Compulsion Has No Home Here...

The dictionary's definition of compulsion speaks of an "urge to form a behavior against one's normal wishes".

Surely the idea has no home in the world

 of training animals.

Why not encourage a dog to do something with a reward...something she likes, something she enjoys? You'll feel better about it too!

Enjoy a beautiful relationship with your dog through nothing more than a respectful two-sided communication. Thank you for sharing such a great moment, Leslie!

I do know this...compulsion is sometimes used without making a conscious decision to do so...it might stem from an old habit, actual instruction or acute frustration. Bottom line, if you are seeing it in your own daily habits or training repertoire, please don't feel ashamed or guilty, just change something! BE your own change! Learn a new way...a kinder, softer, gentler way!

Paws up!
Kimberly Burgan, CPDT-KA
Author of "Poppy and Puppy Are Friends"
www.kimberlyburgan.com


YOUR COMMENTS!

"So true and well written, Kimberly. Works for 2 leggers also. I work better for something I like. And it's really great when the activity becomes the reward. I love the way my dogs light up when they hear "car" or "walk". And Sandy dances when she sees her Divine Canines vest. Happy well trained dogs make my life easier and more joyful." - Alice Aves, Austin, TX

Kimberly Burgan, CPDT-KA is the author of "Poppy and Puppy Are Friends: A Child's Introduction to Responsible Dog Ownership". This gem of a storyline for adults and children is now available for purchase at Amazon!

Forward Motion!

There will always be the loose dog that runs up on you, the responsible dog owner with YOUR dog(s) on leash. While complaining about it to your dog-owning community of friends may serve its purpose, it is not moving you forward. So, how do we move forward? We arm ourselves with the information we need to set our dog(s) up for success when it does happen.

You will never find yourself successful at changing the behavior of others, so let’s – for a moment – entertain the idea of changing our own behaviors? Join me!

STORY TIME TO ILLUSTRATE MY POINT:

While out for a jog this morning, I saw a man walking his two dogs on leash. It appeared to be a nice, pleasing and easy stroll until a nearby household opened the front door and out charged a young male shepherd mix. I watched, for a moment, from a distance. Dude, I hope that household has a solid recall, I thought. Nope. Even if she DID, wouldn’t this be a really hard one?

Note: If you can’t call your dog off of other dogs, don’t shame yourself, just set a new goal and work towards it! Training your dog to a higher level of reliability can be fun! Forward motion!

As I make my way towards the situation to assess and/or dive in to help out, I see the man with his two dogs come to a stop. While the dogs initially begin a pleasant and appropriate exchange, the man pulls up on his leashes and begins pulling the dogs backwards, towards him. Yikes. Restraint! It is awkward. Instantly, his own human behavior creates a greater stress for his dogs -- where there was very little before. The dogs begin moving against the owners pull (a natural opposition reflex) and a circular motion by all dogs begins. Leashes begin tangling. I shout out, “Sir, you’ll want to keep walking” as I approach closer, I have to repeat myself in a normal voice: “Sir, you’ll need to go ahead and keep walking”. “I am” he replies (he has no idea that he is, in fact, standing in place). “Sir, I can help you, but I need for you to keep your body moving in a forward motion. KEEP WALKING." The man continues to keep his feet planted in the same spot. Posturing begins. Note: this man offers the behavior of your typical dog owner. There is nothing wrong with what he has done, but you must see by now that he is not doing anything to promote a safe situation for his dogs. Do you see him inadvertently making the situation worse without a strategy? He is set in his own ways. His strong  default behavior prevents him from hearing the canine professional telling him exactly what to do.

Many times in life, not just dog training, we need to identify our weakness and just move forward. We get to do that today. Together.

5 TIPS FOR HANDLING YOUR LEASHED DOG AND AN APPROACH BY AN OFF-LEASH DOG:

1.      Keep moving! A forward motion actually gives your dog something constructive to do and without you realizing it, it likely changes your dog’s body posture to one that is more socially accepted by the oncoming canine. Your eyes, hips and shoulders should be pointed in the direction that you are moving (thus, in the direction in which you want your dog to move)…this “body language” speaks loud and clear to your dog “come with me”.  Note: Your initial movement should be to move away from, not towards (so this may require a 90 or 180 degree turn before you find your forward motion). Once you find that forward motion, however, do not deviate, regardless of where the other dog positions himself. Walk with purpose!

