5 Steps to Empowering Your Dog

To Inspiring and Creating Training Success

1.The Path to Meeting Everyday Needs
Implementing a dog's basic needs will enable them to be in a place of learning, on a continuous basis.
When a dog is comfortable within themselves and feels safe with you, awesome happens.
Their learning is not only accelerated but is more in depth.

2.Planning for Success with Guidelines
Decide what is the objective you wish to teach your dog. When it is clear in your head, break it down into smaller steps for your dog. Your dog will reach the objective much quicker.
Rewarding the small steps of success will graduate onto the huge strides of learning.

3.Developing Your Relationship
As you start to teach your dog, observation will show you how they learn. You will find out what skills do and do not work, for an individual. You will inspire yourself to add new skills to your toolbox. The relationship will be enhanced and you will really begin to 'tick'!

4.Love, Joy and Creating Trust
We all love our dogs and they bring us feelings of joy.
When we develope trust first, by doing the 3 steps above, our relationship with our dog will reach a whole new level of understanding and respect.

5.Cultivating Learning to become a Training Success
Moving beyond our comfort zones in finding out how our dogs think, process information and learn, will inspire us to gain more knowledge, have a deeper understanding and connection with our dogs, than we ever thought possible.


We are in a scientific age. 
With the knowledge and understanding of how we as beings process and learn new skills, we have the opportunity to grow in understanding of how our dogs process and learn new skills.
This opportunity will open up ourselves to be awesome owners for our companions and awesome handlers in a professional capacity.

Inspire Your Dog

Jane

Want to learn more?
I invite you to attend one of my seminars or to organise one in your area, 
Contact:  jane@inspiredk9s.ca

The next one is in November in Ottawa.

Changing Habits of a Lifetime.

Ingrained Habits
I have always been very conscious in really thinking about how dogs learn and how we can influence success and accelerate learning with changing habits.
I was reading an article the other day about how we get into our habits without really thinking about them. It made me giggle, so I have to share!
The example they gave was how we put our underwear on. If you think about it, when we put them on we lift one of our legs first, before the other. We might put our right leg in first before the left or vise versa. We don't have to think about it, we just do it. And we most probably started doing it that way when we were knee high to a grasshopper and one of our parents showed us how, by putting them on us the way they put theirs on and we've always done it that way!!

When I run my seminars and workshops I always have a bit of fun with the audience.  I explain about habits, how we do not think about them, except when we need to or have to change them, then we really have to think about the way we do things.
So, when explaining the theory, we do a practical exercise. As I explain it, if you are interested, join in the fun!
I would like you to fold your arms. Keep them folded for 10 seconds then unfold them. Then immediately fold them the other way!! 

Did you have to think about it? 

When you get dressed tomorrow and you put your underwear on, put the opposite leg in first.......!
So, how many of you lost your balance!

I have a sore left hip, so for me to do anything that involves balance, I have to slow myself down and really concentrate about what I am doing. I have to be in the moment. If I do it while my head is thinking about something else, you can guess what happens!!

We process information individually,  dependant on the way we were brought up, our history of how we got to be 'Here' and how we were taught to do things. Whether we think in pictures, do things in a logical order, see the end result then figure out how to get started..... it's all different, all unique.

In all my years, the one constant with training a dog is to watch them to see how they learn, then adapt my training so they can be successful.
I have to change my habits of skills and techniques, step outside the box, in that moment, with that dog, for success to follow.

My TOOLBOX

Whether I am working with a dog or a client, this is how my toolbox works:

Teaching -      we start to teach
Observation - we see the action of our teaching
Outlook -         we acknowledge what we see, (ie;fooling around or shutdown) 
Learning -      how they are in the moment, gives us a clue to how they are feeling
Behaviour -   we change our teaching, so the subject can change their behaviour
Outcome -      changing our input with different skills, changes the output 
Xcellent! -      The outcome is excellent

As an example, working with a dog that needs to be more flexible in bending its body both ways and turning more efficiently. I observe how they are moving, muscle development, gait, how they hold their tail and where their weight is, on the forehand or in the hind end. I acknowledge that information and then work on the dog's balance.
If there is one point of contact I change it to two, by using the balance leash around the chest, I can help bring the dog into 'pockets'  of balance,  ensuring that all the weight is evenly distributed.

