Tag Archives: Baltimore

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.)

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!

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

Exercising your dog may soon be illegal in Baltimore.

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Does your dog use a backpack to burn extra energy on a walk? How about use a treadmill or weight pull equipment for sport or conditioning? These items may soon make you a target in Baltimore. Not only that, but with new laws already in place that have recently removed judicial review from animal matter hearings, if you’re targeted, there’s very little you can to about it, too. (Read more about that, here.)

According to CBS Baltimore, City Council is trying to make these items, and others, such as break sticks- commonly used to break up dog fights, considered “dog fighting paraphernalia,” and posession of them a crime, punishable by $1,000, and up to 90 days in prison. (For the record, some of our local shelters use break sticks to safely break up dog fights as needed, without injury.)

Why is this a problem? As someone that addresses 100% behavior modification training these days, adequate exercise is often a challenge for owners of working breeds, terriers, and others. I recommend dog treadmills, and weight pull training and equipment to clients on a weekly basis, or more often! Read “Weight Pull Saved my Dog-Life” by Kristina Vakharia, a friend, client, and city resident, to learn the benefits of such training. Additionally, there are legitimate competitive sports that utilize this equipment, such as APA weight pull, among others, which have competitions locally.

As with many other things, making these things illegal for outlaws (who, by definition, aren’t going to care about the laws, anyway) really only effects the responsible owners out there. For those of us who choose to have high maintenance dogs, maintaining their needs may get that much harder! Start writing City Council now. Be sure they’re aware that this equipment is NOT just for dog fighting, and that you’re not interested in seeing this law come into effect.

Office of the City Council President, 100 N. Holliday Street, Suite 400, Baltimore, MD 21202

Coucil President: Bernard Young, CouncilPresident@baltimorecity.gov

District 1: James Kraft, James.Kraft@baltimorecity.gov

District 2: Brandon Scott, Brandon.Scott@baltimorecity.gov

District 3: Robert Curran, Robert.Curran@baltimorecity.gov

District 4: Bill Henry, Bill.Henry@baltimorecity.gov

District 5: Rochelle Spector, Rochelle.Spector@baltimorecity.gov

District 6: Sharon Middleton, Sharon.Middleton@baltimorecity.gov

District 7: Nick Mosby, Nick.Mosby@baltimorecity.gov

District 8: Helen Holton, Helen.Holton@baltimorecity.gov

District 9: William Welch, William.Welch@baltimorecity.gov

District 10: Edward Reisinger, Edward.Reisinger@baltimorecity.gov

District 11: Eric Costello, Eric.Costello@baltimorecity.gov

District 12: Carl Stokes, Carl.Stokes@baltimorecity.gov

District 13: Warren Branch, Warren.Branch@baltimorecity.gov

District 14: Mary Pat Clarke, MaryPat.Clarke@baltimorecity.gov

Greet the people. . . not the dog!!

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A common question has come up frequently over the last couple of weeks, and so I thought it may be a great idea to address this with everybody. It’s something along these lines:

“My dog has been doing great overall lately, but I had a guest come over the other night, and he/she growled at them. Why is he/she still having this problem, and what should I do?”

Many times our guests, especially if they are dog people, feel obligated or otherwise compelled to greet our dogs upon arrival. Most of the time this isn’t a big deal, but with a shy, fearful, or even dominant dog, this can spell trouble. The solution is simple. Instruct your guests to ignore the dog. This means do not look at, talk to, or touch the dog. Afterall, your guest (most likely) came to visit you anyway, not the dog!

Remember- in a pack of dogs, it is always the submissive dog that initiates interaction. Most dogs like and willingly take on this role if it is presented to them. By ignoring the dog, your guest is automatically placing him/herself in a position of leadership, therefore calming the dog. From there, if your dog chooses to greet your guest on his/her own, you may instruct your guest to acknowledge your dog’s greeting, if they wish to do so.

