Crate Training, Yes…you need to do it!
by | posted in: Housebreaking, Obedience, Puppy Training | 0

Welcome, fellow dog owners! If you’re here, chances are you’ve heard about the wonders of crate training for your furry companion. And let me tell you, it’s a game-changer! Crate training is not only helpful for housebreaking your pup but also plays a significant role in alleviating separation anxiety and providing a safe space for your dog to call their own. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the world of crate training, covering everything from the basics to advanced tips and techniques. So grab your notepads and get ready to embark on this exciting journey with your four-legged friend!

Section 1: What is Crate Training?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, let’s start with the basics. What exactly is crate training? Well, my friends, it’s all about creating a positive association between your dog and their crate. A crate acts as a den-like environment where your pup can relax, sleep, or seek solace when needed.

Benefits of Crate Training

Crate training offers numerous benefits for both dogs and owners alike. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider embracing this practice:

  • Housebreaking: Using a crate helps establish a routine and teaches your dog to hold their bladder and bowels.
  • Safety: Crates provide a secure space where your pup can stay out of harm’s way when you’re unable to supervise them.
  • Travel Convenience: If you’re planning road trips or flights with your furry friend, crate training will make traveling much smoother.
  • Separation Anxiety Relief: For dogs who struggle with separation anxiety, crates can provide comfort and alleviate stress by creating a cozy den-like atmosphere.

Section 2: Getting Started with Crate Training

Now that we understand the benefits of crate training let’s jump into how to get started! Remember, patience is key here, and it’s important to make the crate a positive and inviting space for your pup.

Choosing the Right Crate

The first step is selecting the right crate for your dog. Consider their size, breed, and growth potential when making this decision. Opt for a crate that provides enough room for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. There is much to be said for incremental growth and purchasing the correct size for your dog’s developmental phase. A smaller crate for your dog’s first 6-7 months of age is great for creating a sense of security and once past the initial puppy phase, purchasing a second crate ideal for the pup’s full grown potential size is best.

Introducing Your Dog to the Crate

To make the introduction smooth and stress-free, place the crate in a quiet area of your home where your pup can have some privacy. Make it cozy by adding comfortable bedding, toys, and treats inside. Encourage your dog to explore and enter the crate voluntarily using positive reinforcement techniques like treat training.

Gradual Enclosure

Once your dog feels comfortable entering the crate willingly, it’s time to start closing the door gradually. Begin by closing it for short periods while you’re present in the room. Slowly increase the duration as your pup becomes more at ease.

Section 3: The Do’s and Don’ts of Crate Training

Now that you’ve got the basics down let’s explore some essential do’s and don’ts of crate training to ensure a successful experience:

Do:

  • Establish a Routine: Consistency is key when it comes to crate training. Stick to a regular schedule for meals, potty breaks, exercise, and crate time.
  • Make It Positive: Always associate positive experiences with the crate using treats, praise, or even special toys reserved just for crate time.
  • Provide Adequate Exercise: A tired dog is usually calmer in their crate. So be sure to give your pup plenty of mental and physical exercise before crating them.
  • Use Treats Strategically: Treats are an excellent tool for reinforcing positive behavior during crate training sessions. Reward your dog when they enter or remain calm in their crate.

Don’t:

  • Punish Your Dog: The crate should never be used as a form of punishment. It should always be a safe and comfortable space for your pup.
  • Force Your Dog Into the Crate: Coaxing your dog with treats and positive reinforcement is key. Forcing them into the crate will only create fear and anxiety.

Remember, every dog is different, so be patient and adapt these strategies to suit your furry friend’s unique needs. With consistency, love, and plenty of treats along the way, you’ll soon witness the many benefits of crate training for both you and your beloved canine companion!

The Ultimate Guide to Training Your Dog to Come When Called
by | posted in: Adventure, Puppy Training, Training Tip | 0

As a dog owner, one of the most essential commands you can teach your furry friend is to come when called. Not only does it ensure their safety in potentially dangerous situations, but it also allows for off-leash adventures and a stronger bond between you and your pup. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore effective training techniques that will have your dog responding to your call with enthusiasm and reliability. So grab some treats, put on your training hat, and let’s dive into the world of teaching your dog to come when called!

