I've taken a good look at my dog training posts and realized I'm going into way too much detail and likely boring you all to tears! So, these posts will now be weekly and hopefully much more entertaining than what has come before. :)
I was able to watch an episode of "It's Me or the Dog" while upstairs (read: dogs not in the same room) over the weekend and got a good idea from the show. It was the top 10 most difficult dogs that Victoria has worked with and one was a boxer who looks like he hates other dogs more than Finlay! ;) Anyway, I realized that my timing is of utmost importance when Fin sees another dog and that I should give him a "jackpot" of treats when I notice him realize a dog is coming our way. Victoria mentioned in the show that the boxer should learn that seeing another dog means treats which means that seeing another dog is a good thing.
So, tonight we saw another dog and I kept watching Finlay to see when he noticed the other dog. As soon as he saw the dog, I gave him a bunch of treats. I kept treating him as we passed the other dog and while he turned around and pulled once or twice, I was able to get his focus back on me and he never barked...it was a little victory!
I mentioned timing and Victoria talks about this in the chapter, "Dog School, Basic Obedience Training." Timing is so important in dog training as the dog needs to realize that what he's just done is the behavior you want. Remember this when you train your dog and you may also want to look into learning how to "clicker" train your dog. I've done clicker work with the dogs and since I have small dogs, sometimes I can click faster than I can treat them because they are much further away from me than a large dog.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Dog Training Days 18-21
OK, so it's beginning to look like I should write this blog weekly as my days are getting so busy!
We are making some progress on the walks with both dogs which is so exciting! Finlay is still a bit behind Riley in terms of "getting it" but he's getting closer. When we see a dog, I've tried putting him in a "sit" and have him watch me. While the dog is passing us, I give him bunches of kibble (I switched from treats to kibble so they wouldn't gain weight!) and get his attention on me. It seems that when we are stationery, I am able to control him better than trying to walk past the other dog. I have had success walking past, but quite frankly, I think it depends on how tired he is...
Riley is still doing really well, in fact tonight was great because she didn't make a sound when we encountered a dog off leash. I won't stay on my soapbox for too long, but I can't stand it when people let their dogs "roam". They may think it's safe, but it simply is not. We don't live in the country, the houses are close together, there are lots of children, cars, etc...just too many variables, plus plenty of dogs that get walked and don't react too well when they see another dog (surprisingly enough, my dogs aren't the only ones!). Anyway, I had my eyes on this dog and told him to "stay". We crossed the street and I was keeping an eye on him and didn't even bait Riley with food, I was so concerned about this loose dog. She just walked along with me and watched the other dog. I was so proud of her, that when the threat had passed, she got her fair share of kibble!
It's funny because I've been reading Victoria's book, "It's Me or the Dog", and she talks about body language. When I told the loose dog to "stay", I remembered her book and stood up straighter and felt confident that I could be the one in control of this situation. The dog kept his distance then ran between some houses and didn't bother us.
I'm really enjoying Victoria's book and think it should be required reading for anyone who is thinking of getting a pet or those who are buying a pet. It's so educational, even for someone like me who has read tons of books on the subject of dog behavior and training. Like I said, we have tried other methods and haven't seen the results we are seeing now.
Now I've got to figure out what in the world is making the dogs so excited to go out and sniff the grill! They are so anxious to go back out there and sniff and scratch at it...we checked it last night and didn't see anything, but their noses know and I bet something has been in there...
We are making some progress on the walks with both dogs which is so exciting! Finlay is still a bit behind Riley in terms of "getting it" but he's getting closer. When we see a dog, I've tried putting him in a "sit" and have him watch me. While the dog is passing us, I give him bunches of kibble (I switched from treats to kibble so they wouldn't gain weight!) and get his attention on me. It seems that when we are stationery, I am able to control him better than trying to walk past the other dog. I have had success walking past, but quite frankly, I think it depends on how tired he is...
