Keep up Dog Training During the Holidays!

Ahh, it’s the holiday season with so much to do!
But there’s one thing you MUST keep on your holiday list!

In this post, Fran Menley offers tips on continuing your dog’s training
despite the busyness of the season!

Continuing with your canine’s training, regardless the time of year, is crucial to nurturing and reinforcing your bond with your dog, whether he’s a puppy or adult dog.

While it may be tempting to slack off and take a break, a gap in your dog’s regular training can have disastrous consequences, especially during the holidays when we need to keep all our pets safe and happy.

Consider for a moment the holidays through your dog’s eyes; LOTS of yummy smells and food, lights, music, candles, pretty gifts and snacks all within reach, not to mention all the strangers coming and going and a giant tree that just begs to be peed on (or at least chewed upon)!

Reinforce these 5 Basic Dog Training Skills

All puppies and adult dogs need to know basic commands for their own well-being and safety. Teaching – and reinforcing – these skills before the busy holidays will ensure a happier and stress-free holiday for both your dog and you.

Expecting a dog to listen and obey (without the proper training and reinforcement) when things are at their busiest, is an accident waiting to happen. Set aside time now to work with your dog every day.

(If you need to teach the basics or your dog needs a refresher course,
contact a canine professional to help you make the most of
the time before the holidays. We can help!)

These 5 dog commands below are essential for safely guiding your dog through the hustle and bustle of the holidays with success! Even before your guests arrive, take a few minutes for a quick refresher course with your dog to ensure the best results.

1. Sit

The quintessential command every dog (no matter their age) needs to understand and obey immediately.

2. Stay

This command usually follows the “sit” command to keep your dog under control and away from unsafe situations.

3. Come

This command will properly be one of the most used during the holidays. To get your dog away from the dining room table, food, people, decorations, the front door, even the Christmas tree and presents and more.

4. Leave it / Off

This command also works well with the situations listed under #3.

5. Down / Settle / Go to Bed

If your dog responds reliably to these commands, they can be a great directive for your dog to leave everyone and everything alone. If they don’t reliably obey this command, put them behind a baby gate or in a crate.

Be Honest About Your Dog

Before you expect your to react appropriately in a noisy and busy household with new smells, sounds and people during the holidays, take an honest assessment of their typical behavior and current skills and abilities.

Here are a few questions to consider:

• Does your dog tend to hide from different people or become anxious?
• Is your dog easily overwhelmed? (CBD & hemp supplements can help too!)
• Does your dog tend to ignore you/your commands?
• Do you have a young puppy?
• Does your dog like to nip or jump?

If you can honestly say “yes” to any of the above questions, be proactive and contain your dog (or puppy) behind a baby gate or in a crate for their own safety and the safety and well-being of your guests.

Nothing ruins a holiday gathering faster than your giant dog jumping on Grandma and sending her to the ER!

Additional Reading

• 20 Dog Commands You Need to Know
• 3 Commands Your Dog Needs to Know Before Company Arrives
• Preparing Your Dog for Holiday Guests
• 5 Ways to Keep Your Dog Calm During this Holiday Season (& Tips)

Image Credits (Shown in Order)
Image by sabsykorova from Pixabay
Image by T. Jensen from Pixabay
Image by susanne906 from Pixabay
Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay
Image by andyround62 from Pixabay

How to Socialize Your Dog
(Even Through Fear)

Image by LauraTara from Pixabay

K9 socialization is a critical phase of your puppy’s life. In fact, it’s so important that it will set the tone for any and all interactions for the rest of their life.

In this post, Fran Menley our Head Training & Behavior Modification Expert, explains how to properly socialize your canine even during periods of fear.

Canine socialization is when a puppy develops important bonds and relationships in his world and learns how to act, react and behave with confidence (or not).

Image by lauralucia from Pixabay

Dr. Sophia Yin, an internationally recognized pioneer and expert in the field of animal behavior, defines the puppy’s sensitive period for socialization:

“From about 3 weeks to about 3 months of age, puppies are primed for bonding to other animals and individuals, for learning that objects, people, and environments are safe, and for learning what the body cues and signals of others mean.”

But, even the most social puppy can potentially face new fears before the end of their first year. Objects, people and situations he was once comfortable around can suddenly cause him anxiety and fear. But it’s not the time to slack off with their regular socialization!

By properly continuing his socialization, you will help him avoid creating lifelong fears or phobias. Left unchecked, these fears could lead to aggressive behaviors and dangerous consequences as the puppy grows larger and stronger without proper confidence.

