Here are some recent posts:
should dogs lick babies
life with baby just another day at the office
your dog is not your baby ... and thats ok
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Tampilkan postingan dengan label named. Tampilkan semua postingan
Dogs and Babies Blog Has Moved
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Here are some recent posts:
should dogs lick babies
life with baby just another day at the office
your dog is not your baby ... and thats ok
A Cattle Dog Named Stan
So, theres this cattle dog, an Australian Cattle Dog, you know, a blue heeler, the type of dog that many believe you have to be rough with, hard on, the boss of and heavy handed with? Yeah, one of those. Stan was adopted by a loving couple who just wanted a nice dog to do things with, to be active with, to take places. Unfortunately, Stan turned out to be reactive with other dogs. He would bark and lunge when he saw other dogs and the behavior was getting worse so they contacted a trainer.
Trainer A
The first trainer is a positive reinforcement trainer recommended by the rescue group where Stan was adopted. The trainer apparently tried to use straight classical conditioning (feed in the presence of the trigger) to modify the issue and change Stans feelings and reactions to other dogs. Unfortunately, they did so without the use of systematic desensitization.
Classical conditioning is really just pairing something (other dogs) with something (food, for instance). Best case scenario is that the dogs emotional response to the "thing", in this case other dog, changes from upset to happy because the other dog has been paired with food. In my opinion, it is best to do this while also using desensitization. Desensitization means that you keep the dog "under threshold" or exposed at a low enough intensity level that the dog is not reacting, can learn, eat and think. This didnt happen with Stan, he is was far too close and while he would frantically eat, he was far from comfortable. It is my opinion that there would have been far greater success if desensitization was also implemented and if the owner was taught a bit more about the fundamentals of the process and how it should work and how it changes behavior. While we dont need to be too "science-y" with our clients, we do need to be sure not to dumb it down so that they dont even understand how or why something should work and why.
His owner did not see a significant if any change from this trainer, so contacted another trainer.
Trainer B
Stan was sent to a board and train trainer who uses aversives including shock collars and pinch collars to train dogs. Stan was basically physically corrected for reacting to other dogs. This didnt make him feel more relaxed, comfortable or safe. For weeks he was jerked and shocked for reacting to other dogs before the trainer returned him to her with the information that "there is really something wrong with your dog" and that "I cant fix him". Stan was as reactive as ever, probably even more so now.
Why would he get worse and why didnt this work? When using punishment to change behavior a few things have to happen. First, of course the timing has to be impeccable, however, even if it is, if you are using a tool that can create pain or fear for the dog, you start to lose control of what exactly the dog is associating it with. You could be and many times are attempting to correct the dog for his reaction to the other dog, but instead are simply making his feelings about the other dog worse. So, how can he possibly stop reacting defensively when he has more and more reason to feel defensive? We need to feel safe to learn.
Best case scenario, for the owner, not the dog, in this case would have been that he linked the corrections with his behavior of barking or lunging and simply stopped doing it and learned how to cope with his fear or discomfort around other dogs. This happens sometimes and its why some people feel that this method is acceptable. See? It works! Well, it works if you are only interested in making the behavior stop, it doesnt work if you are interested in making the dog comfortable with other dogs. I have seen this stop some dogs from reacting to other dogs, but I have never seen it make dogs okay with other dogs being around and it certainly doesnt help with the dogs actual relationship with other dogs if he has any, which would be my goal. I dont want him to just stop, I want him to feel okay AND stop. The dog feeling okay is a critical piece for me.
Honestly, I have seen people correct dogs for YEARS for reacting to other dogs. YEARS. And the behavior never changes and in many cases it gets worse. Suppressing behavior in the moment is very different from changing the future of the behavior. Punishment reduces the future frequency of the behavior, so if it is punishment it has to change the future of the behavior. What is it if it doesnt change the behavior but the dog gets shocked or jerked whenever they see another dog? Physically correcting a dog for reacting to other dogs gives him so much more to worry about. He is forced to be exposed to other dogs at an intensity level he is far too overwhelmed at, if he reacts he is in trouble, he cant turn to his owner or handler for help because they are the one doling out the punishment. Many times you can see the dog squirm and look stressed and uncomfortable but tries to hold it together because he is trying so desperately to avoid being corrected by his owner. Not a great life.
