Question : I have just taken in a 4yr. old male pug. I already have a 13yr old pug, and 10yr old boston terrier... The only issues I have with him is come, he likes to run around and play games. Did have this problem with my other guys. Any suggestion... Also he slept in a crate but, doesnt like to go in.... Suggestions : Playing fun hide and seek games is perfectly normal for dogs and can be used appropriately for enrichment and reward. I would create that game for your dog as a separate piece of this equation and maybe give your dog something which cues him that the game is on, such as his favorite soft toy or ball, and then start the game of hide and seek and chase. Additionally he is a young dog comparatively speaking to the other dogs and wants a fun playmate. He is seeking you for fun and play which is perfectly acceptable and normal. In other words, he is seeking fun and games with someone! You need to provide that outlet for him. As far as not coming when called, that is something different. Trainers call it a recall. A recall must be taught through positive reinforcement and repetition. You start with a short distance and increase distance; likewise you start with minimal distractions and increase distractions as you have success. Here are the steps: 1. Get some high value treats and when your dog is near you in a quiet environment, say their name and when they respond say “good” and give a treat. Repeat 10 times. 2. Once they seem to understand responding to their name earns a treat, try in different parts of the house, and then gradually add distractions by trying in the back yard, then front yard, etc. You must NEVER call your dog to you and then do something negative (negative in the dogs eyes) such as discipline them, cut their nails, bathe them or put them in a crate, etc. You must ALWAYS make coming to you a positive experience! In the old days, and maybe it still happens, a dog would run off and then when the dog did come back it would get a spanking. I have always wondered why a dog would ever want to come back if they knew they would get a beating. The best thing to do when your dog returns to you is give your dog lots of treats and praise! You have to REWARD them for doing what you asked! It must be positive and rewarding...always! As far as crating dogs, I am not a proponent of crating. The only time I feel it is appropriate to crate a dog is for transport. I am a huge proponent of exercise pens for confinement if confinement is needed. Crating is often misused and dogs are kept in crates for hours and hours during the day and night, and in my opinion, develop an unhealthy dependence on their caretakers including many other behavior problems and issues. Too much confinement and crating do not allow dogs to think for themselves and develop the confidence and self-esteem independence training allows. Independence and freedom develop confidence and self-esteem in people and dogs alike. Independence training can be developed by the use of exercise pens in the early stages of confinement training. The goal should be phasing out the exercise pen as your dog gets more trustworthy or allowing them more space in the house with the exercise pen. Additionally, crates are also often used as a form of punishment. Crates should NEVER be used for punishment. Your new pug may have had previous negative experiences with the crate which is why he does not want to go in the crate. In his mind, it has been poisoned. I recommend starting with a clean slate and confining in an exercise pen if you need to confine. You can put his bed or open crate, water (if house trained), safe chew toys, like Nyla bones and stuffed Kong’s (there are some great recipes on how to stuff a Kong and how to find the appropriate size Kong for your dog on the Kong website kongcompany), and a litter box if not housetrained in the exercise pen. This will be a new and positive habitat for your pooch. Here is a photo of how the exercise pen should be set up. This photo is from Puppy Start Right. Foundation Training for the Companion Dog written by Kenneth Martin, DVM and Debbie Martin, RVT, VTS, CPDT-KA, KPA CTP. It can be purchased on clickertraining. I always recommend this book to new clients. There is a ton of helpful information for every dog parent whether your dog is 2 months or 15 years. There are step by step training guides, problem solving and prevention ideas, and information about socialization, housetraining and learning. ~ Britta brittasanimaltrainingandpetservices/
Posted on: Sun, 12 Oct 2014 23:00:00 +0000