Where can a student take a young puppy (8–12 weeks) who is current

on all required vaccinations?

Socialization of puppies ages 8-12 weeks is a very important part of having a well-rounded dog.  At this age they should have received a minimum of their first series of vaccines for protection against infectious diseases, and all puppy classes should require this at the very least for admission. The risk of a dog dying from exposure to diseases should be weighed against the risk of a dog being relinquished to a shelter or euthanized because of behavioral issues that develop due to a lack of socialization. This period of learning is a critical period to help influence good behavior of dogs. Places where you can take your puppy include your veterinary clinic, a puppy class that observes proper sanitization and vaccine protocols, and locations where your puppy can meet people and see new things without meeting strange dogs.

Why is picking up after my dog important?

Part of being a responsible pet parent is being a good neighbor. Nobody enjoys the chore of picking up after their dogs in our own backyard. Imagine how your neighbors would feel if

they had to pick up after dogs they do not even own! Picking up after or “curbing” your dog is a law in many places but perhaps, more importantly, you should be a good neighbor

and good citizen no matter where you are with your dog. Always carry waste bags with you.

Do dogs really need to be walked every day?

Dogs need exercise every day just like humans do.  Taking a leash walk with your dog is not only great physical exercise for your dog, but it also provides great mental stimulation and helps with ongoing socialization to new places and scents. Taking leash walks with your dog can also contribute toward the two of you building a strong relationship as you walk and work/explore together.

Why should a student check their dog’s entire body every month?

There are many health issues that may go unnoticed if not checked for regularly. Dogs are also very good at hiding their discomfort or pain. Going over your dog’s entire body closely & frequently, including looking at his teeth and gums, can help you identify a potential health issue early in its development that may save you from a large veterinary bill later. Noticing the small things early on in many instances may even save your dog’s life. Going over your dog’s body regularly is also useful for checking that your dog is at a healthy weight.

How is a dog’s sense of smell and hearing different from a human’s?

Dogs observe the world much differently than humans. We rely mostly on our sense of sight, followed by our sense of hearing. Dogs, on the other hand, have a much keener sense of smell than humans. Therefore, they gather much more information about their surroundings by sniffing.  They also have a much greater sense of hearing than humans and can hear sounds from up to a mile away or deep in the ground. Dogs can hear a mole traveling underground and can smell a minute amount of explosives or drugs hidden in an entire warehouse.

What should I do if my dog is uncomfortable greeting another person?

It is common courtesy to have a person ask to pet your dog.  As a responsible pet parent,  you should always be proactive in protecting your dog from situations that may make them uncomfortable. This means you might need to take the first step to help ensure approaching people are respectful of your dog’s space. Simply ask them to wait before reaching for your dog. You need to determine when – or if – your dog is comfortable enough to receive petting from a stranger.  There is no need to be embarrassed or to feel rushed.  Remember, just as there are some people who are a bit more shy and stand-offish, so are there dogs who may need to take some extra time to get to know a stranger. Some dogs may never enjoy meeting strangers and may need extra time and socialization to get used to a new person before allowing themselves to be touched. Always move at your dog’s pace and comfort level.

How do I keep my dog safe if someone is trying to bring a dog over to

meet & greet and my dog is reactive?

Never rely on the actions of another person to keep your dog (and dogs around you) safe. As a responsible pet parent, you need to do whatever it takes to immediately create distance between your dog and the other dog. Do not feel uncomfortable informing the other pet parent to please keep the dog away from yours and explain that your dog does not care for other dogs. If you have not already done so, consider consulting an expert in canine behavior modification to address your dog’s reactive issues.

Why is kennel/crate training beneficial?

Having a doggie-safe area such as a crate will provide your dog with his own personal space and is essential to many aspects of your training. Your dog’s crate will be used during times when you cannot supervise him or when you just need a break. Kennel/Crate training can keep your dog out of trouble when you are away from home, too. You will not have to worry about him chewing on your furniture, shoes, or other valuable items, and you will not need to worry about him having an accident in your home. Kennels/Crates can also be a safe place when traveling.  Your dog’s kennel/crate can be a safe and fun place for him.

What is the best way to pick out treats or food for my dog?

There is such a variance of products available on the market. Marketing and advertising are very alluring to humans, but that does not mean the ingredients are as good as the package may look. As a responsible pet parent, you will want to be aware that some ingredients may not be good for your dog.  It is important to educate yourself as to what it takes to maintain good health for your pet for a long and healthy life. Talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s nutritional needs and about what ingredients you should look for, and which you should avoid, when selecting a brand of food for your dog.  Always use high-value treats that your dog adores. Meat-based human foods are best due to their high-water content, and dogs rarely get to indulge in these delicious treats.