Riley is still doing really well, in fact tonight was great because she didn't make a sound when we encountered a dog off leash. I won't stay on my soapbox for too long, but I can't stand it when people let their dogs "roam". They may think it's safe, but it simply is not. We don't live in the country, the houses are close together, there are lots of children, cars, etc...just too many variables, plus plenty of dogs that get walked and don't react too well when they see another dog (surprisingly enough, my dogs aren't the only ones!). Anyway, I had my eyes on this dog and told him to "stay". We crossed the street and I was keeping an eye on him and didn't even bait Riley with food, I was so concerned about this loose dog. She just walked along with me and watched the other dog. I was so proud of her, that when the threat had passed, she got her fair share of kibble!
It's funny because I've been reading Victoria's book, "It's Me or the Dog", and she talks about body language. When I told the loose dog to "stay", I remembered her book and stood up straighter and felt confident that I could be the one in control of this situation. The dog kept his distance then ran between some houses and didn't bother us.
I'm really enjoying Victoria's book and think it should be required reading for anyone who is thinking of getting a pet or those who are buying a pet. It's so educational, even for someone like me who has read tons of books on the subject of dog behavior and training. Like I said, we have tried other methods and haven't seen the results we are seeing now.
Now I've got to figure out what in the world is making the dogs so excited to go out and sniff the grill! They are so anxious to go back out there and sniff and scratch at it...we checked it last night and didn't see anything, but their noses know and I bet something has been in there...
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Dog Training - Days 15-17
OK, I got busy and neglected my blog for a few days! We're still working on the dogs' behavior on walks and Riley is still doing well, though she did let out a little bark after we passed a dog the other day. Finlay gets a little better each time, but Dorito still sets him off more than most dogs!
My copy of "It's Me or the Dog" by Victoria Stilwell arrived and while I've only just started it, I really like it so far! I like the way it's formatted as it's broken up nicely in the event you want to search for a particular topic. There are also some beautiful photos in the book as well. I'm anxious to get into it more so I can learn more of her techniques.
Overall, the dogs' behavior in the house is pretty good. Riley still barks a ton when she sees a critter. I think Fin has realized he needs to be quiet before I let them out, but we're still working on that with Riley.
I'm getting toned legs from all the walks I'm taking! I take them twice a day and since I have to walk them separately, that's 4 walks a day for me! Granted I'm not taking them each on the 2 mile walk, but the walks I do take them on are about 3/4 to 1 mile long. They are definitely getting me in shape!
My copy of "It's Me or the Dog" by Victoria Stilwell arrived and while I've only just started it, I really like it so far! I like the way it's formatted as it's broken up nicely in the event you want to search for a particular topic. There are also some beautiful photos in the book as well. I'm anxious to get into it more so I can learn more of her techniques.
Overall, the dogs' behavior in the house is pretty good. Riley still barks a ton when she sees a critter. I think Fin has realized he needs to be quiet before I let them out, but we're still working on that with Riley.
I'm getting toned legs from all the walks I'm taking! I take them twice a day and since I have to walk them separately, that's 4 walks a day for me! Granted I'm not taking them each on the 2 mile walk, but the walks I do take them on are about 3/4 to 1 mile long. They are definitely getting me in shape!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Dog Training - Day 14
Whew, it's been a day! Just a long day, nothing crazy. I did just complete a super-cute bull terrier shirt. I'll post a photo in the a.m.
OK, so I realized I'm getting WAY too long-winded with these updates, so they will be shorter. The gist of it is that Riley is doing really well, saw several dogs today and handled all of them really well. One was a very energetic pit bull who was pulling towards her and she didn't make a sound. She saw him alright, but acted like a lady! ;) I have to say, I am still moving to the other side of the road when I see another dog, but she's doing great!
