Tuning In: Understanding Auditory Exclusion in Dogs and Its Impact on Training

As dog owners, we've likely experienced moments when our companions seem entirely absorbed in their own world, seemingly oblivious to our calls or commands. This phenomenon, known as auditory exclusion, plays a significant role in how dogs perceive and respond to stimuli, particularly in training scenarios. In this blog, I’d like to explore what auditory exclusion entails, how it influences a dog's behavior around distractions, and strategies for effective training.

First, let’s clarify what Auditory Exclusion is:

Auditory exclusion refers to a neurological process in which an individual's brain selectively filters out certain sounds or stimuli, often in high-stress or intense situations. In simpler terms, it's akin to "tuning out" irrelevant noises to focus on the task at hand. While commonly associated with humans during moments of extreme stress or danger, such as in combat or emergency situations, auditory exclusion also occurs in dogs, albeit in varying degrees. Things like genetics and breed type play a large role in the severity of this response as well. Some breeds (IE: Hounds and Terriers) are meant to do a job largely on their own with minimal human intervention. We follow them, they don’t generally follow us. Their natural focus is likely to be centered on the environment around them and tuning out their people. Breeds like Labs and Golden’s tend to be much more people centered and while hunting is a large part of their background as well, it was much more in partner WITH people than solo.

In the context of dog training, auditory exclusion can pose challenges, particularly when working with distractions or in environments with competing stimuli. A dog experiencing auditory exclusion may appear unresponsive to commands, seemingly deaf to their owner's calls or cues. This can be frustrating for owners and trainers alike, leading to a sense of helplessness or ineffectiveness.

These are some of the main factors I’ve experienced affecting a dogs response and when I’m most likely to see AE kick in:

Stress and Anxiety: Dogs experiencing heightened stress or anxiety are more likely to exhibit auditory exclusion as their focus narrows on perceived threats or triggers.

Novelty: Novel or unfamiliar stimuli can capture a dog's attention, causing them to "tune out" other auditory cues, including commands from their owner.

Arousal Level: Dogs in a state of heightened arousal, such as during play or excitement, may struggle to heed commands due to auditory exclusion.

Prioritization of Basic Needs: In situations where a dog's survival instincts are triggered, such as when chasing prey or escaping danger, auditory exclusion may occur as the brain prioritizes essential behaviors over learned commands.

That being said, there’s many things you can do to help your dog better respond in these situations.

Build a Strong Foundation: Establishing a solid foundation of obedience commands in low-distraction environments lays the groundwork for success when faced with distractions.

Gradual Exposure: Gradually expose dogs to increasingly distracting stimuli, allowing them to acclimate and learn to maintain focus despite external distractions.

Positive Reinforcement: Reinforce the behaviors you want to see with high value items (food, toys, attention) as it can help both condition new responses and raise the value of interaction with you.

Learn to Manage Arousal Levels: Monitor and manage the dog's arousal levels during training sessions to prevent auditory exclusion associated with heightened excitement or stress.

Patience and Persistence: Understand that training around distractions takes time and patience. Consistent practice, coupled with patience and persistence, will yield results over time.

Auditory exclusion is a natural phenomenon that influences how dogs perceive and respond to auditory stimuli, especially during training sessions in distracting environments. By understanding this concept and implementing effective training strategies, dog owners and trainers can navigate challenges posed by auditory filtering, foster focus and engagement, and ultimately strengthen the bond between dogs and their human companions. With patience, consistency, and a keen understanding of canine behavior, training around distractions can become a rewarding and enriching experience for both dogs and their owners.

Choosing The Right Dog Breed For You & Your Lifestyle

Evaluating a breed's training needs before getting a dog is crucial to ensure that you can provide the necessary time and effort to raise a well-behaved and happy canine companion. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you evaluate a breed's training needs:

Research the Breed: Start by researching the specific breed you are interested in. Understand the breed's history, characteristics, temperament, and common behavioral traits. Every breed has unique characteristics that influence its trainability.

Talk to Breed Owners: Connect with current or past owners of the breed you're considering. They can provide firsthand insights into the breed's training requirements and challenges. Ask about their experiences, what training methods worked best, and any breed-specific quirks to be aware of.

