Archive for the ‘Positive Paws’ Category

Dogs Are…Love, Helpers, Companions, Great Listeners, Fitness Coaches

Posted on: November 22nd, 2023 by Asia
Dog Are...

Even though, when you ask most humans why they have a dog, their spontaneous response is usually “for companionship”, there may actually be far more subtle reasons we humans aren’t even aware of that speak to the many human needs that might be left unfulfilled if we were unable to share our lives with a furry friend.

Executive Pet Sitting / Dog Sitting Service

“Companionship and affection and they never get grumpy” “Because I’ve always had them and I love them and they’re a calming effect in our lives. They comfort me and my wife.”

We asked some of our clients and strangers, too:

“What’s your number one reason for having a dog in your life?”

Here are some of the spontaneous comments we gathered…

Isn’t it so very interesting that many of us humans, even those who are married and have children in their families, and lots of friends, seem to have dogs in our lives for “companionship”, “love” and “affection”? Beyond these very important aspects of our human lives, perhaps our dogs are so much more than we even realize.

Dogs Are Our Helpers

We wouldn’t be where we are in society today without the help of many working breed dogs that helped us humans in so many ways. If us humans had a need, we could find (or create) a dog that would provide the answer.

We have working dogs for herding, hunting, guarding, rescuing, policing, bomb detection, drug sniffing, border patrol, emergency response, service for the handicapped, therapy for nursing homes, rehabilitation and detention centers.

Dog Training with K-9 Super Heroes Dog Whispering Dog Trainers

“Companionship.” “Because my husband wanted one. I grew up with cats and he wanted a dog.”

Dogs Are Faithful Companions

In today’s society, for the most part, while our dogs still play a vital role in many areas of our human lives, we don’t require our dogs to work the herds and guard our fields alongside of us like they used to, and thus our dogs are more often fulfilling the part of faithful companion for many of us humans.

Dogs Are Great Listeners

No matter how busy our spouses, children or friends may be and how crazy busy our daily lives, our dogs are always there, waiting to sit quietly and listen to anything we have to say, blindly accepting everything we are – whether good, bad, or otherwise, without passing judgment.

Dogs Are Our Fitness Coaches

We humans go to great lengths buying memberships at our local gymnasiums, driving to the local fitness center, buying the latest exercise DVD’s and lugging home the best, new exercise devices, when our dogs are the very best fitness coaches, always waiting and willing to go for a walk, a hike in the park a swim in the lake, a run along the shoreline. If we humans would just listen to our dogs, who are all natural athletes, follow their example and get out there, we’d all be healthy and fit.

kelly

“I fostered her and my husband fell in love with her and I kept her for him.

Dogs Are Giving Without Expectation

Our dogs give so much of themselves to us every single day.

They wait patiently for us to be finally ready to take them for a walk.

They let us dress them up in silly clothes, and style their coats in ways pleasing to human fashion.

They learn how to do tricks because it makes us humans happy and they follow our commands the best they can because they always want to please us.

All of this and so much more, yet they don’t “expect” anything in return other than to be with us. Margery Facklam (award winning Children’s Science author) could not have been more correct when she said, “We give dogs time we can spare, and love we can spare. In return, dogs give us their all. It’s the best deal man has ever made.”

Dog Sitting / Pet Sitting in Victoria, Langford, Colwood, Oak Bay, BC

“For affection – the dogs give me affection and I give them affection.” “Because they make me laugh every day and remind me about the really important things in life.”

Dogs Are Unconditional Love

If we’re lucky in our human relationships, we may find that elusive “unconditional love” and acceptance we’re all looking for, or we can simply share our lives with a dog and have a guaranteed endless supply.

The canine capacity for unconditional love is likely the biggest reason that dog has become man’s best friend.

Further, when it comes down to displaying unfettered love and affection, a dog can always outdo us humans without even working at it because he or she is born with it.

Think of all those times you’ve had a trying day, you’re a complete grouch, you ignore your dog, and show him no love or affection whatsoever. Does he hold this against you or ignore you back?

Of course not. He waits patiently for you to decide you’re ready to be social again, and then  is just happy that you are there. When it comes to unconditional love, our dogs win hands down.

drew sam

“To rescue him from homelessness, or from being unwanted by his previous owner”.

Dogs Are Joy

Dogs are always showing us the joy in everyday things that us busy humans often don’t take the time to even notice.  If we slow down just a bit and watch, we can enjoy vicarious, spontaneous joy through our dogs.

Dogs live for the moment, and when you have a dog in your life, you can learn this, too.