As for Finlay...Can you guess? Yeah, still acting up when he sees another dog. I don't think we saw one on our morning walk (it seems so long ago, I can't remember!), but we saw what looked like a Maltese or Malti-poo this evening and he was still anxious and barking. The dog was in its own yard and I think it was calm - my focus was on Fin - and I think it may have been a good training scenario for him, but I honestly had a hard time calming him down. Now I'm really wishing that Victoria and I had worked with Finlay instead of Riley on this one! ;)
It's OK, a challenge is a good thing and I will feel such a sense of accomplishment when Finlay acts like a gentleman when we see another dog. I'll be the proudest dog-owner on the block!
Good Night!
OK, so I realized I'm getting WAY too long-winded with these updates, so they will be shorter. The gist of it is that Riley is doing really well, saw several dogs today and handled all of them really well. One was a very energetic pit bull who was pulling towards her and she didn't make a sound. She saw him alright, but acted like a lady! ;) I have to say, I am still moving to the other side of the road when I see another dog, but she's doing great!
As for Finlay...Can you guess? Yeah, still acting up when he sees another dog. I don't think we saw one on our morning walk (it seems so long ago, I can't remember!), but we saw what looked like a Maltese or Malti-poo this evening and he was still anxious and barking. The dog was in its own yard and I think it was calm - my focus was on Fin - and I think it may have been a good training scenario for him, but I honestly had a hard time calming him down. Now I'm really wishing that Victoria and I had worked with Finlay instead of Riley on this one! ;)
It's OK, a challenge is a good thing and I will feel such a sense of accomplishment when Finlay acts like a gentleman when we see another dog. I'll be the proudest dog-owner on the block!
Good Night!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Dog Training - Days 12 & 13
All I have to say is: S-U-C-C-E-S-S!
Riley and I saw Dorito (Finlay's nemesis) on our walk last night and while she did stiffen up when she saw him, I got her to focus on me and she didn't utter a sound! I gave her a treat which was ready and waiting. She looked back at Dorito, but kept quiet so I told her "good girl", she re-focused on me and I gave her a handful of treats. I figured she should realize that she hit the jackpot with her good behavior! I was so proud of her, I petted her and told her how good she was. I think I was beaming with pride the rest of the way home.
Finlay and I went 2nd and if anything, I had much more confidence than usual. Confidence does surely help, but Finlay and I didn't see any other dogs. However, I used the opportunity to practice getting his attention while we walked. I would say his name then treat him when he looked at me. It is something I wanted to practice so that when we do see another dog, he'll be more likely to focus on me when I call his name than the other dog.
Day 13 - Morning Walk:
Riley and I saw Dorito again and again, she was a champ! This time, the owner himself seemed surprised because the night before, his father was walking Dorito and not as accustomed to my dogs and their antics. Because Riley was calm, Dorito was also pretty calm. Again, I gave Riley a jackpot of food when she behaved well.
Now on to Mr. Fin...When we left the house this morning, we had a jogger and a chocolate lab & owner coming our way. Finlay saw them and pulled, so I crossed the street. He began barking (I'm not sure if it was at the jogger or the dog, because lately he's been doing both), so I turned and walked the other way. This time he did settle and I gave him a treat. When we turned around, after walking a few steps, he started barking again, so I turned again got him settled and gave him the treat. Because I was so focused on him, I didn't realize the lab was gone and had not passed us, but the jogger had. This is why I think he was barking at the jogger. In the meantime, Dorito came down to our street but had crossed and started going the other way as we approached the next street. Finlay did bark, but I was able to get his focus on me and treated him. Dorito's owner must have been thinking, "That's more like it, that's the dog I know!" ;) Eventually, I will post about Finlay seeing Dorito and being calm. It may take a while, but it will happen!
The lab had gone up the street that we turned on. They were a good distance ahead of us and while Fin pulled a bit, I was able to focus him on me and we had a nice walk. We saw the lab again as they turned to go a different way and when Finlay saw them and did not react (granted they were walking away from us), I gave him several treats. Baby steps, baby steps!