Consult with Breed Clubs or Rescue Organizations: Breed-specific clubs and rescue organizations often have valuable information about the breed's training needs. They can offer guidance and recommendations based on their expertise with the breed.

Consider Your Experience: Be honest about your own experience and skill level as a dog owner. Some breeds are more suitable for experienced handlers, while others are more forgiving for first-time dog owners.

Assess Energy Levels: Determine the breed's energy level. High-energy breeds, such as Border Collies or Australian Shepherds, require more mental and physical stimulation, as well as consistent training. Lower-energy breeds may be easier to train but still need regular exercise and mental stimulation.

Evaluate Intelligence: Some breeds are highly intelligent and quick learners, while others may be more independent or stubborn. Intelligent breeds often thrive on training that challenges their minds, while independent breeds may require more patience and persistence.

Socialization Needs: Understand the breed's socialization needs. Some breeds are naturally more sociable and adapt well to various environments and people, while others may be more reserved or prone to fearfulness, necessitating early and ongoing socialization efforts.

Training Styles: Consider your preferred training style. Some breeds respond well to positive reinforcement training, while others may require a more balanced approach. Choose a breed whose training style aligns with your values and preferences.

Time Commitment: Be realistic about the time you can dedicate to training. Some breeds require more time-intensive training sessions, while others may be more forgiving of occasional lapses in consistency.

Training Resources: Identify the training resources available to you. This includes access to professional trainers, training classes, and online resources. Having these resources readily available can significantly aid in the training process.

Lifestyle Compatibility: Evaluate whether the breed's training needs align with your lifestyle. If you have a busy schedule or limited mobility, it's essential to choose a breed that is manageable within your constraints.

Financial Considerations: Training often incurs costs, including obedience classes, training tools, and possibly professional trainers. Ensure that you are financially prepared for the expenses associated with training.

Long-Term Commitment: Remember that training is an ongoing process that continues throughout your dog's life. Are you prepared for the long-term commitment required to maintain your dog's training and behavioral well-being?

By thoroughly evaluating a breed's training needs and considering your own capabilities and lifestyle, you can make an informed decision and set yourself up for a successful and fulfilling relationship with your new canine companion. Additionally, keep in mind that each dog is an individual, and their personality and behavior can vary even within the same breed, so be adaptable and patient as you embark on your training journey.

Sharing Your Home with Multiple Species

When most people imagine sharing their homes with pets, it’s often a dog and a cat, perhaps? In our household, the story is a tad more colorful (and noisy) - we have dogs and parrots. And let me tell you, it's a rollercoaster ride of fun, surprises, and challenges. Iggy is a Military Macaw that I’ve had for roughly 8 years now and he’s often the supervisor of the house, keeping an eye on all the going-ons day to day.

The Fun:

Vibrant Personalities: Both dogs and parrots share dynamic personalities, each distinct and entertaining. Parrots might serenade you with a rendition of your favorite song or mimic the doorbell, and dogs want to be a part of each and every thing you’re doing.

Mutual Curiosities: It’s always interesting to watch these species interact. There’s intense curiosity (sometimes not the honest kind - on both parts.) Their interactions often bring a laugh and occasionally a heart attack, so a watchful eye is needed.

Double the Love: Dogs are famously loyal and loving, and parrots are no different. They bond deeply with their human caregivers. Parrots tend to be less forgiving on the sharing front but fortunately Iggy is far more flexible than most.

The Challenges:

Noise Levels: Parrots are naturally vocal, and some breeds can be especially loud. When their calls mix with a dog’s barks, it's not always music to the ears. Managing the noise level can sometimes be tricky (especially with sleeping babies!)

Dietary Differences: Both species have a relatively diverse menu of foods that are suitable for them but Parrots can be very sensitive to ‘too much’ of many things and dogs with sensitivities can end up with diarrhea easily from picking up bird seed or bird poop (buttheads.) Constant cleaning and sturdy storage is a must.

Safety Concerns: While some dogs and parrots get along wonderfully, not all do. Dogs have a predatory instinct, and even a playful nip can be dangerous to a parrot. All interaction must be supervised.

Attention Needs: Parrots are highly intelligent and require a lot of mental stimulation and interaction, similar to dogs. Ensuring that both get adequate attention can be demanding, especially on hectic days.

