Gaining In Depth Behavior Education

Canine Elimination Training – Basics
Probably the most important topic is basic canine elimination (house) training.  If you have not already done so, take the online course available at ABN online.  Here is additional info on this topic.

Canine Kennel Training
Kennel training is a key component of Elimination Training.  Kenneling gives the dog a reason to hold it, since he has an instinct not to soil his own bed.  Try to encourage EVERY dog owner to provide a kennel for his or her dog.

Canine Close Tether Training
This is, like kennel training, an important component of elimination training.  Close tethering means the owner is CLOSE BY, and supervising the dog while it is tied (tethered) to something solid.  This allows the dog to be near by and bonding with the owner, but out of mischief.

Puppy Class Training Goals
This is a list of the basic goals in puppy training.  This sheet is usually given to pet owners as part of the “Puppy Packet” AFTER they have paid their fee to enroll.  This gives a sense of value received when the owner pays their fee.

Puppy Class Training Concepts
Here are some very basic concepts that we want to teach in puppy class.

Canine Basic Manners
Here is a simple list of the top behaviors we are trying to obtain.

Canine Come On Cue
This is one of the most important commands.  The hand out above helps to explain for people the general principals, and off-leash come.  Below is described the steps in puppy class. 

Teaching the Come On Cue in Puppy Class
NOTE: (Re: COME command in puppy class) In puppy class (or party) we start with two people sitting on the floor, with their legs straight out open in “V” touching each other’s toes.  This “V” between them is where the puppy is allowed.  One person holds the leash to prevent the pup leaving.  First one person says “{Pupname} COME!” then lures the pup with a food treat, while the OTHER person acts BORING (look away, ignore the pup.)  Then the pup is called by the other person.  When the pup will reliably come back and forth, the people move away from each other, and see if they can get the pup to come.  At home the homework is to stand at different places in the house, and call “{Pupname} COME!” back and forth to strengthen this command.

Canine Corrections
Here is a primer on the basics of canine corrections. It is important to note that there are NO physical corrections (e.g. spanking) done on puppies.  The only correction is time out of play for 4-30 seconds.

Canine Learn To Earn
This technique is the foundation of canine leadership.  Canines think that whoever is controlling the valued resources is the leader.  When the canine learns to earn (by sitting or laying down) the person controlling the valued resource (meals, food treats, walks etc.) is the leader.

Canine Leadership Exercises
Here is additional info on Leadership as it pertains to a canine.

Canine Gentling - Building Trust and Leadership
This technique is described in the seminar.  A stuffed dog makes an excellent visual aid.  These handling techniques are an important part of either puppy parties or puppy classes.  The goal is to desensitize the dog while still a puppy, and while it grows during the first year, to humans being able to touch, manipulate, or restrain a dog.  This builds trust and leadership!

Canine Destructive Chewing
This file covers the basics. The key to preventing this is to supervise the pup, and praise correct chewing, while applying taste deterrents like a bitter tasting material or underarm antiperspirant to previously chewed targets.

Canine Fearfulness and Anxiety

Canine Fears and Phobias
This is a complex topic.  Read both of these articles.  A MAJOR goal of puppy parties and classes is to reduce fearfulness in dogs.  The best time to do this is when the puppy brain is prepared for new experience.  The more new positive experiences the puppy has before puberty, the less fearful the adult dog will be.

MORE...Behavior Topics

 Determine which other topics you would like to cover in the seminar, then review.