Grades 7-8

One of the most common reasons for euthanizing animals in North America is undesirable behavior. A well-trained dog or cat will fit much better into family life. Many homeless animals are unwanted because their owners cannot control them. This training should start ideally as a puppy or kitten but can also be done at an older age. Old dogs can learn new tricks. There are many different methods for training animals and the most important thing to keep in mind is consistency. Before a person gets a new dog or cat, he/she should decide the rules and stick by them. Be aware of the limitations in training relative to the age of their new pet. This is an animal not a person. Above all, be patient. Start by downloading the lesson handouts (pdf) and printing them out. They include fun games, puzzles, and quizzes to help your child learn.

How would you describe an obedient pet?

Obedience means that your pet does what you ask him/her to do all the time. A dog that does not come when you call it’s name or jumps up on people when they come through he door is probably not very obedient.

What commands are important for your pet to know?

The basic commands are sit, down, stay, heel and come. If your dog knows these commands and will obey them no matter what the situation, both you and your dog will be much happier. You do not have to worry that they will hurt someone else or themselves, and they do not have to worry that they are going to be scolded for not listening to your commands.

Why is it important to have your pet trained to do what you want it to do?

Bad behavior is the most common reason for surrendering dogs and cats to the Humane Society or having animals euthanized. As a pet owner, you are responsible for your pet’s behaviour and actions. If your dog bites someone, you are responsible, financially, legally and morally, not the dog!

Dogs are pack animals and each dog has a specific place in the pack or hierarchy. In the case of your family dog, the family members make up their pack. In order to prevent confusion amongst the pack members every dog deserves a number. If there is confusion as to where someone belongs, there is a constant struggle as everyone tries to become number one.

This is a story to read to the class from the article, "Every Dog Deserves A Number," by Charlotte Schwartz (1985).

A Cocker Spaniel and a German Shepard Dog lived next door to each other. In each of the dog's houses there also lived a man, a woman and two teenaged children. One day the dogs were talking to each other over the fence in the backyard. The German Shepard Dog was looking very glum that day, and the Cocker Spaniel asked him what was wrong.

"Oh, I don't know. I just can't figure out my pack. One day the man lets me sleep on his bed and tells me how handsome I look lying there with my head on his pillow. The very next day, when I lie on his bed, he comes into the bedroom and screams his head off at me. The next thing I know, he grabs me and when I growl at him, he thrashes me. Yet sometimes, I growl at the woman and she just leaves me alone - says I'm becoming mean. I'm confused," lamented the German Shepard Dog. "Do you ever get confused in your house?" He asked his friend. "My goodness, no!" said the Spaniel. "What's your number anyway?" "What do you mean what's my number?" asked the Shepard. "You know, your number. For example, my man is Number One, my woman is Number Two, the children are Numbers Three and Four and I'm NUMBER FIVE," explained the Spaniel, emphasizing the Number Five. "Isn't that great? It's wonderful to be Number Five!" she added, puffing herself up with pride.

The German Shepard Dog looked at his small, blonde friend and envied her such important position in her pack. He wished he had a number and could be just as proud as she. But instead, he lowered his head and mumbled ever so softly, "I don't have a number. Nobody ever gave me one. How did you get yours?"

"Oh, I've always had Number Five, ever since I came here. I hardly remember how they gave it to me, but once in a while, when I get too excited or noisy or whenever my pack thinks I'm being naughty, they remind me of my number. Then they always tell me how wonderful I am to be Number Five."

The Little Spaniel lowered her sultry eyelids, wiggled her whole bottom and, with a self-assured twitch of her stubby tail, she pranced back to her house. As she left, she said, "I hope you get a number someday."

With that, the handsome Shepard went over to lie in the shade of a big maple tree and think about the conversation he'd just had with his friend next door. He wished he could talk so he could ask his family pack for a special number too.

What do you think this story says about dogs and what makes them happy?

Dogs need order in their lives, just like we do. They need to know their place in a group. If they don’t, there will be a constant struggle as they try to find out where they belong. Dogs live to serve and please other members of the pack who are higher than they are. It is this quality of devotion and loyalty which makes obedience training possible and enjoyable for both the dog and the owner.

When should obedience training begin?

• Before you even bring your dog home. Do some research first if you have never owned a dog before. You can read books or ask someone who knows about training dogs and dog behavior.
• Decide what rules you are going to follow. i.e. will any places be off limits? Will your dog sleep with you? Only dog food will be fed, no people food? This will prevent a great deal of confusion for your new pet as he settles into his new life.
• He needs to know his place. Establishing the hierarchy will lead to fewer problems with behaviours such as aggression when something like food or a toy is taken away.
• Start as soon as you bring your dog home. Puppies are never too young and old dogs can learn new tricks. Socialization is also important. This means getting your puppy or dog used to a variety of situations, animals and people. This will result in a well-adjusted dog that can be trusted in any situation and a dog that is not timid or fearful.
• You should also get your dog used to being handled when they are young. This will result in fewer problems with bathing; nail clipping and general maintenance when they get older. Take time to play with their mouths (helps with dental care and medicating), paws and digits (nail trimming), running hands over all parts of the body (vet checks and examinations) and water (bathing and grooming). Everyone will be happier, you, your dog, your veterinarian and anyone else your dog happens to meet!

