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Mutt Does Math

I found this story of a mutt does math difficult to believe at first, but then thought, why not?  It could be possible. I wonder how much time it could have taken for the farmer to train the dog. 

As an owner of two pet dogs and going by my personal experience, I feel a dog’s brain is much more intelligent than what we perceive. It all depends upon how we understand the dog’s talent and how we nurture it. Such dogs, I feel, could be trained to handle petty cash and manage simple accounting tasks. I am sure; dogs would be equally capable as human beings. Such dogs can be hired as an assistant for shopping purposes for disabled humans, especially paraplegic and quadriplegic ones.

I strongly feel that pet training exercise imparted to dogs needs a serious rethink. Certain modifications need to be done in the procedure so that the dog’s specific talent could be brought out. The training method has to be essentially different for different breeds of dogs. After completion of training, these dogs could be allotted to different sections and departments based on their interest.

As for the ‘mathematician’ dog Wawa, my best wishes for it. Let’s hope the dog scales new heights in arithmetic and stands as a shining example for other dogs to emulate!  

Dog’s Aggression Linked to Illness or Behavior Issues

I read this interesting article stating that confrontational or aversive methods does not help training aggressive pets. "Veterinary researchers have found that most of these animals will continue to be aggressive unless training techniques are modified."

Territory and fear are the two common factors for aggression:

• Territorial aggression – It is directed towards approaching people or animals outside the pack in defence of the dog’s area (yard, room or home), or pack members. Sometimes, it's due to resource guarding. For example, the dog may guard his food, toys, water, kennel or people - if the dog think that person is his.
• Fear induced aggression – It occurs when animals or people approach a fearful dog. It is most common when the dog finds it difficult to escape. Unpredictable children could also trigger such form of aggression.

Certain medical reason could also be the reason behind the aggressiveness of a dog (source: http://www.petplace.com/dogs/aggression-in-dogs/page1.aspx). For example, dogs having neck pain often display aggression when they are pulled by the collar.

The best approach is to consult your vet, a professional dog trainer or dog behaviourist.

Clicker Training

In a nutshell, clicker training is a positive reinforcement training method - rewarding those behaviors which you like rather than punishing those which you dislike. The moment the dog offers a behaviour/trick you like, quickly single-click and give the dog a treat. You train the dog to associate the click sound with the meaning of "good boy, I'm giving you a treat!"

A clicker is a plastic box with a metal plate inside, which makes click sound when pressed. The click sound marks the precise moment when the dog carries out a behavior that you like.  This timing is essential when you teach the dog a new behaviour.  

Clicker avoids two potential issues in the regular training:

1. When we praise the dog, we could be using a different tone depending on our mood - we may not even be aware of it. Dogs are extremely sensitive to tone and body language.  The main advantage of clicker is its consistent sound. 

2. The other major problem with the regular training is timing. By the time we praise the dog; the dog could have stopped behaviour and could have already done something else. Dogs would not be able to determine which of their behaviors was rewarded. So, it could take longer to train a new behaviour.

How to Click Train Your Dog?

First, you'll need a clicker and some good treats.  Most dogs find small pieces of cheese or cut jerky, hot dog or sausages irresistible. :-)

Find a good location for training: alway start the new trick's training with minimal of distractions - best to do it at home without any excitment and distraction around. 

At the begining, you need to teach the meaning of clicker to the dog. Stand in front of the dog, click and give the treat.  Spend some time doing click and a treat without any tricks.  The dog soon would know that a click means a treat is coming.  You'd see his ears picks up the click sound and his behavior would show as he starts expecting the treat following the click.

Then, watch your dog.  As soon as he offers a behaviour/trick you want, click and treat!  Most dogs picks up the new behaviour quickly with click training.  If he repeatedly offer the same behaviour/trick, then you can add a commend right before he does it. And, of course, you click and treat him once he does it.  Gradually, you can click, treat and say "Good Boy!"  If you want, you can remove click and treat when he's good with the trick.

Basic Clicker Training Rules:

1. Always offer treat after you click.  If you clicked by accident, you should still give a treat.  You have to instill complete faith in the dog that “click means treat” routine. By the way, don’t allow the kids to touch your clicker.  It's not a toy.

