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Improving your interactions with dogs in training

7/31/2014

1 Comment

 
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When most people have an interaction with dog trainers they aren't aware that the dog may be working at the time or have a different idea of how you should interact. Generally speaking when people run into me and a dog they will try to interact with the pup. Most people know the general things that will help like crouching or holding their hand out for an inspection but do you know how to maximize your interactions? I wanted to write this to help people who want a better connection with most dogs they meet. 
  1. Interact with the human first. Dogs are usually comfortable meeting strangers but if they don't know you then they are going to take their first cue of your status by checking in with their parents. Dogs have been proven to read your facial expression 10 times more than you project it. If you rush up on someone and the dog sees that it makes their human uncomfortable you may be in for some trouble.                                                              What should I do? When approaching a dog and their human say hello first and make eye contact. Ask to pet their dog and by then you should have a general idea of how the dog will react because they were taking you in already and have decided if they like or will tolerate you. 
  2. Forcing an interaction. Most of the times my dogs will interact with people and be happy about it but if someone is unusual to them they may not want to be petted by them. Sometimes my dogs don't want to play or to socialize with anyone and some people will take this to heart. Following the dog around or getting even more in their face will not change them being tired or cranky and not wanting to be bothered. In many respects they are the same as humans and this is one of them.                                                            What should I do? If you are trying to interact with a dog and they yawn or lick their lips over and over or stiffen up they are wanting to be left alone and the best thing to do is be nice and walk away.
  3. Overreacting to a dog. When you meet a dog for the first time you may think about how the dog you have at home likes to play and try to draw a dog out by getting them excited. Some dogs are mistrustful of this sort of behavior. Often people come up and try to get my dog to play and are nonplussed when they don't respond. Usually when I have my dog with me either they are working or I am or both and even though this is not the case for everyone it can be very frustrating when someone amps up your dog and then walks away leaving you to deal with the aftermath. Some dogs will strike if they feel your play is dangerous or too unusual.               What should I do? If the dog isn't already playing then they are probably not in a position to. Assess the situation and don't push it if the dog growls or show aggression like fast head turns or staring.
  4. Patting a dog on the head. Dogs DO Not Like This. When you approach a dog and pat them on the head and it's not something the owner does you immediately get a negative reaction. Because they don't understand why you would hit on them even playfully, some breeds will defend themselves against this type of behavior. Some dogs have undiagnosed  illnesses and it's not fun being the one to find it out.                                         What should I do? Being respectful goes a long way on this list and this is no different. If an owner treats a dog rough by patting them or aggressively rubbing them it's not an invitation for you too. If a dog is older then avoid rough interaction altogether even if they are well known to you, no need to be the one who finds out he pulled a hamstring when he nips you. 
  5. Giving a stranger's dog commands. This a big pet peeve of mine. I train my dog to listen to my commands promptly and execute them with precision. I don't even allow my friends to command my dog. Usually I won't say anything but if someone continues to try to get my dog to do something for them and I'm trying to walk away I will explain it to them. Most people aren't as rabid about this as a trainer would be but it will still annoy someone working with their dog.                   What should I do? It's not a big deal to get a dog to sit by pestering him but beyond that you usually are pushing your luck. Ask the owner what they can do and allow them to demonstrate if they want to but don't try to get the dog to do it all yourself. When a dog doesn't know you they usually won't listen to you.
Most people will intuit a lot of this list by the interactions they have had in the past and if any of this fits you just try to be more respectful and you will have better interactions each time. You don't have to train only your dog you have to train yourself. 

Adam Madore 
professional dog trainer with Artisan 
dog training
Lexington / Nicholasville 
1 Comment

Socializing your puppy

7/3/2013

3 Comments

 
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While I was studying to be a dog trainer I learned extensively about socializing dogs. I can't convey the large amount of knowledge here in a short blog post or even in a single lesson. What I will be covering today is summary of some things and a condensed version of others. If your raising a puppy for a certain job you will need to contact me directly or put it on my facebook page. 

Socializing your dog is generally speaking taking your dog out and exposing him or her to variable scenarios. Introducing new things and experiences in order to amplify your dogs confidence and help them develop without fear of the world around them.


