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sue@raisingcanine.com
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Adding to your problem solving tool box is an ongoing priority for certified dog trainers. A very commonly asked question by clients is why their dogs won’t load up in the car and how they can train the behavior.
Read “Dogs and Car Rides: Loading Up” for some quick tips on encouraging dogs to load more readily in cars. It’s also very important to know when your clients need a referral to a canine behavior specialist. Know how to recognize the difference between reluctance and anxiety.
Venomous snakes are a serious problem for pet owners in many geographic areas in the United States. The most readily available method for snake avoidance training has been with a remote electronic collar. Is this training safe, effective, and of a type that you as a certified professional dog trainer can ethically recommend?
Trainers certified through the CCPDT agree to abide by certain ethical standards embodied in their Human Hierarchy document. The least aversive method possible is utilized to achieve desired training results, and the health and safety of the dog is of primary concern. Is utilizing shock the least aversive method possible? Read Linda Michaels comments on this topic, and read about some alternatives to shock in Michaels’ blog post “UT Pet School: Snake Avoidance.” Michaels is an expert in force-free, science based methods for addressing dog behavior problems in the San Diego area
One of the most common statements you’ll hear as a certified professional trainer is “I want to socialize my dog.” Clients express an interest in socialization in a variety of contexts: when bringing home a new puppy or adopting a new (to them) dog of any age; when their dogs don’t spend much time away from home; and when their dogs are exhibiting less than social behaviors. You face several challenges in handling socialization requests, primary among them helping your clients to understand when socialization is appropriate and when behavior modification with a canine behavior specialist is recommended.
When clients mention socialization in their pre-registration discussions with you, be sure to ask clarifying questions. (Review our blog post “Who Are Your Clients? Creating a Dog Training Intake Form” for help in creating an intake form.) The most important piece of information that you can collect is how appropriate are the dog’s current responses to environmental stimuli. Socialization is simply providing an opportunity for one’s dog to interact in a low pressure way with new stimuli: people, dogs, other animals, and objects. If your client’s dog is displaying inappropriate behaviors when encountering new stimuli – for example, cowering when encountering new dogs even at a distance or lunging at strangers on walks – then it’s time to recommend behavior modification.
Dogs that are cautiously curious, dogs that startle when encountering new stimuli but recover quickly, or dogs that show some mild concern over new things but when given time, warm up and begin interacting in a positive way, are likely good candidates for appropriate socialization. Dogs that are bold and curious should certainly be involved in socialization to maintain these healthy responses.
In summary, socialization is very important for dogs who have healthy responses to new stimuli. Appropriate socialization allows these dogs to maintain their healthy responses. Dogs displaying undesirable responses to new stimuli should be routed toward behavior modification with a canine behavior specialist.
Don’t miss our upcoming blog post,“Socialization: Tips for Success,” which discusses what constitutes appropriate socialization!
Certified dog trainers are in a unique situation with respect to canine health. Here are some facts that make your position as a professional dog trainer uncomfortable on occasion.
1. Reputable dog trainers verify that participants in their group classes meet minimum legal vaccination requirements, if not a higher vaccination standard.
2. It is imperative for the health and safety of puppies attending group puppy class, that dog trainers follow certain cleanliness standards regarding the space in which these classes are offered.
3. Your clients will likely see you more frequently than they see their vet.
4. Clients, especially puppy clients, frequently ask simple health questions, the answers to which certified dog trainers are familiar and happy to share with clients. For example, at what age do puppies lose their puppy teeth?
5. Trainers certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers are required to abide by a code of ethics that includes adherence to the Humane Hierarchy. The first tier in the hierarchy includes health, nutritional, and physical factors. Specifically that the trainer identify health concerns that should be addressed by a licensed veterinary.
Combine all of the above, and it is undeniable that certified professional dog trainers: 1) are making some simple health determinations (Are your dog’s vaccinations current? Does your dog display physical signs of illness?), 2) that the trainer is placed in a position of authority regarding some health issues (minimum vaccination standards to join group classes and cleanliness standards for puppy class), and 3) that the trainer may have more contact with her client than does the client’s vet.
The Problem
Unfortunately, clients frequently come to the conclusion that their trainer is a health expert. Not only are dog trainers not experts in canine health, but there are strict state laws regulating all aspects of veterinary practice, and non-vets may not practice veterinary medicine.
What to do?
What not to do?
As a certified professional dog trainer you are a dog training resource, which may at times include some very simple statements regarding canine health. This makes you by default a dog health resource for your clients. But you are not a dog health expert. Be aware of your limitations and encourage a strong relationship with open communication between your client and his/her veterinary.
The perfect client does not exist. Or rather, every client is perfect in some way, but not in every way. One of the challenges you face as your clients’ dog training resource is to point out the imperfections both specifically and fully without dampening your clients’ enthusiasm for learning. If you fail to point out your clients’ training weaknesses – poor timing or clumsy delivery, for example, then you’re failing your clients as a teacher. If you point out these weaknesses and your clients are offended and discouraged, then you’re failing your clients as a teacher.