2. Click once. Don't double-click!  ;-)  Practice quick single-click!

3. Keep your training sessions short, around five minutes. It has to be fun for both!

Try this game with your human friend:

While your dog is not around you, practice quick single-click and treat with your friend. 

e.g. (No talking) Click when your friend blinks her eyes and give a piece of Cheerio cereal.  Try it - it's not as easy as you think!  It's a great way to practice click and treat before you start click training with your dog!

Crate Training Your Dog

First-time dog owners may think crate training or kennel training is not necessary and it's "not nice" to lock dog away in a kennel.  Well, I was one of them.  I know better now. :-)

My Top Reasons to Crate Train Your Dog:

• If you have a new dog or puppy, you can use the crate or kennel to limit his access to the house until he learns all the house rules.

• Crate training (or kennel training) could be an effective and efficient way to house train dogs.  Crate training also helps the dog to learn to control its bowel and bladder rather than going whenever they feel it. The dog eventually learns to hold it and "go" in a more regular routine.  Fact: Dogs never like to soil their sleeping/ resting quarters.

• A crate is a safe way of transporting your dog in the car.

If you properly train your dog to use the crate, he'll think of it as his safe and private den, and he will be happy to spend time there.

How to Crate/Kennel Train Your Dog:

1. Make a great first impression during the initial introduction!  Make it a very comfortable place for your dog.  Put an old t-shirt of yours in there.  Leave the kennel door open and leave treats in there. 

2. Feed and treat your dog in the kennel, so he associates the crate with positive feelings.  Give lots of encouragement and treat when you find him in the crate.

3. Slowly increase the time & distance away from you - don't rush the process.  Start from 1 minute with the door closed and you can sit in front of it.  Then moved to 3, 5, 10, 20 minutes and so on.  Initially, you can sit in front of the kennel or walk around where the dog can see you.  The next level would be out of the dog's sight while he is in the kennel.

Kennel Training Notes and Tips:

• You may encounter some whining and crying.  If the whining continues after you've ignored him for several minutes, use the phrase he associates with going outside to eliminate, and take him outside right away. This should be a trip with a purpose - not play time!  If you're convinced that your dog doesn't need to "go", the best response is to ignore him until he stops whining.  When he stops whining (wait for a few seconds of silence), then let him out and play with him.  Don't give in; if you do, you'll teach your dog to whine loud and long to get what he wants - just like kids. ;-)
• As soon as you let the dog out of the crate, you should immediately put him on a leash and then take him outside. Once you are outside, it is important to give your dog enough time - don't expect the dog to do it under pressure - no one likes that.  Would you like your mom keep rushing you to "go" in a public washroom?  :-) When the dog goes, you should give lots of encouragement, praise and reward.  Soon, the dog would try to do it only when a person is present to praise and reward him/her.
• Do not use the crate as a remedy for separation anxiety - it won't solve the problem. A crate may prevent your dog from being destructive to your place, but he may injure himself in an attempt to escape from the crate or kennel.  Separation anxiety is a totally different discussion.
• Care has to be exercised that the crate training should not get abused. Otherwise, there are high chances that the problem would worsen. The crate isn’t intended to lock the dog and let him remain there for an extended time period.  Please keep in mind that young puppies tend to need to relieve themselves almost each hour.  In case the dog soils the crate only because it was left there for a long period, then the house training process may get rolled back several weeks or even months!

Rally Obedience - Comparison of Rules: CKC vs. CARO

As I mentioned before, Harry and I just started in this training a few months ago.  We highly recommend this training to all dogs - small or big at any age!

Also known as Rally – O or Rally, Rally obedience is a dog sport based completely on obedience. Originally devised by Charles L Bud, from his original “doodling” practice, Rally obedience includes doing variety of freestyle and warm-up exercises.

Unlike the regular form of obedience, rather than waiting for orders from the judges, competitors start around the course of the designated stations with dog in heel position. Overall, the course comprises of anything between 10 to 20 signs which instruct the team about what they need to do. Unlike the traditional form of obedience, dog handlers are permitted to encourage dogs during course - this is our favorite part of Rally-O!

