Tag Archives: Mutt Magic

My Dog Doesn’t “Come” When Called!

Leave a reply

Dog Training Frustrations: Overcoming the Lack of Response to Commands


Dog training is an art form; a delicate balance between patience, consistency, and understanding. Yet, even the most dedicated pet owners often find themselves facing frustrations when their companion fails to respond to commands. Whether it’s teaching basic obedience or correcting behavioral issues, a lack of response from a dog can be challenging!

The number one reason a dog fails to respond to commands lies in owner enforcement. Often, handlers will attempt to work with a puppy or dog off leash, before a command is solid and reliable. When this happens, it gives the dog opportunity to not respond, which then teaches that they don’t have to respond! Having both the ability to enforce (use a leash!) and to reward (use a motivator that your dog values!) are key. Inconsistencies in these can lead to confusion and non-compliance.

Additionally, distractions play a significant role in a dog’s response to commands. Dogs are naturally curious creatures, easily enticed by smells, sounds, and other animals in their environment. When training in distracting settings, dogs may prioritize exploring their surroundings over obeying commands. This can be particularly frustrating, and is also a significant reason behind not removing the leash or the rewards too soon!!

Another common hurdle is the failure to establish a strong bond and trust between the owner and the dog. Effective communication and cooperation hinge on a foundation of mutual respect and understanding. If a dog perceives its owner as inconsistent, untrustworthy, or intimidating, it may resist following commands out of confusion, fear, or defiance. Work on building trust through consistency and patience, and encourage cooperation rather than coercion.

Furthermore, individual differences in temperament, breed predispositions, and past experiences can influence a dog’s responsiveness to training. While some dogs may be eager to please and quick to learn, others may be more independent, requiring tailored approaches and additional time and effort. Breed-specific traits, such as herding instincts or prey drive, can also pose challenges in certain training contexts, necessitating specialized techniques to address specific behavioral patterns.

So, what should you do? It is crucial to adopt a patient and adaptable mindset. Consistency is key, so be sure you’re able to enforce and reinforce commands, as needed. Use a leash and rewards until your dog is 100% reliable under distraction. DO NOT give commands unless these conditions are met. Breaking down commands into manageable steps, gradually increasing difficulty, and progressively building distractions can help set dogs up for success and build confidence over time. Moreover, incorporating activities that strengthen the bond between owner and dog, such as interactive play, grooming sessions, and reward-based training exercises, can enhance trust and cooperation.

Doing all of these things to the best of your ability and still having trouble? Join us for an upcoming group class, or reach out for information on private lessons. We’ll help you get that reliability cleaned up!

Common behavioral frustrations

Leave a reply

Our dogs bring immense joy and companionship to our lives. That said, we provide behavioral consults for HSHC because sometimes . . . they also exhibit natural behaviors that are frustrating. Behaviors that come up often during consults are chewing, digging, or excessive barking. (Housebreaking also tops the list, but we addressed that in detail in our previous post!) While these behaviors are innate to dogs, they can be managed and redirected with the right approach. Below you’ll find some insights into understanding the root causes of these behaviors and effective strategies to address them.

Understanding the Behavior:

  1. Chewing: Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs that helps alleviate boredom, anxiety, and teething discomfort. However, it can become destructive when directed towards household items or furniture.
  2. Digging: Digging is an instinctual behavior in dogs, rooted in their ancestry as hunters and burrowers. Dogs may dig out of boredom, to regulate body temperature, or to seek attention.
  3. Excessive barking: Another innate behavior, barking can have several root causes. Dogs can bark to alert, to demand attention (or treats!) and even out of boredom.

(You all saw boredom as a potential cause for each of these behaviors, correct?? Let’s get into what to do about them.)

Addressing Unwanted Behavior:

