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CHOOSING A TRAINER

12/10/2018

Did you know that in Canada anyone can call themselves a dog trainer?
If you didn't, you aren't alone.

In Canada dog training is an unregulated industry.

In fact, most pet service providers in Canada aren't required to have any previous experience or education in order to care for your pet.

Scary right?!

The onus is on each pet guardian to do the required research.
As with most things dog related (ie. raw food, when to spay or neuter your pet, rescue organization versus breeder) the information can be overwhelming. Everyone has an opinion and they're more than eager to share it.

So where do you begin?

Talking with friends and acquaintances can be one place to start. Seeking the advice of your vet is another. However nothing is more important than talking to the source and knowing what questions to ask a potential trainer or behaviourist.

Your pet's well being is in your hands. Take your time and choose wisely. I promise it will be worth it.

The BCSPCA has compiled this very helpful checklist for choosing a trainer (see below). For more information, visit their website.

Our favourite trainers are Bravo Dog Training & Behaviour Consulting and Cowichan Canine.
Visit Bravo Dog and Cowichan Canine for examples of professionals who checks all the boxes.

1.) Training method

What to look for

Force-free, reward-based/positive reinforcement (R+) training methods
Humane training methods that focus on rewarding/reinforcing what you want your dog to do and using motivators like treats, food, play (what the dog finds motivating) and not forcing a dog to do something

What to avoid

Training methods that use harsh verbal or physical corrections
Methods that cause anxiety, fear or pain to punish your dog for unwanted behaviours
Equipment or training tools that cause anxiety, fear or pain such as bark or shock collars, prongs, choke chains or sprays (even unscented) and are used to punish your dog for unwanted behaviour

2. ) Trainer

What to look for

Good teacher who can explain and demonstrate the behaviour they’re teaching
Teacher good at coaching you on how to train your dog
Sees both you and your dog as learners
Patient and supportive coach
Can adapt humane methods for each dog

What to avoid

Someone who can’t explain the behaviour they’re teaching and why
Anyone who can’t explain how dogs learn
Someone who calls themselves a balanced trainer (using both rewards and methods that cause fear or pain)
Trainers who adamantly refuse to use food as a motivator

3.) Education

What to look for

Trainer who continues to learn through ongoing education
Someone who is always trying to improve knowledge and skills

What to avoid

Trainers who feel they don’t need to take courses or update their knowledge (they feel they’ve done this for years and know how to train)

4. ) Respectful

What to look for

Trainer who shows both you and your dog respect
Someone who has patience and explains to you that training will take time and patience
Someone who helps you learn

What to avoid

Trainers who use verbal or physical force to train (alpha roll, pinch, pinning, pushing into position or moving dog around, hanging on choke chain, helicoptering, prong/pinch collar, intimidation – staring or moving dog around with body, corrections)
Trainers who make you feel bad about your skill or the time it’s taking to train your dog

5.) Observe a class

What to look for

Trainer who lets you observe a class (make sure you do before enrolling)
Dogs and people having fun in class
Dogs look happy
Methods used in class are force-free and humane
Trainer is respectful and can clearly explain and demo behaviours they’re training and why
Trainer has at least three assistants for a class of 10 (the more assistants the better)
Trainer is encouraging and coaching people
They’re asking students questions
Class looks fun!
Young pups and dogs are in separate classes

What to avoid

Trainers who will not let you sit in on a class before enrolling (ask yourself why)
No assistants
No treats allowed
Not respectful of students or their dog
Trainer reprimands dog owner for not following instructions
Yells or is harsh with a dog or owner

6. ) Consumer alert

Dog training is unregulated

This means anyone can call themselves a “professional” or “humane” trainer with no education after watching some online videos or by taking some courses.

As a consumer of dog training you need to be aware that training methods and tools can be misused, ineffective or cause harm. You must ask a dog trainer for transparency. What are the techniques they are using and instructing you to use on your dog. Ask them to describe their methods and ask if there are less harmful alternatives. Get a written consent form.

Ask all trainers:

What will you do if my dog gets it right?
What will you do if my dog gets it wrong?
Are there side effects to your methods and if so what are they?

I don’t feel comfortable with my trainer’s techniques

Ask questions

Are there alternatives that are less harmful/stressful for your dog?
Are there side-effects and what are they?

Side-effects

Using treats – your dog looks at your pocket all the time
Using a prong or shock collar – your dog may experience fear, pain and/or injury

When a dog is fearful or stressed it makes it hard for them to learn. Think of when you were learning a new language or how to play piano. How much would you learn if you were stressed or afraid?

If you still don’t feel comfortable, don’t continue

Note: The BC SPCA’s AnimalKind accreditation is currently piloting standards for dog training.

7.) No guarantees

What to look for

Trainer who clearly states they cannot guarantee they will ‘fix’, ‘modify’ or ‘make your dog better’ as a result of their training
They are supportive and want to ensure satisfaction with their services

What to avoid

Trainer who guarantees results of training
Anyone who states they can fix all dog behaviour problems

8. ) Vaccinations

What to look for

Trainers who try to protect all dogs/puppies when in a class situation
Trainers who require vaccines
Sick dogs/puppies not allowed in class

Check with your veterinarian to ensure they’re comfortable with the vaccines required for class (both for adult dogs and especially puppies).

