Set the tone - Early and Often!

Here's a little tid bit that Mako's owners and I talked about during their go home lesson, but relates to anyone with a pushy/easily distracted/bratty dog! If you've been through training with me, this concept is very familiar to you, as it pertains to the mindset your dog has for you and in different situations. 

Setting the tone, early and often!

Pushy and bratty dog behavior stops, and polite respect starts, when you interrupt attitude in its tracks! You are only taken as seriously by your dog as you present yourself in your relationship through your day to day interactions. Improve your relationship by making those moments matter, and move your and your dog's behavior in the right direction! 

Remember, you can't expect your dog to listen under big distractions if you haven't asked them to be respectful without them. Stay consistent in your leadership and discipline, and you will be allowed to be more generous with your praise, because your dog will be more well behaved and respectful of the balance you share :):)

Be as believable in your rules, boundaries, and expectations as you are/have been in your affection and softness and you guys can have a great and respectful relationship. (You will know if you are believable to your dog, based off of their ability to listen, make better choices, and pull their weight in their work!)

Dear Public, Please leave our dogs alone!

Something about Izzy the Sheepdog has me constantly telling people "NO PETTING!" and standing up to put myself between her and others (and yes, she is super friendly but all of that unearned attention makes it hard for her to focus on training...the last thing I want Izzy to think is that every person she sees is there to pet her). 

One of the hardest things for dog lovers to do is to keep their hands to themselves! We all know that onlookers mean well when they greet our dogs (through direct eye contact, physical touch, or just baby voices galore), but please understand that the reason most people are out and about with their pooch is for some sort of training/working/family venture/behavioral advancing purpose. Many dogs can be nervous of people and new places, so strangers rushing up to every dog they see can make that particular dog uncomfortable as well as potentially get somone bitten. On the flip side, a happy and over-excitable dog is most likely out in public to work on desensitization so that they won't be so wild around distractions like people and dogs (Izzy, for example) and it's hard to create a calm dog when people continue to approach and pet it, all while the handler struggles to keep them under control - the petting you are sharing with my dog is reinforcing the hyper and poor behavior. 

Now, what does that mean for us, as the owners/handlers of the dog? We have to stand up and say "No petting - My dog is in training" and stick to our guns to stand up for our dogs. Your job is to advocate for your dog, and it's so important to do so - if not, your dog may loose trust in your ability to keep them safe OR loose the engagement with you that you're working so hard for. That means not staying quiet, but speaking up for what you are working for!

Dog lovers of the world, please don't take offense to this, but the dogs you see out in public don't need your uninvited attention. They are out and about to be with us - their handler, family, or trainer - not you. No matter how cute or how much someone's dog is looking at you, please don't approach or engage with them without owner consent. Unfortunately, your good intentions are making things harder for the dog and the handler in the long run - I promise, if we want you to pet our dogs we will ask you to! If you have questions about our dog, you can ask us (speak to the handler not the dog ;)) and I we will gladly tell you about our pet if we have the time, because we too love dogs, and that's why we are working hard on training ours! Please respect the work we are doing, and keep your hands to yourself:)

** this goes for letting your dog approach my dog too! **

Dogs that make the most of us!

Did you know that most people who get into dog training typically do so due to problems with their own dog?

Mowgli, our now 10 year old corgi, is the dude behind this whole Take the Lead journey. His willful and smarty pants attitude (in addition to my angsty first years of college that included spoiling the stew out of my cute little puppy and not knowing a thing about meeting the needs of his breed) created an unstable relationship, and ultimately a troubled and pushy dog who would eventually show his true colors when we adopted a second dog (by proceededing to start bloody fight after fight, including a bad one where Jorge was bitten).

The period of time (months and months) following those fights were some of most challenging but life changing moments of our lives. We opened our minds to a new way to live with out dogs that would keep them balanced and happy, while setting boundaries and consequences. These changes moved mountains for the relationship our dogs had with each other and even more so, the relationship our dogs had with us. We actually were able to take back control of our home and not walk on eggshells and live in fear that each moment could end in bloodshed! 

However, our new way of life did not come without hard work, diligence, and follow through! We worked hard everyday (and still do!) to make sure that all of the dogs in our lives, personal or client, are having those boundaries and expectations set daily so that they are the most successful they can be. Mowgli, especially, keeps us on our toes and is a daily testament of providing strong leadership. Everyday he challenges me, and everyday I am reminded if I am doing enough for him by the behaviors he gives in return.

