My vet approves this message!

Attention all puppy owners! And to those who know people with puppies and friends and family of puppies: Dr. Shelly Wilson (one rockin' vet and owner of The Animal Doctor here in Ventura) has written to me that she agrees with the position statement the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior has released on early puppy socialization, and how such steps can really help with the development of a healthy and happy dog, a happy household, and prevention of behavioral issues that dogs often develop without the proper steps.

You can always contact Dr. Wilson, DVM, one of the other doctors, or her staff if you'd like additional information, or to have your dog seen for a check-up! You can also access the story by clicking here.

Just like us humans, the earlier we begin learning, enrichment, developing coping skills, and proper social skills, the better adjusted we are as adults. There is no reason why we shouldn't be doing this with our domestic puppies - as long as it's done in a safe way that refrains from causing any physical or emotional harm... Check out some of the services I offer at my studio that fills this need.

Pup & Circumstance!

It was graduation today for both Puppy and Adult Manners Classes. I love graduation day! It's so heartwarming to watch all the wonderful students (humans and canines) walk over to receive their certificates... loose leash and all... Of course I play "Pup and Circumstance" just because I'm so corny that way :-)

I'm so proud of everyone - Sadie's mom said how she has learned to take the skills she's developed and use them outside of the classroom to help get the behaviors she wants! How great is that?

That's exactly what I focus on in my classes here at The Inquisitive Canine in Ventura. Sure it's great that my students can get their dogs to sit and down here...but come on, if you can't get your dogs to do the same thing out in the real world, then it's not very useful. Could you imagine if we were only able to understand what we were taught in school in the classroom but not out in the real world? None of us would have made it very far... Although it seems that many people leave their perfect and responsible driving skills back in their drivers ed classrooms...but I'll leave that one alone for now...

Anyway, congratulations to all my wonderful "graduates"! You've done such a great job... Keep up the great work!

Parade of Poochies!

Today was our annual Pooch Parade here in Ventura. What a grand event it was! Loose Leash walking everywhere! It's put on by our local private rescue group The Canine Adoption and Rescue League - a great group of folks that help dogs in need. The parade and post-party is always a good time to be had - by canines and humans alike. Plus, the weather was perfect! Not too hot, not overcast by much... all in all a very pleasant day.

We started with a nice warm-up stretch with the lady that owns and runs the fabulous Oaks of Ojai (talk about motivation and rewards for humans), then we took to the path for our 5K walk... Poncho, my hubby and I all walked together - had a great time. I'm so proud of Poncho (my hubby too)... We kept up the pace - Poncho said hello to other dogs and people very politely (what a good boy he is) ;-) Then we headed back and walked about greeting others, and "window shopping" at the various vendor booths. A perfect opportunity to practice all the lovely good manners skills I teach him, and the students in my classes over at the Inquisitive Canine studio.

There were so many great dogs! And responsible owners too! I saw everyone monitoring their own dogs behavior - cleaning up after them, rewarding generously for desired behaviors. Makes my heart sing when I see such great canine-human relationships.

I saw some of my own students who are enrolled in my Puppy Manners Class there too! Of course they were also doing a fabulous job with their dogs - just like in class... I'm so proud of them!

So, if anyone missed the Pooch Parade this year, there is always next year! Come on out, bring your dogs, or adopt a new one, or just come to be amongst all the happy wagging tails!

Back to school!

How exciting! I was just hired to take over the dog training classes here in Ventura through the Ventura College Community Education program! I start this Thursday! The class is similar to my course I teach at my own studio - all positive reinforcement - focusing on the behaviors we want from our dogs (not what we don't want...) I can't wait to get started!