Day 13 - Evening Walk
OK, this post is getting way too long, so here are the cliff notes...Riley did great, though barked once as another dog started barking and lunging at her - she didn't start it, yea! ;)
Finlay saw Dorito and by now I'm sure you can all guess what that meant. Yep, I had little impact and he was barking and lunging at Dorito...Then we saw a silky terrier. I was ready, the treats were ready, Fin had calmed down. I let the owner and his son (who had the leash) have the sidewalk and I took the grass, in fact, I walked in the mulch just to make sure there was enough space between us. I had a handful of treats that Finlay could see. He was all eyes on me...and then the darn kid let the dog have free reign on his flexi-leash and he got within inches of Fin. You can imagine, he didn't like it. The silver lining: he didn't go crazy, turned and barked, then I was able to get his attention back. Baby steps, baby steps!
Riley and I saw Dorito (Finlay's nemesis) on our walk last night and while she did stiffen up when she saw him, I got her to focus on me and she didn't utter a sound! I gave her a treat which was ready and waiting. She looked back at Dorito, but kept quiet so I told her "good girl", she re-focused on me and I gave her a handful of treats. I figured she should realize that she hit the jackpot with her good behavior! I was so proud of her, I petted her and told her how good she was. I think I was beaming with pride the rest of the way home.
Finlay and I went 2nd and if anything, I had much more confidence than usual. Confidence does surely help, but Finlay and I didn't see any other dogs. However, I used the opportunity to practice getting his attention while we walked. I would say his name then treat him when he looked at me. It is something I wanted to practice so that when we do see another dog, he'll be more likely to focus on me when I call his name than the other dog.
Day 13 - Morning Walk:
Riley and I saw Dorito again and again, she was a champ! This time, the owner himself seemed surprised because the night before, his father was walking Dorito and not as accustomed to my dogs and their antics. Because Riley was calm, Dorito was also pretty calm. Again, I gave Riley a jackpot of food when she behaved well.
Now on to Mr. Fin...When we left the house this morning, we had a jogger and a chocolate lab & owner coming our way. Finlay saw them and pulled, so I crossed the street. He began barking (I'm not sure if it was at the jogger or the dog, because lately he's been doing both), so I turned and walked the other way. This time he did settle and I gave him a treat. When we turned around, after walking a few steps, he started barking again, so I turned again got him settled and gave him the treat. Because I was so focused on him, I didn't realize the lab was gone and had not passed us, but the jogger had. This is why I think he was barking at the jogger. In the meantime, Dorito came down to our street but had crossed and started going the other way as we approached the next street. Finlay did bark, but I was able to get his focus on me and treated him. Dorito's owner must have been thinking, "That's more like it, that's the dog I know!" ;) Eventually, I will post about Finlay seeing Dorito and being calm. It may take a while, but it will happen!
The lab had gone up the street that we turned on. They were a good distance ahead of us and while Fin pulled a bit, I was able to focus him on me and we had a nice walk. We saw the lab again as they turned to go a different way and when Finlay saw them and did not react (granted they were walking away from us), I gave him several treats. Baby steps, baby steps!
Day 13 - Evening Walk
OK, this post is getting way too long, so here are the cliff notes...Riley did great, though barked once as another dog started barking and lunging at her - she didn't start it, yea! ;)
Finlay saw Dorito and by now I'm sure you can all guess what that meant. Yep, I had little impact and he was barking and lunging at Dorito...Then we saw a silky terrier. I was ready, the treats were ready, Fin had calmed down. I let the owner and his son (who had the leash) have the sidewalk and I took the grass, in fact, I walked in the mulch just to make sure there was enough space between us. I had a handful of treats that Finlay could see. He was all eyes on me...and then the darn kid let the dog have free reign on his flexi-leash and he got within inches of Fin. You can imagine, he didn't like it. The silver lining: he didn't go crazy, turned and barked, then I was able to get his attention back. Baby steps, baby steps!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Dog Training - Leash Aggression
Since I'm a bit behind on the blog, in an effort to catch-up, I'm going to post my daily progress and also add in the specific training I did with Victoria.