A dog appreciates every fine moment of each new day and doesn’t complain about it, and we can certainly follow their lead and learn to be grateful for all that we have.

When we learn to live our lives more fully in the present, we naturally have more enthusiasm, less worry and a more simplified joy for life, just like our dogs.

Dogs Are Keeping Us Young

Dogs are always ready and waiting to give us an opportunity to be silly and child-like any time we feel like it, which is a side of grown up and responsible adults that we most often don’t allow ourselves to experience with our peers.

2 hour dog whispering video session

“Because taking care of them helps me enjoy a better quality of life.”

Dogs Are Our Connection With Nature

Dogs are always reminding us that there’s a whole great, big, wide, wonderful world of beautiful nature out there for us to explore that is so much more interesting, educational and spiritually uplifting than sitting in front of our TV’s watching the latest movie, playing the latest video game or chatting on our smart devices.

Dogs are always showing us that we need to take the time to notice all that is growing, living and breathing around us.

Dogs are telling us to pay attention and take the time to appreciate the flowers, smell the ocean breeze, wonder where that bald eagle builds its nest, marvel at how far that tiny hummingbird had to fly to get here.

Our dogs are encouraging us to pause for a moment and watch the most outstanding sunrise and enjoy these many free gifts from nature that expand our minds, bring peace to our souls, and are simply without compare.

rompin rollo

“Companionship – they’re interesting – to have something to nurture and because they provide unconditional love.”

Dogs Are Uninhibited

Perhaps our dogs remind us about how great it would be to be so uninhibited and not worry about how others think about our fun, crazy, playful moments, because it’s so much more important to really notice the day and laugh out loud than worry about how we look.

George Evans (Outdoor Essayist and Dog Breeder) captured the essence of the uninhibited dog quite perfectly when he said, “I think we are drawn to dogs because they are the uninhibited creatures we might be if we weren’t certain we knew better.”

Dogs Are Holistic Medicine

Dogs are truly medicine without the side-effects.

So many of us humans lead very stressful lives, we’re overworked and underpaid, run ragged trying to keep up with our families and friends and because of our fast-paced lifestyles have little, if any, truly “me” time.

This leads us down a path that can cause ill health, which in turn sees us swallowing all sorts of drugs to try to find a way to cope or reach a balance or inner peace that will work for us.

Many times, instead of reaching for the medicine cabinet, what we really need is a peaceful walk with our fur friend, a moment to sit on a park bench or grassy knoll, and watch the clouds roll by, while stroking the soft, stress-reducing fur of our favourite canine.

Boris

“For love.”

Loving Companionship

This loving companionship we receive from our dogs is obviously a very special type of companionship that we just don’t get from our human family members or significant others.

Perhaps it’s because humans can be judgmental, have expectations about how you should look and act, and usually have limiting boundaries, which means that no matter how special a relationship you might have with your human counterparts, there are still many social boundaries we feel we must adhere to.

Could it be that the only time we humans feel that we can escape from feeling overwhelmed with our daily lives, when we can experience moments of loving, unconditional companionship where we can totally relax, be 100% ourselves, carefree and connected with our inner child, enjoying the bliss of the simple things in life, where we give ourselves permission to be spontaneous and crazy loving, is not with our children, our friends or our life partners, but rather, it’s that precious time we spend time with our dog(s)?

BijouTransformed

“Because…!”

Of course, what our dogs bring to our human lives will be special to every dog and personal to each and every one of us humans, as we and our dogs are all individuals with unique needs.

What do you get from YOUR dog that you may not be consciously aware of, because of course, our special dogs are all of the above, and so much more.

– Asia – Dog Whispering for 40+ years
© K-9SuperHeroesDogWhispering.com [Since 2008]

12 Powerful Techniques to Foster Positive Behavior in Your Canine Companion

Posted on: October 17th, 2023 by Asia
12 Powerful Techniques to Foster Positive Behavior in Your Canine Companion

Are you tired of dealing with unruly behavior from your furry friend? Look no further! We have 12 powerful techniques to help you foster positive behavior in your canine companion.

From clicker training to the treat reward system, we’ll show you how to effectively communicate with your dog and encourage good behavior.

With consistency, routine, and a little bit of patience, you’ll be well on your way to having a well-behaved and happy pup.

Let’s dive in and transform your relationship with your four-legged friend!

Clicker Training

Using clicker training with our canine companions can be an effective way to reinforce positive behavior. Timing and precision are crucial elements in clicker training. The click sound acts as a bridge, indicating to our dogs that they’ve performed the desired behavior correctly. It’s essential to click at the exact moment the behavior occurs, ensuring clear communication between us and our furry friends.

