Dog Training Brisbane

How to introduce yourself to a dog:
So many people still believe they should hold out their hand to a dogs nose so he can smell them.  The theory behind this dangerous misconception is that the dog can smell whether you’re a friend or or foe. Lets keep in mind that the dogs sense of smell is thousands of times stronger that yours – it simply does not required a hand shoved in its nose to scent you…. it can already well and truely smell you, long before you arrive in his presense.  Furthermore, your action of offering your hand, particularly when reaching in over the dogs head may be misinterpreted by the dog as a threatening or aggressive behaviour on your part.  The dog may feel the need to defend itself, especially if on a lead, it may feel it cannot back away from your advances.

The correct way to meet a dog you dont know is to remain calm, avoid eye contact, no touching and no talking to the dog. If the dog approaches you for a sniff, continue as above:
No eye contact (direct eye contact can be interpreted as threatening)
No touching
No talking

After a few minutes (once you can see the dog is confortable) you may approach side-on, without making eye contact and speak to the dog in a friendly, engaging tone of voice.
Crouch down to his level, (approx 2metres away), still side-on, and allow the dog to approach you. 

The method above should be implemented & requested to all visitors to your house that the dog doesnt know.

If the owner advises the dog is not friendly you should LISTEN and not try and negotiate & explain how good you are with dogs, how much dogs love you, how many dogs you’ve had etc etc. You should not attempt to force yourself on the dog (even though you are trying to demonstrate kindness).

Once again, the dog may feel forced to defend itself against your advances.

Remember, dogs are masters at reading body language. Well before it interprets your scent, it will have learnt much about you from your approach – especially if you are not feeling condfident.

Always ask the owner if you can pat their dog.
Do not pat a dog that is tied up, especially if the owner is not there.
Do not reach your hand out to a dog – allow the dog to approach you.
Stay away from any dog that you feel nervous about.

HANDLING   (vet visit,  groomers, fur clipped/shaved, nail cutting, dog wash etc)
From the time you bring your pup home, you should get him used to being handled by you and your family.
Spend time playing with his EARS (in a sensible, non teasing way) PAWS, TAIL, TUMMY  etc
this ensures he’s happy being touched and handled by you.
Use TREATS during sessions : creates a positive experience.

**Repeat daily, always going a little further.
**Make sure you never hurt him or you may regress your handling training.

Biting/Mouthing (Bite Inhibition)
Dogs EXPLORE THE WORLD with mouth – esp PUPPIES
Biting and mouthing is very normal :  start TEETHING

Biting humans (incl:  Hands, Face, Clothing  should be discouraged.)   Bigger problems as they get older.

If you watch a litter puppy’s playing, if one bites too hard,   the puppy yelps loudly and ends the game  immediately. So we must do too.

Try not to engage in rough play (or roughing up) as this encourages the puppy & reinforces
Transfer biting behaviour onto toys,   chewing objects  &  PRAISE when he uses these.
If bites you,  SQUEL  ‘OW in a very ANIMATED     STARTLES
Loud noises (shake can filled with pebbles, air horn, or loud whistle)
MAKE SURE U withdraw all play and attention & WALK AWAY
EVERYONE:   consistent & asertive for training to work

Punishment is ineffective, as can serve to reinforce the aggression, OR  puppy can become anxious / fearful of U

Snatching Food FOOD / TREATS
ONLY RELEASE  treat to the most gentle of touches. (even say “GENTLE or EASY”)
If grabs in a TOOTHY WAY this:
Take a treat(make sure he sees it)
Keep yr hand completely closed :  (like a fist)
Your pup will start to sniff, nibble, bite or scratch your hand to try and get it.
Dont open hand, no matter what how much it hurts.
As soon as he backs off,    quickly OPEN & SAY  “TAKE IT”.
Repeat lots :  he’ll figure it out:   ONLY WAY TO GET TREAT BY BEING GENTLE, waiting patiently & taking it sensbily.

*in no time at all…..  he’ll know NOT to use his teeth around humans.

Leave it or Wait  (good to teach them to take food on a CUE word not snatch)

Once a day  :  treat in hand at dog’s nose level
Say LEAVE IT  or   WAIT.
When has not sniffed or pawed  for 3 seconds,   then open hand & say   “Take it”
Gradually build up to 10 seconds.
Remember to keep your hand still
AVOID repeating the command “leave it”  or  wait”

 

PREVENTING FOOD GUARDING :      Hand Feed Meals

We want our puppies to like having us around when they eat.
Sit next to your pup’s dish and Handfeed him his dinner –  one handful at a time.
Now and then, approach your pup while eating from his dish to drop a HIGH VALUE treats in: POSITIVE ASSOCIATION
Occasionally remove the dish, pick it up, put  something  extra-tasty,  put dish back down. Do it regularly.

Until next time,
Leah & Angela OMeara
(Houndog Specialists in Dog Daycare & Pet Sitting Brisbane)