FAQ
QUESTIONS ABOUT DOG TRAINING?
Check these frequently asked questions.
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Dog training questions
FAQ: Why should I use treats in training? Answer: Giving your dog a treat for correctly performing a command reinforces the behavior and motivates your dog to work with you in the future. Giving treats should be reduced in frequency once a dog has learned the command, and can be faded out completely if desired. However, think about it this way - don't you like to be rewarded for a job well done?
FAQ: What sort of treats are good for training?
Answer: First of all, the treats need to be food items that your dog considers to be rewarding. Sometimes we try to make those decisions for our dogs and give them things that we think should be rewarding. Experiment with different treats and watch your dog's reaction. Sometimes a sliced carrot trumps a piece of leftover steak. You should also have two categories of treats - ones that are good for everyday, simple training, like dry biscuits or dried liver treats, and treats that your dog considers fantastic, like Zuke's Mini Naturals, a Lickety Stik or sliced hot dogs for commands that are more challenging, like the "come" command.
FAQ: Should I use a choke chain (choker) or pinch collar to train?
Answer: No. The use of choke chains and pinch collars is an antiquated training method. Instead of relying on positive reinforcement as the primary training methodology, choke chains and pinch collars use punishment (a snap of the choker/pinch) that inflicts a moment of discomfort or pain to correct the dog for not complying. If you can train effectively with positive reinforcement, why would you want to use pain as a training tool?
FAQ: Which training devices are O.K. to use with my dog?
Answer: Flat collars, Gentle Leaders (a head halter), Halti's (a head halter), and harnesses are the devices that are most safe for your dog.
FAQ: How long should a training session be at home? Answer: Limit your training time to 10 to 15 minutes per session. Three to four short sessions a day are ideal.
FAQ: What do I do if my dog just walks away from me when I try to train him?
Answer: Put his leash on and stand on the leash. This limits his options and helps to convince him that he should focus on you during training.
FAQ: Can I punish my dog for something he did 30 minutes ago?
Answer: No. While this is hard for us to understand with our sophisticated mental processing abilities, a dog cannot put together cause and effect at such widespread times. You need to catch your dog in the act for learning to take place.
Questions about dog aggression
Answer: It depends on the sort of aggression that is developing. In general, most aggression begins with fear. In the beginning, a dog may feel threatened (whether the threat is real or is just perceived by the dog) by a person, dog or event and chooses to retreat. Often this progresses to barking and possibly lunging to send the "threat" away. Unfortunately, after many repetitions of dealing with the "threat" the dog may learn that biting is a surefire way to make the scary thing go away. While many dog owners will tell you that their dog's aggression came "out of the blue," in actuality, they have witnessed these signs of developing problems for quite a while. Smart dog owners know to address the problems before they escalate.
FAQ: Is aggression caused by genetics or by life experiences?
Answer: Nature vs. Nurture is the question here and the answer is that either genetics or experiences or a combination of the two can contribute to aggression. Some breeds show a tendency toward a genetic predisposition toward fearfulness. Lack of socialization is the most common cause of fearfulness that leads to aggression. In some dogs, the combination of genetic fearfulness and lack of socialization lead to a lifetime of aggression if professional help is not sought.
FAQ: Can I use my shock collar to make my dog stop her aggressive behavior?
Answer: In the hands of a professional, the shock collar can sometimes play a small role in rehabilitation of an aggressive dog. A shock collar in the hands of the uneducated is a disaster waiting to happen. Remember, most aggression develops as a coping mechanism for fear. Look at it this way, if you were afraid to fly and a well-meaning friend decided to force you onto a plane while pinching you every time you showed fear or stress, would you feel less stressed about flying? Most likely you would retain your fear of flying while developing a healthy fear of your "friend."
FAQ: Will my dog just grow out of his aggressive behavior?
Answer: Not likely. As with all developing problems, it is far better to be proactive than to deal with a deep-seated behavior later in the dog's life.
FAQ: I think I have an "Alpha" dog. Why can't I just dominate her until she figures out who the boss is?