The Power of Positive Reinforcement

When it comes to training your dog to come when called, positive reinforcement is key. This technique involves rewarding desired behavior with treats, praise, or playtime, which encourages your pup to repeat the behavior in the future. Here are some steps you can follow:

  1. Choose High-Value Treats: Find treats that your dog absolutely loves – ones that make their tail wag with excitement. These special treats will serve as powerful motivators during training sessions.
  2. Start Indoors: Begin training in a quiet indoor space where there are minimal distractions. This controlled environment will help your dog focus on learning the command without being overwhelmed.
  3. Use a Distinct Cue: Decide on a specific word or phrase that you’ll use consistently as the recall command (e.g., “Come” or “Here”). Make sure it’s short and easy to remember.
  4. Create Positive Associations: Say the recall cue word in an upbeat tone and immediately reward your dog with a treat when they come towards you – even if it’s just a few steps. We here at SoCal K9 use a marker training system to help build even more reliability and eventually phase out the food reward. Please give us a call or email to schedule a one-on-one training session to learn more about this method.

Remember, patience is key during this process! Start with short distances and gradually increase the difficulty level as your pup becomes more proficient at coming when called.

Introducing Long-Line Training

Once your dog has grasped the concept of coming when called indoors, it’s time to take their training to the great outdoors. Long-line training is an excellent way to provide your dog with a bit more freedom while still maintaining control. Here’s how you can approach it:

  1. Choose the Right Equipment: Invest in a long leash (around 15-20 feet) made of lightweight material. This will give your dog some room to explore while ensuring they remain safely connected to you.
  2. Find a Safe Outdoor Space: Select an area that is secure and free from distractions such as busy roads or crowded parks. A fenced backyard or a quiet open field can be ideal for long-line training sessions.
  3. Practice Recall on the Long Line: With your dog on the long leash, use the recall command and encourage them to come towards you. If they hesitate or get distracted, gently reel them in using the leash.
  4. Reward Success: When your dog responds promptly and comes all the way back to you, shower them with praise, treats, and plenty of affection.

Long-line training allows for gradual progression towards off-leash reliability while ensuring your dog’s safety at all times.

Overcoming Distractions

As much as we’d like our dogs to be laser-focused on us at all times, the reality is that distractions are inevitable – squirrels, other dogs, delicious smells – the world is full of exciting things! However, with consistent practice and patience, you can teach your pup to ignore these distractions and respond to your recall command no matter what.

  1. Gradual Exposure: Start by introducing controlled distractions during training sessions. For example, have a family member or friend walk by with their leashed dog while you practice recall with your pup.
  2. Increase Difficulty Gradually: As your dog becomes more proficient at ignoring mild distractions, gradually increase the level of difficulty by practicing in busier environments.
  3. Keep Rewards High-Value: When training with distractions, it’s crucial to use high-value treats or rewards that are more enticing than the distractions themselves.
  4. Consistency is Key: Always reinforce the recall command with positive reinforcement, regardless of the level of distraction. Consistency will help your dog understand that coming when called is non-negotiable.

Remember, training your dog to come when called in distracting situations takes time and practice. Be patient and celebrate every small victory along the way!

The Role of E-collar Training

While positive reinforcement-based training methods are highly effective for most dogs, some may require additional guidance, especially if they have a strong prey drive or tend to ignore commands in certain situations. This is where e-collar training can come into play – but it must be used responsibly and ethically.

  1. Consult a Professional: If you’re considering e-collar training, seek guidance from a professional dog trainer who specializes remote collar training.
  2. Understand Proper Usage: Educate yourself on how to correctly fit and utilize an e-collar before beginning any training sessions. It should only be used as a tool to reinforce existing commands, not as a form of punishment for behaviors the dog doesn’t understand.
  3. Combine with Positive Reinforcement: E-collar training should always be paired with positive reinforcement techniques to ensure that your dog associates the recall command with something positive.
  4. Gradual Introduction: Introduce the e-collar gradually by using low-level stimulations paired with the recall command and rewarding your dog for compliance.

Remember, e-collar training is not suitable for every dog and should only be used under professional guidance to ensure both effectiveness and ethical treatment of your furry friend.