Making It Work:

Despite the challenges, many families like ours successfully and happily share their homes with both dogs and parrots.

Training: Start by training both species. For dogs, commands like "leave it" can be a lifesaver. For parrots, training them to return to their cages on command can help in keeping them safe and continuing to promote neutral behavior is always good.

Set Boundaries: Designate separate spaces for both pets. While they might mingle under supervision, they should have their sanctuaries.

Routine: Like humans, pets feel more comfortable with a routine. Feeding, playtime, and rest at consistent times will keep everyone more sure of what to expect and anticipate.

Healthcare: Regular vet visits for both species are vital. Dogs might pick up something from the outdoors that can affect the parrot and vice versa.

Sharing your home with both dogs and parrots is undeniably a unique experience. It’s filled with double the laughter, fun, and sometimes, double the mischief. With understanding, training, and a whole lot of love, this multi-species family can bring a lot of joy.

Off-Leash Possibilities

When any dog has spent a fair amount of its life confined to a leash and behind fences and doors, those first moments where they experience interacting with the world (and me) without a physical tether or boundary - always feel special.

Some dogs zoom about and enjoy the newly ‘naked’ feel and some are like Tabby (GSD in this clip.) A little more pep in their step but it will take a few experiences of it for her to believe the boundaries have shifted. It’s still one of my favorite moments with each dog and won’t ever get old. As complex as dogs and our worlds can be moments like this are wonderfully simple and easy to enjoy.

'Place' beds and When To Use Them

Place beds, especially the elevated varieties, gained traction around 15 years ago and have since become integral to numerous training regimens. Asking your dog to stay on their bed amidst surrounding activity can be immensely beneficial. It prevents them from getting in the way, ensures they maintain distance from unfamiliar people (particularly if they're not overly friendly), and simultaneously fosters impulse control. Moreover, for more energetic dogs that typically find it hard to relax, this training prompts them to pause and settle down upon request!

Considering the aforementioned points, there's much to appreciate about this approach. The behavior is straightforward to instill and most pet owners find it effortless to implement consistently. However, it's worth noting that there might be instances where it's employed excessively in scenarios where the dog is uncertain about appropriate actions. In such cases, it's crucial to engage directly with the dog when you’re able to guide them through the situation and teach suitable behaviors.

For instance, many people use place beds during meal times. This ensures the dog remains distanced from the dining area, preventing any pestering or visible begging. In such situations, it's generally not necessary to alternate between having the dog on the bed and off it to instill proper behavior around meals. As long as owners maintain consistency, most dogs will be content with merely observing dinner proceedings and continued encouragement to disengage from scene isn’t a bad thing.

However, door etiquette, particularly during greetings, requires attention. Numerous dogs get overly excited and run towards the entrance whenever there's a ring or a knock. Front doors are hubs of activity for dogs. These doors serve as gateways to walks, introduce new faces, and usher in intriguing aromas – making them focal points of interest. For some dogs, the door may also be a source of mixed emotions, especially if they're apprehensive about strangers, leading to anxious reactions. In such door-related situations, a place bed can be invaluable. It serves to temper your dog's excitement, allowing them a moment to evaluate their surroundings and granting the owner a window to guide the dog as necessary. Nevertheless, it's crucial to remember that once the dog is off the bed, additional training is also essential. Merely using the bed won't inherently resolve issues like jumping, nipping, anxiety or aggression related issues; proactive measures are still required.

Redirecting: A Small Piece To A Large Puzzle & Why Trainers Are Needed

Redirecting an anxious or reactive dog is a common technique used to divert a dog's attention from a stressor or trigger to something else, ideally something positive or neutral. Often times it includes food and an alternate behavior of some form (sit, down, etc.) The idea behind this is to break the cycle of anxiety or reactivity so that the handler has time to refocus the dog's attention. While redirection can be a valuable tool, it's not the only answer, and I see many people get stuck in this ‘phase’ when working with their dogs. They’re unable to get past redirecting itself and spend most of their time out doing so.

