Dogs The Great Observers

Linda Martuch — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:19:39 +0000

I’ve read training articles and general interest stories about dogs, which imply there isn’t much going on in our dog’s brains. I beg to differ. I think that they’re thinking and feeling quite a lot, and learning all the time, especially when they’re young.

Dogs Learn From Experience

Dogs learn from observation, and experience. In the natural world there aren’t any doggie schools, wolves and street dogs learn by watching each other, testing situations and gauging responses. To learn something useful, they experiment, and process the results, positive or negative.

Incidentally this why Time out works so well as a training tool, it gives your dog the opportunity process what just happened.

Dog Families

Dogs live with us instead of their natural canine families, So they watch and learning from us! In the natural world, dogs interact with and have learning experiences all day long, in our world our dogs are sequestered in a house, and only get input when we’re around. You’re the whole world to your dog. You’re the mommy, daddy, sisters, brothers, aunts and uncles. What ever they’re going to learn, they’ll get from you, because you’re their primary, and sometimes only, being with which they’re allowed to interact and observe.

Accidental DogTraining

Our dogs are glued to us like we’re the new HD TV. We don’t realize but they are monitoring our reactions and responses, they’re keeping one eye or ear trained on us constantly. And they’re making connections and assumptions all the time. They take in an amazing amount of information and process it the doggy way. Yes folks, Big Brother is watching YOU, except in this case he’s a little fluff ball with a big grin and a wagging tail.

Dog Training, Torture or Treat?

It’s not uncommon, for a student to ask me if training will ruin their dog’s spirit. No, it won’t ruin their spirit, it will ruin their bad behavior and strengthen your relationship, because training is the interaction that dogs CRAVE. Their lives are about interaction, they’re social and pack animals with strong family ties. Training isn’t torture and your puppy won’t be emotionally stunted because training gives them attention and feedback they desperately want.

Dog Connections

Your puppy is observing you all the time whether you’re aware of it or not, and your puppy is learning every moment that his eyes are open. How do you suppose that he quickly learns the sound of the car keys means your leaving the house? It’s because he’s been connecting the dots and learning what things mean without your realizing it. He learned that the sound of the keys predicts your leaving the house by observing what happens and making connections.

Because they’re always drawing connections, you shouldn’t limit your training opportunities to certain places or certain times. Your puppy is always watching and learning from everything you do, take advantage of every opportunity.

Aid Your Dogs Learning Process

Your puppy is constantly looking to you for direction, so you can very quickly have a responsive and obedient dog. Ask for a sit, or down, or handshake with every treat. Insist the puppy waits while you go out the door first. Every time the puppy nips you, bump his nose. Every time he potty’s outdoors you give him praise and/or a treat.

Training is happening every minute that your dog is awake. Choose to take part, interact with him and show him how the people world works. You’ll both be glad that you did.

Links to Puppy Class 101 Articles:

Links to Helpful General Knowledge Articles:

Puppy Class Homework Week 2

Linda Martuch — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 12:00:07 +0000

Reading dog language

Keep an eye on your dog, gauge their response to situations. Get more excited to keep his attention, or move to a safer place if they’re intimidated. Your dog’s body language will tell you what he needs in order to focus on you and your commands. Get ahead of your dogs actions by knowing what they’re likely to do next and countering their reactions.

The Release

You must have a release word so your dog knows when it is appropriate to move after he obeys a command. Always use your release word after a sit or down or stay. Clear communication is critical for your dog to understand your needs.

Time Out

Use time out consistently or not at all. It is critical that you stay emotionally neutral. No matter how upset or excited you are don’t let your dog know. Time out must be a place without distractions, entertainment or excitement. 5 minutes is plenty of “think time”. All memories of the infraction will be forgotten after 5 minutes.

Handling your dog – working towards your CGC

Examine your dogs, ears, backside, toes, eyes, and mouth. Full body exams will get your dog accustomed to being handled. By the end of class your dog should be comfortable with other people handling their bodies. This will reduce stress during medical treatments and build trust with you.

This Week

Sit – move treat over head using the “sit” word.

Down – move treat slowly at ground level using the “down” command.

Come – use dog’s name, high pitch voice, get excited.

Walking – with a sit at the halt, dog remains at side while walking. Pace is quick enough to match the dogs natural pace.

Handling your dog – each day examine one dog ‘part’ continue for a lifetime

Watch your dog – learn from their body language, stay ahead of their actions and

reactions. Control the situation before it happens.

Time out – use as necessary or required.

5 X 5 Practice 5 times a day for 5 minutes.

Or 2 repetitions of each exercise 5 times a day. = 10 sits, 10 downs, 10 recalls and 30 releases in total per day. And handle each dog part at least once this week. Once per day would be optimal.

Recommended reading

Time Out

Vision the dog language.

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