1/15/21: Emily Scott is so pleased to introduce her new assistant Robin Strickland! Robin has extensive background in customer service and office management. She loves dogs and owns 'Harlow' a beautiful white Goldendoodle! Welcome to the team Robin!
So you just got a new puppy or rescue dog! Congratulations! Most new pet owners seem to recognize that training is a very important part of helping a new dog adapt to the household and respond appropriately in all situations. Historically, the group dog training class has been the ‘go-to’ setting to train the new dog. Just about every dog trainer offers group classes, but is the group setting the optimal environment for training your new partner? Here are 6 reasons to consider private training instead:
- Reduced Excitement: Group classes can be chaotic, exotic and over-stimulating for many young dogs. I have found that all dogs learn faster when they are able to concentrate, without the constant distraction of a new environment filled with lots of strange dogs and people.
- Reduced Anxiety: Many young dogs, and particularly rescue dogs have anxiety and fear issues. They are unable to cope in a group class environment. They will react fearfully or aggressively and cannot learn new skills when in this heightened emotional state. These dogs do far better in a quiet, private setting where they can relax and engage in the learning process without anxiety.
- Convenient for your schedule. Group classes are offered at regimented dates and times. A tremendous advantage of private training is the ability to schedule a lesson at a time that is convenient for you and your schedule. Further, the trainer comes to your house…How great is THAT!?
- Get more for your money! Private training in your home allows the trainer to teach the usual obedience training skills, but they can also help you with other common house behavior issues such as potty training, barking at the door, bolting out of the door, scavenging behavior etc.
- One-on-One instruction. The trainer in a group class environment must divide their attention among the entire group of dogs --- typically 8-12 dogs at a time. Private, one-on-one instruction is the optimal way for a dog and owner to learn how to work and live together in a cohesive manner and to receive comprehensive instruction and support.
- Save money in the long run! I have worked with a large number of clients who paid and attended group classes, only to later turn around and hire me for private training, when they realized their new dog was not learning or responding appropriately in the class setting. In short, they would have saved money in the long run, by starting with the private training program.
There is certainly a place for group dog training classes and for those dogs who are social, confident and able to focus in learn in this environment. However, as more qualified trainers move toward personal training models, is worth taking the time to consider your dog’s age, temperament and ‘quirks’ and give serious consideration to private training! It just may be the best investment you make for your new pal!
What is it about this ever present attraction to dog parks? Clients ask me all the time about where to find one, if they are safe, etc… Whenever I am asked, I always feel a slight raise in my heart rate. Why? I’m going to go on record right now and state that I am NOT a fan of public dog parks. Yes, they are fenced and secure. Yes, many dogs enjoy the social, active interaction with other dogs. HOWEVER, the unfortunate truth is that if you wait long enough, something BAD is going to happen. You can bet on it.
I have personally witnessed some dangerous dog fights at public dog parks and can cite many horror stories about serious negative physical, emotional and financial consequences of these fights. Here is my top 10 reasons to avoid dog parks (not listed in any particular order):
- Fluctuating Social Dynamics of Dogs: Public dog parks allow any licensed and vaccinated dog to participate. There is always a ‘revolving rotation’ of dogs that come and go, throughout a given day. The daily social dynamic of dog interactions is different at all times. Any new dog that enters, can disrupt the social hierarchy that has been established by the other dogs already present. This creates constant flux and confusion for dogs and also creates anxiety and frustration levels to escalate quickly into negative confrontations.
- Biased and Uninformed Dog Owners: Dog owners, are by nature, similar to parents in that everyone believes their dog is ‘perfect’---i.e. well behaved, friendly and social. Most pet dog owners cannot or do not choose to acknowledge their dog’s imperfections and are extremely tolerant of poor social behaviors that their dog may show in a dog park setting. Also, in my experience, if you confront an owner about their dog’s poor behavior, they are likely to be extremely defensive and unable and unwilling to listen to your concerns or address the poor behavior.
- Poorly Socialized Dogs: An unfortunate high percentage of pet dogs have had minimal to no formative socialization with other dogs. They’ve lived the majority of their life with humans and/or with perhaps 1-2 other dogs. They may have never been around other dogs and lived alone in a back yard. Many pet dogs have not been taught proper social behavior around dogs---especially strange or assertive dogs. They have not been taught the universal dog language about avoiding conflict and calming signals to ease anxious social dynamics, which is intuitive to dogs that have had good formative socialization. These un-socialized dogs often wreak havoc at dog parks. Acting dominant, insecure, anxious, frenetic and even aggressive. Their behavior will, in turn, create conflict and anxiousness in other dogs, even ones that have been well socialized. This is a recipe for disaster.