2.      Do not stop your body. A pause in your motion only introduces a greater ambiguity to the situation. Tell your dog WHAT you want by merely moving forward with your body. Move away from the situation. Don’t stop.

3.      Ignore the other dog. Do your best to focus on your own movements (forward) and allow the off-leash dog owner to handle her own dog. We all know it’s REALLY hard to reach in and grab circular moving dogs tangled in leashes. AND it only creates a greater duration of frustration for all. Your forward motion will also serve to get all the dogs moving in a linear path making it easier for the other handler to gain control.

4.      Refrain from tugging or pulling your dog towards you. A tight leash should only occur because you are moving forward and your dog is looking behind. When you do otherwise, you are making (yes…MAKING) your dog offer a posture that he/she would not have naturally offered. You have now created a bigger problem.

5.      Remain calm. BECAUSE YOU HAVE A PLAN NOW! Remaining calm and confident will only serve to create the same demeanor in your dog(s). This means that you should not be shouting out verbal commands to your dogs or to the other dog. This means that you should not be shouting at all. In fact doing so will only serve to increase arousal in all of the dogs i.e. you maximize potential for a dog fight when you insert your voice. Why? Because it is a stressed voice. Silently, communicate to your dog by your own forward motion. Oh…and once this situation is over, please, please don’t stand around yelling at the other person. Get out of there, move FORWARD! Your dogs do not need any more stress or arousal.

BACK TO STORY TIME:

KB: In a slow, calm, low-toned voice I hear myself say “Sir, you MUST WALK FORWARD or drop your leashes. You are about to create a fight. I need you to hear me and MOVE FORWARD DOWN THAT SIDEWALK”.

Walk way and provide your dog
with the confidence in knowing
that you will lead!

He finally hears me. He begins moving his body forward. “Stop looking back” he hears me say. The leashes untangle, his leashed dogs are so grateful and pay no attention to the hoodlum who ran up on them (who was just curious). Yeah, so...all his dogs wanted to do in the first place was what? Have their space. Yes. They just wanted the opportunity to offer their own greeting and then continue on their walk, the same route they take every single day. His dogs craved forward motion. The dogs knew exactly what to do. Do you see? Owner behavior, in this instance, prevented the dogs from having what could have been just a neutral experience. Owner behavior created the tension where there was none before. Forward motion was the answer all along! The woman from the home is able to grab her dog because now everyone is moving smoothly in the same direction. The whole thing resolves itself. The answer, here, it is crystal clear: it is forward motion.

Rehearse it. Picture it. Visualize yourself offering this behavior to your dog before the incident occurs. Know your strategy and I promise you WILL minimize the potential for greater conflict.

If you find your eyes right HERE…I congratulate you for reading this and adding to your own dog training toolbox. Responsible Dog Ownership at its finest!

Paws up! ~ Kimberly

Kimberly Burgan, CPDT-KA and Author of “Poppy and Puppy Are Friends: A Child’s Introduction to Responsible Dog Ownership”

www.kbdogtraining.com | Dog Training in Austin, Texas

AVAILABLE NOW! “Poppy & Puppy Are Friends” written by Kimberly Burgan, CPDT-KA and illustrated by Christy Stallop at: http://bookstore.authorhouse.com/Products/SKU-000482210/Poppy-and-Puppy-Are-Friends.aspx. A children’s book about kids and dogs and responsible dog ownership.

Scout It Out, Old Boy!

As a professional dog trainer, I come to know many of my canine clients and their owners in the most intimate of ways. Together, we travel on a journey called understanding and growth. Scout's journey came to an end today. Hemangiosarcoma, the dreadful cancer - common to the Labrador - that took my Bailey Burgan just 375 days ago, claimed another canine life. I know all too well the steps that Scout's faithful owners took, today, to give him the most peaceful exit to this life and most beautiful entrance to his next life. And I remember all too well Scout's owners holding me through Bailey's most critical moments...talking me through the night. Holding me through what I didn't know would become the end.

Really, over time, each of these dogs takes hold of a special place within my heart. Then, when it is time to let go, each takes a piece of my heart with them. This dog, however, will take a piece of my soul. He is quite possibly the most inspiring dog I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Surely, one of the best "books" I've ever had the opportunity to read.

