Stage 3 Tools Flashcards
Clicker
Used to precisely mark behavior
Becomes secondary reinforcer when paired with reward
Original clickers have harsh metallic sound
If dog is frightened, use verbal marker like yes or tongue click
Clicker Pros
Produce consistent tone
Enable marking behavior preceisely
Dog will understand click no matter who uses device
Clicker Cons
Timing must be exact
Some dogs might be overly sensitive to sound
Can be cumbersome to hold with everything
Target stick`
Mobile device to teach dog to follow
Target stick Pros
Targeting is simple and easy to train
Useful for shaping complex behaviors
Can be used to lure
Useful for teaching heel to small dogs
Treat pouches
Wearable pouch for dispensing treats
Can use nail pouch or fanny pack
Periodically remove and place on surface
Food treats
Must be irresistible to dogs
If possible should be small, pea sized
Always use high value treats when teaching new behavior or high distraction area
Always ask before offering treats (allergies)
Use treats every time during acqisition and switch to intermittent in fluency
Once behavior is understood, can switch to ‘real life’ reinforcers (toys, pets, praise)
Human food
Usually very high value
Should be low fat (low fact cheese, lean deli meats, grilled/boiled quicken, hot dogs, liver, squeeze cheese, peanut butter
Hard/crunchy treats
Typically baked, multiple sizes
Soft treats
Baked or cooked during extrusion process
Variety of sizes, shapes, flavors
Many have meat as first
Good for ‘jack-potting’ excellent behavior
Freeze dried treats
Moisture removed
Usually all meat
Some considered ‘raw’
Meat jerky
Usually tasty
Can be torn into small pieces
Between 2007-2015 China sourced jerky caused illness
Types of collars
Buckle, martingale, slip, head halters/collars, standard and front attached harnesses
Collar is determined by
Needs of individual dog/owner team
eg small owners with large dog might choose harness, people with disabilities, management versus training
Must choose collar/harness that is effective without
causing stress
How dog responds to tool
determines overall effectiveness and humaneness
Collar fit
Check fit regularly
Dog could escape, bite, or be bitten
Check collar fit of every client - too lose, could catch on things, too tight could strangle
Collar safety
Never leave dog alone in slip, half slip, or prong collars
Collar injuries are one of the most common
Accidental injuries can occur with every collar type
Buckle collar
Fixed length collar with metal or plastic buckle
1 or 2 D rings
May have quick release feature
Nylon, rubber, leather, varying lengths/widths
Collar fit
Should sit low on dogs neck Fit 2 fingers between neck and collar Too thick on small dog or too thin on large will be uncomfortable Doesn't need to be removed Remove when dogs are playing or crated
Collar pros
Can allow length adjustments
Can be most effective
Can be used to attach license/ID
Good choice for everyday wear
Collar cons
Continuous pressure can damage neck and trachea
Some dogs learn to slip out
Must be removed when playing
Must be removed when crated
Martingale
“Slip” or “humane choke”
Designed for breeds with narrow hears and large necks
2 loops - larger and small
When dog pulls, it tightens the larger loop
Can only tighten to certain degree
Like normal collar, width should be no more than 1/4 of the neck
Use on breeds with wide necks or who have learned to slip out
DO NOT leave on unsupervised dog
Martingale pros
East to put on
Comfortable fit for most dogs.
Limited closure prevents choking
High level of safety - hard to slip out of
Margtingale cons
Does not afford high level of control compares to head halters or front attach harness
Neck or trachea damage if dog pulls too strongly
Cannot leave unattended
Must be removed during play
Head halters
By controlling head, can control movement of body
-Enables owner to achieve high level of control without as much physical strength and without pressure on throat
Many factors led away from _ , such as
choke chains , mass marketing of head collar, education about benefits of positive reinforcement
Head halters are not
muzzles
In a head halter dogs can
eat drink, even play ball
Head halters are designed to
apply soft pressure to dogs nose or back of neck to discourage pulling/encourage polite leash walking
More head halter advice
Good choice for dogs too large or strong for owner or habitual pullers
Gentle pressure is usually all that is needed
Always remove at the end of walk/training
Sharp ‘pops’ should never be used
Never pair with retractable leads
Head halter pros
Great for hard pullers
Ideal for mismatched dog/owner size
Can be used to redirect or refocus reactive dogs
Considered safe and humane training collar
Head halter cons
Some dogs may take a very long time to get used to it
Could cause neck injuries if used improperly or with corrections
Difficult to fit on brachycephalic dogs
Straps can rub and irritate if not properly fitted
Conditioning to head halter
Start by showing halter
Give treats
Practice for 2-3 sessions
Once dog is reacting positively, put just nose loop on - click and treat and quickly remove loop
Repeat acclimation process 3x/day for about a week
Assuming dog remains positive begin to attach entire halter - click and treat once it is on, immediately remove, repeat process
Jackpot offering to put nose in
Slowly increase the amount of time it is worn
After day or two, increase 1-2 minutes a day
After 7 days practice, begin to attach leash
Should associate head halter with fun (playing, treats, walks)
Stand pinch/prong collars
