Behavior & Training

Here are several photos of 4 to 5 week old pups using their real grass toilet area as suggested in Dr. Ian Dunbar's books "BEFORE You Get Your Puppy" and "AFTER You Get Your Puppy".
These pups will have a strong substrate preference for grass and be essentially pre-potty trained before they go to their new homes.

Working DogEver wish you could quit your day job and live life with the dogs? Perhaps you sit at your work desk dreaming of being a dog walker? Maybe you drift off during meetings, imagining yourself training canines? Or stare past customers, planning your own doggie daycare? In short, do you want to work with dogs full time, but can’t see how? Coaching and supporting dog professionals for a living, I’ve seen people make the transition to full-time dog pro from all walks of life—lawyers, secretaries, computer scientists, sales reps, consultants, college students, you name it. So if you’ve ever daydreamed, read on to see what it takes to make a living with the dogs.

Seek Good Education

Many years ago, I asked my malamute Phoenix, whether she wanted to drive down Solano Avenue to get some frozen yogurt and she didn't reply with her usual WrrrWrrrooooo and so, convinced she was up to some mischief, I quietly crept upstairs, only to find her puzzling with The Times crossword while listening to CNN. This may surprise some of you. It certainly surprised me. Normally I expect dogs to chew, dig and bark for amusement, not to read a book, enjoy needlepoint, or watch soaps on the television.

Normal, Natural and Necessary

Before you get a new kitten or adopt an adult cat, make sure you complete your education about kitty education. If you are already living with an untrained cat with existing problems, simply designate today as the first day at Kitty College for both of you. Kitten training techniques work perfectly well with adult cats.
 
Adopting a New Kitten

I believe the term “Retreat ’n Treat” was first coined by Suzanne Clothier. I initially called the technique “Retreat With Honor” after getting into a dodgy situation with an Akita. Basically, we were much too close and the situation was beginning to escalate — the Akita growled and I reprimanded. Both of us desperately wanted to normalize the interaction without losing face.

David LetterDog’s List of Things Dogs Cannot Do While Chewing a Chewtoy

1. Chew carpets, curtains, cushions, couches, clothes, chair legs, children's toys, electrical cords, and computer disks. Play-bite (or mouth) human hands, arms, legs, and ankles. Play tug o' war with trousers, skirts, and shoe laces.
2. Surf kitchen counters. Empty cupboards. Lick butter from the refrigerator. Trash the trash.
3. Dig in the yard for escape or enjoyment. (Certainly a dog can dig while holding a chewtoy in his jaws, but if really working on his chewtoy he will have little time for digging holes. And he will not want to bury his chewtoy with the tastiest treats still inside.)
 

Dialogue With Omaha Beagle

Ian Dunbar PhD, MRCVS

Omaha Beagle As A PuppyID: Why do dogs misbehave?

OB: Who's to say we misbehave. We dogs hold that our behavior is quite exemplary.

ID: Okay. We, the people, think dogs misbehave. Let's be a little more precise then and ask; why do dogs chase, chew, dig, snarl, snap, bark and bite?

OB: Largely because we're dogs, I suppose. Surely you'd be a mite surprised if we flew, did crosswords, kept bones in the fridge, mooed, miaowed, and urged lawyers to sue our adversaries?

Folks that have read my books and seen my videos know my sentiments about dog training: If you can’t train your dog while enjoying a cup of tea, reading a book, or watching television, then you’re doing something wrong.

Bubba & LilliDr. Dunbar was lucky to enjoy a few woofs with Amy Tan following a book-signing at Book Passage in Marin County. Extracts from this dialogue were previously published in The Bark magazine.

ID: Tell us what your Yorkies mean to you.

AT: How can I summarize this in a sound bite. Well, my Yorkies are… second to Lou. (Amy’s husband.) I am actually pretty dog obsessive, most people know that I travel with my dogs. They go everywhere with me. I’m involved with Yorkie rescue and I’ve done fund raising events for that. Also, I’m involved with the Canine Health Foundation.

ID: Do Bubba and Lilly ever give you any problems?

David Letterdog's List of Things Dogs Cannot Do While Sitting

1. Jump up, lick, paw, bump, or goose family, friends, visitors, or strangers, especially including the young and the elderly.
2. Bolt out of the front door or car.
3. Run off in the park.
4. Chase cars, cats, chickens, children, bicyclists, skate-boarders, horses, and other dogs.
5. Bully, bother, pester, or disturb people or other dogs.
6. Get underfoot, stepped on, or tripped over.
7. Mount other dogs, or be mounted by other dogs.
8. Slap a child in the face, or clear a coffee table of wine glasses with a waggy tail.
9. Fence-fight or scrap through the garden fence.
10. Pace back and forth, chase its tail, or self-energize by running around like a whirling dervish from window to couch, from couch to carpet, and from carpet to window, etc., while working itself into a feverish frenzy.

Eddie/MooseDr. Dunbar chats with Moose (better known as Eddie — the Dog Star on NBC’s Frasier) and his trainer Mathilde Decagny at the Association of Pet Dog Trainers Annual Conference in San Diego. Extracts of this dialogue were previously published in The Bark magazine.

ID: What is Eddie really like?

MD: Eddie has his own personality. I got him when he was about two years old and he was a terror…a tyrant…selfish, mischievous and with lots of negativity.

ID: What sort of things did he do?

All owners hope that their young pup will develop into a happy-go-lucky, well behaved, good-natured adult dog that above all, lives to a fine old age. Without a doubt, appropriate puppy education is the single most important factor to ensure this outcome. The nature of the puppy's socialization and training depends very much on the changing physical and mental capabilities and constraints during the various stages ofpersonality development from birth to maturity.

Your puppy will grow up very quickly. Know how to train him right and he will become a good natured and well mannered adult dog.

Before You Search For A Puppy

Before you get a new puppy, make sure you know exactly what kind of puppy to look for and how to raise and train him. If you are still searching for a puppy, please read BEFORE You Get Your Puppy, which is available for free download here at Dog Star Daily, Open Paw, and siriuspup.com. And if you haven't done so already, purchase a dog crate, six Kong chewtoys, and some freeze-dried liver treats before your puppy comes home.

This book is available as PDF files. The first is the text only and is relatively small. The second is the book with pictures.COMING SOON!
You will need Acrobat Reader to use either PDF file.
  

Congratulations on the new addition to your family!

With a little work, some planning, and forethought, your new dog will be an effortless, well-behaved companion for years to come. It is important to recognize that first impressions are lasting ones and habits begin to develop from day one. Be sure to instill good manners and habits from the first day you bring your new puppy or dog home. Remember, good habits are as hard to break as bad ones.

If you follow these simple guidelines, your dog’s transition into your home will be a piece of cake for both you and your new best friend.