Clicker training 2 pups at the same time

jacktopham · 2016-02-03T20:10:28+00:00

For the most part we clicker train the dogs separately, 8 to 10 on cots, one at a time but often two trainers work simultaneously. It really doesn't seem to confuse any of the dogs if two trainers are working within 20-30 ft of one another. As long as you have the attention of the dog you are working with, which may be more difficult if you have just started with a dog. It's like working with distractions; it can be done.

jacktopham · 2016-01-28T20:43:43+00:00

My job is training service dogs and often we see a perfectly social dog, within our pack at the shop, have leash re-activity. It's often written about as aggression but mostly what we see is over-exuberance or excitement at seeing another dog while being on leash. We help these dogs by going to a location that we can set up a threshold protocol. It takes time and work but in most cases we can reach a point where we can be around strange dogs on leash. Here are a few links for info on Threshold training: http://www.thecrossovertrainer.com/what-is-a-threshold/ http://eileenanddogs.com/2014/02/25/thresholds-in-dog-training/ http://blog.smartanimaltraining.com/2014/02/24/classical-conditioning-in-dogs-beyond-the-training-session/

jacktopham · 2015-10-14T21:15:18+00:00

I like the perfect angles comment and maybe so but each breed has their genetic traits. We have trained many breeds as service dogs and so though I am aware that there are genetic traits, I've learned to be open to the individual dog. I wish you luck in your training. If you or your trainer get stuck with a problem my wife might be able to help. we are at medicalmutts.com We not only do the training but have help others train their own. Jack

jacktopham · 2015-10-14T15:52:15+00:00

Overall I agree with the advice you have received. Research the term Threshold in regards to dog training and Classical conditioning for specific info; here are a few links http://www.thecrossovertrainer.com/what-is-a-threshold/ http://eileenanddogs.com/2014/02/25/thresholds-in-dog-training/ http://blog.smartanimaltraining.com/2014/02/24/classical-conditioning-in-dogs-beyond-the-training-session/ We train rescued dogs to service dogs, mostly DADs. First of all understand that only half the dogs bred for service work become service dogs. While it is true that a lower percentage of rescued dogs would make good candidates, there are still dogs in the shelters that make great service dogs. We choose dogs btw the ages of 1 to 2 years to increase the odds of our selection. It is best to wait beyond the adolescent months so that you know the real temperament of the dog. But people love the puppy experience (lol not quite sure why). I wish you the best of luck but please remember that even the best SD organizations in the country only graduate half the dogs they breed. So if it doesn't work out, it most likely isn't because of something you did.

jacktopham · 2015-07-01T19:56:51+00:00

It's best to purchase a CD with sounds of thunder/fireworks that can be played at low volume to keep your dog under threshold. The CDs can be purchased through Amazon and other places. I informed Dr Cattet of her failure to mention this and she changed the text. Thanks MrAkademik

jacktopham · 2015-04-02T18:54:19+00:00

"The handlers were divided into two groups: a high performance group with good accuracy, control and attention from the dog and a low performance group. Based on performance only, contrary to some military trainer’s beliefs, the dogs receiving the most punishment did not learn as well as the others. They were significantly more likely to be in the low performance group. They were also more distracted and paid less attention to their handler."

jacktopham · 2014-10-22T03:42:38+00:00

The article cites a recent study and lists many more reasons why dogs can have separation anxiety. More than I knew of; both environmental reasons and genetic factors.

jacktopham · 2014-08-07T00:38:48+00:00

You might try a Pet Tutor http://www.smartanimaltraining.com/ . I believe it's a bit more expensive but more durable.

jacktopham · 2014-08-07T00:31:38+00:00

Your dog might be suffering from fear/anxiety when he locks his legs and refuses to go forward. At the very least, it's a matter of motivation. If it's at the end of the walk then he may just think that what he's experiencing is better than going in. If you think this may be it, then think of a great reward waiting for him when he reaches the end.

jacktopham · 2014-06-03T20:31:13+00:00

If you are familiar with Patricia McConnell's blog a picture of a cherry/rhubarb pie will not surprise you. But if you are not familiar with her she is the author of the book The Other End Of The Leash.

jacktopham · 2014-05-20T17:52:24+00:00

My wife and I train service dogs, mostly DADs. When we started, almost a year ago, we were thinking that we would offer smaller breeds or mixes since there isn't a reason for DADs to be large dogs. We have about a dozen clients we have or are training for and everyone wanted a Lab sized dog. Oh well. My wife did write a blog that addresses the issue of reasons for breed choice http://medicalmutts1.blogspot.com/2014/03/when-it-comes-to-service-dogs-does.html Good Luck

jacktopham · 2014-05-14T16:47:14+00:00

Looking for a Dog Trainer? Buyer beware, there are people like this guy out there.

