makes sure to reward me when I do a good job.
Remember, learning new commands like “wait” takes time and patience, but it’s worth it.🐾
Taylor Lebakken, Thank you for your support, overall presence, and, most of all, advice that helped me achieve some of my most successful behaviors. Your patience is SO valuable.
Animal Behavior at Carroll University
Important points about “muzzling” :
1. Safety First: My human introduced me to this thing called a muzzle. It’s not scary at all, in fact, it’s for my safety and the safety of others.
2. Treat Time: My human made it fun by putting treats inside the muzzle. I got to eat them just by putting my snout inside.
3. Comfort Matters: The basket muzzle is comfortable and allows me to pant, drink water, and even receive treats.
4. Positive Vibes: My human used positive reinforcement, which means I got lots of praise and treats every time I put my snout in the muzzle.
5. No More Nibbles: The muzzle helps me control my instinct to nibble on things I shouldn’t, like stitches or bandages.
6. Space Please: The muzzle also helps people understand that I need my space, which is great because not all dogs like to be petted by strangers.
Remember, muzzling is not a bad thing, it’s a tool for safety and training. It’s important to make sure the muzzle is a good fit and to introduce it in a positive way! 🐾
Lemon FKA Lennon- Carroll University Dog in Training Thank you for your support when I was practicing my "muzzle" behavior outside. You added a nice boost to my spirit, which can be seen in my tail wags.
Animal Behavior at Carroll University
I learned a versatile cue called “middle”.
1. Best Friends Forever: When I go to my human’s “middle”, it feels like the safest and happiest place in the world. It’s like we’re the best team ever.
2. Treats Galore: Every time I go to “middle”, I get lots of praise and sometimes even treats! It’s like a fun game we play.
3. No More Scary Stuff: If I’m ever feeling scared or nervous, going to “middle” helps me focus on my human instead of the scary stuff.
4. Vet Visits Aren’t So Bad: Even when we go to the vet, “middle” helps me feel calm and safe.
5. Navigating Crowds: When there are lots of people around, “middle” helps me stay close to my human.
6. I’m Safe: If my human ever feels threatened, they can call me to “middle” to keep me safe.
7. No More Jumping: I used to jump on people when I got excited, but now I go to “middle” instead.
8. Staying Safe: “Middle” helps me stay safe when we’re in crowded or potentially dangerous places.
9. Focus on My Human: “Middle” helps me focus all my attention on my human.
10. We’re a Team: Learning “middle” has made me and my human an even better team.
Remember, every dog is different, so it might take some time for your furry friend to learn “middle”. But with lots of practice and positive reinforcement, your dog will be a “middle” master in no time! 🐾
Gelato - Carroll University Dog in Training Thank you for giving me the idea to try "middle." Your success with that behavior has given me the confidence to try it out.
Animal Behavior at Carroll University
Today was a day of surprises and tasty treats! I was happily munching on a treat when my human said, "Drop it, Sisu!" I looked up, and there it was - a new, even tastier treat falling to the ground. 🍖
I dropped my current treat (yes, the one I was already enjoying), and went for the new one. It was some Charlee Bear Dog Treats! The smell was irresistible, and the taste... oh, the taste was out of this world!
It was a moment of pure bliss, a moment of realizing that sometimes, dropping a tasty item can lead you to something even better. It was a lesson learned in the most delicious way possible.
So, here's a little wisdom from your furry friend - Sometimes, drop it can lead to great rewards. You never know, it might just be the tastiest decision you ever make! 😉
Animal Behavior at Carroll University
I embarked on a new adventure - learning to wear a muzzle. I know, it sounds a bit scary, right? But guess what, it wasn’t! 🐾👀
Here are some highlights from the beginning to where I am currently. 🐶💕
Animal Behavior at Carroll University
Hello! Sisu again! Let me tell you how we built up my ‘Settle’.
Here’s how it goes:
First, we pick a spot for me. It’s always quiet and comfy, perfect for a nap. But wait, it’s not nap time yet!
At first, I am given a treat or praise when I go near that spot, and then I receive treats or praise when I show relaxed behaviors, especially if I sit or lie down in that spot. I love treats and praise, so I try to sit or lie down more often.
Then, things get a bit tricky. We start waiting longer before giving me the treat. At first, it’s just a few seconds. But then it becomes minutes! I have to stay sitting or lying down the whole time. It’s hard, but I can do it!
When we think I’ve got it, we start adding distractions—people walking by, noises, even other pets! But I’ve learned to stay calm and Settle, even with all these distractions. And when I do, I get my treat!
We play this ‘Settle’ game a lot. In different places at various times. The more we play, the better I get at it. And I’ve noticed that it makes me feel calm and happy.
So, that’s the ‘Settle’ game. It’s a bit challenging, but it’s a lot of fun. And the best part? I get treats! Yum!
Animal Behavior at Carroll University
🐾 Woof! 🐾 Hey there, fellow fetch enthusiasts! 🐶 I’m your four-legged guide to frisbee fun. Let’s lay down some pawsitively awesome rules for playing fetch with that flying saucer we call a frisbee. 🎉
Here are my golden rules:
Secure the Play Area:
Our fenced-in zone is our sanctuary. No escaping adventures today, thank you very much.
