Maui Dog Training

3 Great Tips For Leash Training

Dog Leash Training That Will Make Your Life so Much Easier!

*guest post by Austrian Pro Dog Trainer Brigid Weinzinger

Dogs pull on leashes.
Full stop.
Like it was a law of nature.

Do you feel like this sometimes?

Like there is nothing you can do about it? Not much at least. Because you have tried it all and still you got that dog of yours pulling on the leash.

Well, your are not alone! We have all been there!

As a matter of fact there are solid reasons why your dog pulls on the leash.
(I’ll go there in a minute!)

However, there is no reason to stay there.
You, too, can have your dog walking nicely on leash with you.
Without years of harsh training or putting stuff on your dog that will just hurt and harm them.

And I will tell you how.

Before that we’ll just take a quick glance at why the dog pulls in the first place.

There are three simple reasons

Reason: That interesting thing over there!
Dogs follow their impulses, go for whatever is interesting, smells interesting. And bet you: most of the time that interesting thing is well beyond the range of the leash. Plus dogs move faster than humans do (at least as a general rule). So what do you end up with? A dog that pulls on the leash trying to get to the interesting thing. It takes impulse control and thus training to not pull.

Reason: You pull on the leash!
Have you ever watched your first reaction when the dog starts pulling? Yes, your reflex is to pull or jerk back. It is simple physics: force and countervailing force. In plain language: the dog pulls, you pull. The terrible thing, though: The same thing will happen to your dog. You pull, so they pull. Countervailing force! It will just go on till you end up in a tug of war on the leash or you decide to break the vicious circle. How do you expect your dog to keep the leash loose when you don’t?

Reason: It works!
Dogs will do what works and stop doing what doesn’t. It’s what learning theory calls the “Law of Effect“. If the effect of leash pulling is success – as in, “I get to go where I want to go and faster than any other way“ – the dog will continue the successful strategy. Honestly, anything else would be madness, wouldn’t it? Now, who set the dog up for success with pulling?

Yes. You. Because you walk along and let yourself get pulled. Sure way of actively teaching your dog to pull! So don’t complain if they do…

By now you probably have a notion of where we’ll be going….

Eliminate the reasons
Establish impulse control
Effectively train for success on a loose leash

Let me give you the best three tips I can come up with for that later.

We are talking best three tried and tested on hundreds of dogs!
They always work. Always! I mean ALWAYS!

Provided the human part in the equation stays cool and consistent :).

So, here we go!

Get the Right Leash Training Equipment for Your Dog!

Does it really matter what type of leash or collar or harness you use?

Oh Yes!

Let me tell you a short story: Many years ago with my first dog, a then very young and (always) lovely lab called Maluna I spent some days with a great dog trainer and was asked to join them for a group training. It involved walking in a group of dogs on leash trough a stretch of forest at 6am. God! That was going to soooo embarrassing: me half sleep walking at 6am with a dog who never ever was on leash in the forest (only in the city) and not used to being in a group of dogs!

You know what saved me? The night before I had bought a harness instead of a collar and a 3 metres leash instead of the short 1.5 metres leash. It worked magic!
The harness was so much more comfortable for her, no pressure on her sensitive throat which she tried to escape from! The 3 metres gave her enough space to walk normally, take a sniff here and catch up again. Pure magic!

Since then I have changed hundreds of dogs onto nicely fitted harnesses and long leashes – and it always does the trick! So go and get some of the magic for your doggy, too!

(and don’t they look pretty? Yes, that’s the famous Malune in the pic!)

Make Leash Pulling a Failure!

Remember? Your dog pulls because it works. Well, make sure it doesn’t!

That requires you to do one thing that sounds simple but does take some practice: The very second you feel the leash isn’t slack or loose, you stop. Immediately! Keep your elbow to your side, let your feet stop and grow roots. Your dog must not have any success with pulling. Not one centimeter of ground to be gained through pulling. The only way to ensure that pulling does not work any more!

Be prepared that your dog might try really hard and even jump into the leash. After all it’s a case of, darn it, this always used to work!!! I’ll try just a bit harder“.

Just stand still, don’t move. Don’t pull back. Keep breathing. Stay calm.
And wait. Wait for this one moment when your dog notices that pulling won’t work and when they are maybe giving you that doubtful glance (hey there, what is going on?“), call them and reward when they come. What happens? Your dog will have stopped the pulling and procured the slack in the leash – which you reward. BINGO!