All choked up over this question:

I was having a discussion on the use of choke chains with dogs - and the question came up about using them on stronger dogs, especially Pit Bull Terriers. Let me say this first: 1) I love Pit Bulls. 2) I am NOT breed biased. Doggy DNA is doggy DNA - they all have the propensity to act like dogs whether they be a teacup chihuahua or an american pit bull terrier. The difference is obvious when it comes to the injury itself, and in that: size does matter... This is what I told my friend who asked the innocent question of using them on APBT's (she lives in a big big city with APBT's everywhere...and she doesn't own a dog herself...it's okay, she's still really cool)... Anyway, this was my answer for her:

but what if you have a pitbull in brooklyn (there are millions!)? just askin.. > Are you kidding? Please allow me to pass on some info: "all" animals learn the same way- So, if you have a 6' 8" athletic boxer, or a 3' tall little girl, a lion, a tiger, a bear, a fish, a hamster, cat, or Pit Bull Terrier - all will learn the same way - The way that humans use choke chains for training places them (the collars) under the "Learning by Consequence" path - Based on the consequences of the animals own behavior you can either give them something they want, or take it away - or you can give them something they don't want, or remove it, or prevent it from happening. (BF Skinner come to mind here?) Anyway, the more *humane* techniques are: give something they want, or take it away - like sports (three strikes, penalty box, and that whole deal)... Dog sits = he gets a treat and gets to say *hi* to person - Dog jumps up = dog doesn't get treat and doesn't get to say hello to person.

Choke chains, prong collars, squirt bottles, jerking the collar (collar corrections), electronic shock collars, citronella collars - all of these *positive punishment* techniques are threats, considered abusive, and only motivate the dog out of pain and fear! Plus, they only focus in on what you DON'T WANT, not what you do want... If you were involved with someone that walked around with a belt in their hand, ready to hit you with it if you did something THEY didn't like, and only paid attention when you were doing something *wrong* (only in their eyes mind you - could be a normal behavior of yours...) how long would you stay with this person?

As I mentioned above choke chains (and the like) are used for the purpose of "Consequence Learning". However, both types of learning are taking place at the same time (the "emotional" learning by association path), and thus creates a main reason for dog aggression to start - but that's a different email (post)...I'll let you digest this one first.

This is just some of the info I talk about in my classes and workshops here in Ventura... you to can learn more about this path of learning, and well as the other - stronger path... You and your dog will love it!

Positively rewarding for me!

Wow! Talk about rewarding... As you probably already know, I LOVE MY JOB! I'm so passionate about being a dog trainer and behavior counselor! Last Sunday was the start of my new round of Manners Classes... I offer both Puppy and Adult dogs and their families. Sunday was the orientation, so I combined both groups...and what a great group it was!!! There was a total of fourteen families that attended! Everyone asked great questions, participated in answering my questions... and laughed at my jokes (that's always appreciated)... I find this to be so rewarding...just like the methods I teach you to teach your dogs to get the behaviors you want! I can't wait to see all the doggies this Sunday!


If you are interested in classes, or other services I offer, please contact me. I'd love to hear from you...

The better dog behavior question leading to success!

When it comes to the behavior of our dogs, we often ask ourself: "Why do you keep doing that (dogs name)?" As a dog trainer I get calls all the time with that question. At home, being a *dog mom* first, I will catch myself asking myself this question...usually on Mondays when the garbage trucks are circling the neighborhood about nine times throughout the day... So, what's wrong with this picture??? We're just focusing in on what we don't want - what drives us nuts - which doesn't solve anything. What we need to do is simple... we need to ask the right question: "What behavior do I want?"

From that answer you can say to yourself: "Then this is the behavior I want to reward!" For instance, let's say I want my own dog Poncho to be quiet while he is hanging out in the yard. I do allow him to bark once (to alert me, after all, that's part of his *job* description)... So, being out there and just being quiet gets him rewarded! I make sure to catch him in the act of doing what I want, then acknowledge it, and reward. "Thank you!" If it's a situation where I want him to bark I allow him to continue, if not, then I give him a separate cue for wanting quiet. If he follows it, he gets rewarded - food, play time, freedom in the yard - if not, then inside he goes. "Too bad for you."

Now he has the choice: stay outside following the rules gets rewarded - breaking the game rules gets him nothing.

This is the type of training steps I teach in my classes - it's simple, it works, plus it gets you focused on what you want, not what you don't want... So remember, the next time you find yourself frustrated with your dog, just ask yourself "What behavior do I want? What behavior do I want to reward?" Then do it!

Happy Anniversary to The Inquisitive Canine Studio!

Today was a day of celebration! Yep, it was one year ago that this dog trainer opened The Inquisitive Canine studio here in Ventura. Where does the time go? I'll tell you... it goes to teaching all the wonderful doggies and their families in my dog training classes, workshops, and socials...and in privates as well.