What Socialization Must Include

Most vets, dog training and behavior experts encourage socialization classes and practice. But puppy socialization is more than just exposing a young dog to many people, environments and situations.

Critical goals from socialization must include:
1. A positive experience; and
2. Learning something positive.

Image by birgl from Pixabay

It’s this kind of socialization that will set the puppy up for success for the rest of his life.

It’s also important to:
• Start socialization early.
• Always supervise all socialization experiences and interactions!
• Always make each experience fun, positive and calm!
• Never force your puppy to accept a new situation, object, person or experience. This can reinforce their anxiety or fear and remain for their entire life.
• Never overwhelm your puppy with sights, sounds and smells, situations, people, dogs and other pets. Allow them to learn and explore at their own comfortable pace.

Puppy Socialization: Recommendations

Image by LORRAINE GRIDLEY from Pixabay

The more interactions and experiences you can offer your pup in a safe setting increases his chances of being a confident and well-adjusted dog ready to face the world with great social skills. Remember to keep these experiences positive and calm with toy and treat rewards for wanted behaviors!

Socialization should include:

• Unfamiliar people outside the household of all sizes, genders, ages (including children) and ethnicities. Also expose the puppy to different clothing, hats, hoods, boots, etc.

• Other pets and animals and discourage barking, lunging or chasing.

• Walking your puppy on all different surfaces (grass, snow, frost and water).

• Man-Made Objects (garbage cans, bikes, skateboards and wheelchairs), Loud noises (cars, trucks and thunder) and Environments (city vs rural).

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Click here for the “Puppy Socialization Checklist” for more samples of effective socialization experiences.
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Puppy Socialization: Periods of Fear

Even the best socialization experiences and exercises can be challenged by 2 distinct periods of fear your puppy may naturally experience.

1. The First Fear Period
• About 8-12 weeks of age
• This period is usually defined by fear of objects more than situations.
• It may last a few days or a week.

2. The Second Fear Period
• About 8-12 months of age (can also be as early as 6 months)
• This period is usually defined by fear of situations more than objects.
• Lasts longer than the first period; sometimes several weeks.

If your puppy begins to display new fears, reach out to an experienced trainer. Find one who is familiar with canine fear periods (we can help!) for professional help in addressing these newfound fears in a positive way before they escalate and become part of your puppy’s future.

Additional Reading

Puppy Socialization: Stop Fear Before It Starts
Puppy Behavior and Training – Socialization and Fear Prevention
Puppy Socialization
Puppy Socialization and the Sensitive Period: When Is It and Is It Important?

The Honeymoon Is Over: My Dog is Showing Aggression!

Mammals possess 6 basic (and normal) emotions; one of these is fear. When a dog feels threatened, most will attempt to escape the situation (flight).

But what if a dog’s fears escalate into aggression (fight) towards other dogs or even people?

In this post, Fran Menley, our own Training & Behavior Modification Expert, gives you the basics about fear-based aggression.

How Does Fear Lead to K9 Aggression?

Fear lies behind most aggressive behavior. Contrary to popular belief, aggressive behavior is not always about dominance (pack status). Fear aggression has little to nothing to do with dominance and everything to do with an underlying fear(s) felt by the dog about their environment, people or other dogs/pets.

Why Does Fear Lead to K9 Aggression?

Image by Brett Hondow from Pixabay

There are some basic reasons why a dog becomes fear aggressive.

1. Lack of proper socialization to all types of situations, people, dogs or animals and environments;
2. A history or antecedents (including past trauma or negative events); and
3. Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) from frightening, inhumane treatment or punishment-based training techniques.

Because of any one of these reasons (or even a combination), the fearful dog cannot effectively cope with new situations, dogs/animals or even people because of a lack of self-confidence. If they continue to feel threatened, they can only resort to flight or fight.

Image by Mandyme27 from Pixabay

What Does Fear-Based Aggression Look Like?

Understanding your dog’s body language will give you important clues in predicting future behavior.

• Most dogs will try to escape from a perceived threat (flight). But be warned, they can suddenly turn, nip or bite even as they are retreating.
• Dogs will communicate their fear through body postures (low-level warning signals):
  • Cowering
  • Head held low
  • Lifting of one paw (often used with other signals)
  • Head or body turning away
  • Tail tucked in
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Raised hackles
  • Freezing (another natural response to a threat)
  • Walking slowly (motions are very deliberate)
  • Wrinkling of the nose
  • Lip or nose licking
  • Ears are back and pinned against the head
  • Baring teeth as the corners of the mouth are pulled back
• If a dog feels still feels threatened (or cornered), their behavior may escalate into growling, barking, lunging, snapping or biting (not all fearful dogs will bite) still trying to make the threat go away. Never corner a fearful dog who is showing aggressive behavior.