Reward the Loose Leash. Reward and Reward!

Let’s be honest: As long as the dog behaves nicely we normally don’t do anything. Only when their behavior takes a turn to the unwanted do we start to react and want to change things. The nice walking on leash goes unnoticed, the pulling gets immediate attention. It is human nature, so don’t blame yourself!

But please train yourself to do otherwise – to reward all the good things your dog is offering. You remember that dogs will do what is successful? So make sure the right behaviours are successful! The secret in successful leash training lies in the timely rewards.

Reward as long as the leash is loose! Use great treats! Reward frequently! If need be reward every two steps on a loose leash in the beginning. Then start asking for more steps and more and turn your frequent rewards into occasional ones. Make leash walking a fun game and you will get a dog who won’t leave your side any more…

Brigid Weinzinger lives and works with animals and their humans. She has made her passion her profession and offers soulful animal training and coaching to all who want to experience the same magic she finds in animals: Deep bonding, an understanding beyond words and the joy of learning and discovering things together (including good manners with each other). She lives in Austria and posts on http://www.denktier.com. Sign up for her blog and a free brochure “Share the Joy, Double the Fun with your Dog“ or follow her and her animal adventures and advice on http://www.facebook.com/brigiddenktier.

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Are Tennis Balls A Good Thing For Your Dog?

You just got home from a stressful day at work. Nice. Home. Even better… you are greeted at the door with a huge wag and your dog, tennis ball dog toy in mouth! Seriously you can’t help but smile. Play time.

After all we all need to live a little more in the play mode like our dogs do so often. It is what makes our dogs so dear to us. Unconditional love and the insatiable idea of play.

But Wait, Are Tennis Balls A Good Thing For Your Dog?

Most dogs have a favorite toy and high on the list seems to be the age old tennis ball. Yet there is the concern that tennis balls aren’t safe for your dog. While nothing is absolutely fail safe, let’s take a look at the tennis ball and is it safe for your dog.

Tennis Balls and Dog Teeth

One of the big reasons tennis balls are touted as bad for your dog is tooth wear and tear. After doing a little research it turns out it might not be the ball but the dirt.

Tennis players tend to get new balls frequently due to the fact that after a short amount of play the ball’s diameter is smaller. Tennis players will tell you that the racquet strings will quickly abrade the softer surface of a tennis ball which is covered with a substance made of wool and nylon or a felt type surface.

Dirty Balls

Tennis players who play on clay courts will tell you that the strings on their racquet will get worn down quickly by the tennis ball due to the fact that clay, ultimately dirt and/or sand picked up on the surface of the ball is very abrasive.

Go ahead, get an affordable toy your dog loves. Like the bestest thing ever… My Lab finds them at Baldwin Beach on Maui all the time. Score. Big score. Favorite toy of all time!

Other considerations are if your dog chews a tennis ball to pieces and ingests them big danger could make for a really bad play session in the end. As well there is latex in the “ingredients” of a tennis ball and like people, some dogs could have an allergic reaction.

So, ultimately it’s up to you to decide if you feel it’s safe enough to continue your dog’s obsession with the tennis ball or deprive your dog of the wild wagging that starts with a mere glimpse of that tennis ball.

Personally, my dog’s a Lab, she LOVES and I mean absolutely loves the tennis ball. Luckily she doesn’t chew them up, she’d carry one to he end of the earth though.

And your dog, is the tennis ball way up on the toy priority list?

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The Ugly Truth About Fireworks and Dogs

Does your dog really dig fireworks?

That’s what I thought. Hell no. Nope. No way.

Even dogs who seemingly don’t have a reaction, I’d be willing to bet would really prefer fireworks weren’t a part of this particular celebration.

What Do Dogs Really Hear When it Comes to Fireworks

5 Things to Consider for Your Dog 4th of July Safety

Exercise your dog big time the morning of the 4th of July. Whether you are cooking in, or going out, a huge exercise session for your dog does great things to take the edge off. *Come to think of it, probably true for you too!

Keep your dog in a secure place whether you are home or not.

For many dogs this may mean a crate or kennel, or “a room of their own” if you plan to be away.

Never leave your dog unattended in the yard or outdoor run. Even the most balanced dog can have a reaction. A scared dog can get out of amazing high or secure fences or small openings you aren’t aware of.

Taking your dog to a fireworks event is not a good idea. You might think it’s fun but read the deal above about their hearing and vibrations. They may tolerate it, or they could freak out, in either case, not a good idea.