My friend Nancy and her dog Kona really made my day - they brought some yummy candies all customized just for todays event! Each one tied with a personal label for those to take with them... very rewarding and generous I must say... A BIG shout out and thank you! (click-treat for you both)... We had a fun raffle - everyone won something... which made me feel like a big winner too!

The Natural Balance company was generous and donated all of the goodie-bags for people to take home...they also supplied the big daddy of all the raffle prizes... You can see the picture of Sofia - the big winner - Her dog's Rocky and Mick will love the items too... Premier Pet Products was also kind enough to donate items for the raffle - which everyone loved! Thanks to both companies for your generosity!

We all had lots of fun today at our Anniversary party...lots of great friends showing up with their dogs, and some just wanting to share in the festivities, showing their support. I appreciate each and every one who came out to share their good wishes. I'd also like to give an extra shout out big thank you and I love you to my wonderful husband and own dog Poncho - for all the love and support, and for believing in me.

Another dog-training hypocritical moment.

I got home from teaching class the other day - one of my fabulous manners classes at The Inquisitive Canine indoor studio... My wonderful husband and dog Poncho were both waiting for me... we were all going to run errands together. I love doing that. Very rewarding for all of us.

Anyway, as I walked into the yard my husband made mention that our dog Poncho "killed a bird". What?!! Was he sure? Was the little birdie still alive when it fell out of its nest? Or was it already dead? Did our little baby boy really take another's life? Oh wait. Hello? Poncho is a dog. And well, this is a normal behavior for a dog, right? Yes.

A dog is a predator. Predators hunt and kill things. It's in their DNA to do this. At first I was a bit disturbed, for a couple of reasons. But then it occurred to me that I myself have a plethora of dead animals in my own home... In the fridge, in the freezer, in cans... Just because I pay others to make the kill for me doesn't make me any less of a predator than my own dog - just lazy. (Frankly I don't think I could take the action myself...fishing yes, other methods...not so much).

So Poncho - once again mama is sorry for any thought that had a negative ring to it... You are one incredible dog. And I appreciate you. Now, if I could only train you to use your predator skills for grocery shopping at Trader Joe's then I'd be set! But I have a feeling you'd just spend your time hanging around the food sampling area at the back of the store... after all, you're one smart dog that has learned about rewarded behaviors!

This dog trainer is such a hypocrite!

I'm talking about me folks. The patient dog trainer and human-dog relationship coach... the one who is able to fix everyones else's issue's with their own dogs... Yep, I'm the hypocrite. Making a public announcement and apology for everyone to hear. Ready? Okay...here goes...

I'm a barker!!! That's right - ME! I bark...sometimes way too much. Now, you wouldn't think so. After all, I'm not a dog (I'm trying to forget what they called me in high school, but that's another story...) But it occurred to me as I was driving around town, Poncho in the backseat, tucked in his car seat all safe and sound... and being quiet as could be. I've trained him pretty well - just like I help others in my dog training classes at The Inquisitive Canine. Once in a while I have to "go back to kindergarten" and remind him with some rewards for being quiet (and a time out if he's barking too much)... But this time it was all my fault. Me, the dog trainer, the one who teaches dogs to be quiet...I was the one being loud and obnoxious - "barking" at all those drivers on the road either causing traffic jams, not paying attention to everything around them... "HEY! The light's green! For gosh sakes hang up the phone and pay attention!!!" "And YOU! If you want to change lanes, then signal! They don't design cars with turn signals for nothing!" "And hey you, driving is a privilege not a right! Obey the laws like everyone else!" Wow...listen to me I'm barking again.

Poncho...my sweet boy. Mama is sorry. I've been barking in the car too. And you've been so kind as to not give me a time-out! Next time, instead of me barking, I'll redirect my energy and reward you for being quiet... Extra treats for you - and some "pet therapy" for me.

Dog Behavior: a realistic look

Poncho and I just got home from spending a nice romp on the baseball field. Before we walked around ourselves I spent a few minutes just watching the young kids with their parents playing catch, doing warm-up drills, and getting settled in before they started their game. I noticed there were some kids throwing the ball in every direction they could - even if no one in particular was there to catch it...just giggling and flailing about - having such a great time. Then there were the two boys that were rolling on the grass...down the hill, just rolling and rolling and rolling... I started giggling - remembering doing that as a child too, and having so much fun.