Can Fear-Based Aggression be Cured?

Image by GemmaRay23 from Pixabay

The short answer is not entirely. This is because it’s impossible to guarantee behavior in people or dogs. But there are things that can be done to help modify and manage this negative and potentially dangerous behavior.

Fear-based aggression (or any other form of canine aggression is potentially too dangerous for the average dog owner to address on their own. Bring in an experienced and well-qualified K9 behavioral expert for the best possible – and lasting – results.

Aggressive behavior can be exacerbated by someone who doesn’t know what they are doing with a fearful and aggressive canine. (If you live in the Morrison or Littleton areas of Colorado, contact our Training & Behavior Modification Expert, Fran Menley, for professional assistance.) 

With time, patience and the help of an expert, together you can take the steps to identify, desensitize and add new, positive rituals to address fear-based aggression.  Fran will always recommend that a dog presenting with fear or hyper-reactivity be health-checked by a veterinarian as some issues can result in behavior issues. We never want to overlook a health issue and assume it is 100% behaviorally based.

• Your behavior modification expert will help you identify the specific triggers which elicit fear from your dog. The expert will teach you how to put your dog in a positive situation to help reduce the trigger. This will help the aggressive behavior decline.
• Humane desensitization techniques will help your dog gain more confidence while effectively dealing with their fear.
• Learn how to make your environment predictable and calm to help remove those triggers and increase your dog’s overall confidence. Unanticipated surprises and chaos can trigger a dog’s fear.
• Finally, with the expert, you will learn how to set up new “rituals of behavior” to help alleviate your dog’s fear and resulting aggression. These are actions and behaviors you and your canine can practice in any situation that makes her feel uncomfortable or triggers a negative reaction. The secret is to keep your dog focused and below her stress threshold to avoid triggering an aggressive reaction.

Remember, Most Behaviors Can Be Modified!

As soon as you see any signs of aggressive behavior, call in an expert (like our own expert, Fran Menly in the metro-Denver area of Colorado)!

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Is Your Newly Adopted Dog exhibiting fear aggression?

Or perhaps some other type of K9 aggression?

Fran Menley of Creating Forever Dogs can help with expert K9 behavioral modification and professional training services.

Just call us today at (303) 904-904-0484 or email us here to get started today!

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Additional Reading:

1. Fear Aggression positively.com/dog-behavior/aggression/fear-aggression/
2. Help for the Fearful Dog positively.com/contributors/help-for-the-fearful-dog-by-linda-michaels/
3. 15 Facts about Fear Aggression in Dogs You Must Know topdogtips.com/fear-aggression-in-dogs/
4. How to Handle Fear and Fear Aggression in Dogs www.thebalancedcanine.com/how-handle-fear-fear-aggression-dogs/
5. Fear Aggression in Dogs www.theveterinaryexpert.com/behaviour/fear-aggression-in-dogs/
6. Problematic Aggression in Pets www.drbeckersbites.com/problematic-aggression-in-pets

The Honeymoon Is Over: My New Dog Is Always Hyper!

Image by Katrin B. from Pixabay

It’s common – and even normal – for newly adopted dogs
to display behavioral issues. From dogs that completely shut down
to hyper-stimulated dogs, you can help your dog adjust to his new home!

In this post, our very own Training & Behavior Modification Expert,
Fran Menley takes a closer look at K9 hyper-stimulation.

In our series, “HELP! The Honeymoon is Over with My New Dog!” we continue to examine common, but unwanted behaviors a newly adopted dog may begin to display in their new home.
In this new post, we’ll give you a clearer understanding of K9 hyper-stimulation.

Unwanted Behavior Does NOT Mean a Bad Dog

As mentioned in our last blog post (dealing with K9 fear and anxiety), typically when an adopted dog begins to “act out,” it’s caused by three primary issues: lack of proper socialization, history and Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS).

Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

But unwanted behaviors and prior issues do not automatically label a dog as “bad” or one that cannot be successfully rehabilitated. With a professional behavior modification expert using the right tools, patience, commitment and leadership, a dog’s behavior can be eliminated (or diminished) and modified to more desirable behaviors. (We can help!)