The owner was pretty horrified by this training and would not allow Stan to remain for more training and turned to another trainer who was recommended by a trainer that the owner highly trusted.
Trainer C
Trainer C accused the dog of enjoying reacting at other dogs. This trainer said that Trainer B did it all wrong, but then proceeded to do the exact same thing as Trainer B with no improvement. Not surprising since again, it is a very flawed method and will not work with all or even most dogs.
Many trainers who use these methods and simply continue to introduce bigger sticks...stringing him up on a choke chain doesnt work put a pinch collar on him, if a pinch doesnt work, put a shock collar on him, if that doesnt work, put both on him, if that doesnt work, put the shock collar on his abdomen. None of which makes the dog okay with other dogs!
Finally, the owner just stopped and backed off. She could no longer stomach watching what was being done to her dog in the name of training. All she ever wanted to do was help him. This journey with this amazing companion of hers has taught her a lot. She eventually went on to learn more about behavior and training. Stan is older now, she has worked with him using desensitization and counter conditioning and gotten him to the point where they do well together and he is much more comfortable with other dogs in the world. Had she been exposed to this training plan earlier on things would probably be very different for Stan, but I dont think it could have made their relationship stronger. Everything she has done with him was done FOR him. She didnt get the help that she paid for or deserved. But, now she knows and when we know better we do better.
For what its worth, when you say cattle dog a lot of people will claim to know the breed and what they need. They talk about being firm, in control, the boss, a good leader and many recommend harsh training methods and treatment. I have trained, lived with and fostered many cattle dogs and in my experience, for a dog that is bred to work cattle in a way and in a terrain that few dogs could do, they are incredibly sensitive. As an owner, a cattle dog is not a dog that I want untrusting or suspicious of his human partner. Be clear, train well, be fair, trust him when he knows better than you and you wont find a better partner.
Finally, its important to know that just because someone is a great dog trainer or very skilled in training pet dogs or dogs for a certain sport does not in any way guarantee that they understand the ins and outs of behavior problems or how to solve them.
Thank you to Stan and his owner for letting me write about his story.
Read More..
Trainer A
The first trainer is a positive reinforcement trainer recommended by the rescue group where Stan was adopted. The trainer apparently tried to use straight classical conditioning (feed in the presence of the trigger) to modify the issue and change Stans feelings and reactions to other dogs. Unfortunately, they did so without the use of systematic desensitization.
Classical conditioning is really just pairing something (other dogs) with something (food, for instance). Best case scenario is that the dogs emotional response to the "thing", in this case other dog, changes from upset to happy because the other dog has been paired with food. In my opinion, it is best to do this while also using desensitization. Desensitization means that you keep the dog "under threshold" or exposed at a low enough intensity level that the dog is not reacting, can learn, eat and think. This didnt happen with Stan, he is was far too close and while he would frantically eat, he was far from comfortable. It is my opinion that there would have been far greater success if desensitization was also implemented and if the owner was taught a bit more about the fundamentals of the process and how it should work and how it changes behavior. While we dont need to be too "science-y" with our clients, we do need to be sure not to dumb it down so that they dont even understand how or why something should work and why.
His owner did not see a significant if any change from this trainer, so contacted another trainer.
Trainer B
Stan was sent to a board and train trainer who uses aversives including shock collars and pinch collars to train dogs. Stan was basically physically corrected for reacting to other dogs. This didnt make him feel more relaxed, comfortable or safe. For weeks he was jerked and shocked for reacting to other dogs before the trainer returned him to her with the information that "there is really something wrong with your dog" and that "I cant fix him". Stan was as reactive as ever, probably even more so now.
Why would he get worse and why didnt this work? When using punishment to change behavior a few things have to happen. First, of course the timing has to be impeccable, however, even if it is, if you are using a tool that can create pain or fear for the dog, you start to lose control of what exactly the dog is associating it with. You could be and many times are attempting to correct the dog for his reaction to the other dog, but instead are simply making his feelings about the other dog worse. So, how can he possibly stop reacting defensively when he has more and more reason to feel defensive? We need to feel safe to learn.