For the last two and a half years, I've  worked with Scout weekly. He's anything but graceful. Old, arthritic, blind and losing his hearing but with a brilliant Labrador zest for life and desire to live, learn and earn! He likely taught me more than I could have ever taught him. Scout role modeled perseverance and tenacity. He exuded bravery. He taught me to always, always, always get up after falling down and to do so with a smile. He always found something...anything to be happy about, even throughout rounds of chemotherapy. Correction. He always found something to be THRILLED about! This is a dog that never gave up on anything or the possibility of everything!

Scout taught me, too, to always carry a spare set of pants with me. As one of six dogs (but the only blind canine), he apparently decided that there was NO WAY that anyone was getting the liver treats from my pocket but him and him only. The only problem was that he, um, he took my whole pocket. In a split second "said pocket" was gone! Gone...off of my pants leaving a gaping hole of bare KB skin. He promised he didn't "see" anything! Yeah, KBDT Outdoor Adventures was, in fact, rather adventurous that day! Note to self: add spare set of clothing to training bag in the future!

Who needs eyesight when you are a dog with such vision?

My dear Scout, for 14 years, you faithfully brought peace, joy, comfort and inspiration to others, it is now time to go find your own. Go "see" again. Go "hear" again. Go "run" again, without pain, without tripping, without bumping, without falling. May the scent of lavender provide you with an endless olfactory memory of retrieval games with your mommy and daddy that loved you and gave you everything, always...and then some. Go chase lizards with my Bailey. Swim with her, for miles, and return to dry land to shake it off and then find Mr. Mannix, again. Take in his scent, for all of us, and just "be" all that is you! Scout it out for us, old boy, and we'll see you again someday!

In loving memory of Scout.
He knew joy. He knew life. He KNEW life ♥
September 6, 1998 - June 28, 2012

It has been said, that it is a fearful thing to love what death can touch. I get that. But, with a deep breath...and without fear, I'll say that after seven years of watching this amazing creature, learning from him, and at times drawing strength from him, I would not have had it any other way. We love big and we lose big...but we love!

My deepest condolences to Scout's family, both human and canine. I remember with you. I sit with you. With love and so much gratitude, Kimberly

Like A Whisper

“Our life dreams the Utopia. Our death achieves the ideal.” – Victor Hugo

As the second anniversary of his death approaches, there’s an anxiety stirring up within many of us who miss Lee Mannix beyond words. We all know it is there, May 2, a date right around the corner that will bring to surface a gut-wrenching pain and for some, an anguish. We reach out to one another in a calm, evasive way to “check in”. Vague in our responses, but encouraging, we remind one another that he is looking down and smiling – on each of us – that carry on his work or simply carry on his dream.

Photo by Lara Gale

In death, I have to believe he is living the ideal…because I know he dreamed the "Utopia" during his time with us, here on earth.

Lee Mannix dreamed BIG and he shared his dream with so many of us. Some of us chose to accept such a dream and build with him, others frowned on his efforts as he did theirs. He was a cocky young pup with a “my way or the highway” approach…but through HIS dream, he shared a beautiful gift, with so many…                                

“Ideologies separate us. Dreams and anguish bring us together.” – Eugene Ionesco

He gifted the pet dog owner a down-to-earth way to better understand these beloved animals we call “companions” thereby creating a two-sided communication leading to greater relationships.

He gifted shelters and sanctuaries ingenious ways to improve quality of life for dogs during their stay, regardless of their fate.

He gifted countless rescue organizations his time and energy to aid them in saving one dog at a time and shared, too, the gift of letting go.

He gifted the pet therapy world a vision of animal assisted therapy available to dogs in need of jobs resulting in greater rehabilitation for all involved.

He gifted young, rookie dog trainers a chance to grow and fulfill their own dreams in the dog industry…helping dogs and helping people help dogs.

He gifted the canine. Oh God, he gifted the canine. An eternal gift, of sorts. In his death, above the clouds we know he continues his work with the companions we've lost...and here on earth, in the work of many of us (because he gave so much), he will continue to gift the canine. Eternally.

