You have probably wondered how you can effectively use treat training without it becoming a bribe/or your dog only performing the command when he sees a treat. Here is the solution to using treats.

**Only use treats to lure the dog into the command. If they don’t know what you are asking, the treat helps them get there.

**Once you are sure the dog knows what the word means, then you can put the teats in your pocket, out of site and after the dog follows the command you can use the treat (or a life reward) as the reward. Food helps to understand, then it becomes a reward only.

**Every dog is different so you need to decide how many reps it takes with a treat, before the treat is put away and used as a reward only.

**Life rewards are: petting, nice sounding tones, balls, walks, toys etc. Pick something that your dog loves. At that point he is doing something you ask because he knows something he loves is coming !!
Good Luck!

Does your dog bark incessantly when you leave everyday? Does he destroy things while you are gone ? There is hope. Most dogs would love to be with you 24 hours a day if they could. But that does not fit into our everyday lives. We must go to work, to the grocery store, and other places where our dogs are just not welcome.

Here are some things you can try to help your dog cope with you leaving. First, do NOT make a big deal about your departure. Don’t start talking to your dog about, mommy’s leaving now, you be a good dog while I am away or start trying to reassure your dog that everything will be ok. Instead, change somewhat your normal departure schedule. If you normally put on your shoes and then pick up your keys and run out the door, instead  put on your shoes and grab your keys way ahead of time and let your dog see you did not leave so he relaxes the next time he sees you pick up your keys. He says”Oh, everytime she picks up her keys it does not mean she is leaving”.

Practice leaving and coming home. Yes, I mean go out the door as though you are leaving and then come right back in. BEFORE your dog starts barking. Each time he sees you come back in he realizes that when you leave you ALWAYS come back. Lengthen the time you wait outdoors before you come back in slowly. When you see he can manage 2 minutes try 3 minutes. The important thing is to not go too fast. If he starts barking then you are moving too quickly. Go back to shorter periods.

Dog training is very important for dogs who have separation anxiety. Obedience training can also help with the problem. Consult a dog trainer for ways to help your dog.

There are many more things we can do to help dogs who have separation anxiety. Be sure and consult a professional dog trainer for these and other behavioral issues. We can provide a lot of relief for you and your beloved dogs.

Deborah Hicks, Behavior Specialist

U Good Dog U

Serving Gwinnett County and North Fulton Cities of Johns Creek, Duluth, Suwanee, Lilburn, Lawrenceville, Johns Creek, Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Hamilton Mill, Dacula, Alpharetta, Milton and Crabapple

www.ugooddogu.com

404-713-2795