Dog Training Questions and Answers with Nate Schoemer | Part 3

TL;DR

Nate Schoemer answers 10 common dog training questions.

Transcript

hey everyone welcome back to another episode today we will be doing a q a video where i answer some of your dog training questions i'm gonna be answering 10 dog training questions in each video so if yours is not in this video then it should be in one of the following videos in this series be sure to check the description where you can find your qu... Read More

Key Insights

• Dogs can experience fear periods between 7-9 months; counter conditioning and desensitization can help them overcome fears like staircases.
• Starting scent detection training early is beneficial; focus on creating a positive association with the target odor using toys.
• To reduce play barking, stop the game when barking occurs and resume play when the dog is quiet, reinforcing calm behavior.
• Corrections in training should be adequate and not personal; they help achieve 100% reliability in obedience, but fear-based behaviors should not be corrected.
• Increasing a dog's motivation can be achieved by using meal times for training and employing drive-building exercises for toys.
• Leash pressure training can prevent unwanted behaviors like jumping on people by teaching dogs to respond to gentle pressure cues.
• Counter conditioning can help dogs who fear the mailman by associating their presence with positive training sessions.
• Resource guarding of humans by dogs can be addressed through immediate corrections from the person being guarded, teaching the dog it's unnecessary.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can I help my dog overcome fear of stairs?

To help your dog overcome fear of stairs, use counter conditioning and desensitization. Start by associating the stairs with positive experiences, like offering food at the top step. Gradually encourage your dog to take more steps, rewarding each successful attempt. Be patient and progress at your dog's pace.

Q: How do I start scent detection training for a puppy?

Begin scent detection training by creating a positive association with the target odor. Use your puppy's favorite toy, placing it in an airtight container with the odor. Let the toy absorb the scent, then play with your puppy using the toy. This helps the puppy associate the scent with fun and rewards.

Q: How do I stop my puppy from barking during play?

To stop a puppy from barking during play, pause the game when barking starts and resume when the puppy is quiet. This teaches the puppy that barking ends the game. Consistency is key, and over time, the puppy should learn to play quietly to keep the game going.

Q: When should corrections be used in dog training?

Corrections should be used when a dog knows a command but chooses not to comply, ensuring the correction is adequate to the dog's motivation level. Corrections help achieve reliability in obedience, but should not be used for fear-based behaviors, as they can worsen fear.

Q: How can I increase my dog's motivation and drive?

To increase motivation, use meal times for training, making your dog work for food, which enhances food drive. For toy drive, use frustration-based exercises, like teasing with a toy until the dog is eager to play. These methods boost motivation by associating work with rewards.

Q: How can I stop my dog from jumping on people?

Teach your dog to respond to leash pressure cues. When your dog jumps, use gentle leash pressure to guide them off and reward when they stop. Consistent use of this technique helps your dog learn that jumping is not rewarding and encourages calm behavior around people.

Q: How do I handle my dog's reactivity to the mailman?

Use counter conditioning by rewarding your dog when the mailman approaches, associating the mailman's presence with positive training sessions. Start training far enough away to prevent a reaction, gradually moving closer as your dog becomes more comfortable, ensuring they focus on you instead of the mailman.

Q: How can I address resource guarding of humans by my dog?

Correct your dog immediately when they show aggressive behavior towards other dogs approaching you. The person being guarded should administer the correction, teaching the dog that guarding is unnecessary. This approach helps the dog understand that their behavior is not needed and should be stopped.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Nate Schoemer provides detailed answers to common dog training questions, focusing on techniques like counter conditioning, desensitization, and corrections to address various issues.

• The video covers topics from overcoming fear of stairs to managing a dog's reactivity towards mailmen and other dogs, offering practical solutions for each scenario.

• Schoemer emphasizes the importance of understanding a dog's motivation and using positive reinforcement, corrections, and training tools like remote collars to achieve reliable obedience.