JULIE’S THOUGHTS FOR MORE GOOD DOGMA, FEBRUARY 2009

First step in Communicating or solving a problem or learning a new behavior or starting a “training program” : Look at the Dog!! Simple Observation Techniques can tell you if dog is ready to learn? Is dog getting what they need? Is it the right time to implement a learning program or technique? What mental or emotional state is dog in?

Physical features mirrors dog’s emotional state / physical state can also cause emotional distress and or stability

Look at Dog:
Eyes- bright, glassy, blood shot, hard, soft, pupils dilated, round, oval, discharge, whites
Seen, looking at you or away (whale eye) avoiding you or staring you down. Where is he looking? Distracted or focused on you? Are you able to get eye contact if asked?

Mouth- open, closed, panting, salivating, tongue: long short flicking in and out, curled up, folded over note color of tongue, gums: color temperature of mouth (hot, cold) breath odor , breathing fast, slow irregular. Is mouth tight and tense or relaxed? Commissures: forward, backward, neutral

Ears- forward, backward, up, down, moving, twitching, still, tense, warm or cold, color of inside, smell, clean, dirty, hearing response, listening response, sensitive, insensitive

Tail- up, down, moving, still, wagging: tip, whole tail, whole tail not body or whole tail and body, tucked under or totally upright

Hips- strong, weak, shaky, stable, hind quarters tucked under or upright, muscles are relaxed or trembling weight is forward or backwards or neutral

Back- Relaxed, straight, hackles up or down, muscles seem relaxed and supple, or rigid and tense

Shoulders- Stable, confident, forward, backward, relaxed, trembling, supple, rigid tense

Overall body posture: Stance forward/ backward, rigid/ relaxed low, high

Making an over all body assessment can give one a wealth of information on any dog whether it’s a new dog that you have never met before or can aid in trying to solve a problem or deciding whether to start a new lesson or training program with a dog that is known very well. Stress and fatigue may be noted in an overall assessment

Many questions can be answered. An overall assessment is critical to learning and maintaining a healthy, solid relationship with a dog.

How is dog feeling? Physically, emotionally
Does the dog have everything he/she needs at this time?
Is the dog able to learn a new behavior at this time?

There is a proper physical and emotional or mental state for learning in a more positive way. It is necessary for a dog to be free from any physical or emotional stress and/ or fatigue in order to learn new behaviors and participate in learning activities. These activities will be enjoyed more and the learning process will be more stable and solid if the steps are taken at the right pace and in the right frame of body and mind for both dog and handler.

Contrary to popular belief, most dogs are not ready to participate in a group class environment in the early stages of learning and orientation, yet it is the “usual” first step in any canine learning program a handler chooses for their dog.

** Learning is a complicated process that should not be taken lightly
** It should not be rushed or forced
** It should be enjoyed not stressed

Is your dog ready to learn? According to your physical observations about the dog
Do you know your dog? How well do you know your dog?
At what level or situation is your dog ready to learn?


Learning Situation Examples

Private one on one session@ home with no distractions: this should be first and foremost especially with a dog that you have no relationship built with or perhaps a dog that is in the beginning stages of learning new behaviors.

Private at home with mild distractions perhaps out side, this level not to be attempted until a 90 % success rate at first level.

Private , out side of the home ie. Park some distractions

Training Class- not participating in class, just being present with you and dog, observing, orienting dog to environment

This protocol for Canine learning may seem long and grueling but it is necessary. A dog may not be ready for a “class like” environment if it is not able to observe the situation in a calm peaceful state yet it is such a common scenario in most training classes. Dogs are completely over stimulated and are still expected to learn positive behaviors while being “set up” to display negative behaviors.

Proper conditions for Canine learning:

Dog: calm but eager, attentive to handler and the motivation presented to him/her physically able displaying vitality and vigor. Movement is fluid, facial expressions are relaxed as well as the muscles through out the body. Dog is responsive to attention getting cues given by the handler.
The environment: For the learning level of dog, the environment must be a positive place with just the right amount of distraction for the dog. Space for number of dogs and handlers must be considered especially if space renders “issues” for dogs. A dog should not show any signs of fatigue and/or anxiety or stress. If these characteristics are displayed in any
way, activity must be stopped and the dog must be put in a more positive situation so that they may be successful.

Person: Calm, relaxed, attentive to dog and the environment around them. Prepared- with what ever motivates(toys, treats).
Must have realistic goals for each session

It is very easy to find ourselves pushing our dogs beyond their limits regardless if they are ready or not. As human beings we strive to over achieve in all aspects of our lives. The perspective of others is very important to us. Guess what? Dogs don’t care!!
They don’t care about what others think of them. They do however want to please us. That is why great care must be taken to make sure that learning must be a completely positive experience. If you want to succeed with your dog move slow. Take your time. Your dog will learn faster, enjoy spending time with you and become a more functional member of your family.


A guide to understanding the physical features of your dog in order to better understand the emotional and mental side
of your canine loved one may be very helpful. A good read for this topic: Patricia B. McConnell PH.D For The Love Of A Dog,
Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best Friend, Barbara Handelman, M.Ed,CDBC Canine Behavior A Photo Illustrated Handbook