Bicycling with Dogs: Safety First

Posted on February 4, 2012 by Positive Canine Guidance

Safety is a very important consideration when biking with dogs. While many dogs have the ability to run fast for long periods, it isn’t necessarily good for them. A brisk walk is a much more reasonable pace — just a little faster than is comfortable for most humans; this is my approach to biking — it allows the dog to go at his or her pace, which is faster than mine. We go a little faster in short bursts (think how long they would run flat out to catch game and do a little less than that), but most of the time we go at a pace that is just a brisk walk for the dog. Before doing this, make sure your dog’s joints and foot pads are in good shape.
I prefer to have the dog on my right, so I can place myself between the dog I am working with and any potential problems coming the other way. Mostly this means other dogs or bicycles. As in all things, I recommend going slowly in the process of teaching dogs to bike. I also recommend some sort of device which controls the dog’s distance from the bicycle, in order to avoid collisions. I use the WalkyDog, and I am happy with it. There are other reasonable choices, also.

It is usually best to take a short walk before beginning the bicycling, so the dog has a chance to relieve him or her self. I make sure to stop often and give them a chance, as well — sniffing, peeing and defecating are important parts of exercise for dogs.

I start by attaching the WalkyDog to the dog’s harness, and walking them around a running track, to get them used to how that feels without the distractions of people or traffic. Then I walk them next to the bicycle while holding the WalkyDog in one hand, and the bike with the other, just help him or her be comforable. I offer lots of praise and treats for a confident stride.  If they show fear, then we stop, back up in our steps and acclimatize to bike and WalkyDog from the beginning. Actual fear has only been a problem once, and that was simply a matter of teaching the about the bike from the beginning.

Once the dog is comfortable walking next to me while I hold their harness with the Walky Dog in one hand and push the bike with the other, I attach the WalkyDog to the bike and simply push the bike, which is now attached to the dog. When they are used to that (again, food and praise for confidence, while ignoring any lack of confidence — don’t praise a fear response, or it can get worse), I swing a leg over the bike, and just kind of push it long with one foot on the ground and one foot on a pedal. By now the dog is ready and usually starts to pull the bike a little — that is our cue to go. I keep the bike in its lowest gear almost always. It is essential to not go too fast — dogs can and will run themselves to death if we are not careful. This is all about exercising our dogs in a safe and appropriate manner, and that means their safety, and ours, are vitally important.

Posted in Canine Guidance, Video | Leave a comment

Courage! Teaching Interactive Tricks for Two Dogs.

Posted on January 29, 2012 by Positive Canine Guidance

This trick, as so many do, relies on, for the bottom dog, a reliable stay; and, for the jumping  dog, following lures. When we teach our dogs these skills, we prepare them for a countless number of new possibilities.

 

 

Posted in Canine Guidance | Leave a comment

Very Excited to be Featured in the AKC CGC Blog Today!

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Positive Canine Guidance

CGC Blog Post featuring Michael and Tails-A-Wagging

 

Posted in Canine Guidance, Dog People | Leave a comment

Every Dog is a Working Dog

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Positive Canine Guidance

The Job                                                                                                                                            Imagine being offered a job which promised not only a full benefits package, but also limitless earning potential. Imagine the work was so fulfilling it seemed you had been born to do this job. Imagine there was a direct and immediate relationship between the quality of your work and the pay with which you were compensated – the harder you work, the more you earn, guaranteed, for life. Imagine a job that became more challenging when you were bored and less difficult when you were over-worked or stressed. Would you work hard at this job? Would you put in extra effort in order to excel? How often would you need to be asked more than once to do something if you had this job?

The Boss                                                                                                                                      Imagine that when you were having an off day, or made a mistake at this job, your boss’s reaction was to laugh and ask you to try again, and when you were having a really bad day, your boss just said, “take the day off, and let’s try again tomorrow. “ Imagine a boss who never threatened to give your job to someone else. Imagine a boss who gives you new and challenging projects when you are ready for them, but who recognizes and rewards the hard work you do in the more mundane aspects of your career. Imagine a boss who is supportive and understanding, and whose only goal is to help you learn to be better at your work — a teacher more than a supervisor — who spends their time making sure your benefits are in order, your pay is appropriate, and that you are happy and fulfilled. Would you work hard for this boss? Would you respect her? Would you try your best to fulfill his expectations of you?

