Eye on SV – Positive Puppy Dog Training

When Dogs Abuse People

November 20, 2024 Fran Jewell

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Every day I am approached by dog owners whose dogs have practically pulled their arm out of the socket, or jumped on them and knocked them down, or stolen an expensive turkey off the counter. In one incident years ago, I had a client whose dog actually pulled him over and broke his face requiring three reconstructive surgeries! Then the dog pulled over his wife that ended up having to go to physical therapy for six months for her back!! This was the epitome of the worst case I have ever seen. The work to make this dog safe was on the highest level of difficulty because the puppy was not taught respect and leadership early on.

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Think Out of the Bowl!

November 20, 2024 Fran Jewell

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Eye on SV

This valley in particular is very conscientious of exercising our dogs. In fact, many times we over exercise our dogs, particularly puppies. I was told by my vet back in the early 90’s that puppies should not be taken farther than one mile a day until they are over a year old. Why? A 17 24puppy’s joints are not even close to being developed at that point, and over-exercise can damage that growing joint. That can contribute to lameness and even poor joint development. We love taking our pups with us on wonderful hikes, especially here where there are so many wonderful places to go! I am not a veterinarian, but puppy and dog health is a huge part of dog training. A dog or puppy that is in pain will inhibit the dog’s ability to learn and can contribute to behavior problems. Another note is that dogs will not show their pain until it is very severe. I urge you to consult your own veterinarian about how far your young dog or puppy should go.

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Puppyhood EMERGENCY!

November 20, 2024 Fran Jewell

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Eye on SV

When we have children, we are quick to start reading to babies, providing them with educational experiences, socializing them, even taking them to an educational pre-school. We would not lock them in a dark closet and expect them to come out when they are 2 years old as a well adjusted child.

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Fear Periods, It’s a Vulnerable Time!

November 20, 2024 Fran Jewell

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Eye on SV

Many of us have heard of the “Fear Period” for puppies that usually occurs during the 9th week of a puppy’s life. From 6 to 8 weeks is also a critical period for puppies to learn bite inhibition from their mother and siblings. This is why many responsible breeders will not let a puppy go to their new home until after that time.

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The Pendulum of Dog Training

November 20, 2024 Fran Jewell

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Eye on SV

When I had my first dog, my father taught me so much about training. That was 63 years ago! We had a Brittany Spaniel named Susie. He would have me hold her upstairs, and then he would hide a piece of cheese or lunch meat in the living room. He would say, “Go Hunt” and I would let her go. Off she would run downstairs to find the cheese. He would hide it under a rug, a chair, on the bookcase, anyplace he could think of. He started teaching her to use her nose when she was just a pup about 8 weeks old! By the time hunting season came, she was excellent in finding the pheasant. I have to laugh that my father knew about canine enrichment before there was such a thing!

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Nurturing Separation Anxiety

November 20, 2024 Fran Jewell

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Eye on SV

When I was a kid, no dog anywhere had separation anxiety, at least none that anyone was aware of. Our family dog, Susie (a Brittany Spaniel) stayed home when we went to the grocery store, out for dinner, or any other frequented place. We never worried about her tearing up the house, barking the whole time we were gone, or chewing the sheet rock off the walls! Yes, I have had dogs I’ve trained that tore the sheet rock off the wall and even pulled curtains/blinds down! Susie did go with us for the summer to our cabin at the lake, and even on our first trip to Idaho from Michigan when I was 16!

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The Nature of Dog Learning

November 20, 2024 Fran Jewell

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Eye on SV

Mother Nature has provided all animals with the necessary tools to learn how to survive, and thrive. She uses her environment and gives elders the ability to give baby wildlife important information for their growth and ultimately survival of the species. At first, the mother and or father provide food for their young, from birds to bears, squirrels to skunks. As the babies mature, they learn important lessons about hunting and foraging. If they hunt for prey that is improper, say the fox hunts for the skunk, the skunk sprays the fox – a definitive consequence for hunting the wrong prey. If foraging animals forage near predators, they lose their lives. Some lessons are harder to learn than others, and so the survival of the species. Those animals that are quick learners and can understand their environment are the ones that survive and thrive. The coyote that can successfully hunt and capture a squirrel has a great meal – the ultimate positive reinforcement. Mother Nature is full of positive reinforcement as well as consequences. In order to survive, every creature must have both to learn and survive and thrive.

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Among Us

November 20, 2024 Fran Jewell

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Eye on SV

In a dog loving community, such as ours, it is no wonder that the new horizon is now saturated with dog trainers. There seems to be someone with a different style for every dog. When it comes to choosing a trainer, it is important to look at highly regarded certifications/credentials and experience.

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Making Walks More Fun!

November 20, 2024 Fran Jewell

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Eye on SV

Everyone walks their dogs. Many take advantage of that time to catch up on phone calls or chatting with fellow walkers. Many times, our walks turn into “our” walks instead of a walk for the dog. That can be a good thing, too! It can be the only break in an otherwise stressful day for us! I am always refreshed after taking a walk with my dog(s)!

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Instinctual Dog Behaviors

November 20, 2024 Fran Jewell

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Eye on SV

I am approached daily about dog owners wanting to eliminate behaviors in their dogs that are “instinctual”. An instinctual behavior is one that comes hard wired in the dog when they are born. The behavior is hereditary from the parents and ancestors. All dogs possess what is called “prey drive” which can come in different degrees or levels. This is instinctual behavior passed along from the wolves for survival. In a very basic description, prey drive occurs when the wolf smells or sees game, then follows either the scent or vision, attacks the game, shakes it, kills it, and eats it with the pack.

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