Tails From Alaska: Canine nose work, shelter dogs, and building a successful reward based dog training business

Do you have a dog that jumps on visitors, freaks out when the doorbell rings, and doesn't behave when you leave the house? Join Drayton and Kim as they discuss dog etiquette. The secret is dog etiquette isn't all about the dog, it's about people. Dog owners, dog lovers and anyone who encounters a dog all play a role in how a dog is going to behave, in addition to the environment that interaction takes place in. Drayton goes through simple, quick, and easy ways to manage your dog at home and eliminate issues with guests, doorbells, and special occasions. Then we go outside and talk about how to advocate for your dog with strangers, how to deal with people who want to meet your dog (and people who don't), and using cues your dog already knows. We'll also talk about socializing your puppy vs your adult dog. We also have a discussion about taking your dog to restaurants, cafes, and with you at public places.

What is dog play and why is it important? In a followup to his article, "Dog Play & Prediction Error," Drayton Michaels, CTC, talks about shaping dog play and the need for getting your dog into regular, supervised play with doggie friends. It's not just us humans that need friends and benefit from the social interaction, so do dogs. Dog play is often misunderstood, by dog owners and professionals, alike. Drayton discusses combating fearful and stressed out dogs with behavior problems with dog play. But supervision is key, and tips are given for refereeing and how to avoid dog fights and negative experiences. 

Little dogs have special needs and are more prone to fear, stress and reactivity. Take a deep dive into all things small this week with Drayton Michaels, CTC, as he discusses the needs of little dogs. From the proper ways to approach and pick up a small dog to how to counter condition using a dog carrier like a doggie Bjorn, we talk about setting up environments that promote positive associations for our tiny four legged friends. Drayton talks about how to set up little dogs for success, how to find appropriate dog play mates, how to deal with multiple dogs of different sizes in the same house, and how to work with kids and small dogs. He also brings up piddle pads and their use with small dogs, as well as work-to-eat toys.

Behavior is something all humans do and all humans require from dogs in order for us to live with less stress. Delve into understanding behavior from the dog's perspective, as well as from the human side of the equation with Drayton Michaels, CTC. This episode discusses associative learning and consequence learning with dogs. Drayton explains the application of behavior change and understanding reinforcements, both positive and negative. He and Kim discuss consent for dogs and how to achieve the goal of a sound dog.

Do you have a stress reduction plan for your dog? In this episode of Good Dog Pro, Drayton and Kim discuss how to make every day less stressful for you and your dog. Learn why your dog should be on a schedule, how to use chewing and food dispensing toys as stress busters, the role of counter conditioning and exercise in reducing stress.

A Sound Beginning is a fourteen day program designed to make it easy for anyone to prevent mistakes and create a positive start from the first day you bring your new dog home. This unique program reduces and eliminates the stress that is part of transition period for an adopted dog to acclimate to it's new home. Based on the book of the same name, A Sound Beginning Program is used in shelters and rescues around Chicago to help abandoned dogs get positioned for a healthy, happy, long-term adoption. Julie and Steve discuss their program and the successes they've experienced with dogs and pet parents they've worked with. 

Puppies are cute and cuddly, but they're a lot of work. Puppy expert, Gila Kurtz, talks to Kim about how to get ready for a puppy and what to do in the first week to help your new furry family member acclimate to its new home. From how to pick a puppy to what to have in your house before you bring your puppy home, you'll get critical information that can help you and your puppy get off on the right puppy paw. Gila and Kim discuss "Puppy 101," the new online course launched by Good Dog in a Box with Gila. Gila also talks about the importance of socialization with your new puppy and how to get started with that, plus what to look for in a puppy trainer and puppy class.

Metis Riley, CPDT-KA, discusses her personal growth from a dog walker to a reward based dog trainer in Alaska. She talks about the success of partnering with a local vet and a veterinary behaviorist, when to use these resources, and what it has done for her business. Reactivity is her focus, working not only with clients but also with dogs in shelters, helping them to get adopted. Metis created a unique program that uses canine nose work in shelter dogs to help them de-stress and use their natural scent abilities to modify behavior. She talks about nose work and the benefits it offers to all types of dogs as a way to gain self-control, focus, and to release stress. Located in Alaska and being a self-admitted "gear nerd," Metis offers her recommendations for the best outdoor dog gear for your pup. Metis is also the co-founder of STRAW for Dogs, a non-profit based in Alaska that helps dogs living outdoors.

Heather Adams, KPA CTP, CBATI, talks about the sport of agility and how it can help dogs learn to focus, as well as gain self-control and confidence, while providing a fun outlet for dog/owner teams. Whether you use agility for fun or join the competitive side of the sport, it offers huge benefits that go beyond having a good time running around the ring. Heather discusses how she incorporates agility training with clients' dogs that have certain behavior issues, as a means for long term positive change. She talks about getting started in the sport, what to look for in a trainer, when to start your dog, what type of training is required, and realistic expectations. She also discusses the basics of agility equipment, an agility match, agility organizations, and the best way to get started.

Dr. Amy Pike, DVM, DACVB, IAABC-CABC, Boarded Veterinary Behaviorist talks about the role a vet behaviorist plays in dealing with aggression and extreme fear in dogs. One of only 84 vet behaviorists in North America, Dr. Pike is a specialist in behavior medicine, who is essentially the "psychiatrist" of the veterinary world. She discusses her field and how she works with dog owners, dog trainers, behavior consultants and other veterinarians. Dr. Pike discusses the importance of reward based dog training, early warning signs of fear and aggression in puppies, when you should consider contacting a vet behaviorist, the importance of socialization and the role it plays in aggression, and how she uses medication and natural supplementation to deal with dog-to-human aggression.