Do I really need to trim my dog’s nails if my dog does not like it?

Proper nail trims ensure your dog maintains a healthy, natural gait. There is no need for this to be a stressful event for your dog. By hiring a positive reinforcement-based dog trainer, you can learn humane, low-stress methods that will help your dog to accept nail trims, whether they are done by a veterinarian, a groomer or you.

If my dog does not like the leash, is it okay for me to just let him run loose?

Responsible dog pet parentship includes keeping your dog safe from environmental hazards; many city and state laws also require dogs to be on leash when in public. Even if you live in a rural area where environmental hazards are minimal, or city and state laws do not apply, it is wise to prepare your dog to happily accept a leash. This can be achieved with reward-based, positive reinforcement training.

Do all dogs of the same breed act the same?

Are some breeds of dog inherently vicious and aggressive?

Each breed of dog has its own unique personality and individual quirks, and some are genetically predisposed to certain behaviors, such as retrieving or tracking. Within any breed, there will be a range of calm to high-energy dogs. Contrary to popular opinion, there are no inherently “bad” breeds, but there are irresponsible pet parents that allow antisocial behavior to develop, whether due to indifference or teaching or allowing the dog to behave in an antisocial manner.

Communication and Body Language

Why do dogs bark and how should I talk to my dog when he is barking?

Barking is as natural to a dog as eating, sleeping, and scratching. There are many different reasons why dogs bark. They bark to alert, out of frustration, because they are frightened, bored, or even out of excitement during play.  Many people do not realize they may be contributing to the barking by yelling or scolding their dog. Your dog may think you are joining in and will take the attention as a sign you agree with his actions. Barking can be very frustrating.  If your dog is barking, it is important to first get his attention to interrupt the behavior. Using a cheerful, happy tone will help get your dog focused on you rather than on what caused his barking. When your dog responds to your cheerful voice, reward him with a high-value treat for being quiet. The next step would be to redirect your dog’s attention to an appropriate, quiet behavior, such as fetch, chewing on a bone or playing with a toy.

How do dogs tell each other they want to play?

Since dog-dog play can sometimes be confused by people as fighting, it is important to understand their body language so no harm may come to either of them. Dog play is often initiated by a play bow, which tells the other dog that he is doing this for fun. Dogs will often bark and growl a bit while playing. Typically, they use a higher-pitched bark than a warning bark. Dogs will also take frequent quick breaks or pauses lasting just a couple of seconds during play.  You will also likely see a lot of give and take during play. The dogs will essentially take turns, with one dog leading and then the other. It is important to supervise play sessions in case one dog has had enough, so that you can then intervene if the other dog persists. For instance, if one dog is consistently hiding underneath a chair or trying to get away, it may be necessary for you to step in to interrupt the play to protect the dog who does not want to play anymore.

Why does my dog turn away when I hug him?

Although humans love hugs, it does not necessarily mean that a dog will be comfortable with one. Dogs do not hug each other; in fact, dogs are very respectful of each other’s space. There are many other ways to show affection to your pet. If your dog turns away when you hug him, your dog is politely letting you know he does not want or enjoy the hug. Hugging can be stressful for dogs as they may feel trapped by the embrace.

How should someone greet a dog?

When greeting a dog, try to use slow, casual body movements. You should not be closer than two feet from the dog. If the dog does not approach you, turn your body slightly sideways to the dog, which is a nonthreatening posture, rather than squaring off/directly facing the dog.  Always allow the dog to take the first steps to approach you, and then wait before you reach out to pet the dog. Once the dog feels comfortable enough to approach you, the first physical interaction you may consider is to briefly pet the dog under the chin or along his side, rather than reaching over the dog’s head. If the dog does not want to approach you, simply respect the dog’s choice, and walk away politely.

What is the best way to let my dog approach and greet another dog?

In terms of canine social behavior, appropriate greetings are nose-to-tail. Nose-to-nose greetings in the dog world are not only impolite, but they increase the risk of your dog being bitten by a dog who may not love other dogs.

What are calming signals and why does my dog use them?