For those of you with dogs like Mowgli, who keep you on your toes, remember that the end game is worth it, but never forget the daily leadership work that it will take from you :)

Consistency with your dog

Can you imagine taking your dog to someone else's house and having them behave? It's not about magic, it's not about treats, it's not about getting a "good dog" -- it's about consistency. If you guys bust butt and work daily, teach your dog, give direction and fair reward and consequence, and apply it at home, outside, and up the distractions on a daily basis you CAN have a dog who can be an excellent canine citizen in the real world. 

Have you ever wondered why a Service Dog is so well behaved? It's because this dog has been proofed by their handler often for years and now have a dog who's predictable and dependable in the world. Put in the work and you can have great turnover! Down/stay at home, on the sidewalk, at a restaurant, or at a friend's -- proof your dog and focus more on direction than affection for a while, and enjoy your dog all of the time :):)

"Donations for training needed!" said every dog rescue, ever.

The #1 reason dogs are in shelters, returned to rescue, or are hard to adopt out are because of behavioral issues. Typically, the thing standing in the way of adoption, and a life being saved, is training.

The thing standing in the way of training: FUNDING. Animal rescues have such a hard time raising money and gaining support for training -- why?

I'm sure we see it everyday--somone shares a photo or tells a story about a dog in a shelter, that looks sad, sickly, and alone. Many people will rush in with their hearts and donate, share, or even adopt this dog--and that's fantastic! Some folks may just share the photo, or express their sympathies for the dog, but all of their actions come from their heart.

When a rescue has a dog who is sick or injured, more often than not the community will rally together and come up with the funds and support the treatment for this pup--which again, is amazing.

Now, would it surprise you that the majority of dogs in shelters are not in there because they are sick, unhealthy, or neglected/abused? Yes, there are dogs with those ailments in shelters (and it is horribly sad), but most shelter dogs are actually fairly healthy and hardy dogs who would be great candidates for adoption...

Except for one thing--they have a behavioral issue. Whether it's pulling on the leash, jumping too much, too hyper, too strong, too barky, or more serious like aggression, most dogs in shelters are brought in OR never adopted out for behavioral issues. With the exception of aggression, the majority of these behaviors could easily be addressed and improved with balanced training and a dedicated owner. Shoot, balanced training and a dedicated shelter staff could create calmer more polite behaviors in so many dogs. An open mind about training in general could save many many more.

However, so many people overlook behavioral issues as worthy of addressing or seeking help for. Instead of donating to a rescue who needs money for training, most people prefer to put their donations into the more ill and sick dogs. Training, however, is the golden ticket that could make or break a dog getting out of a shelter--a dog who sits nicely and doesn't jump like a looney toon at the gate is more likely to be walked and possibly adopted. Their polite behavior puts them at an advantage to the dog body slamming the gate while barking their head off.

A dog that is on the way in to a shelter for being out of control hyper and crazy could stay in their home if they learned some impulse control with the place command. If they just had some structure, guidance, boundaries, and someone who will tell them "yes" AND "no"--someone who would praise the good, but also correct the bad.

However, so many people give up on their dogs before they seek training. And more than that, so many healthy and could-be-adoptable dogs are lost every day becuase they never learned manners and never had someone teach them right and wrong. The majority of dogs in (and surrendered to) shelters are not adopted because of their behavior. What is disheartening, is that for many dogs, setting some boundaries and teaching them to behave could be so easy. We do it here, everyday.

But, society views medical needs as more of an issue than mental needs, and that HAS to change. They both have an important place in the world. Part of this, I believe, is the visable need of medical care for a dog, and the general understanding that a veterinarian will not treat an animal.without paymenat. Without treatment the dog will not get better, and this is what motivates donations. Professional dog trainers, just like veterinarians, have a livelyhood in animal welfare and too must recieve payment for services - but rescues struggle to pay for this, because the importance of training by donors is much lower in priority (yet the dogs still wil not get better, and will not get adopted). This fact means many rescues go without training and lots of dogs are returned, hard to place, or can't be pulled from a shelter because current dogs in the program are poorly behaved and arn't moving.

So, when you see a rescue asking for donations for training, remember that ultimately that dog is no more adoptable than the one covered in ringworm, heartworm positive, or with a broken leg without financial support.

When you're looking for your next dog, keep in mind that many of these guys in cages are just looking for guidance and structure to know how to live in our human world...and can be great dogs (with training)!!!

