Pets

What is your favourite way to teach a dog not to pull?

Revolutionary Techniques for Teaching Dogs Not to Pull

Hi there. So my favorite way to have to teach a dog not to pull is to first of all, get a longer leash. So get a 15 foot leash. Learn how to use it. I have something called the bat leash skills and basically it's about how to handle the leash without tripping over it, but it gives the dogs a sense of freedom and so you can also then create safety. So that's my favorite way. I love also reinforcing for check-ins, when the dog turns to look at you, you can Reinforced with that and then move off in a New Direction. So there's something interesting to do. Also my brand new favorite way to just be able to slow down a dog, who is pulling is called the leash bolle and that is a technique that I developed where basically use rock climbing gear to be able to slow a dog down so you don't have to have special gear on the dog so they don't have to use head colors or brown colors or anything like that. So that's my favorite.

My favorite way to teach a dog not to pull is to get a 15 foot leash, use the bat lease skills, reinforce check-ins, and use the leash bolle technique.

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My favorite way to teach a dog not to pull is by using a longer leash, around 15 feet, and mastering the skills to handle it effectively. This allows the dog to have a sense of freedom while still maintaining safety. I also find it helpful to reinforce check-ins, where the dog turns to look at you, and then redirect their attention to something interesting in a new direction.

Additionally, I have developed a technique called the leash bolle, which involves using rock climbing gear to slow down a pulling dog. This technique eliminates the need for special gear on the dog, such as head collars or harnesses.

These methods have proven to be effective in teaching dogs not to pull and are my personal favorites.

Dog Trainer's Perspective: Pinch Collars Unnecessary & Harmful

Hi there. Kristen Stewart, what's your opinion on? Pinch collars also called prong collars and I have been training dogs for about 20 years. I specialize in aggression, frustration, and fear, and I have never needed them. I have to admit, I did use a prong collar with my one, dog, for a week. When I was just getting started with even having a dog. And at first, I was like, oh my God, this is amazing. This is really like, I can now walk my dog without it, you know. No feeling like she's pulling me all over the place and, you know, fast forward a week. I realized that this was not good for our relationship to even see her behavior changing in subtle ways where she was a little bit more afraid of things, a little bit more cautious about the world, and that's not the relationship that I wanted with my dog. Now, I recognize that pain colors are something that people use to feel safe and to feel like they can go on a walk with their dogs. And so the good news is that there are lots of other options Shins and so, you know, had collars and harnesses are one or two and we recently and I don't use a lot of head colors. Actually, personally don't love them. But recently, I developed something called the leash belay which is using rock climbing gear, or kind of a collection of little gear that you can either attach to yourself or use in your hands. That makes it so that you can walk a dog, any dog without a lot of hand, strength, or arm strength. It's great for balance. It's called the leash boy. A I'll put a link to it in the one from my YouTube in the chat here or the video here, so definitely check that out. I have a whole class on how to use it. But basically pain colors are not needed and so while they might have worked and been useful for someone in the past, there is something else that can be used and so of course, we're going to look for something that's the least violent. That's the most safe for the dog and for the person. And so I, that's my opinion.

Prong collars, also called pinch collars, are not necessary for training dogs, and can have a negative effect on the relationship between the dog and its owner. There are other options such as harnesses and head collars that can be used instead. The Leash Belay, which uses rock climbing gear, is one such option that can be used with any dog and does not require a lot of hand or arm strength.

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My opinion on pinch collars, also known as prong collars, is that they are unnecessary and potentially harmful. As a dog trainer specializing in aggression, frustration, and fear, I have never found the need to use them in my 20 years of experience.

I did try using a prong collar with one of my dogs when I was just starting out as a dog owner. Initially, I thought it was amazing because it seemed to solve the problem of my dog pulling on walks. However, after a week, I noticed subtle changes in her behavior. She became more fearful and cautious, which was not the kind of relationship I wanted with my dog.

I understand that some people use pinch collars to feel safe and in control during walks. The good news is that there are plenty of other options available, such as front-clip harnesses or head collars. Personally, I don't use head collars extensively, but I have recently developed a tool called the leash belay, which utilizes rock climbing gear to provide balance and support during walks. It allows you to walk any dog without relying on hand or arm strength.

In conclusion, pinch collars are not necessary, and there are safer and more humane alternatives to consider. It's important to prioritize the well-being and safety of both the dog and the person handling them.

How do I get my Staffie to down-regulate from a panic attack?

Help your Staffie down-regulate from panic with these tips.