Maintaining Your Dog’s Recall Skills

Once you’ve successfully trained your dog to come when called, it’s important to continuously reinforce their recall skills throughout their lives. Here are some tips for maintaining this vital command:

  1. Regular Practice: Schedule regular recall training sessions to keep the command fresh in your dog’s mind. This can be as simple as calling them randomly during walks or playtime.
  2. Vary Environments: Practice recall in different locations and situations to ensure that your dog understands the command regardless of the surroundings.
  3. Continue with Rewards: Even after your dog has mastered recall, sporadically reward them with treats or praise to reinforce their positive behavior.
  4. Avoid Negative Associations: Never use the recall command for something unpleasant, such as ending playtime or leaving the park. You want your pup to associate coming when called with positive experiences.

By consistently reinforcing and practicing the recall command, you’ll maintain a strong bond with your furry companion while ensuring their safety and freedom.

Conclusion: A Bonding Experience

Training your dog to come when called is not only a matter of safety but also an opportunity to strengthen the bond between you and your four-legged friend. Through positive reinforcement, gradual exposure to distractions, and consistent practice, you can teach your pup this vital command with patience and love. So, gear up for fun training sessions filled with treats, laughter, and plenty of tail wags – because nothing beats having a well-trained dog who comes running at your call!

Obedience Training and Separation Anxiety

Obedience Training and Separation Anxiety
by | posted in: Puppy Training, Training Tip | 0

At a certain point most dog owners will notice a varying degree of separation anxiety in their dogs. Whether it’s a brand new puppy that has just left it’s litter mates and is in an adjustment period, or a newly adopted adult dog that may have been suffering from separation anxiety for years, there are a few basic techniques that most owners can try on their own. It’s important to remember that no dog is exactly the same as the next, while these techniques work for most dogs, its best to contact a professional dog trainer for a customized training plan. We here at SoCal K9 are always just a phone call away!

The best start you can give your new dog isn’t always the first thought in a dog owners mind….leave your dog alone. Let me repeat that again….leave your dog alone.  You don’t need to engage with your dog every second of the day, allow them to have time to entertain themselves, let them explore an enclosed space and be on their own.  I cannot stress this enough to new puppy owners, learn to co-exist without constant touch or eye contact. Make sure you are separating yourself from your pup either by completely leaving the house, or just by being in separate parts of the house. Start with an hour or two at a time within the first few days, of course you wouldn’t just give your new dog full run of the house, but we will approach that in a minute. A large portion of first time dog owners want to spend as much time as possible with their new companion. Some owners will plan their pups arrival around a holiday or vacation (or updated for 2020…while quarantined in your home) and spend nearly every waking minute making sure their new friend is happy and content. But what happens when you have to go back to your normal routine outside of the home? Your dog thinks you two are going to pal around 24/7 for the rest of your lives, that first day you spend 8 hours or more away from home your dog won’t know what to do! Make the first few days a realistic portrayal for your pup, leave them at home for an hour here, an hour there. It’s also important not to overwhelm your new dog with too much stimulus whether that’s people coming by the house to meet the new dog or taking him/her to every dog friendly spot in town. Give them plenty of time to settle, get used to their new home and family as well as spending time alone in their new home.

Now that you’re ready to leave your new puppy alone for a few hours, remember they don’t know the rules of your house, and certainly don’t expect that they are house broken! Create a management plan for your dog when you’re either away from home or unable to supervise. The easiest, safest way to manage your dog is crate training. While there are a few dogs that can not be safely crated due to more severe behavioral problems, most dogs will take to their new “den” over the next few days. It’s important to set the crate up with your dogs safety in mind, there are some things we can do with adult dogs that may not be appropriate for a young puppy or necessarily conducive to housebreaking a young puppy. If you’re not sure how to crate train your new puppy, give us a call. If you’ve just adopted an adult dog and you’re not sure if they have any destructive tendencies, rather than putting your brand new deluxe dog bed in the crate start with an inexpensive blanket or old towel. You want to make it comfortable and cozy, but hold off spoiling your new companion until the house rules have been established. It’s also a good idea to leave some water. Most dogs will make a mess if left with a full bowl, consider purchasing a water bowl that can be securely attached to the crate wall. You’ll also want to leave your dog with something to do while they’re crated. There are a number of chews and food puzzle type toys on the market. Just keep in mind your dog’s physical strength and possible destructive tendencies, never leave your dog with a toy that could be a choking hazard.

