Maggie May Goes To School!

Today the very beautiful, and very talented Miss Maggie accompanied me to Hinton Area Elementary School to give a presentation on Therapy Dogs to classes K-2. She's staying with me boarding while her family is away and they kindly allowed me to use it as a training exercise for her.

Kids learning to pet dogs on the chest - not over the head

She did phenomenally. I couldn't have asked for better. She was amazing with the kids, listened really well, settled beautifully after the first group. She was just everything I could have asked for.

Amy Brewer Lane and family have a really awesome pup in her! She handled meeting and being petted by over 100 children in a two hour span. She set such a good example for these kids to go home and talk to their families about therapy dogs and what they do.

And I have to give the biggest praise and appreciation to my amazing friend Taylor Wall, an amazing Elementary School teacher from North Carolina who came up to give me a hand with this presentation. Without her help and advice today I would have been lost. I'm great with dogs, not so great with lots of little people at the same time. She was fantastic and I am eternally grateful for her help.

DROP IN LEVELS GROUP STARTING SOON!

Want a PAY AS YOU GO training option?  DROP IN GROUPS are the solution!

The TRAINING LEVELS system was designed by Sue Ailsby and has formed the basis for many service, sport, show and companion dogs training.  This DROP IN LEVELS GROUP is based on her old levels system and has 7 levels to work your way through at your own pace.

Behaviors covered combine Obedience, CGC, Tricks & Manners and can be built on for everything from basic house manners to Therapy and Service Dog work.

DROP IN GROUPS are held at the same time and location every week and you come as and when you can.  You pay as you go each time you come.  You work on whatever Level behaviors you are working on at the time with the support of both myself and others who are working through their own training. 

Each level culminates with a test for that Level, which you can earn certificates and prizes for.  While this is a DROP IN system - RSVPs are required as space is limited.  All dogs must be up to date with age appropriate vaccinations or have a current titer test.

PRICING

1 HOUR Session $20

2 HOUR Session $35 (SAVE $5/session)

More info about this group can be found here:

http://www.thinkpawsitivepup.com/p/drop.html

WALK IN CANINE GOOD CITIZEN TESTING

Is your dog ready to take their CGC, CGCA or CGCU test?  Join me at Tractor Supply in Bluefield, WV on the first Thursday of every month for Walk In Testing!

SERVICE DOGS vs THERAPY DOGS vs EMOTIONAL SUPPORT DOGS

Do you know the difference between Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), Therapy & Service Dogs?  There is a lot of misinformation and scams out there - be careful!

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL (ESA)

DEFINITION:  A companion animal that provides emotional support to a handler who has been diagnosed with a verifiable mental or psychological disability and has been prescribed an ESA, by their mental health professional, as being needed to assist with daily living.  Just knowing you are anxious or depressed DOES NOT mean you qualify for an ESA.

TRAINING REQUIRED:  No training is required

PUBLIC ACCESS PRIVILEGES:  NONE - they are not allowed in non-pet friendly places.
HOUSING:  You can apply for reasonable accommodation in no-pet housing under the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, depending on which applies to your situation.  Having an animal declared an ESA DOES NOT guarantee they will be allowed in all housing.
TRAVEL:  ESAs may also travel with you on flights (no other form of transportation) if they meet the requirements as laid out in the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA).

ADA law does NOT apply to housing or air travel. 

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THERAPY ANIMAL  

DEFINITION:  A working animal that provides emotional support to a number of people through therapeutic visitation, assisting in trauma counselling, providing support in courtrooms for victims (especially children) who need to give a statement or testify, encourage physical therapy activity and assist in confidence with reading skills .

TRAINING REQUIRED:  Extensive training in Obedience and Manners

PUBLIC ACCESS PRIVILEGES:  AS INVITED - Once a dog is certified through the organization they are going to work with (and therefore covered under their liability insurance), they are allowed in places such as hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers and nursing homes upon invitation of the business or group.

We train to the standards set out by Therapy Dogs International (TDI), Delta Society/Pet Partners and Love on a Leash. (see more about the PAWsitive Hearts Therapy Program here)

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SERVICE ANIMAL 

DEFINITION:  A working animal (dog or miniature horse) that has been individually trained to assist their handler with a legally diagnosed disability.  The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person's disability.

