Genetics or Learning

So what happens when someone acquires a dog that is not a puppy anymore? Since socialization has such a short window, a lot of people will not have the opportunity to socialize their new dog. While this is true, the good news is that dogs never stop learning. Yes, indeed, it is not the same to be able to take advantages of the first 12 weeks of the puppy’s life when puppies are fearless - and this is why their learning is enormously boundless.

When we are trying to right a wrong now that the dog is not a puppy anymore we will find ourselves with a tremendous investment of time for a smaller return. However, it is still well- advised to do the work if this means that the life of the pup will be better as the dog learns to be more resilient to novelty and learns to feel comfortable in a multitude of circumstances.

This brings me to the topic of genetics and learned experience. Which one of the two has more “weight” when it comes to making a difference in any dog’s behavior?

The answer is that they both do. There are behaviors that are deeply ingrained in the nature of the animal - still this does not mean that they are forever sealed without any possibility of change.
Others, are much more malleable and as such less resistant to change. I would also say that genetics and learning are much too complex to try and pinpoint with exact certitude as to the turn of events when it comes to making permanent changes in our dogs. One thing is for sure: If we capitulate to the lack of early experience or genetics, instead of giving the dog an opportunity for learning new behaviors, new ways to cope and relate, then we must agree that a puppy’s impoverished first weeks and genetics will always win.

The challenges that come with change are very often enormous and it is unfortunate that we (dog owners, trainers, breeders and shelters) find ourselves pressed for resources many a times. It seems that there is never enough money, time, trust, energy, etc. etc. It is also accurate to say, “that not all can be saved”. There are times where I feel this is the best option -especially when the well-being of the dog or someone's safety is at stake. However, positive changes in the behavior of our dogs do take place on a regular basis and each one of them serves as a spotlight for hope.

Keeping It Real

This morning I was struggling with the choice of either taking Rioja with Deuce and me sheepherding or leaving her at home with her breakfast in Kongs™. It gets so hot so early that leaving her in the car is not an option.

In the past, I have put her in a large pen with Mary’s Border Collies where they have shade and water, but Rioja decided that she did not want to hang out there and barked most of the session so I was thinking of other options for her. I decided to take her along with the Kongs, knowing that I could leash her to a
tree close by where she could lay down in the shade, watch the show as she worked on the Kongs.

Well at least that was my plan but Rio had other ideas about how to spend her time! She sort of worked on her Kongs and decided to whine and bark as I struggle to concentrate on what I was doing. Sheepherding is hard enough when you are focused, mission impossible if you are distracted. Thanks Rio! Part of my distractive thoughts included wondering if Rio was whining and barking because she felt left out of the fun or if she was anxious being left under the tree even though she could see me… she is not telling so I will never know. However, once Deuce and I took our break and joined her in the shade she decided to eat - only to stop once again when Deuce and I went back to the sheep.

At the end of the session and as we were leaving, Mary’s next student showed up. Rioja spots the car in the distance and began to bark and howl. Remember she is part Beagle and her howl is quite somethin’. The barking did not stop as the student with her perfectly well mannered and friendly dog approached us.

Instead, she began to pull hard on her leash and to exhibit piloerection, the hair on her back fully raised. Piloerection is an autonomic response of the nervous system, not something the dog can control or turn “on” and “off” at will. It is NOT aggression, just arousal. Similar to us getting goose bumps or as we say
in Mexico… chicken skin – the differences in these names deserves its own blog post don’t you think?

I know that if I had let Rioja go meet the other dog she would have been “fine” and they most likely would have ended playing, but not all circumstances allow for this. Also I think it is important to take the “hint” when someone else does not want his or her dog to meet yours. Besides, if I had “given in” allowing Rio to
go say “hi” I would be reinforcing her aroused state, a bad idea. Instead I began to gather my things quickly as I held firmly to her leash and Deuce’s slippery rope that he drags while herding. All this because the message I perceived from the other student was more on the vein of: I would appreciate if you could keep
your dog under control and keep her from barking and… when are you leaving? I don’t know if it is because I am a professional trainer that I put additional pressure on myself and fall prey to the idea that dogs must comport themselves at all times and not show any of their emotions especially if they make us uncomfortable. I have thought about this phenomena a lot and I think it has something to do with pets being thought of as substituted children or a direct reflection of one's parenting skills…

Funny you might say, this coming from someone that makes a living by teaching other people’s dog among other things to be polite. Sure, nothing wrong with wanting our dogs to be well-adjusted (as well-adjusted as any living being can be) and able to deal with an ever changing environment – “there is no dog in sight and the next minute dog in sight…and why can’t I play with him?”

