Training

1. Training http://www.onthescent.co Dr. N. Matthew Ellinwood, D.V.M., Ph.D. April 25, 2014 Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

2. Overview • Discussion primarily for dog • Assume pup 7-9 weeks • “Rules” of training with broad principles as part of description • Some important tools in your dogs education • Collars and Leashes • Crates • Socializing

3. 10 Rules for Training Dogs • Normal dogs of any age can learn if one is consistent and uses patience, praise and rewards. • Training is shaping behavior • Consistency is vital to successful learning and retention • Praise is often the best and easiest reward

4. 10 Rules for Training Dogs • Once a behavior is learned, it should be rewarded intermittently. This behavior then becomes more resistant to extinction. http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/jha/lowres/jhan184l.jpg http://www.jtrue.com/cartoons/art/low/dog_training.jpg

5. 10 Rules for Training Dogs • Spend no more than 10-15 minutes no more than 2 or 3 times daily. Ideally training sessions should be separated by 4 hours. • Keep sessions focused • Have a plan of what you want to accomplish • First half can be review. This establishes an appropriate tone or relationship between dog and trainer • Second half can be new material. This is the real training aspect. • End each session clearly with a defined pattern, and then play with the dog

6. 10 Rules for Training Dogs • Rapid learning results when a reward is given immediately (1/2 second) after every desired response (continuous reinforcement). • Can use food reward: Why I don’t like them • Dogs have been bred to please humans • Use this desire to motivate learning • Satisfy this desire to please with voice and body language

7. 10 Rules for Training Dogs • Train the dog in a quiet environment and once the responses are learned, move to increasingly complex environments (e.g. house, backyard, street, playground, etc.) in this order. If the dog fails at any level, stop and don’t reward-start over at this level. • Remember the trainer is also part of the environment. Don’t over stimulate • Keep interactions to a minimum • Voice may be better than touch • Facial interactions

8. 10 Rules for Training Dogs • Use the valued rewards – it may be necessary to deprive the dog of food, touch, etc. for some time. • Use voice as a teaching tool, not reprimand but firm. - Deep tones are better.

9. 10 Rules for Training Dogs • Use the valued rewards – it may be necessary to deprive the dog of food, touch, etc. for some time. • I favor interaction with the owner rather than food. A good dog never really tires of this • By not using touch infrequently but relying on voice and facial expressions, touch becomes a greater reward, and in its absence more attention is paid to voice and face.

10. 10 Rules for Training Dogs • Train to come, sit, stay, down, down stay and heal in this order. Be progressively more demanding. If the dog fails at any level, stop, don’t reward and start over at this level. • Leash break as an unconventional training exercise (cover at end)

11. 10 Rules for Training Dogs • Make learning fun – do not punish. • Keep the interactions controlled so the animal does not get over excited • After your defined routine to end the session, incorporate some play activity • The worst punishment is usually absence of desired reward (eye contact, verbal praise etc)

12. 10 Rules for Training Dogs • Once the animal has learned the commands from one person, generalize to all family members. • One of the biggest problems • If not done, the animal only associates appropriate behavior with the trainer

13. Leash Breaking http://123-pet.com • Begin as soon as possible • Dog does not need to know commands • Begin after dog is habituated to collar (1-3 days) • Most dogs will struggle against a collar and leash, but learn quickly to stop resisting. • Never drag the dog. Wait for it to stop struggling and/or entice it to come • A gentle tug on the leash should be all one uses • Most pups/dogs want to chase/run with their owner • Start with a conventional collar

14. Collar Types • Fixed conventional collar • Choke collar • Pinch collar • Flat non-pinch version • Shoulder halter collar • Gentle Leader

15. Collar Examples http://www.tbicatalog.com http://www.bigdogboutique.com http://www.downtownpet.com

16. Examples Continued http://www.jbpet.com/JBP_RS/SR/Product/7920109_L.jpg http://www.canineconcepts.co.uk/ccp51/media/images/product_detail/gentleleader.jpg http://www.absolutelygolden.com/images/sporn_halter2.jpg

17. Crate Training • Often the best way to house break a dog • If the dog/pup is not under your direct observation or supervision, it is locked in the crate • Small enough so it won’t foul its own den, large enough to be comfortable • Supply chew toys • Eventually will come to be a preferred resting place

18. Crates Continued • Many different varieties • Wire/Plastic/Canvas/Portable http://www.heartfeltpetsite.com http://www.dog-online.co.uk http://www.dogsupplies.com

19. Socializing and Habituating • Critical to expose young developing dogs to • Other dogs, age appropriate • Other people • Other environments • If a problem is encountered in any area • Try to identify cause • Expose gently, and continue exposure in progressively more distracting or difficult environments • Don’t push progress • Working with principles of extinction and habituation