Have identification tags on your dog. 4th of July is notorious for dogs getting out and lost. ID tags make it easy for anyone to find who to call and how you can quickly be reunited with your dog.

So, tell me… what does your dog do on the 4th of July?

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Why Your Maui Dog Should Not Drink From Mud Puddles

It’s Maui. It’s hot. Keep your dog hydrated. All things we already know.

It also rains. It’s tropical. There are mud puddles.

It’s Called Leptospirosis

There are only 100-200 cases of leptospirosis reported in the United States every year. But here’s the deal, 50% of those cases come from Hawaii!

Because of the tropical climate the disease is much more prevalent, giving good reason why Maui dog people should know how to recognize the symptoms and when to get medical attention.

What is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted by contact with water or soil that has be contaminated through infected animal urine. More cases occur with heavy rainfall and tropical environments. It is often found in areas with waterfalls and freshwater ponds where bacteria can live for long periods of time.

What are signs of Leptospirosis in Maui Dogs?

The symptoms of leptospirosis are similar to many other viral and bacterial infections. Mis-diagnosis can easily occur.

Be aware of the signs and pay attention to water sources your dog may have drank out of.

Weakness and loss of appetite
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Sweating paw pads or chills
Loss of appetite
Red eyes, squinting from eye pain

If the disease is left untreated, more serious symptoms can develop, including:

Kidney damage
Liver failure
Meningitis
Heart failure

How to Prevent Leptospirosis in Maui Dogs

The most effective way to prevent leptospirosis is to restrict a dog’s access to muddy marshy areas, ponds, irrigated pastures, raw sewage and standing pools of stagnant water.

It’s often hot in Maui and we are conditioned to make sure our dogs get water. When they head for a mud puddle after one the heavy rains, it seems almost wrong to not let your dog drink.

But really, its a bad idea.

There is a vaccine for leptospirosis in dogs. Talk to your vet about those and know you should do your own discovery about how often it is necessary.

If you are on an outing, make sure to carry your own water for your dog.

And yes, I DO give my dogs bottled water!

P.S. How about you? What is your dog’s main water source?

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Things You Can’t Do When You’re Not A Dog

This video will make you laugh without a doubt. It indeed points out dog behavior we tend to tolerate on a daily basis.

It is amazing how ridiculous it seems when a human is doing it, yet we can ignore it when the dog behaves this way.

Being in the dog training world for quite some time there are things in this video I find acceptable, even quite tolerable and some that really can be trained for… in the case that you really are a dog.

If you are a person, well, it’s out of my realm to get you some help… you’ll need to find that on your own!

Barking at the Front Door

This is one I can actually classify as tolerable. It is true that your home is much less likely to be broken into because you own a dog. Barking at the door can be a great alarm system. If the barking goes on and on, that’s another story but a short outburst as a live alarm system is a good thing.

Jumping on Guests

This one should be on your list for training. Really not cool for anyone to deal with no matter what size the dog. With a few tips and dog training basics your dog can learn to sit when greeting a guest at your door.

Licking Yourself

I’ve heard on a number of occasion that most men wish they could do this trick! My personal opinion on this one… personal preference. You can train your dog to stop licking on command, but don’t expect that this behavior won’t happen when your dog gets the chance. One of the joys of being a dog is you can do this one in public and get away with it.

Begging at the Table

No. Not good. Train your dog not to beg. As a lab owner this one is really important at my house. Some dogs love food more than others. Feeding from the table is a really bad idea and will encourage this habit. Guests hate this. Not cool. Send your dog to hang out on a bed or some designated spot while you eat.

Humping

Ya gotta admit, this one was funny, but if it’s your leg getting humped, not so funny all. Dogs are dogs to a certain degree, but tolerating this behavior shouldn’t be part of your relationship with your dog. *Hint: dogs aren’t good at multi-tasking. Interrupt the hump with something as simple as “sit” to stop this embarrassing behavior!

Peeing on a Newspaper

Potty training is in the top few reasons why people call Maui Dog Remedies for professional help. Many times it is simply due to your puppy or dog being confused about where to go. Starting your dog out on newspapers or potty pads is a big no in this trainer’s opinion. Dogs learn and think in pictures. Newspapers in the house to a dog that was shown this technique early on is hard habit to break. Teach your dog to go outside.