The problem is, in my view, when we set unrealistic and unfair expectations of our dogs. Not even trainer’s dogs should be expected to be devoid of emotional lives: barking when happy or afraid, quiet when tired, or aloof and  wanting isolation after a hard-day of running after sheep. Dogs are sort of permanent visitors in our world. A world that they must constantly ascertain. Similarly to one traveling in a country where we do not speak the language and we can’t relate to their customs. Poof! Now we can sympathize!

Perhaps a better approach is to pay attention to the areas of our dog’s behavior that we feel must improve either because they “bug” us or because our pal will have a better quality of life and work on them. Just like us, our dogs are a work in progress and they deserve our patience (oh so difficult sometimes!!) and our
understanding when their response is not the one we would like. In addition, I want to make sure that I am crystal clear as to the motivation behind my requesting my dogs do something or stop doing something. Not fair that I ask them to modify their behavior because I am feeling embarrassed (bad trainer!!) or because someone has expectations about how dogs should behave etc, etc. Our dogs are more than awesome companionship and a source of fun and laughter they also force us to look at our own “issues” and in my book, this is just what a good relationship/friendship should do. So… thanks Rio, for keeping it real…

What Training Is

For some reason this morning while driving to my boot camp, I thought about animal training and what it entails. I attended the (former) San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers, now offered as an online course http://www.academyfordogtrainers.com/ - the brain child of dog trainer extraordinaire Jean Donaldson.

Jean explains that [dog] Training … “At its very best (i.e. the” best” trainer training the “best” dog), will greatly alter the probability of behavior occurring.” Now notice that she mentions behavior changing, or in other words, the dog learning something else… as a great probability. I guess one can read this predicament as a “good news/bad news” statement. Yes indeed, if we train the dog the chances of our dog doing what we want just went up - way up but the bad news is that is just a probability- kind of a numbers game.

In my “Academy” (as the training program is fondly known in the dog training world) binder - next to Jean’s description of training I added a note that reads: “80% (change in behavior) is easy, every notch above 80% is hard.

Perhaps the statistics above should be embossed in all dog trainer’s business cards, websites, etc. in an effort to educate our clients and remind ourselves of the task at hand.

The problem lays I think, not so much with the 80% “rule” but with the (oh so very) human assumption that it is a piece of cake to change behavior in any living species. As we now know, nothing could be farther from the truth! BTW, I hear also that dogs are one of the easiest species to train!

Once we are aware of the implications in modifying behavior we can set realistic expectations for our dogs.

Yes it is true that any good trainer can teach a dog anything! However, it begs the question: how long will it take? Are we (or our clients) willing and able to control the environment so that the dog stops repeating the behavior we now want to modify?

Are we willing and able to be consistent (much easier said than done!) with consequences administered to the dog for exhibiting the “correct” behavior as well as consequences for failing to do so? Of course, by consequences I am NOT talking about aversive- another discussion all together… It also begs the understanding of when and where we want our dogs to perform a given behavior. Any training plan should ask: when specifically should the behavior take place? And where? In other words, we must take into consideration the context (environment if you will) where we need our dog to perform. It is not the same to request that our dog holds on a sit/stay for 2 minutes in the kitchen than the same behavior at the park where our dog is surrounded by interesting smells and sights.

Some behaviors, of course, do not need training. I am thinking of Rioja here, who after discovering last night in their toy basket the new stuffed octopus, she took it to bed with her. Really cute behavior with no training required! :0)

 

Collecting Dogs

While speaking to a potential client over the phone, she mentioned to me that her third dog had “fallen on their laps” as they had rescued this young pup from a really bad situation. For me there is no need in repeating the details of animal abuse… I know it happens, but repeating them with gory details makes me sick to my stomach and sends me into a Buddhist refrain: It is (life, circumstances) what it is. Truth be said that this mantra is about the only thing that can give me some consolation when I hear the sad state of affairs, especially when it involves the innocent - such as animals. So please excuse me if I stop you on your tracks should you begin to tell me about stories of abuse… la, la, la, I don’t want to hear them as I put my hands to my ears, la, la, la, I sing to avoid hearing.

