Thursday Training!

The Evolution Of Dog Training

We are all individuals.  One size does not fit all.  And the same is true of our pets.  In the years I have been in dog training, which is many, I continue to learn with each dog and cat that comes into my life.  There is no concrete answer to address and solve every problem that arises.  Understanding behavior and training is a science that continues to evolve.  Understanding why your pet is doing something is the first step in solving the mystery and hopefully changing the undesirable behavior.

If you watch Jackson Galaxy (and I am a huge fan), Jackson will go into the residence, talk to the pet parents, and then meet the cat solo.  Jackson is getting the facts, observing the environment, and studying the subject one-on-one.  He will give the pet parents homework, ask them to videotape, and return to assess their progress.  Sometimes there are significant changes, and other times there are not.  Which does not mean failure but simply that more evaluation and techniques are needed in order to obtain desired results.

As I am writing this the high winds are howling outside.  I cannot let the Cairns out for fear they might fly to Oz.  Anyway, my years of dog training have resulted in me being a more creative person and making me think “outside of the box.”  There are many books and videos that demonstrate training techniques.  I have had students seek me out when their chosen approaches have failed.  I have had students ask me to please take their dog and train it for them, and they have offered me a significant amount for this service.  But I must then explain that, yes, I could take the dog and train it to do what they ask.  The problem being that the dog will be returned to its pet parents and most likely revert back to behaviors that it came to me for initially.  And this is because the pet parents do not have the knowledge or experience to address these problem behaviors, and the dog can quickly figure this out and resume its former naughty ways.

Some people desire to change their pet's behavior.  They want it to be friendlier, more outgoing, more sociable, to like other dogs, etc.  And again, like people, some personal traits cannot be changed.  A shy dog might remain shy throughout its life.  You might be able to make the dog more tolerant of social situation, but he may never like or enjoy it.  And you have to respect that. 

I got my Aussie Ty when he was two and a half years old.  I met Ty when I evaluated him and his owner for therapy work.  I was immediately attracted to the beauty of this Aussie boy.  And when his owner called me over a year later and said she was selling Ty, I immediately knew that I wanted this gentle giant in my household.  When Ty came to live with me he was not a confident dog.  Ty was distant and aloof.  When someone would pet him, he would stoically tolerate it but did not respond to it, nor did he seem to enjoy it.  I knew this about Ty when I brought him into my home, and I was okay with who he was.  As Ty spent time in my home with Smudge and Whitney he became more secure, felt safer, and eventually felt happier.  About a month after I brought Ty home I learned about his intense fear of men.  A friend bent over to give Ty a pat on the head, and he bolted unexpectedly in terror, nearly ripping my arm out of its socket.  After that experience Ty was in the presence of both men and women when he accompanied me on trips in the community, to the pet store, nursing home, etc.  After about a year and a half Ty became a different dog.  He loved everyone (including men), and rather than not respond he would melt in a puddle when someone would pet him.  The serious introverted Aussie became terrier-like and would join his Cairn pack in the bouncing and barking mayhem.  I did not force these changes on Ty, and frankly I was admittedly surprised that he had this in him!  Pleasantly surprised, of course.  Ty became a certified therapy dog, and therapy work in deep in this dog's heart.  Throughout this work he touched many lives with his internal and external beauty and gentle demeanor.

We are often in a hurry to get desired results.  When I started dog training in the early eighties it was all force based.  Meaning that you made your dog do what you wanted.  There was no understanding of dog behavior.  It was all about action and consequences.  Then the world of dog training began to evolve and become more fair and certainly more fun for your dog, and for you as well.  With positive training the desired result might sometimes take longer, but at other times it happens right away!  If the dog fails to understand you have gone too fast, so all you need to do is back it up and proceed at a slower pace.  There is no damage that has been done, and the trust of your dog is no longer compromised by fear of punishment or worse, pain.  Never the way I wanted to train.  Never did I want my dog to fear me.  I wanted to be part of a happy team working towards a common goal.  And that is what I have today.  Smudge, who does my bidding out of love and devotion.  And treats!  And Swayze, my little work in progress.  Sometimes obedient, sometimes not, but always adorable.  I have faith that this smart little guy and I will succeed in our future endeavors together.  And with big brother Smudge as his mentor, how can he go wrong?!

When working with your dog, or cat, be patient.  Be creative in your problem solving.  Do networking.  Ask questions.  Training has been my lifetime passion.  I have made many mistakes and continue to do so.  I know about many things but am an expert on none.  I am thrilled to have lived through this exciting wonderful evolution of dog training and am reaping the results with my comical fun-loving terriers, who make me smile every day.  And my cats, each one so different than the other.  And my feisty little lovebird, who envisions himself to be a pitbull in feathers!  I could never have a more joyous household, and for this I am forever grateful.

Adventures to be continued.


Dog bless, Judy Endo
judyendo@outlook.com