Author Archives: ajasage

My dog barks . . . at everything!

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Excessive barking in dogs is a common issue that can cause stress for both the pet and their owners. Addressing this behavior requires understanding the root cause of the barking, employing consistent training techniques, and sometimes making environmental or lifestyle adjustments. Here’s how to approach the problem effectively.

Understanding the Cause

The first step in addressing excessive barking is to identify why the dog is barking. Dogs bark for various reasons, including boredom, anxiety, attention-seeking, territorial behavior, or responding to external stimuli like other animals or loud noises. Understanding the trigger is crucial because it allows you to tailor your approach to the specific cause.

For instance, a dog that barks out of boredom may need more mental and physical stimulation, whereas a dog that barks due to anxiety may require reassurance and training to feel more secure in their environment.

Training Techniques

Once the cause is identified, consistent training is key to reducing excessive barking. Here are some effective techniques:

  1. Reinforcement: Rewarding a dog when they are quiet teaches them that being calm and quiet leads to positive outcomes. This can be done by offering treats, praise, or playtime when the dog stops barking on command. The command “quiet” or “enough” should be used consistently, paired with the reward.
  2. Ignore the Barking: For attention-seeking barking, it’s important not to reinforce the behavior by responding to it. This means avoiding eye contact, speaking, or touching the dog while they are barking. Once they stop barking, immediately reward them for their silence. This teaches the dog that being quiet is what gets them the attention they crave.
  3. Desensitization: If a dog barks at specific triggers, like the doorbell or other dogs, gradual desensitization can help. Start by exposing the dog to the trigger at a low intensity and reward them for staying quiet. Gradually increase the intensity as they become more comfortable. For example, if the doorbell is a trigger, you might play a recording of the sound at a low volume while rewarding the dog for staying calm. Over time, the dog learns that the doorbell isn’t a cause for alarm.
  4. Teach Alternative Behaviors: Teaching a dog an alternative behavior can also reduce barking. For instance, if a dog barks when someone is at the door, teach them to go to a designated spot instead. This redirecting of energy helps the dog focus on a positive action rather than the negative habit of barking.

Environmental and Lifestyle Adjustments

Sometimes, addressing excessive barking requires changes to the dog’s environment or routine:

  1. Increased Exercise and Mental Stimulation: A tired dog is less likely to bark out of boredom or frustration. Ensure that your dog gets sufficient physical exercise and mental stimulation each day. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and regular play sessions can help keep their mind engaged and reduce the urge to bark.
  2. Create a Calm Environment: If a dog barks out of anxiety or fear, creating a calm and secure environment can help. This might involve providing a safe space for the dog, using calming aids like pheromone diffusers, or employing relaxation techniques like massage or gentle music.
  3. Limit Exposure to Triggers: If possible, reduce the dog’s exposure to the stimuli that cause them to bark excessively. This might mean keeping blinds closed to prevent them from seeing other dogs or using white noise to drown out external sounds.

Professional Help

If these strategies don’t reduce the barking, it may be beneficial to reach out for some in-home private lesson. This can help provide personalized guidance and training tailored to the specific needs of the dog. In some cases, excessive barking can also be a sign of underlying health issues, so a veterinary check-up might also be necessary to rule out any medical causes. With patience and the right techniques, it’s possible to significantly reduce or eliminate excessive barking, leading to a happier, calmer dog and a more peaceful home.

Overcoming leash pulling

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Walking a dog should be an enjoyable and bonding experience, but for many pet owners, it can become a source of significant frustration due to leash pulling. Dogs that constantly pull on the leash can turn what should be a pleasant stroll into a strenuous and stressful ordeal. Understanding the reasons behind leash pulling and creating a training plan can help alleviate these frustrations and create a better walking experience.

One of the primary reasons dogs pull on the leash is their natural inclination to explore and follow scents. The world is a sensory wonderland for dogs, filled with intriguing smells, sights, and sounds. This instinctual behavior, while natural, often leads to dogs forging ahead during walks, pulling their owners along in their eagerness to investigate their surroundings. For many pet owners, managing this behavior without compromising the dog’s enjoyment of the walk can be challenging.