Let’s go into a few reasons someone is likely to get stuck in this pattern:

Not knowing how far to push their dog, when, and how to do so productively. According to educational theories, there's a balance between stress and learning. If a dog is too comfortable, they may not be as receptive to learning, just as if they are too stressed, they can shut down. This concept is often described as the "threshold" - a metaphorical boundary in our and our dog's emotional spectrum, demarcating feelings of positivity, neutrality, or negativity, with various nuances in between. Recognizing that optimal zone where a dog is engaged, but not on the verge of shutting down or overreacting, enhances the likelihood of effective learning. Trainers spend years handling hundreds of dogs and this leads to assessment skill. Learning to assess dogs moment by moment as we go through each session and how to drive the ‘student’ and the training opportunities in the best direction.

Gradual Exposure: Through careful and controlled exposure to stressors, we can progressively strengthen a dog's resilience. This technique, termed desensitization, entails slowly acquainting a dog with a particular trigger or stressor, starting with minimal intensity and escalating as the dog grows more at ease. While trainers usually have the means to create such controlled environments for introducing these stressors, many pet owners might find themselves searching for appropriate challenges. This search can sometimes result in unpredictable environments, leading to inconsistent outcomes, which is counterproductive during this sensitive phase.

Coping Skills: While we aim to gently introduce a dog to challenging situations, our goal is also to pinpoint and bolster any coping strategies the dog might employ during these instances. My personal approach often involves observing and reinforcing spontaneous behaviors a dog might display based on their individual response. Some might step back, others may divert their gaze, or choose to sit or lie down, while some might interact with me directly. The key question is: what makes the dog feel at ease, and how can I promote that reaction? Trainers are perpetually gauging the dog's mental state and striving to encourage the healthier, more appropriate reaction. However, pet owners might not always discern these subtleties on the spot and could find it challenging to manage effectively.

Understanding Triggers: Numerous triggers aren't solely about the specific object or action. For instance, while many dogs might be indifferent to a coat or hat hanging on a hook, the perception changes when a person wears them, making the entire scene more intimidating. Similarly, stationary children might not raise any concerns, but the situation shifts when they start moving, waving, and vocalizing. Another example: passing dogs may seem non-threatening, but the dynamics change when there's eye contact, barking, or any form of acknowledgment towards your dog. Often, individuals misinterpret a trigger by either oversimplifying it or misidentifying it altogether. Not recognizing the precise cause of the issue can complicate the process of addressing it.

Building Confidence: Confidence often grows from successfully handling life's challenges. Once we master a task, it immediately seems simpler. However, uncertainty or past failures can significantly dent one's confidence. Just like humans, dogs can experience setbacks, leading to diminished self-assurance in their reactions, with some dogs reacting more defensively than others. It's crucial to consider these elements in your interactions and ongoing training. Past experiences always play a role, and they can alter the dynamics of any training session.

Animal behavior and understanding their cues can be intricate. If you feel overwhelmed during your walks and uncertain about the next steps, don't hesitate to seek help! The longer your dog lacks proper guidance in such situations, the more challenging it becomes to rectify.

Utilizing Food Rewards With Your Puppy

Using food as an early motivator, lure, or reward in dog training is a widely recognized and effective technique, particularly in the beginning stages of learning. We utilize it daily throughout puppyhood with several factors in mind as we go (listed below.) Using food leverages a dog's natural instinct and motivation to eat, making it a powerful tool to reinforce desired behaviors and motivate the dog to perform desired behaviors.

In the early stages of training, food rewards serve several important purposes:

1.Positive Association: Food rewards create a positive association with the training process. When a dog receives treats for performing desired behaviors, they begin to associate training sessions with enjoyable experiences, making them more eager and willing to participate.

2. Motivation: Food is a strong motivator for most dogs. Their instinctual drive to seek out and consume food makes treats highly enticing rewards, especially when they're used consistently and judiciously.

3. Clarity: Food rewards provide clear and immediate feedback. They help the dog understand precisely what action led to the reward, enabling quicker learning and reinforcement of the desired behavior.

4. Focus: Food rewards can help keep a dog's attention focused on the trainer during training sessions, as the dog anticipates the possibility of earning a treat for their efforts.

