Kids and Dogs

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Heel Work + Mat Work

  • Dogs were worked with individually first

  • Dog on “sideline” is intermittently reinforced for patiently waiting on the training mat 

  • Switch dogs so that both receive primary focus in training

Mat Work

  • Two dogs receiving tandem training on mats
  • Touch is used as a “release cue”
  • Dogs are learning to respond to individual name

Rough Play

  • Kissy sound is used as an attention getter
  • Dogs are prompted to go to separate mat
  • Dogs are given opportunity to return to play

Fighting in Multi-dog Homes

  • This exercise creates positive associations between two dogs, with a built-in “Plan B”
  • When precursors to aggression are noticed, dogs can be directed to separate “corners”
  • This teaches dogs alternate way to deal with conflict with other resident dog

Sound Sensitivity

  • Dogs are stationed on separate mats
  • I walk to the door, knock and then walking back to reinforce
  • Only repeat 2 or 3 times, to prevent “trigger stacking”

Engaging with Scary Objects

  • I turn on the treadmill first before inviting them to jump on
  • Second dog is more nervous and needs more time
  • I reinforce after treadmill stops, then give release cue

The Takeaway

1

Train Together

It’s tempting to separate dogs during training sessions by putting one dog outside or in a back bedroom, but there is a lot to gain from having dogs in a multi-dog home train together. This will help them learn to wait their turn when another dog is receiving attention, and to model after one and other’s calm behavior.

2

Over-Aroused Play

Use mat work exercises to teach dogs to regulate over-aroused play. If play has a tendency to become “too rough” you can interrupt play by capturing their attention and redirecting them to their training mats. I alternate between mat work exercises and breaks where dogs are given the opportunity to play again.

3

Alert Barking

It’s very common for multi-dog homes to have issues with alert barking. Make a habit of practicing mat work exercises to help them learn to be less impulsive with outside sounds.

4

Aggression in Multi-dog Homes

Mat work training can be a great way to help minimize tension between dogs that fight. Be strategic. Place your training mat in separate areas. It’s ideal if you place at least one mat behind a gate so that you can close the gate in an emergency situation. Practice mat work training each day, or if/when you see stress signals or other precursors to fighting (ie. rigid body posture, hard stare, growling).

5

Should You Train Your Dog to Use a Treadmill?

This training was done as a way to help the dogs think through fear responses. The social and emotional learning that occurs when dogs slowly walk on nature trails or in quiet parks is far more beneficial than physical exercise on a treadmill alone. I do not recommend trying to “tire a dog out” on a treadmill as part of a behavior modification strategy.

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