- Dog Owner Motivation: I frequently hear clients comment that their dog “NEEDS” to be with other dogs and have play time. While it is true that many dogs are social creatures that enjoy interaction with other dogs. The truth is many dogs do NOT prefer the company of other dogs and when forced to engage with other dogs, they become stressed and fearful. It is the human desire to see their dog be social, for no other reason than they ‘think’ or ‘have heard’ the dog needs it. Yet the dog has no desire to be in that situation!
- Sharking: “Sharking” is a term used to describe when one or more dogs will gang up aggressively on another dog. I’ve seen even normally friendly dogs become aggressive toward another dog that is being bullied or aggressed upon by another dog. This is all too common at dog parks. A dominant dog will begin bullying a more submissive dog and it may escalate to aggression. Once the aggression starts, other dogs in the area will also join in and aggress, as their instincts kick in to do so. It is incredibly dangerous and ugly to watch.
- Liability: Most city dog parks have posted signs that clearly indicate the city is not liable for any injury or illness that may occur in the park. If your dog is attacked and injured, you would be liable for any costs. You may try to demand the other dog owner pay for damages in small claims court, but frequently dog owners will slip away and leave you with the burden of paying for costly vet bills.
- Personal Danger: What do you do if your dog is in involved in a dog fight? Do you rush in to separate the dogs? Do you do nothing but watch? Each year thousands of people are bit while trying to break up dog fights. It is entirely probable you may be grievously injured in your attempts to intervene.
- Unsanitary Conditions: Any situation where multiple dogs gather can increase the potential for communicable diseases and illness. I’ve witnessed some very unsanitary dog parks, with stagnant water in un-sanitized bowls, abundance of fecal matter on the ground and un-sanitized dog toys that have been mouthed by hundreds of dogs. Even vaccinated dogs may be exposed to the following: Parvo, Distemper, Kennel Cough, Leptospirosis, intestinal parasites, blood parasites and fleas.
- No escape: Most public dog parks are enclosed with a fencing system. This keeps dogs in, but can escalate anxiety for dogs. If a dog is being bullied, he has no place to run and hide. It is well known that open space dog run areas have less fights and conflict between dogs. Dogs are able to get away if necessary and avoid bullying and conflict. There is no escape in a fence dog park.
- Bad Behavior can be contagious: As I stated earlier, dogs have an innate ‘pack mentality’. When they get around other dogs, they are more likely to mimic other dog’s behaviors. It is entirely probable if you dog spends enough time at a dog park, he is going to start displaying unwanted behaviors that he learned from other poorly behaved dogs. Typical behaviors that may be mimicked include: barking, jumping up, playing keep-away, nipping, sharking, aggressive play.
What are safe alternatives to dog parks? Here are my favorites:
- Create your own private play group, with other KNOWN FRIENDLY DOGS! Pick a safe, secure area where the dogs can interact in a positive and safe manner. Carefully screen any new addition to the group.
- Let your dog attend a licensed ‘doggy day care’ center that is run by professional trainers who are qualified to identify and address poor social behaviors in dogs. Make sure they allow you to observe your dog in the group play sessions to ensure the professionals are doing their job.
- Never mind the dog park! You should play with your dog!! Our dogs should receive the lion’s share of care and entertainment from us. Take your dog for a leisurely walk. Throw him a ball in the yard. Take him to the beach. Teach him some fun games or enroll in a dog agility or rally class. If you dog gets the physical and mental stimulation he needs, he certainly doesn’t need to go to a dog park.
As always, please keep your dog safe and happy! This is the best thing you can do for your best friend!
Canine enrichment provides dogs with active mental and/or physical stimulation to help alleviate unwanted behaviors. Canine enrichment is most commonly used when a dog is left alone, either in a kennel, yard or house, but can also be used when you are present with the dog. Most pet dogs spend many hours alone, due to family work and life commitments. Some dogs seem to do quite well when left alone, but many dog develop poor behaviors due to boredom anxiety and frustration. Enrichment provides the dog with entertainment and there are many products and methods that may be used.
Providing mental stimulation is very important, but it is just as important to provide the dog with what he needs physically, to be more calm and relaxed when left alone. Daily exercise and mental stimulation is a critical part of any canine wellness program. My favorite saying is:
“A tired and mentally stimulated dog is a well behaved dog.”
One of the greatest ways we can enrich our dogs’ lives is through Play. Let’s face it, we all love to play and dogs are no different. Each dog is different in their preferences for play…Some dogs love inter-active, assertive and intense play, while others prefer alone time, chewing on a bone. Dogs need daily opportunities to ‘cut loose’ and have fun and there are a myriad of products and toys available to help facilitate play
Here are some of my favorite Canine Enrichment options:
- Food dispensing toys----Puzzle toys for dogs are the latest ‘rage’ in the pet industry. Several companies have developed a variety of sturdy, easy to clean puzzle toys of varying levels of difficulty. My dogs eat all of their meals from their puzzle toys and they thoroughly enjoy the process. The following companies make excellent puzzle toys: Kyjen; Premier; Treatstik; Nina Ottosson; & Aikiou.
