Puppy Tips

Mmmm! There is nothing like new puppy breath! Get off to a Sensible Start with your puppy and follow these recommendations I make at every new puppy consult:

Prevent “Accidents”. Keep puppy leashed (and hold the leash!) while indoors unless under an adult’s direct supervision. Observe puppy for signals that unwanted behavior is imminent and redirect the puppy into a desired behavior or location for that behavior. In other words, don’t let the puppy piddle there; take him outside, quick! Or, don’t let the puppy chew the child’s toy; give him a puppy toy instead!

Reward Outdoor Elimination. Puppies feel relief whether they eliminate indoors or out. Increase the value of going potty outside by accompanying the puppy outdoors and feeding at least 3 pieces of kibble – right there – immediately when puppy is finished.

Hand-feed Puppies for Good Behavior. Why waste all that opportunity by placing food in a bowl? Puppies can earn food by going potty outside, sitting, laying down, having their feet wiped, trading for toys, coming when called any anything else you want!

Meal-times. When potty training puppies, it’s very helpful to know when the intake is happening. Whether using a bowl or hand-feeding, keeping the food available only during a specific window of time helps owners to know when output is likely to occur!

Never Force a Puppy. Forcing a puppy into position can create aggression. Instead, teach a puppy to yield space, get off furniture or lie down using a food lure at first. Once the pup understands what is wanted, other rewards may be used.

1-Foot Per Year of Age. That’s how much freedom children should have with a puppy. Children under 10 years of age should never be out of a parent’s sight with the puppy. Pre-schoolers should be within an arm’s reach at all times to prevent undesirable behavior from the puppy and unwanted fear or pain caused by the children, which often can result in an increase of aggression from an older puppy.

Spread the word: Read Your Dog! The most important skill you can learn is to read your puppy’s body language. We constantly teach how to interpret signals in the Sensible Start Puppy Class. Another good source: http://www.aspcabehavior.org/articles/50/Canine-Body-Language.aspx

“Dominance” and “Alpha Wolf” Are Out-dated Concepts. Veterinary behaviorists and top dog trainers agree that dogs know they are dogs and dogs know we are people. Dogs do what pays off for them; they aren’t skulking around the house planning to overthrow the hierarchy. Please read the AVSAB Position Statement: http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonline/images/stories/Position_Statements/dominance%20statement.pdf and find out how to train your puppy, not frighten him into submission.

I am thrilled to be planning 2012 puppy classes at Michigan Road Animal Hospital! We will soon post information with dates and times for the classes to be held. If you have any questions about canine behavior or training, please don’t hesitate to contact me. (Email is best!)

Kids and Pets

I was playing the game, Doggone Crazy, last week with children from our church small group. (If you haven’t seen this game, check it out, here: http://www.doggonecrazy.ca/ ) The children, aged 8-12, were having a great time laughing their way through correct answers about dog body language, appropriate interactions with unfamiliar dogs and so forth. One question stumped them, though – it was a true or false question: T or F – Adults make better dog trainers than children. To my surprise, they all agreed that adults were better trainers – and they were wrong!

I have found children to be great trainers in my puppy classes and while working with families in homes. Give me a 10-year old with affection for the family dog, time to train and a pocket full of dog treats and I will give you a better trained dog and a happier household in 2 weeks. Children make excellent dog trainers!!

Safety rules and common sense still apply – if you have a dog with any aggression issues, don’t turn him over to your child for training, for goodness’ sake! However, if you just need Fido to come when called, go into his crate on cue, sit for greetings and learn a few parlor tricks, see if your responsible 9-14 year old child has any interest. Chances are, they will make great gains in just a few days. I believe children can do at least as well as their parents – and often they do even better!

I have recently launched a new child-directed program, teaching young people aged 12-18, how to begin their own pet sitting businesses because I believe that children have tremendous potential to do good for people and pets.

If you have a teenager or a nearly –teen, please visit www.SensiblePetSitter.com and check out this great one-day learning opportunity! We are already found in 3 Indianapolis facilities. If you know a group of teens, you can set up your own class and receive one complimentary tuition!

Children never cease to amaze me with their potential. With a little direction, I hope to change the minds of children and help them realize just how talented they can be. I can’t wait to see what this year brings as children in the Indianapolis area become better dog trainers through Sensible K9 puppy classes and private lessons and start their own pet-sitting businesses after attending the Sensible Pet Sitter seminar! Look out, Indy – our kids are going to rock the pet world!