I ABSOLUTELY LOVE teaching people how to use positive means of capturing and reinforcing polite social behaviours in the name of "training' their puppies or dogs.
I'm very lucky to be part of Garibaldi Veterinary Hospital's Puppy Socialization Program where I cover the importance of appropriate play, puppy socialization and how to jump start foundation skills. Dr. Honey and Dr. Dattolico go over pertinent health, injury prevention, handling, toe nail trims, ear cleaning information.
Over the past year, I've witnessed some really inappropriate behaviour from people who had been misinformed about what 'training" their dogs should consist of.
Inappropriate use of food and toys, resulting in puppies and dogs only performing behaviours in presence of lures, or become obsessed w/toys and or food, so much so can't concentrate on what their owners were asking them to do.
On the flip side, I've watched some owners yell "no', or lean into their dogs faces grab them, leash jerk, pin their dogs, throw things at them... to intimidate the dogs into offering up a behaviour to diffuse their owners aggression.
People need to know there is an alternative, more peaceful, fun way to communicate your wishes.
Shaping behaviour is an art. Using positive reinforcement methods (not the kind where one "chooses" when to be positive) work especially well with "stubborn", "reactive", "aggressive", "hyper" dogs. I find they are most relieved to find out that their owners are capable of using positive means to get their message across rather than creating an adversarial relationship.
Each and every day I am thankful for my dogs enthusiasm to engage with me. From working on social skills like being patient before zipping off to "Say Hello" with four on the floor;
to interrupting play to sneak in a RECALL...
It did take a lot of thought, learning and effort on my part, but well worth it in the long run as we are set for years to come!
*Notice in none of these videos did you see me use food...although we did at first!
Being the gatekeeper to all they enjoy in life, means they keep a very close eye on me, to ensure they don't miss out.
It's that simple.
cheers,
Kate
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