Remove any sharp objects or obstacles. We’re chasing frisbees, not obstacles!
The Perfect Throw:
Low and level, folks! Aim for a frisbee flight close to the ground. I’m not auditioning for “Frisbee to Mars.”
Release Cue:
“Drop it!” My human says. I comply. Praise rain down like manna from the doggy heavens. And my frisbee is free to fly again. Smooth transitions, humans!
Training Bonus:
Mix in some sit-stay and down cues. I’m a fetch pro and a manners maestro.
Remember, humans, our training time is about bonding, learning, and wagging our tails together. Let’s keep practicing those cues! 🐾❤️
Animal Behavior at Carroll University
Guess what? I recently embarked on an epic aquatic adventure: learning to swim in an indoor pool! 🏊♂️ And let me tell you, it’s been a tail-waggingly awesome experience. 🐾
Here’s my pawsitive take on the whole thing:
🌊 Splish-Splash Cardio: It’s like a full-body workout when I paddle around! My legs, tail, and floppy ears get in on the action. Swimming is like a doggy gym session, minus the treadmill. 🎢
🏋️♂️ Joint-Friendly Fun: You see, my joints are precious. But in the water, they’re as light as a feather! Buoyancy reduces my body weight by a whopping 90 percent. So, no more stressing my paws or hips. 🦴
🎉Arthritis? Not a Pawsblem!: Some of my older doggo pals have arthritis, but swimming is their secret weapon. It’s gentle, soothing, and won’t make their joints grumble. Plus, it keeps their tails wagging! 🌟
🎾Aqua Aerobics for All Ages: Whether you’re a sprightly pup or a seasoned senior, swimming is for everyone. Aqua aerobics classes are like a doggy dance party, even if you're not a lap-swimming champ. 🎉
😌 Stress-Busting Splash: Ever had a case of the zoomies? Swimming is our ultimate stress-reliever. We channel all that pent-up energy into graceful strokes. Plus, it’s mentally stimulating – a refreshing change from our usual walks. And guess what? A tired dog is a happy dog! 😴
🐶 Weight Loss Wonder: Got a few extra pounds? No worries! Swimming helps us shed those love handles (or should I say, “love paws”?) without straining our muscles. It’s like a doggy treadmill, minus the monotony! 🏃♂️
Now, let’s talk about indoor pools. They’re like cozy caves of aquatic wonders. Here’s why they’re the bee’s knees (or should I say the dog’s paws):
Temperature Control: No chilly winds or blazing sun. Just perfect water temps! 🌡️
Swim Lessons: I’ve got m
Have you ever noticed how a cue, sometimes called a discriminative stimulus, doesn’t always have to be a spoken word or a hand signal? Picture this: You swing open your freezer door, your hand reaching for an ice cube, and out of nowhere, your loyal furry companion materializes right behind you. It’s like they’ve mastered the art of freezer telepathy! 🐾❄️
And here’s an additional tidbit: I was taught to do something similar with the dishwasher because I enjoyed attempting to assist in cleaning both the soiled and the pristine dishes. However, I’ve since learned to go to my cot, so I no longer engage in that behavior. Do you notice that the stove doesn’t serve as a discriminative stimulus similarly? 🍽️🧼🔥
Animal Behavior at Carroll University
What are you rewarding when you say "leave it"? I learned one version, and it may be one of many versions.
Animal Behavior at Carroll University
Kittos to Star Fox - Carroll University Dog in Training for letting me borrow his support human, who helped elevate my "leave it" game immensely. Thank you! 🥹
Be proactive when building trust with resources. If I have a desired resource, show me that "drop it" means better things are coming. As I learn this association with continued practice, I can start to predict what is coming next. Bonus tip: Leave the resource down for now to allow me to return to it for another round.
Animal Behavior at Carroll University
It's beneficial when you can work for kibble for a good portion of your behaviors. It is also beneficial to know when to up your treat value. Here we tested out a few different level treats to see how I would respond.
Animal Behavior at Carroll University
The next steps in my cooperative care. Adding the dremel.
It's not easy to generalize a behavior. I may be good at "settle" in class, but at the Shattuck Music Center I am still building this skill.
Animal Behavior at Carroll University
I like food, why doesn't Trooper?
I bet it's because he wasn't getting Hound & Gatos Pet Foods.
Animal Behavior at Carroll University
Building on my Cooperative Care Stare skills.
#carrolluniversity
I finally fell asleep in class, 🥹
but you'll never guess which class. 😅
(Sorry, Dr. Wolf) Josh Wolf
Animal Behavior at Carroll University
**This post is purely for good fun.
I heard that the Easter Bunny brings baskets, so I'd like to formally ask for a blue basket.. muzzle. That is all. 🐰
😉
Animal Behavior at Carroll University
The humans call me Sisu (See-sue), a Finnish word that embodies fortitude and courage to continue even in times of adversity.