Another contributing factor to leash pulling is a lack of proper training and socialization. Dogs that have not been taught to walk politely on a leash when they’re small must be taught when they’re older! Additionally, if a dog’s initial experiences with walking on a leash are overwhelming or overly stimulating, they may learn to associate pulling with progress, reinforcing the behavior each time they manage to move forward by pulling.

High energy levels and inadequate exercise can also exacerbate leash pulling. Dogs that do not receive sufficient physical and mental stimulation may be more prone to pulling as they channel their pent-up energy into their walks. This can create a cycle of frustration for owners who may feel that no matter how much they walk their dogs, the problem persists.

The frustrations associated with leash pulling are not limited to physical strain. Owners may feel embarrassed or anxious when their dog’s behavior draws negative attention from others. Additionally, the constant tugging can lead to physical discomfort or injuries for both the dog and the owner. Over time, these frustrations can erode the enjoyment of walks, potentially leading to fewer outings and a less active lifestyle for both the dog and the owner.

Addressing leash pulling requires an approach focused on training, consistency, and patience. First, teaching and rewarding desired behaviors in low distracting environments can be helpful, but not always easy to do. Working in a yard or a secure field can help, to start. This involves rewarding the dog for walking beside the owner without pulling, using treats, praise, or toys as incentives. (Use what the DOG values!) Bonus points and extra rewards if the dog keeps attention on the owner, and head off the ground. By reinforcing the desired behavior, dogs learn that walking calmly yields rewards, making them more likely to repeat the behavior.

Incorporating structured training sessions into daily walks can also be beneficial. Short, frequent training exercises that focus on leash manners can help dogs understand expectations and build good habits over time. (Have you been through a Mutt Magic course? Work on that “look” command, here!!) While we can’t recommend potential training equipment without having met your dog, once desired behaviors are established, there are also tools that may help curtail unwanted behaviors, too.

Increasing the dog’s overall exercise and mental stimulation can also help reduce leash pulling. Providing ample opportunities for play, enrichment activities, and off-leash exercise can help burn off excess energy, making dogs more receptive to training during walks. Get creative with this! There are school fields and tennis courts empty over the summer, and a game of flirt pole or fetch can be helpful here, too. Your goal is to exercise to the point that your dog is slowing down – being cautious in the heat, of course.

It’s important for owners to remain patient and consistent throughout the training process. Setbacks are normal, and progress may be gradual, but perseverance is key. Enlisting our help by attending group or private obedience classes can provide valuable guidance and support, especially for owners struggling with persistent leash pulling issues.

My Dog Doesn’t “Come” When Called!

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

Understanding Fear Aggression

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It was an accident. It was just a ‘nip.’ It didn’t break skin. He just snapped at the air/leash. Sound familiar? Biting (let’s call it what it is) happens when we live our lives with animals. It’s important to not minimize it, and to understand why it happens so that we can prevent it!

Did you know that most dog bites are a result of fear based aggression? Did you also know that scared dog can be much more dangerous than a confident dog? The idea that only confident or outwardly aggressive dogs bite, is a common misconception.

Scared dogs typically give signs of discomfort in a situation before acting in an aggressive manner. Wide eyes, lip licking, removing themselves from a situation, and even growling, are all early warning signs that something is not right with the situation. Respect the dogs space if you see these things. If there are children involved, ensure that the children know to respect the dogs space, as well.

Now, what else do you do? If you have ever experienced these behaviors with your own dog, it’s important to seek professional help. This will not only ensure your safety and the safety of others, it will ensure that your dog is living a happy, comfortable life! With fear aggression, it’s important to note that any harsh corrections and physical punishment can make fear problems worse. In turn, this will make the aggression worse. Taking a slow approach to building the dog’s tolerance to fear triggers is key. Leadership from the people in the dog’s life is also important! Coddling a fearful dog can also make problems worse, as it can force the dog into the leadership position; a role that most fearful dogs are not capable of handling.

What can Mutt Magic do to help? We can schedule an initial in-home evaluation and lesson, to determine what the best course of action will be for your specific situation. From there, our Confidence Course is often a GREAT tool! Held at the Humane Society of Harford County, this is a group training course that is specifically designed to help your shy or fearful dog overcome fear, and build tolerances to key triggers. Upcoming Confidence Courses may be found, here!