Train your pet, and treat yourself

Your dog is, naturally, the most wonderful dog that ever lived. But if Spot is nipping and barking, it’s time for some training.

“All dogs should learn basic life skills: come when called, remain calm, walk calmly on the leash,” says Sophia Yin, veterinarian and applied animal behaviorist who works in both Davis and San Francisco. “Kids need to act a certain way, but a lot of people don’t realize that dogs do too. A lack of life skills can lead to other problems.”

If Spot doesn’t obey his come-when-called, for example, it can be hazardous when he tries to greet a dog that is overly nervous, shy or aggressive—or runs up to a jogger who might trip over (or is afraid of) a rambunctious pup. “Owners might think that jumping on people is cute,” Yin says, “but often they don’t realize that if a jogger runs faster or pushes the dog off, the jogger becomes like a squeaky toy. Dog play can get out of hand.” Other inappropriate behaviors at any age include nipping or chewing, or barking while on the leash.

Yin believes the best training is when the owner targets desired behaviors. In other words, reward the dog for the good behavior before the bad behavior even starts. If only bad behavior gets attention, Spot does the right thing only because he fears punishment. “That’s not a fun life for a dog,” Yin says. “Teach them that come-when-called is a fun game. Set up the situation so they can only do the right thing.” Successful training can turn Spot’s good behavior into a habit.

Tips on finding a trainer:

Look for a trainer that is certified by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), indicating the trainer has passed the test created by a a board of trainers and veterinary behaviorists. The certification is designed to show the trainer has some knowledge of how dogs learn, and isn't just using any technique they learned from someone else. "Anyone can call themselves a trainer," says Yin, "but they’re just doing what they have learned. It's not about what or how animals learn."

Stick to people who use positive reinforcement.

Be aware of people who say they are against using food as a training motivation. "The reason is that when you’re training, you want to train with motivation," Yin says. "Some dogs just aren’t that motivated for your praise, because they don’t need praise to survive. It's not a primary reinforcer. But all dogs eat. You may as well use what they like." If the dog appears to have a low attention span, it could simply be that the dog isn't that interested in working for whatever you are offering.

Review the physician statements given by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior on the appropriate use of punishment, what adverse effects are and how to recognize them.

Do you like what you read? Subscribe to Solano Magazine »