AMA With Susan Garrett: Leash Lunging, Dog Anxiety, Agility Angst, Bad Breeders, And More #235
Sep 29, 2023
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Susan Garrett, expert in puppy training, answers a variety of listener questions about dog training. Topics include teaching self-control to hyper dogs, dealing with training failures, reducing treat rewards, finding reputable breeders, feeding raw food to dogs, and addressing behaviors like leash lunging and car chasing.
Teaching self-control to hyper dogs can be achieved by using hot zones and the relaxation protocol, helping them relax after outings.
Maintaining accountability for psychological safety and connection is important when reinforcement games fail, and addressing factors such as human error and inappropriate reinforcement can make reinforcement-based dog training as effective as balanced training.
Deep dives
Teaching self-control and relaxation for dogs
One key point discussed in the podcast is about teaching self-control to dogs. The speaker suggests using hot zones, such as a calming bed, to help dogs relax after outings. Combining this with the relaxation protocol can effectively teach dogs how to relax. Another important point raised is the need to maintain accountability for psychological safety and connection when reinforcement games fail. Human error, inappropriate reinforcement, overwhelming environment, and poorly written protocols were highlighted as possible reasons for training failures. By addressing these factors, reinforcement-based dog training can be as effective as balanced training. Lastly, the podcast emphasizes the importance of teaching dogs both engagement and relaxation. While small training sessions with food can strengthen the relationship between dogs and their owners, it is equally important to teach them how to settle and have downtime.
Addressing dog behavior and training challenges
The podcast addresses various dog behavior and training challenges. Examples include dogs lunging at strangers on leashes and chasing cars. For these issues, the speaker emphasizes the need to consider whether it is a behavior or an emotional response. Desensitization, counter-conditioning, and habituation were recommended for addressing emotional issues. In cases of extreme fear or anxiety, seeking professional help from certified behaviorists or veterinarians experienced in applied animal behavior is advised. Additionally, the speaker discusses the significance of maintaining a balanced approach in dog training, debunking the belief that reinforcement-based training is ineffective. Personal experiences with championship-winning dogs trained solely through reinforcement-based methods are shared to highlight the effectiveness of positive reinforcement.
Puppy training tips and advice for new dog owners
The podcast offers advice and tips for training puppies and managing a hectic lifestyle. It suggests squeezing training sessions into short durations, aiming for 30 seconds to three minutes, using game-based training instead of meal-based training. The speaker also acknowledges that achieving a balance between puppy training and a busy life can be challenging. Prioritizing self-care, maintaining health, and focusing on the three most important things in life is crucial. Additionally, the speaker addresses the importance of finding a reputable breeder when considering a new puppy. Asking questions, discussing health clearances, and observing the breeder's commitment to the well-being of the puppies are essential in making an informed decision. Finally, a question regarding feeding raw food is addressed. While some veterinarians may discourage it, there are well-informed professionals who support raw feeding and provide information on its safety and benefits.
How do you know if a breeder is truly reputable? How do I fit a new puppy into my daily routine? Why do some vets say raw food is dangerous for dogs? How do I calm a leash-lunging dog? What’s the best way to cure puppy separation anxiety? How do I help my hyper dog relax? These are just a few of your questions I’m answering in today’s Ask Me Anything about raising and training brilliant, healthy, joyful puppies and dogs using positive reinforcement.
In this episode I’m asked:
• How to teach self-control to a hyper dog. • How to protect a dog’s confidence and your connection when training games fail. • Does training with treats encourage dogs to follow you instead of settling down? • How do I calm a leash-lunging, reactive dog? • Do I make my own raw dog food? • How to train a puppy with separation anxiety? • Can reinforcement-based dog training really be as effective as balanced? • How many times a week do you recommend practicing agility? • What is overtraining in dog agility? • How many different marker words do you use for one dog? • Why do you name dog behavior rewards differently? • Are there dogs that can’t learn agility no matter your effort? • How did I bring Prophet to Canada from Switzerland. • Why ‘slap’ and ‘push’ dogs when playing tug? • How to help a Border Collie pup who lunges at and chases cars. • How do I balance puppy training and a hectic life? • Do you prefer male or female dogs? • When to reduce treat rewards in dog training? • Are breeders registered with the AKC CKC de facto reputable? • What’s your take? My vet said feeding raw food is dangerous due to disease risk from infected animals. • What’s a good course recommendation for a first-time dog owner who wants to do agility?