Answer: "Alpha" dogs are rare. Judging a dog as an "Alpha" based on aggressive behavior is an all-too-common mistake. Fighting is a rarity among established canine packs since the energy spent and the disruption caused to the social fabric of the pack is costly. Being willing to bite or attack does not make a dog "Alpha" material. That would be like saying that the local gang leader would make a good town mayor. As stated before, most aggression comes out of a place of fear. Physically dominating your fearful (aggressive) dog does nothing to change the underlying causes of the aggression.
How should I choose a trainer?
Answer: Look for trainers that are committed to force-free, rewarding and motivating methods. Stay away from trainers that depend on dominance (versus leadership) and harsh training techniques or training devices.
FAQ: What training devices should a trainer preferably use and why?
Answer: A skilled, experienced trainer does not use pinch collars, choke chains or shock collars as a normal course of training. These devices should be reserved for the most extreme behaviors or behaviors that can put the dog at risk without immediate and drastic intervention.
FAQ: Is it important that the trainer have a certification?
Answer: A certification shows dedication to the field of dog training and an understanding that dog training and behavior modification are complex and detailed skills. A dog trainer with a certification is telling you that he or she is a professional and as such pursues continuing education in the field.
FAQ: Since dog training is not government regulated, what certifications are most respected in the dog training community?
Answer: Not all dog training certifications are recognized as certifications. Some training schools (many with curriculums as short as two weeks) "certify" their graduates. That is not the same as a trainer with years of experience and education qualifying as certified with a nationally recognized association. The following web page from the Association of Pet Dog Trainers can help you decipher the letters after a dog trainers name. http://www.apdt.com/petowners/choose/certifications.aspx.
FAQ: Who should I ask for referrals?
Answer: Ask for referrals from professionals you trust, like your veterinarian. A trusted pet service or supply business will be well informed on the trainers in your community, too. As in choosing any professional, ask your friends and family for referrals.
FAQ: Is it important that the trainer's dogs have earned AKC ribbons?
Answer: This may seem odd, but no. Any trainer should be able to handle their own dog and train that dog to a high level of obedience. Teaching others to gain the skills needed to get the most out of their dogs is a completely different skill set. That requires people skills, ability to motivate both people and dogs, and group management ability in addition to actual dog training skill. In place of ribbons, you can tell a lot about a trainer by the behavior of his or her own dogs. Are they tuned into the trainer and responsive to commands?
Questions about Alpha Canine Academy
FAQ: How long has ACA been in Durango? Answer: Since 2000.
FAQ: Does ACA use certified trainers?
Answer: All trainers are either certified or actively working toward their certification. Julie Winkelman is the only trainer in the Four Corners that is certified by two national organizations - the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and the International Association of Canine Professionals, Toleda Cluff is certified with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.
FAQ: What training methods does ACA use?
Answer: The trainers at ACA depend largely on positive reinforcement, even with difficult problems. To a far lesser degree, we employ low-level adversives such as a squirt of Binaca at the dog's nose for jumping on people or a leash correction for pulling on leash. We believe that the majority of dogs are more than willing to work with their human partners if given clear, consistent leadership. Harsh handling or pain-inducing training devices work against forming a working bond between dog and human. Beware the trainer that immediately puts a pinch collar or choke chain on a dog. That trainer is usually inexperienced or lacks patience and empathy.
FAQ: Where is ACA located?
Answer: We are three miles north of Elmore's corner (the intersection of Hwy 160 and Hwy 172/CR 234). ACA is approximately 15 minutes from WalMart or the intersection of Florida Road and CR 250.
FAQ: What classes does ACA offer?
Answer: Group basic obedience, Canine Good Citizen classes, Agility training, group aggression classes; and private lessons for basic obedience, behavior modification and aggression cases.
Questions about group basic obedience training classes
FAQ: Would my dog and I be better off in a group class or in private lessons?
Answer: That depends. If your dog has issues with other dogs or people, a private class setting is the only way to go. If your dog has a behavior issue beyond the scope of a basic obedience class, then private lessons are for you. Or, if you find it difficult to commit to a structured six-week course, then privates will offer you more flexibility.
But, if you have a young dog that needs socialization experiences with other dogs and people, then group class is a great option for you. If you have a dog that obeys well at your house but "loses his mind" when in distracting environments, then group class is your best bet. Financially, group class is also the better bargain.
You can call ACA any time for help with this decision.