So how do you walk this fine line? Be specific and very descriptive in pointing out both perfections and imperfections. The following are some examples of specific language.
TREAT DELIVERY
1. I like how smoothly you delivered the treat to Spot. You had the treat ready in your hand and your movements to his mouth were clean and economical. Excellent job!
***NOT*** Good Job!
OR
2. I noticed that you fumbled in your treat bag for a bit before you had a treat ready for Spot. You might try emptying your treats from the plastic baggie directly into your treat pouch to make them more accessible, or have a treat ready in your hand.
***NOT***Your treat delivery wasn’t very good. You need to have treats out and ready more quickly.
TIMING
1. Good job using the marker word. As soon as Spot’s nose touched your hand, you marked it with a prompt “good.” There was no delay between his nose touch and your marker word, which is exactly what we’re looking for!
***NOT*** Good job using the marker word!
OR
2. Your marker word “good” was delivered after your dog’s nose was no longer touching your hand. Before you put your hand out, be sure you’re ready to speak up! Ideally, you want your marker word to be spoken as your dog’s nose is touching your hand.
***NOT*** You were a little slow. Try being a little faster.
Remember, all clients are perfect in some way. Be sure that you recognize and acknowledge their good training in a specific way so that they can repeat it, whether it’s great timing, reading body language well, their enthusiasm for training, or following your instructions closely. If you see areas for improvement, point out the specific need for improvement and provide specific instructions for how your clients might improve.
If you find yourself struggling with specificity, then review your own training skills. Practicing good mechanics, especially videoing yourself, can make you more aware of exactly why certain training feels better or works better. In knowing specifically why certain training skills work well, you should be better able to specifically explain to your clients what you like and want repeated and what needs improvement. Also, check out our blog post “Skills Practice: Improve Your Reward Delivery.” There are several very specific tips regarding reward delivery.
Becoming a certified dog trainer means becoming a teacher. You have a responsibility as a teacher to encourage learning in your students – and it’s just good business!
As discussed in our blog post “Swimming: Targeting Specialized, Seasonal Training,” predicting your clients’ seasonal needs is an important requirement of professional dog trainers. How to handle the special needs of dog’s exposed to fireworks is of particular concern around the Fourth of July and New Year’s.
Check out “Fireworks – What’s a Dog Owner to Do?” for some management and positive dog training tips. It’s also important to get a very good history when answering questions about fireworks. Be sure to be specific in asking clients to describe the behaviors that have concerned them in the past. If you suspect severe anxiety, then consider whether this falls within your area of expertise. If you are a behavior specialist, then you may decide to accept this client; you might consider seeking the aid of a consulting veterinary depending on the severity of the dog’s anxiety. If you focus primarily on pet manners and obedience, then those cases that exceed prevention and are more serious anxiety cases should be referred to a local, reputable canine behavior specialist. If you have not already developed a relationship with one, now is the time to start!
Reading dog body language – certified professional trainers can never have enough practice! Review the photo and brief scenario description provided below. Compare your thoughts and interpretations with our comments below.
Scenario Description:
This is a picture of a medical carry taken midday in Texas in June. The dog has a large accumulation of burrs under her armpits matting the hair and making movement painful. Pain was evidenced by a severe limp. She is being transported to a rehabilitation area.
What do you see?
1. Context.
As professional dog trainers familiar with body handling, we know that many dogs don’t enjoy being picked up. We know based on the scenario description that the dog may be physically uncomfortable or even in pain due to the burr matted hair. Be careful! Don’t let the context and the expectations that you may have based upon that context trump the dog’s body language.
2. Body Posture.
Body posture is difficult to see here since the dog is not bearing her own weight. The loosely dangling legs, however, are some evidence of relaxed body posture.
3. Facial Expression.
Relaxed facial muscles combined with the upturned corners and slight parting of the mouth create what is frequently described as a “smile.” Upturned corners with tight facial features or a closed mouth may not lead to the same conclusion. But this dog evidences all three characteristics.
4. Other Evidence of Distress.
Panting can be a sign of distress. In a still photo, the rate of the dog’s breathing is not evident, and a rapid rate of breathing can also be a sign of distress. Here, the relaxed facial muscles provide some evidence that the panting portrayed in the picture is not rapid; additionally, the tongue is relaxed – it will be more spatulate when the dog is tense. We do know that the picture was taken midday in June in Texas. Some panting would be expected based upon environmental conditions.
5. Summary
Happy, relaxed, and comfortable. This dog does not show signs of extreme stress or distress. This photo is an excellent example of how important it is to observe body language. The context predicts a strong likelihood that the dog would be uncomfortable, but her body language says otherwise.
If you’re not satisfied with how your interpretations compared with the final analysis, don’t worry! Keep practicing. Check back for more photo posts with analysis. And attend the upcoming September 2013 seminar “Canine Body Language” hosted by Raising Canine.