I slow the dog, then allow them to walk faster, then slowing them again, using the two contact points and 'easing and releasing' so there is no constant tension for the dog to lean into.
I help the dog into a stand position, with no tension. (These 'pockets' of balance are the little steps of success. The balance will become a habit in time).
Having these little breaks, with some nice calm contact, will bring the dog into the present moment and give you a chance to connect, before walking again. They start to slow themselves, walk in a calmer way as their balance shifts.

When you ask them to turn towards or away from you, either stationary or moving, you are assessing what they can achieve each step of the way. 
Because you have previously prepared them by being balanced, they are then able to consciously slow themselves and be successful.
The same as when you folded your arms in a different way or changed the way you put your underwear on! You are more conscious, in the moment and aware.  

What's happening?
You are influencing change in their habit, with increasing their flexibility.
You are giving input to the dogs sensory systems to influence inner change.
The dog is teaching you whether your techniques are working, or whether you need to change them.
You are affecting them physically and mentally to change into a new habit of co-ordinated efficiency.
They become more focused on the task at hand.
Their awareness is increased.
You are empowering them to be successful.

Changing a Habit

Science has proven that it takes a human 30 days (without missing a day) of  input to a new habit to make it stick. It becomes easier as the days go on however for the first three weeks or so, it is difficult, you have to think about it. As you get nearer the 30 days, it becomes easier and to the point that you can do it without thinking about it.
I believe this is the same with a dog. 
When I trained guide dogs in achieving certain tasks within their guiding role, showing them what they needed to do in certain situations, it took time, every day. But as they understood and it became second nature for them, it became a habit.
It takes 5-7 months to train a dog to guide safely and efficiently.
Give your dog a chance to make the change. 
Be consistent, be patient and see the difference.

Jane
"Empowering Dogs to Reach Their Full Potential"

Do you want to learn more about these skills and techniques?
If so, I invite you to contact me to discuss a workshop or Seminar in your area.
jane@inspiredk9s.ca

To Pee or not to Pee, that is the Question!

P-mail

P-mail is the social media for dogs! A telegraph pole, lamp post or that spot on the grass.
The 'I-Pee' address of  'who was here'!
Relieving for our dogs is a very natural act. One that can be accomplished for most dogs, easily and anywhere, in the back yard, along a walk or running in the park. 

One would think that a simple natural act would not cause a problem. 
Yet it can and does. Especially when their safety is threatened.

I was called out for two consults this past couple of weeks, for a similar issue of dogs not wanting to relieve in the back yard, whereas previously there had not been a problem.

Stella
The first was yellow lab Stella, who had decided the back yard, especially at night, was a scary place to go. The grass was a no-go but the patio was okay, not too far away from the back door, so easier to get back to the safety of home.
This issue of not wanting to go onto the grass, was causing the owner concern as she would not go out to play and interact with her daughter or the visiting dog-friend.
Stella had been skunked(for those of you who do not know what a skunk is, it is a black and white animal, about the size of a cat, that when facing you is harmless. When it turns its back on you, is scared and you do not flee, you get skunked! Sprayed with the nastiest smell on the planet, Yes, even worse than the smell of sulphur escaping from the earth!).
It took place a couple of months back in a corner, furthest away from the house however, she had been using all of the yard to relieve and play up until a few weeks ago. 
Stella's best friend, companion and resident dog in the house had recently passed away.
She was on medication for allergies. The meds were causing her to drink more, so she peed more.
She was now the sole dog in the household. She has a dog friend that visits weekly.
Even with her dog friend visiting, she was reluctant to use the back yard, even with him being present and playing.

Yoda

The next consult was with Yoda, a rescue, who first home had neglected her. 
She has been with her new family for some time. She was comfortable with everything, is mollycoddled on a regular basis and loves life!
She has a big back yard with grass and was happy to go out, relieve and play.

A month or so ago, two new dogs moved into the basement with their mum. Access to the yard was for everyone. All three dogs were reported to be getting along. Then suddenly Yoda would not go onto the grass to relieve. She used the pathway between the house and the grass or waited until she went for a walk.

The 'Concern' is an accumulation of many other little concerns going on within the dog. Acknowledging them, is allowing us to move closer to understanding our dog.



My Findings

Stella
Stella was looking and acting stressed. She had stress lines on her face and was not looking settled or relaxed in the house. When taken out to the backyard, she was worried and paced on the patio but would not come onto the grass. Her dog friend was visiting, while I was there. He trotted out with myself and Stella's mum onto the grass. Stella placed her two front feet on the grass, then backed away.
While we stood and discussed Stella's body language and how we could interact with her at a distance, she started to venture over to us, cautiously. I praised her calmly and quietly "Nicely, good girl". She looked up to me, I licked my lips and looked quietly away from her. She ventured closer, now her head was to the ground, sniffing. She came over and stood by me, I stroked her down her shoulder with the back of my hand, just the once.
Her dog friend came over too, he got the same connection from me. They then went up to the back fence, investigating the ground. Stella's body language changed to a relaxed gait and her tail relaxed, whereas previously it had been tight and slightly stiff.
She came back to near where we were standing and peed. As she started to squat, I brought in the words her owner used when she took her outside, "Go Pee". Once she had completed the act, I praised, calmly and quietly. 

Yoda
On going out to the back yard, Yoda's mum and dad Heather and Paul, were present. She started to go out onto the grass then walked on the pathway that went around the deck. She squatted on the edge of the grass. The two new dogs were out the back with their mum, off leash. The younger of the two, came over and said Hi to Yoda, very nicely and gently. The older one came over and immediately Yoda's body language stiffened to match the other dog. Paul was stroking Yoda and when the other dog came over he stroked him down his back. I did not interfere, as I watched, Yoda turned her head away and at the same time licked her lips, hackles slightly raised. The other dog copied her and they both moved away from each other.
Yoda went up onto the deck, Paul followed and was stroking Yoda when the older dog came back to them both and walked between them. Paul stroked him again as he made his way back to the grass and his mum and buddy. 

The two dogs and their mum went off for a walk. Yoda then ventured around the edge of the garden and grass to the far back corner, under the trees to check on the squirrel population. Her whole body was more relaxed.We all ventured to the middle of the lawn then walked around it. Yoda watched us, started to walk over to us, then stopped and went back.
She use to always relieve in a particular spot. Since the dogs had arrived, they had taken over the same spot to pee and poo. All was picked up after the dogs but not immediately afterwards.
Picking up the poo as soon as the dogs had finished, is really important in a multi dog household. Some dogs, like Yoda are very private about relieving. Her area had been taken over by a very young dog and an older one who was clear that it was now his back yard.

Conclusions

Both dogs had concerns that made them loose their overall confidence.

Stella's emotional well being had been affected by the loss of her buddy, who had given her the safety she needed not only in the house but to venture out into the backyard, even though she had had a bad experience there.
When her mum goes out with her, she is giving the aspect of safety back to her. At the same time, a stronger trust is developing.
Stella has been relieving out in the yard since then. Mum always goes out with her. 

Yoda is a complex dog. Her mental and body sensitivities are fairly high, hence her not being able to deal with the new kids on the block. She is also a rescue whose history we do not know much about. Taking this knowledge into consideration, she needs to know that all is safe in her world. Again, by going outside and walking around the yard quietly with her, she is learning to trust and feel safe. Giving her the private time to do what she needs to do, without the other dogs there, is allowing her to poo. 
When in the yard with the other dogs there, she needs to know that her parents are keeping her safe. Rewarding all the dogs, when they interact "nicely", without human touch but with voice alone, will bring a more harmonious relationship for everyone. It is up to the humans to maintain the guidelines.
When Yoda is on her own and with her favourite people, mollycoddling is encouraged!!

Thank You to Paul, Heather & Yoda for sending in the picture!
                                         

Supporting your dogs by being with them when they are unsure will bring Safety and Trust into the relationship, which promotes overall well-being, for You and Your Dog.

"We met Jane through her work with Hopeful Hearts Dog Rescue. She understands dogs at a level we've never seen before -- and she gets results. Our dog Yoda was 10-years-old when she was removed from an animal cruelty situation, so bears emotional and physical scars. During the year since we adopted Yoda, Jane has taught us to work with Yoda in a way that helps Yoda to feel safe and secure. She's gone from being a very worried girl with separation anxiety to a playful, belly-rub loving dog who initiates play and snuggles in our arms. We whole-heartedly recommend Jane and InspiredK9s to family and friends at every opportunity.

Heather and Paul"

 

Car Sickness in Dogs

The Evidence
Car sickness shows in many forms with our dogs. Heavy panting, restlessness, standing and moving constantly, back and forth from seat to seat, drooling, wanting to sit on our lap while driving! Or not wanting to jump into the car in the first place but we pick them up and put them in anyway because we need to take them to their appointment. Or if a working dog, they have to travel to the training area.

The cause to this behaviour can be many (Yes, you may be a bad driver and your dog is the only one brave enough to tell you!) Joking aside, for some dogs this can be stressful and cause them to distance themselves from you, the owner and handler. The trust and safety factor you have and are building with your dog can be compromised.

Why it happens
Sometimes, the anxiety of travelling can suddenly happen. Whereas your dog has been fine one day and then the next, he can be reluctant to get into the car or when he does, he will start to show signs of being uncomfortable.

When I worked with Guide Dogs and the young dogs came into training, some of them who had never showed signs of travel anxiety, suddenly would not want to get into the training vehicle. Or if they did, would pant, drool, stand or actually be sick.
For them it was a combination of a new vehicle(usually a training van, with crates inside), the new and different environments the dogs were being exposed to and the new handlers.

If a young dog starts to show signs, they may be going through growth spurts or going through one of their many fear stages. If the latter is the case and they have a negative experience at that time, whether in the car, on the journey or when they get to their destination, this can have an effect on how they handle the next car ride.
If they are going through a growth spurt, then their balance will be effected, as the proprioception will be effected.
Age can also be an issue, as the older a dog gets, they may have problems with health, balance, vision and hearing loss. 
Also, our handling and response to the situation will have an overall effect on them too.

The Solutions
This is what I know. If we can work with proprioception and balancing the dog emotionally, mentally and physically, we can then support the dog with what they are going through at the time. 
Bringing them into a place of calm, mentally and physically so they are in a receptive place to learn, these dogs can be in a place of freedom of choice and start to work through their fears and anxiety and reach a place of confidence.
Working on exercises away from the concern, where the dog is learning to move more freely and in non habitual ways, his mental, emotional and physical needs are being met. Your relationship of trust and safety are also being rekindled for his basic needs.

What is Proprioception?

Proprioception is within all beings. It refers to the body's ability to sense movement within joints and joint position. This ability enables us to know where our limbs are in space without having to look. It is important in all everyday movements but especially so in complicated sporting movements, where precise coordination is essential. This coordinated movement is a result of the normal functioning of the proprioceptive system.

What is the Proprioceptive System?

The proprioceptive system is made up of receptor nerves that are positioned in the muscles, joints and ligaments around joints. The receptors can sense tension and stretch and pass this information to the brain where it is processed. The brain then responds by signalling to muscles to contract or relax in order to produce the desired movement.

Whatever the age of the dog, working with their balance through proprioception exercises, will have an effect on their movement and general well being.

For some dogs though, there is a fear associated with the vehicle. These dogs will still benefit from exercises and freedom of choice work, though their comfort level within a vehicle may not be as good as it could be. The earlier we can start with balance and co-ordination, the less likely they are to have concerns with moving vehicles.

As with us humans, we all have installed fears, mine is with deep water. If I cannot see the bottom of a pool or lake, I will not venture in it. This was a fear from when I was learning to swim when I was 7 years old and was pushed into the deep end of a pool and was not helped out immediately by the swimming teacher(who thought I was playing at drowning!!) That fear has not diminished over the years, I know my limitations.

Realistically, some dogs, for whatever reason, may not overcome car sickness. However, we can and do have options to support them in moving beyond where they are stuck, whatever the concern.

"Our mental and emotional flexibility is being built by the flexibility we produce physically" Guru Singh

How to Influence the Basic Needs to Success

Basic Needs

This is what I know: When it comes to our dogs, it is our responsibility to ensure these needs are met. 


As the book I had promised, is slightly delayed in being published, I thought I would treat you, over the next few days, to some content from each level of the Basic Needs to Success.


Success

To accomplish success in our lives, we as humans know only too well what we need to survive and thrive. Knowing when we are going to eat, sleep, relax and gain comfort in shelter and warmth are paramount for us to live and take us towards the next step of survival.


Life Needs

At the basic level of survival our dogs need water, food, a bed, shelter and warmth. Sounds easy doesn't it? I hear you all saying, "Yes, my dog has all of these!" Okay, lets go a little more in depth on these needs and how they influence other needs within the chart.

Sleep and Rest

As simple as placing the dog's bed where it is away from a flow of foot traffic, noise and general disturbance will effect how restful and safe the bed will be, for your dog. In a corner, by the sofa and away from the TV, sound system and your direct gaze, will be beneficial. Keep the bed within an area where you will be, so they will not feel isolated. They are part of the family and placing it 'away' from you, will have an overall impact on the group dynamics. When your dog goes to its bed, whether voluntarily or you have asked them to, they need to know that once they are on their bed, it is their place of safety and they need to know they will not be disturbed.
With my dog Wilz, she has her bed in two places. During the day, it is in the living room, by the sofa, then at night, I transport her bed and place it next to my bed in the bedroom. So having the routine of where the bed goes during the day and night is for her a routine and it covers aspects of her Life Needs:
Shelter, Warmth and Sleep

Influencing the other levels

It also has an impact on the other levels, too.

Safety -  security and routines are met.

Belonging - being part of the family and having their own 'space'

Achievement - Trust you in having their own 'space'

Learning - As simple as knowing where they are going to sleep and not be disturbed, by anyone, will put them in a relaxed mental state for learning, training and thriving.

Enjoy your dog and what they are saying to you!
Jane

Next blog will be Aspects of Your Dogs Safety Needs

Barking up the Wrong Tree!

Why does my dog keep barking when I ask it to stop!

Barking comes in many forms. It's a language we have to learn from our dogs. Are they fearful, warning, happy, playful or wanting attention? It is up to us to decipher, with the rest of their body language and what is going on in the environment at the time.

When we ask our dogs to be quiet when they do warn us of a potential danger coming to our home, for example the postal worker, do we let them bark until the person has gone? Allowing the dogs to gets aroused into a state of frenzy, only heightens their response to the next person or potential danger coming onto the property.

Acknowledgement

Let the dog know they are doing a great job. After all, I like my dogs to let me know if something is bothering them outside, especially at night.
How we acknowledge this, is important.  A calm, reassuring voice of "Thank you, I've got this" when they are barking like crazy, will be heard, I reassure you. Whatever body language they portray, whether hackles up along the back, rigid posture, tail upright, alert ears or the fearful posture of ears back, tail low, head low or running to hide, acknowledge them.
What is your body language saying? Are you calm? Go to where they are barking. They do not need to be touched, use your voice, body language and calming presence for reassurance.

Introducing "Quiet"

Does your dog know what quiet means?
Implementing a simple technique and being consistent, will go towards your dog understanding what "Quiet" means and is more than likely to do it when asked.
Here's what I mean.
Your dog is barking.
Wait for a gap in the barking(yes, there will be one, you initially have to wait for it!)
"Quiet"(Said with calmness and assertiveness)
Bark, bark, bark...
"Quiet"
Bark, bark, bark, bark, grumble...
"Quiet"
Grumble, bark, grumble...
"Quiet, good for quiet"
Wruff..
"Quiet, good for quiet"
Whine..
"Quiet, everything is fine, great job, thank you for letting me know"
Peace descends on the household!

You can use the "Quiet" before the barking starts too. If your dog starts to give attention to anything and you think they may start to bark, use "Quiet" then and let them know all is good.
Praise them calmly for being quiet. You are rewarding the behaviour at the time. They are listening to you. They are learning to self settle and become calmer themselves. And all of this without the use of treats!

The Magic word is Consistency

Consistency plays an important part here. The behaviour you want more of will start to happen more because of your response and acknowledgement at the time. 

As with any place worth going, this will take time to become easy for you and your dog. However the good news is that by being there for your dog and looking after them, this is going towards some basic needs of safety, trust and group dynamics.
And have fun with it....your timing and observation will improve and you'll really get to know your dog and what they are thinking and saying!!

Anxiety - What are we doing about it?

Anxiety is a very broad term for stressful behaviours we see in our dogs. They cause us concern and we try to deal with eliminating the behaviour.
Most anxieties we see, we have given labels to, dependant on the trigger. 
It is not the behaviour we are seeing that needs to be addressed rather understanding the underlying causes, that are bubbling under the surface. These need to be addressed.

What's really happening?
So lets get down to the nitty gritty of what is actually going on here.
To understand whats going on for the dog, many aspects have to be considered.
Genetics, history, Sensory Integration(yes, science has a lot to do with it!) and the Nervous System, Basic Needs, Dog Language & Understanding and the Environment.


Lets start with genetics. 
How a dog is bred has a lot to do with how the dog is going to turn out. Those of us that work with rescues and puppy mill dogs, know only too well the extremes of some of the anxieties that develope. Whether outward or inward behaviours that are shown, dogs deal with their anxieties in different ways. 
Even the best breeding of dogs can and do have anxiety behaviours. 

History
Those first few weeks of imprinting, how they are handled, the environment, even the food they eat, all have an impact on the dogs well being.
The way they are handled, trained and the environments they live in are all part of where they are now, in the moment whatever their breeding.

Sensory Integration & the Nervous System
I love science! This is my favourite along side Basic Needs! How the brain makes sense of all sensory input and I'm not just talking about the 5 senses of sight, sound, hearing, touch and taste. I'm going deeper, the inner sensory systems and how we can influence our dogs outlook and bring them into a successful place to learn. (ebook to be published at the end of May).