Our biggest issue is the dogs' behavior on leash when we see another dog coming towards us. The dogs don't seem to mind when a dog barks at them from inside their own house as we pass, or when we pass a fence and that dog is in their yard barking at us. For some reason, it's just when they see another dog walking.
Victoria and I worked on this with Riley and with the help of our neighbor's dog, Maggie (a beautiful Golden Retriever who is sweet as can be). We had a handler with Maggie on the opposite side of the street from our house and off to the right. As we walked out the front door, it wasn't long before Riley saw Maggie and started barking and lunging. Victoria promptly turned on her heel, walked the other way for about 4-5 paces then turned back and walked in the direction of Maggie. We had to do this a few times before Riley realized we weren't going to go towards Maggie if she was barking; once she was quiet, we would head back towards her. When we did get to where we were right across the street from Maggie, Riley didn't bark, but was looking right at Maggie. Victoria told me to reward her because although she was looking and interested in Maggie, she wasn't barking at her. Eventually, the goal would be for Riley to be focused on me, or just not interested in the other dog, but we are taking baby steps!
It took about 5-10 minutes of this training for Riley to "get it". Much to my surprise, she even did well when Victoria turned the leash over to me! In fact, at the end, I was able to get within about 5 feet of Maggie with Riley. It felt so good, I almost cried! I was so happy to see that it is possible and that it does work!
Now the key is to see other dogs on our walks! I may have to borrow some neighbors' dogs just so we can get in some practice. I especially need to practice with Finlay.
Our biggest issue is the dogs' behavior on leash when we see another dog coming towards us. The dogs don't seem to mind when a dog barks at them from inside their own house as we pass, or when we pass a fence and that dog is in their yard barking at us. For some reason, it's just when they see another dog walking.
Victoria and I worked on this with Riley and with the help of our neighbor's dog, Maggie (a beautiful Golden Retriever who is sweet as can be). We had a handler with Maggie on the opposite side of the street from our house and off to the right. As we walked out the front door, it wasn't long before Riley saw Maggie and started barking and lunging. Victoria promptly turned on her heel, walked the other way for about 4-5 paces then turned back and walked in the direction of Maggie. We had to do this a few times before Riley realized we weren't going to go towards Maggie if she was barking; once she was quiet, we would head back towards her. When we did get to where we were right across the street from Maggie, Riley didn't bark, but was looking right at Maggie. Victoria told me to reward her because although she was looking and interested in Maggie, she wasn't barking at her. Eventually, the goal would be for Riley to be focused on me, or just not interested in the other dog, but we are taking baby steps!
It took about 5-10 minutes of this training for Riley to "get it". Much to my surprise, she even did well when Victoria turned the leash over to me! In fact, at the end, I was able to get within about 5 feet of Maggie with Riley. It felt so good, I almost cried! I was so happy to see that it is possible and that it does work!
Now the key is to see other dogs on our walks! I may have to borrow some neighbors' dogs just so we can get in some practice. I especially need to practice with Finlay.
Dog Training - Day 11 - Murphy's Law
So, Victoria told me to walk the dogs separately so it would be easier to handle/train them when we encounter another dog. This makes perfect sense because the dogs feed off of each other when they see another dog, making things worse. When I go on my early morning walks, I never see anyone with a dog. I see joggers, lots of birds, and the occasional deer, but never people with dogs.
Remember, since I've started this training, I hardly see any dogs ever - so I figured it would be safe to take both dogs at the same time since the mornings are especially quiet...
Well, this morning, not only did we see a dog, but we saw Finlay's nemesis, Dorito. Dorito is a Lhasa Apso and for some reason, Finlay does not like him at all. Perhaps it's because Dorito is still intact and likes to pee on our mailbox, marking Finlay's territory as his own, I'm not sure. What I know is Finlay does not like that dog, period. Of course, that's who we saw this morning.
