It’s ok! We’re here to help. We speak a little dog and can help translate for both of you. It’s probably just a miscommunication! And we are here to help get you both speaking the same language! Woof!
Connect with the PAWpundance training team and other members of the dog community to discuss better ways to communicate with your furry house guest.
**To get started USE code: TRIAL1month **
I made this VERY early on to teach my clients how to load the clicker. So short and sweet... watch a very sweet old yorkie enjoy loading the clicker.
I am clicking and delivering a treat at the same time. This is creating the “association”. We want him to understand that every time he hears that click there is yummy goodness on it’s way. Then we have to fulfill and deliver on a promise. If we click, we reward. Now maybe down the road the click becomes a reward in and of itself... let me be very clear. If you are learning to load a clicker - you are nowhere near that. Hahaha. Be consistent. Continue to deliver a treat for each click and reassess after 4 month. After 4 months, the bulk of training will be over, you will be fading your lures. After a good solid 4 month period, you aren’t going to be rewarding each step of a loose leash walk. You will be rewarding the whole walk. Or important events during the walk... instructional control walking past squirrels... and there better be treat for that!! So - reassessment after 4 month.
Pakita or “Keets” is a sweet pup. Old. I was on vacation with my mom at her summer house in Northern Michigan and Keets kept going to her room to get her attention like he need to go outside be he would lead her to my room instead of outside. Finally she figured out what he was doing and came to me. It happened in the early hours of the morning and it was a massive clot. That little pup knew. It was a venous clot, not arterial. So it was like massive pressure building up because blood could not leave my brain. So it was a major headache! And Keets read my pain and went for my mom. Pretty crazy. When I recovered he was such a little nurse too. When the sun went down at 9-10pm, he was like “it’s bedtime” and he would get cranky and lead me to the bedroom.
Also, I have this fear I never really said to anyone about rolling out of the bed. I had to sleep with my head at a certain angle to keep... I don’t remember why anymore... it was medically relevant that I was on my back and at a 30 degree angle. And I’m in a small bed... with my husband and my dog. Keets usually slept at my feet. But randomly during this time, he left his blanket and came and slept up next me and dug in. He knew!! It was so wild! He’s never slept there since. He’s back at my feet. So needless to say, I’m well connected to my yorkie and he takes good care of me!! He’s getting old, so we are trying to take care of him now. He’s an amazing pup. I have way more amazing Keets stories.
He’s such a good pup!! Yay Keetsy!! Good Job!!
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We want to see your furbabies!
We’re here to assist with any questions you may have about training, behavior, and more. At PAWpundance, we believe in blending knowledge with a bit of fun—expect plenty of paws, puns, and maybe even a dance or two! Together, let’s enjoy some laughs and build stronger relationships with our pups.
Our Philosophy:
We’ve invited another species to live in our homes, and our dogs are much more than accessories; they’re our guests. They don’t speak our language, and like in the movie E.T., we don’t want to be the intimidating figures trying to coerce a scared, confused being. Instead, we want to be like ...
Eye Contact, Eye Contact, Eye Contact!
Reward every glance. Start by reinforcing brief glances, then encourage your pup to hold your gaze a bit longer. Gradually phase out your part of the eye contact—your pup will learn to watch you and adapt to your movements naturally. This approach helps them learn to walk with you without relying on leash cues.
Remember, the leash is purely for safety—not for communication.
Take a look at this video with Meghan and Buckee. Buckee is watching Meghan closely, and she rewards him by making eye contact, smiling, and offering treats. Meghan also looks forward occasionally, teaching Buckee to walk with her in sync.
Notice that Buckee is a reactive pup, so the leash is essential for safety, especially if he responds to something unexpectedly. However, it’s only used for physical control when necessary. When Buckee refocuses, Meghan reestablishes instructional control, and they continue their walk together. She does a fantastic job of engaging with him! In ...
Loose-Leash Walking Tip:
Where you reward makes a big difference! Try using the hand on the same side as your dog when giving treats or praise.
When you reach across your body to reward with the opposite hand, it draws your dog’s nose in front of you, encouraging them to move ahead and potentially start pulling.
In the video of Meghan and Domino, Meghan holds the leash with her left hand while Domino walks on her right. She rewards him by petting and giving treats with her right hand. This keeps Domino walking by her side on a loose leash, rather than in front, pulling her along.
Next time you’re out walking with your pup, try rewarding with the hand on the same side as your dog.
https://twitter.com/wholedogjournal/status/1295508215740932098?s=21
How to teach you pup to be a good dining companion! What a great skill!
https://twitter.com/wholedogjournal/status/1292609106637987840?s=21
This is about counter-surfers, but I love the description of trying to shame dogs. This author, Pat Miller helped me understand this concept in her book the Power of Positive Dog Training.
If you’re still on Twitter, the Whole Dog Journal is a great group to follow. Lots of fantastic info!
