Many of the issues dogs have are typically simple to fix with basic dog training. In fact, the skill level of the family or trainer has everything to do with the behavioral issues of the dog. So just because others have tried and failed in rehabilitating a dog does not mean that those issues cannot be corrected. Typically, it is the level of commitment of the family, and not the actual issues of the dog, that determine the success of a behavioral rehabilitation. Even for a dog who has had multiple issues and homes, a committed family can work through almost anything. Remember that the key to fixing problem behaviors often lies in the mind of the human and not in the body of the dog.
Not every dog needs to be a service dog, but they do have to be safe and enjoyable. Simplify your life for your dog, so you don’t live your life around your dog’s behavior, but rather they fit into your life. (TM)
Since behavior is not changing the body positioning rather than changing the dog’s state of mind rewarding the dog at the wrong time can reinforce certain issues. We want to avoid using food when at all possible because it tends to set your dog up for failure. You’re not a food dispenser, you’re the owner. There is nothing wrong with giving your dog treats – but don’t bribe your dog to do a behavior. It only changes body position and not his state of mind.
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Behaviorists and Trainers
Obedience training can be really fun, and it can even build confidence in some dogs. Training a dog to do tricks can take an introverted dog and make him silly or happy. The problem is that obedience does not change behaviour, only body position. When a dog is running out the front door, why is
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Gentle Training Methods
We want to highlight the excellent and gentle training methods and individuals who do not use force and intimidation. There are proponents and opponents of each method but there is actual scientific evidence that supports this methodology; such as what is highlighted by Dr. Temple Grandin and other experts on our site.
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Zone of Concern
Great dogs who start out at the top of the scale at 90% (showing signs of being super friendly, gentle and nonreactive) may drop down by 20%; but will still shows signs of being a well behaved and gentle dog. Although they may have suffered cruelty or abuse they continue to be trusting and continue
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Stasis
Stasis, in behavioral terms, is the animal’s ability to remain stable and confident even though external factors might be present. This is a very important issue because there are just some animals and people who, when flustered or roused, might tend to become even more erratic or unpredictable.
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Vocalization
Another preset on our scale is vocalization. Vocalization is the term that refers to any sounds an animal might make. Unlike young children who simply sing a song or are echolalic, vocalization can be a sign of trouble and impending action by an animal. A dog who growls, barks or rumbles is expressing itself in
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How do you “fix” a dog?
So how much we are able to “fix” a dog? That truly depends on what is causing the behavior – is it chemical, physiological poor breeding, or stress? Through careful behavioral modification by an experienced and trained canine behaviorist, as well as a loving and committed family of humans, a dog that begins his life
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Seeking Novelty
Seeking Novelty (or curiosity) is an interesting variable response. Dr. Temple Grandin outlines this response in her book” Genetics and Behavior of Domestic Animal Behavior”. Although the dog may be interested in strangers and new experiences, his reaction to them is not always predictable. This is why seeking novelty by being interested in a new
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Aggression
Another behavioral issue is when a dog lunges aggressively, as if to bite, when he gets startled. This is very common with dogs who are not properly socialized around children or have not become comfortable with sporadic movements. There are many ways to desensitize your dog to movement. A dog who potentially lunges at what
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Startle, Fight or Flight and Aggression – using scales
Preprogrammed treble and base are those toggle switches that greatly affect your music. Well, your dog is very similar in that he may have high treble and low base or any combination thereof. This means that your pup may be pre-programmed by genetics and nature to be the nervous. First of all, remember that your
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