So now your dog is all set in it’s crate or kennel space and you’re ready to leave. You grab your keys and head out the door…and now your dog is barking. Now what? In most cases your new dog will quiet down in a few minutes. In some cases they can continue to bark for hours, if this is what you are currently experiencing it’s time to bring in a professional to asses the situation. If your dog is settling down after a few minutes, your headed down the right path. The more often you can run through this exercise the less fuss they will make with each successful repetition. If you happen to think your dog is showing some hypersensitivity to external noise (i.e. gardeners, delivery trucks, street noise) feel free to leave the radio or tv on…although their hearing is highly sensitive the white noise will provide some comfort and drown out the external sound. To help your dog get more comfortable with their crate, you can also run through this drill and never leave the house. Simply walk out of the room and return 10-15 minutes later, to either reward with a toy filled with food or to let them out. Remember, if you can’t supervise your new dog during portion’s of the day, crate them to prevent him/her from learning any bad habits or possibly getting into something that could be potentially harmful. If you find that they bark more when you are at home, consider leaving them crated with a very high value toy/treat that will keep them occupied for 15 -30 minutes, midway through their treat, open the crate door. Ideally your dog will be more interested in finishing their treat than getting overly excited to see you. You should give your dog some supervised space during this time. This exercise will help teach your dog that they don’t need to be glued to your side at every moment.

Now I know some of you are thinking “I can’t take the barking, there has to be something to get my dog to be quiet”. Of course there are a number of aversive devices on the market. Whether you use the old school penny can, bark collar (static or citronella), or a sonic device, it’s important to teach your dog that there is also reward for being quiet. Before employing any type of aversive for barking I strongly recommend having a professional dog trainer evaluate the situation and devise a custom plan for you and your dog. Lots of old school trainers, and dog owners, will immediately suggest the penny can or a squirt bottle. In some cases this is a very simple solution, but can have ill affect on behaviors you may want down the road. Just an example, if you love spending time in the pool, at the beach or lake and want your dog to love the water…using a squirt bottle filled with water as a punishment probably isn’t the best idea. Again, if you’re not sure what the right course of action is for your dog, contact a professional dog trainer. SoCal K9 offers a free in-home evaluation to customize a training program that will not only fit your dogs skill level but also your lifestyle!

You’ve tried some of the basics, but you’re still experiencing some pretty severe behavioral issues as a result of your dogs tension and anxiety when separated from his/her pack…now what? Obedience!! Even if your dog isn’t showing “severe” behavioral issues, obedience training is a very important step in establishing the leader/follower dynamic. If you have a puppy this is a highly important step in setting the expectation for your dog and showing them how you want them to behave. With a newly adopted mature, adult dog it is imperative to show them that you are in control and they don’t need to assume the role of pack leader. Studies have shown that dogs who successfully complete obedience training show a reduced incidence of separation-related anxiety. This is a direct result of the enhanced confidence dogs gain from understanding who’s the leader and how to effectively communicate with their new leader. Dogs that are unable to clearly communicate with their owners, often are unable to relate to their owner as an independent affiliative partner and may develop a reliance on direct contact with their owner….presenting a strong vulnerability response upon separation. Aside from correcting or preventing problematic dependency, dog training improves a dogs focus and impulse control…both of which are vital cortical executive functions necessary for effectively adapting under stress. In other words, we’re using obedience training as a way to “force” our dogs into using the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for differentiating among conflicting thoughts, determining good and bad, consequences of current activities, and social “control”. Whew that was a mouthful…basically obedience helps retrain the brain and creates a state of mental stimulus leading to reduced energy.  Whether your dog is just learning the basics or is too smart for their own good, devise a challenging training drill to run through with your dog before leaving or separating.  By mentally exhausting your dog, you’ll create a tired, and relaxed state where they are actually relieved to have some alone time. Every dog is different, daily drills before each crate session can result in a reduction of separation anxiety rather quickly, or it may take several weeks.  Work as fast as you can, but as slow as your dog needs to…patience and consistency is key.

In some cases, additional training such as Posture-Facilitated Relaxation (PFR), can ease a dogs anxiety by creating a deep state of relaxation. PFR uses a combination of graded postures, massage, thermal touch and olfactory stimulation to condition associations with security, physical and emotional relaxation, positive reinforcement and play activities. I know what your thinking “Are you asking me to do yoga with my dog?”, no… not exactly. Graded postures are a series of positions (Stand, Sit, Down, Lay/Settle) selected for their relative relinquishment of control. The repetition of postures used with massage develops a deep relaxation which is then paired with a comforting scent. You don’t have to create a day spa for your dog or listen to new age music, but these sessions are relaxing for you as well so do whatever makes you comfortable. The scent you choose should be fairly diluted if using an essential oil such as lavender or sandalwood, or you may even choose to use your own scent (think old t-shirt). PFR Training alone is not an answer to relieving separation anxiety but when used in conjunction with Obedience Training, it is a powerful tool to help reduce and prevent separation anxiety.