TRAINING REQUIRED:  Extensive work in Obedience and Manners, Public Access and Task Training

PUBLIC ACCESS PRIVILEGES:  FULL - All handlers of a trained service animal are granted full access rights to have that animal accompany them.  (The animals themselves do not have rights - it is the handler).  Some states extend that to Service Dogs in Training as well but it does vary from state to state.

Handlers and their service animals must be allowed access to anywhere that the general public is allowed, that their presence would not fundamentally alter the course of the business.  There are still exceptions to where a dog must be allowed such as sterile medical environments/burn units, private homes, private clubs, food preparation areas the public has no access to, places like federal agencies and religious institutions that are exempt from ADA law.



And YES you can be asked to leave if your service animal is not housebroken and under control (including excessive barking/whining, aggressive actions, disrupting other patrons of the business etc).

"Under control also means that a service animal should not be allowed to bark repeatedly in a lecture hall, theater, library, or other quiet place. However, if a dog barks just once, or barks because someone has provoked it, this would not mean that the dog is out of control."

Regardless of all the sites advertising "Take your dog everywhere!" - only SERVICE DOGS trained to assist their legally DISABLED handler are allowed in non pet-friendly places.

In 2011, the laws changed to specifically state that assistance animals that provide comfort or a calming influence to their handlers by their mere presence - while helpful indeed - are NO LONGER GRANTED PUBLIC ACCESS PRIVILEGES.  

SCREENSHOT DIRECT FROM THE LATEST 2015 ADA FAQ

The only thing registering your pet as an Emotional Support Dog does is put you on that companies registry.  People have registered everything from paper clips to plastic dinosaur toys to prove that there is NO regulation behind this and it is just a money making business.

SCREENSHOT DIRECT FROM THE LATEST 2015 ADA FAQ

REGISTRATION HAS NO LEGAL STANDING whatsoever and using it to gain access to public places when your dog is not a service animal as defined by the ADA - can in an increasing number of states actually lead to fines or legal action for essentially claiming your pet is a service dog when they are not.

MORE INFO CAN BE FOUND HERE

Make sure whatever source you are using for your information is based directly off of the applicable laws and not a source of opinion or a website trying to sell you anything.

DEPT OF JUSTICE - 2015 ADA REVISED FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SERVICE AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS - ADA NATIONAL NETWORK

CGC TEST VIDEO EXAMPLE

Here is a great short video showing exactly what the CGC test entails - if you are considering getting this certification with your dog - this should help clear up any concerns!

Remember - Walk In Testing is available on the first Thursday of every month and CGC classes run on a regular basis.  Just ask for more details!

SERVICE DOG TRAINING - WHERE TO START?

SERVICE DOGS need a great foundation of Obedience to handle the various situations they face daily. This series of 3 class levels - designed by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers - is a perfect start to that.  
It is also a great place to start for Therapy Dogs or dogs that intend to do their CGC certification.

Each level (BA, MA & PHd) is taught over a 8 session period with an exam at the end. You can do this in Private Sessions, Group Classes or through our Online Classroom.

Student Handbooks will be provided and of course you can always reach us on the think PAWsitive FACEBOOK page if you have any additional questions!

PRIVATE SESSIONS - Taught at your place, at your pace!   $420
ONLINE CLASSROOM - Learn and home and connect with me Online   $199
GROUP CLASS - If you are local, I offer this class at TRACTOR SUPPLY in Bluefield, WV    $149

⭐⭐  FLASHCARDS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THIS CLASS   $15 + shipping (if not local)  ⭐⭐ 

Bachelors (BA) Obedience Training

(The first level is recommended for dogs 9+ weeks old)
Here are some of the key commands and concepts you and your dog will learn in this fun and interactive class:

Warm Up -- Showing a dog how to investigate a new situation comfortably and potty on command.
Loose Leash Walking -- Most pet owners really appreciate a dog that walks nicely on a leash without pulling. Positive training and proper equipment is key.
Attention -- Teaches your dog to pay attention to you and not be bounding off after squirrels or cats.
Wait at the door -- The ability to maintain position at the door until invited to move through the door.
Meet and Greet -- The importance of having your dog wait comfortably at your side while you chat with a friend - with or without another dog present -shows the dog self-control and patience.
Leashing Up Manners -- Teaches your dog to sit quietly until released while you put on or take off his leash.
Leave it -- Refers to his muzzle; learn to put his attention back on you and away from something else that he is interested in.
Come -- Probably the most critical command to teach but can be started at an early age. This command provides a great opportunity to bond with your dog!
Wait for the food bowl -- Rather then grabbing for or rushing for the food bowl, this shows the dog's self control around a very valuable resource.
Stay -- Stay means don't move a muscle until I release you. This command can save a dog's life.
Settle -- A dog who can calm down on cue is more welcome in society and other's homes.
Give and Take -- A dog who will willingly give up valued toys or food to anyone is a dog you would trust around your children.