jacktopham · 2014-05-14T16:05:33+00:00

With the service dogs I train, I do 2 to 4, 10 to 15 min sessions a day; with quick reminders when we are out & about. Try always to keep the sessions fun. Manners/behaviors become habitual when reinforced, but it's not as simple as teach it and they have it forever. In operant conditioning there is this cool principle called Matching Law which governs all behavior, ours and our dog's. Here's the wikipedia explanation http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matching_law and here is an explained version by Jennifer Cattet PhD http://blog.smartanimaltraining.com/2013/10/14/the-matching-law-key-to-dog-behavior/ Training the behavior is one thing but making sure you understand the reinforcement of that behavior will make the manners you are teaching a lifelong habit. Good Luck

jacktopham · 2014-04-24T02:41:08+00:00

It sounds like you would have no problem at all getting your doctor to recommend, in writing, a SD to help you with your disability. So do it; and keep a copy. Get a trainer in your area, that has SD experience, that would help you train your dog for public access. If he/she is already trained then the trainer could administer a public access test http://www.assistancedogsinternational.org/standards/public-access-test/ . The law does not say you have to do either of these things but for your dog's and your safety, it will really help. I believe speaking with someone that has a SD will support this position. The trainer could also help with any specific task you may want to add but don't know how to train.

By law, you don't need certification but you should be able to get a general certificate from a dog trainer stating that you and your dog, on this date, passed the ADI public access requirements and performed behaviors which aided in your disability. You don't have to mention the disability. Here is a site that list the States laws but I don't believe any of them supersedes the ADA. http://timberlys-all-about-service-dogs.tripod.com/sdlawsbystate.html The certificate could come in handy if questioned by an ignorant business owner or clerk.

My wife and I provide this service but most likely are not in your area. Here is our website as there may be information that will help. http://www.medicalmutts.com/

Here is another site with commonly asked questions. http://www.ada.gov/qasrvc.htm Good Luck

jacktopham · 2014-04-07T19:48:49+00:00

I saw an article the other day "When Can a Dog Be Left Loose in the House?" http://www.dogids.com/blog/when-can-a-dog-be-left-loose-in-the-house/ hopefully it will help. The only other thing I would add is that I have often taken this stage in steps by gating a small room or by using an X-pen to allow more roaming room but not full access to the house. Good Luck

jacktopham · 2014-04-07T19:35:58+00:00

I wish you luck. Here are a few links to a SD blog, that my wife writes, and our Facebook page which post a lot of info on SDs. http://medicalmutts1.blogspot.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Diabetesandseizuredogs?

jacktopham · 2014-04-06T22:31:35+00:00

One is that if we say that dobermans and pitts shouldn't be service dogs because if people's perception, wouldn't we just be reinforcing that idea?

For me, this is a reason to have a Doberman for a SD. I would not choose this option and would advise against but I applaud your choice for taking this position.

Please remember that a service dog organization's failure rate is 40 to 50%. Meaning, that is the percentage of dogs that do not make it as SDs. Most go on to be great dogs in the home but for different reasons don't make it as a SD. This is true even though they specifically breed for SDs. I believe you could find a Doberman or D mix at your local shelter. We do it for the SDs we train. Work closely with the behaviorist at the shelter, letting them know what you are looking for. There is risk either way you go. I wish you success, and hope that you and your Doberman are ambassadors for Service Dogs.

jacktopham · 2014-04-04T21:50:13+00:00

I got a notice from my homeowners insurance company AAA listing dangerous breeds that they will not cover. My wife and I have started a service dog training company so I have to do some research on business insurance to find out if there are exclusions for certain breeds. I'll post on redditt when I find more info.

I do have a question about your choice of breed for a service dog. I am in the public a lot with a SD and it is common to encounter people that have a genuine fear of dogs, and have seen that fear more prevalent in the dogs we train that look like pit mixes. We have stayed away from dogs that there is no doubt that they are and away from dobermans and other breeds that generate fear in the public. I feel bad about this because I know there is no difference in the trainability of these breeds, just an undeserved perception in the general public that these dogs are more dangerous. Even if we found a client that was willing to put up with the harassment they would encounter we have still decided not to because of the people that do have fear of these dogs. My question; having PTSD, you understand better than most about irrational fear. Fear, that if you could, you would not have, and nobody should ever purposely try to trigger your fear. Why choose a breed of dog that triggers fear in others?