I have some theories about why we feel the need to repeat these stories but I will not get into them in this post, instead I want to talk about what hearing about other people’s dogs can sometimes do to me - this is regardless if they have been abused or not.

As my client is describing the dog, which is a young rowdy pup - oh I love rowdy because I see so much potential! I begin to feel, well… jealous? In truth I begin to covet her pup. I want this pup for me! And this has  happened on more than one occasion. So it brings me to the next line of thought: How many dogs is one too many to share your life with? Notice I did not use the verb “own”.

How does one know (trainers: this question is specifically directed to you…) when adding one more dog is really not such a great idea because you already have “x” number of dogs? Or you do not have the time to train and properly care for them? Or the money to take care of all the medical needs that sure enough will arise at some point in the life of the pup?

It is, of course, a personal question that merits an individual response; this I get. I am not trying to sound moralistic. Then again, we do need to be aware of what dogs need in order to make their lives not just a bunch of days one followed by another, but truly great.

I have some trainer friends (I love you all) that have been collecting dogs. They told me that what happened was that they got dog number “x” as an agility dog and their dog either was not as good as they thought – no one's fault, this happens, or their dog got old, injured etc. So instead of getting rid of their dog, which is completely fantastic, the dog continues to be a part of their family. And, they decide to get another dog in hopes that they can continue with agility, nose work, herding or whatever their passion in dog sports might be.

I have other friends who have adopted a dog that they met when volunteering at a shelter. One particular dog had some “issues” that a trainer friend of mine wanted to address. Big kudos from me to my friend because living and working with dogs that have severe “issues” is no picnic.

Now, let’s pause for a moment. Can anyone agree on what the right number of pets night be? I think not. Every household is different, pet parents are all different, with different goals, lifestyles and bank accounts. In addition, one might argue, dogs are social beings so having an always-there pal is kind of doggie-heaven for most of them, so bring them on!

On a personal note, I am as big a sucker just as anyone of my friends that I'm writing about. I honestly feel warmth in the belly when I see photos of super cute puppies from the local shelter… which one do I want, which one do I want, can’t decided… as if selecting a pastry or chocolate at the bakery.

My compulsion is not only because pups are super cute (there is a reason for this too you know) but also because as a trainer I see potential - a challenge. I want to see this dog transformed into a very happy and well-behaved companion. Someone I want to spend a lot of time with. It is kind of crazy isn't it? Now, having [only] two dogs - super cool both of them: Deuce and Rioja, I am coveting a very small dog. Think Chihuahua - a very different kind of dog for me. What is keeping me from adding this small creature to our family are simple practical things that only a Virgo of the worst kind (yes, I am a Virgo… kind of a drag) would consider. Where would he stay when the other two larger dogs are playing outside in the fenced-in-yard that has big enough holes that my (imaginary) Chihuahua could easily fit through? What about this little guy getting injured by a client’s dog that has ill manners? Or if I am walking with Rioja (mid-size) and Deuce (a bit more than mid-size) will my small Chihuahua keep up? And how about if we come across coyotes?

Besides my tedious ruminations, adding a third/ additional dog to a household unleashes a change in the dynamic already established by the resident dogs. With dogs there is without a doubt also a preference for friends and playmates and a real period of adjusting. Having to share toys, attention, resting places all take a toll on dogs. I guess the point of this “conversation” is not so much, at least at this point in the conversation, if should I get a third dog but experiencing my desire for yet another dog.

Thinking about the logistics of everyday living has given me a mirror to my soul. Don't you believe that if we pay attention to our relationship with our animals, they have the capability to mirror back to us? For me at least, (would LOVE to hear what you folks out there experience…) dogs are a perfect vehicle for reflection. My relationship with dogs (and specifically my dogs) ties me down in obligation but it also liberates me because I experience lots of joy. Our relationships also give me an opportunity to address my fears and aspirations, which in my book, is the hallmark of true friendship.

Laika’s Christmas Horse

Laika had a fascination with horses. The first time I saw her in the presence of a horse was on my birthday a few years back. I was taking a hike with her and a foster dog named Annie - a cattle dog mix. Suddenly a pack of horses appeared on our hike - they were part of a summer program for kids.