- Purchase a baby wading pool or child’s sandbox, fill it with sand and then hide your dog’s favorite toys or treats and let him enjoy digging for his rewards!
- Ice cube treats---Use a regular ice cube tray—fill the tray with water and add kibble or other tasty treat options. Freeze overnight and the offer up the treats whenever you want! Another option—fill the cube tray with low sodium chicken broth and freeze.
- Baited Kong’s: You can bait Kong toys with all variety of tasty treat options---cheese, peanut butter etc. Not too much, just enough to keep your four legged friend entertained!
- Kong icicle: place masking tape over the small hole of the Kong and turn it upside-down and place it inside a cup. Fill the Kong with water and then dog kibble and freeze it overnight. A Kong icicle will keep any dog occupied for quite a while!
- Ice treat bucket: Take a large water bucket, fill it with your dog’s favorite toys or treats, then fill it with water and freeze overnight. Hours of licky enjoyment, especially on hot days!
- Blow bubbles. Dogs love bubbles! Endless hours of fun and enjoyment—active too!
- Laser pointers: Some dogs have strong prey drive and love chasing the laser pointer! A great way to exercise a dog when you have limited mobility.
- Catch a treat: Teach your dog to catch a treat! Most dogs aren’t very good at first, but they’ll get the hang of it and its lots of fun.
- Hide & seek: Throw a ball into one room and when your dog runs to fetch it, you run away and hide. Your dog will get great enjoyment out of running around, trying to find you. Be sure you give him lots of praise and a treat when he does find you!
- Hide kibble inside blankets and towels and let your dog hunt for his rewards.
- Doggy Massage: Spend some quality time with your dog, giving relaxing massage. You can learn more about Tellington Touch massage technique for animals here: https://www.ttouch.com/
Don’t just ‘live’ with your dog, ‘deal’ with your dog, or ‘put up with your dog’. Learn how to play with your dog and learn to enjoy their company!
I receive many calls each month from frustrated dog owners dealing with a common dog behavior issue---Fence Fighting. The behavior occurs when dog(s) begin aggressively running along a fence and barking, jumping and biting toward another dog(s)/human(s) on the other side of the fence. The behavior can be mild (barking, and running) to VERY severe-- (Extreme vocalization, jumping over/damaging fence and obsessive behavior anticipating the presence of the other dog/human). I have had owners fret about having to sell their home because they had no way of resolving their dog’s intensity toward neighbor dogs/humans! It doesn’t have to go that far!
Here are some points to consider about Fence Fighting Behavior
- Many dogs are bored in the back yard and seek excitement (fun) through fence fighting. It is essentially a game with no intention of harm.
- Many dogs are territorial and feel compelled to protect their property. This is called “Territory Aggression”.
- Some dogs are frustrated with the fence barrier (want to engage with the other dog) and would not fence fight if the fence was absent! This is called “Barrier Frustration”.
Here are some important management and training considerations to address fence fighting:
- Seek guidance to determine WHY they are fence fighting! Behavior management may be more difficult if the dog is fighting out of territorial behavior versus barrier frustration. Get help! If you feel you have no control, then please contact a certified dog behavior consultant to give you guidance and help! This issue can be serious and dangerous!
- Don’t let them do it!! If they are allowed to fence fight—either because they are bored or territorial, they WILL CONTINUE TO DO IT! Use secondary barriers---create a simple second barrier----lightweight safety plastic fencing- 6-8 feet away from the original fence will diminish the intimacy of fence fighting.
- Give your dog enrichment! If your dog is bored, give him physical and emotional outlets so he has alternative options to fence fighting---dedicated daily exercise, puzzle toys, play dates, inside games etc. A tired dog has less interest in fence fighting!
- Train them! Teach your dog to come reliably when called and reward them with an alternative action---games, attention, food, if they decide to fence fight!
- Talk to your neighbors! Develop a plan if you can! So the dogs aren’t able to access each other and fence fight!
- If your dog is territorial fence fighting to a level where fence can be compromised and another dog or human could be injured, then purchase a large outdoor, secure kennel. Home Depot & Lowes sell very secure chain link enclosures that will contain your dog and prevent serious damage to property or injury to another person/dog! Kennels can be modified to provide excellent enrichment and relaxation for any dog!
I’m here if you need assistance! Stay safe and wag on my friends! -Emily