Modifying or changing unwanted canine behaviors and issues requires the full commitment of not only the owner but the entire family. Working with your dog once every week or two when the trainer is present will simply not be successful.

Everyone must commit – and actively participate – in working with their dog each and every day following the rules, boundaries and homework laid out by the trainer. Your K9 must be a family priority! Consistency, compassion (and maybe a little cussing), your dog will learn how to successfully modify their behavior into the desired outcomes.

What is Canine Hyper-Stimulation?

Image by freegr from Pixabay

While most happy and balanced dogs are able to relax and remain calm, those who are anxious, unbalanced or stressed may become hyper and possibly even aggressive. This is especially true when a newly adopted dog is trying to adapt – or fit in – to his new surroundings (with new unfamiliar sights, smells and sounds) and humans. In other words, sensory overload!

While appropriate mental stimulation is a positive thing for your canine, too much stimulation (hyper) can be equally negative on your dog’s overall mental and physical health.

Note: An energetic dog is not necessarily a hyper-stimulated dog. Over-stimulated dogs cannot effectively calm themselves down.

What’s Behind K9 Hyper-Stimulation?
Hyper-stimulation can emerge for a number of reasons:

• The dog is bored.
• The dog is anxious (So what is triggering this anxiety/anxious behavior?).
• The dog is naturally excitable and hyper-vigilant (a breed characteristic) and has not been taught self-control or self-calming behaviors.
• The dog is over-stimulated by excessive attention or rewards for hyper behaviors.
• There is a lack of consistent routine, exercise, training and effective engagement in appropriate activities.

“Hyper-stimulated dogs are often being triggered or forced into situations
that push them over their own threshold when they are being exercised.”
Fran Menley, Training & Behavior Modification Expert, Creating Forever Dogs

Logically it might seem that a hyper dog needs less stimulation, but actually, the reverse is true. Both the dog’s mind and body need to be engaged in the right kind of activity that positively channels and expends their energy. The release of pent-up energy will help your dog restore his natural state of balance and calm.

The Connection Between Anxiety and Hyper-Stimulation

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

Dr. Caroline Perrin at the Sydney Animal Behavioural Service acknowledges that anxiety is sometimes behind the hyperactive behavior:

“These dogs are often hyper-vigilant and need to constantly
keep an eye on their environment. They sleep with ‘one eye open’
and they react and respond to many things in the environment
that other dogs ignore.”

Fran agrees with Dr. Perrin and advises addressing hyperactive dog behavior with effective impulse control:

“You will be doing yourself and your puppy, young or
older adult dog a huge favor by teaching them impulse control and how to calm themselves.”

Options for Effectively Addressing Hyper-Stimulation

Being able to effectively address your dog’s hyper-stimulation requires an expert understanding of your dog’s underlying issues and drives that are causing him to become overly stimulated.
Engage the services of a professional training and behavior expert before your dog’s hyper-stimulation escalates into unhealthy and unwanted behaviors. A professional K9 behaviorist will be able to define the underlying issues and incorporate the proper activities and boundaries to help your dog naturally release their energy through:

• Daily leashed walks with plenty of opportunities to explore their surroundings with their nose which fulfills and satisfies their natural instincts and behaviors.
• Daily obedience training.
• Regular training in sports such as agility, tracking and many others.
• A canine-friendly “job” like herding, nose work and search and rescue.

A  tired dog, whose physical and mental needs have been adequately met, will be able to effectively settle down and relax, bringing peace and calmness to your home!

Our mission at
Creating Forever Dogs
is to assist current and future pet parents create a
forever, harmonious home with their forever dogs!

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Do You Need Help with Your Dog?

Image by Creating Forever Dogs

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Additional Reading:
1. Restoring Calm Dog Behaviour
www.dogslife.com.au/dog-news/dog-training/restoring-calm-dog-behaviour

2. How to Calm a Hyperactive Dog
www.dogslife.com.au/dog-news/calm-hyperactive-dog

3. 4 Signs Your Dog Is Overstimulated
iheartdogs.com/4-signs-your-dog-is-overstimulated/

4. 17 Stimulating Jobs for Your Dog
www.somethingwagging.com/17-stimulating-jobs-for-your-dog/

Help!   My Dog is Fearful, Anxious and Miserable!

Image by Thomas B. from Pixabay

As dogs adjust to their new home and people, it’s normal
for common issues to arise like K9 anxiety.

In this post, our own Training & Behavior Modification Expert,
Fran Menley takes a closer look at this all-too-common behavior.

