Pea-n-Me
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2004
I was in a training club for a long time where large groups of people and dogs got together to work on training and socialization and have some fun both inside and outside year round. Dogs that were known to be aggressive or bite had to wear colored bandanas as a warning to others to be careful. (But it was good that they were there as owners were trying to work with them, and it was rare for anything bad to actually happen because people actually learned how to work correctly with all dogs. ETA forgot to say that most of the dogs wearing these bandanas were Labs.)
One of the things I liked about the trainer was that he taught owners how to act with their dogs, which was basically to always be there to direct your dog. If a dog was leading the way in an untoward behavior, the trainer would yell, "Control your dog!" This is what I see lacking with many people, they can't or don't control their dogs: they let the dogs run the show, and that's when problems start.
One of the first things a trainer will teach with a dog who's been problematic is for the owner to direct the dog in looking at or to them for direction. THIS is what people have to teach when the dog is young or when they first get the dog. The person becomes the leader and the dog the follower. Most dogs are very happy to follow as they naturally understand pack hierarchy. But it takes the person actually being there with the dog and asserting control. And by control I don't mean abuse or aggression. Control means you've worked with the dog over time to develop a language between the two of you that both understand. When it works, the dog looks to you for direction in how to act, and if not acting properly, there is a correction, which, when done well, is simply verbal. "No, Fluffy!" A dog that's been well trained will immediately stop what they're doing with just that. The parts people often forget is to praise when they stop, then show them what it is you want them to do, and praise again when they do it. It becomes second nature but it does involve time at the beginning of your relationship. They payoff is great, though.
Someone upthread mentioned treats when getting a bunch of dogs together. Nothing will start a potential fight between dogs faster than treats, as they are a high value item that many dogs, especially ones who are highly food motivated, will risk a fight over. Dogs can have a good time without treats. I don't even train with treats, just verbal praise. My dog gets a treat in the morning as I have coffee, and a treat at bedtime, and that's generally it for treats for the day. I started to use treats with one trainer I was working with but my dog became food obsessed and was stealing food from my kids, so I put an end to that real quick and went back to the way that works best for me, which is verbal praise and play for things they did well. I also don't heap on praise for no reason, that can be confusing to the dog. ("What did I do?")
I will say a word about dog parks. I love them but it really depends on the layout of the park, and people there with dogs can often be really clueless about what constitutes good dog behavior, so you have to be careful where you go. There is nobody there like at a training club who can say, "Control your dog!", but it would be nice if there was. Bad dog behavior is rampant. Dogs and groups of dogs are allowed to bully other dogs, and nobody intervenes; in fact some are laughing thinking it's "cute", which it's not. Those dogs need to be redirected. Dogs should also not be allowed to descend on any one particular dog. Again, redirection. Common sense says dogs in heat should not be brought there, or puppies not fully vaccinated. And treats, dear God leave them home! Dogs don't need treats at a dog park! I've found that parks that are small and rectangular seem to have the most trouble. Parks that are larger with different places to explore seem to be best because dogs who are uncomfortable can go off to different sections to get away from groups of dogs who are playing or acting roughly, and then every dog can have a good time depending on their personalit, as well as stay safe. Dogs that are known to be aggressive should really not visit. If your dog doesn't have a good time at a dog park, skip it and find a quiet place for him to walk and explore.
Socialization isn't just about meeting other dogs and people, it's about getting used to the sights, sounds, smells of the outdoors so that they can be comfortable in those environments. Dogs that never get out don't get to experience that and can be nervous when a loud motorcycle or bus goes by, or can lunge at other dogs they see walking, etc., and it becomes a vicious cycle in that nobody then wants to take the dog out. This may sound really challenging but training and socialization can happen in baby steps with little bits every day that add up and consistency over time.
One of the things I liked about the trainer was that he taught owners how to act with their dogs, which was basically to always be there to direct your dog. If a dog was leading the way in an untoward behavior, the trainer would yell, "Control your dog!" This is what I see lacking with many people, they can't or don't control their dogs: they let the dogs run the show, and that's when problems start.
One of the first things a trainer will teach with a dog who's been problematic is for the owner to direct the dog in looking at or to them for direction. THIS is what people have to teach when the dog is young or when they first get the dog. The person becomes the leader and the dog the follower. Most dogs are very happy to follow as they naturally understand pack hierarchy. But it takes the person actually being there with the dog and asserting control. And by control I don't mean abuse or aggression. Control means you've worked with the dog over time to develop a language between the two of you that both understand. When it works, the dog looks to you for direction in how to act, and if not acting properly, there is a correction, which, when done well, is simply verbal. "No, Fluffy!" A dog that's been well trained will immediately stop what they're doing with just that. The parts people often forget is to praise when they stop, then show them what it is you want them to do, and praise again when they do it. It becomes second nature but it does involve time at the beginning of your relationship. They payoff is great, though.
Someone upthread mentioned treats when getting a bunch of dogs together. Nothing will start a potential fight between dogs faster than treats, as they are a high value item that many dogs, especially ones who are highly food motivated, will risk a fight over. Dogs can have a good time without treats. I don't even train with treats, just verbal praise. My dog gets a treat in the morning as I have coffee, and a treat at bedtime, and that's generally it for treats for the day. I started to use treats with one trainer I was working with but my dog became food obsessed and was stealing food from my kids, so I put an end to that real quick and went back to the way that works best for me, which is verbal praise and play for things they did well. I also don't heap on praise for no reason, that can be confusing to the dog. ("What did I do?")
I will say a word about dog parks. I love them but it really depends on the layout of the park, and people there with dogs can often be really clueless about what constitutes good dog behavior, so you have to be careful where you go. There is nobody there like at a training club who can say, "Control your dog!", but it would be nice if there was. Bad dog behavior is rampant. Dogs and groups of dogs are allowed to bully other dogs, and nobody intervenes; in fact some are laughing thinking it's "cute", which it's not. Those dogs need to be redirected. Dogs should also not be allowed to descend on any one particular dog. Again, redirection. Common sense says dogs in heat should not be brought there, or puppies not fully vaccinated. And treats, dear God leave them home! Dogs don't need treats at a dog park! I've found that parks that are small and rectangular seem to have the most trouble. Parks that are larger with different places to explore seem to be best because dogs who are uncomfortable can go off to different sections to get away from groups of dogs who are playing or acting roughly, and then every dog can have a good time depending on their personalit, as well as stay safe. Dogs that are known to be aggressive should really not visit. If your dog doesn't have a good time at a dog park, skip it and find a quiet place for him to walk and explore.
Socialization isn't just about meeting other dogs and people, it's about getting used to the sights, sounds, smells of the outdoors so that they can be comfortable in those environments. Dogs that never get out don't get to experience that and can be nervous when a loud motorcycle or bus goes by, or can lunge at other dogs they see walking, etc., and it becomes a vicious cycle in that nobody then wants to take the dog out. This may sound really challenging but training and socialization can happen in baby steps with little bits every day that add up and consistency over time.
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