Dogs do not have the ability to use verbal language like humans. They rely on body language to communicate with each other and other species. One aspect of their body language is called calming signals. They use these signals to share their intentions with other dogs and with us. For instance, dogs use their tails to communicate their feelings. Just because the tail is wagging does not necessarily mean the dog is happy. Depending on how he is carrying his tail, as well as other body language, will tell you whether the dog is in the mood to play, nervous or in the mood to fight.  When a dog wants to show another dog that he means no harm, he will turn his head and sometimes entire body away from the imposing dog. Dogs may also scratch, yawn, or lick their lips to signal they are feeling too much pressure. With humans, dogs will display these same behaviors to communicate that they are uncomfortable in their current situation. We should “listen” to these behaviors and give our dogs a break from the situation at hand. Just like people, dogs cannot work effectively if they are under too much pressure.  Of course, dogs also scratch when they have an itch, and yawn when they are tired or bored, so the signals must be read in context.

What are the best ways to communicate with my dog,

and why is understanding dog body language important?

Many people feel their dogs understand every word they are saying and then are frustrated

when their dogs do not respond to something they are asking them to do. While dogs can learn to associate many words with items or actions, they fall far short of understanding everything people are saying.  They are, however, quite good at understanding your tone of voice. For instance, a happy, high-pitched, cheery voice indicates you are pleased or you want to play. Your tone of voice is important to begin good communication with your dog and to let him know what you expect from him and when.  Dogs are also very good at communicating through body language, including facial expressions. Once you start to understand your dog’s body language you can start to communicate with your best friend in a way they can understand. The signs dogs use to communicate with each other include facial expressions, body postures and movements. Dogs specifically use their faces, ears, tails, and eyes to communicate.  Pet parents need to learn how dogs use different body movements to communicate, as a dog’s body language is often misinterpreted. For example, we commonly think a wagging tail means a dog is friendly, but depending on the speed of the wag and the stiffness and posture of the body, it can also mean a dog is potentially in a defensive or offensive threatening mode. 

Training and Learning

What kind of rewards can be used in positive reinforcement training?

There are many types of rewards that will provide the necessary positive reinforcement for your dog. Dogs have varied temperaments and interests. Not all dogs are food-motivated in every context or environment. Other types of rewards can include a favorite toy, a game of chase or tug, petting, verbal praise, and even teaching the dog a special trick he enjoys, making the training fun.

What is positive reinforcement and why should I use it?

The most effective way of teaching a new behavior is using positive reinforcement, which provides a win-win situation for you and your dog. The dog learns that doing what you want gets them what he wants (i.e., food, toys, affection). There are various ways to positively reinforce behavior. You can “lure” your dog into the desired behavior and then reward. You can wait for your dog to offer the desired behavior and then reward. You can use a marker signal, such as a clicker, to “mark” when a dog does something you want and then reward. Whatever behaviors you reward (or positively reinforce) are the behaviors you will see increase.

What is clicker training?

Clicker training is a type of positive reinforcement training that is simple and very effective. The pet parent uses a clicker, which is typically a small plastic box with a metal strip inside of it that makes a clicking sound when pressed. The clicker is pressed to mark the desired behavior, indicating to the dog that he did the right behavior and a reward is on its way.

What does “capturing” a behavior mean?

Capturing a behavior can be one of the fastest ways to train a new behavior. For example, if you want to teach your dog to lie down using the capture method, you would simply wait for your dog to decide to lie down and then reward him the moment he does the behavior. Timing is crucial for capturing a behavior. Think of it as a camera – you want to take a picture of the exact moment your dog does the behavior. You are not asking, commanding, or luring him into the action. You are waiting for your dog to offer the behavior on his own. Capturing works best for teaching a behavior your dog does naturally, such as sit, lying down, barking on cue, sniffing, or holding objects. The primary difference between capturing and other positive reinforcement training techniques is the dog is making the decision to offer the behavior without being asked or prompted.

Can my dog be trained positively if he does not like food as a reward?

A reward is quite simply anything that your dog finds intrinsically rewarding. Some examples of rewards include toys, access to the outdoors, a car ride and attention/affection from people. Food is often used because many dogs are motivated by it, and food is also quick and easy to deliver to your dog. However, if your dog just ate his dinner, using a food reward may not be your best option. The key is to know what is rewarding to your dog in that moment! Make a list of 20 things that are rewarding to your dog including food, toys, treats and other life rewards such as belly rubs or playing with another dog.

My dog does not understand training. Is he just being stubborn or dominant?