Through clicker training, we shape desired behaviors by breaking them down into smaller steps and rewarding each successful attempt. This method allows our dogs to understand what’s expected of them and encourages them to repeat the behavior. Clicker training provides a clear and consistent way to communicate with our canine companions, fostering a strong bond and promoting positive behavior.

As we transition into the subsequent section about the ‘treat reward system’, we’ll explore how this technique complements clicker training in reinforcing positive behavior.

Treat Reward System

To reinforce positive behavior, we utilize a treat reward system with our canine companions. This method of positive reinforcement has proven to be effective in teaching boundaries and encouraging good behavior in our furry friends.

When our dogs exhibit the desired behavior, such as sitting on command or walking calmly on a leash, we reward them with a tasty treat. This creates a positive association and motivates them to continue behaving in the desired manner.

Our treat reward system is simple yet powerful, providing clear communication and instant gratification for our dogs. By using positive reinforcement techniques like this, we’re able to establish and maintain boundaries while fostering a loving and respectful relationship with our canine companions.

However, treat reward training is a good start and treats should be replaced with life rewards so that your fur friend doesn’t equate all good behavior with tasty treats.

In the next section, we’ll explore the importance of verbal praise and encouragement in further reinforcing positive behavior.

Verbal Praise and Encouragement

Continuing with our positive reinforcement methods, let’s now explore the role of verbal praise and encouragement in fostering positive behavior in our canine companions.

Verbal praise is a powerful tool that can reinforce good behavior and strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Here are some key points to keep in mind when using verbal praise effectively:

  • Effective timing: Give praise immediately after your dog exhibits the desired behavior to reinforce the connection between the action and the reward.
  • Tone of voice: Use an upbeat and cheerful tone to convey your enthusiasm and make the praise more meaningful to your dog.
  • Use specific words: Be clear and specific in your praise to let your dog know exactly what they did right.
  • Vary your praise: Mix up your praise to keep it fresh and interesting for your dog.
  • Be genuine: Dogs can sense authenticity, so make sure your praise comes from the heart.

By utilizing these techniques, you can effectively communicate with your dog and encourage positive behavior.

Now, let’s move on to the next section about consistency and routine, which will further enhance the effectiveness of these methods.

Consistency and Routine

Moving forward with our positive reinforcement methods, let’s explore the importance of consistency and routine in fostering positive behavior in our canine companions.

Establishing boundaries and maintaining consistency in training are essential for our furry friends to understand what’s expected of them. Dogs thrive on routine, as it provides them with a sense of security and predictability. By implementing a consistent schedule for feeding, exercise, and training sessions, we can create a structured environment that promotes good behavior.

It’s crucial to have everyone in the household on the same page, using the same cues and commands, to avoid confusion for our dogs. Additionally, consistency in our reactions and responses to their behavior helps them understand what’s acceptable and what’s not.

Socialization and Exposure

Let’s now delve into the importance of socialization and exposure for fostering positive behavior in our canine companions.

Socialization plays a crucial role in shaping a dog’s behavior and temperament. By exposing them to various people, animals, and situations from an early age, we can help them develop confidence and adaptability.

Similarly, exposing our dogs to different environments and stimuli is essential for teaching them how to navigate the world with ease. Here are five key benefits of socialization and exposure:

  • Builds confidence and reduces fearfulness
  • Promotes better communication and social skills
  • Helps prevent behavioral issues such as aggression and anxiety
  • Enhances problem-solving abilities
  • Encourages a well-rounded and adaptable canine companion

By providing our dogs with early socialization and exposure, we lay a solid foundation for positive behavior.

Now, let’s explore the importance of positive body language in our furry friends.

Positive Behavior and Body Language

Positive body language is crucial for effective communication and building a strong bond with our canine companions. When interacting with our dogs, using hand signals can be a powerful tool to convey our intentions and reinforce positive behaviors.

Dogs are highly attuned to visual cues, and utilizing hand signals can help them understand our commands more clearly. It’s important to remember that consistency is key when using hand signals, as dogs rely on repetition to learn and understand our signals.

Additionally, incorporating calming techniques such as slow movements, relaxed posture, and gentle touches can help create a sense of trust and relaxation in our dogs.

Clear Communication

To ensure effective communication with our canine companions, we must establish clear and consistent cues that convey our intentions and expectations. Dogs are highly attuned to non-verbal cues and body language, making it crucial for us to be mindful of our own actions and expressions.