CRATE TRAINING 101

WHAT IS THAT "TOUCH" CUE USEFUL FOR?

Here are 10 good behaviors you can train with basic targeting.

1. Loose Leash Walking

Once the dog is able to nose target your hand well, it can be a big help for teaching loose leash walking. Instead of luring the dog with food, you can place your hand exactly where you want the dog to be (lined up with your leg), and click/treat them when they target your hand. If the dog is very target savvy, they can follow your hand for multiple steps before you click/treat. You can eventually fade out the hand target and have a very nice loose leash behavior. This can also help with heeling.

2. Mat Work

Mat work is very popular. It can provide a dog their own space whether in the house or in a foreign location. It can also be a helpful tool when trying to teach impulse control or relaxation methods. Instead of using just a nose target, mat work is a whole body targeting technique. You are teaching the dog that when they see their mat, they are to place their entire body on top of the mat. You can decide if you want only a down, or if you will accept a sit or stand on the mat. This can be applied to their cage, or a certain spot in the house when doing a certain activity. For example, when I’m cooking in the kitchen, you are to stay on the kitchen rug out of my way.

3. Platform Work

Platforms are very useful for many different dog sports or training techniques. You can use a platform as a ‘home base’ if you are working with multiple dogs. You are training the dog to target their whole body to a platform and to stay until you call them off. Another form of platform work is to teach the dog to target their two front paws on a platform and to pivot. This helps the dog learn hind end awareness which is very helpful for many dog sports including obedience, rally, agility, and freestyle.

4. Close The Door

A fun behavior to teach with targeting is closing the door. Using a nose target, you can train the dog to close the door through small approximations. If the dog can nose target a sticky note, have the dog target the sticky note on an open door and click for any movement of the door when they target the note. Once the dog knows what you are asking for and can close the door, you can begin to get rid of the sticky note by making it smaller and smaller until you no longer need the sticky note. People love seeing this behavior and will love to show off this skill to their friends. You can also work this with dresser drawers.

5. Recall/Come

Many people do not think of a recall as a targeting behavior, but it definitely can be. If you ask for the target cue from further and further, you are essentially asking the dog to recall from further and further away. You can eventually switch to a recall cue if you want to use something else, or you can just continue using your target cue.

6. Basic Obedience Cues

Your basic obedience cues such as sit, down, and stand can be taught with targeting instead of luring. Once the dog has the hang of a nose target, instead of using a piece of food to lure their nose up for a sit, you can just have the dog target your hand up into a sit. The same can happen for a down or a stand behavior. Some people prefer targeting over luring for these behaviors before you do not have to fade out the treat lure. It can be easier to fade out your hand movement or simply create a hand signal for the behavior.

7. Leg Weave

You can teach the dog to weave between your legs very easily with a nose target. Have the dog sit and stay and make a triangular space with your legs large enough for the dog to go underneath. Ask for a nose target on the opposite side of your legs and click as the dog targets your hand and moves between your legs. Once they catch on, you can ask for multiples weaves before rewarding. A very impressive, but easily taught behavior.

8. Saying “Hi!”

If the dog is an excited greeter, you can use a hand target for greeting in order to keep the dog from getting over excited. Having the dog on leash when guests come over gives the dog time to calm down before greeting the guests. Once they have calmed down a bit, the guest can ask for a hand target and then the dog can reorient to you for reinforcement.

9. Medical Behaviors

Targeting can be used to help a dog become comfortable with handling or procedures at the vet’s office. Targeting behaviors are used with large animals in aquariums and zoos to help veterinarians get samples or perform procedures on them. A prolonged target behavior can make it easier to give vaccines, take samples of blood, or get a physical exam. If the dog is doing a job, they will be more focused on the job than on what is occurring. A highly reinforced behavior like targeting can also help to calm the dog during a stressful situation. These targeting behaviors can even be done muzzled if you need that extra protection for veterinarians and staff.