Answer: The classes are limited to six dogs. You will find this to be the smallest group class setting in Durango. We have found that including more than six dogs in a class drastically reduces the amount of personal attention that each person receives. We want you to have success, so we maintain small classes to ensure quality.
FAQ: How long are the classes (number of weeks and length of each class)?
Answer: Each group basic obedience class runs six weeks long. Each class, with the exception of orientation, is an hour long. Orientation is approximately an hour and a half.
FAQ: How old should my dog be to attend group class?
Answer: It used to be that trainers would tell you that a dog should be six months old before beginning a training class. The reason was that the choke chain could damage sensitive growth plates and developing cartilage in a young dog. Thank goodness for flat collars and positive reinforcement! Your dog is learning from the very moment that you bring her home with you. Why not direct that learning to get the most out of your dog? ACA accepts dogs from eight weeks on. It would be best if your dog is able to settle into in your home for a couple of weeks before you begin training.
FAQ: What shots should my dog have to attend group class?
Answer: Puppies should have two in the series of four puppy vaccines. Adult dogs should be up to date on their distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus and parainfluenza and rabies shots. We also require a current bordetella vaccine for participation in class. Bordetella is given every six months.
DO NOT isolate your dog from other dogs until the age of 15 or 16 weeks! Socialize your puppy to healthy dogs after that second series. Socialization is vitally important.
FAQ: What supplies do I need for group class?
Answer: You will recieve a training manual at orientation. Please bring your dog to class in a flat collar with your usual four to six foot leash. No Flexi leashes, please. You will also need 1/2 cup of basic, dry treats and 1/2 cup of smelly, soft bonus treats with every class. You will find that a treat bag or fanny pack to hold the treats will make you a more effective trainer. You will need a 15' long lead by your second class.
FAQ: What is orientation?
Answer: Orientation teaches you the psychological principles behind the training techniques we use, shows you the importance of timing, rewards and attitude, and demonstrates the methods most effective for training your dog.
FAQ: Can I bring my kids to training classes?
Answer: We love kids! And we love to see kids learn and gain confidence through dog training. We do ask that your child be seven years old or older. If you feel you have a capable and controlled child under that age, call us and we can talk about making an exception. We do reserve the right to exclude any child that is disruptive to the class, however.
FAQ: Can I use my "Flexi" leash in class?
Answer: No. Extendable leashes do not provide the control that is necessary in a group setting.
Questions about private lessons
FAQ: Would my dog and I be better off in a group class or in private lessons?
Answer: That depends. If your dog has issues with other dogs or people, a private class setting is the only way to go. If your dog has a behavior issue beyond the scope of a basic obedience class, then private lessons are for you. Or, if you find it difficult to commit to a structured six-week course, then privates will offer you more flexibility.
But, if you have a young dog that needs socialization experiences with other dogs and people, then group class is a great option for you. If you have a dog that obeys well at your house but "loses his mind" when in distracting environments, then group class is your best bet. Financially, group class is also the better bargain.
You can call ACA any time for help with this decision.
FAQ: What sort of training is best for private lessons?
Answer: Any dog that is reactive to people or dogs should take private lessons. A dog that is under-socialized or highly fearful in a group setting is better served in private lessons so that we can work on remedial socialization and confidence building. Dogs with issues that require behavior modification can only be worked with in private lessons or group classes that specifically address the issue.
Answer: Days and hours are flexible and differ according to the trainer that you are working with. Evening appointments are available.
FAQ: How long is private basic obedience class?
Answer: Five weeks long, forty-five minutes to an hour each session.
FAQ: Who will be my instructor?
Answer: Behavior modification cases, separation anxiety cases and aggression cases are managed by Julie Winkelman, CPDT-KA, CDT or Toleda Cluff, CPDT-KA.
FAQ: What sort of behavior problems can be worked with in private lessons?
Answer: Jumping on people, house training, chewing, anxious behavior, nipping, submissive urination, food guarding, coming when called, door dashing, leadership steps, barking, fear of travel, pulling on leash, fearful behavior, counter surfing, marking, escaping, car chasing, crate training, introducing dog to cat, stealing items, impulse control, dog and child safety, pushiness, hyperactivity, destructive behavior, separation anxiety, leash aggression, dog aggression, inter-pack aggression, people aggression, territorial aggression, OCD behaviors, thunder phobia, remedial socialization and more.
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