My question today is: how come all we expect from children is to laugh, play, enjoy themselves, not talk to strangers, and maybe say please and thank you? We don't ask them to problem solve every issue they may encounter or even leave it up to them to entertain themselves - unless we supply or arrange the activities. Why do I bring this up? Because it seems we expect differently from our domestic dogs, even though they are mentally equivalent to a two year old human.

So, what are we supposed to do? I say, treat them as dogs, while having expectations that would equate to what they're capable of doing, not what we wish they could do. If your dog has never learned to *retrieve*, then you can't expect to throw the ball fifty yards and have him or her go fetch and bring it back dropping at your feet on the first try. Maybe they will! If so, throw a party! If not, then teach your dog what you want in a way they would understand. Making it simple, like the kids learning T-Ball first, before moving up the difficulty ladder. Set them up for success! Otherwise you may be the one that gets frustrated.

Skills like this are discussed and taught in my own classes here at The Inquisitive Canine in Ventura. We talk about making training steps easier or more difficult for you and your dog. When you are learning something new, or when you're wanting to advance on the skills your dog already knows... It's lots of fun, but we still focus on realistic expectations. Makes for a much more fulfilling and rewarding time.

Positive Reinforcement and dog training - what is is?

The term "Positive Reinforcement" is such the "in thing" to say nowadays when it comes to training your pet dog - but what exactly does it mean? In a very small nutshell, it means adding something, or giving something, to an animal they find pleasant after a behavior is performed in order to increase the frequency of that behavior. For example: you ask your dog to sit, she does, you give her a cookie. With consistency, she will probably start offering this behavior (sitting) more frequently because of the pleasant outcome. As you can see, it is the consequences that drive the behavior.

So how can those folks who use squirt bottles when punishing their dogs, or jerking the collars, or rolling them onto their backs call themselves "positive reinforcement" trainers...? As far as I can tell by reading the dogs body language, being squirt, rolled over with force, or jerked and yelled at is not the most pleasant thing...and certainly doesn't tell the dog what you want.

My philosophy and methodology at the inquisitive canine is centered around positive reinforcement. Which means I like to motivate the dogs with anything and everything they find pleasant and rewarding... food, petting, praise, toys, belly rubs, tug of war, and all sort of other fun and games... Life is full of enough aversives...why add to it - especially when it distorts learning, yes?

I recommend everyone be inquisitive themselves when looking for a trainer - think about how well you would learn a new skill... being spoken to in a language you understand, being motivated by something you find to be pleasant...not afraid of. It's not just the words, but the actions of the trainer themselves.

Come check us out...sign up for one of our classes... you may be positively reinforced as well.

Recipe for dog training success!

When it comes to dog training, I've noticed that most humans focus on the final product, and not how to get there. Similar to going out to eat a meal - we focus on the finished yummy meal brought to our table, not how it was prepared. Why should we when someone else is doing the work? We may inquire how something is made in order to give us a better idea of what the meal might taste like - but do we really care how hot the grill was? If the meat was marinated first? The actual steps of the recipe? Not really - unless it was so great we'd want to duplicate it at home... but even then, it's usually somewhat different.

So why is it most dog folks tend to focus intently on the final product of what they want their dogs behavior to be? As opposed to figuring out the simplest way to get there...with little strain and stress on themselves and their dogs.

It's high time we as humans take the time to learn a "recipe for success" for educating and training our dogs. That is what I like to focus on in the classes I offer at The Inquisitive Canine - the "how to get the behaviors", not just the behaviors themselves. Sure, the dogs learn the behaviors that owners want, but that's just the side effect of actually learning how to get the behaviors in the first place... As the chinese proverb goes: "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." Or in this case: Push the dogs butt to the ground and he sits for that moment - teach the human to teach the dog to sit, and he sits when you ask.

So, come join us at the inquisitive canine to learn about, and develop the tools and techniques to create your own recipe for success for getting the behaviors you want out of your dog.

Dog Trainers Dream Team!