Riley actually did pretty well, not reacting until Finlay started pulling and going bonkers. I was also able to easily calm her down, but the same can't be said for Fin. Luckily Dorito's owner just kept walking as I was struggling with tangled leashes and loud terriers (sorry neighbors!) and as soon as they past, all was quiet.
Alas, now I will get up 30 minutes earlier (I am not a naturally early riser) so I can walk them separately. One thing is for sure, these dogs are going to get me in shape!
Evening update: Ask and you shall receive! Tonight we saw dogs and unfortunately, Finlay didn't do so well. We saw a West Highland White Terrier coming our way and we were in a nice, open area, so there was plenty of room for me to walk in the grass so we weren't so close to the other dog. Well, it didn't matter. Every time I tried to walk in the other direction with Fin, he would turn around, pulling and barking at the Westie. He knew it was behind him and didn't want to do anything but bark at it. I tried calling his name to get him to focus on me, tried the "watch" command, but all his focus was on the Westie, nothing I did seemed to help or even register.
Riley and I saw a chocolate Lab the minute we walked out the door. Since it surprised us, she barked a bit, but I was able to get her attention on me and let him pass. She pulled a lot as the dog was going in the same direction as us, but again, I was able to slow her down and get her focus on me. Then, they turned around and passed us and she did well. She did bark once, but that was it and she responded to me very well. Further down on the walk, we encountered River, a Ridgeback/Pit mix who we've met before. He loves to play so almost immediately, he jumped towards us, doing a play bow. Riley sort of bowed/crouched down and began to bark at him. I don't think hers was a play bow...I think she was spooked because quick movements startle her. I was able to talk to the owner with just a bark here and there and was always able to get Riley to focus back on me. We then walked behind them for a bit and she was just fine. I think I'm making progress with her.
Remember, since I've started this training, I hardly see any dogs ever - so I figured it would be safe to take both dogs at the same time since the mornings are especially quiet...
Well, this morning, not only did we see a dog, but we saw Finlay's nemesis, Dorito. Dorito is a Lhasa Apso and for some reason, Finlay does not like him at all. Perhaps it's because Dorito is still intact and likes to pee on our mailbox, marking Finlay's territory as his own, I'm not sure. What I know is Finlay does not like that dog, period. Of course, that's who we saw this morning.
Riley actually did pretty well, not reacting until Finlay started pulling and going bonkers. I was also able to easily calm her down, but the same can't be said for Fin. Luckily Dorito's owner just kept walking as I was struggling with tangled leashes and loud terriers (sorry neighbors!) and as soon as they past, all was quiet.
Alas, now I will get up 30 minutes earlier (I am not a naturally early riser) so I can walk them separately. One thing is for sure, these dogs are going to get me in shape!
Evening update: Ask and you shall receive! Tonight we saw dogs and unfortunately, Finlay didn't do so well. We saw a West Highland White Terrier coming our way and we were in a nice, open area, so there was plenty of room for me to walk in the grass so we weren't so close to the other dog. Well, it didn't matter. Every time I tried to walk in the other direction with Fin, he would turn around, pulling and barking at the Westie. He knew it was behind him and didn't want to do anything but bark at it. I tried calling his name to get him to focus on me, tried the "watch" command, but all his focus was on the Westie, nothing I did seemed to help or even register.
Riley and I saw a chocolate Lab the minute we walked out the door. Since it surprised us, she barked a bit, but I was able to get her attention on me and let him pass. She pulled a lot as the dog was going in the same direction as us, but again, I was able to slow her down and get her focus on me. Then, they turned around and passed us and she did well. She did bark once, but that was it and she responded to me very well. Further down on the walk, we encountered River, a Ridgeback/Pit mix who we've met before. He loves to play so almost immediately, he jumped towards us, doing a play bow. Riley sort of bowed/crouched down and began to bark at him. I don't think hers was a play bow...I think she was spooked because quick movements startle her. I was able to talk to the owner with just a bark here and there and was always able to get Riley to focus back on me. We then walked behind them for a bit and she was just fine. I think I'm making progress with her.
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