Best case scenario, for the owner, not the dog, in this case would have been that he linked the corrections with his behavior of barking or lunging and simply stopped doing it and learned how to cope with his fear or discomfort around other dogs. This happens sometimes and its why some people feel that this method is acceptable. See? It works! Well, it works if you are only interested in making the behavior stop, it doesnt work if you are interested in making the dog comfortable with other dogs. I have seen this stop some dogs from reacting to other dogs, but I have never seen it make dogs okay with other dogs being around and it certainly doesnt help with the dogs actual relationship with other dogs if he has any, which would be my goal. I dont want him to just stop, I want him to feel okay AND stop. The dog feeling okay is a critical piece for me.
Honestly, I have seen people correct dogs for YEARS for reacting to other dogs. YEARS. And the behavior never changes and in many cases it gets worse. Suppressing behavior in the moment is very different from changing the future of the behavior. Punishment reduces the future frequency of the behavior, so if it is punishment it has to change the future of the behavior. What is it if it doesnt change the behavior but the dog gets shocked or jerked whenever they see another dog? Physically correcting a dog for reacting to other dogs gives him so much more to worry about. He is forced to be exposed to other dogs at an intensity level he is far too overwhelmed at, if he reacts he is in trouble, he cant turn to his owner or handler for help because they are the one doling out the punishment. Many times you can see the dog squirm and look stressed and uncomfortable but tries to hold it together because he is trying so desperately to avoid being corrected by his owner. Not a great life.
The owner was pretty horrified by this training and would not allow Stan to remain for more training and turned to another trainer who was recommended by a trainer that the owner highly trusted.
Trainer C
Trainer C accused the dog of enjoying reacting at other dogs. This trainer said that Trainer B did it all wrong, but then proceeded to do the exact same thing as Trainer B with no improvement. Not surprising since again, it is a very flawed method and will not work with all or even most dogs.
Many trainers who use these methods and simply continue to introduce bigger sticks...stringing him up on a choke chain doesnt work put a pinch collar on him, if a pinch doesnt work, put a shock collar on him, if that doesnt work, put both on him, if that doesnt work, put the shock collar on his abdomen. None of which makes the dog okay with other dogs!
Finally, the owner just stopped and backed off. She could no longer stomach watching what was being done to her dog in the name of training. All she ever wanted to do was help him. This journey with this amazing companion of hers has taught her a lot. She eventually went on to learn more about behavior and training. Stan is older now, she has worked with him using desensitization and counter conditioning and gotten him to the point where they do well together and he is much more comfortable with other dogs in the world. Had she been exposed to this training plan earlier on things would probably be very different for Stan, but I dont think it could have made their relationship stronger. Everything she has done with him was done FOR him. She didnt get the help that she paid for or deserved. But, now she knows and when we know better we do better.
For what its worth, when you say cattle dog a lot of people will claim to know the breed and what they need. They talk about being firm, in control, the boss, a good leader and many recommend harsh training methods and treatment. I have trained, lived with and fostered many cattle dogs and in my experience, for a dog that is bred to work cattle in a way and in a terrain that few dogs could do, they are incredibly sensitive. As an owner, a cattle dog is not a dog that I want untrusting or suspicious of his human partner. Be clear, train well, be fair, trust him when he knows better than you and you wont find a better partner.
Finally, its important to know that just because someone is a great dog trainer or very skilled in training pet dogs or dogs for a certain sport does not in any way guarantee that they understand the ins and outs of behavior problems or how to solve them.
Thank you to Stan and his owner for letting me write about his story.
Musings from Bark Twain AKA a Big Dog Named Bruin
Dear Fans:
For those of you who are not already aware, for the last 2½ months I have been on a diet. My parents and my weight loss warden, Dr. Brooks, keep telling me I should not think of it as a diet but rather as a healthier way of eating. I think they forget sometimes that though I display an inordinate amount of brain cells, I am, after all a dog and find that concept disconcerting and unreasonable.
I do remember vaguely back in the day when my family would ask if I’d like a “treat” and then turn around and give me a dog bone. I felt like Hannibal Lector since only he would want to eat the bones of other dogs. (Please don’t tell Mom and Dad because I’m not allowed to watch those kinds of things but when they leave the room, I “accidentally” roll over on the remote and change the channel.)
My much older (counting in dog years) two-legged siblings are actually quite jealous and insist they were never regarded with the same devotion afforded me. They must think that cooking for me daily and serving my water chilled is not an entitlement. The nerve of them to count the number of times I go to the vet and compare it to the number of times they were taken to the pediatrician! Not for publication is also the fact that my Mom carries around pictures of me and none of her children/grandchildren.