Rear End Sniffing

Another one for personal preference. A dog can get away with this one and yea, it’s sort of a dog thing. You decide what is OK and what isn’t here. As long as your dog isn’t accosting people with an over zealous nose nudge… you know where I’m talking about, a little sniffing isn’t going to hurt anyone.

Sleeping on the Bed

Yet another you decide. The age old myth that says your dog will become dominant due to sleeping on the bed is just that really… a myth. We have our dogs these days for many personal reasons and sometimes the cuddle factor is high on the list. That being said, if you have a dog with behavioral issues, this could be a problem. You know if this is the case and if so seeking professional training is highly recommended.

Taking a Dump On The Sidewalk

Another one for your discrepancy. The only rule that MUST be followed on this one…. have a bag and pick it up. Personally, I like to train my dogs where to go. At home there is an area in the side yard. When we are out and about I like to show them where I want them to go. Even better, let your dog do the duty before going out and about to cut down on the unexpected places the urge might happen. Potty training is a biggie for harmony in the household. Go about this one right and everyone is much happier…. including your dog.

Running Out An Open Door

This one goes on the not cool category. Not only is it a big safety hazard for your dog, but it is one of those things that can really hamper how your daily routine goes at your home. I know people who have to barely crack the door and slither out themselves so the dog doesn’t push through and take off. A good solid recall (come when called) and boundary training is highly recommended here.

Jt Clough lives in Maui, Hawaii and practices health, happiness, natural remedies and training for dogs and their people. Her work at Maui Dog Remedies is for people looking to live healthier and happier lives through their dogs and her passion for it has helped so many to find and do that thing they’ve been talking about or wishing to happen for so long. She is often described as a dog whisperer for our best friends. Her latest publications are Pumpkin Dog Food + Treats Recipes and 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs.

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A Simple Way To Stop Your Dog From Peeing In The House That Works

Do you feel like you’ve tried everything to get your adult dog to quit peeing in the house? *true for puppies too!

I know you are busy. And it seems like your dog should have clearly gotten the message by now, but there’s habit and there’s enzymes….

That’s why this re-training the peeing in the house issue seems to get away from you.

Even though it’s driving your nuts.

Even though its embarrassing to have other people come to your house.

Even though you’re sick and tired of listening to the a family member go off about it.

Even though it causes you to be mad at the dog you love so much.

Here’s the thing… DON’T MAKE IT TOO HARD.

and… know there is a mistake that 99% of people make I’m going to tell you about even though you do make a solid attempt at the steps you’ve been told over and over to re-training your dog not to pee in the house.

YOU CAN get your dog to stop peeing in the house and it’s really not that hard.

There is indeed a secret to it.

The trouble is most people don’t follow a formula that works because they think it’s gonna be hard and they have this idea in their head that its not nice to their dog. Or that it’s not going to work before you start. Or you’ve tried everything already and it hasn’t worked.

I’m here to tell you that I’ve been training dogs professionally for over 14 years and these simple steps to retraining your dog not to pee in the house work and you can do them easily. And your dog won’t be mad at you!

I’m also here to tell you that you MUST pay attention to the one thing most people don’t do and it has to do with clean up. But we’ll talk about that in a minute.

Here’s What To Do To Stop Your Dog From Peeing in the House

Take your dog out to your chosen pee spot OFTEN on a leash.

Dogs think and learn in pictures. Show your dog where to go repetitively. Take your dog out:

First thing in the morning
Last thing before you go to bed
Every time you come home
Every time you leave

During potty re-training – do not leave your dog out and about in the house unattended.

Ok, so this is the one people freak on. Yes, crate your dog or put them in an x-pen when you are gone or not paying attention to them. *Note: this is for a short period of time if you just follow this formula.

It’s just like a baby crib and let’s face it, you wouldn’t leave a baby or small child to roam around without getting into something they shouldn’t if you weren’t watching would you?

Your dog will get it after repetition of doing it right, but the set up for success in the beginning is important, and then you will be able to let them roam around on their own without peeing in the house.

Make a big flippin deal with treats, petting praise or both when your dog goes in the right place.

No further explanation needed here. We all look for recognition. Your dog totally digs it. Encourage the behavior when they do the right thing.

The mistake 99% of people make in all of the effort of these 3 simple but effective potty training tips to ruin it all.

Cleaning up the mistakes incorrectly.

Seriously. You can do the above steps to a tee and still have your dog peeing in the house if you don’t clean up past mistake correctly.

It is a big secret and it is also frustrating because I swear dog trainers create job security by not including this most important factor in re-training your dog not to pee in the house.