  1. Provide Sufficient Mental and Physical Stimulation: Dogs need both mental and physical exercise to stay happy and content. Ensure your dog receives regular walks, playtime, and mental stimulation through interactive toys or puzzle games. A tired dog is less likely to engage in destructive behaviors.
  2. Provide Appropriate Chew Toys: Redirect your dog’s chewing behavior onto appropriate chew toys. (Anticipate when they’re likely to chew, and do this BEFORE they start, to avoid inadvertently rewarding the behavior!) Offer a variety of textures and shapes to keep them engaged. Frozen treats or puzzle toys can also provide relief during teething or times of heightened anxiety.
  3. Reinforce Desired Behavior: Encourage and reward desired behaviors! Considering what your dog finds most valuable, reward with treats, praise, or playtime when they exhibit good behavior such as chewing on appropriate items or refraining from digging in undesired places.
  4. Consistency and Routine: Establish a consistent routine for your dog, including regular feeding times, walks, and play sessions. Dogs thrive on routine, and a structured environment can help reduce anxiety and curb unwanted behaviors.
  5. Provide Adequate Supervision: Supervise your dog to prevent them from engaging in destructive behaviors. If you cannot supervise them, confine them to a safe and dog-proofed area with appropriate toys.
  6. Environmental Enrichment: Create an enriched environment for your dog with plenty of mental stimulation. Because these behaviors are natural, trying to stop them completely can create other problems. Appropriately directing these behaviors through enrichment may include rotating toys, introducing new scents, or creating a digging area in your backyard filled with sand or dirt where they are allowed to dig. (Further for digging: don’t allow them to watch you garden or fill holes.)
  7. Address Underlying Issues: Sometimes, unwanted behaviors stem from underlying issues such as anxiety, fear, or medical conditions. If your dog’s behavior persists despite your efforts, consult with a veterinarian or schedule a behavioral consult with us to address any underlying issues.

Understanding the natural instincts behind unwanted behaviors in dogs is key to addressing them effectively. By providing adequate mental and physical stimulation, training, consistency, and addressing any underlying issues, you can help your dog channel their natural behaviors in a positive direction, leading to a happier dog and a better relationship between the two of you!

Need a behavioral consult? We offer these once per month, via Zoom. Reach out, to get on the schedule! (These are consults and are not training sessions. They are also not appropriate for aggression issues. If you’re experiencing aggression, reach out to schedule private lesson training.)

Housebreaking a newly adopted dog

Leave a reply

Newly Adopted Pup

Housebreaking a newly adopted dog can be a challenging and crucial aspect of welcoming a furry friend into your home. The process involves teaching the dog appropriate bathroom habits, ensuring a clean and comfortable living environment, and building a strong bond between the pet and the owner. However, difficulties in housebreaking can arise due to various reasons, each requiring a thoughtful and patient approach.

One common challenge in housebreaking is the adjustment period that newly adopted dogs undergo. Dogs may come from different backgrounds, shelters, or previous homes, and adapting to a new environment can be overwhelming for them. During this adjustment phase, they may exhibit stress or anxiety, leading to inconsistent bathroom habits. Understanding and addressing the dog’s emotional state is essential in overcoming this difficulty.

Another factor contributing to housebreaking challenges is a lack of prior training or inconsistent training methods in the dog’s previous environment. Dogs may not have been exposed to proper bathroom etiquette or may have learned habits that are incompatible with the owner’s expectations. In such cases, retraining becomes necessary, requiring patience and positive reinforcement to instill new habits.

Medical issues can also play a role in difficulties with housebreaking. Newly adopted dogs may have health concerns that affect their ability to control their bladder or bowel movements. It is crucial to rule out any underlying medical issues by consulting with a veterinarian. Addressing these health concerns can significantly improve the success of housebreaking efforts.

Establishing a consistent routine is key to overcoming housebreaking challenges. Dogs thrive on routine and predictability, and having a set schedule for feeding, outdoor breaks, and playtime can help them understand when and where they are expected to relieve themselves. Additionally, try to keep potty breaks and exercise breaks separate: potty breaks should be quick (5-10 minutes, tops) while exercise breaks should be longer. If possible, use different exits of the home for each. For example, use the back door for a potty breaks, and the front door for walks. Additionally, reinforcing desired behaviors is essential when working on housebreaking. Rewarding the dog for appropriate bathroom behavior with treats, praise, or playtime creates a positive association. Consistency with this provides a sense of security for the dog and aids in reinforcing desired behaviors.

Proper supervision is essential during the housebreaking process. Keeping a close eye on the dog allows the owner to anticipate and prevent accidents. Use of a crate as well as a leash (yes, a leash INDOORS!) will help with this during the transition period. When the dog exhibits signs such as sniffing or circling, indicating a need to eliminate, prompt action can guide the dog to the designated outdoor area. Supervision minimizes the opportunity for mistakes and accelerates the learning process.

In some cases, seeking professional help may be necessary. Your dog trainer can provide valuable insights and guidance tailored to the specific challenges faced by the newly adopted dog. Professional assistance can be particularly beneficial when dealing with deep-rooted behavioral issues or if the owner is unsure about the most effective training methods.