How do I get my Staffing to down regulate from a panic attack? Well, one thing you do is you breathe, you stay calm. The more that we try to make a dog have a certain State, the more they will resist that so your job is just to be there and to hold space. Obviously if you can prevent it in the first place, by making sure your dog has as much agency and control over the situation as possible, that will really help and bringing back agencies. Also, a way to help down-regulate. So if you have something like the five-second rule for petting or nose, Targeting sort of nose to hand that can help down-regulate slow comp heading down the back. And then I would also make sure that your relationship is solid. I recommend looking into secure attachment family, education, and that will help you be a secure base for your dog. So there are more comfortable and the Safe Haven.

To help your dog down-regulate from a panic attack, try breathing, staying calm, giving them agency and control over the situation, using the five-second rule for petting or nose targeting, and building a strong relationship with them through secure attachment family education.

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To help your Staffie down-regulate from a panic attack, there are a few strategies you can try. First, it's important for you to remain calm and composed. Dogs can sense our energy, so staying relaxed will help them feel more at ease. Avoid trying to force your dog into a specific state as this may cause resistance. Instead, focus on being present and holding space for them.

Prevention is key, so try to give your dog as much control and agency over their environment as possible. This can help reduce the likelihood of panic attacks. Additionally, providing opportunities for your dog to engage in activities that bring them a sense of agency, such as using the five-second rule for petting or nose targeting, can help down-regulate their anxiety.

Building a solid relationship with your dog is also important. Look into resources on secure attachment and family education to help establish a secure base for your dog. When they feel more comfortable and have a safe haven with you, it can contribute to their overall well-being.

Remember, each dog is unique, so it may take some trial and error to find the most effective strategies for your Staffie. Patience, understanding, and a supportive environment will go a long way in helping them down-regulate during panic attacks.

What is the best way to socialize a 2-year-old Havanese that's aggressive on a leash?

Socializing a leash-aggressive Havanese: Tips and techniques for success

That's the best way to socialize, a two-year-old Havanese. That's aggressive dogs on leash. So at least I'm reading it as being aggressive to dogs well. So if unleash the, you're seeing aggression, but you're not seeing it off leash. We have a problem with restriction and a dog needing to get away. Usually so finding nice Playmates that your dog can socialize with unleash. Our sorry off leash is ideal so small dog play times that sort of thing while also continuing to do work. Work on socializing on the leash, so I love using a 15 foot leash. So the dog has lots of Freedom, so learning how to use that. So that it's the, the dogs, not tripping on it and you're not tripping on it with a back attachment harness. And then, I would basically make sure your dog has lots of space and can go at their own pace. And I do, I'll put a link in here for the technique that I use called Bat and hopefully that'll get you started. And a quick little bit that I wanted to add is So that small dogs don't have to socialize in the same way that big dogs do. The world is not as safe for them. So it's sort of like if you're driving around in a little tiny car and they're a big trucks on the road, it's a lot more scary. So make sure to give that dog space also just lower your expectations to some extent of who your dog's socializes with. For example, Labradors tend not to me that spatially aware. So, you know, an adolescent, Labrador. And a small Havanese are not really that Safe together or, you know, we're doing that in a way where the dogs are are at a distance or safe or that you're otherwise managing the behavior of the larger dogs that your dog interacts with. So standing up for your dog. Also, I would recommend just working on secure attachment and feeling your dog feeling like they're safe and that you're always step in for them.

When socializing a two-year-old Havanese, it is best to use a 15 foot leash and back attachment harness. This will give your dog more freedom while preventing tripping. It is also important to find safe playmates for your dog and make sure they are given enough space. Additionally, it is important to help your dog feel secure and that you will always step in if they need it.

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The best way to socialize a two-year-old Havanese that displays aggression on a leash, particularly towards other dogs, is to focus on both off-leash and on-leash interactions.

For off-leash socialization, find opportunities for your dog to interact with other friendly dogs in a controlled environment, such as small dog playtimes. This allows your dog to socialize without the constraints of a leash and gives them the freedom to interact at their own pace.

When it comes to on-leash socialization, using a 15-foot leash can provide your dog with more freedom of movement. Use a back attachment harness to ensure comfort and prevent tripping. Allow your dog to have space and go at their own pace during on-leash interactions. The BAT (Behavior Adjustment Training) technique can be helpful in this process.

It's important to remember that small dogs may not socialize in the same way as larger dogs due to safety concerns. Be mindful of the size and behavior of the dogs your Havanese interacts with. Lower your expectations and give your dog space when needed. For example, an adolescent Labrador may not be the best match for a small Havanese. Ensure that your dog feels safe and secure by working on building a strong attachment and advocating for their well-being.

By combining off-leash socialization opportunities with controlled on-leash interactions and prioritizing your dog's safety and comfort, you can help your aggressive-on-leash Havanese become more socialized.

Should dogs be left at home alone all day?