This ignoring solution usually resolves the greeting grumblies. If you’re still having problems and/or if your dog’s response has gone beyond mild discomfort, it is likely time to schedule an in-home evaluation and lesson. Of course, we are happy to help with all of this!

 

Please visit us online: www.muttmagic.com or www.baltimorecrateescape.com

Indoor Enrichment Activities

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As winter is winding down, we’re getting hit hard this year! If you and your dogs are going stir crazy, below are some great indoor activities that you can do to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.

 

1. Hide and Seek- Tap into your dog’s ability to scent, and his desire to be with you! Have family members take turns hiding throughout the house, and calling the dog. As your dog becomes proficient at finding you, eliminate the call and let his nose do the work!

 

2. Food Games- The use of a food toy (ex- kibble nibble or tug-a-jug. . .not your standard Kong!) is great for stimulation when you’re not around, and sometimes when you are! Don’t have these laying around the house? Hide your dog’s meal of kibble, split into many servings, throughout the house in various locations. Another great way to use your dog’s nose and problem solving skills.

 

3. Obedience- Of course, teaching your dog new tricks is also a great way to break up the monotony! Find something new and challenging to teach- indoors is always a great place to start. By the time it warms up, your dog will be ready for the challenges that practicing outside will bring, as well!

 

Aja Harris-Brown

Trainer/Behaviorist

Mutt Magic Training, Inc.

Visit us online: www.muttmagic.com

 

Weight Pull Saved My Dog-Life!

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KWP

Kristina with Brutus & Argo

As a naive and amateur dog owner, I made the mistake of rescuing a second dog without really understanding the first. Within 4 months, I had two young, male dogs in my house with more energy than I could handle. Although feeling like I had made a huge mistake, I couldn’t imagine sending a pup back to the shelter.

Then comes in Mutt Magic….

Aja evaluated my crew and told me that I needed to gain control of my dogs and give them an outlet for their energy. I remember her saying, “that energy has to go somewhere and right now they are negatively directing it towards each other”. With Aja’s help, she taught me how gain control through obedience work and loose-leash walking.

However, once I had the basics, our regular exercise routine was not enough; my dogs still yearned for more.

Aja introduces weight pull…..What is weight pull, you ask?

It is a physical activity where a dog wears a full body harness to pull weight. The harness is crafted to fit across the dog’s chest which is a canine’s powerhouse for pulling. It also crosses along the back to distribute the weight evenly. The dog is not harmed in any way because the harness is supporting the dog’s natural strength. Any breed is capable of weight pull as long as they have a properly fitted harness. In fact, weight pull is an international competitive sport. However, I practice for conditioning.

What are the benefits and why do I say weight pull saved my  dog-life?

1. Burn off the energy: Aja said I needed to see physical fatigue during our walks not just panting dogs. When we get home, my dogs sprawl out on the floor with a look of satisfaction. All their energy has been exerted leaving them calm and free from mental anxiety giving me more control in the house.

2. Walking with a purpose: my dogs know that when it comes time to pull we are on a mission and no one is stopping us! They walk looking straight ahead, they know our path and where we are going. They also know that they will be rewarded with K9 Kraving for dinner.

3. Fully body workout: dogs by nature are always on the move even though we’ve turned them into couch potatoes. My dogs pull 30 – 40lbs and walk between 2-3 miles. This is known as drag weight pull. By keeping them active with regular exercise it promotes good health and longevity.

4. More bonding time: Obviously, I get to spend GOOD QUALITY time with my dogs during their walk. In addition, my dogs stay separated from each other most of the day but after our training we all get to spend time together.

It’s been 9 months since we took in our second rescue and about 8 months since we started working with Aja. Had it not been for her help in obedience training in combination with adequate exercise, we might not have been able to keep both of our pups. So if you’re looking for a way to train, bond, or exercise, weight pull may be for you. Just make sure that you get the right equipment, learn the right way to start the training, and always use a leash when drag weight pulling!

Happy tails!