Difficulty in housebreaking a newly adopted dog is a common but manageable challenge. Understanding the dog’s background, addressing potential medical issues, establishing a consistent routine, reinforcing desired behaviors, and seeking professional guidance when needed can contribute to a successful housebreaking experience. Patience, empathy, and a commitment to building a strong bond with the dog are key elements in overcoming the obstacles associated with housebreaking.

Halloween Tip: Keeping dogs away from the front door

Leave a reply

So. . .we’ve already given the important reminder to keep holiday treats away from your four-legged crew. What else should you do to keep your critters safe during this upcoming holiday? Keeping your pets away from the front door is another big one!

With mass amounts of tiny humans (. . .and some big ones!) that will be knocking on your door next week, a lot of dogs can get stressed out. Not surprisingly, this can be a big holiday in which dog owners may find their pup on a bite hold. We’ve actually helped our share of private clients gain control as a result of incidents that have occurred on Halloween.

So, what should you do? You can safely keep your pups crated, gated, or otherwise in another room, so as to keep them calm and not reactive every time the doorbell rings. This helps for dogs that are reactive, and also helps those pups that are inclined to dart out of the front door when it’s opened. (Yes- we can help control that, too!) An alternative may be to sit out front and greet all the cute little ghouls and gobblins as they approach, and eliminate that door reactivity all together!

Last, if you’re ready for your pup to share in some Halloween fun, join us at Jen-Nic Pet Foods (515 Baltimore Pike, Bel Air, MD 21014) on Oct 28! The Humane Society will be there with adoptable pets, AND there will be a costume contest!

Have you had a behavioral problem that you don’t quite know how to resolve? We’re here and LOVE to help! Ask away, and your question may be featured in an upcoming newsletter!

Have an article suggestion or success story you want to share? Email us! aja@muttmagic.com

Also, don’t forget to visit us online at www.muttmagic.com

Dog training: keep it simple.

Leave a reply

Some training friends were around from out of town recently. This is always a good experience because as trainers, it expands our knowledge base, and keeps ideas fresh. Among many things I was able to take away from this, one I’ll share with you all: train for “as much as needed, as little as possible.”

What does this mean? When you’re teaching behaviors to your dog, you want to bring the amount of handling that your dog will need to learn, without overwhelming them. (Or yourself.) You always want to adjust your technique to accommodate your dog’s specific needs, there is no cookie cutter method to training! Some dogs need more hands-on work, some dogs need more hands-off work. Additionally, some dogs learn best with more repetition, some dogs learn best with less. As a novice, you’ll need to do a bit of trial/error to know what works best for your particular dog, which is where a skilled trainer comes in handy. Knowing how to read a dog and what it needs, we can make the best suggestions to have success with “as much as needed, as little as possible.”

Whew! That should make training easier. Right?!

Have you had a behavioral problem that you don’t quite know how to resolve? We’re here and LOVE to help! Ask away, and your question may be featured in an upcoming newsletter!

Vaccination Information

Leave a reply

Disclaimer: This article is based on my educated opinion, from research I’ve done. It should not replace your need to research and talk to your vet about what is best for your dog and your situation.

Vaccination requirements in Maryland, as well as most states are limited to the Rabies vaccination, although there are many other vaccinations that are recommended and that you can choose from. Vaccinations may be given as independent injections, or as combination vaccines.

The most common optional and highly recommended vaccination for puppies, is the Parvovirus vaccine. It’s typically given as a combo vaccine, which vaccinates against five potentially deadly viruses for puppies. (Adult dogs can get them, too, although the severity of the disease is not as great as it is in puppies.) The five diseases that the combo vaccine protects against are canine distemper, hepatitis, adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. This vaccine is typically recommended to give to puppies as early as 4 weeks of age, and boosters are given throughout puppyhood, and an additional booster at one year of age. Recent studies are showing the effectiveness of the booster to last up to seven years! Additional diseases may be covered in similar parvo combo vaccines, such as leptospirosis (more on this, later), although these combo vaccines are generally not recommended, depending on who you’re talking to.