Interlocking metal links with 2 blunt prongs
when leash is pulled, prongs pinch
Less commonly used today
Some prefer prong collar for ‘limited closure’
Fitting prong collar
Chose large size Should have at least 6 links Should fit snugly around neck High up on neck right behind dogs ears Leash chain on right side of neck Must be snugs Not designed to slip over head Must separate links
Prong collar usage
For strong habitual pullers or dog too strong for owner to control Designed to cause immediate discomfort Uses negative reinforcement Should never use 'leash pop' Can come apart Can use coupler as safety backup
Prong collar warnings
Never use on puppies less than six months
Never use on dogs displaying fear, reactivity, aggression
Pinch could increase aggression
Never pair with retractable leash
Must always remove after training session/walk
Prong collar cons
Difficult to fit
Can cause pain - increased fear and aggression
Can accidentally come apart
Can give impression that training requires force
Can be difficult to use correctly
Can look intimidating
Slip collars aka choke chains/training collar
Steel chain or braided nylon/rope
Large ring at each end
Chain pulled through ring
Choke chain fit
Sit high on dogs neck
To size and 2” to neck circumference
Might need to add 3 for some dogs
Choke chain usage
Negative reinforcement (removal of choking) or positive punishment (pop with leash) Only wear when training Not every day collar Never use with retractable leashes Never use on dogs with airway issues
ABC opinion on choke collars
Newer equipment is just as if not more effective in teaching new behaviors
Choke collar cons
Can be used incorrectly
Can damage trachea, vertebrae, spine
Improperly timed corrections can cause fear
Improper use can imply training requires force
No safety feature to prevent accidental choking
Body harness
Help prevent neck and throat injuries
Keep leash from being tangled
Pressure distributed evenly
Dogs will pull regardless of type of leash
Harness usage
Can be used on most dogs
Especially small or injured dogs
Good to attached to long line
Harness pros
Can even use on small puppies
Applies even pressure
Very difficult to slip out of
Harness cons
Very strong pulling dogs could be hard to control
Front attach harness
Leash attached in front of breast bone
Controls body versus head
Don’t usually require conditioning time
Pulling results in dog being turns around
Front attach harness usage
Great for puppies, strong pullers, brachycephalic dogs, dogs that don’t like head halters
Front attach harness pros
Immediately stops pulling in most dogs
Few dogs respond negatively
Can be used on most dogs and puppies
Front attach harness cons
Could be difficult to adjust
Could be difficult to fit some body types
ABC philosophy
Bias is towards positive reinforcement
Instruction that includes variety of training methods and ideologies provides the most comprehensive education
E Collar
Remotely operated to cue or correct behavior
Collar mounted receiver, hand held transmitter
Delivers tone, vibration, air, citronella or shock
Should only be used by trainers with years of experience!
E Collar usage
Never use on dog less than 6 months or fearful/reactive dog
Many unwanted behaviors can be corrected
Must first desensitize dog to collar
E Collar Cons
Timing must be precise
Obedience can become dependent on collars’ presence
Can be desensitized
Increased/redirected fear/aggression
Improper use can inflict pain and cause physical or mental breakdown
Leashes
4, 5, 6 feet
Clasp on one end, loop on other
Width/diameter should be relative to dogs size
Leash usage
Can be used on most situations to keep dog safe
Shorter length can be used for extra control in certain situations
Dual handle have second loop
Should attached directly to collar
How to hold leash
Should be loose at all time
Place thumb of dominant hand though loop before grasping it. With other hand, grasp about 2 feet down and gather excess slack until leash droops slightly
Hold excess leash with dominant hand, give treats with other
If dogs pulls so hard you need 2 hands, consider other type of leash or harness
Leash pros
Great for keeping dog safe
Good management tool
Leash cons
Rely on leash for correction might result in only being good when leash is present
Retractable leash
Hard plastic cage with long line spooled around retracting mechanisms
Locking function stops extension
When unlocked, leash extends or retracts based on pressure
Retractable leash advice
For best safety attach to harness
Prevents neck and spinal injuries
Never attach to head halter or slip/martingale/pinch
Retractable leash usage
Can be awkward
Shouldn’t be used in most training situations
Proper leash holding impossible
Dropping can make loud sound
Best used for exercise
Good for generalizing behaviors in ALREADY trained dog
Rewards/encourages pulling
Don’t use with strong pullers, high distraction areas
Retractable leash pros
Allows more freedom
Adjusts to various lengths
Could be easier to grasp
Blind or elderly dogs might find tension comforting
Retractable leash Cons
Can't be used with many training collars Could teach dogs to pull Provides very little control Allows dogs to get farther Difficult to use while training Relatively narrow line could break Rope burn Easily tangles
Long lines
10-50 feet long
Loop one one end, clasp on other
Usually nylon
Amount of freedom depends on size of dog
Dog should feel that owner is out of reach
Dog should always be supervised
Should be attached to standard collar or body harness - never pinch slip or martingale
Tie knots it 3’ or 5’ intervals
