Category: Uncategorized

< Updated 02JAN22 >

< A short link for this page – https://bit.ly/ReactivityMisunderstood >

I found this excellent graphic on Facebook, which does an excellent job of describing dog reactivity and aggression. Thank you to the Dancing Zombie Design Studio for creating it and Calvert Canines – Training, Behaviour Modification & Nutrition for sharing it.

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Recommended Resources

Articles on Don’s Blog
( http://www.words-woofs-meows.com  )

Help! My Dog is Aggressive, Reactive, Fearful, Anxious, etc. – What do I do? – http://bit.ly/HelpDogAggx

How Can I Tell When My Dog Is Anxious or Fearful? – http://bit.ly/DogsSignsofFear

Dog Training – Reward Based Training versus Aversives – http://bit.ly/RewardVSAversive

Shared Blog Post – Why Counterconditioning “Doesn’t Work” or How to Help Ensure Counterconditioning Will Work – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2021/11/11/shared-blog-post-why-counterconditioning-doesnt-work-or-how-to-help-ensure-counterconditioning-will-work/

Shared Blog Post – the misunderstanding of time by Nancy Tanner – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2016/11/16/shared-blog-post-the-misunderstanding-of-time-by-nancy-tanner/

What Is A Pet Behavior Consultant? – http://bit.ly/WhatIsPetBhxConsulting

Introduction to Canine Communication – http://bit.ly/CanineComm

Dominance: Reality or Myth – http://bit.ly/Dominance-RealityorMyth

Understanding, Identifying and Coping with Canine Stress – http://bit.ly/Canine-Stress

Canine Behavior – Myths and Facts – Part 1, Where do we get our knowledge about dogs? – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2016/05/04/canine-behavior-myths-and-facts-part-1-where-do-we-get-our-knowledge-about-dogs/

Green Acres Kennel Shop Position Statement on the Use of Dominance and Punishment for the Training and Behavior Modification of Dogs – http://bit.ly/GAKS-Pos-NoPain-NoForceNoFear

The Unintended Consequences of Shock Collars – http://bit.ly/ShockCollars

The emotional toll of a reactive dog by Jay Gurden in Dog’s Today – http://bit.ly/SharedGurenEmotional

Important Position Statements Related to Animal Welfare & Care in the USA by Leading Organizations – https://bit.ly/Pos_HumaneTraining

What’s Shocking about Shock? – What Science Tells Us About the Use of Shock in Dog Training – PPG BARKS from the Guild – July 2019 – http://bit.ly/ShockBARK-JUL2019

Things I Wish I Had Known Before I Started Training Dogs – Gus, the Dominance Myth, An Alpha Roll, and a Damaged Relationship – WWM-SEP2018 – http://bit.ly/Things-Gus-Dominance

Things I Wish I Had Known Before I Selected My First Dog – Aversives are Unnecessary and Counter-Productive When Training A Dog – Part 1 – WWM-JAN2019 – http://bit.ly/Things-Aversives-1

Things I Wish I Had Known Before I Selected My First Dog – Aversives are Unnecessary and Counter-Productive When Training A Dog – Part 2 – WWM-FEB2019 –  http://bit.ly/Things-Aversives-2

Choke Collar Pathology – an excellent blog post from dog trainer Daniel Antolec on the dangers of using a choke collar on a dog. – http://ppgworldservices.com/2017/06/13/choke-collar-pathology/

Podcasts from The Woof Meow Show
( http://woofmeowshow.libsyn.com/ )

Canine Behavior: Myths & Facts – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2016/03/27/podcast-canine-behavior-myths-and-facts/

Pet Behavior, Vets & The AAHA Canine and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines with Dr. Dave Cloutier from Veazie Veterinary Clinic – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2016/03/13/podcast-the-woof-meow-show-pet-behavior-vets-the-aaha-canine-and-feline-behavior-management-guidelines-with-dr-dave-cloutier-from-veazie-veterinary-clinic/

Dog Training Questions for Don and Kate with special guest host Dr. Mark Hanks – part 3 – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2015/07/27/blog-post-27jul15-podcast-dog-training-questions-for-don-and-kate-with-special-guest-host-dr-mark-hanks-part-3/

The Unintended Consequences of Shock Collars – http://bit.ly/ShockPodcast

The Pet Professional Guild and the Shock-Free Coalition with Niki Tudge – http://bit.ly/PodCastShockFree-NikiTudge-2017

What’s Shocking About Shock – What Science Tells Us About the Use of Shock in Dog Training – http://bit.ly/WfMw-WhatShock-27JUL19

Podcast – Charlee and the Electronic Shock Containment System w-Dan Antolec – https://bit.ly/Blog-Charlee_E-Fence

Handouts to Download

Dr. Sophia Yin – Body Language of Fear in Dogs – http://info.drsophiayin.com/free-poster-on-body-language-in-dogs

Dr. Sophia Yin – How To Greet A Dog and What to Avoid – https://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/preventing-dog-bites-by-learning-to-greet-dogs-properly/

Dr. Sophia Yin – Canine Bite Levels – http://info.drsophiayin.com/download-the-bite-levels-poster

To Find A Qualified and Credential Animal Behavioral Specialist

American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) – https://www.dacvb.org/search/custom.asp

Animal Behavior Society ( ABS ) Certified Applied Animal Behavior Consultants – http://www.animalbehaviorsociety.org/web/applied-behavior-caab-directory.php

International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants ( IAABC ) – http://iaabc.org/consultants

Pet Professional Accreditation Board (PPAB) – https://www.credentialingboard.com/Professionals

Coming Soon!

