Phone Call 8/24

Thanks for taking the time to talk to me about dog behavior! Remember that dogs repeat successful behavior. By disrupting which behaviors they view as successful, we can undo the development of aggressive behaviors before the dog starts to skip warning signs (such as growling) altogether and attack without warning.

Your first priority will be getting the dog used to wearing a muzzle until it is as common as wearing a collar. Introduce the kennel/crate around the same time. Both of these tools will prevent escalation of aggression. Once dog is used to muzzle and crate, introduce the e-collar. Please reach out with any questions (call/text Tyler at 785-813-1677 or email tyler@samepagedogtraining.com), especially before you introduce the e-collar. We can discuss the 3 pillars of the balanced training method (Praise, Motivation, and Correction) if you are interested in going beyond basic damage control (it will help the dog respond better to e-collar corrections as well).

  • FIRST: Buy a properly-fitting basket muzzle

      • Purchase either a Baskerville Ultra (preferred; follow the sizing chart in the product description) or an Alpha basket muzzle

      • Follow the instructions for properly introducing the muzzle (Baskerville packaging has excellent instructions; Alpha does not include instructions, and you will need to contact Tyler for step-by-step instructions if you purchase the Alpha brand)

      • Regarding the fit:

        • If the muzzle is the right length but rubs against their snout, reshape by using boiling water (you can google this or contact Tyler with questions)

      • Muzzle must be worn in combination with a flat collar, secured high around dog’s neck

        • Do not clip leash onto this collar; use a 2nd collar to clip leash into for walks

        • The muzzle is designed to be worn in combination with a flat collar; without the collar, the muzzle is useless as the dog will be able to remove it

      • Make muzzle a way of life

        • Not just for walks; when lounging around the house, when given treats, when taken out for walks, etc. The basket style muzzles look less comfortable than alternatives but are actually much more comfortable and safe for long-term wear.

      • When the dog is wearing the muzzle, it must be worn properly, snug and with a flat collar

        • The dog must not be given any opportunity to remove the muzzle

      • Keep a neutral-to-positive association with wearing the muzzle

  • SECOND: Crate training

    • Buy a standard wire crate such as Contour, iCrate, or Ultima brands and follow sizing guidelines; for a narrower option, purchase a Solutions brand wire crate

    • Follow steps to introduce dog to kennel:

      1. Set up crate

      2. Put a treat, peanut butter Kong, or food bowl if it’s mealtime, at the back of the kennel

      3. Use an encouraging voice to guide dog into kennel

      4. Once dog is inside, praise them while closing and latching the door

      5. Once door is closed, ignore dog completely but remain in room

      6. After a moment, leave the room but leave door to room open, hanging out nearby

      7. Periodically re-enter room, busy yourself with something, and continue to ignore the dog

      8. Gradually increase time dog is left alone in the room while in their kennel

      9. Keep a neutral or positive association with kennel; never use as punishment

    • When to use kennel:

      • When dog cannot be supervised

      • Have dog sleep in kennel every night

      • Get dog used to being in kennel while you are home!

    • When in kennel:

      • Close and latch door

      • Ignore dog

      • No collars or harness (for safety)

      • Do not let dog out if they cry (they will adjust within a few nights)

  • THIRD: E-collar

    • Purchase:

    • Introduction:

      • Have dog wearing muzzle after getting her accustomed to it

      • Start with a low correction around 5; increase gradually until you see dog react/slightly flinch at the new sensation (usually around 15 is when most dogs start to feel it)

        • This is your baseline for corrections; she will get used to it and you will need to increase the strength of corrections over time and adjust them based on how distracted she is in a given moment

        • Give dog a command that she knows well (such as “Sit” or “Down”). If she does not obey within 3 seconds, correct lightly with the black “S” button while calmly saying “No.” Repeat the command and correct if she does not obey within 3 seconds. Consistency is key! With the new expectation of obeying in 3 seconds, you will have a framework for introducing physical corrections in a way that makes sense to her.

        • Once she is used to corrections and you are comfortable letting her walk around without a muzzle, keep the e-collar on her and continue to supervise her when she is not in her kennel. If she nips or bites, turn the strength up and immediately correct with red “S” button, while calmly saying the word “No.”

        • DO NOT CORRECT GROWLING OR BARKING: those are warning behaviors, and we want her to warn instead of going right for biting!!