Dog Food Rule Number 1: Less is More!

The other day one of my clients said her dog was not motivated by food. I took her comment at face value and showed her another way to reward her dog (via affection and play).

As I was demonstrating various training techniques to my client, I noticed something that can be quite detrimental to the training process: dog food in the dog’s bowl. The food had been there all day. You might think this is no big deal. As a dog owner I like to ensure my dogs eat well. But, unlike my client, I stop short of leaving food in their bowls all day, every day. Why? Because I know that dogs will not ‘work’ for what they can get anytime.

If food is always available, your dog is unlikely to want to go to the effort of performing tasks for you. When you offer food as a reward, your dog can easily refuse on the grounds that she is not excited enough about the reward to be obedient because she knows it’s available all the time. Basically, it all comes down to delayed gratification – it works with humans as well as dogs.  The ‘marshmallow experiment’ demonstrates how delayed gratification works – in the 1960s, a group of four-year-olds were given one marshmallow and promised a second one on the condition they wait twenty minutes before eating the first one. Some children were able to wait and others could not. The researchers then demonstrated that, in adolescence, those with the ability to wait were better adjusted and more dependable.

How does this translate to dogs? Well, teaching your dog that food comes at certain times as part of a routine and as a reward for good behaviour, will make your dog more dependable when it comes to obedience!

So, if you leave food around all day and want to change this, how should you go about it?

All you need to do is leave your dog’s food out for 10 minutes once or twice at the same time each day. If your dog is used to having food available all day, then she may not eat the food in that 10 minute window. Even so, remove the food after 10 minutes and wait til the next scheduled feeding. This might seem unfair, but your dog won’t starve. In fact, it’s almost certain that your dog will learn very quickly to eat the food promptly at the next 10 minute window. If you do this regularly, your dog will come to appreciate her food more and may become more motivated by food during training sessions.

Once you have established a routine, feel free to give your dog small treats between meals. But remember to make your dog ‘work’ (with simple, quick commands) for them!

Dog Essentials for Your Evacuation Kit

In light of the recent floods in Queensland and the devestating effect it has had on both people and animals, I thought I’d share some tips on what you can do to prepare for your dog’s welfare in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

Many families have an emergency or evacuation kit stocked with essentials like food, water and other items to help through a relocation as a result of fire, flood or other natural disaster. When stocking your evacuation kit, remember to include a first-aid kit for your dog as well as the following items:

Water and Food

Make sure there is enough dried and canned food for your dog for two weeks. You should check expiration dates on the food labels and replace water every couple of months. Make sure you have a can-opener and spoons in the kit too! Your kit should also have a small portable water bowl made of soft material (these can be purchased at camping stores) and food bowls. Include your dog’s favourite treats too.

Essential Equipment

Make sure you have also packed the following items for your dog in your evacuation kit:

• Muzzle (frightened dogs may bite) – you can buy either a soft or hard muzzle from most pet stores.
• Bitter Apple or other product that discourages licking (some dogs do this when nervous).
• Pet carrier.
• Spare lead and collar (with a tag that has your contact details).
• A blanket/thermal blanket and some toys.
• Poo bags/plastic bags and disinfectant.
• Grooming, dental cleaning supplies and soap.

Essential papers

Your kit should have two copies of the following papers:

• Updated vaccination certificate.
• Pet insurance details and policy number. 
• Microchip/tattoo ID and documentation.
• Photos of you with your dog. Write your dog’s name and your contact details on the back of the photos. (Make sure the contact details of a friend or relative is also recorded on the back of the photos, in case you cannot be reached).
• Prood of ownership, such as registration, purchase or adoption papers.

Your should also have a list of the contact details for the following places:

• Your vet and any secondary vets.
• Nearest emergency animal hospitals, clinics or poison centres (which may be required if your dog becomes ill or injured).
• Animal shelters, pet friendly motels, boarding facilities, microchip/tattoo ID centres. These numbers are good to have if you are either looking to find accommodation for your pet or if you are in the unfortunate position of looking for your dog. 

One copy of these papers and the list of contact details can be placed in the evacuation kit with your other personal papers (in a ziplock bag or container). The second set of papers can be placed in a ziplock bag and taped to the inside wall of the pet carrier. Make a note with indelible ink on the outside of the carrier that there is important information about the dog and owner within. This is an especially useful measure if you want to make it easier to reclaim your dog, should you become separated.

Medication

The evacuation kit should have a supply of any medication your dog takes regularly, including monthly doses of heartworm/intestinal worm/flea preventatives. Keep these medications dry in waterproof containers.

Should your dog be prone to anxiety as a result of changes in routine or bad weather (such as storms), ask your vet about any remedies that may be worth storing into your evacuation kit.

I hope this information makes any evacuation period in unfortunate circumstances easier for you, your family and your dogs.

What Dogs Can Teach You about Love and Leadership

I recently spoke to a lovely lady about dog training. This lady said to me: “You know, Mia, dogs are a reflection of their owners.”

This insight created a huge shift for me. Despite the knowledge that relationships mirror our inner world, I had not, until now, explored this principle when it came to me and my dogs. For about five years I have had two loving canine companions by my side: my girl Ziggy – feisty, sensitive and extroverted, and my boy Frodo – quiet, intelligent and protective. Alice’s comment caused me to ponder my evolving relationship with these fantastic creatures. I came to realise that dogs are a barometer of one’s abilities as a leader and nurturer.

I recall a defining moment back in 2007, when a dog trainer asked me to gently maneuver Ziggy into the ‘drop’ position. As I attempted this, Ziggy signaled her refusal by squealing. I immediately recoiled. The dog trainer said “you need to exert more authority over your dogs, Mia, otherwise they won’t do as you want.” I was taken aback; I did not think it was appropriate to ‘make’ my dogs do anything.

I have since realised that leadership need not conflict with showing love to my dogs. With my newfound understanding, I devised this model (drawn on a napkin in a coffee shop one crisp morning) which shows how authority and love can actually co-exist nicely, and how one without the other can make a dog owner come undone. The vertical axis represents the opposing states of Leadership and Anarchy, and the opposing qualities of Fear and Love are represented on the horizontal axis.

The Spoilt Dog

Dog owners who have limited authority over their dogs but love their dogs are represented by quadrant B. These dogs are generally pampered, but disobedience can be a problem.

The Insecure Dog

Dog owners who have no authority over their dogs and fail to provide sufficient comfort to their dogs are represented by quadrant C. These dogs are generally insecure, lonely and disobedient.

The Fearful Dog

Dog owners who are consistent, harsh and show their dogs little affection are represented by the quadrant D. These dogs are generally obedient, but only out of fear.

The Obedient & Secure Dog

Dog owners who are consistent with their rules and show their dog love are represented by quadrant A. Love and Leadership are in equilibrium and their dogs are generally obedient, secure and comfortable.

Dogs understand leadership in terms of respect and hierarchy – be consistent with obedience and behave like your dog’s boss, that is, eat before your dog, walk ahead of your dog and ensure your dog does tasks for you. This, coupled with showing love by providing your dog with comfort and affection, is the type of relationship where an owner truly realises their own potential as an effective leader and balanced nurturer.

My dogs have gradually become more obedient, secure and happy since I have grown as a leader and nurturer and I am grateful for their loyalty and patience!