Every day we see dogs come into our grooming shop, encounter them at the vet’s office or we meet them in their homes during a pet sitting introduction, they are scared and anxious beyond words.  We are considered foe and not friend!   How great would it be to see that dog have more a bit more confidence and not be frozen in fear in public.  Especially these older adopted or rescue dogs that we have no idea what their past is or what they have endured.  We see these pups and oh how I would like to work with this pup to get them living their best life!  We may not get them 100% fear or anxious-free but some improvement can make a huge difference in an anxious dog!

In our blog, “HELP! The Honeymoon is Over with My New Dog!” we revealed 10 common negative behaviors a newly adopted dog may begin to exhibit in their new home. In this post, we’ll give you a deeper look into one of those behaviors, anxiety.

The Issues Behind Unwanted Behaviors

When an adopted dog begins to “act out,” it’s typically caused by three primary issues:

1. Lack of proper socialization to all types of situations, people and environments;
2. Their history or antecedents (especially past trauma or negative events); and
3. Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) from shocking, frightening or dangerous traumatic events including abuse.

Image by skeeze from Pixabay

Canine Anxiety 101

Dog anxiety is “the anticipation of future dangers from unknown or imagined origins” usually resulting in the reactive behaviors of:

• Elimination;
• Destructive Behaviors; and
• Excessive Vocalization (barking or whining).

Image by Stacey Kennedy from Pixabay

Dr. Karen Becker of Healthy Pets estimates around 30% of dogs show the above signs of anxiety. While some adopted dogs may show undesirable behaviors immediately; others may wait until they feel more comfortable. It’s important to realize that all dogs need to go through an adjustment period. Remember, they have no idea who you are or what you expect. Give them time and space to naturally adjust.

Fran cautions, “until your adopted dog feels they know and trust you, they will not feel safe.” This can lead to a common canine behavior like anxiety and separation anxiety.

 What Causes Dog Anxiety?

A dog of any age can develop issues with anxiety after experiencing trauma, illness, abuse or some other stressful and frightening event. Most anxiety disorders in dogs begin between the ages of 6 and 18 months which is why it is critical to start building a solid foundation and bond with puppies through home training (incorporating play and games) and proper socialization as early as possible.

The Signs Your Dog Shows When He is Anxious

• 

  Image by Petra Göschel from Pixabay

  Clingy behavior

• Increased vigilance and scanning of the environment
• Excessive whining and barking
• Disruption in sleeping and eating patterns
• Excessive shedding
• Pacing, panting, trembling and tension
• Diarrhea or inappropriate urination or defecation
• Facial signs including constant lip licking or yawning, tucked back ears and dilated pupils
• Lower body posture; tucking the tail between the legs; avoiding eye contact; raising a paw or rolling over and displaying the belly
• Hiding, bolting, digging and scratching, attempts at escaping
• Destructive behaviors (very common with separation anxiety)

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

Separation anxiety is one of the most common forms of anxiety in our dogs (and includes about 14% of American dogs). Separation anxiety is triggered when an insecure dog is left alone and becomes anxious and distressed. Dogs with separation anxiety usually develop and this worsens with a history of multiple owners and homes, abandonment or neglect.

Don’t Give Up! Most Behaviors Can Be Modified!

While behavioral issues can be challenging (and even overwhelming); they are not a reason to give up on your dog before turning to professional help. Most dogs can be rehabilitated with professional help using the right tools, perseverance and commitment.  There is not a one-size fits all approach to this complex issue.  Many well-meaning pet owners try to solve these issues on their own, which can intensify the behaviors.

“We can help owners of anxious dogs identify the potential issue(s) behind the behavior(s) and together, create a consistent plan to diminish or even eliminate those undesirable behaviors,” Fran explains.

A professional behavior modification expert will help you identify the subtle, physical signs of an oncoming anxiety attack and show you how to effectively head off the unwanted anxiety.

Additional Reading:

1. Extreme Fear and Anxiety in Dogs www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/behavioral/c_dg_fears_phobia_anxiety

2. How to Recognize Signs of Anxiety in Dogs www.wikihow.com/Recognize-Signs-of-Anxiety-in-Dogs

3. Anxiety Symptoms in Dogs www.dog-health-guide.org/anxietysymptomindog.html

5. 30 Percent of Dogs Show these Anxiety Triggers – Are Any True for Your Pet? healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2018/02/12/dog-anxiety.aspx
6. Help Your Dog with Separation Anxiety and Other Common Fears pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/dog-separation-anxiety-symptoms-and-solutions#1