There are two main dog obedience rally holding clubs in Canada - the Canadian Association of Rally and Obedience (CARO) and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC).  There are some primary differences with regards to general rules and eligibility criteria for both firms.  Here’s my understanding of the differences:

•    While CARO permits all breeds of dogs including mixed breeds to participate in its rally, CKC allows only select clubs and associations in good standing with CKC to apply and hold the rally.

•    While CKC permits a score of 70 out of 100 to qualify, dogs need to score 170 out of 200 to qualify in CARO.

•    CKC has fewer stations per level than CARO.

•    CARO permits disabled dogs to compete. Though CKC does not allow disabled dogs, it permits dogs with disabled handlers.

•    Unlike CARO, CKC does not have any time requirements for the dogs to complete their course.

•    CKC does not permit food, nor touching dogs.

•    Under CARO rally rules, luring with a cookie is permitted. However, CKC does not allow it.

•    While Collars are permitted in CKC, CARO allows harnesses.

•    CKC rules don’t state how far away the handler has to run from the side of jump, whereas in CARO, handler should send dog over jump and run by exercise within a certain distance.

•    CKC has smaller ring than the CARO specified ring measurements.

•    In a CKC, after the handler makes the turn, the dog is called to heel position (e.g. Halt Turn Right – One Step). In a CARO, the dog moves along with the handler.

Even though the rules may be different, the rally-o fun is the same!

Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan

Having worked for several years with dogs, Cesar Millan has now become one of the world’s most sought-after dog trainers. Cesar currently hosts the popular dog show titled “The Dog Whisperer” on National Geographic Channel. A very entertaining and charismatic host, Cesar has made the show a huge favorite amongst dog owners. Owing to this, he has several fans who implement such techniques on house pets. Still, there are some who have a feeling that the methodology adopted by Cesar is inappropriate and extremely harsh for most pet owners (novice trainers). I therefore discuss Cesar’s approach to dog training with brief elaboration on its pros and cons.

Pros of Cesar Millan's Dog Training:

• Cesar educates people on the ways and means to become good pack leaders. He stresses on the importance of setting boundaries and rules for the dog and emphasizes on maintenance of calm and assertive energy.
• Cesar gives overt importance on understanding the needs of the dog and transforming it into a healthy and well-trained pet through proper discipline and regular exercise.
• Besides, Cesar also shows people the methodologies to improve the behavior of their dogs irrespective of their background and breed. Few dog breeds such as the Pit Bull Terrier have developed a horrible reputation. Cesar tells people that dogs could be easily rehabilitated irrespective of their background and breed.
• Cesar uses his pack of dogs to improve the behavior of other dogs and teach them. He believes in the fact that the best teacher for any dog could be another dog. Though one can try to learn the body language of a canine, it would take years before one can become adept in it.

Cons of Cesar’s Dog Training:

• Cesar limits exploring other dog training techniques. He has an extremely charismatic, confident and alpha personality which makes him successful. People can try to be like that but not everyone is like that.  Some can’t even fake it.
• Though Cesar sometimes believes in the fact that altering of dog’s behavior may take time, his dog behavior program has shown exactly the opposite. The Dog Whisperer’s show format is such that Cesar needs to quickly show the results so that the program becomes engaging and interesting. On most occasions, there is a timer that displays how Cesar solves the problem within minutes (5-15 minutes), which, most owners had found it difficult to solve. These help in encouraging a fix-it-now-or-give-up mentality amongst dog owners, which leads to more dogs getting surrendered.
• Cesar has kept the discussion on the proper use of equipment which needed to be used and the correct usage of particular equipment to the minimum. Cesar advises clients to put the dog collar high up on the neck, close to ears and the head. Sometimes, Cesar also uses the Illusion collar to prevent it from sliding down the neck and on some occasions, goes with the owner’s choice. Cesar is also known to implement choke chains for a long time period. Recent studies have indicated that choke chain is harmful for the dog.
• Cesar downplays the effects and dangers of implementing aversive techniques. Some of Cesar’s aversive techniques include leash jerks, finger pokes and alpha rolls. Cesar believes that such techniques are only meant to receive dog’s attention.

