We're back on a Sunday morning with another episode of Dog Blessed with Jodi Jarvis-Therrian brought to you by the CBD Store of Michigan, Clocks Timeless Pet's and Must Love Dogs Boutique in Grand Haven! It's a weekly series with Jodi who's a CPDT-KA CTDI, Pet CPR First Aid instructor and C-wags judge. Her passion is to help you and your dog live your best lives and it's in the knowledge of pets and owners that the best lives can be found.
This week, Jodi is working to help you learn a little more about avoiding failure with your dog. If you are introducing something new to your pet, do you think they have the first clue what you're trying to show them? Imagine that combined with a berating when not only doesn't the dog have any idea what you're doing but then gets yelled at for it? You can see that things might continue south in a big hurry. Let's start with the example of a frisbee. If you throw it with no familiarity, the dog is going to stare at you. BUT, if you were to start in advance with that frisbee and teach them to tug on it with you first. Then maybe roll it on the ground for them to chase a little. Then a gentle toss in the air so they can see it fly's.....then add some distance to it. Before you know it, if it's the right breed, you've got yourself a frisbee dog. If you have a weiner dog it might not be the high flying areal stuff you see from other breeds, but by hook or crook, that dog will be set up to succeed. For a weiner dog though, a good frisbee might be a frosting lid.
You just took the first steps to helping your dog succeed instead of failing. Like any creature, a positive reward system is so much more acceptable than a negative one. As you progress, keep up that positive vibe! Lots of treats, pats in the head and joyful talk will inspire your dog instead of instilling fear. The last time you were scared of someone, did you go out of your way to make them happy? You get it!
We're off to watch the master at work! Learn a little more about avoiding failure with your dog with Jodi Jarvis-Therrian on the Muskegon Channel.
Avoiding failure is one way of putting it. Developing effective communications based on positive rewards comes to mind too. Where do you respond best? Understanding what's being asked and being rewarded or, having to guess what you're supposed to do and then hoping you get it right...or else? Seems pretty simple but it's a reminder from an expert who truly wants you and your dog to live your best lives together.