If you're thinking about turning in your dog for behavioral issues, look to a professional before you (unintentionally) set your dog into a crowd of dogs that people will overlook for the SAME issue you brought him in for.

If you're raising a puppy from scratch, invest in training just as much as you invest in their medical care as they grow up.

If you are fostering for a rescue, understand that you're doing a great thing, but also have responsibilty to teach this dog how to be a family pet. You must teach them lessons that will make them more adoptable and acclimated to home life for their future family.

If your dog is aggressive or displaying behaviors you are struggling with, get help. If you've met with someone and didn't get results, talk to another professional with a different training style (Ideally a balanced approach that is open to different tools and techniques). Look for videos and testimonials from trainers that show they can (and have) helped people and dogs like yours.

If you can't walk your dog because they are out of control, try some new training tools.

We have to TRY for our dogs. They have no idea how to live in a human world without help, and we can't expect them too without teaching them. Physical well-being and mental well-being are equally important! 

To my friends in animal rescue - don't be afraid to ask for donations for training, but DO be prepared to educate people on its importance! I know you see the value of training on a daily basis because of the behaviors of the dogs in your care, at adoption events, and behind the bars at shelters, but the general public isn't grasping its value because they don't see what you do! Medical care reigns supreme on the donation list because it is (usually) a visible disability for a dog. People understand that doctors won't work for free to save a life, so their donation is important in saving an animal. Let's help the world understand that professional training can cost along the same lines as veterinary care, and that trainers can only help you if they can afford their livelyhood, too! 

I've heard time and again that experienced foster homes for more "challenging" dogs can be few and far between (and at maximum capacity) - with training these dogs could be placed in easier homes, and most likely (hopefully!) even adopted during their time in training! Dog lovers all over the world want to help dogs get adopted - they just need help seeing and understanding the value of dog training. 

The need for training is HUGE, but the support for it is barely tapped in to. Myself, and I'm pretty sure many other dog trainers out there, will do whatever we can to help YOU reach your audience and show them the importance of training! Just like a rescue runs on donations, professional trainers (and other professions in animal care) pay the bills through service to our clients. Without funding we cannot serve - so let's help the general public understand that, too! What can I do to help you reach your audience and teach them about the value of training and your need for their support?

We ALL got into this field (rescue, veterinary care, training, grooming, boarding, daycare, etc) because of our love of animals - let's help the world understand the importance of each field of animal service and particularly the one least donated for, but most needed: TRAINING AND BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.

It's not a lack of love, passion, or care -- it's a lack of education and understanding :)

Would you want your dog to take bullet for you?

How does your dog behave when someone new enters your home, yard, property, personal space, etc?

Do they let out some alert barks or do they charge, lunge, growl, bark, or even bite at the person? For many people, when a dog aggressively charges towards someone we will say things like "He is protective" of us, the home, their territory, or property. A dog that acts out like this every time someone new enters puts themselves at risk due to their "guarding" behavior. Even worse, us allowing them to do this is potentially risking their life (depending on their size, body shape, pre-assumed prejeduces of breed, etc).

I think this is an important conversation to have. The average dog is not "guard dog" material and most families are not looking for a guard dog. It's one thing for a dog to bark and alert their family that someone is at the door -- that's what everyone wants -- but it's a whole other matter for a dog to be out of control barking, lunging, and biting at people that come over. Actually, the majority of the dogs that do this behavior are anxious/stressed dogs lacking believable boundaries and guidance from their owners and show all of that nervy-ness through their reactions. The problem with this guarding-like behavior, is it puts your dog at the front line of conflict. A dog who does this is potentially putting their life at risk every time their owner allows them to practice this behavior (not just risk of euthanasia due to biting a person or child because they walked into your house) but risk of being shot, literally. 

What if an armed person approached your property (possibly with ill intent) and was charged by your dog. Most likely, if they were scared enough, they may shoot the dog.

What if someone in your home was hurt or injured, and paramedics or law enforcement could not enter your home because your dog was charging them? 

Dogs who act like this, unless professionaly trained to be protection dogs, are a real danger to themselves and others. Not only is constant barking, growling, lunging, and reacting everytime they see someone or hear something a good indicator that your dog is mentally stressed, but it also means, that if you can't stop it, you won't have control of your dog in a crisis or when it matters the most.

To help your dog be less anxious, less reactive, and act more appropriately in social settings, you first have to start by building some structure and setting boundaries in your dog's life. For some families (especially if biting is involved!) you may need professional help. Feel free to reach out to us in the Central Florida area or ask for a reference - we know balanced trainers all over the country who can help keep your dog and your guests safe and happy.