Here are five key points to consider when it comes to clear communication with our furry friends:

  • Be aware of your body language: Dogs rely on visual cues, so it’s important to use open and relaxed body language to convey a sense of calm and approachability.
  • Use consistent gestures and signals: Establishing a set of consistent hand signals can help your dog understand what you want them to do, whether it’s sit, stay, or come.
  • Pay attention to your dog’s body language: By observing your dog’s body language, you can better understand their needs, emotions, and level of comfort in different situations.
  • Avoid mixed messages: Consistency is key when communicating with your dog. Make sure your verbal cues align with your body language to avoid confusion.
  • Practice patience and repetition: Dogs learn through repetition, so be patient and consistent in your communication efforts. With time and practice, your dog will begin to understand and respond to your cues more effectively.

Patience and Persistence

While it may require time and effort, cultivating patience and persistence is crucial for fostering positive behavior in our canine companions. Training setbacks are a common occurrence when working with dogs, and it is important to approach them with a patient and persistent mindset.

It’s easy to get frustrated when our dogs don’t immediately understand or comply with our commands, but giving up or becoming impatient will only hinder their progress.

By consistently reinforcing desired behaviors and remaining patient, we can effectively shape our dog’s behavior and foster a positive and trusting relationship.

Training SetbacksReinforcing Desired Behaviors
Dogs may not understand commands immediatelyUse positive reinforcement techniques such as treats or praise
Dogs may exhibit unwanted behaviorsRedirect their focus and reinforce alternative, desired behaviors
Progress may be slowBreak training sessions into shorter, more manageable intervals
Dogs may become distracted or lose focusUse high-value rewards and engage in interactive play to regain their attention
Dogs may require repetition and consistent practiceSet aside regular training sessions and incorporate training into daily routines

With patience and persistence, we can overcome training setbacks and continue to reinforce positive behaviors in our canine companions. Now, let’s explore the next section on ‘target training’.

Target Training

Let’s delve into target training, a powerful technique to foster positive behavior in our canine companions. Target training involves teaching your dog to touch a specific object, such as a target stick, with their nose or paw. This technique can be used to shape various behaviors and is an effective way to communicate with your dog.

Here are five key points to consider when implementing target training progressions:

  • Start with a simple target, such as a stick or a target mat, and gradually increase the difficulty.
  • Use positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, to reward your dog for touching the target.
  • Break down complex behaviors into smaller steps to make it easier for your dog to understand and succeed.
  • Be patient and consistent in your training sessions, practicing for short periods of time multiple times a day.
  • Gradually fade out the use of the target object, transitioning to verbal or visual cues alone.

Leave It Command

The Leave It command is a crucial tool in teaching our canine companions to resist the temptation of unwanted items or behaviors. It’s essential to use effective techniques when training this command to ensure success.

One effective technique is to start the training in a controlled environment with minimal distractions. Begin by showing your dog a treat in your closed hand and say ‘leave it’ firmly. Wait for your dog to stop trying to get the treat and then reward them with a different treat. Repeat this process, gradually increasing the difficulty by using more tempting items.

It’s important to avoid common mistakes such as yelling at your dog or physically forcing them to leave the item. Instead, be patient, consistent, and use positive reinforcement.

Redirecting Undesirable Behavior

To address undesirable behavior in our canine companions, we can effectively redirect their actions through the use of positive reinforcement and consistent training. Behavior modification techniques play a crucial role in redirecting undesirable behavior. Here are some practical strategies to implement:

  • Identify triggers: Recognize what causes the undesirable behavior and work on eliminating or minimizing those triggers.
  • Redirect attention: When you notice your dog engaging in undesirable behavior, redirect their attention to a more appropriate activity or command.
  • Use positive reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats, praise, or playtime when they display desired behavior, reinforcing the idea that good behavior is rewarded.
  • Setting boundaries and expectations: Clearly communicate and enforce the boundaries and expectations you have for your dog’s behavior.
  • Consistency is key: Be consistent in your training methods and responses to undesired behavior to prevent confusion.

By implementing these techniques, you can effectively redirect your dog’s undesirable behavior and foster positive change.

Now, let’s explore the topic of gradual progression and the challenges that may arise.

Gradual Progression and Challenges

As we embark on the journey of fostering positive behavior in our canine companions, we inevitably encounter the challenges and intricacies of gradual progression. Shaping behavior through positive reinforcement and implementing a reward hierarchy to reinforce desired behaviors are essential strategies in this process. However, it is important to acknowledge that progress may not always be linear or immediate.