Feedback is always a big portion of working with your dog, whether they know a behavior well or are just learning it. As they grow and become more proficient I like to keep in mind that I want to build anticipation for rewards but that the rewards don’t always need to be the prompt (in my hand) or visually seen at all (could be just in my back pocket) to perform what is asked. These are some steps I take along their learning process to reduce frequency of food use but also to really build value in their rewards they do get and utilize their anticipation to my benefit.

1. Gradual Reduction: Start by gradually reducing the frequency of food rewards as the dog becomes more proficient in performing the desired behaviors. Instead of rewarding every single time, begin to reward intermittently.

2. Variable Rewards: Employ a variable reward schedule where the dog is rewarded randomly for correct behaviors. Change up how many, how often and your enthusiasm when presenting the food so that they’re always guessing a bit.

3. Transition to Other Rewards: Change your treats up, vary what you use food wise and also don’t be afraid to use praise, physical touch and toys if your dog finds them motivating. It does take some additional practice to use all of these effectively but they’re often just as valuable when used correctly.

4. Raise Criteria: Gradually raise the criteria for earning rewards. As the dog becomes more skilled and reliable in performing the desired behavior, expect a slightly higher level of performance before offering a reward. This encourages consistent improvement.

5. Intermittent Food Rewards: Even after transitioning to other forms of rewards, occasional food rewards can still be effective for reinforcing particularly challenging behaviors or during times when the dog needs extra motivation.

Remember that each dog is unique, and the pace at which you transition away from food rewards will vary based on the individual dog's temperament, learning speed, and motivation. Patience and consistency are key factors in successfully weaning off food rewards while maintaining the learned behaviors. My goal isn’t ever to stop providing feedback for my dogs or to fully wean off of rewards. I don’t work for free and I don’t expect my dogs to - but varying how, when, and what behaviors I continue to reward depends on their stage in life and the whole picture of their behavior and what I want to encourage.

Importance of Mindful Socialization for Your Puppy

While socializing your puppy is crucial, it's equally important to be selective and mindful about the quality of experiences and interactions you expose your puppy to. Not all interactions are created equal, and the right approach to socialization can have a profound impact on your puppy's behavior, well-being, and long-term development. Here are important reasons to be discerning about what your puppy is exposed to during socialization:

1. Quality Over Quantity:

It's not just about the number of interactions your puppy has, but the quality of those interactions. Positive and controlled experiences are far more valuable than exposing your puppy to numerous unpredictable or negative encounters.

2. Positive Associations:

Every interaction your puppy has contributes to their understanding of the world. Negative experiences during critical developmental periods can lead to fear and anxiety, making it important to prioritize interactions that build positive associations with people, animals, and environments.

3. Building Trust:

Puppies are more likely to develop trust in humans and other animals through positive and gentle interactions. Ensuring your puppy has good experiences with trusted individuals can foster a strong foundation of trust that shapes their relationships throughout life.

4. Preventing Traumatic Experiences:

Exposing your puppy to rough handling, sudden loud noises, or overwhelming situations can lead to trauma and phobias that persist into adulthood. Mindful socialization helps prevent these negative associations. If you’re unsure of how to appropriately introduce these sorts of stimulus, it’s a good time to find a professional.

5. Avoiding Aggressive Encounters:

Interactions with aggressive or poorly socialized dogs can lead to fear-based aggression in your puppy. Choosing appropriate playmates and controlled introductions can prevent negative interactions that leave lasting behavioral scars.

6. Learning Appropriate Play:

Interactions with other puppies and dogs teach your puppy valuable play skills, bite inhibition, and communication. Ensuring that these interactions are positive and well-matched helps your puppy learn these skills correctly.

7. Consistency in Training:

Allowing only trusted individuals to interact with your puppy helps maintain consistency in training methods and commands. Inconsistent handling can confuse your puppy and hinder effective training.

8. Health and Safety:

Exposing your puppy to unknown dogs or environments without proper health checks can risk disease transmission. Selective socialization reduces the chance of exposing your puppy to contagious illnesses.

9. Focus on Positive Social Cues:

When your puppy interacts with well-mannered dogs and people, they learn to recognize and mimic positive social cues. This helps them develop proper social behavior and respond appropriately to different situations.

10. Individual Puppy's Needs:

Every puppy is unique, and their comfort levels and sensitivities vary. Being mindful of your puppy's personality and preferences allows you to tailor socialization experiences to their needs, avoiding overwhelming or stressful situations.