“You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving.”  – Author Unknown

And finally, the gift that changed my world…
On a silver platter, he handed me every bit of his knowledge, skill and talent; every bit of his passion. He never held back (except maybe when he was yelling at me…pushing me, the only way he knew how, to be better). He shared with wisdom, experience, and skill through smiles, laughter, blood and tears. Lots of smiles and so many tears…vividly, they fill my mind now. My goodness, I miss him. He watched me grow from a rookie crying in the middle of my first group class, to the professional who now holds the hand of rookies crying in the middle of their first group class! Lee Mannix entered my world as my mentor. Lee Mannix left this world as one of my very closest friends. He knew me inside and out, without words…he knew my heart, he knew my dream, he knew my passion…and my most prized notion – brought to me by Bart Emken – he knew my potential.  


In his dream, he was imperfect…in his training (though effective and naturally damn good), he was imperfect…as a man, he was imperfect…but in his gifts, he was beautifully perfect.

Last year, I spent this time (the first anniversary of Lee's death) in Utah, in Zion, alone and searching for some sort of peace. Zion is where I learned that a soul can scream louder than loud in anguish. The echo, I remember, exemplified the hurt of many others I knew were right there with me, in spirit, holding my hand as I faced my own grief…as I faced my own loss and each of theirs as well. This year, that scream remains within my own body. The screaming, you see, it is still there…the loss…the anguish…the grief. It is all still there. I wonder, with tears, when will it fade? When will it get softer? I need this hit to be softer. And as I hear myself scream – inside my own body – under my breath, I realize that I hear no echo this time. I’m not screaming out loud anymore. It must be softer, like a whisper.

Rest in peace, Mannix. ~ Kimberly

Bite to the face...who bit who?

This one...it is a real bummer situation for all involved. Our prayers are with all who are suffering the consequences. Nobody did anything "wrong"...but nobody really did anything "right" either. Net/net, it is a great learning opportunity for many.

SEE NEWS STORY/VIDEO CLIP: "Rescue dog bites news anchor in face"

Let us all understand a few things:

*There are consequences for getting nose-to-nose with a dog. This is NOT even acceptable human-human behavior.

**There are even greater consequences for getting nose-to-nose with a dog you do not know.

***There are even greater consequences for getting nose-to-nose with an unfamiliar dog, under stress (uh, maybe a new environment, being restrained by the collar, surrounded by camera men, etc...you get the picture!).

****There are even greater consequences for getting nose-to-nose with an unfamiliar dog, under stress, who has undergone either a series of multiple low-level stressors or a single enormous stressor in the last 72 hours.

Do you see now, the build up? Do you see how how something like this happens? Humans explain it using phrases like "out of the blue, the dog bit her face"; we often hear this from parents of bitten children (and so often to the face). Really, it is not something that occurs "out of the blue". As soon as we get that, people and dogs will be safer together...and dogs will not be blamed for "the bite". Education will help us attain such a goal!

For those that are here to learn, this is what we call "pushing a dog beyond bite threshold". Unfortunately, it is the dog, possibly his owner, and certainly the canine community that suffers the greatest consequence here.

This news anchor ended up with a different storyline for the day and likely learned a LOT from it, as did thousands of viewers. Common sense keeps us safe...even a little bit of knowledge goes a long way. This one is a bummer. Let us all learn from it.

Kimberly Burgan, CPDT-KA
KBDT | Austin, TX

http://www.kbdogtraining.com/

Awakening the Body and the Mind

I arrived at class today, not knowing what to expect. The standard meet-and-greet rituals took place before everyone relaxed and sat down. The instructor, along with many of the other participants, were all communicating fluidly using words and gestures that I didn’t understand at all! I felt a little left out…unsure of what to do, but there I sat, because that is what I was told to do.

What happened next....

Number 1 or Number 2?

HOUSEBREAKING  => HOUSETRAINING with KBDT

Either way, it totally bites, right!?! This little behavior problem can often become the biggest obstacle to creating that much sought-after dog/human bond that everyone else is talking about.

Whether you are dealing with a puppy or adult dog, the tips and concepts below can help. If you fail to make progress, don't hesitate to contact a qualified, rewards-based training professional. The programs offered are sure to set you and your dog up for success...and your learnings will also benefit every other dog that passes through the door of your home and the window of your heart!

