Good Shepherd Dog Training

31/07/2024

For better or worse, Reign is a fantastic communicator.

We typically take her flirt pole on walks. It is her favorite and most consistent reinforcer. Not sure about those people across the street? Chase your bunny. That car was so noisy! Get dat bunny. I see that dog too, but bunny! It has proven to be an effective redirection for her big feelings about this big, big world.

Lately, Reign has taken to stepping on bunny with increased frequency during our walks. It's so frustrating. Everything comes to a stop. I can't make bunny move or get bunny back until Reign steps off. Such a pain!

But let's flip the perspective for a minute...

I'm a German Shepherd puppy and everything is thrilling. It's 85 degrees outside but that can't stop me. People and dogs and smells and sounds are fabulous, so much so I often don't know what to do with myself. But if I see my bunny, I know just what to do. It's awesome. And tiring. And, like, really really hot. When I step on my bunny, I can catch my breath. I can look around without feeling such big things. As long as I'm standing on my bunny, I know it can't move and we're not going anywhere. It's nice to have that break.

Is Reign being a pain? Or is she communicating?

Sometimes it's a matter of perspective.

22/07/2024

The downside to working so hard to get Reign comfortable in the car is that now she is completely silent, riding in her crate way in the back of my mama-bus. This tag is attached to the door of her crate and when I put her in, I move it to my visor. Once I get home, it goes back on her crate door. A $7 visor clip, a little bit of sharpie, and hopefully a tragedy prevented on a hot summer day.

Maybe it sounds crazy to forget you have a dog in the car, but keep in mind, I leave the house everyday with my training pouch, a leash, and my training bag. Sometimes I have Reign, sometimes I don't. I'm often on my way to a client training session. I also have chronic mom brain. Whatever your reason may be, consider this easy way to keep your dog safe.

10/05/2024

Watch out, Carrie, you got some knots tied in your long line!

I sure do. If I'm working with a dog on a leash (or "line") over 8 feet, I strategically tie knots every few feet. Were I to need less than the 10, 15, or in this case 25 feet, these knots provide a safety brake. I'd rather not get the worst rope burn of my life or watch as 25 feet of leash slides under my shoe!

Make sure to regularly inspect your long lines, as these knots can eventually lead to fraying or loss of structural integrity.

10/04/2024

It is commonly joked amongst science-backed trainers that our job, done right, is as exciting as watching paint dry. It's dull. Slow. Boring.

I think most clients picture reactivity training as high action, loud, and up close to those things that trigger their dog. But in reality, we aim for well outside that trigger zone. And progress is sometimes measured in inches.

Today Reign worked from 60 feet away from a trigger See our friend, that dot in the corner? Over the course of an hour, we got to about 35 feet away. And that's a big win for Reign.

Throw out your timeline. Throw out visions of walking side by side with that dog or that stranger by the end of the first session. Or the second. Or the ninth. Let your dog set the pace. And be patient.

I say this for me as much as for anyone else going through the process. ❤️

04/04/2024

What a fantastic way to help reactive dogs and their owners feel a little less isolated!

Do you know of any pet stores in the Miami Valley that do this or would be willing to let me pitch the idea?

16/03/2024

This weekend, I'm here at Canine Con, getting inspired by industry leaders like Mike Shikashio, Dr. Kelly Ballantyne, and Dr. Amy Cook.

Continuing education is a top priority for me. When I'm done learning about animal behavior, I should be done working in animal behavior. No matter how many conferences, classes, or seminars I attend, I am always learn something new.

15/03/2024

Zoos continue to lead by example when it comes to cooperative care!

03/03/2024

One of my favorite and least favorite things about training animals is that there's not one tried and true way of doing something. On one hand, the problem solving is fun and stimulating. On the other, it can be really hard to let go of how something is "supposed to go".