11. Long-Term Behavior Impact:

Negative experiences during the socialization period can have lasting effects on your puppy's behavior and temperament. By prioritizing positive, controlled experiences, you can contribute to a well-rounded, confident adult dog.

12. Strengthening the Bond:

Mindful socialization involves you actively participating in your puppy's interactions. This engagement not only helps your puppy feel more secure but also deepens the bond between you and your furry companion.

In essence, the quality of your puppy's socialization experiences has a direct impact on their emotional and behavioral development. By being mindful, selective, and cautious about the interactions, environments, and individuals your puppy encounters, you're ensuring they have the best possible start in life and are well-prepared for a happy and well-adjusted future as a beloved member of your family.

Pros and Cons of Using Potty Pads for Puppy Potty Training

Potty training a puppy is an essential part of their early development, and pet owners often seek various methods to make this process smoother. One method that has gained popularity is using potty pads. Potty pads are absorbent mats designed to mimic outdoor odors for puppies to relieve themselves indoors. While they offer convenience, they also come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

**Pros of Using Potty Pads:**

1. Convenience: Potty pads provide a designated indoor area for your puppy to relieve themselves. This is particularly helpful if you live in an apartment or have limited outdoor space. It saves you from rushing outside during inclement weather or late at night.

2. Early Training: Potty pads can serve as a transitional tool for very young puppies that haven't yet completed their vaccination series. They allow you to start the potty training process indoors before moving to outdoor training when your puppy is ready.

3. Consistency: Potty pads establish a consistent spot for your puppy to eliminate. This can help reinforce the idea of a designated potty area and make the transition to outdoor potty training smoother.

4. Accident Management: Potty pads can help contain accidents and protect your floors from damage caused by urine or feces. This can be especially helpful during the initial stages of training when accidents are more frequent.

Cons of Using Potty Pads:

1. Confusion: One of the main drawbacks of using potty pads is the potential confusion it can cause for your puppy. Potty pads might teach them that it's acceptable to eliminate indoors, which can hinder the transition to exclusively outdoor potty training.

2. Extended Training: Some puppies may take longer to fully grasp the concept of outdoor potty training if they've been accustomed to using potty pads indoors. This can extend the overall potty training timeline.

3. Dependency: Relying solely on potty pads might create a dependency, making it challenging for your puppy to adapt to outdoor potty habits. They might resist eliminating outside when it's necessary.

4. Mixed Signals: Potty pads can send mixed signals to your puppy about where it's appropriate to eliminate. This can lead to accidents in areas where potty pads aren't placed, as your puppy might perceive them as similar spots.

5. Odor Concerns: Despite their absorbent properties, potty pads can retain odors over time. This might create an unpleasant indoor environment if not changed frequently.

Using potty pads for puppy potty training comes with both advantages and disadvantages. They offer convenience, help manage accidents, and allow for early training. However, the risk of confusion, extended training, and dependency on indoor elimination are significant concerns. Ultimately, the decision to use potty pads should be based on your living situation, your puppy's age and behavior, and your long-term training goals. Remember that consistency, positive reinforcement, and patience remain key factors in successfully potty training your furry companion, regardless of the method you choose.

The Ultimate Guide to Potty Training Your Puppy

Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting and heartwarming experience. However, along with the joy comes the responsibility of potty training. Proper potty training is a crucial step in building a strong bond with your furry friend and ensuring a clean and comfortable living environment for both of you. In this guide, we'll walk you through the important steps to successfully potty train your puppy.

Step 1: Establish a Routine

Consistency is key when it comes to potty training. Set a regular schedule for feeding, playtime, and bathroom breaks. Puppies generally need to go outside shortly after waking up, after meals, and after play sessions. By maintaining a routine, you'll help your puppy understand when it's time to eliminate. Most puppies need an opportunity to eliminate at least every two hours, this may include night time as well at first, depending on the age of your pup.

Step 2: Choose a Designated Potty Area

Pick a specific spot outside where you want your puppy to do their business. This scent-marked area will help them associate that spot with going potty. Take your puppy to this spot every time they need to eliminate. If they have trouble focusing or making it to that area, pick them up and take them to it or leash them while outside so they aren’t able to leave that area.