Key Takeaway: Dogs should not be left alone all day; they need social interaction and a secure attachment to their owners.

Should dogs be left at home alone all day? This question can be answered from a lot of different perspectives from the perspective of the dog they basically need to make sure that their social needs are met. They have a secure attachment to you so you're tuned to them when you are together noticing when they have a Anita sensor Freedom. So you get me making sure that they're able to walk in places where they can explore. They have activities and that sort of thing in terms of being home alone all day. Today, it's actually illegal in Sweden to leave dogs alone for more than I think, six hours at a time. Different culture. Different family, structure where they can be, people can come home during the day and I know that that can be a privilege. So, keep in mind that, you know, what's ideal for the dog is not always what's ideal for the community. However, if you do, have somebody that can come in during the day and check in on your dog or even be there with your dog, that would be great dogs do need rest. However, so they need about 16 to 18 hours of rest every day not necessarily sleeping. So if you are leaving them at home, while you're at work, make sure they've got a nice quiet space or not being in treated by a lot of sounds from the outside. You can turn on something like a brown noise or dog calming music and that can be super helpful. I'm going to link to an article on secure attachment because I think that can be really helpful for separation anxiety in dogs, if that happens to be your thing. However, all dogs actually, if we're, if we're making sure that they have, if we're parenting them in a way that is allowing for their attachment, to be secure to us, that will make them more comfortable being home alone and of course, interacting with your dogs when you can. And when even when you are home, making sure that they have a chance to rest in a safe space.

It is not ideal to leave a dog alone for long periods of time as they need social interaction and exercise. If you cannot be with your dog, try to arrange someone who can check in on them during the day or provide them with calming music/noise while they are home alone. Additionally, make sure you are providing them with secure attachment when you are together to make them more comfortable with being home alone.

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Should dogs be left at home alone all day? This question can be approached from various perspectives. From the dog's perspective, it's important to ensure their social needs are met and that they have a secure attachment to their owner. They should have opportunities for exercise, exploration, and engaging activities. 

In some countries like Sweden, it is actually illegal to leave dogs alone for more than a certain number of hours. However, different cultures and family structures may allow for people to come home during the day to check on or be with the dog. It's important to recognize that this may not be feasible for everyone and can be considered a privilege.

If you do have someone who can come in and check on or be with your dog during the day, that would be ideal. Dogs also need rest, approximately 16 to 18 hours per day, not necessarily continuous sleep. If you are leaving them at home while you're at work, ensure they have a quiet space away from external noises. Playing calming music or using white noise can be helpful in creating a soothing environment.

Creating a secure attachment with your dog can help alleviate separation anxiety. Interacting with your dog when you can and providing them with a safe resting space is important. It's also recommended to read up on secure attachment and separation anxiety in dogs for further guidance.

Ultimately, the well-being of dogs should be prioritized, and if leaving them alone for extended periods is unavoidable, it's essential to ensure their needs are met and they have a safe and comfortable environment.

Why is it important to hydrate my dog's kibble if they already drink adequate water?

Hydrating dog's kibble improves digestion & nutrient absorption

Hi there. Why is it important to hydrate my dog's kibble if they already drink adequate water. So we hydrate our dog's food. I feed a dehydrated ratu's, oo, Ki NS certain cable to Joey, because that's the only thing that doesn't seem to mess up his digestive system. He's very special live dog or be done. And we find that it makes it so that he has his stool is solid. If we hydrate the food, I am not a veterinarian. So I'm going to answer. Uh, this from my perspective as a dog trainer and just a regular pet owner. So look for somebody else, like Chris Paco or whatever, to answer this best. But dog's digestive tracts are pretty quick and so they may not be actually getting all the nutrients from the food. If it's not dehydrated, or if it's not rehydrated because it's then it takes all that time to hydrate and then digest after that is my guest

We hydrate our dog's food to ensure that they are getting all the nutrients from their food and to help aid in digestion.

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Hydrating your dog's kibble is important even if they already drink adequate water. When we hydrate our dog's food, it can help improve their digestion and ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients. For example, I feed my dog a dehydrated brand of kibble because it agrees with his digestive system. By hydrating the food, it helps him have solid stools.

While I'm not a veterinarian, as a dog trainer and pet owner, I believe that hydrating the food can aid in the digestion process. Dogs have relatively quick digestive tracts, and if the food is not properly hydrated, they may not be able to fully absorb all the nutrients. By rehydrating the kibble, it allows the food to properly hydrate and aids in the digestion process.

For a more comprehensive and accurate answer, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian or an expert in pet nutrition.

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Award-winning dog trainer, author, and innovative international speaker. Find her at the Grisha Stewart Academy and her podcast “The Lesson is Love.” 

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