Integrating training activities into your everyday routine will not only help to calm your dog during times of separation but also during heightened social contact which may be when you return home from work or when meeting another dog or person. Teaching your dog that ‘Nothing In Life Is Free’ and that they must work for affection establishes appropriate leader/follower boundaries and gives your dog a far greater feeling of security. Again, no dog is the same as the next, just as no owner is the same as the next. It’s important to work with a professional dog trainer that won’t take a cookie cutter approach to your dogs training needs as well as your own abilities. SoCal K9’s professional dog trainers will first talk to you about your goals, timelines and daily routine to develop a custom training program to make sure you succeed at reaching your training goals.

If you’ve tried the basic steps to help reduce your dog’s anxiety and it doesn’t seem to be working, its time to get help from a professional dog trainer. To get started, call (949) 257-2501 or go on-line to www.SoCalK9Training.com and schedule your free in-home evaluation.

Rattlesnake Safety…Keeping your property safe from slithering visitors

Rattlesnake Safety…Keeping your property safe from slithering visitors
by | posted in: Adventure, Rattlesnake Avoidance, Rattlesnake Safety, Training Tip | 0

Rattlesnake Safety…what you can do to mitigate risk

Hey everyone! We’re back with some Rattlesnake safety tips. Rattlesnakes are just starting to make an appearance from their cold weather brumation and with more people having lots of time on their hands we’re bound to hear about more encounters. These encounters could happen on the trail or it could happen in your own backyard. We do have a few tips to help keep you and your dog safe and socially distanced from rattlers…

Keeping your yard as safe as possible

1) Do not leave food of any kind in your backyard (dog food, cat food, accessible trash). Food attracts mice and rats, which in turn attract rattlesnakes. If your trash cans are stored in the side yard, be sure to look and listen for a snake that may be curled up near the cans before you move them.

2) If you have a garden or fruit trees, be sure to keep it maintained. Pick ripe fruits and vegetables often, and rake up any fruits that have fallen. Again, keep anything that might attract mice and rats clear.

3) Keep hedges trimmed, especially near the ground. Eliminate areas where mice and rats may shelter.

4) Move the bird feeder, birds are messy eaters! They scatter seeds from the feeder, which attracts…you guessed it…mice.

5) Patch up any gaps in your fencing, sometimes easier said than done. If your yard is backed up to a canyon, and you have the open fencing (like rod iron fencing) you may consider adding rabbit fencing. While it’s difficult to completely eliminate any and all entry points…mitigate the risk as much as you can.

6) Ammonia can be used as a deterrent, however it’s not recommended for homes with pets as it can be extremely harmful to our cats and dogs.

Staying safe on the trails

1) If your dog has never attended a Rattlesnake Avoidance clinic, and you have easy access to trails in your neighborhood, keep your dog on a 6ft leash. Even if your dog has fairly good off leash recall, help your dog avoid a painful interaction by managing their location.

2) On or off leash, do not let your dog investigate bushes, rocks or grassy or heavily mulched areas. Stay on wide, well groomed trails.

3) If your dog has attended a Rattlesnake Avoidance clinic, and they give you a signal that something isn’t right in the environment…listen to your dog! Give them the benefit of the doubt and consider heading in a different direction. Don’t force them into an area they have been trained to avoid…I repeat…if your dog gives you the signal…do not force them near the area they are trying to avoid.

4) Building on the last statement, if you see a snake sunning themselves, do not encourage your dog near the snake. Your dog may not have noticed it, if they are steering clear…don’t encourage attention to the snake. Remember, if you see a snake other than a rattlesnake and your dog show’s interest keep in mind that your dog is primarily trained on scent and the sound of the rattle. Non-venomous species like King, Racers, Garter DO NOT smell like rattlers. To your dog, those helpful and non-venomous varieties are a very different animal compared to what they were trained to avoid.

5) Dead or injured snakes are still dangerous…steer clear.

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