The Pay                                                                                                                                                The job I am describing is the job every dog can have if you give it to them, and the boss I am describing is the person you can become in your dog’s life. The compensation may change according to the dog, but almost all dogs like food as much or more than any other currency. Currencies include but are not limited to:

Meals                                                                                                                                                 Treats                                                                                                                                                  Access through doors (houses, schools, cars, etc.)                                                                        Leash on, Leash off                                                                                                                        Furniture                                                                                                                                               Toys                                                                                                                                                     Affection

All of these currencies are of value to most dogs, and all of them should be earned, every time. It is this relationship between work (sit, down, shake, rollover, spin, side, around, and front are all quick behaviors that can count as work) and currency (anything on the list) that helps the dog to understand they are working. Working at a job that is fulfilling, for a boss who is compassionate, allows dogs to be content and happy. Content and happy dogs make for content and happy people.

Posted in Canine Guidance | Leave a comment

Bullmastiff & Rat Terrier Stalk Snow Bunny

Posted on January 18, 2012 by Positive Canine Guidance

I do not let Iggy hunt, so it is rare I get to see him stalk prey like this. It is fascinating to watch him notice the snow bunny from 100 yards away, and then circle around so he comes up next to it instead of from the front. Frankie only approaches once Iggy has counted his coup and ensured it is safe.

Posted in Video | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

The Gift of a Dog is No Gift at All.

Posted on December 15, 2011 by Positive Canine Guidance

Dogs are not hobbies or toys to be discarded as our interests and lifestyles change; they are living creatures with thoughts and emotions.  If you, the parent, really, really want a dog, and want to share the experience of being a loving and responsible pet guardian with your child, then please, get a dog! Bring your child to the local shelters, let them see the result of irresponsible pet ownership, and then consider which pet is right for you, whether from a breeder or a shelter. Get advice from shelter staff, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, and pet-loving friends and family. Pick the right dog or puppy for you, because this will be your dog.

Some few exceptional children (and I realize your child is one of these few, and clearly exceptional) can make responsible pet guardians, but only at the expense of other interests – and the responsibility is a burden which can hobble and haunt the child for years. Dogs require, at a minimum, an hour of walking a day. They require obedience training classes and lots of practice. They require attention, playtime, feeding, watering, veterinary care, and lots of time. During winter months, if a child has an after school activity, this means walking in the dark – is it appropriate to send a child out in the dark with a dog? When it comes time to decide if your child is going to participate in sports, or drama, or glee club, or get a part-time job, or have after school visits with friends, the responsible answer must be, “No, my child must attend to the needs of the dog or puppy I game them as a gift, so he or she may not do any of those things.”

When your child goes to college, will they live at home, where the dog is? If they are going to live elsewhere, where will that be, and will that place allow dogs? Once your child finds a place that even allows dogs, will it be affordable, and appropriate for your child and their dog? Not everyone lives in the dorms when they first go to college, but it is nice to have that option.  Who will pay for the dog’s expenses once your child moves out? An average cost of $2,000/year is not an unreasonable expectation.  This is if the dog does not have an injury or illness. Were you planning on buying your child a car when they graduate from high school? Many young adults live happily with public transportation and bicycles, but not dog owners. Dog owners must be able to transport their dog, so they need a car. Most young adults struggle to support themselves without the gift of this added expense; will you pay for the dog’s expenses after your child moves away?

If the plan is to leave the dog behind when your child moves out, then the dog isn’t really theirs, it is yours; and it should be from the beginning. Include your child in the raising, feeding, exercising, and training of your dog – it can be a wondrous and magical experience and a great bonding experience for parent and child. The dog you bring into your home, however, is your dog, and to encumber a child with such a huge responsibility is not fair to the child, and inhumane to the dog.

Estimated Costs of Dog Ownership

Posted in Canine Guidance, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Walking Notes

Posted on October 15, 2011 by Positive Canine Guidance

Walking together on a leash is potentially the most beneficial activity a person can share with a dog. It can and should be a joy – a relaxing, calming, bonding activity. Make that your goal, and be willing to work at it.

