Brain Training For Dogs

Keeping dogs from digging can be tricky -- dogs dig because it's fun! Learn how to curb or redirect this pesky behavior.Digging is normal behavior for your dog – she's probably playing! Dogs also dig to bury bones or other treasures – a behavior that dates back to the days when dogs hunted their food and buried leftovers in a cool place to keep them from spoiling. However, some dogs might dig due to anxiety or to escape.If your dog is tearing up your yard or an area in your home, try these tips: 

Give your dog with plenty of regular exercise and provide appropriate toys to keep her occupied. 

Set up an appropriate area in your yard to dig, like a sand pit in the corner, and teach your dog to dig there. Don't punish or yell at her if she digs elsewhere – instead, redirect the behavior towardTo discourage digging in other areas, place chicken wire under the soil, fence your gardens, or use a cinder block or paving stone.

Crate your dog or create a dog run outdoors if she's going to be unsupervised for a long period. While some people see confinement as cruel, it really is safer if your dog could dig her way out of your yard. Most dogs can easily be crate-trained and will come to enjoy their own space.

If the prospect of bonding with your dog has you feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Here are two important guidelines I encourage all pet parents to keep in mind.
First, remember that every dog is different. If a bonding exercise doesn’t seem to work for your dog, don’t force it. The most important thing is to understand what your dog is trying to communicate. If they are not thrilled with your actions, it’s okay to stop and try something else.
Also, be kind...to your dog and yourself. 
When a pet parent hires me, most of the time they want to fix a specific problem. They are so stressed, I often hear things like, 'You’re my dog's last chance,' or 'My dog just doesn’t get it.' Bonding doesn’t happen instantly, and it’s natural to get frustrated. But patience pays off. Remember to be gentle, use positive training methods, and speak softly to your dog for the best results.

Bonding Exercises to Practice with Your Dog

If you're not sure how to start bonding with your dog, here are some specific steps you can work into each day. 
Remember, you may be super excited about bonding with your new puppy or adopted dog, but bonding is a two-way street. Most dogs need time to warm up to the idea. Stay attuned to your dog’s feedback and ease off if they are showing signs of stress.

It is possible to teach an old dog new tricks. Go through this checklist to make sure you start off on the right foot:

Build trust and a strong friendship with your dog

Take time to really know your furry friend well

Recognize and respect your dog’s’ limits

Keep training sessions short

Never underestimate the power of positive reinforcement

Use qualitative dog treats and also compliment your dog a lot, to guide and motivate him towards a certain behavior. After a while, you can use fewer treats and focus more on praising him.

Start with a single trick at a time; dogs can get confused by too many different commands

Associate new places, people, toys with learning a new trick. Then once his usual environment changes, he will be more receptive to learning new things.

Remember that dog training is a commitment you make, so offer time and be consistent.

Teaching an old dog new tricks is possible, but won’t happen overnight. Research says it takes up to 4 weeks for an old dog to learn new things, so patience cannot be over stressed.

Select a reinforcer  to provide your dog as they learn and make great choices. A great reinforcer should be something your dog really wants, is small, and is easy to provide repeatedly.

For 99 percent of dogs this is some kind of food item like a treat. Things like cut-up hotdogs, small pieces of cheese or lunch meat, or store-bought training treats are good options.

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