What a great day! Michelle, Lorrie, Anne, Amber, & Nathan...thanks to you all for heading south on a Sunday afternoon to "play" at the inquisitive canine. And thank you to family and friends for hanging out too! I know this dog trainer had a great time! My DREAM TEAM came for a visit! Who you ask? Well, I'll tell you. The folks that make up the team that is going to send my business soaring to new heights!

There was the wonderful and talented Michelle Shapiro of Ipso Facto Creative Group - owner, founder, website designer extraordinaire. She has been taking care of me since I opened the studio last year - so patient, so caring, and oh so skillful! The ever so fabulous Lorrie Thomas (who actually organized the whole dream team road trip) of Lorrie Thomas Website Marketing was there with her hubby Will...kind, considerate, and a great supportive hubby (like mine!) Lorrie has taken the inquisitive canine on an adventurous trip through the world of web marketing... She doesn't call herself a business coach, but to me she is that too... Watching out for me, guiding this dog trainer down the right path, and on the road to success! --- The gracious and cheerful Anne Ofilia, who works with Lorrie, was there as well - Anne took to the idea of clicker training immediately! She "got it" and is all ready to try it on her own family...hey, it works with all animals right? Not just dogs... Between playing with the clicker, Anne is going to help me get some of the surveys and evaluations out - teaching me to use specific website marketing tools...Maybe if I play my cards right, Anne will give me a "click-treat" --- Amber Wallace of Dowitcher Designs and her friend Jill (also of Dowitcher Designs) were also at the puppy party! Amber is another fantastic website designer and builder! (all that confusing html stuff is so easy for her...) Plus, Amber is a great tutor...very patient, and a great communicator...I know because I was one of her students :-) She is going to take charge of building some additional elements to my great site! Nathan, Michelle's son was there working today - he is a fabulous videographer - on the road to being a director - and will soon get some great dog play video up on You Tube for me! (how exciting!)

Then of course there was the Puppy Social itself! Lots of wonderful visitors - canine and human alike. There was Nancy with Kona- a lovely owner, and darling blonde lab pup! Then some new folks stopped in...Brenda and her daughter Maureen, with their newly adopted pooch Lulu! Lulu was a bit shy at first, but she warmed up pretty quickly, and within a few minutes into play both were romping about...So much fun to watch...learning how to socialize, communicate in their own doggy language and play style, teaching each other how to "just be dogs" in our crazy human world...all while building self-confidence! Plus, for the rest of the day they'll nap because they're so tired! And you know, a tired dog is a happy dog...and happy owner :-)

My friends the Lopiano's stopped in as well - mom and dad (Bridgette and Phil) brought their kids Sophia and Charles - they all love puppies, but aren't able to have one themselves at this time - so they get their "puppy fix" here at the inquisitive canine studio - how great for everyone! Kids get puppy time, plus the puppies learn how to be well-mannered around the little ones...a win-win for all!

It wrapped up with my own hubby and pooch Poncho stopping in to say "hello"... So supportive and caring...both real troopers! Thanks to everyone for making this dog trainers day!

How long does it take to train my dog?

A FAQ I receive is: "How long will it take for my dog to be trained?" I hate to say it, but there is no simple answer...or magic wand. Every persons situation and dog is different. Whether it be a puppy that has been brought into a first time dog owners home, or a intra-familial dog-dog aggression case - all depend upon the humans that are taking care of the dog(s), and the dogs themselves. Some factors to consider are:

• Type of training - general manners, aggression/fear, guarding/predatory issues.
• Human involvement - keeping up with the training plan, setting the dog up for success.

For "good manners" courses I currently offer 4-session "intensives" as opposed to the traditional 6 week+ classes. Why? I found that most people are more likely to commit to a shorter time frame if they are receiving the information they want. And that for those that are into keeping up with their dogs behavior modification, will return for additional class time (my ongoing classes provide this type of training plan).

For the more difficult behaviorial issues, again it really depends upon the humans and dogs. But I would place more emphasis on the "humans" and their involvement. Think about how long it takes a human to change something about their own behavior? Something like smoking cessation takes quite some time to get over the "initial hump". Afterwards, the person will need to help maintain this behavior by setting themselves up for success - spend time around non-smokers, go to places that don't allow smoking etc... But it's a lifelong process. With our dogs, there would be the "initial hump" - meaning more training. Once the dog is behaving in a way you want, you will still need to set the dog up for success, and help "maintain" the behavior by practicing elements of the initial training plan... Some of the dog-dog cases I've worked took many many months - with multiple training sessions every day, for extended periods of time.