 

< Updated ddMAY20 >

< A short link for this page – https://bit.ly/Dogs-Facemasks >

< A version of this article was published in the December 2019 issue of Downeast Dog News >

< Updated 30NOV19 >

< A short link for this page – http://bit.ly/WWM-HolidayGifts2019 >

< A short link to a podcast on this topic – http://bit.ly/WfMw-HolidayGifts2019 >

The holidays are upon us, and I have some holiday gift suggestions that will be beneficial to both you and your dog.

The gift of patience –Teaching and learning are a process that will occur throughout your life and your dog’s life. Your dog is not going to learn everything you want them to know in seven days or even a couple of months, no matter what some book with a hyperbolic title “guarantees.” Give your dog the time to learn what they need to know, rewarding each tiny step in the right direction. Yes, teaching a dog can be frustrating, but your irritation with your dog works against the teaching process. When I find myself becoming impatient, I find it helpful to read The misunderstanding of time by dog trainer Nancy Tanner [ FMI – http://bit.ly/Patience-Dogs ]. Your dog, you, and those around you will all enjoy and befit from the gift of patience.

The gift of knowledge – The best assurance that you and your dog will have a long and wonderful relationship is by equipping yourself with current and accurate knowledge about your dog and their physical, mental, and emotional needs.  In their 2015 Canine and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) noted: “More dogs and cats are affected by behavioral problems than any other condition, often resulting in euthanasia, relinquishment of the patient, or chronic suffering.” The report explains that a major reason for behavioral problems is erroneous information about pets and what constitutes normal versus abnormal behavior and appropriate training methods. Misinformation often comes from family, friends, neighbors, rescues/shelters, and even pet care professionals such as veterinarians and trainers. Please do not assume that everything you think you know about pets is good advice based on science. Give yourself the gift of knowledge by seeking education from an accredited professional who is committed to remaining current on what is best for pets.  [ FMI –  http://bit.ly/MEPetPros ]. As a supplement to working with a professional, you may also want to review some of the recommended resources at this link. [ FMI – http://bit.ly/KnowledgeforPetParents ].

The gift of rewarding behavior you like – It seems to be human nature to focus on others, whether people or dogs when they are doing something we dislike. When the dog jumps on someone, we explode with attention towards our dog, often yelling harshly, and perhaps grabbing at the dog to get them to stop and to demonstrate our displeasure. However, in those moments when the dog is perfectly calm, lying, or sitting at their side, many people ignore the dog. They are seemingly oblivious to their dog’s behavior when they are not annoying them. Failure to reward this behavior is a missed opportunity!

Dogs and people have simple rules that determine how they learn. When we reward a behavior, we make it more likely to be repeated. Giving a dog a treat every time they sit will create a dog who sits regularly. Most people understand how learning works when actively training their dog but do not always see how it can apply to everyday life.

If our dog lies quietly by our side, many people will not even notice because the dog is not disruptive. Whenever our dog exhibits behavior we like, whether we asked for it or not, it is beneficial to reward that behavior. Failure to do so is a missed opportunity.

Having their dog lie quietly by their side while at an outdoor café was the primary goal for a recent student. We taught them how to reward this behavior when the dog did this in class. They continued to reward this behavior at home, and anywhere else, the dog would lie quietly. Within a few weeks, they had a young, exuberant puppy lying at their side in outdoor cafes.

The gift of choice – Our dogs are living, sentient beings with emotions very similar to our own. Some are extroverts, and many are introverts that do not enjoy every one. One of the greatest gifts we can give our dogs is a choice as to whether or not they want to interact. If your dog is not harming anyone or anything, and they choose NOT to interact with a person or another dog, please accept their decision. Interactions between a dog and others need to be consensual. This important concept of consent was written about by Jenny Efimova in a blog article entitled What My Dog Taught Me About Consent. Please read the article and learn the importance of giving your dog the gift of choice. [ FMI – http://bit.ly/Dog-Consent]

Have a happy holiday season, and please celebrate by giving the gifts of; patience, knowledge, rewards, and choice.

Recommended Resources

Articles on Don’s Blog
( http://www.words-woofs-meows.com )

Shared Blog Post from Nancy Tanner – The misunderstanding of time by Nancy Tanner – http://bit.ly/Patience-Dogs

Maine Pet Care Professionals That We Recommend –  http://bit.ly/MEPetPros

Recommended Resources for People with Pets – http://bit.ly/KnowledgeforPetParents

Shared Blog Post from Jenny Efimova What My Dog Taught Me About Consent – http://bit.ly/Dog-Consent

Podcasts from The Woof Meow Show
( http://www.woofmeowshow.com )

Podcast – Holiday Gift Ideas for Pets and Their People – http://bit.ly/WfMw-HolidayGifts2019

 

________________________________________________________________________
Don Hanson is the co-owner of the Green Acres Kennel Shop ( greenacreskennel.com ) in Bangor, ME where he has been helping people with their pets since 1995. He is a Bach Foundation Registered Animal Practitioner (BFRAP), Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Associate Certified Cat Behavior Consultant (ACCBC) and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). Don is a member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) and is committed to PPG’s Guiding Principles and the Pain-Free, Force-Free, and Fear-Free training, management, and care of all pets. Don produces and co-hosts a weekly radio show and podcast, The Woof Meow Show, that airs on Z62 Retro Radio WZON (AM620) and WKIT 103.3-HD3 and is streamed at http://bit.ly/AM620-WZON every Saturday at 9 AM. Podcasts of the show are available at http://woofmeowshow.libsyn.com/, the Apple Podcast app, and at Don’s blog: www.words-woofs-meows.com.  The opinions in this post are those of Don Hanson.

©30NOV19, Donald J. Hanson, All Rights Reserved
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