If you are interested, you can check out some of his videos.

Basic Dog Training

You just got a puppy.  You want to make sure it's going to be a great relationship.  You need to know all the basic dog training!  It is the first step towards having a great lifelong companion.  Every dog and (more importantly) every dog owner requires training.  The fundamental principle of dog training is simple – be patient, ignore or correct undesired behavior and reward desired behavior. 

Six basic obedience that every dog  (and dog owner) should be trained on:

• Down
• Sit
• Stay
• Close
• Recall/Come
• Heel

It is good to be trained in a group by professional dog trainers for better dog training and socialization. Professional dog trainers have the expertise and experience in understanding dog behavior. They understand that different dog breeds require different type of training. Each dog (of the same breed) may have different personality and attention span.  Experienced dog trainers would provide customized advise just for your dog. 

All family members are encouraged to attend the class even though only one handler is allowed.  Dog training becomes more effective when trainer/owner/family members all use consistent methods, commands and enforcement.

Puppies can be trained at home before 4 months of age.  Some trainers would visit the owner’s home and start the training process from as early as eight weeks.  After the puppy is done with the initial set of vaccinations, he/she can join the group training classes in public. 

Puppies constantly need care, discipline and resilience from their owners. Patience is of paramount importance. Puppy training plays an important part in the raising a happy and healthy dog and for ensuring a fun and pleasant environment at home.

Please feel free to leave comments about the dog training schools you'd recommend!

Loving Rally-O

Rally obedience (Rally-O) combines characteristics of traditional dog obedience, dog agility, and even racing.  It's more fun than the traditional obedience since you can encourage your dog in the ring!

Harry and I started training for Rally-O at All Bright Dogs on Jan. 5, 2009.   We have one class per week and we've had 4 classes so far.  By the way, Laurie is a great instructor!

Earlier this year, when we found out that there would be a CKC Rally-O event in the Big 4 building at Calgary Stampede this weekend.  We remembered that Sundog's obedience trainer told us that she took her shy dog to the ring, walked around and came out.  She wanted to show the dog that the ring is not a stressful place, but a happy place and he would get a treat afterwards (you can't give treats in the ring).  It helped the dog a lot.  We thought it would be good for Harry to give it a try (that was even before our Rally-O class started).  We really had no clue what to expect there.  We made a list of things to take with us, such as food, water, camping chair, treats (for outside the ring), and even the rally obedience rule book since we are still learning what the signs mean.

We thought Harry would be nervous in the ring.  But, the truth was that I was more nervous than Harry was.  I sometimes, didn't even read the sign properly and performed the wrong thing!   In Rally-O, each team (dog + handler) has a starting score of 100 points from which points are deducted for such faults as missed or incompletely performed stations, touching the dog, leash corrections, etc.  I think I lost more points (e.g. handler's errors) than Harry did (e.g. lagging behind me or delayed in sitting).  Harry was more curious than nervous.  He was easily distracted by all the things there.  But, I don't blame him. There was a lot to see and I was distracted too.  It was very obvious that we were newbies.  Harry was one of the youngest dogs in the trial.  The judges (Rod Beaudry and Judith Snowdon) were very encouraging!  The volunteers were very helpful and very nice to us.     

The result?  We didn't qualify (i.e. we lost too many points).  But, that's totally okay!  It was still a very rewarding and valuable experience for both of us!  See the photo (on the right side)?  Harry was looking right into the camera instead of paying attention for the next command.  Chris was even trying to hide behind people, but Harry spotted him.  It is obvious that I need to work on keeping Harry's attention.  He sometimes would lag behind (not at the right heel position), and sometimes, he would not be paying attention to me at all.  I also need to work on keeping a cool head during the performance and read the signs.  We are so looking forward to the future events!

There were only a couple of small dogs in traditional obedience and there were no other small dogs in rally obedience.  We'd encourage all small dogs (and their owners) to give rally obedience a try!  It's a lot of fun and it's a great bonding experience for the dog and the owner!  

Harry & I - in Agility Training

Harry & I are new to this sport but we really enjoy agility! At Calgary Canine Centre, we learned all the equipment and ran through the obstacle course together.