10. Take A Bow

This cute finisher can easily be taught with a nose target. It is very similar to a down, but your precise clicker mechanics will come into play here. As the dog is going down to target your hand between their legs, you click as the behavior is happening, but before they drop their rear into a down. Too many bad clicks in down position will confuse the dog and will get you a down instead of a bow. Once the dog is getting pretty good, you can begin to fade the hand target and you will end up with a nice finishing behavior for all your future demonstrations.

from http://www.themoderndogtrainer.net/10-behaviors-train-targeting/

PRE-CLASS ORIENTATION NOTES

Welcome to Think PAWsitive! Our goal is for you to begin a positive and fun working relationship with your dog.  Here are a few tips to get you started.  

These notes apply to all of our sessions whether Puppy, Big Dog, Trick, C.L.A.S.S., CGC, Service and Therapy Dog Prep or Sport.  

Our training techniques are completely positive; we use a lot of motivational incentives including the Fab 5 - Praise, Play (toys), Food, Touch (Affection / Massage) and Access to Resources - combined with Clicker/Marker training philosophies. 

GETTING STARTED 

WHAT SHOULD I HAVE READY BEFORE OUR FIRST SESSION?
● Properly fitted collar and 4-6” flat leash.  Head collars and harnesses (including front clips) are allowed but no prongs, chokes, ecollars or Flexi leashes.
● A small mat/rug or a raised bed - yoga mats work great for this!
● A clicker if you choose to use one (recommended)
● Treat pouch and treats - something about the size of a pea - see our Recommended Training Treats page for some good ideas
● A high value tug/reward toy – keep this set aside for just training times instead of normal play


 BASIC GUIDELINES
● About 10 minutes before our session, settle and toilet your dog.  If you need to take your dog out at any point for a potty break, please do!
● Please don’t feed your dog a full meal before their session. They will be more responsive if they are a little hungry, and as they could be getting a lot of calories from their training treats, you don’t want them to gain weight!  If you are going to toy train, make sure it is a tug toy that keeps them engaged with you - especially with toy training - it is all about what THEY find reinforcing!
● Have your clicker and treat pouch ready with a variety of treats ranging from low to high value (cut to size).
● We will be using your dog’s mat or platform for them to settle down on when not actively working.
● You will receive detailed written handouts throughout the course. The cost of this is included in your course fee. Please feel free to take notes if you like, but you will get plenty of information.  It is available by email or printed.  Just let us know which you prefer!
● Feel free to have a friend or family member with you to help you if you like.  Children are always welcome to come and participate.  If they are too young to participate, please bring something to entertain them as it can be quite boring for little ones.
● If at any point you feel like we are moving too fast or you don’t understand something - please stop me and ask - the beauty of this system is it is all about what works for YOU!

ISN'T THIS BRIBING MY DOG?

First of all, there is a difference between a bribe and a reward. The bribe comes first, before the behavior; the reward comes after the behavior. It's an important distinction, because "bribing" is not an effective way to train, but rewarding/reinforcing is. If you bribe, your dog will only perform the behavior if there's a piece of food in front of him first. If you reward, then your dog will perform the behavior in hopes of earning that piece of food. And after the learning phase, when that behavior is fluent you can start to phase out the food rewards.

WILL I ALWAYS HAVE TO CARRY TREATS AROUND?

You won't always use treats - we will use them regularly while teaching the behavior and then randomly thereafter.  Don't be stingy with them in the beginning - use plenty of good, high value treats to start, then you can mix in kibble or some lower value treats or other types of reward like play/affection. This is your dog's paycheck.  We are asking them to do things that they may not want to or see a benefit in, but they do because they know there is something worthwhile coming after they do.  It is no different than us going to work everyday.

TREATS:  As far as treats are concerned, you should prepare a fairly good sized quantity of very small treats to use in class or in your training sessions. The size of the treats should depend on the size of the dog, but in general, each individual treat should be no larger than a pencil eraser. If you forget treats or need something more yummy on a given night, we have treats for sale before and after class.

If you’re still searching for that magic treat that your dog will love or you want to try something new, here are some great ideas from dog walkers, groomers, vets and trainers:

Brandi C.  Squeeze cheese!

Krissii F.  Tennis balls!

Stephanie F. Lickety Sticks!

Barbara L.  Chicken breast – she prefers the prepackaged kind – or string cheese.