I was lucky enough to put both dogs on leashes a.s.a.p while Laika squealed with delighted at the now nearby horses. From then on I was continuously on alert when it came to the possibility of finding horses on our hikes. The likelihood of what could happen gave me goose bumps (or as we say in Spanish literally - chicken skin).

On another occasion, Laika and I were on one of our often outings. On this particular day we were at a dog friendly park that extends to a beach AND the local horse track. The track actually has a handful of ways to allow a dog to venture into the track.

One day Laika saw from the car (mind you) a horse being exercised at full gallop. As we got out of the car and began our walk, Laika took off across an ample parking lot in the direction of the horse… wow, wow, wow! There was no freaking way I could catch her, not even then when I was younger. In an instant images of Laika being trampled by the horse or the jockey falling on the ground flashed in my mind as I tried to figure out how to call Laika back to me. I did the only thing I thought of at the time and it worked! By sheer luck Laika looked back as if wondering if I was coming along for her private adventure only to find me running in the opposite direction. Her predatory instinct kicked in full swing and she returned to me.

After these (and a handful of other less dramatic incidents regarding horses) I did some training sessions in the presence of corralled horses and Laika on a leash.

The goal of my training was to teach Laika to make eye contact with me when she saw a horse. She did this with no problem as she was hungry and what I offered her was something truly delicious. Yet the question remained: what would Laika do if she was once again off-leash and the horse out of the corral? Some scenarios I was willing to try just to find out… what if… but this particular one I was not - the stakes where just way too high. I guess, thought, that life has a way of presenting us with situations for us to learn about ourselves or perhaps it is just the nature of life…

As John, Laika and I began our hike on one Xmas morning here in Santa Fe, Laika and I were down below a slope with John on the trail just above us. Laika was off-leash when suddenly John alerted me to the presence of a horse. “Look a horse” he said. It took me a split second to leash Laika only to realize that the horse was loose. The horse was just wandering around at the border of the national forest as so many species of animals do in New Mexico. As I approached with Laika, we got very close to the horse. The horse remained standing and was also curious about our presence just as we were of him.

Laika and the horse touched noses, and then to my disbelief she gave this friendly black horse a play-bow! This is one of the moments where I wished my eyes were a camera just to capture that passing moment which was never to be repeated again.

My often cautious nature let me to move away from the horse and insist that we get back on with our hike. However I was secretly hoping that the horse would follow us.

Now a couple of years later, I sure wish I had let things play out a little more… could this horse and Laika have become fast friends?

Would I have found out once and for all what all the fuss she had made with horses was about if I had just let her interact (off-leash) with the horse?

I've been thinking about the social relations between different species. We all have read stories where animals in their natural habitat would not even interact with another species, yet do so peacefully with a chosen pal to the amazement of those who witness it. Or how about those stories where prey and predator also challenge their very nature to become close companions? What the heck is going on?

The possible reasons as to why animals of different species & natural “adversaries” form close bonds… might surprise you…stay tuned as we explore some of these reasons.

Thank You For The Recliner!

I had been eyeing this amazing recliner for about two years now in a nearby store. Finally they had a sale on it and I jumped on the opportunity. This recliner is not only super comfy because I can sit and lay down in four different positions, my recliner is also beautiful: with a small foot-print it is very ladylike… And it took Laika only one evening to claim the chair for herself! I had a suspicion this might happen so I prepared for it: I thought to drape it with a designer-like throw so that the dogs can enjoy it too.

Call me a softy, but for me the joy of seeing one of my dogs dozing off peacefully is worth the price of admission. Moreover, I refuse to live life protecting the integrity of any couch! Don’t get me wrong, our home is quite clean… okay, clean for New Mexico, where there is dust everryyywhere, yet our sofas are stain free, dog hair free and no legs have been chewed off.

I thought that perhaps I would have to “sell” John on the idea of this new chair as being dog-friendly. As John saw Laika making a discreet approximation to the chair, he asked me if we were going to allow the dogs on the new recliner. I said "yes" and made him aware of how the placing of the throw would take care of any dirt Laika might bring along. My thinking about the possibility of John not wanting the dogs on the new chair made me think about dogs and house rules…

I get asked gazzilions of times if I think that dogs should be allowed on couches, sleeping with their owners/guardians.  And my answer is always the same: do you want them on the couch/bed? Has there been any growling, snapping, etc. when you come to the bed or sit on the couch and your dog is already on it? I add that whatever they decided is okay. After all every household is different so I don’t think that there is a one-size-fits-all on this one. However, I do think that it is mandatory that we make whatever our household rules are crystal clear to our pets.

