Tools for Dog Training and Management

This month we’re focusing on teaching the staff how to train dogs to respond to specific cues while they are at the pet care facility. Using Come, Sit and Wait, your staff can learn to have better management and control over the dogs and build a stronger relationship with the dogs. All of this leads to happier dogs and less stress. Our bonus item for this month are videos which discuss how to teach and use the individual cues. But what happens when you have a dog that hasn’t learned the cues yet? Are there tools to help manage the dog? The answer to that question is a resounding, “YES.”

Training itself always includes a management component. Management helps to set the dog up for success and makes training easier. Here are a few of our favorite management tools and how we would use them:

Leash – If you’re having a problem with a dog responding to your cues, keep the dog a little closer to you initially. This removes the temptation of the dog to just walk away and play with his dog friends. A leash can be used when initially working on the come cue with a dog who is highly distracted. A leash is also a great tool to use to settle down an overly rambunctious dog. Sometimes a simple walk around the room on leash can help provide the dog with a small measure of impulse control and lets your staff easily bond with the dog through a short indoor walk.

Front Clip Harness – For dogs that pull, I love a front clip harness. This is a great tool to use if you need to take a dog for a walk outside and don’t want to have your arm pulled off! A front clip harness fits just like most harnesses. The beauty is in the fact that the leash attaches to the chest area of the dog rather than on the back. If your dog uses a harness that attaches to the back of the dog, you are actually making it easier for him to pull (there is a reasons sled dogs wear this type of harness). But by having the leash clipped in front, you do prevent the dog from having greater leverage to pull.

Thundershirt – for dogs that are extremely nervous or anxious, a thunder shirt can help! This is a wrap the dog wears around his body that helps him to feel more safe. I will always try a thundershirt if a dog seems nervous and unable to think. It’s a great tool for fearful dogs who may have just arrived at the center, and for dogs who are nervous about in impending storm or bad weather.

Holistic management tools – some of our favorite tools that can help calm and relax dogs are holistic remedies that will either help or do no harm. Anxious dogs can’t focus mentally and learn; so use holistic tools to help them relax before trying to teach them new obedience cues.

Lavender is an essential oil that is calming and can be used in several different ways in your center. Diluted lavender oil can be added to a water spray bottle and misted in the air which is helpful during thunder storms or when you want to reduce anxiety with a group of dogs.  To help individual dogs lavender oil can be put on a “happy towel” and placed in an enclosure with a dog. Be sure you purchase a good quality natural essential oil versus a synthetic and use our Bulk Lavender Recipe to make your lavender oil last longer.

Rescue remedy is a Bach flower essence blend that is also beneficial in helping many dogs relax and focus. This blend of five different essences can be used in water bowls or given to individual dogs in their mouths or rubbed on their inner ear flap.

Another natural tool that helps some dogs is DAP pheromone spray or diffuser. As each dog responds differently it’s good to have multiple holistic tools available to find the one that works best for each individual.

Diet – keep in mind that you are what you eat and this also applies to our dogs. Chemicals and additives to enhance flavor in kibble are often sugar based and both can result in dogs that are hyper and have difficulties focusing. Simply switching a dog to a better quality dog food with minimal additives and chemicals can result in positive behavior changes.  We recommend all pet center owners learn about quality dog foods and help educate your clients. Good food is the building block to healthy and happy dogs that are easier to manage.