Dogs will be dogs, even if you're a dog trainer

At Take the Lead we have 5 dogs - a smorgasbord of breeds and histories that keep me on my toes, make me a better dog trainer, and help us train and rehab every dog who comes see us!

What do I mean by that? Well first off-- the notion that as a dog trainer I have perfect dogs is BOGUS! We have a mötley crew who challenge us everyday, make us put in the work, and make mistakes all the time. Even though they help by working and socializing with other dogs on a daily basis, they are just like your dog - these guys do stuff that erks me AND have some behaviors I have to keep in check.

Most of our dogs are adopted, however even the dogs from breeders had their set of issues. Yep! They are DOGS and they will do doggie things, regardless of their past. Rescued or purchased makes no difference because a dog is a dog - they are adapting to their environment and reacting to life around them. If they were having problems before I got them, it is usually related to an environment without believable leadership, set boundaries, and dogs who were stuck in a bad state-of-mind, resulting in toxic choices. The relationship between a lack of boundaries, poor impulse control, too much freedom, affection before direction, and bad behaviors go hand in hand.

For example Sadie, my little GSD, is my youngest dog who plays great with all the dogs that come through! Behind her, is our girl Khalessi who also picks her buddies and plays HARD! My older guys Ramses, Mowgli, and Leo serve as more of the "boring old crowd" which also has a place of importance too, walking the perimeter and helping set and recieve boundaries. As a pack they are a pretty fun squad of team mates, who work with us daily. However, at the beginning they all came from colorful backgrounds which required a ton of foundation and preliminary work when they originally joined the pack. As the group evolves and grows, even now, we are still are as active as ever in the pack's day to day activities and choices years later (I often tell clients not to "check out" on their dog - this is what I mean. Be aware of your dog's behaviors and how they are feeling and reacting!)

Your dog's behavior can change, it absolutely can! The dogs we have today are NOT the dogs we had years ago. They help us daily socializing with other dogs and people! BUT (and here's the hard part) that's because we figured out what we needed to change about how we interacted with our dogs, and how they interacted with each other years ago (this does not mean we are not still working with them daily! They are living creatures who still make choices just like you and I - sometimes good, sometimes bad). Because your dog has behavioral issues, doesn't mean things can't change. They can, but it takes daily diligence, consistency, leadership, set boundaries and rules, all while continuing to learn and grow from each success and mistake. For us, balanced training, learning how to share leadership, and set boundaries was key - when our dogs learned what they could and couldn't do (as well as us humans, too!), we realized we were speaking a language they finally understood.

Don't let your dog's past stop them from improving. If you're struggling with your dog, like we did (and the many people who had some of these dogs before they came to us) look for help and be open to changing things. You CAN live more harmoniously with your dog(s). Just be prepared to work for it :)

One last note: whether adopting a dog or buying one, there is no guarantee either way you will get a low maintenance, no drama pup. Getting a new dog? Get ready to work...and have a great time doing it! :)

If you're busting butt with your dog, keep up the great work! I know it can be so hard sometimes, but also so rewarding! 

What is dog training?

Dog training is not just about obedience commands. If it's good--it's about a lifestyle. It's about figuring out the best possible way to live with your dog. When you can feel connected to your dog, not because she is always on your lap, or he is always sitting at your feet, but because you can really have a conversation--that's when it's working. When your dog knows what is expected of him, does what you ask, and looks to you for guidance. When you see your dog seems uncomfortable or unsure, and you know what to do to help them feel differently, advocate for them, and help them focus their mind else where. When your dog is making a poor choice, crossing a boundary, or loosing focus and you step in, correct it, and they learn a lesson from you. When your dog is at its highest distraction and you have the ability to regain their focus on you, breakthrough the moment to make better choices, and not be so reactive to life. It's when you help them be the best dog they can be--not anxious, nervous, over-excited, over-stimulated, stressed, or agitated. When you know what it takes to help them be comfortable in their own skin and you apply it everyday to your lives, by changing your goal from the relationship your may WANT to have with your dog, to the relationship that you NEED to have. All of this is a constantly evolving, living and breathing process that never stops. But, that's when you are being a true leader, and your dog (and yourself!) will find true happiness and balance.

Are you ready to be that leader for your dog? Need help? We're here for you!www.taketheleadk9training.com