What to avoid

Trainer who says your puppy or dog doesn’t need vaccines to join a class
Trainers who allow sick dogs/pups to come to class
Mixing pups and dogs in class

9. ) Problem behaviours

Some behaviour problems are caused by underlying health issues. Contact your veterinarian if you see changes in your dog’s behaviour.

What to look for

Trainers who recognize some behaviours may be flags for a medical issue and ask you to contact your veterinarian
Someone who will refer to your vet for diagnosis of a behaviour problem
Trainers who work closely with veterinarians to modify behaviour

What to avoid

Trainers who diagnose medical issues
Anyone who recommends medications or gives medical advice and is not a licensed veterinarian
Anyone who tells you not to speak with your veterinarian when your dog has a behaviour issue
Trainers who say they can fix all behaviour problems

Important to remember

There are different ways training is offered. A trainer might come to your home, or you might attend classes, or your might board your dog while someone trains him. Choose what is right for you and your dog.
If you’re not comfortable, ask questions.
There are no guarantees; behaviour is variable.
Training your dog should be fun for you and your dog.
It’s OK to say please stop

Adapted from American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviour AVSAB ‘How to Chose a Trainer’.

because training your dog shouldn't hurt

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growling...we all do it

12/4/2018

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have you ever been somewhere waiting in line and had a person cozy right up behind you to the point you can actually feel them invading your space?
if you're at all like me it probably made you feel uncomfortable, even irritated or angry.

did you move up a little hoping they would get the hint?

did you give them "the look"?

did you turn and politely ask them to give you a little more space?

or...did you wheel around and punch them right in the kisser?

which option seems like the best one (assuming you want a positive outcome)?

can you see where i'm going with this?

when dogs feel nervous or scared most of them will give a number of subtle, and not so subtle, signs to indicate they're uncomfortable.

they might attempt to move away from whatever is making them feel uneasy.
they may give you side eye, or whale eye.
they might lick their lips or start panting.
and, they might growl.

i consider growling an "early warning system".

wouldn't most of us prefer to be told we're making someone uncomfortable rather than having them punch us in the nose without warning?
dogs may not use speech the way humans do, but they have very clear ways of communicating with us. iT'S OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO UNDERSTAND their BODY LANGUAGE AND RESPECT WHAT THEY'RE TRYING TO TELL US. if a dog growls, it's very likely they have already shown many of the behaviours listed above and we just haven't noticed or understood.

so what happens if a dog is continually punished when they growl?
they learn that growling equals punishment. Dogs that are punished for growling can become dogs that revert to more serious behaviours in order to cope with discomfort or fear, and they often do so without warning.

so what should you do if your dog growls?
don't yell, yank their leash, or punish them. instead, immediately remove them from whatever is the source of their stress.

this article offers some sound advice regarding what to do if your dog growls. if you aren't comfortable making these changes on your own, you're having difficulty determining the cause of your dog's stress, your dog continues to growl, or their behaviour escalates, consult a trained professional. taking the wrong action will only make matters worse for your dog and for you.

next week's blog post will cover how to go about choosing the right pet professional. your dog's well being depends on it!

LOOK FOR THESE SIGNALS THAT INDICATE A DOG IS STRESSED.

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THE IMPORTANCE OF GAMES

11/26/2018

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The weather has gotten cooler and the rainy season has begun. For the next several months most of us will be spending more time inside with our dogs. So how do you keep your dog active physically and mentally?

Games!

There are an endless number of reasons for playing games with your dog. Here are just a few:

Studies prove that play is key to a dogs' well being. Scientists have found a strong correlation between lack of play and increased behavioural issues in dogs.
Playing with your dog keeps their brain fit. Dogs thrive when they’re able to engage in mentally stimulating activities. Even a simple game of tug can physically and mentally challenge your dog.
Spending a little time each day playing with your dog strengthens your bond and creates trust. It can also help to alleviate stress and prevent boredom, which often leads to destructive behaviour.
Playing with a puppy is crucial to their physical and social development. Puppies gain confidence and learn proper play techniques. Interactive play also gives puppies an outlet for their extra energy.
Many of us are less active throughout the winter. Keeping the scale from slowly creeping up can be a challenge. Playing games with your dog can help them, and you, keep those extra pounds at bay.

These are just a few of the many reasons why games are beneficial to your dog - and to you.
A simple search of the internet will provide you with an endless number of ideas on how to engage your dog.

One of my all round favourite websites is www.ultimatepuppy.com/
They have a full section dedicated to games; the why and how of playing with your dog, along with game ideas. Check it out here.

You can buy games at your local pet store or online, but why not try making your own? Here's a quick and easy game to get you started...

*Remember it's important with most of these games that you monitor your dog to ensure their safety. Plus - a big part of the fun for your dog is getting to share time with you!

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