April Webinars
Register for webinars at https://yourdogsfriend.org/free-workshops/
No Time to Train? No Problem!
Saturday, April 10, 2:00 – 4:00pm ET
Dogs are always learning, whether or not you are doing a training session. At this webinar, you will see how to build good behavior in your dog during regular, everyday interactions. Whether it is front door behavior, paying attention around distractions, or loose-leash walking, by capturing and rewarding desirable behavior, you will end up with a well-mannered dog who makes good choices -- not just a dog who follows commands.
Speaker: Juliana Willems, KPA CTP, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA; JW Dog Training
Advice for Adopters & Puppy Parents
Sunday, April 18, 2:00 – 4:00pm ET
Learn how to make life with your new dog easier and more fun! Come hear a trainer discuss dog training and behavior, helpful pet products, and the many common issues that new dog and puppy parents face. There is also time to discuss your individual concerns.
Presenter: Lisa Arant, Small and Tall Dog Training
Attention Games – When your dog freely offers you attention, anything is possible!
Saturday, April 24, 2:00 – 4:00pm ET
Does your dog focus on everything but you when on walks? Do you wish she’d look to you for guidance in challenging situations? Your dog’s attention is the foundation for building a strong connection, and for learning and teaching skills. Come learn fun ways to get and maintain your dog’s attention. Speakers: Marnie Montgomery, PMCT4, CPDT-KA, Joyful Dog and Susan Sanderson PMCT3, KPA-CTP, Joyful Dog
Classes
Read the class descriptions and check for prerequisites before registering for class.
Online Classes - Join us from anywhere!
Fearful Dog Class: Wed Mar 24 - Apr 14, 11:30 am - 12:30pm
TTouch Methods to Calm Your Dog: Fri Apr 9 - 23, 1:00 - 2:00pm
Passing Dogs on Leash: Skills for Success: Tues Apr 20 - May 11, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Reactive Dog Class: Mon May 3 - Jun 14 (no class May 31), 4:30 - 5:45pm
Tricks Class: Tues Apr 20 - May 11, 7:15 - 8:15pm
Check out more Basic Manners, Adolescent, Puppy Kindergarten, and Advanced Puppy Class schedules here.
In-Person Classes - Join us at our Training Center or in different locations around Rockville, MD
Please read our COVID policies!
Out & About:
- Thurs Apr 1 - 22, 11:45am - 12:45pm
- Sun Apr 18 - May 9, 2:15 - 3:15pm
Travel Nose Work (for level 3 graduates only):
- Sun Apr 4 - May 2 (no class Apr 11 or 25) at 9:45 - 10:45 am
- Sun Apr 4 - May 2 (no class Apr 11 or 25) at 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Puppy Party: Various days/times; pay per session. Please review all policies and register in advance.
"My Dog Did That Just to Annoy Me!"
by Penel Malby (2016)
Dog Communication
No he didn’t. Really he didn’t. Only humans do that!
(In the pic above, Figgis discovered that there might be food to steal in the sink)
Let’s think about the sort of situation where a person might feel their dog did something just to annoy them. “He jumped onto the table, and knocked my laptop off”.
“He ate my mobile phone.”
“He put his paws on the window sill I’d just painted then ran around the house with paint all over his paws.”
“He just ripped up his bed/duvet into a million pieces of foam.”
and finally one of my favourites “He’s constantly jumping at me when we’re out on walks”.
Hmm, wow yes those things are all really annoying! Here’s why I think your dog did those things. “He jumped onto the table, and knocked my laptop off.” Sometimes dogs want to be up high as they feel safe. I expect something scary happened. Or – at some point you have inadvertently reinforced that it’s good to be on the table, your dog might have snaffled some food from the table, or you might have laughed at them jumping up there. The laptop just happened to be there, that’s not your dog’s fault.
(Morris sometimes gets on the table if he’s worried about something)
“He ate my mobile phone.” Where did you leave it? On the arm of the sofa? Just within range of your dog’s nose. Mmm I bet it smelled nice, probably of the last meal you ate. Mobiles, remotes, reading glasses, they’re all favourite chew toys. (hint hint, they all smell of you!)
Your dog (most especially a puppy) can’t differentiate between your expensive things and the things they are allowed to chew on. The only way to be 100% sure they won’t chew your stuff is – guess what – put it away and provide appropriate doggy chew toys.
(Elsa chewing on Laura’s hat, mmm smells good!)
“He put his paws on the window sill I”d just painted…” etc. Did someone come to the door? Did someone walk past the house? I bet he usually puts his paws up there to look out – and usually it’s not a problem. Prevent access from anywhere you’re decorating – and the paint will stay where it should do, on the window sill and not on your dog’s paws! Control the environment!
(Sylvi needs a designated digging area!)
“He just ripped up his bed/duvet into a million pieces of foam.” I’d bet this happened when you were not at home. Does your dog have Separation Distress? Or perhaps it was that other one, Separation Fun! Maybe someone knocked on the door and he was scared. Maybe there was a teeny weeny hole in the dog bed and a bit of foam was sticking out, then he realised how much fun it was and boom, we have a foamfest! Did you leave your dog something to do when you were out? A stuffed Kong, a destruction box (cardboard boxes full of newspaper and treats), or something yummy (and safe) to chew on? Maybe next time you will.
(Elsa having lots of fun chewing up her bed!)
“He’s constantly jumping up at me on walks.” Jumping up at the owner can be a sign that a dog is finding the situation they’re in very stressful. It’s a kind of ‘help me’ signal. Have a think about exactly when your dog is jumping up. It could be as simple as you holding a treat up too high. You might’ve taught them to jump up by mistake!
(We taught Figgis to jump up just for this photo!)
When you’re feeling frustrated/angry/embarrassed by something your dog has done, try reallllllly hard to remember that they repeat things that feel good or things that get the desired result. They pull on the lead because they get to the park quicker. They bark at the postman, he goes away. They steal food from the worktop, it tastes nice. They bark at other dogs, the other dogs go away (or you take them away).
(posed by a model ; ) )
If you’re having any of the issues above, try the most obvious solution first. If that doesn’t work, get in touch with a force free dog professional who can help. Most of all, be patient and try your hardest to understand your dog’s motivations.
Dog Communication, in Surrey, England, has been rehabilitating dogs with anxiety and aggression issues, using only positive, rewards-based methods, for over 10 years.
Penel is a member of the Professional Association of Canine Trainers & an ABTC Registered Animal Training Instructor & a member of the Pet Professional Guild.
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