Step 3: Watch for Signs

Learn to recognize your puppy's cues for needing to go potty. Sniffing, circling, restlessness, and whining are common signs that they need to relieve themselves. When you notice these behaviors, promptly take your puppy to the designated potty area.

Step 4: Use Positive Reinforcement

When your puppy successfully eliminates in the designated area, shower them with praise, treats, and affection. Positive reinforcement creates a positive association with the behavior you want them to repeat.

Step 5: Supervise and Limit Freedom

Until your puppy is consistently potty trained, keep a close eye on them indoors. Use baby gates, crates and leashes to prevent them from wandering to areas where accidents might happen. As they learn, you can gradually increase their access to other parts of the house.

Step 6: Handle Accidents Calmly

Accidents are a natural part of the learning process. If you catch your puppy in the act, calmly interrupt them and take them outside to finish. Avoid punishing or scolding them for accidents, as this can create fear, confusion and potentially make them nervous about relieving themselves in front of you. This will really shoot you in the foot outside, later on.

Step 7: Consistent Crate Training

Crate training for puppies can be a valuable aid in potty training. Dogs instinctively avoid soiling their sleeping area, making the crate a useful tool for helping them learn to hold their bladder. Make sure the crate is appropriately sized – big enough to stand, turn around, and lie down, but not too spacious. Utilize the crate for short periods where you can’t supervise them, sleeping at night, and for things like feeding or high value chews.

Step 8: Nighttime Strategy

Puppies have limited bladder control, especially at night. Before bedtime, ensure your puppy has had a chance to eliminate. Limit water intake a couple of hours before sleep, and take them out during the night if they're very young. Gradually, they'll develop better nighttime control. Keep the crate close so you can hear when they wake up and take them outside if they’re restless.

Step 9: Clean Accidents Thoroughly**

Use enzymatic cleaners to remove the scent of accidents from your home. Also remember if you have flooring like carpet that you want to clean at least 2-3 inches past the visible accident spot as well, it likely absorbed into the pad below. This helps prevent your puppy from returning to the same spot to eliminate.

Step 10: Be Patient and Persistent

Remember, potty training takes time and patience. Each puppy is unique, so their learning curve might vary. Stay positive and consistent throughout the process.

Potty training a puppy is an investment of time and effort that yields a lifetime of benefits. By following these important steps and maintaining a positive and patient attitude, you'll successfully potty train your puppy and build a strong foundation for a happy, healthy companionship.

Ask A Trainer...

Over the coming weeks we will be answering some of the questions we've received over the years. Please remember that the answers are provided based on the details given. We cannot provide outlined or foolproof answers without having met the animal or worked with it. All answers are suggestions only and are followed/implemented at the owners own risk. 

"We got this dog from a friend and I believe he is 4 months old..he is a german shepherd and seams to look like me might of been hit alot...he won't move on the leash and always has tail between his legs...he won't look at me always has his head down and never wags his tail always seams scared and every noise he hears he trys to run and hide... I just don't know what to do...."

Situations like this are a tough one. Without knowing the past of the dog, I always encourage people to simply work with what you have. Train the animal in front of you. Not the unknown story behind it. We may never know if the pup was abused and there are many pups who may appear that way but unfortunately, it's also entirely possible that it is a genetic issue as well. Or a lack of socialization or neglect. There are so many what-if's that often times it's best just to progress with what you can actually see and that is 'behavior'. What is the puppy doing? What can you tangibly and repeatedly see affecting the animal and it's responses? Take note of those things (for future reference) and contact a trainer that can help you begin to build confidence in your own skills as well as the puppies.  The sooner you get to working on things like this, the better. 

"My 12 year old hound-rotty mix has started chasing (more of a limping hobble) and nipping at dogs's rears at the dog park. She will also growl and bark while wagging her tail, and she won't leave other dogs alone until she has had a chance to smell them and then yell at them. Most of the dogs there will ignore her but some don't know how to react. Can you explain what this behavior is?"