By crystal clear I mean that we must be as consistent as humanly possible - this is a big one for us humans about making sure the pet understand the requirements which in some cases it might require some additional training and that we are consistent with consequences when the rules are not being followed. Let me give you an example of what NOT to do. I know, I know, it is best to say what to do but I think this example illustrates very well how we tend to see things mainly from our perspective leaving our furry pal confused as to what we really want, yet we expect him/her to follow our rules.

I had a client once that was very upset at his dog for begging at the table. I made some inquiries about the incidents of obnoxious begging where I came to find out that my client had been feeding the dog on and off from the table. Once I pointed out to him that if the dog was now begging it had to do with his own table manners.

He realized that he could not have it both ways. This is a salient example because it is very typical of how we think: we think that because we have certain desires or expectations that these will be transmitted as if by osmosis to our dogs. The second issue here is that my client had been feeding his dog off and on while at the table. Not only is this really confusing for the dog, but the behavior (begging) had been put on a variable schedule of reinforcement (VR)! Think Las Vegas… that is it. Variable schedule of reinforcement are VERY powerful monsters… because the learner is not always reinforced there is a certain amount of frustration that will make the learner try even harder to get the reinforcement. Remember, schedules of reinforcements (there are others) follow the laws of learning.

Another downside for our dogs when we are inconsistent exercising our house rules is that all the guessing creates from mild to severe anxiety in our pets. Think about it, have you ever had a boss that's demanding of your performance, yet lacking in direction as to how and when a project needs to be done? What was your reaction?

My recommendations to those seeking my advice is to discuss with all family members as to what the rules and expectations for the dog should be. Then, take an honest look and see if those rules follow this criteria:

1. Are they (also) fair to the dog? If we choose to not have dogs on couches and beds, are we providing Fido with a soft comfy bed of his own?

2. Our rules should never undermine under any circumstances the welfare of the dog. i.e. the dog sleeps outside or stays outside without some adequate shelter regardless of the weather… ouch!

3. Dog is subjected to fearful or anxiety provoking scenarios because… I am the alpha, pay the rent blah, blah, blah… so the dog is thrown into the pool because he must like to swim. Similarly here, the dog has absolutely no agency because after all… he is just a dog. Include here the erroneous premise that our dogs must always mind us and do as they are told (see stupid rule above…). We must remember that they are not our toys or robotic, but sentient begins who deserve having their needs met, too.

4. Finally, realize that not because your dog has done a given behavior once or even a few times is proof that your dog has learned what the request for the behavior is and its consequence, so instead of guessing please make sure that you either find yourself a fantastic positive reinforcement "how to train your dog" book- (I have recommendations, so feel free to email me) or get yourself and your pup in the hands of a trainer who understand how dogs learn (learning theory).

Duke Says: “I Want More” more walks, longer walks..

As we return from our walk and I am removing his collar and leash to start my work day, Duke looks up at me as if saying “I want more” more walks, longer walks, opportunities to smell and chase, just to hang out outside. I am thinking: dogs, just like us, want more, too! Then, I shift into trainer’s mode: How much exercises should we give our dogs? How long and strenuous should the walks be? And, what about activities that engage their brains? I guess the answer is: it depends. It depends on the dog and its energy level, the age and physical condition. When it comes to mental stimulation, I use my dogs (and my client's dogs and fosters when they stay with me) demeanor to gauge when I have given them enough mental stimulation and physical activity.

You see, dogs don’t lie - they constantly are learning about us and our funny ways, their environment and how they can have their needs met.  Depending on my schedule for that day determines what  activities I plan for the dogs. Most days we take a walk in the morning  – as it gets hotter and hotter, we go out really early. The dogs come home and they take a snooze  - I go to work :(. Midday they get a Kong with something yummy in there. Lately the "yummy" has been a small block tripe, yeah I know, remember yummy from the point of view of the dogs… it is terrific to help with any stomach upset and assists in digestion.

However, since tripe comes raw, make sure you sanitize the Kongs (use your dishwasher) and wash your hands after handling.