I've been taking Reign on morning walks (carried or leashed) since bringing her home. And they almost always have been a disaster. She's fearful, over threshold, and reactive. We typically come home feeling worse than when we left the house. But her afternoon walks are lovely. She has a much clearer head, more boldness, and enjoys the walks so much more. Once I came to terms with the idea that morning walks are just not benefitting her the way I wanted them to, everything got better. And we can bring back morning walks in the future.

Another example: I have long preached to my students that getting to training class early sets you and your dog up for success. It gives you time to sniff, walk around, and decompress before class. But for 7 weeks (yup, it took 7 weeks to change my mind), those extra 10-15 minutes got Reign so fired up. And I'd blow through so many high value treats just trying to keep her calm before we could take our spot behind very helpful visual barriers. It just doesn't compute in my brain to show up to class right when it starts or even a few minutes after. But here I am, chilling in my car up until the last minute.

And you know what? Reign did so much better.

It can be scary, letting go of what you "know" or what you "should" be doing. But sometimes the results speak for themselves!

25/02/2024

An unexpected update on Reign.

24/01/2024

Let's talk about Reign.

When things are hard, seek help from qualified professionals.

23/01/2024

What a good girl, Ruby! 😭

17/01/2024

NOISE WARNING: Video contains barking dogs and jingling leashes. If you have a reactive dog, you might want to hit that MUTE button.

Next time you feel envious that your neighbor, cousin, or classmate has the "easy" dog, remember that not all struggles are obvious.

I, in NO WAY, want to minimize Reign's wins. She has been absolutely killing it in her puppy class. But if that was the only version of Reign you've seen, you might think that our puppy life has been rainbows and sunshine. And you would be wrong.

31/12/2023

Every year, I like to take a moment to focus on what went well this past year. Whether it's training related, pet related, or has absolutely nothing to do with animals, I want to hear it. Cheers to 2024!

26/12/2023

Big shout out to Cole at Evergreen Veterinary Hospital who took an extra couple minutes to help Reign practice some vaccine drills before getting her shot today. It may sound like a small ask but you'd be surprised how many times I've been told no.

My biggest piece of advice when it comes to cooperative care is to ask. Ask if your pet can stay in the room with you. Ask if your dog can stay on the floor instead of the table. Ask if your cat can stay in their carrier. Ask if they have squeezy cheese or Churu or Pupperonis. You never know unless you ask. I'm grateful to have found a vet clinic that prioritizes fear free techniques and is willing to learn more about cooperative care exercises.

23/12/2023

If a dog is repeatedly not following a cue, it's important we don't decide they are being 'stubborn'. Dogs are not stubborn because they choose to be.

It may be that they haven't actually learned the cue properly.

They may be feeling unwell.

There may be distractions in the environment that mean they can't concentrate and respond to the cue.

The reward on offer might not be motivating enough for them in that moment.

Look at the environment for distractions, look at the coaching history to see if the cue has been fully established and proofed in the wider world, and look at the value of the rewards you are offering.

13/12/2023

This beauty let me get almost 9 hours of sleep last night which means I have enough brainpower to share:

Welcome to the family Vive la Reine von der burg Austerlitz, affectionately known as "Reign".

It has been a doozy of a transition and I won't spare you the details because it's important to know that puppies are hard no matter who you are. Stay tuned.

08/12/2023

Today is (the day before) the big day!

We are driving over 800 miles to pick up our new puppy. We're driving all in one day, ready to get our baby tomorrow. Then taking our time on the way home.

I have thought of everything our puppy will need:
- Crate
- Food
- Water
- Food & water bowls
- Large stuffed animals/crate fillers
- Clean up bucket (paper towels, disinfectant wipes, carpet cleaner, garbage bags)
- A comfy blankie
- P**p bags
- Toys
- Treats
- Treat pouch
- SOOO many towels

I've got absolutely everything... Or do I? Can you spot what I forgot? I'm sure you've got great suggestions but there's definitely one major whoops I realized about 30 seconds after we left the house.

30/11/2023

Are you concerned about the current respiratory illness affecting dogs in the US?

Tune in TONIGHT to this free webinar put on by Trupanion to learn more. Be careful about sharing information that is not from a reputable source.