It is likely a mix of several things. Hounds love to follow their nose and often bark/are vocal towards anything that causes excitement or a reason to "alert". Not all breeds are quite as vocal as most hounds and this can certainly cause confusion for dogs who aren't sure what is so exciting. The nipping could be a way to demand a response from the confused/neutral/ignoring dog. Either way, it is a behavior I would encourage you to interrupt as it could understandably lead to miscommunication and if she's baying at the wrong dog, an aggressive response. It's important to make sure any of our dogs, when playing with others, play with well matched groups. If a dog doesn't seem to respond well to yours, that's totally normal and its time to move on.

Children and dogs

Children and dogs, it's a touchy subject. One that most all in the dog world feel very conflicted about. I remember as a child my animals, dogs included, were by far my best friends. I had several breeds that were "known" to potentially be bad matches with children. Some might say I got lucky or that I just had really good dogs, and perhaps that was it but what I also had was good parenting. A mother and father that could read their animals well and teach their child how to be appropriate.

Now, we see tons of pictures these days of dogs clearly expressing stress or discomfort when a child is riding them or being inappropriate in some way. In the picture below, that I received from a client, you see an adolescent Mastiff with a toddler curled up taking their nap together. I'm sure some would say it may be inappropriate. It struck me that so often all I see now are the bad pictures and that perhaps, people are hesitant to post pictures with their children and their dogs these days.

It also was a reminder that there is ALWAYS gray area. There are those animals out there that seem to have that something special with a kid. This is one of those pictures. I've seen them together and that little girl is "his person". As someone who has cringed at as many youtube videos and meme's as I'm sure everyone else has, along with fellow trainers who are constantly gritting their teeth when watching clients dogs and children interact... the other side of the hill still exists. Know your dog.

Good parents still exist, children loving dogs are still around, and everything should be interpreted on a case by case basis. A picture or a video clip doesn't tell the whole story. This story with this picture is of a little girl and her dog that is every bit the dog he appears to be in the picture

It's always nice...

When hard work and persistence comes together. Anyone who has successfully trained an animal knows that feeling. Particularly those with working goals. Whether it's service work, sports, etc. it takes an incredible amount of time and diligence. Today was one of those days where everything came together for this team and we're very proud of them. We've been working with Rosie and her family since she was a pup, day in and day out they followed our guidance on how to best prepare her for the road ahead. They have been an exemplary client and owners and today, Michael got to test out all that training and Rosie took right to it as well as anyone could have expected. Great job guys!

Animals & Expectations

One of the hardest obstacles faced by animal shelters, veterinarians, rescues, fosters, trainers, really anyone who works in animal care or welfare really - is an unrelenting expectation and grossly misrepresented portrait of animals and how they should behave. Now, the reason I titled this blog “animals” instead of “pets” is simply to remind people that these are in fact ANIMALS we are speaking of. Living, breathing beings. 

It seems like a simple concept really, right? Animals vs. pets. But the funny part is many people seems to have forgotten the animal part. People hear “pet” and think of something very different. We seek out these “pets” and bring them into our home. We let them sleep with our children and curl up with us on the couch. We go adopt a “stranger” from a shelter or breeder, of another species that sometimes we know very little about personally, and give it free reign of our home and valuables. And then, to make the concept even more interesting, we become surprised or upset when bad things happen. Now of course these bad things can be small, potty accidents or chewing of shoes - but other times they’re catastrophic for both the people involved and the animal. And when those things go terribly, suddenly we remember that it is an “animal”. 

I pose this question to you - what other species does this? What other species takes an animal we know nothing about and just lets it into their home? Why is it we do it and think everything will be simple?

I can’t recall how many times I’ve heard, “If I had known they would be like this I wouldn’t have gotten them.” And that statement has been said about many various species over the years to me and nearly each and every time it was due to the person not doing their research. Very rarely was the animal acting so out of sorts that it warranted such a statement. 

Whether it’s a dog, cats, horse, bird, tortoise, fish, whatever you intend to get - please take your time. Read, talk to others who own them, visit with them beforehand and MAKE SURE it is what you want. Taking on a life that will depend on you should be along the same lines as having a child. Some may shake their head and say “how can you compare having pets to having a child?” A life is a life. And seeing the affects it has on the animals when they are rehomed, neglected, abused, time and time again - and the way it breaks them - then you begin to understand that no matter what you may have originally thought… there is not one life that is worth more than another.