Monday, September 26, 2011

This Week's Homework - Canine Body Language

I hope that everyone enjoyed their weekend!  We talk about canine body language every once in a while, and some of you know more than others, but it's always good to practice.  This is my dog Shy, what do you see in her posture and actions here?  Given her body language in the photo what do you think might be going on in her head, or what might her next actions be? 

Hint: Use your flash cards if you need to!  Please post your answers in a comment below, I'll post mine later on in the week.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Policy Reminders

There seems to have been some confusion regarding a few of our class policies.  I want to make sure that everyone is on the same page and answer any questions that any of you might have so please take a few minutes to review the pre-registration, cancellation, and attendance sections of our class policies page by clicking the link below.
Class Policies

As stated in the policy PLEASE do your best to let me know at least an hour before if you're not going to make it to class, and if class is cancelled for any reason it will be posted on the blog and we will do our best to contact everyone via phone or email (please let me know if you would prefer to have us contact you via text message). 

I am no longer available at the clinic after 2:30pm Monday through Thursday or after 11:00am on Friday and will be going to Ogden several times a week so the best way to contact me will be via email, I am also making my cell phone number available so you can call or text message me as well, it is on the Contact Info page.

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns, hopefully this will help to clarify our class policies for everyone and we can avoid future problems.

Happy Training!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Training Class and Puppy Social 9/14/2011 and MORE HOMEWORK

Must be a busy Wednesday for everyone!  Due to the number of cancellations and people who can't make class and our puppy social tonight I am cancelling for tonight, I also have a cold so I'm okay with it for this week.

Until further notice our class schedule will remain the same, we're having some trouble accomodating everyone's schedules. 

If everyone could let me know if they prefer:

A) Weeknights between 6:00pm and 8:00pm. (Please specify which weeknight(s) work best for you.)
B) Saturday Mornings or
C) Saturday Afternoons I would really appreciate it.

Training Class Homework

Sorry it's late but here's some homework for you!

Did you know that it's unsafe, and illegal, to have your dog loose in the car?  I may be the only person ever to get pulled over for it, but for your safety and that of your dog please make sure that they are properly restrained when riding in the car. 

Visit Paws to Click to learn more about the importance of properly restraining your dog in the car and maybe consider taking the pledge. 

How do you (or will you) keep your dog safe in the car?

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Training Class Homework

With school starting many of our schedules change.  What is your plan to provide your dog with the excersize, training, and attention they need in the coming months?  Please post your answer in a comment below, it may help someone else!

Click on "comments" at the end of the post to post your comment.  :)

Don't Overuse Your Clicker!

Remember, your clicker is for teaching new behaviors, it is not required once your dog has learned what you'd like him to learn.  You do not need to click every single behavior that you would like to treat or otherwise reinforce!  Practice:
8 correct out of 10 repetitions = move up a step

Once you've added your cue for a new behavior, if your dog performs correctly on 8 out of 10 repetitions your next step is to fade out the click, and then to put the behavior on a variable schedule of reinforcement (sometimes you get a treat sometimes you don't). 

If the behavior deteriorates you can bring the clicker back out to work on individual aspects of the behavior until it is what you want it to be, but remember once again, to fade out your click and put the behavior back on a variable schedule of reinforcement.

You don't need a clicker all the time.  It is perfectly acceptable to use a word, such as "Yes!" as a marker, or simply to reinforce your dog with praise, petting, food, etc. when they're doing something you like.  This can be especially good for reinforcing calm behaviors that your dog offers when you are not actively training as some dogs will get more excited and go into "working" mode when they here the click.

Use life rewards as well as treats.  Allowing your dog to play, have freedom, go sniff, are all reinforcers that you can and should use to your advantage.  They can also lead to problems if you aren't actively using them.  For example, if you allow your dog to pull on the leash to go sniff something or get to the gate at the dog park, you are reinforcing your dog for pulling on leash.  You don't need to click when you are using a life reward as a reinforcer.

Remember that you should only be clicking and treating one specific thing in a training session.  If your working on down, don't click sometimes for elbows bending and sometimes for looking at you, that will be confusing to your dog, and the goal of the clicker is to make communication more clear.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Class Homework

With fall (and school) approaching quickly I want to make sure to accommodate schedules as best I can so, if you are currently enrolled in one of our group training classes, or if you plan on enrolling soon, please comment here or send me an email to let me know which class you're in, or will be in, and what days and times work best for you to come to training class.  Don't feel confined to Saturdays or evenings, if you would like to have training class during a weekday morning or afternoon please let me know.

Email: browndogcabt@gmail.com

Thanks!