You may have seen those people at dog parks or walking their dogs with a remote in hand or a prong collar at the end of their leash. They may have been yanking on the leash or shocking their dog, and they probably didn't look like they were having fun. You might have noticed yelling, tense expressions and stress signals such as a lowered tail, lip-licking, an averted gaze. Did they seem to be in control?
You may have also seen those people wearing treat bags on their belt, making clicking noises and handing out smelly treats. Maybe they seemed a little bit dorky - treat bags look suspiciously like fanny packs... Look closely and you might have noticed happy voices, smiling faces and signs of a relaxed dog such as an open mouth, loose body language and bright eyes.
We have the intelligence and the resources to put together the best training toolkit for our dogs, one that will strengthen our relationship and increase understanding. While I will admit that sometimes it feels like I need another set of hands to juggle my leash, treats, clicker (and don't forget the poop bags!) the choice is obvious to me, even if I look "dorky." Which will you choose?
Suggested Reading:
The Power of Positive Training by Pat Miller
Plenty in Life is Free by Kathy Sdao
Bark and Lunge by Kari Neumeyer
This post is part of the Positive Pet Training Blog Hop, hosted by Cascadian Nomads, Tenacious Little Terrier and Rubicon Days. The hop happens on the first Monday of every month, and is open for a full week - please join us in spreading the word about the rewards of positive training! Next month, we invite you to take part in the Ten Minute Training Challenge - take ten minutes to teach your pet something new and report your results in the next hop on April 6th!
I love this! You of course know how incredibly crazy we positive trainers must seem especially when on the opposite end if the leash of a reactive dog. I can tell everyone we pass thinks I am a lunatic for cheering on my mostly quiet corgi (hey, if I clicked that split second of silence- he gets praised!) A few weeks ago we were walking and I had to make a lot of stops to remind Huxley to not yank me into each yard he wished to mark. The person walking the lab at what started as a block behind me and closed into way less, was noticeably irritated by me stalls to click and treat... as the poor lab got yanked by it's prong collar around us... :(
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to playing the Teach Your Dog Something New In Ten Minutes Game this month and you have all the tools laid out here for sure successes!
Now that I know more about positive reinforcement, I am always examining the dog walkers that I see for what sort of harness they have on, if they have treat bags, etc.
DeleteI will have to pick something to teach for the ten minute game - I have been thinking about figure 8s around my legs.
Great post! I was actually thinking a lot about this yesterday when I came across the crazy lady who was hollering at her dog and shocking him to no avail. Looking at my dog's happy faces as they raced back to me with my quiet recall I can't imagine ever using anything other than PR.
ReplyDeleteOn a side note... I completely forgot about this hop and didn't write a post. :( I really need to get better at organizing stuff and keeping a calendar of all the hops.
It's open all week, Lauren - I hope you'll join in!
DeleteAwesooome! Thanks for sharing :) That's a great training toolkit.
ReplyDeleteI choose dorkiness too. Is there anything more dorky than tying a full poop bag to the strap on the end of a hiking stick? Well, maybe the treat bags that look like fanny packs... ;)
ReplyDeleteMy dad is so funny - he is embarrassed to carry a poop bag. I told him I carry them proudly - even the clear ones (which are all my complex provides and the reason I buy my own fancy pink ones with handles). At least people know I'm picking up after my dogs!
DeleteI carry the poop bags on the end of my stick with a sense of pride as well. What's more disgusting? To pick it up and carry it or to leave the dog poop there for everyone else to look at, smell, and possibly step in?
DeleteI love my treat bag that has an extra pocket in the front, for some of those extras like poop bags. It is tough juggling everything sometimes, but it's definitely worth it. I just look for walking clothing that has plenty of pockets. My only problem is that I invariably forget to bring something with me! I've been meaning to add a squeaky toy to my collection, for a distraction, but haven't remembered to bring it yet.
ReplyDeleteJan, Wag 'n Woof Pets
That's another positive thing about winter, I guess...lots of coat pockets! I have tried taking a squeaky toy out on walks but it didn't get Ruby's attention.
DeleteI forget things a lot too. The other day, we planned to pick up lunch then go to the dog park. I remembered the poop bags, the string cheese, the dogs ... but forgot my wallet.
DeleteI just finished reading "Plenty is Life is Free" like a week ago. I kind of wish I had gone to some of her seminars at ClickerExpo but there were just so many choices.
ReplyDeleteIt is so hard to get a grasp on everything with only two hands - I know the feeling. I always assumed my treat bag looked a bit dorky but after watching Kikopup's videos I realized I didn't care at all anymore lol.
ReplyDeleteI had a treat "fanny pack" last year, but it broke unfortunately! Most of my walking pants never have pockets, and since I prefer colder weather, I normally don't have a coat / sweater on unless it's freezing. I'm definitely buying another one, but a better quality one for sure.
ReplyDeleteI haven't given in to the treat bag, fanny pack but maybe I should since I always seem to have treats in my pockets no matter where I go, haha!
ReplyDeleteThis is such an awesome resource!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great toolkit you've put together. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for including my book in the resources!
ReplyDeleteI've been carrying my bag of string cheese in my pocket during these winter months, but I now have a Poop Pac for the poop bags (empty and full), so we'll see if I can stash the cheese in there too, once it gets too warm to wear a jacket.
A true dog parent should be willing to look like a dork carrying the poop, rather than tying the bag to their dog. I feel bad for dogs with empty poop bags tied to their collars like big bowties. That would be like our wearing toilet paper on our heads.
We have a Fifth Paw leash attachment which I use sometimes - usually I just carry. Ruby is scared of plastic bags so there is no way she is carrying the poop! Boca got an Outward Hound backpack so I plan to try that out this summer for packing out on hikes.
Deletetoo many people refuse to see the benefit of positive training.. it is just sad
ReplyDelete