Training your dog can sometimes require patience. Dogs learn quickly what works and what does not work. Dogs are often called stubborn or dominant when they seem to ignore our requests. What they are truly displaying is confusion, lack of motivation because the behavior hasn’t been positively reinforced, or not understanding what you’re asking them to do. Perhaps your dog has not generalized the behavior to that situation, is stressed or distracted, or has not made the connection yet between your cue and the behavior you are seeking.

If my dog does not perform a behavior he has been trained to do reliably,

what should I do?

Ideally a dog should respond to a cue asked of him on the first time.  If your dog does not respond to your cue within a few seconds of you asking him, one of a few things is likely occurring – either he does not know the behavior as well as you may have originally thought, he may not be motivated enough to execute the behaviors, or there is something in the environment that is distracting him from executing the behavior successfully. There is also a possibility there may be some underlying medical condition that is preventing him from completing the behavior. If the problem persists you should consider checking with your veterinarian to rule out any medical issues. Do keep in mind that dogs are not robots and may become distracted or become unmotivated at some point. Keep consistent in your training and remember occasionally rewarding your dog from time to time will be the best way to keep him motivated for a reliable response.

What should I do if my dog is barking in his kennel/crate?

You should first figure out why your dog is barking. There may be several reasons why he is barking in his crate, including trying to get your attention, because he is stressed about his crate or perhaps because he needs to go to the bathroom.  The most common answer is that he is barking because he wants your attention. There is a simple solution: Ignore your dog. Do not look at him, do not say anything to him, and perhaps even walk away. Once he stops barking, wait a few seconds and then give him some attention, which will be a

reward for being quiet. By ignoring him, your dog will quickly learn that being quiet, not barking, is the way to get your attention. If you think your dog needs to go to the bathroom, the answer is obvious – let your dog out! If you think your dog is barking because he is stressed, speak with your trainer about ways to help him become better acquainted with his crate or what alternatives you can explore for containing your dog.

What should I do if my puppy is biting my hands every time we play?

Puppy biting is a natural behavior for puppies.  They explore the environment with their mouths.  There are a few things you can do to minimize or eliminate puppy biting.   During playtime make sure you are playing with a toy and not with your hands. A larger toy is better than a smaller toy and will help teach your dog to use his mouth appropriately during play. If your puppy’s mouth comes into contact with your skin at any time, the best reaction you can have is to say “ouch” and remove all of your attention for a few moments – just walk away, turn your back and ignore him. It will not take long before he learns what level of play is and is not acceptable. Consistency will be very important for your success. That means everyone needs to play the same way. Playing rough with your puppy, even if it’s just with one person, will teach him that it’s okay to play that way. It’s also very important to make sure your puppy is getting enough exercise. Try games like hide-and-seek with his favorite toy, set up a treat hunt, take him for a short jog in the park, and/or give him a food puzzle or brain game to wear him out mentally when you cannot wear him out physically.

What should I do if my puppy is jumping up, scratching me

and leaving welts on my arms and legs?

Teaching a puppy how to respect a human’s space is an important life lesson. Lest the puppy think we do not ever want them to come into our space, this life lesson must be taught in a positive fashion. It is helpful to redirect your puppy’s attention to an alternative behavior instead of using you as a scratching post. Rewarding an alternative behavior, such as “sit” instead of jumping all over you is one way to train the puppy to get his paws off of you. If the jumping, scratching  and space invading is attention-driven, then a parent must think about whether the puppy is getting meaningful, appropriate attention and exercise throughout the day. It is also important to make sure your puppy’s nails are well trimmed at all times.

How do you reward a dog when teaching him a behavior that has multiple steps?

An example of a behavior with multiple steps is fetch. The steps might be chasing after the ball, picking up the ball and bringing the ball back to you. The trainer would teach each behavior step-by-step and reward each successful step.  Eventually you can gradually ask for more of the sequence of steps for the dog to achieve the reward. The steps might look something like this: Dog chases after the ball and gets a reward. Dog picks up the ball and gets a reward. Dog brings the ball back and gets a reward. Then, the dog chases the ball and picks the ball up, which gets him a reward. Finally, the dog chases the ball, picks up the ball and brings the ball back (the complete behavior) to get the reward.

About All Dogs + 1 Team Training

All Dogs + 1 is a professional educational organization of trainers who are committed to becoming better trainers through using positive, dog-friendly methods based on sound scientific principles, and following the LIMA (Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive) and Humane Hierarchy principles. All Dogs + 1 promotes caring relationships between dogs and people and works to increase public awareness of dog-friendly training techniques