Table: Challenges in Gradual Progression

ChallengeDescriptionSolution
PlateauWhen progress stalls and desired behavior doesn’t improve furtherIncrease the value of the reward or try a different approach
RegressionOccurrence of previously learned behaviors resurfacingRevisit training techniques and reinforce the desired behavior
DistractionsDifficulty in maintaining focus amidst distractionsGradually increase distractions in training environments
FrustrationBoth the dog and owner can become frustrated during the training processTake breaks, remain patient, and seek professional guidance if needed

Navigating these challenges requires patience, consistency, and adaptability.

By understanding the nature of gradual progression and being prepared for the obstacles that may arise, we can effectively shape positive behavior in our canine companions.

– Asia
Dog Whispering for 40+ years
© K-9SuperHeroesDogWhispering.com Since 2008

Train Your Dog With Positive Reinforcement Techniques

Posted on: October 13th, 2023 by Asia
Train Your Dog With Positive Reinforcement Techniques

Are you tired of traditional dog training methods that rely on punishment and dominance? Well, we’ve got good news for you! We, as dog trainers, have discovered the power of positive reinforcement techniques.

By using rewards and encouragement, we can teach our furry friends new tricks while building a loving and respectful relationship. In this article, we will explore the benefits, principles, and effective techniques of positive reinforcement.

Get ready to embark on a journey of joyful training with your beloved canine companion!

Key Takeaways

  • Positive reinforcement establishes a strong bond with dogs
  • Consistency is key in positive reinforcement training
  • Avoid punishment and focus on rewarding good behavior
  • Adjust the level of reinforcement as the dog progresses

Benefits of Positive Reinforcement Techniques

One of the main benefits of positive reinforcement is that it allows us to establish a strong bond with our dogs while effectively teaching them desired behaviors. Scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of positive reinforcement in dog training. Unlike punishment-based methods, positive reinforcement focuses on rewarding desired behaviors, which leads to quicker and more long-lasting results.

By using rewards such as treats, praise, and play, we can motivate our dogs to perform the behaviors we want. This positive approach not only enhances the learning experience for our furry friends but also strengthens the trust and connection between us and our dogs.

In comparison to other training methods, positive reinforcement has been shown to be more humane and less likely to cause fear or anxiety in dogs. With positive reinforcement, we can create a harmonious and rewarding training environment for our beloved pets.

Basic Principles of Positive Reinforcement

To continue our discussion on positive reinforcement, let’s delve into the basic principles that guide this effective training technique.

When it comes to training your dog using positive reinforcement, consistency is key. By consistently rewarding desired behaviors, you’re reinforcing the message that good behavior leads to positive outcomes. This helps your dog understand what’s expected of them and encourages them to repeat those behaviors.

To ensure successful positive reinforcement training, it’s important to avoid common mistakes. Here are three things to keep in mind:

  1. Timing: Be sure to provide the reward immediately after your dog displays the desired behavior. This helps them associate the reward with the behavior you want to reinforce.
  2. Clarity: Make sure your cues and commands are clear and consistent. This helps your dog understand what you’re asking of them and reduces confusion.
  3. Avoid punishment: Positive reinforcement focuses on rewarding good behavior rather than punishing unwanted behavior. Punishment can create fear and anxiety in your dog, hindering their learning process.

Effective Techniques for Positive Reinforcement

Now let’s explore some effective techniques for implementing positive reinforcement in training our dogs. Positive reinforcement can be applied in various dog training scenarios, and it is important to understand how to use it effectively. To provide a clearer understanding, let’s take a look at some common mistakes to avoid when using positive reinforcement techniques:

Applying positive reinforcement in different dog training scenariosCommon mistakes to avoid when using positive reinforcement techniques
Using treats at the beginning of training and then moving to life rewards to reinforce the trainingFailing to be consistent in rewarding desired behaviors
Not timing the reinforcement correctlyUsing punishment or negative reinforcement alongside positive reinforcement
Neglecting to adjust the level of reinforcement as the dog progressesFailing to provide clear cues and instructions for desired behaviors

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, training your dog with positive reinforcement techniques is like planting seeds of love and trust that blossom into a harmonious bond.

By focusing on rewarding desired behaviors and avoiding punishment, you’re nurturing a relationship built on mutual respect and understanding.

With patience and consistency, your furry friend will flourish, becoming a well-behaved and joyful companion.

Embrace the power of positive reinforcement and embark on a journey of transformation that will leave both you and your dog wagging with delight.

– Asia
Dog Whispering for 40+ years
© K-9SuperHeroesDogWhispering.com Since 2008