One of the requirements of a professional dog trainer includes staying up to date on specialized topics and being prepared with relevant information when your clients come to you with seasonal questions. If you live in a hot climate, your target service areas include suburban housing where pools are prevalent, or if you live an area with plentiful lakes, streams, rivers, or creeks, then get ready to answer questions about swimming. Conversely, if you live in cold country, your clients will want to know what outdoor activities they can safely do with their dogs.
Having a number of positive dog training tips ready for a variety of diverse topics will make you a better certified professional trainer, and your clients will be thrilled with your broad knowledge base! Read “Swimming with Your Dog: Getting Started In 7 Easy Steps!” for some helpful hints on swimming you can pass on to your clients.
Our blog posts “VIDEO: Change the Dog Toy, Change the Dog Play” and “VIDEO: Inappropriate Play – What Is The Certified Dog Trainer’s Responsibility?” discuss some aspects of good and inappropriate play. Recognizing appropriate play is an important skill certified professional trainers should develop and maintain. The best methods? Practice! It’s also important to be able to pinpoint and vocalize very specific behaviors that are appropriate. like and to help clients to understand
What do you see?
Here are some points indicating that this play session was appropriate:
1. Play is reciprocal.
Both dogs are engaged in play. Neither is retreating into closed space or hiding. The Doodle is always chased, but when there is a pause the Doodle immediately turns around and re-engages the Black Lab.
2. Breaks.
Both dogs take very brief breaks from their play. These mini-breaks are brief moments of non-motion.
3. Body Language.
The Black Lab is loose and curvy, which is evidence that she is comfortable and relaxed. The Doodle is a little stiffer and quicker with her movement, evidencing slightly less comfort, but interested in engaging with the Lab.
4. Type of Play.
Primarily chase. The Doodle entices the lab to chase, but continues to check back in and re-engage the Lab rather than running flat out. The Lab appears comfortable following the Doodle’s lead on play style.
What do you see?
A few points:
1. Play is reciprocal.
Both dogs are engaged in play. Neither is retreating into closed space or hiding. Each dog elicits play at some point in the clip.
2. Breaks.
Both dogs take very brief breaks from their play, as well as a few lengthier breaks. At one point, the smaller Lab mix lies down.
3. Body Language.
Lots of open mouths while wrestling, but not biting down. Facial muscles are relaxed. Both dogs bow or half-bow frequently and are relatively loose with their bodies – no rigid, tall stances.
4. Type of Play.
Primarily wrestling, with both dogs actively soliciting wrestling as a play form.
Remember, interpreting play is contextual. Observing only 1 dog or observing a particular behavior in isolation from the preceding and following behaviors can be misleading. Look at the whole picture. Practice by observing group play often, videoing when you have the opportunity. Finally, help your clients to understand what constitutes appropriate play by describing specific desirable behaviors. Improving your ability to pinpoint and describe to your clients what constitutes good play is another way to make yourself a great dog training resource for your clients.
Daycare, play dates, and puppy class. There are a number of opportunities for certified professional dog trainers to observe off leash play between client dogs. We’ve discussed what an important skill reading K9 body language is in the post “VIDEO: Change the Dog Toy, Change the Dog Play.” Observing play and educating yourself regarding good play can help you to become more comfortable identifying and encouraging good play, as we discussed in our previous post. But what do you do when you observe socially awkward, inappropriate or aggressive behavior? The following tips are for socially awkward and inappropriate behaviors. Aggression is its own blog topic!
1. Control the Situation.
If you observe play that is inappropriate in an off-leash activity that you’re supervising, it’s very important that you control the situation. Interrupt the behavior or redirect the dog that is displaying inappropriate behavior. If you observe anything unsafe, immediately remove the problematic dog from group play.
2. Inform the Owner
Explain to clients what constitutes good play, and help them to recognize in their own dog what is inappropriate. This can be a difficult conversation to have. Clients have a strong connection to their dogs, and factual accounts of behavior can be perceived as criticism. I have found it helpful to describe very specific behaviors and discuss how the continuation of such behaviors may place their dog at a disadvantage when playing with other dogs or possibly even be unsafe for their dog.
3. Educate the Owner to Manage and Alter Target Behaviors
Once you’ve educated the owner so that he can distinguish which behaviors shouldn’t be allowed to continue, be sure to explain in detail how your client can interrupt or redirect his dog. Depending on the behavior and the dog, toys, food, body blocking, and reliably trained cues can be used to interrupt and redirect. Pick the best tools for your client’s dog, and ensure your client is comfortable employing them.
Watch the following clip for an example of mildly inappropriate play. Pick out the behaviors that you as a professional dog trainer would target to interrupt and alter.
ARVE Error: need id and providerThe behaviors I would target for this dog include: vocalization, rigid body posture, over the shoulder pawing, and muzzle punching. Context is all important in analyzing body language. These dogs are clearly engaging in play. Some of the poodle’s behaviors could be perceived as aggressive in some situations, but here they are simply making the shepherd uncomfortable. But not so uncomfortable that she is refuses to engage in play!