House Training and Crate Training

Crate Training can be a very effective method of helping to train your dog. House training involves more than just teaching your dog to go to the bathroom outside. It involves teaching them general household manners such as not chewing on things that don't belong to them. Crate training is used to keep dogs safe from household hazards, keep them out of trouble and give them a place of their own. Crate training also helps establish a routine when house training. House training takes a lot of time and patience, and an owner should be prepared for this if they want a puppy. Never rub your puppy's nose in urine or feces. This only teaches them not to use the bathroom in that spot again but nothing about not going behind the couch or on the carpet! You should take your puppy out immediately after he/she eats and praise and reward him when he goes.

If you catch your puppy using the bathroom in the house, make a loud noise to startle him and bring him outside. When he finishes, reward and praise. Puppies that are left for short periods of time (i.e. no longer than 2 -3 hours) are unlikely to urinate in their crate.

How do you select an appropriate crate for your dog?

You should pick a crate that allows ample room for your dog to move, sit, stand, lie down and for growth. For instance, if your puppy weighs 25 pounds at the time you purchase the crate but is expected to exceed 50 pounds, you should select a crate for the dog that is over 50 pounds. You should ensure that your crate is clean, sturdy, and has no loose wires or objects that could harm your pet.

How do you get the dog to use the crate?

The crate should be the dog's own space and retreat. He/she should enjoy going into the crate. Set up the crate in a quiet, stable area where the dog feels secure and happy. This could be in the kitchen or next to the sofa. Setting up the crate in a dark, damp area with little or no human interaction can make the dog feel lonely, depressed or like it is being punished. Add a blanket and some favorite toys. Always keep the crate clean. Provide fresh water for your dog at all times.

Is there any reason in which the crate should not be used?

Yes! Do not use the crate to punish the dog. The crate should be the dog's den or bedroom but never the dungeon.

How does my dog get started?

Let your dog explore the crate. Put a treat or favorite toy inside the crate and give the dog time to go inside. Reward the dog for entering the crate. Allow the dog to go in and out of the crate several times. Reward him/her. Try closing the door for a minute while the dog is inside. Praise the dog when he/she is in the crate.

Start feeding your dog in the crate and close the door until after the dog finishes eating. Let the dog to relieve him/herself. Gradually increase the dog's time in the crate.

What do I do if my dog refuses to go inside?

Gently lift the dog inside but do not force it. Some dogs may take a long time to get acclimated to the crate. Be patient. If your dog is older or suffers from separation anxiety, consult your veterinarian on ways to promote a stable pet-owner relationship.

How do you train your new dog?

One of the best ways to train your new puppy or dog is to enroll in a reputable obedience-training program. This allows pet owners to learn the correct methods of getting their pet to do what they want, with the benefit of having an experienced trainer help them with problem areas. This is also an excellent opportunity to socialize your dog with other dogs and people in a controlled environment.

There are many different methods of obedience training which have been used to train dogs for a variety of tasks, from simple obedience training to dogs that can act as someone's eyes, ears or hands. An important characteristic of dogs, which enables them to learn such incredible things is their desire to make their owner happy. Dogs will do just about anything if they know you will reward them with attention, love and sometimes a treat!!

Choke Collars

This method of training uses a metal collar that tightens around the dog's neck when you pull on the leash. How many people have seen this? This method uses negative reinforcement to teach the animal what you want it to do. When the animal makes a mistake or disobeys, you pull on the leash sharply so it tightens around the animal's neck and jerks the animal back.

Clicker Training

This is a training method, which was first used with Dolphins. What do you do with an animal that can just swim away? You have to think of a reward, which will make them want to stick around before you can do anything else. This method of training uses positive reinforcement, rewarding when the animal does something right, not punishing when the animal does something wrong. When the animal does what you want it to do you click and give it a treat. If you were a dog, which method do you think would make you want to work harder?

Conclusion

Bad behavior is the most common reason for surrendering dogs and cats to the Humane Society or having animals euthanized. Obedience training is important because it teaches the dog how you expect it to behave, and it creates order for the dog as well as the owner. Teaching your dog a few simple commands will ensure that they are on the right path to proper behavior, and you are a happy dog owner. If you have any questions about obedience training, please feel free to contact our office.