Just so you know, I’m not a product person. Really. I think most of the things that we get out of life with ourselves and with our dogs, comes down to what we DO, not something we buy.

However, several years ago when I was training search dogs for scent, I learned this secret and it made me look like an absolute rock star whenever someone called me to help them with potty training of any kind.

Dog pee leaves an enzyme that then names that spot as “the dog bathroom”

Ever deal with your dog stopping at every bush, tree or post to sniff? And often times your dog pees there too, even if it’s only a couple of drops?

It’s the urine enzyme. And it calls LOUDLY to dogs. PEE HERE!

Until you remove that enzyme from your house, good luck with stopping your dog from peeing there again.

So, here’s what you should do to remove that enzyme and get your dog to stop peeing in the house.

Stop adding cleaners or liquid that cover up the smell and get Urine Out which in fact removes the enzyme, the stain, and the silent announcement to your dog that says, “The dog bathroom is here!”

Get URINE OUT

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Dog Health Hacking with Coconut Oil and 2 Other Natural Remedies

Coconut Oil for Dogs and Other Natural Remedy Health Hacks

Are you tired of expensive toxic medications for your dog?

Does your dogs’ itching, scratching and licking bug you? Not to mention the discomfort you can see going on with one of your very best friends in the world, does it sometimes frustrate you because the vet is expensive and the problem keeps coming back?

And can we just talk about the parasite thing? We know it goes on. It’s common in the tropics of Maui, but no matter where you live with your dog, it’s an issue.

Ever see your dog eat something they really shouldn’t… like dog poop, cat poop, some gross gnarly dead fish parts off the beach? OMG right?

How about those hot spots your dog keeps getting? Its frustrating and once it starts its perfect growing environment in the tropics to make it more difficult than cooler, drier climates to heal up.

Have You Signed Up For the Expensive Toxic Ways To Handle These Dog Health Issues?

First, I’m not suggesting you shouldn’t have your dog on some sort of flea treatment. In fact for those who live in Maui, your dog should be on Trifexis. Yeah, bold statement I know, considering the fact that I’m not a vet and no, this is not a natural remedy. But…

I work with lots of dogs. And I hear the problems people have with their dogs from behavior to health. The one thing your dog WILL get if you live in Hawaii and do not give a prescription medication to prevent is heart worm. So go with Trifexis on that front.

Apart from that, there are other issues like fleas. Which are major pain in the butt because if your dog lives in the house and gets fleas, you have em too. Big bummer.

Fleas cause things like tape worm and a host of other parasites, not only that, the bites itch like crazy.

And ticks. Gross. Ticks just make one feel like there is something crawling all over their body when you deal with one. They also can cause all kinds of irreversible disease.

So, traditionally dog owners have been conditioned to go to the vet to get expensive medications to treat these things, which is not only costly but can be quite toxic.

3 Natural Remedies for Dogs for Fleas, Ticks, Parasites, Licking and Scratching

Coconut Oil For Dogs

Coconut oil is also anti inflammatory. Huge in dogs as they begin to age are in eating mostly processed foods.

Hot spots on your dog? Coconut oil is a remedy due to the Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) which are beneficial in healing skin issues.

Pumpkin Seeds For Dogs

Make sure to serve them raw. Cooking or baking raw pumpkin seeds destroys the incredible nutritional value. Crushing them slightly up in a nutri-bullet or blender can aid in the absorption process.

For those who feed whole food, calcium is the nutrient that is difficult to get into a dog’s diet. Good news, raw pumpkin seeds are high in calcium. Iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc are all essential minerals for the immune system and are contained in pumpkin seeds.

Diatomaceous Earth For Dogs

Food grade Diatomaceous Earth can be used both internally and externally on dogs.

Used internally Diatomaceous Earth it should be fed for a least 30 days just a teaspoon at a time added to your dog’s normal food works. It can eliminate hookworms, pinworms, whipworms and roundworms, as well as a host of other parasites.

How does it work?

Microscopically sharp edges of the food grade substance contact the insect or parasite and pierce the coating, which causes dehydration and death. Larvae is affected in the same way which is why it is a great natural product to use for flea infestations.

Want More Things Like Dog Health Hacking with Coconut Oil?
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Does your dog have a reoccurring health issue? Please share it below and I’ll be sure to get some good information to you about it.

Live on Maui and need a safe place for your dog to stay or even a bit of training when you’re away from home?

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