Be confident. Channel someone who is completely confident, and walk with presence, determination, and purpose: chin up, shoulders back, chest out. One foot in front of the other, and remember – leaders lead.

Consider allowing the dog to walk on either side, as appropriate given traffic, pedestrians, other dogs, and the physical environment.

Start off on the left foot every time, and end on the right foot every time, regardless of which side the dog is walking on. They will adjust.

If the dog goes ahead, gently change direction, and speak to them so they know you are moving in a new direction.

Don’t get into a tugging contest with the dog –avoid Opposition Reflex!!! If the dog pulls, move laterally and then in the other direction, so the dog moves sideways and then around the way you want them to go.

Be gentle and calm, but firm and unrelenting. Allot a certain amount of time, and if you only get one block in that amount of time, so be it. It takes practice and time to get it right.

Remember, this is a cooperative effort between two different species. That is a remarkable thing! Don’t allow it to become a contest of will or strength. Think of it as a team sport.

Talk to your dog constantly at first. Use a steady, calm voice. What you say for this part is irrelevant. It is the tone that matters.

Stop and reward often. You can and should be more interesting than whatever is going on around the dog.

Walking a dog is a skill that is developed over time with practice, effort, and attention. Think about what you are doing, and make efforts toward improving.

Bring a cell phone for emergencies, but turn it off – keep your attention on your dog.

Avoid iPods, dark sunglasses, or anything else that makes it hard for your dog to communicate with you. If they don’t have your attention, why should they behave the way you want them to?

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Best Friends, Yeah.

Posted on May 29, 2011 by Positive Canine Guidance

Experimenting with FB Video.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Tails-a-Wagging: How to Enter the Building.

Posted on May 7, 2011 by Positive Canine Guidance

I made this video for Bellingham’s premier doggie daycare and training facility, Tails-a-Wagging. The general concept is a good one to consider for all buildings — if the dog enters the building in an appropriate way, they have a better chance of behaving well once in the building. Note that it is not essential for the human to go first all the time, or even essential that the dog sits every time — the most important thing is that the dog is calm.

Posted in Canine Guidance, Video | Leave a comment

Stay Workshop Notes

Posted on April 24, 2011 by Positive Canine Guidance

I facilitated a one-hour workshop last night on teaching dogs a reliable stay. These are notes from the workshop handout. This blog has several videos that show the results (Wait vs Stay, I Found My Best Friend in the Dog Pound, and others). I hope this is helpful.

Stay Workshop Notes
As with all training, stay practice should be fun! Take it slow, give lots of praise and treats, and connect with your dog. If you or your dog begins to get frustrated, take a break.
Remember, training should be fun!

Wait vs. Stay
Wait = relatively brief and informal, usually under a minute, and dog may be called from a wait. Common opportunities for wait include doorways, entering and exiting cars or buses, putting on collars or harnesses, practicing recall or other behaviors and tricks. Dogs may be called from a wait.

Stay= with practice, can be 30 minutes or more, dog must be released or transitioned, but never called. May be helpful around the house or yard when dog has tendency to follow humans around, or in public places to help ensure calmness, or for fun and practice anywhere. Dogs are never called from a stay. Stay may be transitioned into another behavior, such as heel, or released, but always from touching distance.

Process
Use a big, clear “stop” hand signal. Say, “Stay.” Enunciate and draw it out. Over the course of days or weeks, reduce the treats, lengthen the time between them, and reduce the over-emphasis. In the beginning, though, set the dog up for success! Make it easy! Using a mat or a platform can be helpful. No corrections — Just lead the dog back to the position and start over. Don’t reward for intermediate steps. (Don’t reward for the sit or lay down necessary to start over if the dog breaks the stay).

How Strict?
If you cue your dog to stay while she is sitting, and she sits for a minute, then lies down, is that all right? Are you likely to pursue Rally-O, competitive obedience, or film work? Precision is important in these pursuits, so it may be best to be strict in one’s expectations early. Even if you decide to try these things later, however, precision can always be added. Decide amongst your family what the expectations are, and then be consistent.

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment