Blind Crosses and Directional Cues

 Pearls:

• A front cross is when you cross in front of your dog and switch your current cueing side/arm to the other.  (A front cross is when the handler switches sides in front of their dog while facing their dog.)
• A blind cross is when you cross in front of your dog and switch your current cueing side/arm to the other, but the dog is changing the side behind the handler's back. (A blind cross is when the handler changes the handling side in front of the dog and the dog changes the side behind the handler's back.) 
• Keep running! When I stay in motion, so does Jackie. Avoid stopping to wait for her; instead smoothly keep directing her line of travel and KEEP RUNNING!
• Cue directional turns earlier, including when cueing with your body. Turn your body earlier to let Jackie know she is approaching a turn. 
• When cueing weave entries, make sure you're pointing at the entry pole.
• When Jackie comes out of a tunnel, you need to already be running ahead of her. RUN RUN RUN!
• You know Jackie will be running when she comes out of the tunnel, so RUN ahead of her!
• As soon as you start running, Jackie increases her speed.

Jackie playing blind crosses and directional cues, and Carrie learning to RUN ALREADY:

Positive Reinforcement, An Overview

Your Guide to Dog Training: How To Tackle the Basics of Behavioral and Obedience Training 

Pearls

• Your dog is an individual with a unique personality and independent desires and needs.

• Once you commit to dog ownership, your dog is completely dependent on you to supply all their needs, which includes education.

• Using positive reinforcement is a humane and effective training method for modifying a dog's behavior.

• This guide outlines the basics of behavioral and obedience training so your dog becomes a well-educated family member.

Humans have lived with dogs and loved them for thousands of years. The scientific community now understands that dogs and humans have an innate, DNA-level ability to love each other. Living with a dog in your home requires you to educate your canine friend, who has a distinct personality and independent needs, to coexist harmoniously in one of the most rewarding relationships -- the human-dog bond.

Educating Your Dog

Your dog innately wants to learn from you and indeed learns from you. It is your responsibility as your dog’s guardian to be the best human for them, and this means giving them the best education. Once you commit to dog ownership, your dog is completely dependent on you to supply all their needs. 

An Educated Dog Is a Life Saved

Researchers Bailey Eagan et al. published in the journal Frontiers of Veterinary Science that “Behavioral problems have been reported to be the cause for the relinquishment of dogs to shelters, and relinquishment may, in some cases, be due to only one behavioral issue.”

Too many dogs perish in animal shelters for dog-related or guardian-related reasons. Providing ongoing education for your dog so they are comfortable and sociable members of society is life-saving. 

This guide outlines the basics of teaching your dog to be a well-educated family member. 

Foundational Training

Think of training your dog as reinforcing all of the good behaviors your dog already knows how to do, such as sit, lie down, quietly remain in one place, or go potty. Consider all the things that the quintessential perfect dog, in your estimation, does, and begin systematically rewarding those behaviors. 

Look at your dog: Are they doing something you want them to do? If so, reward them for it with something they esteem valuable. They are likely to repeat that desirable behavior. Are they doing a behavior you don’t want? Change the subject by distracting them, and as soon as they do any acceptable behavior, even if it’s just looking away or staying quiet for a moment, immediately reward it. 

Teaching Methods

The foundation of positive reinforcement training is rewarding your dog for a behavior so they are likely to repeat the behavior. Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for shaping and even changing your dog’s behavior, and it’s the fastest, most humane way of educating your dog with their best interest in mind. 

Clicker training is another form of positive reinforcement, where the dog expects a reward when they hear a stimulus, such as a click or the word “Yes!” Conditioned reinforcers are faster and more precise than primary reinforcers, such as food, so the dog accurately identifies the specific behavior you want them to repeat. 

Sometimes, dogs exhibit natural and healthy behaviors in ways or locations that are inconvenient or undesirable for humans. People tend to think of “problem” behavior, but it’s up to you to educate your dog when and where they express ordinary behaviors. An example is potty training: Eliminating is healthy and necessary, and your pup must know when and where, as well as have ample opportunities, to use the appropriate area you decide as their potty. 

Occasionally, you want your dog to change their behavior for a variety of reasons. The good news is that do-over-dogs, those pups who need to re-learn the basics or even completely update their education, are also teachable. Using positive reinforcement to change behavior is a great way for your dog to re-learn desired behaviors.   

Critical Puppy Socialization

Puppies have a critical developmental period between two and 16 weeks of age. Primary socialization between three to five weeks is the most influential stage of a puppy’s life. This is the stage where puppies learn to approach and interact with humans and other animals, social cues, bite inhibition, social hierarchies, and other important behaviors. If puppies don’t receive the right socialization or leave their litters before eight weeks, they are likely to show deficits in these vital areas. Continued adult dog socialization is equally important to develop appropriate outgoing, friendly, and confident behavior. 

The foremost puppy socialization authority, veterinarian Dr. Ian Dunbar states it clearly: “Prior to eight weeks of age, puppies need to be safely and gently exposed to as many different environments as possible and to interact with and be hugged, handled, handfed and trained by at least 100 people, especially children, strangers, and men, and then by at least another 100 people during the first month in their new homes.”

It’s hard to overstate how critical early and ongoing socialization is for your puppy. Dogs are able to learn manners and basic obedience at any time during their lives. Though behavior problems are resolvable at any time in a dog’s life, it’s best to teach good habits from the very beginning.

It is important to address temperament issues in puppies early on to avoid the difficult and time-consuming process of rehabilitating adult dogs. Prior to three months of age, before your puppy is fully vaccinated, safely socialize puppies by bringing people to them and avoiding high dog traffic areas such as public spaces or veterinary clinic parking lots. Doing so prevents the risk of contracting puppy diseases such as parvovirus.

Perfect Potty Habits

After socialization, error-free potty habits are a critical early skill to teach. Control your puppy’s access to your home by keeping them tethered to you on a leash while they’re awake. Every two hours, as well as after they finish eating, wake from sleep, and after every playtime, take your puppy to their designated potty area.

Make a huge fuss when your puppy produces and immediately reward them with the highest value treat your puppy loves. Do this each and every time your puppy eliminates in their designated potty area. 

Crate Training

When you aren't able to keep your pup tethered to you, teach your puppy that being inside a crate is a wonderful experience. To crate train your puppy, toss a few of their favorite treats into the crate with the door closed while your puppy is outside the crate, so they want to get inside. Then, open the crate, let your pup gobble the treats, and exit. Play this quick game several times throughout the day. 

Next, close the crate door for a few moments while tossing treats down from outside the crate while the puppy is inside. Gradually build to leaving the door closed with your pup inside for slightly longer periods until, eventually, you leave the room for a few moments, then several seconds, then a few minutes. Build up slowly until your puppy is happy being alone in the crate. 

Reinforce your crate training by always leaving a stuffable toy, such as a Kong, filled with your puppy’s food or treats. Toss a food-stuffed toy in the crate to occupy your puppy whenever you leave them in the crate for any amount of time. Feeding your puppy’s daily meals this way is excellent while crate training. 

A puppy only controls their bladder for one hour every month of age, so give regular access to their appropriate potty area. Always leave enjoyable and safe chew toys with your pup while they’re in their crate. Crate training must go hand in hand with plenty of exercise, play, and giving your pup ample freedom to use their bodies, minds, and noses.

Loose Leash Walking

Teaching your dog early in your relationship to walk calmly on a leash is worth it for a lifetime of payoff. Begin in a quiet, distraction-free area inside your home or yard. Clip the leash onto your pup’s properly fitted collar or harness, saying “Let’s go for a walk!” If your pup puts pressure on the leash or pulls, simply stop, hold the leash statically, and wait. 

It may seem like a long time, but be patient; your pup eventually sits. As soon as your dog sits, immediately encourage them to walk forward again with “Let’s go!” If your pup hits the end of the leash or pulls again, consistently wait for your pup to sit and then continue along your walk together. Avoid giving the sit cue, but rather wait for your pup to sit on their own.

Resources and Professionals

Enrolling in a basic obedience class is a wonderful opportunity to continue learning positive reinforcement techniques with your dog. A group setting is a useful forum for you to learn to teach your dog under the watchful eye of an experienced trainer. The results of a group class are a better-behaved, confident dog and better teamwork between the two of you.

It’s surprising how much ground the professional covers in a basic six-week training class, from learning sit, down, and stay when cued, how to walk on a loose leash, to resting comfortably on a mat when asked. These affordable classes usually address basic impulse control, allow you and your dog to work together during distractions, and teach primary training theory and how to use a clicker so that you are able to teach your own preferred behaviors in the future. 

Personalized Training

For specific needs like help with your new puppy, learning a particular skill, needing individual instruction in a specific dog sport, or needing help but you are only available at certain times, private lessons with a professional dog trainer are invaluable. 

The help and experience of a professional dog behaviorist working with you and your dog are necessary when facing remedial behaviors that need improvement. It’s always best to teach your dog what to do and reward the behavior you want rather than correcting them for making mistakes. Sometimes, problem behaviors still happen, and managing these behaviors in do-over dogs takes a strategic and positive approach. 

For do-over dogs, seek a certified canine behaviorist affiliated with the following organizations: American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), or the Animal Behavior Society (ABS). Refine your search specifically for a behaviorist rather than just a trainer. 

Choosing a Dog Trainer

Find a reliable and qualified dog trainer for expert advice tailored to your dog’s individual needs. Verify the trainer’s certifications and experience to be sure they have the expertise for the specific behaviors you are seeking help. Seek out an experienced trainer who has demonstrated proficiency in teaching dogs the specific needs you’re interested in and who also currently has students excelling in learning how to teach their own dogs. 

Importantly, if a trainer ever suggests using an electric collar, choke chain, prong collar, or any other aversive technique, politely but firmly decline. Keep searching until you find a qualified professional who uses up-to-date science-based positive reinforcement training. 

Canine Good Citizen

Graduation from many basic obedience classes often involves completing the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program. The CGC is a recognizable benchmark that your dog is well-behaved in public, has the confidence and calmness to meet strangers, and conducts themself in busy crowds. 

The CGC boasts the principle that, given the right circumstances, all dogs are good dogs. With the right guidance, all dog owners have the ability to become great owners. 

Common Behavior Challenges and Solutions

Rather than trying to prevent behaviors you don’t want, think of changing the subject to a behavior you want your dog to offer and rewarding that action. When your dog is not rewarded for displaying a behavior, as in ignoring an unwanted behavior so that it is not reinforced, that behavior gradually diminishes. Ignoring behaviors you don’t want while rewarding behaviors you do is a fast track to success. 

Sometimes, the unwanted behavior itself rewards the dog. An example is barking at the mail delivery person. Every day the mail person arrives, the dog barks to defend their territory, and eventually, the mail person moves off, thereby reinforcing the dog by giving what they want, which is for the mail person to go away. This barking behavior is continually reinforced and strengthened day by day.

There are myriad ways to address barking in dogs, and one of those is the useful “Look at that!” game to counter-condition a learned response. Keep your dog below threshold, while you teach your dog to look at the exciting stimulus, then repeatedly reward them for staying calm while just looking at it.  

Play the Look At That Game

Have a very highly valuable reward that your dog loves, like pea-sized bits of hot dog or chicken in a handy pouch. Be sure you are at a distance and time where you control how close or far you are from the trigger. Always keep your dog under threshold (showing quiet and calm behavior) so that they notice the trigger without going over threshold. Sometimes, this means starting at a very far distance from the trigger. If your dog isn't able to see the trigger at any distance without going over threshold, practice first at home with a neutral target (anything that they do not react to). 

As soon as your dog glances at the trigger (the mail person, another dog, a car, or whatever your dog finds stimulating or scary), click or say “Yes!” to mark that behavior and give them a delicious treat. After your dog progresses to the point they are offering a glance toward the trigger, add the verbal cue “Look!” Your dog quickly starts to look at the scary or stimulating trigger when you give the “Look!” cue and then eagerly turns to you for a tasty tidbit. 

Continue rewarding their bravery, and keep sessions short by using only five to 10 tiny treats at a time. Give your dog frequent re-set breaks and make each session brief and positive. Keep practicing this game until your dog is calmly looking at the trigger in anticipation of the click. The end goal is a conditioned emotional response so that your dog remains calm when they see the trigger, and eventually, you completely fade the food treat.

Seek Professional Help When Necessary

If you find that even with positively reinforcing desired behaviors and teaching basic obedience, your dog is acting aggressively toward other dogs or people, please seek the help of a professional animal behaviorist. Ask your veterinarian for a reference for a certified animal behaviorist in your area, or seek intervention from a behavior specialist certified through the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), or the Animal Behavior Society (ABS). In the meantime, take extreme care to avoid putting your dog into situations that lead to aggression. 

Goals and Expectations

Setting realistic training goals is specific to each individual dog and even varies within individuals based on the dog’s age and their unique learning needs. Patience is everything. Even if there are setbacks, celebrate every small achievement as you progress along the training journey. 

Boldly use management strategies in your favor. If you need to crate your dog while you’re away, make arrangements for them to have plenty of exercise and play opportunities while out of their crate, but be free to know that when you arrive home, your pup is happy to see you and you’re happy to see them. If you need to avoid public spaces for an interim while you are working on changing target behaviors, it’s perfectly okay. Feeding your dog their daily meals inside a stuffable toy is an excellent way to establish calm, self-rewarding behavior.

Remember that many “problems” aren’t problems at all. It all depends on the context. It’s a matter of setting up your dog to succeed, finding the desired behavior when and where you want it, and consistently positively reinforcing those behaviors. 

Unlock the Genius of Your Dog

Science agrees with you; your dog is a great genius. It’s up to you to bring out their individual brilliance by providing the best possible education. The flow of happiness from your dog to you and the other way around is positively enforcing in and of itself. Your commitment to your dog includes effectively teaching them how to be a comfortable and confident member of society. 

Positive reinforcement training is quicker, longer lasting, and more effective in changing behavior and teaching dogs new behaviors. In June 2023, the Journal of Veterinary Behavior published research showing that “Positive reinforcement training is an effective and humane training technique for modifying animals’ behavior.” Positive reinforcement is your ally to preserve a great relationship with your dog, keep them mentally healthy, confident, and happy, and learn the behaviors that are important to you so your dog wins in life.

The benefit of structured help from a professional allows a deeper dive into using your voice and play as positive reinforcement and teaching reliable off-leash verbal control at a distance and with distractions. Pursue positive reinforcement to learn a dog sport like agility, disc dog, flyball, or dock diving. Wherever your journey with your canine friend takes you, enjoy the lifelong bond and positive behavior achieved through effective training.

Subscribe to Animal Accolades for more research-based information and education for dog owners.

What in the World is the Difference Between "Round Round!" and "Loop Loop?"

 Pearls:

• "Round round!" indicates to the dog to collect her stride and turn tightly around the obstacle toward the handler.
• "Loop loop!" indicates to the dog to collect her stride and turn tightly around the obstacle away from the handler.
• For weaves, proof to the point where you can point directly at the first weave entry from anywhere and the dog independently adjusts to correctly enter the weave poles.
• Gradually increase my speed ahead of Jackie so she weaves faster.
• A foundation exercise for weave entries: Begin with just two poles and click and throw the lotus ball reward to reinforce each correct entry.
• For proofing weave entries, use four poles and start with the first two entry poles at an easier angle.

Jackie playing "Round round!" and "Loop loop!" around barrels, and clicker training foundation weave skills up to 12 weave poles within a series:

Barrel Wraps and Tunnels

 Pearls:

• Mind where your body and feet are pointing. Point your body in the direction your dog should go.
• If you run in a certain direction, your dog will likely run in that same direction. This works for you but can also work against you.
• "Round, round, round!" cues the dog to collect their stride for a tight turn toward me around a barrel.
• "Loop, loop, loop!' cues the dog to collect their stride for a tight turn away from me around a barrel.
• Give Jackie lots of positive feedback. Tell her she's a good girl! Tell her "Yes!" when she gets it!

Jackie playing hoops, barrel wraps, and tunnels:

Treiball

Jackie and I began treibball this week. Also known as urban herding, the goal of treibbal is for the handler and dog to work as a team. The dog plays at a distance around a set of balls to push them into a gaol one by one. In competition, the dog is timed. Distance, time, and the number of balls are some of the variables in the game.

Jackie's learning how to nose touch a ball very low on the ball and with the nose only. Foundational skills include nose touching my hand, transferred to nose touching a sticky note in my hand, transferred to nose touching a sticky note on an object.  

We're playing foundation "Go to your place!" that will also be used for treibball. Tossing a food lure underneath the ball reinforces Jackie for keeping her nose low and using only her head to push the ball -- as opposed to using her paws, mouth, or other body parts.

Pearls:

• Treibball is a fun sport not just for herding breeds
• "Go to your place!" and "Push!" are foundation behaviors that will be used in playing treibball.
• The National Association of Treibball Enthusiasts, or NATE, promotes treibball as a fun, safe, and challenging sport for all dogs that endorses dog-friendly training that supports the best qualities of the human-dog relationship.

Jackie playing foundation ball nose touch:

Subscribe to Animal Accolades for more fun positive reinforcement ideas.

Discriminations

 Today Jackie and I played tunnel versus contact discriminations.

Pearls:

• When teaching "Out, Tunnel!" for tunnel discrimination, point out toward the line of the dog's travel and maintain your arm up indicating where to go until the dog's entire body including their tail are inside the tunnel. Only after your dog has committed their whole body into the tunnel should you turn your body to keep running.
• When cueing "In, Feet!" for contact discrimination, turn your body early to remind the dog to turn in to take the contact.
• As always, keep moving smoothly and indicating your dog's line of travel as if using a laser pointer along their path. 

Jackie playing tunnel versus contact discriminations:

NADAC VT Agility Trial at Cowtown Dog Sports

Jackie and I played in the NADAC VT agility trial at Cowtown Dog Sports this weekend, for our second time out at novice. 

Jackie playing in the NADAC VT trial:

BarkSpot published my review: 

Accommodating Needs With the K9 Sport Sack Dog Carrier

Pearls

• Physical activity and time spent in nature are ideal activities to increase health and wellness.

• Dogs love accompanying their owners during outdoor adventures.

• Here is a personal review of the K9 Sport Sack Plus 2 backpack dog carrier.

Like many people, I love being outdoors, cycling, and hiking as a fun way to stay fit. Dr. Denise Mitten et al. agree, saying, "The synergistic effect of physical activity and time spent in nature make hiking an ideal activity to increase overall health and wellness."

I almost always have my best buddy, Gunner the border collie, alongside me for adventures. However, when Gunner was diagnosed with heart disease a few years ago, our veterinary cardiologist told us Gunner should not be running long distances.

This generated a quest to find the best option to accommodate Gunner's special needs as he continues joining me during outdoor experiences. Thankfully, Gunner is otherwise still healthy and very active.

Like so many dogs, he wants to go along with his human on romps.

No Dog Left Behind

The forward-facing K9 Sport Sack is a backpack-style dog carrier that allows dogs to join their owners on adventures. K9 Sport Sack offers a wide range of sizes and adjustability options that are best chosen based on the exact height and length measurements of each dog.

My border collie is 30 lbs. and 18" tall at the top of the withers. I selected the K9 Sport Sack Plus 2 version in mint color size large. For comfort and weight-bearing during more strenuous activities, I like that it has thicker shoulder straps and a padded back panel.

The "Plus" in the K9 Sport Sack Plus is a storage bag for gear like treats and waste bags. This smaller pack adheres to the back of the carrier via hook-and-loop and is fully detachable.

The fully vented sides for Gunner's comfort and cooling draw me to this carrier. The mesh dual side pockets increase ventilation so fresh air reaches him.

The dog sits right against my back facing forward in a "begging" position with his front paws touching my shoulders. The newer (2) carriers have extra features compared with the original models.

The wide base accommodates the dog's body and tail. There are adjustable cinch straps at the side and back to ensure the best fit. The zipper's fur flap prevents zipping the dog's fur in the bag. The collar enclosure is fully adjustable.

Six Safety Features

For my border collie in the Texas heat, the breathable side panels are the first safety option I need. I choose this carrier specifically because of the mesh construction for airflow.

Securing the collar enclosure around Gunner's neck keeps the carrier in position during use. Tightening the collar enclosure ensures Gunner doesn't force himself up and out of the bag.

The angled side cinch straps keep Gunner close to my shoulders and prevent him from leaning too far back. The side straps keep Gunner snug inside the carrier.

The main zipper has a no-slip mechanism. It locks in place so no weight or pressure forces it back open.

I thread the collar enclosure buckle through the zipper loop once the carrier is closed. This zipper loop is a safety mechanism that ensures the zipper stays zipped while Gunner is in the carrier.

The carabiner collar clip attaches to the dog's collar, securing the pet inside and preventing them from climbing out of the bag. I don't use this particular feature because Gunner's ID collar snaps open with pressure because it's a safety breakaway design.

Airflow

Maximum airflow of the side mesh material is one of the top reasons I like this bag over other types, such as papoose-style carriers. The ventilated side panels are very important in maintaining a comfortable temperature for Gunner.

Even with the ventilated mesh sides, this carrier is not designed for extended use during extremely hot weather. Correctly, the K9 Sport Sack folks advise owners to keep their dogs hydrated and limit time in direct sunlight.

Easy In-and-Out, With a Caveat

Teaching Gunner to get into the sack was easy, but I acknowledge that he is an exceptionally laid-back dog and more eager than most to be complicit with whatever I'm trying to do with him.

The K9 Sport Sack site has recommendations and videos about teaching dogs to get in the bag. For Gunner I find the easiest method is having him sit on top of the bag and I gently place him hindquarters-first into the sack. Then I zip it up, place his front legs through the holes, and secure the collar enclosure to the zipper.

As always, I use lots of praise and treats for positive reinforcement during teaching.

Easiest From a Raised Surface

Putting it on, standing, and taking it off is easiest from a bed or raised surface with this backpack-style carrier. Getting the bag on from the ground with Gunner inside is challenging after rest breaks while hiking.

When I'm with another person I get them to help me. I get the backpack on and off by myself while sitting on the ground with effort, but a raised surface makes the process much easier.

Top Heavy While Cycling

Gunner gets heavy when carrying him while I'm riding a bike. This is probably less of an issue for a younger, more conditioned person or with a smaller dog.

With Gunner's extra 30 lbs. on my back, balance becomes a concern. I find using our trailer for dogs is a better option while bicycling.

Booster Seat

For my smaller spaniel Rosco, I use the same size K9 Sport Sack by inserting the available K9 Booster Block into the bottom of the carrier. It boosts Rosco up three inches, making it comfortable for him even though at 20 lbs. and 14" he is a very different size.

The booster seat is made of sturdy foam and has a removable, washable cloth cover. Two blocks put together lifts an even smaller dog six inches.

Customization

There are several neat custom options available to personalize the K9 Sport Sack. Choices include a Custom K9 Patch embroidered with your dog's name -- or anything else you like -- made from 100 percent recycled materials.

A smaller mini-patch is available for the carrier's storage bag. There are also emotional support or service animal "do not pet," "ask to pet," and "service human" patches available. They are easily attachable and detachable via hook and loop backing or choose permanent fabric backing.

Net Outcome

I love the functionality of being hands-free while Gunner rides in the K9 Sport Sack Plus 2 backpack carrier. Gunner enjoys being up close and personal with me during hikes and outdoor adventures.

The biggest downside is Gunner up high on my back is cumbersome for me while riding a bike. This backpack-style carrier is not our best option for cycling.

I struggle to get the carrier on from the ground and stand up -- it is decidedly easier from a bed or other raised surface. For a much smaller dog this is less of a concern.

When ordering it, the multi-functional storage pack that comes with the K9 Sport Sack Plus 2 seems like a great accessory. However, I never use the smaller detachable pack since I rely on a treat pouch and clothes pockets to stash my necessities. The additional pack just adds unnecessary bulk.

The abundant airflow of the mesh sides is a must-have and makes this carrier stand out among some other types, such as papoose-style transporters. The booster seat accessory enables using the same pack for very different dogs.

Frequent breaks, while Gunner stretches and sniffs and I rest, are necessary. At 30 lbs., Gunner is near the limit of what I can physically handle for this style of carrier.

Happy Together

Gunner and I love hiking, like many do as the St George News reported in July 2023. The K9 Sport Sack forward-facing backpack dog carrier allows us to continue exploring the great outdoors together.

The backpack involves training and takes some getting used to at first. The K9 Sport Sack Plus 2 is a good option for keeping Gunner with me while hiking.

Because life really is too short with my best buddy, I'm grateful to get outside and continue making memories to last a lifetime.

Subscribe to AnimalAccolades for more information on improving the bond with your dog.

Gunner Rally Advanced Virtual 2

 Tonight Gunner and I played Rally Advanced Virtual course two. 

Pearls:

• Homework includes continuing to reinforce prompt heel position, right and left turns then dog circles around the handler, and pivots.
• Gunner is a very good boy. That is all.

Gunner playing RAV2:

Enjoy the Stroll With a Mendota Dog Walker Leash/Collar

Read about my all-time favorite leash over at BarkSpot: Enjoy the Stroll With a Mendota Dog Walker Leash/Collar. 

Key Points

• Dogs provide social interaction and motivation for physical activity.

• The strong bond with dogs provides many dog owners with feelings of happiness.

• Leash training is the foundation for a lifetime of enjoyable dog walking.

• A dog leash is essential equipment for safe walks.

• This personal review looks at the Mendota Dog Walker martingale leash and collar combo.

Dogs are huge motivators for human physical activity. A British research team of Dr. Carri Westgarth et al reports, "Dog owners are more physically active than people without dogs."

The stronger the dog-owner relationship, the more walking dogs and owners do together. The reverse is also true. The more you walk with your dog, the stronger the bond becomes with your four-legged friend.

Dogs provide complex social interaction and often become a type of "significant other" for their owners. This strong bond is a powerful motivator for behavior that is good for human health, including walking together.

Walking on Sunshine

Walking your dog can quite literally make you feel happy. Leash training is the foundation for a lifetime of safe, enjoyable walks with your dog. That said, the humble dog leash is essential equipment for all dog owners.

I adopt, care for, and foster numerous dogs from a wide variety of backgrounds. Recent shell-shocked shelter pups, street-tough dogs rescued from the cruelty corridor, and very strong, athletic semi-feral farm dogs all deserve a second chance.

Each one has a common need for a reliable, no-nonsense, and user-friendly leash. For the absolute best leash that meets the diverse needs of all dogs and their owners, the Mendota Dog Walker martingale-style leash is a top choice.

User Friendly

The Mendota Dog Walker combination martingale collar and leash is simple to get on and off dogs, even if they're afraid. This leash is reliable so a dog can't slip out of their collar.

The martingale collar humanely and organically rewards each dog for walking on a loose leash.

Especially when working with a scared or defensive rescue animal, I need a leash that has a wide opening that goes easily around the dog's neck. A leash that slips over a dog's head without requiring buckling or even touching their face is extremely helpful when meeting a new dog.

Ease of use is important to me for daily training and walking with my already-educated dogs. I need a leash that is simple to get on and off multiple times during adventures and training sessions.

The Mendota Dog Walker leash is pliable and soft. It fits easily in a pocket or comfortably over my shoulders, making it accessible at a moment's notice.

Reliable

A martingale ensures no dog can take flight by slipping out of their collar. With a traditional dog collar, dogs can escape the collar by pulling their head backyard out of it. This is even easier for puppies and narrow-headed dogs.

The Mendota Dog Walker is adjustable by sliding the leather stop up or down the leash to choose which size head opening works best. The martingale-style collar tightens when the dog pulls back, making escape impossible.

The martingale collar features two loops that form a single loop on your dog's neck, making it safer for the dog than a slip lead. The martingale-style leash tightens against the dog's neck by using two lengths of extra rope. This way the collar tightens with a center lift against itself.

The properly-fitted Dog Walker doesn't choke dogs. Due to their design, martingale collars have a maximum tightness that makes them a safe and humane way to control dogs.

If a dog reacts suddenly, the martingale-style collar prevents them from accidentally slipping out of their collar, preventing the heartache of a fearful dog running loose. The reliability of a no-slip collar is great for walking any dog in a new environment or to face the unexpected excitement of a passing cat or squirrel.

Rewards Loose Leash Walking

If a dog suddenly pulls on the Mendota Dog Walker, the martingale collar tightens. As soon as the dog continues walking with a loose leash, the martingale immediately releases pressure, reinforcing calm behavior. The collar stays loose while the dog is walking calmly but tightens if the dog pulls.

Unlike some other collars, the Mendota Dog Walker has a fixed stopping point and can't close too tightly. Adjust the martingale collar to the size of your dog's neck to prevent it from continuing to tighten the harder your dog pulls, as happens with dangerous choke chains.

The martingale's larger loop closes with just enough pressure to encourage your dog to stop pulling without posing a choking risk.

The Mendota Dog Walker has helped me teach numerous dogs to walk calmly on a loose leash. It is also the best everyday tool for allowing dogs to "go on sniffari" by using their noses on our adventures together.

Walking together becomes mutually reinforcing because it is enjoyable for both of you. Your serene stroll doesn't become a tough tug-of-war.

The martingale design rewards loose leash walking by automatically releasing pressure when the dog is not pulling.

Sizing

The Mendota's comfortably wide neckband comes in two sizes to fit a variety of dogs. The large leash is 1/2" wide and fits neck sizes from 18 to 28" for dogs over 50 pounds. The small collar is 3/8" wide and fits neck sizes from 12 to 18" for dogs under 50 pounds. Both sizes are available in four or six-foot lengths.

The wider collar is the best option for most dogs. The wider width more evenly distributes tension around the collar area and provides a more comfortable feel for the dog. For much smaller dogs, the narrower width works well.

Custom options are available with different hardware choices, leather colors, lengths, and collar sizes that the folks at Mendota are happy to discuss. I select custom Dog Walkers based on the neck size of each of my dogs, and the Mendota company is very helpful with the customization and ordering process.

Excellent Quality and Longevity

The Mendota Dog Walker leash is made with durable long-lasting multi-filament rope. Even brand new, the leash has a great touch in your hands that is soft and pliable, making it feel broken in right away.

The leashes come in a selection of vibrant solid and variegated colors. The Mendota leashes are machine washable and easily line-dried.

Handmade in the USA, the Mendota company offers customers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.

A couple of my Mendota Dog Walker leashes (pictured) are almost 20 years old. Even with heavy daily use in the extreme Texas weather, these leashes maintain their vibrant purple and blue colors, are still soft, and the metallic hardware and oil-tanned leather are still in perfect condition with no fraying in the polypropylene rope.

Generational Wealth

The all-in-one leash and collar make the Mendota Dog Walker simple to use in a variety of training applications, from everyday walks with steady senior citizens to first-time encounters with a new rescue. These quality leashes are passed down to each successive generation of dogs.

The New York Times reported in January 2023 that some dog walkers earn over $100,000 a year. For a lifetime of priceless, mutually enjoyable walks with all types of pups, the Mendota Dog Walker martingale leash and collar combo is a sure bet.

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