Training
Posted: 08/16/2010
CAN YOU TEACH BAD DOGS TO BE GOOD?
Tucker says any dog can be taught good behavior. To prove this point, go no further than the 51 pit bulls that were seized from Bad News Kennels in April 2007 in Smithfield, VA. All of these dogs belonged to Michael Vick at the time, and each was subjected to the fighting ring.
All of Vick's dogs were given a second chance, thanks to $1 million that was set aside to rescue and rehabilitate as many of the dogs as possible. The story of what became of the "most vicious dogs in the United States" can be found at... A SECOND CHANCE FOR THE VICK-TIMS.
All of Vick's dogs are now living in foster homes with other pets and some, with children. Tucker says this is a great story that everyone should be aware of.
Let Tucker Know What You Think!!
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Posted: 08/18/2007
Tucker's Training Tips
As you might suspect, Tucker has very strong views on so-called "dog training techniques." Being a Scottish terrier, this should come as no surprise to anyone.
Sure "trainers" all have their preferences on how best to teach "dog obedience." Tucker's says..."Let them teach any and all dogs if they wish, but do not ever attempt to impose their training techniques on the Scottish terrier." The Scottie is not just any dog, he is a god (dog spelled backward).
So, here are Tucker's 12 Rules for Handling Dog trainers:
1.) Be fair, balanced and unemotional in the handling of your trainer.
2.) The trainer must never be allowed to ignore your barks.
3.) Always show your trainer what you want him to do - patiently and firmly.
4.) Only command your trainer once.
5.) Your trainer must always obey your barks and yaps, no exceptions.
6.) You must correct your trainer.
7.) You must reward your trainer sparingly.
8.) Your trainer must be disciplined firmly, but not harshly.
9.) Be consistent with your trainer.
10.) You must tolerate your trainer, but that is as far as affection goes.
11.) Remember that trainer obedience is the only acceptable outcome in the real world.
12.) If you mold your trainer correctly, you will be chosen as his special Scottie and you together will live happily ever after.
This ladies and gentlemen is Tucker's way of shaping the constant interaction between man and Scotties. There is no other way.
AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Posted: 07/28/2007
Tucker's Citizenship Test
The AKC Canine Good Citizen(CGC) is a certification program that is designed to reward dogs who exhibit good manners at home and in the community. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test receive a certificate from the American kennel Club.
Tucker, the king of scots, is very proud of his framed CGC Certificate. He passed the test when he was a year-old. He exemplifies what is best about a truly good citizen. The 10-step test is a series of everyday events that test a dogs behavior.
While Tucker thinks the the CGC test is great fun, he often wonders what the human participant would do if the test were, in fact, meant for them rather than their canine owner. You know the old saying..."Man's best friend is his dog." Tucker does not believe ..."A dog's best friend is necessarily man."
So, Tucker suggests we run through the test and apply it to the human participant.
Test 1: Accepting a friendly Stranger
According to Tucker this test should demonstrate that the human will allow a suspicious dog to approach and sniff around until satisfied. The human must show no sign of anxiety, shyness, and must not walk away from the dog.
Test 2: Sitting politely for petting
This test demonstrates that the human will allow an uncertain strange dog to approach in a wild and excited manner without running in the opposite direction.
Test 3: Appearance and grooming
This practical test demonstrates that the human will welcome being groomed and brushed by a completely untrained person in the middle of an open field during a thunder storm without flinching.
Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
This test demonstrates the the canine owner is in control of the human. There should be no doubt that the human is responding to the dog's every command.
Test 5: Walking through a crowd
This test demonstrates that the human can move about politely in heavy canine traffic and is under control in public places.
Test 6: Sit and down on command and staying in place
This test demonstrates that the human has training, will respond to the canine's commands to sit and down and will remain in place when commanded by the canine owner.
Test 7: Coming when called
This test demonstrates that the owned will come when called by the owner.
Test 8: Reaction to another human
This test demonstrates that the human can behave politely around other humans.
Test 9: Reaction to distraction
This test demonstrates that the possessed is confident at all times when faced with common and uncommon distractions.
Test 10: Supervised separation
This test demonstrated that a human can be left with a trusted canine and will maintain good manners.
Tucker believes that most humans are capable of becoming good citizens. He, however, does not believe that most are. Nevertheless, a few behavioral and obedience training sessions with the king of scots will turn the most unruly human into a "good citizen."
AAAARRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Posted: 05/23/2007
How to Stop Barking
Tucker, like most dogs has a tendency to bark. However, there are times when you want your dog to stop barking, no matter what.
It is important to know why your dog is barking - hungry, bored, needs to relieve himself. Never give your dog the upper hand. This occurs when his bark gets your attention.
There are two ways to stop your dog from barking - negative and positive reinforcement.
Positive Reinforcement
When your dog barks, give the command to "Speak" the dog barks, "Tucker, speak! Good boy! Speak! Good boy! Speak!"
Then take a Solid Gold Natural Treat, preferably lamb or turkey, pop it in his mouth, then say "Quiet! Good boy! Quiet! Good boy!"
Continue to do this over a week's time every time your dog barks.
The result will be that, when you say "quiet", your dog will look for that treat and be quiet. What you have done is created an "on/off switch" for barking that is useful in any situation.
Fill up a Dixie cup with water. Stand in front of your dog as he is barking. Do not say a word.
Once your dog begins to bark, immediately dash the water in his face and say "Quiet" in a calm voice.
You may have to do this multiple times over a 2 or 3 day period. "Quiet" repeated once or twice in your normal voice will teach the dog to associate the word with water in the face and with not barking. In situations where your dog normally barks, but does not, make sure you praise him lavishly.
Premier Pet Products offers an array of pet products that are recommended by leading veterinarians that are designed to redirect your pet away from unwanted behaviors such as barking, digging and jumping.
Posted: 04/17/2007
Toothbrush Scottie
The contrast between a Scottie's reaction to the words "treat" vs. "dental" is stark.
Mention the word "treat" and you have your Scottie's undivided attention. No matter what Tucker is doing, when I state the magic word, he drops everything, starts licking his chops, and immediately comes to my side. He knows that he is one step from an immediate reward.
I usually give him the hand visual command for "down" at this point. Being stubborn but practical, Tucker slowly inches his front paws forward until he is in position. He is rewarded (liver cookie) appropriately for being a "good boy."
A similar, but somewhat different reaction is given to the words "gourmet treat." It seems to be like how I would react to a Fillet Mignon vs. a Strip Steak. Both are good, but to me, the Fillet Mignon is much preferred.
The utterance of "gourmet treat" brings about an almost wild and uncontrolled response. Tucker jumps up and down a few times, and then does the 40-yard dash in doggie record time to join me at the "heel" position. At this point I have no choice but to give him his favorite lamb treat. He always seems delighted with himself in these moments.
However, when I mention the word "dental," Tucker turns away from me, slowly starts walking in the opposite direction, with the look of a dog who is being scolded. I suppose this is how we all react to a scheduled dental appointment. Eventually, I am able to get him on the table for his dental cleaning. Each session is somewhat of a challenge, but persistence pays off.
We keep the session short, the toothpaste is beef flavored, and he seems to accept his cleaning in exchange for a "treat."
Posted: 04/11/2007
Scottie Temperament and Training
Anyone owned by a Scottish terrier will tell you that they are both a joy and a challenge to live with. The Scottie is a bundle of energy in motion with an attitude that will not quit.
Obedience training and housebreaking, especially for an adult Scottie, can be quite challenging. In both instances, it is important to demonstrate just who is the "boss." The training must be structured, consistent and firm. However, it should not be so firm as to break the Scottie's spirit.
They quickly become very attached to their human companion. Training should include "high-end" rewards (e.g., liver or lamb treats) for good behavior, and firm words ( No, Off, Leave it, etc.) for off the mark behavior.
When housebreaking an adult Scottie, you must remember how they think and behave in the wild. They will scent mark their territories. This is not only a point of demarcation, but a spot where he will return to repeatedly, in order to make it clear to others that this is his spot.
His spot, should it be inside the home, will become, if you are not careful, the place where he will feel free to relieve himself in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
So, what if your Scottie makes a mess in your kitchen? If you catch him in the ACT, immediately say NO, and quickly take him to the desired location to finish his business.
If you find the mess after the fact, take a paper towel and rub it into the mess, then take it to the desired spot and smear that area. He will eventually scent mark this spot as his place to go.
| About the Author:
Paul McCarthy, entrepreneur, is owned by Tucker, a 12-year old Scottish terrier, whose paw prints, ideas and thoughts appear everywhere.
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