Antics Archives - Edie MacKenzie

How A Simple Set Of Keys Can Be The Best Tool In Dog Training

March 13, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

A simple set of keys can help you deepen your relationship with your dog and alleviate many forms of problem behavior. Dogs with recall problems, a tendency for chewing, digging, or other destructive antics, or appetite problems can be successfully “keyed in” by a simple form of sound conditioning. You will need four or five keys on a key chain. Every second key should be brass, while the others should be made of another metal, preferably not aluminum. Brass and steel make higher-pitched sounds, and four or five keys sound better to dogs than ten or twenty.

The basic idea behind this sound conditioning is to precede desired behavior with a distinctive sound. Keys are used here since they provide a strong, high-pitched sound that is irresistible to the dog once it is properly conditioned. Hand clapping, whistling, and cooing are in another realm, obviously proceeding from a person. To these specifically human sounds, a dog may or may not respond, depending on the current state of the relationship between the dog and the person making the sound. Keys or whistles are neutral, and therefore more effective. However, most trainers find the most effective sound device to be the keys on a chain.

How does it work?

Let’s take an example. Your dog doesn’t come when called. If you have a puppy or a dog under two years old, your chances for effective sound conditioning to correct the “come problem” are better than with an older dog who is used to going the other way when called. Yet, it is never too late to try this training technique. For the utmost success, you must have regular feeding times for your dog twice daily, and he must finish eating in about fifteen to twenty minutes. If you have your dog on the “nibbler plan” you will have to switch to regular feeding times and remove the food if it is not finished promptly.

Before placing the dish within his reach and allowing him to eat, get your dog’s attention and jingle the keys for two or three seconds. Then go about your business as he eats. Do not make a show out of this, and preferably do not allow your dog to see you jingle the keys. You may attach the keys to your belt loop with a snap belt. Repeat this procedure at the second meal, continuing it for two or three weeks. Do not use the keys around your dog for any other purpose until you have spent some time in this conditioning procedure whenever your dog eats. Another positive booster and “reinforcing effect” can be gained by using the keys whenever you return from work, from an errand, or in your car – stop the motor, open the door (both distinctive sounds in themselves), jingle the keys, and call out the dog’s name in a happy voice that carries.

After two or three weeks, begin a daily session in which you call your dog, jingle the keys, and praise him lavishly when the recall is good. Make sure you are crouching down, have a smile on your face, have your arms open to “funnel” the dog in to you, and are not over-jingling your keys. The whole point, obviously, is to let the dog hear the sound of the keys – the conditioning sound – so that he reacts positively, on his own. Let the dog win. Then reverse the procedure by jingling first and then calling your dog’s name. Finally, try it with the keys alone and you will be amazed at how quickly he will eagerly come to you.

Training The Intelligent Labrador Retriever

January 29, 2011 by admin Leave a Comment

Labrador Retriever owners are blessed with a breed that loves to learn. All training must enforce the idea that learning not only is fun but it will bring positive responses from the owner. Learning is not a game, but it need not be unpleasant either.

Training your Labrador Retriever to be a mannerly adult is begun at birth, by its mother. Once the Labrador Retriever puppy arrives at the new owner’s home, it has already been given some basic instructions on behavior – so don’t be fooled into thinking it is too young to behave. A puppy is, of course, too young to teach formal commands, but early lessons in manners and on who is in charge can begin at once.

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The Labrador retriever is a highly intelligent animal and a capable learner. It embodies many natural instincts and abilities that make this breed distinct among others of similar heritage. But at the core, a Labrador retriever is a dog – originally a pack animal. From earliest times, pack animals have exhibited a pattern of behavior that affects the process of training:

A pack animal assumes it is the boss until proved otherwise (the leader-of-the-pack syndrome). At birth, the dam assumes the leadership position and keeps her young in line. As the puppies begin to assert their independence, she will remind them of their place through low growls, a swat of the paw, or an occasional shake of the neck. Little else is necessary. She admonishes her young swiftly, fairly, consistently, and unemotionally, and they respect her position as leader. The wise owner follows the dam’s example.

Consistency is vital. Should the dog misbehave, respond accordingly and appropriately. Do not let his “cute little antics” go uncorrected as this will undermine your leadership. Respond firmly but fairly, letting him know what is expected of him and what will not be tolerated. Brute force is not required and is counterproductive. When a dog is testing your authority, correct it in a manner a dog will understand – a firm vocal reprimand, a stem look, a shake of the neck. Little more should be necessary to make your displeasure clear if you are carrying out the corrections authoritatively.

Be sure never to whine, nag, plead, or preach at the dog, as these are clearly not the actions of a leader and the Labrador Retriever will not feel compelled to obey.

Mixing Poodles With Young Children

November 10, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

Poodles And Kids

Poodles make wonderful family pets and they absolutely love all children! Poodles and children can be excellent companions. The well-bred Poodles good disposition makes him a trustworthy playmate, and his sense of humor makes him a child’s favorite entertainer.

That’s not to say every Poodle will be accepting of children. Some Poodles, the result of careless breeding, inherit less-than-sunny dispositions. Proper socialization and adequate training helps determine how accustomed a Poodle is to children. Health status, too, can affect the Poodles attitude toward kids. Older dogs, for example, can be grumpy due to illness. In fact, most all older dogs can become this way, regardless of the breed.

Also consider the Poodle size when it comes to the dog’s safety. The diminutive Toy Poodle is much more delicate than the Miniature and Standard, thus less able to withstand the rough and tumble antics that are inevitable with children.

For the most part, if you have kids, a Poodle is a good choice. But be prepared to supervise all Poodle-child interactions. That’s the key to any successful dog-child relationship: Adults must supervise to ensure the safety of both child and dog.

The degree of supervision varies, depending upon how old the child is and how old and well socialized the Poodle. Babies and toddlers need constant supervision when with pets. Never leave toddlers alone with animals (or another child). As the child grows and shows maturity, supervision may be decreased. While babies and young children should never be alone with the Poodle, older children (ages seven, eight, or nine) can, for example, play in the yard with the Poodle. Parents need not be right in the midst of the game, but should stay close by.

Along with supervision, parents should provide ongoing instruction for children in how to treat a pet kindly. Kids are not born knowing how to pet nicely; they must be taught. The best way to do that is for parents to model the desired behavior. Show the child how to pet with an open hand and not grab. Talk to the child as you demonstrate, explaining what you’re doing and why. Keep your lessons short and simple. Kids will be kids, though, and will forget your instructions. That’s where constant supervision comes in.

You can observe how the child interacts with your Poodle and correct as needed.

You Can Check Out Chet’s Course Here

Poodles And Kids

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