Used to introduce distractions during training
Many use gloves to prevent friction burns
Long line pros
Enables trainers to work dog safely from distance
Can introduce to off leash control
Great replacement for retractable
Long line cons
People could become tangled
Can take practice
Can be difficult to back up as dog moves towards you
Hands free leashes
Wear around hip/waist/torso
Usually nylon
2’ 4’ 6’
Some are adjustable, feature shock absorber
Various shapes and sizes
Usually fit nearer hips (center of gravity) for greater stability
Hands free leash usage
Can be great for owners with multiple items to carry
Or for those who try to steer with leash
Could be good for leash reactivity
Hands free leash pros
Good for juggling many tools
Great for walkers/joggers/hikers with strollers
Prevents dropping leash
Good for strong pullers or reactive dogs
Hands free leash cons
Could be difficult to fit for some body types
Could be cost prohibitive
Might make owner fall
Slip leads
Metal ring which leash is pulled through to form loops
Dog cannot slip out
Used in shelters / hospitals also show ring
Slip lead fit
Long enough to accommodate dogs neck and loose leash walking
Should form ‘P’ when facing dog before slipping over head
Slip lead usage
Gently restrain dog in vet/shelter setting
Can be helpful if standard buckle is problematic
Some trainers recommend for training loose leash walking w/ dogs who are not strong pullers
Always use steady pressure - never jerk
Slip lead pros
Good for moving dogs quickly in emergency situation
Temporary solution when standard collar is unavailable
Can discourage pulling
Removed quickly
Slip lead cons
Could damage trachea or spine
Could be used incorrectly
Improper use could imply you need force
No safety features to prevent strangulation
Crates
With proper training dogs can learn to love
Can provide sanctuary and comfort
Idea for house training puppies
3 basic types: Plastic/fiberglass, wire, furniture style
Also soft crates made of canvas/mesh
Crate fit
Should have enough room to stand up and turn around comfortably
Front to back - 1.5 x dogs length not including tail
Come in range of sizes
Crate Usage
Should not be used as punishment
To acclimate, place several treats in several times a week
Can include cover to eliminate visual distractions
and reduce barking
Should provide chews and toys
Concerns with crates
Could increase separation anxiety issues
If anxiety reaches panic levels she could hurt herself
Broken teeth, lacerations, punctures, etc
Also accompanied by urination/defecation
If dog shows crate anxiety
Refer owners to trainer who specializes in this
Recommend alternative such as safe room
Or doggie daycare
Ideally dog should be crated
no more than 4-5 hours a day
Crate pros
Can help with number of problems including inappropriate elimination, chewing, digging
Helps prevent dog making mistakes
Can safely restrain dog in vehicle
Crate cons
Some owners might leave dog in it too long
Some owners will be resistant
Can increase separation anxiety
Playpens
Typically made of metal or plastic 1 panel has latchable door Height can vary from 32-48 inches Most can be used indoors or out Can be useful for behavior management, house training Excellent when recovering from surgery
Playpen fit
Small enough to discourage improper elimination, large enough to play and stretch out in
Sides high enough she cannot jump over
Big enough to accommodate any necessary items and provide room to play and stretch out
Playpen usage
NEVER use as punishment
Read instructions carefully
Used to safely contain dog or puppy, protect dog from hazardous situations
Crate introduction
To begin with use in same room
Provide toys
Supervise to start with
Once deemed safe, can leave alone w/minimal supervision
Crate pros
Great for situations where constant supervision isn’t possible
Can keep dogs/puppies save, prevent engaging in certain behaviors
Crate cons
Not a substitute for training, supervision, and attention
Some owners will be resistant to confining dog
Pet Gates
Designed to keep dog to particular area
Sturdy, resilient materials (metal, wood, wire, sturdy plastic)
Can be free standing, spring tension mounted, door mounted
Range of heights
Pet gate fit
Should be tall enough that dog cannot jump over
Slat width: narrower than dogs head
adequately sturdy
Thoroughly read and follow instructions
Pet gate usage:
Safely block access to certain rooms and prevent undesired behaviors
Useful for introducing pets
Keep dogs separated during meals
Pet gate pros
Keep dog/puppy safe by confining in certain area
Prevent some types of unacceptable behavior
Useful when constant supervision isnt possible
Can be used in various settings/areas
Easy to set up and dismantle
Pet gate cons
Can be misused - not a substitute for training, supervision, attention
Could tip if improperly installed
Dog could escape
Could be costly
Kennels and dog runs
Designed to provide safe outdoor confinement
Chain link or metal grid fencing
Door for easy access
Some have waterproof canvas or vinyl roofs
Usually free standing, place over cement glass or concrete
Kennel/dog run fit
At minimum four times larger than properly sized crate
Sturdy
Place on firm, level surface
Kennel usage
Can be kept in for longer than crate Thoroughly read all instructions Should be exercised before kenneling Put water, lots of toys If no roof, placed in shade Don't use as primary living area or in inclement weather
Kennel pros
Prevent destruction to home and yard
Effective tool for managing access to home and yard
Provides safe access to outdoors