Everybody thinks theyre being so original when they tell my folks they really should put a saddle on me and keep me in a stable. Speaking of everybody, my Dad who doesn’t like to go out much, now enjoys it because he considers me quite the chick magnet. I’m not worried about the stability of my home though, because dogs chase cars all the time but they wouldn’t know what to do with it if they actually caught one. That’s my good old Dad!
I know there isn’t one of you out there who has not tried every new weight loss measure that comes around on a monthly basis. My last hope was the macaroni and cheese ex-lax one that had me parked in the backyard for nine hours straight. Even though I’m extremely well-trained, I wasn’t able to obey the command to “sit” for at least four days. Now, my four-legged friends, I am delighted to say I have found one that not only works, but actually tastes good. Of course, I’m speaking about CANIDAE Platinum dog food. As a devotee, I now walk around the house singing my new anthem “Oh CANIDAE, Oh CANIDAE.”
The glucosamine chondroitin in the CANIDAE really keeps me hopping, as well as the carrots that are now my “treats.” Not only have I lost 10 lbs. in just under three months, but I’ve also been able to throw away my glasses. The greatest thing is that my pecs have stayed the same but my butt appears to be quite a bit smaller. I’m hoping that when Colliewood comes calling, Al Poochino can play me and, perhaps, Kibble Shepherd can be his leading lady. Al may think she’s a little long in the tooth at this point, but we all know the miracles of botox.Since I’m not supposed to think about eating so much, you’d think that when I’m left at home my folks wouldn’t turn the TV to the Food Network. I know they keep hoping they’ll come home and find that I’ve fixed a nice dinner for them, but watching all that stuff just makes me hungry. Then again, if you don’t have thumbs, it’s difficult to turn a nice rib-eye.
Even though I love the taste of CANIDAE Platinum, my ultimate goal is to get my mind off of food and think of other things. Perhaps next time you’d like to hear about my neutering experience. Now that story is a real cut-up!
Love & Licks,
Bruin (the Stud low-cal muffin)
Doggone Safe Named as Finalist for a Classy Award!
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The CLASSY Awards is the largest philanthropic awards ceremony in the USA, recognizing the most outstanding philanthropic achievements by charities, businesses and individuals nationwide.More than 2,000 nominations were submitted to StayClassy for consideration. After a vetting process, StayClassy posted each nomination as an article on the CLASSY Awards Achievements Blog (www.stayclassy.org/stories) to put a national spotlight on amazing philanthropic stories. Doggone Safe rallied their supporters to generate at least 100 Facebook ‘Likes’ on their article to qualify them for the judging round. Out of thousands of nominations, the judges narrowed the list down to the Top 25 most inspiring and impactful in each category. Doggone Safe is a finalist in the category: Most Effective Awareness Campaign.
The Top 10 Finalists will be determined by public vote and announced on August 30th. The winners will be recognized live on-stage at the Oscars-style CLASSY Awards ceremony in San Diego on September 17th.
A Charitable Event to Remember
The 3rd Annual CLASSY Awards competition will culminate at a red-carpet awards ceremony on Saturday, September 17 in San Diego, California. It will feature celebrity appearances, chart-topping music talent, nonprofit and technology leaders, and thousands of CLASSY Awards supporters. More than $150,000 in cash and prizes will be donated to support the charitable efforts of the 12 National CLASSY Awards Winners.
This year’s CLASSY Awards weekend will also feature the CLASSY Collaborative, a day-long networking event on Friday, September 16 at the W Hotel San Diego. Participants will have the opportunity to meet, mingle and share ideas with some of the foremost leaders in philanthropy, technology, innovation, and entertainment.
How You Can Help
Doggone Safe needs your vote in order to make it into the top 10. Doggone Safe is a finalist in the category: Most Effective Awareness Campaign. You may also like to vote in some of the other categories to help support other terrific charities. There are two others who are helping Doggone Safe with promotion and we hope that you will take a look and consider giving them your vote as well. These are:
Rock to Stop Violence - Rock N Roll movement to end violence and abuse and to seek support for survivors of violence and abuse. Finalist for Best New Charity
Amanda Evrard - Amanda is the the volunteer coordinator of Helotes Humane Society, and also volunteers with Homeward Bound and San Antonio Great Dane Rescue. Finalist for Young Non-Profit Leader of the Year.
CLICK HERE to vote
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