THE KEYS TO SUCCESS

• The key to successful housetraining is called "environmental management." This takes both aforethought and an ongoing effort. Know what your dog is doing at all times...listen (both with your ears and your eyes) to what he is telling you about his needs! Don’t give him the run of the house if he cannot handle it!
• The name of the game is “Developing Good Habits”…not “Developing Bad Habits”…so create a bubble of “You Can Do No Wrong” for your dog for a good 3 weeks and ultimately set the stage for a strong potty foundation!
• Understanding your dog’s limits. Both puppies and smaller dog breeds just cannot hold it as long! Be sure you take this into account as you plan your daily routine. And beware of comparing your dog’s failures to other dogs of the same breed or size. Like humans, we are all different and some of us have special needs.
• Know that dogs or puppies who struggle with housetraining regularly may also struggle with an enormous amount of anxiety that comes with eliminating period. The only way to avoid or end the vicious cycle that comes along with this challenge is to take all of your emotion out of the mix. If Fido knows that fire comes out your ears when he potties IN the house…how on earth could you expect him to be relaxed enough to potty outside of the house with you standing right there? If you have found yourself here, repair may take some time…I suggest a walk out and about to potty for a good 3 weeks with rewards when he offers up the peeps or the poops!
• Work with your veterinarian to identify a medical issue if you see a sudden onset of new housetraining failures and/or your dog tinkles in her sleep or trickles during play. Incontinence can even happen in the young dog after altering. Behavior modification should always come secondary to addressing a medical problem.

THE TRAINING

• Choose a small spot in your yard in which you retreat to for every potty break. This should not be Fido’s playing or eating area. Allow him to sniff around without any interruption from you (eye contact, verbal or otherwise). Once you see potty, continue to watch out of the corner of your eye, and then treat your pup immediately upon completion. Immediately…that treat comes out of your pocket or the ball flies out of your hand!
• Going back into the house and setting your dog free will not do anyone any good if Fido didn’t already potty outside. If you are insistent about going back in, even if the deed is yet to be done, place your dog in a small confined area for 10-20 minutes and then lead him back outside to repeat your attempt.
• Watch out for pitfalls! No pun intended on the “watch” part! This is one of the greatest mistakes in housetraining. You’ve got to WATCH, my friends! You’ll want to know that your dog has pottied so you can give him a greater roam of the house for a short period of time so that he can find success! If you don’t see it, then you can’t reward your dog for doing the right thing outdoors. If you don’t reward it, then you won’t see any increase in the behavior you are looking for! 
• Provide potty opportunities approx. 20 minutes after play, eating, drinking or immediately upon awakening.
• Avoid opting for a dog door. While it works well for some dogs, it can bring a flood of many other behaviors that most owners do not like. Instead, pick your program, stick to it and watch your dog flourish with rules, routines and boundaries! 
• Notice when Fido approaches the door…instantly open the door and reward him upon elimination. Tip…don’t wait until he has pottied and has already made it back inside the home for the reward…be there to reward him instantly, with the last drop or the last plop!

PLAN FOR ACCIDENTS

• Know that your dog WILL have an accident (some more than others depending on where Fido is in his housetraining process).  It is standard and normal for behaviors to fall apart for puppies when other significant developmental stages are at hand (three, six, nine and twelve months).

• Plan for the accident. Refrain from yelling at him, looking at him, touching him or having a discussion with him (Yes! It happens!). Calmly remove Fido from the area of the incident before cleaning up. Discuss this concept (not cleaning up in front of him or evening acknowledging the accident) with all other family members so Fido is not unintentionally reinforced for undesirable behavior.
• After you’ve cleaned up, plan to feed Fido his meal in that particular spot in the home. Dogs usually refrain from eliminating where they rest, play or eat.
• After an accident, take that soiled paper towel from inside and scent the outdoor area where you would like for Fido to relieve himself…just rub it around. This might just be the message he needs. 
• Ah-ha! Feed that dog all over your home. Play with that dog in all corners of the home…this will give your pup a reason NOT to potty in the corner behind the chair in the living room where nobody ever sits!
• Journal the accidents to create a better understanding of your dog’s habits…now this is listening! From here, I suggest you change up your own routine based on your findings. Success is just waiting for you! 

Be sure, my friends, that you take the time to work on relationship repair when dealing with the frustrations of house soiling challenges. It's a doozy. Go play...go train. Commit to learning a new trick or command, but above all...go have some fun :)

Want more? Visit KBDT's Suggested Reading Page and check out "Way to Go"…it is absolutely one of my favorites for those experiencing housetraining struggles. Paws up for National Train Your Dog Month...in the house or out!

Kimberly Burgan

Kimberly Burgan Dog Training | Austin, TX

www.kbdogtraining.com