There are also vaccines that protect against potentially deadly or life altering bacteria, such as those that cause Lepto, and Lyme’s Disease. It’s important to note that Lepto and Lyme’s Disease can effect people, as well. As some of you may know, I recently had a dog pass away due to complications of Leptospirosis, a bacteria transmitted through other infected animals. (In our case, my dog Dojo was infected from exposure to rats in our alley. He was a healthy six-year-old dog.) Because these vaccines protect against bacteria, their effectiveness is not as long as a vaccine that protects against viruses. As with many vaccinations, these only protect against a small portion of the strains of bacteria, and are not without risk. If you choose to have them administered, it is recommended for your dog to receive them yearly. It is also generally recommended that these be given as independent injections, separate from other vaccines. This is to increase effectiveness, as well as to prevent complications. It is typically not recommended for senior dogs to receive these injections because of risk of complication.

What vaccines should your dog receive? Well, that’s completely up to you! (With the exception of the rabies vaccine.) Do your research, speak to your vet, and make the decisions that are best for your household. Because the dogs in my home are currently 7 and 12 years old, they currently get vaccinated for rabies, only. Even though I recently had a dog pass away due to Lepto, I’m still on the fence about this vaccine, and am weighing risks/benefits and speaking with my vet with regard to vaccinating Red, my 7-year-old, against this and possibly other diseases. As a senior at 12, Star will not be receiving vaccines, other than rabies.

Have you had a behavioral problem that you don’t quite know how to resolve? We’re here and LOVE to help! Ask away, and your question may be featured in an upcoming newsletter!
Visit us online: www.muttmagic.com

Nature VS Nurture: Puppy Socialization

Leave a reply

When it comes to the question of “Nature VS Nurture” there’s no easy answer. The best answer is usually: BOTH. Dogs are born with an innate temperament, which is generally influenced by their breeding. We also influence how they respond to the world around them.

Quickly, let’s talk about temperament and learned behavior. Temperament is something your dog is born with. This cannot be changed, and is “the card they’re dealt.” Some dogs are naturally more outgoing, some dogs are naturally more fearful. This is normal, and important for you to be aware of, as knowing your pup and his tendencies will enable you to choose the best training and socialization path. Next, learned behavior is how we influence our dogs. This can be HUGE! Your puppy (and dog!) is constantly learning, and everything is training, whether you intend it to be, or not.

So, how can we best set our puppies up for success? Early socialization is key. Once your vet has cleared your pup to explore the world – go for it!! Get your pup to the park, take her to play dates, sign up for a training class. Learning from other dogs is super beneficial at this time. Go anywhere and everywhere with her! Thankfully, before your pup is ready for the world, there are some things you can do at home, too! Expose her to new textures – hard wood flooring, tile, carpet. Expose her to new scents – food, grass, flowers. Expose her to different chew items – tendons, pig ears, bones. This last one will be big as your pup starts teething, too! A great rule is 100 experiences in 100 days. Get creative, and have fun with it.

There’s no such thing as over socialization. Especially if you have a pup that’s less confident, you may be fighting against nature to help him out in this area. If you have a breed that has tendencies to guard, you’re going to have to work extra hard early to be sure those behaviors are kept in check. So. . .know the nature, provide the nurture, and enjoy your pup!

Have you had a behavioral problem that you don’t quite know how to resolve? We’re here and LOVE to help! Ask away, and your question may be featured in an upcoming newsletter!
Visit us online: www.muttmagic.com

Success!

Leave a reply

Ever have a dog with a behavioral problem, and you don’t know what to do about it? Check out this success story. . .there is hope!

Hi Aja,

Success!  Primrose is going down the stairs every time!  I have all three dogs in my room at night and in the morning I get up, ignore them and just go downstairs.  At first, Primrose was the last one to come down, but now she just goes down whenever she can.  I fed her the first two days on the stairs and by the end of the second day, she went down the stairs with the older dog with no hesitation!  Primrose used to go upstairs alone during the day and whine to come down.  Now she isn’t even going up there during the day unless I go.  She must have been going up alone to get away from stress before.  I’ve really made everyone aware that she has anxiety issues and to work with her.

Your advice and knowledge was very helpful.  I’m still playing the games with all of the dogs and I have the Thunder Shirt too.  The “touch” training has helped to keep the dogs from being so demanding.

Thank you again for your help!