So when I hear people asking me "how long will it take to train my dog?" I will ask "How much time, energy, and in some cases money, are you willing to put in?" and "How badly do you want it?"

Stupid & Cheerful... That’s me.

One of the many things my parents taught me was the old adage “If you have nothing nice to say about someone, don’t say anything at all.” They also raised me to focus on the better qualities of a person, and of course, don’t judge a book by its cover...especially when the media is involved. I often keep this in mind when I’m asked what I think about a certain specific well-known dog trainer...someone very popular, and who has a strong following... Whether it be a comparison (always meant as a compliment), or someone just asking my general opinion, I like to remain neutral and PC whenever I can.

First of all, I’ve never met this person face to face. I’ve read their book (so I can be well informed if a discussion of some sort should arise) - Plus, I’ve only seen this person portrayed in contexts where the media has had a hand in it... Editing, or interviewing etc... I can say this though, just from what I’ve witnessed:

• 1) we practice different methods (there’s more than one way to make a meat loaf, or in this case train a dog)
• 2) I don’t need to have a disclaimer before any of my training programs - I encourage people to try my techniques and training steps at home
• 3) exercise for our pets is deficient in this country - partly because of our judicial society. (Not enough public places for off-leash in my opinion)
• 4) I use methods based on science and data, that work in ways that allow the animal to think for themselves, and not through intimidation or fear.

So, when someone says “Oh, you’re like the _____” or “What do you think of the _____?” - I smile, think of how my mom and dad raised me, and say either “Thank you (?)” or “Well, I’ve never met the person, but I practice different methods...” then proceed to explain further if asked, or direct them to my website... When in doubt, I find it’s better to be “stupid and cheerful” (thank you Dr. Joy) than to apply positive punishment.

Dog Trainer in Ventura Hits Blogosphere!

I never thought my mom would be a blogger, but all my dog friends and dog owners kept saying that my mom needed to take her love of dog training and put her tips and advice out to the world wide web to help more dog owners and pups!

My name is Poncho (I have my own dog blog and actually started blogging way before my mom!)

My mom's name is Joan, she is a dog lover and works in a profession that we both love (as a trainer and dog behavior instructor in Ventura, Ca) I go to work with her every day.

She created this blog to share her passion about dog training to extend my dog training work in Ventura to the blogosphere!

My mom is a graduate of the San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers where she studied pet dog training, behavior problems, client coaching and teaching. Her experience also includes training shelter dogs at the San Francisco SPCA where she specialized in dogs with behavior problems.

In addition to my mom being a great dog treat giver-outter, she is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) through the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers (CCPDT), a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), and an affiliate member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).

She attends conferences all over the place (when I do not get to go I sort of get upset, but then I get to hang out with dad and have lots of male-bonding fun) just to stay current on the latest in animal learning theory and behavior, to incorporate cutting-edge science into her work with owners and their canine companions.

As Joan's dog, I can vouch that her approach comes from personal passion and love of animals (me!!)– it is all about positive reinforcement and owner-education in reward-based training sessions.

So far, all the work my mom does with me makes me super, so keep reading my mom's dog training blog! :)

-Poncho http://ponchosprose.blogspot.com/

Rambling finally pays off! At least in my own mind...

Hello and welcome to my blog... Finally! All these years of rambling behavior, in emails, phone calls, and everyday conversations, I now finally have an outlet where I can just let it all pour out! I love modern technology! Thank you Google and Blogspot - and of course Lorrie Thomas for encouraging me to become a blogger!

So, what is all of my blogging going to be about? What are my goals? My intentions?

Mostly professionally related dog training topics - training and education for canines and their humans... But with a side order of my own personality ;-) Tips and tidbits on the basics of training your dog, trouble-shooting issues I commonly see or am frequently asked about, interesting cases I’m working with (real names protected of course), addressing interesting emails I may receive, responding to comments, or simply my very own humble opinion on life’s daily adventures...I’m thrilled you’re here, and am looking forward to having you join me on this new and exciting blogging experience...

Joan (AKA: Poncho’s mom)

The Inquisitive Canine, LLC