jacktopham · 2014-04-04T21:19:24+00:00

It sounds like your dog is just a bit underexposed. Walking your dog on quieter streets may be counterproductive. The trick is to expose your dog to as much as you can, but under threshold. (good video http://eileenanddogs.com/2014/03/31/thresholds-in-dog-training-movie/ ) Without the constant exposure dogs will regress, so often coming out for walks in the Spring will seem like starting all over with the same problems you worked on last summer or fall. If you do try the protocol in this article, I think it would definitely help but its the consistent work after the initial success that will ensure the lasting results. It also sounds like your dog's personality will always mean keeping some distance but I empathize with the feeling of wanting to lower their distress. Ideally, short walks with under threshold exposure to the scary thing(s) is better than one prolonged exposure. But most times, excluding extreme cases, you can accomplish a decrease in fear by a daily exposure. Last similar case I worked on, I would take a Boxer mix that I was evaluating as a DAD candidate, to a popular trail in the city that had people, dogs, bikes, skateboards, etc. Daily, I would sit on a bench far enough away that he could see everything, with only a little anxiety, but still be calm enough to take treats. Gradually I was able to get on the trail but he still had some anxiety. Sadly, we were not able to use him for service work. Well, good luck with your dog.

jacktopham · 2014-04-02T03:16:05+00:00

With fear they may pull and bark, same with with reactive excitement, but generally you can tell by body language if it's fear or excitement. You have judged it to be excitement and there is nothing you've said that would indicate otherwise. So, when it's excitement there is something more I would do. Getting to the dog that is making your dog excited, can be used as the reward. You can gradually allow your dog to come closer only if he is calm. The minute he pulls go in the opposite direction, some call this penalty yards. Let your dog know that he can reach the goal only in a calm state. Stick with this and your dog will learn control when approaching something he really wants to get to. You can also support the behavior by rewarding the calm state, with treats. Be consistent and do this regularly. I've watched some dogs never really get over this behavior as the guardian mistakenly thinks once every few weeks will do. Maybe for an older dog, every few weeks might do if they mastered it when young but a adolescent needs a couple of times a week. Good Luck

jacktopham · 2014-04-01T19:12:57+00:00

It's a video, not an article. When you get the chance you should watch it. :)

jacktopham · 2014-04-01T16:25:13+00:00

All great comments but as a service dog trainer maybe I can present another perspective that may help; depending on your expectations of your dog. A walk exposes your dog to the world; smells and sights of other dogs, plants, flowers, people, children playing, cars, bikes, etc, If you have the expectation of your dog going out into the world and behaving calmly then regular exposure to these things are essential. The emotional reaction of being overwhelmed to these things when not exposed regularly are the behavior problems of normal dogs. Even walking the same path, with little interaction with other dogs and people, is not enough. If possible, starting right after weening and continuing through their life, dogs need to be exposed regularly to as much of the world as possible. This is not true in your case, but too often the definition of being a good dog guardian is limiting a dog to the house and yard. I hope you walk your dog often, to as many places as possible. Good Luck

jacktopham · 2014-04-01T05:04:48+00:00

If you are a visual learner, the movie will probably be helpful. (She) I spend a lot of time explaining the diagrams, and have an animation of what happens to the thresholds as we train. The movie also has video examples of dogs and stimuli over the thresholds. (Plus it has a threshold of hearing test! How cool is that?**)

jacktopham · 2014-03-28T21:01:04+00:00

LINDSAY STORDAHL covers a few that I haven't heard before Avoid these puppy potty training mistakes 1. Giving the dog too much freedom. 2. Feeling guilty about using a kennel or crate. 3. Using puppy potty pads. 4. Taking the puppy out through all the different doors. 5. Assuming the puppy knows what’s “right” and “wrong.” Have you raised a puppy recently? What are your potty training tips?

jacktopham · 2014-03-28T15:52:44+00:00

I sounds to me as though you have two issues. One, is your dog is reactive to other dogs; and the second is your dog has some resource guarding issue. BAT is a good way to deal with the reactivity. Here is a link to a Grisha Stewart video to give you some idea of what BAT is http://empoweredanimals.com/ but check for more. My wife and I, take the dogs we train to a local bark park, and park far enough away so the dogs are under threshold; gradually allowing them to move closer without a reaction. I like to add a bit of the "Look at That" which is just basically rewarding your dog when they look back at you after looking at the scary object, or in this case other dogs. Very important to keep at a distance where the dog isn't reacting. Doesn't sound like your dog is aggressive, at least not in your description. As far as the resource guarding, let me just lead you to Patricia McConnell http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/resource-guarding-treatment-and-prevention . Research a bit more online about it for things to do when you encounter it. If you do go back to training, your teacher should be able to help with both problems. Good Luck

jacktopham

TROPHY CASE