AND RESOURCES FOR TRAINING

Looking for an obedience trainer in your area?  Try www.APDT.com.  APDT trainers generally use dog friendly training methods such as clicker training.  CPDT's (such as myself) are "Certified Pet Dog Trainers".  APDT issues their own certifications, as well as recognizing certifications from some other organizations that also use operant conditioning and other dog friendly methods for training, behavior problems etc.

For Deaf Dogs:  www.deafdogs.org is the website of the nonprofit Deaf Dogs Education Fund.  The website includes information on teaching hand signs, tips for living with a deaf dog and a link to a sign language dictionary.

Training Tip #1:  The KEY to training your dog is CONSISTENCY and REPETITION.  Whatever you are trying to teach, use the SAME signal or word every time you ask for that behavior.  REWARD when you get the behavior you want.  And REPEAT. 

    A dog needs approximately 300 repetitions before they begin to know the behavior in a non-distracting environment such as your home. 

    It will take about 1000 (yes, one thousand) repetitions before your dog will understand the behavior at the dog park, on a leash, when friends are over, when you go to the pet store, etc. 

    This applies to any and all behaviors you may want to teach your dog - ESPECIALLY "come".  If you have not done sufficient repetitions with adequate rewards, do not expect your dog to come in a distracting environment such as when they are off leash at the dog park and playing with other dogs!

     Training Tip #2:  A lot of people turn to books for help with their dog's behavior problems.  Books can be an excellent resource - as can a good trainer.  Below I have listed some books I recommend that can help you train your dog.  The books I recommend are reward based because it is a scientific fact that creatures (dogs, cats, humans, dolphins, rats, horses, etc.) will REPEAT behavior that is rewarded.  The thing people have to understand with dogs is that much behavior that we would find punishing a dog may very well find rewarding.  This includes "no", being kneed in the chest, being pushed away, being petted, etc.  Because these are all things that cause us to interact with the dog, the dog views all these things as REWARDS! 

Training Tip #3:   Some books I recommend that can help you either train or understand your family pet.  Some of these may be available at your local bookstore.  All should be available at dogwise.com

CULTURE CLASH by Jean Donaldson -  (A MUST read!)  Understand the role of conditioning on a dog's intelligence & morality; predatory & social behavior; socialization, conflict resolution, fear & aggression; behavior problems & solutions.

Clicker Basics for Dogs & Puppies by Carolyn Barney.  An excellent "how to" book intended as a supplement to your clicker classes.  Addresses issues such as crate training, housetraining, leash training and provides the novice trainer with the nuts and bolts of clicker training. 

Clicking with Your Dog by Peggy Tillman.  Step by step in pictures;  will show you the clicker way to teach.

25 Stupid Mistakes Dog Owners Make  by Janine Adams;  Identifies the most common reasons why dogs and their human companions don't see eye to eye. The author provides practical solutions for everyday problems - very useful

Dogs Behaving Badly by Dr. Nicholas Dodman 

On Talking Terms with Dogs:  Calming Signals by Turid Rugaas 

How to be Leader of the Pack . . . and have your dog love you for it by Patricia B. McConnell, Ph. D. 

The Cautious Canine, How to help dogs conquer their fears by Patricia B.McConnell Ph.D. 

I’ll be Home Soon!  How to prevent and treat Separation Anxiety by Patrica B. McConnell, Ph.D.

Mine! by Jean Donaldson.  A practical guide to resource guarding in dogs.