Laurelin S.  Cheese (string or cream), buffalo liver or sweet potato!

Jo J. Bread and butter; dismembered natural gummy bears; tuna flakes.

Paula K.  My dogs’ favorites have turned out to be thinly sliced hotdogs microwaved until they are curly and crispy!  And for dogs not motivated by food: I had a dog in one of my classes who was not food motivated, so I asked the dog’s owner what was the dog gaga for at home and he answered “the feather duster”. I said, bring it in, and the dog worked for the chance to maul that duster ( it was pink, and the owner was a former Marine)!

True Dog  Tricky Trainers Salmon Flavor Cloud Star Treats, Buddy Biscuits Lamb flavor Treats, Bil-Jac Liver flavor, wet dog or cat food in a small dish, couple licks as a reward.

Marie N.  Freeze dried chicken. It’s like crack to her.

Judy M.  Diced Natural Balance food logs!

Deb M.  Try a fox tail tied to a 2- 2 1/2 ft length of clothesline. Stick it in your back pocket and haul out for a quick rewarding game of tug. Training your dog to be both food and toy motivated is the best!

Noelle B.  For Brewster, if anything is going to get his attention, hot dogs will. But not even that works with a really intense distraction. Other things that work most, but not all the time, are chicken, cheese, and Zuke’s Mini Naturals.

Stacy S. ‎Riddick’s Treats (bison liver treats are like crack to them)

Marge R.  I hate to say it – sausage, egg and cheese biscuit. What can I say? He gets to choose what is most reinforcing.

Laurie W.  Canine Carry Outs! Easy to find and inexpensive.

Kristel S.  Frozen meatballs, pieces of roasted chicken or salmon-flavored Zukes are Murphy’s favorites:-)

Elisabet N.  Freeze dried beef liver, and cat food.

Angelina W. Vienna sausages!

Jackie D.  Home-dried liver, smoked cheese, barbecue chicken, liver sausage…

Jennifer B.  Shady Brook cooked turkey meatballs..doggy crack!

Jenifer R. My dog who used to be HIGHLY leash reactive would turn himself inside out for Gorgonzola if he could!

Ann W.  Peanut Butter. I fill one of the little Tupperware midgies, put the lid on, and when I need to get past some other dogs on the trail, I pull the lid off and let my dog lick at it until we’re past.

Ashley C.  Deli rare roast beef and/or a squeeze tube of liver paste.

Laurie M.  Baby food meat, dehydrated mini hamburger pieces, roasted and frozen beef roast or chicken breast.

K9Capers dog day center  Blueberries and celery!

Cheryl C.  Steak – when we are going to a new event/new place I grill up steak the night before.

Jen R.  Boiled and diced beef heart does it every time for mine.

Elana B.  Diced chicken gizzards. I nuke the package for about 10 minutes and then dice them into training treat size. Way cheaper than anything from PetSmart or PetCo and not made in China!

Katie G.  Dehydrated beef lung!

Nancy B. Boiled chicken cut up into small pieces is the highest value treat. Hot dogs second.

TREAT/BAIT POUCH:  You will need a bag for your treats, and (optionally) a clicker. We have treat pouches and clickers available to purchase. If you do not have a treat pouch already, I strongly recommend you purchase one of these pouches; they are sturdy, washable, and will last for years.

TRAINING EQUIPMENT:  Please bring your dog on a plain buckle collar, head halter or harness (choke chains and pinch collars will not be permitted). Bring your dog on a 4’ or 6’ leash; a short leash or tab will also be helpful for some of the exercises.  We have tabs (very short handle leads) available for purchase as well.

WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES with low or no heels such as sneakers. You will be walking and turning quite a lot so comfort is essential. With most of the little dogs, I sit on the floor with them so if you want to sit on the floor make sure to wear comfortable clothes as well.

PHOTOGRAPHY

We will sometimes take photographs or short video clips of training in progress. These might be posted on our website, shown in training workshops or possibly used in a future book. You have the right to say you don’t want to be photographed. If you want to take your own photographs, please ask the person or the owner of the dog involved for permission.

EXPECTATIONS:  The first night of class is always a little hectic and distraction is so high that most dogs need a bit of time to settle in.  Don't be surprised if your dog has some trouble paying attention.  This is normal!  As long as you understand how to teach the behavior, you can work on it at home and usually get a better, more focused response.