Sincerely,

Catherine, Primrose, Sansa and Tuki

Need help with your dogs? Contact us! http://muttmagic.com

 

New Dog Introductions

Leave a reply

Selecting an appropriate new dog to bring home, as well as selecting new playmates for dogs in your household always requires introducing the dogs. There are a few points to remember to ensure that all new greetings are as successful as they can be. A few general rules to keep in mind are: 1. Male-Female pairs tend to do better long term; 2. Adult dogs that get along initially will typically continue to do so; and 3. Walking the dogs together before greeting can greatly improve chances for appropriate greetings, especially with dogs that are selective.

Male-Female pairs are best because there will be less competition between the dogs. In a pack, there is always an alpha male and an alpha female. (Of course, in your pack at home, you should be the dominant leader, although that’s another topic all together!) Keeping opposite sex pairings can reduce dominance scuffles, which can be intense. In multi-dog households or playgroups, it’s best to determine who the top dogs are, and keep a watchful eye to be sure that other dogs do not challenge this role.

Contrary to the popular myth, adult dogs are better new additions! Getting a puppy to have it “grow up” with the other dog or with the family greatly increases the risk that the puppy will challenge an adult dog as he/she matures. If you select a new addition to your household as an adult and your current dog is receptive from the initial greeting, chances are that the roles will not be challenged in the future because both dogs are mentally mature. Mental maturity in most dogs happens between the ages of 2-4 years, which often depends on the breed and the individual dog.

Now . . .you think you have found the perfect match. It’s time to introduce the dogs! Start on neutral territory, and do not allow the dogs to greet right away. Take the dogs on a long walk side-by-side to start. The longer the walk the better, as greetings will be less intense if the dogs have burned some energy. As you’re walking, take turns having one dog walk in front and the other behind. This will give both you and the dogs the opportunity to watch behaviors. Plus, it will give the dogs an opportunity to pick up on the other dogs scent.

Once the walk is over, as the handler, you must make the decision if it’s the right time to let the dogs greet. Happy, but relaxed, posture is key. Do not allow the dogs to greet head-on; this can present a challenge to some dogs. Head-to-tail, or a sideways greeting is better, as this allows the dogs to learn each others scent. With loose leashes, allow the dogs to approach naturally; you should notice one or both dogs veering slightly to one side, with bodies curved. If the dogs are pulling toward each other with tight leashes, more walking may be needed.

Some dogs are able to meet with new dogs quickly and easily, while other dogs may need more time to get used to a new household or playgroup addition. This depends greatly on the individual dog, with breed and gender playing a role in this as well. Always know your dog and his/her reactions, anticipate responses, and watch behaviors for the best new intros.

Have safe introductions, and enjoy your new addition!

Want to learn more? Visit us online: www.muttmagic.com

To shave, or not? Shedding your dog’s winter coat.

Leave a reply

Not a behavioral topic, but one appropriate for the season. For those that have been receiving our newsletter long enough, you know that heat safety is a topic that is important to me. It’s one I address every year as the temperatures start to rise. If you haven’t heard my summer safety tips before, sit tight- this is a good one! Should you shave your dog leading into our HOT summer?

The answer depends on your dog’s coat. Dogs with a short single coat (pit bulls, boxers, great danes, etc.) do not need a summer shave. They’re wash and wear! Dogs that sport a longer coat are a different story. If your dog has a long single coat (poodles, shih-tzus, bichons, etc.) shave away! I’m sure they’ll be happy to be rid of the extra hair, and there will be less chance for burrs and mats to get stuck. Now, here’s where it gets tricky: If your dog has a double coat (short or long) DO NOT SHAVE! Examples of dogs with this type of coat are- golden retrievers, german shepherds, and pomeranians.

It is a service that some groomers offer, but shaving your double coated dog is more harmful than helpful in the summer months. Why? Double coated dogs have layers of hair for a reason. The outer layer protects your dog from the sun and the heat. That layer actually keeps your dog cool! The inner layer is designed to keep your dog warm and dry- this is the layer you want to address by stripping. Blowing or combing it out are appropriate. If both the layers are shaved down, your dog not only has no sun protection, but no water protection, either. When shaved, the outer layer is no longer dominant, and there will be more chance of attracting burrs and mats. With the undercoat exposed, your dog is essentially wearing a sweatshirt in the summer. No fun! Last, your dog is going to have to work harder to grow out his or her coat and may struggle to have the proper balance in the winter.

So, the answer really depends on your breed of dog. But, if you have a double coated dog, the easy answer is do not shave! Hopefully everybody finds this informational. If you have a shave-down appointment for your double coated furry friend, make the change to a blow out today!

Visit us online: www.muttmagic.com