Canine Respiratory Illness Q&A: Free Webinar

"Trupanion is inviting pet parents and veterinary professionals to join a free, live webinar – “Separating Fact, Fiction, and Uncertainty: Canine Respiratory Illness Q&A” to be held Thursday, November 30, 2023, at 4:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM ET."

https://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/2023/11/articles/animals/dogs/canine-respiratory-disease-outbreak-free-webinar-nov-30-2023/

28/11/2023

Normally at the time of year, Good Shepherd is sponsoring a donation drive for a deserving organization. Being able to give back to some of the critical organizations in the community is one of my favorite moments of the year. Unfortunately, I am unable to organize one this year. Nor will I be able to hold my annual photoshoot for clients.

But I want to encourage you reach out to your local shelter this season, particularly the open intake, municipal shelters. Many of these shelters don't have the time or resources to manage active social media accounts or promote fundraisers. But they are incredibly important facilities with staff working tirelessly.

Search your local county or township animal control or shelter and see how you can make an impact today.

27/11/2023

I first learned about the Five Freedoms when I was studying shelter behavior and continue to keep them close in mind with all my training cases and my own pets.

There is something truly magical about watching an animal that lives all Five Freedoms.

The five freedoms of animal welfare, the one most people miss, and what it means for pet owners.

19/11/2023

I love these responses from Behavior United Dog Training and Separation Anxiety ! Keep them handy this holiday season.

What are your fave responses to disengage from unsolicited advice about your dog or cat?

17/11/2023

GSDT Updates Part 5: Don't Postpone Joy

I want to thank the amazing humans who are a part of Noelle's story.
Our joy is thanks to you.
Metro East Humane Society
Centralia IL Animal Control
Evergreen Veterinary Hospital
MedVet Cincinnati
Veterinary Alternatives

16/11/2023

GSDT Updates Part 4: Noelle's Prognosis

15/11/2023

GSDT Updates Part 3: Noelle's Diagnosis

14/11/2023

GSDT Updates Part 2: What's up with Noelle?

13/11/2023

Check out this multi-part series to find out where I've been, what I've been up to, and a big announcement on Friday.

02/05/2023

How to modify a basket-style muzzle to jumpstart your muzzle training!

01/05/2023

Will the day ever come here in the US?

Bravo, England!

On April 27th, 2023, 13 years after remote electronic collars were banned in Wales, England approved the Animal Welfare (Electronic Collars) (England) Regulations 2023 Legislation, making it an offense for a person responsible for a cat or dog to attach an electronic collar, or cause an electronic collar to be attached to the cat or dog.

The IAABC is proud to share the same goals of eliminating the use of shock devices from training and behavior work. We do so by modeling, educating, and providing members with effective alternatives.

For more information please visit: https://iaabc.org/lima

[ID - Tri-color herding breed type dog sitting with open relaxed mouth and bright eyes. To the left of them is a circle with various remote electric devices and a no symbol. Text overlays image with England passes ban on the use of remote electric shock collars.]

21/04/2023

Noelle and I have been taking a group class together.

"Wait, but you're a professional dog trainer, Carrie. Why would you pay to take a group class when you already know what to do?"

So many reasons.

1. I love working with/learning from other trainers.
2. I would like Noelle to continue to develop healthy social skills and group class is the perfect opportunity to work on the unpredictable in a predictable way.
3. Consistency. No matter how crazy my week is, Noelle and I get one hour of focused, positive training together.
4. Group class gives me a chance to try things with her I wouldn't otherwise. Last week, Noelle nailed the "down" cue. I didn't think she could! Who knows what other surprises await.

Group class isn't for everyone. If you are interested, I encourage you to find a program that emphasizes positive reinforcement and prioritizes certified/well educated instructors. Some training schools even offer classes for fearful, reactive, or shy dogs. A wonderful, cost effective way to train.

13/04/2023

Aggressive Dog has been sharing some great content for Dog Bite Prevention Week.

I love these tips!