What is Cognitive Behavioral Training (CBT)?

 Cognitive behavioral training (CBT) is a type of therapy that helps dogs to identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors. It is based on the principle that our thoughts and feelings influence our behavior. By changing our thoughts and feelings, we can change our behavior.

CBT can be used to treat a variety of behavioral problems in dogs, including anxiety, aggression, fear, and compulsive disorders. It can also be used to help dogs learn new behaviors or to improve their overall quality of life.

Here are some tips for using CBT to train your dog:

• Identify the target behavior. What is the behavior that you want to change? Be as specific as possible.
• Identify the triggers. What are the things that cause your dog to engage in the target behavior?
• Identify the thoughts and feelings associated with the target behavior. What is your dog thinking and feeling when they engage in the target behavior?
• Develop a plan to change the thoughts and feelings associated with the target behavior. This may involve using desensitization and counterconditioning techniques, or it may involve teaching your dog new coping skills.
• Reward your dog for engaging in the desired behavior. This will help them to learn that the desired behavior is more rewarding than the target behavior.

Here are some specific examples of how to implement CBT for common dog behavioral problems:

• Anxiety: If your dog is anxious about being left alone, you can use desensitization and counterconditioning to help them learn that being alone is safe and rewarding. Start by leaving your dog alone for short periods of time, such as a few minutes at a time. Gradually increase the amount of time that you leave them alone, and reward them for staying calm and relaxed while you are gone. You can also use counterconditioning to help your dog associate being alone with positive things. For example, you can give them a special treat or toy just before you leave.
• Aggression: If your dog is aggressive towards other dogs or people, you can use CBT to help them learn that these triggers are not dangerous. Start by exposing your dog to these triggers in a controlled environment. For example, if your dog is aggressive towards other dogs, you could start by taking them on walks in areas where there are other dogs. Keep a distance from the other dogs, and reward your dog for staying calm and relaxed. Gradually get closer to the other dogs, and continue to reward your dog for staying calm.
• Fear: If your dog is fearful of certain things, such as loud noises or storms, you can use CBT to help them learn that these things are not dangerous. Start by exposing your dog to these triggers in a controlled environment. For example, if your dog is afraid of loud noises, you could start by playing loud noises at a low volume. Gradually increase the volume of the noises, and reward your dog for staying calm and relaxed.
• Compulsive disorders: If your dog has a compulsive disorder, such as licking their paws excessively or chasing their tail, you can use CBT to help them learn to control their impulses. Start by identifying the triggers for the compulsive behavior. For example, if your dog licks their paws excessively when they are bored, you could try to keep them more entertained. You can also try to teach your dog a new behavior that they can do when they are bored, such as fetching a ball or playing a puzzle toy.

CBT can be a very effective way to train dogs. However, it is important to be patient and consistent. It may take some time for your dog to learn to change their thoughts and behaviors. If you are struggling to use CBT on your own, you may want to consult with a certified professional dog trainer.

-The Shark Amongst the Paws

Guide to Properly Using an Electronic Dog Training Collar

 Electronic dog training collars, also known as e-collars or shock collars, can be a valuable tool for training dogs. However, it is important to use them properly to avoid harming your dog or causing them anxiety.

(Miss Daisey & Lord Zedd ~ 2015)

Here are some tips for properly using an electronic dog training collar:

1. Choose the right collar for your dog. E-collars come in different sizes and strengths, so it is important to choose one that is appropriate for your dog's size and temperament.
2. Start with the lowest setting. Once you have chosen a collar, start with the lowest setting and gradually increase it until you find the lowest setting that is effective - meaning that it only grabs their attention, such as noticing eye movement as they look for what that feeling was or maybe a head tilt. You do not want it so strong it startles them.
3. Use the collar consistently. E-collars are most effective when they are used consistently. Be sure to use the collar every time your dog engages in the behavior you are trying to correct.
4. Pair the collar with positive reinforcement. When your dog performs a desired behavior, be sure to praise them and give them a treat. This will help them to associate the collar with positive experiences.
5. Don't overuse the collar. E-collars should be used sparingly. Overusing the collar can cause your dog to become desensitized to it, or even afraid of it.

(Miss Daisey, Lady Freyja, Sir Walther ~ 2020)

Here are some additional tips for using an e-collar safely and effectively:

• Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully before using the collar.
• Fit the collar snugly but comfortably around the upper part of your dog's neck.
• Place the contact points on your dog's skin, not on their fur.
• Avoid using the collar on puppies under 6 months old.
• Do not use the collar on dogs with sensitive skin, heart conditions, or other health problems.
• If you are unsure about how to use the collar safely, consult with a certified professional dog trainer.

(Sir Thor)

It is important to note that e-collars are not a magic bullet for dog training. They should be used in conjunction with other training methods, such as positive reinforcement and obedience training.

Here are some things to avoid when using an e-collar:

• Do not use the collar to punish your dog. E-collars should be used to correct behavior, not to punish your dog.
• Do not use the collar for extended periods of time. E-collars should be used sparingly. Overusing the collar can cause your dog to become desensitized to it, or even afraid of it.
• Do not use the collar on a dog that is aggressive or fearful. E-collars can make aggression and fear worse.
• Do not use the collar on a dog that is sick or injured. E-collars can be harmful to dogs with certain health conditions.

If you are considering using an e-collar to train your dog, be sure to do your research and consult with a certified professional dog trainer.

- The Shark Amongst the Paws

Canine Impulse Control

Impulse control is a dog's ability to resist the temptation to perform an unwanted behavior in order to obtain a desired reward. It is an important skill for dogs to have, as it can help to prevent them from engaging in dangerous or destructive behaviors.

There are a number of ways to train impulse control in dogs. One common method is to use a "wait" cue. To teach this cue, start by holding a treat in front of your dog's nose. Say "wait" and then slowly move the treat behind your back. If your dog stays still, reward them with the treat. Repeat this process several times, gradually increasing the amount of time you wait between saying "wait" and giving your dog the treat.

Once your dog can consistently wait for a treat, you can start to introduce distractions. For example, try saying "wait" while your dog is watching a squirrel or another dog. If your dog stays still, reward them with the treat. If they start to get excited or try to lunge at the distraction, simply say "no" and start over. You can eventually graduate to practicing while sitting on your porch, or on walks, using the command "leave it" when your dog sees a squirrel or another dog. The same general application applies with different scenarios.

Another way to train impulse control is to use games and exercises. Some popular games include:

* **Leave it:** Place a treat on the ground and tell your dog "leave it." Then, start to walk away. If your dog stays still, reward them with the treat. If they try to eat the treat, say "no" and start over.

* **Stay:** Tell your dog to stay and then walk away. If your dog stays put, reward them with a treat. If they get up and follow you, say "no" and start over.

* **Down-stay:** Tell your dog to lie down and stay and then walk away. If your dog stays put, reward them with a treat. If they get up or move around, say "no" and start over.

It is important to be patient and consistent when training impulse control. It may take some time for your dog to learn, but it is a skill that is well worth teaching.

Here are some additional tips for training impulse control in dogs:

* Start training in a quiet place with few distractions.

* Use high-value treats that your dog really loves.

* Keep training sessions short and fun.

* End each session on a positive note, even if your dog is struggling.

* Be patient and consistent.

If you are having difficulty training impulse control in your dog, it may be helpful to consult with a certified professional dog trainer.

- The Shark Amongst the Paws