Basic Needs
All my work with dogs, is based on the research that I have carried out over the last ten years. These needs are so important to success. Many are overlooked or taken for granted. Each need is linked and intertwined with the other, for the dog to be in a place of successful learning.
Here again we have a huge influence on how we can support the dog in being settled, feeling good, being calm and moving towards a thriving life. This is where trust and safety are built, two important aspects that are overlooked so many times. ("How to Reach the Basic Needs for Success" to be published May 21st 2013).

Dog Language and Dog Understanding
These subjects are huge and thankfully we are continually learning new ways of understanding our dogs. Working with many dogs in different capacities, I have learnt many aspects and am learning on a continuous basis.
Many people know the tell tale signs of our dogs however the more subtle and quick communication between dogs, their responses and actions are always a fascination for me.
Some calming signals are well known such as lip smacking, yawning, posture and gait. There is so much more in context with the whole dog and the environment at the time. 

Environment
Intertwined with all of the above, is the environment. A dog may be settled in one environment, then taken to another and different anxieties start to surface. Dealing with what is going on for the dog at the time brings about our awareness to our dog. How much we understand them and how our skills can support the dog into being in a place of calm and learning whatever the environment, is our responsibility.

Dogs are so in the moment, they are so clear on being in that moment.  How they are feeling in that moment is how we can influence and support them not only in that moment but previous to that moment. All our work and support goe  towards a successful and thriving life.

Anxiety is a state of being for the dog. How it came to that state has many deciding factors some as indicated above. The good news is that supporting the dog into having a choice to move into a state of well being, is possible.
As I said earlier, the basic needs are not so much a step by step process (making it into a diagram is for ease of use). These needs are being met on a continuous basis, whatever the environment, for successful learning in all environments.
As an example, how you feed a dog has such a widespread impact on your relationship with them. Waiting for them to offer a sit, rather than telling them to sit, before placing the bowl on the floor and saying a word or a whistle, so they know they can eat, effects many levels of their basic needs. It will bring in self settling and listening skills for the dog. For you, observation skills will be heightened as you really start to see how the dog learns and how they are feeling. And a level of trust will start to be built upon in your relationship.

Anxiety is reduced when we start to look behind the behaviour seen and work and support the dog in being in a place of comfort, safety and trust.


Jane

www.inspiredk9s.ca

Small Steps of Success

Here and Now

As humans our thoughts are either in the past, thinking of what could have been or in the future thinking what may happen. How difficult it is to be in the now, appreciating what is, with no expectations but to live in the moment?

Dogs Here and Now

Dogs are great, aren't they? They are in the moment. They know when it is feed time, when it is time to go and exercise and when you are coming home from work or going to collect them from playgroup!

What you see in that moment is what the dogs are feeling in that moment. Where their journey has taken them, to be where they are now. Are they confident, thriving and  trusting happy dogs or has their journey been one of abuse, scarcity and lack?

Wherever they have been, we owe it to them to be in this present moment with them. 
Why? 
Because when we are, we learn how they learn, we tune in our observation skills so our teaching skills are clear, precise and understood. 

“Never discourage anyone... who continually makes progress, no matter how slow.” - Plato

I have been reading up on neuroscience. As humans our ability to change a habit or behaviour takes 30 days. It takes that amount of time for the brain to build new neuro connections to make the change.

Paws For Thought

My question is how long does it take for a dog's brain to install new skills or habits? 
Do we implement enough consistent handling or training of our dogs to install the change of the habit or behaviour?
Do we get frustrated when the dog does not do as we ask, when we think we have trained them to do a certain task.
Do we take the time to see whether our dog understands what we are asking?
Do we get consistent results with the dog offering the behaviour?

Successful Learning

With my experience of training guide dogs to guide safely in the environment, my assessment of each dog I worked with was ongoing, from moment to moment. 
With teaching them, I did not have expectations of them, I acknowledged what they were giving me in the moment, which led me to understand how much they knew and how much more I needed to teach them.
This is what I know. Whatever the dog, whether working or companion, true success is acknowledging the small successful steps leading up to the outcome. I believe that if we miss these, then the dog will miss the important growth needed to make more definite internal neuro connections in their brain. 

Allowing the dog to have a choice to learn, with supporting them to successful decisions, will increase their awareness and comfort in their environments.

Enjoy your dog!

Jane