Two trainers - One question. Two totally different answers.
Accidentally, I responded from my blackberry at the same time an APDT trainer responded to the same question asked by a former client.
This perfectly illustrates the issue of what works and what doesn't when it comes to training a dog. Its not about positive reinforcement camp - versus - scary / strong punishers. Its about real-world answers for people when they frustrated and want to "fix their dog" - biting, barking, playing rough with the kids, jumping, etc...at the end of the day its a family with a dog who's behavior they can't deal with anymore!
Here's two emails. One from a good/kind/really smart trainer who's never really been successful but knows an awful lot about dogs, loves them so much they want to make a career out of training them...
The other is from me a graduate of the now defunct SF SPCA Dog Training Academy, 5 years later a hardened dog trainer who makes a very successful living sitting on people's couches, then walking around and "training their dog" together.
What do you think this client wants?
Succinct, real-world answers that can be followed by anyone in the family - or a dissertation on dog humping in boxers that includes recommendations of watching a Victoria Stillwell video! They contacted us looking for an answer right?
The question:
Rex is doing well in the "leave it" world shoes, remotes, and cheese
sticks have all been tested. I got a whole 60 seconds out of a "stay"
sitting in front of the dinner bowl. We're still working on 100% come when
called but we're making progress.
But on to the new issue. Since this weekend -- Rex has decided that
humping my legs is a good idea. Is there a video on the web site or some
other suggestions for breaking this.
Answer from Modern Day APDT Dog Trainer
"Oh goodness! Your little boy is all grown up!
I tried to find a Victoria Stillwell episode that she dealt with this issue. It was a bull terrier named Chaos, and it addresses your issue perfectly. I just can't find it.
The best thing to do: Set up a time-out area. Every time he mounts, take him to this time out area. Wait until he's calm, then let him try again. If he gives any OTHER behavior aside from humping, he gets praise, or gets to hang out with out. If he humps, he's out. Think of it like Jumping Behavior, or Play-Biting behavior. His behavior makes you leave - and that's no fun.
Second: Get him neutered as soon as you can. 60% of dogs (note, it's not 90 or 100%!) do stop this behavior pattern with the neuter alone. However, with the training, and the neuter, you're going to increase your likelihood of this behavior ceasing entirely.
It does take 30 days for Testosterone to leave the system completely, and the older the dog is, the longer the period is for the T to evacuate the body. If in that period he humps (human, dog, whatever) and it becomes rewarding for him in any way, he may use it to indicate play time, or to get you silly humans to laugh at him (attention seeking behavior). Keep that in mind. Yes, it's absolutely hilarious (type in "dog humping" into youtube, and you'll find some hilarious videos), but if you give him the attention he's seeking, he learned that behavior works for him on some level, and will use it in not a sexual or dominant way, but in an attention seeking way that will be harder to curb later. So be consistent.
I have a female Boston Terrier client that humps male dogs to get them to chase her. For dogs, it means a lot more than what we humans think it means :) She keeps doing it because it works for her. They always chase her. Just keep that in the back of your mind.
See you on Sunday! "
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Answer from the Zen Dog Trainer
“Use the refocus technique
say “eh! Eh!” Gently grab his collar and refocus him on a bone or toy.
Try this 3-5 times before considering the last resort.
Use the Last Resort - warn him, warn again then say "enough' and
punish him with a time out.
Video's:
Re-watch Chapter 6-8 of the DVD -
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Or, my response to the same client - a previous question about barking for treats, and for attention in and around the house. ..
John,
Great to hear from you, sounds like Rex is a handful! Here’s my advice, log into Zen Dog Training Online:
PDF's :
Print and Read the How to Punish Flowchart + the Punishment Overview
1. Ignore as long as possible - storm out of the room if he barks at you
2. ASK When he asks to be let outside, Call Him to you - reward with love. Give him a bone or something to chew on – now you can choose to let him out on your terms!
3. Remeber you really can't scold him for barking - it would make him think that barking WORKS with getting your attention...right?
Have fun training!
Gordon
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My point is people need a system and step by step answers that can be applied to every situation. Trainers who can offer people repeatable solutions - win every time.
What if this person was thinking of breeding this dog? Answers like neuter him "now" may be the scientifically-correct answer but shouldn't we have a training solution that doesn't involve surgery?
What kind of a trainer are you? The one with "all-the-answers" or the one with the answers people are looking for?
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