Some of you worry about what may happen when you are socializing your puppy. The most common fear is will they come down with some random malady. When your puppy has not finished its round of shots you do have to protect them or they certainly can come down with something possibly fatal. The benefits to your puppy Vastly outweigh the negatives in my eyes because of the amount of control that you can exert over them when they are going somewhere. When a puppy grows from 8 weeks to 12 weeks the puppy isn't really afraid of anything and it would take a rather extreme issue in most puppies minds in order for them to become wary of something. After this short window they will begin to become suspicious of things, people, or other animals.


When your choosing places to take your new furry friend remember that they can become overloaded and stressed. If you take them somewhere that is busy or chaotic then they will have a shorter amount of time to take it all in before they need to leave or could become too overloaded and create stress issues. Signs of stress are a puppy licking their lips repeatedly or yawning. More obvious ones like shaking or cowering could present themselves too but don't swoop in right away and evacuate with your puppy just give them a moment to recover. If you are going around other dogs you should be mindful of the other dog and be cautious. Be certain that they do not touch lots of  random dogs and puppies. DO NOT TAKE THEM TO DOG PARKS. When you expose a puppy to the dog park they have a Far greater chance to get sick. Many people don't have vaccinations on their dogs or they are not up to date and could harm your puppy. If your puppy is small enough then carrying them around and letting people pet them is a good idea and I be sure to watch my facebook page to find out about things going on in your area that your dog and you would want to do. 

Adam Madore 
professional dog trainer with 
Artisan dog training
Lexington / Nicholasville 

3 Comments

Teaching your puppy not to bite

4/10/2012

0 Comments

 
Teaching a puppy can be very different from teaching a dog in many ways. Puppies have a very limited viewpoint and need to be taught to discern right from wrong. We love to play with our puppies but a puppy wants to play with us as it will with other puppies.

The most prevalent ways to stop this behavior will be laid out in this article.

First and foremost is to let your puppy know that biting is not ok and will not achieve positive results. When the puppy bites you can yelp loudly and jerk your hand away.

Another way is to grab the puppies lower jaw under his tongue and with your pointer finger and hold for a few seconds. The puppy will pull back and then you let him go. Continue as necessary.

The third and final way is with positive reinforcement. You can place a toy between you and the puppy, which allows him a reward and something else to chew on. If he is teething use ice. You may also reward him in your treat training for not biting.

Depending on the customer or the puppy these are my usual methods. Except method two, it is rarely called for or needed. Thank you for your time and as always feel free to contact me with any questions.
  Adam Madore 
professional dog trainer with Artisan dog training
 Lexington / Nicholasville
0 Comments

Puppy socialization training

3/13/2012

1 Comment

 
The most important thing to remember when you socialize a puppy is that everything is new. You have to start with the least amount of stress and build on it.

 If you are expecting your dog to compete or hunt you should take them out around these environments just like anything else. I usually start with myself and my car since these are my puppies first interactions with me.

 I start in a quiet room when I pick them up and have treats on hand,I patiently let the puppy check me out or just roam around a little while I wait. After they are comfortable with my presence I will make sure the puppy follows me well and head outside. I let them go potty and take them to the car. If she is not interested in it I open the door and shut it a few times so the sound isn't so startling. I put him inside and let him roam around before placing him in the crate.If I have a long way to go I stop frequently to check on the puppy and let them out a little.
 
The first car ride is a good example for you to see how an everyday occurrence needs to be broken down. This will be the same for your yard, house, other dogs, and,cats. If the puppy seems frightened and you don't see a reason for it (ie pulling on a leash and crying loudly when they first see an automatic door) just wait for a minute and  take off the slack. Don't pick them up or try to reassure them it will only hurt their growth.
 When introducing a puppy to a new dog  you must have control of the situation and trust in the other dog. If the other dog shows aggression just pull your puppy away quietly, no fuss. Generally puppies can handle their own with puppies their size but be sure to break up any spat without coddling. I'm going to leave off here because I could write a chapter on this but if you have any questions don't hesitate to write me an e-mail or call.
         
    Adam Madore 
professional dog trainer with Artisan dog training
 Lexington / Nicholasville
1 Comment

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    Adam Madore is a dog trainer with a passion for training and dogs in general.

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