And I’m speaking of dog training.
Over the week-end Jean and I were down in Medford at this event promoting my book Learning from Dogs.
Inevitably, we saw many dogs and their owners come in to the store for we were positioned just inside the main door. Likewise, inevitably we saw a whole range of ‘relationships’ between those dogs and their human companions.
It reminded me of a recent TED Talk that was given by Ian Dunbar about dog training. For those who have not previously come across Mr. Dunbar, his bio reads as follows:
Veterinarian, dog trainer and animal behaviorist Ian Dunbar has written numerous books, including How to Teach a New Dog Old Tricks and The Good Little Dog Book. He has also hosted several award-winning videotapes on puppy and dog training.
So here’s that brilliant TED Talk.
Uploaded on Aug 21, 2008http://www.ted.com Speaking at the 2007 EG conference, trainer Ian Dunbar asks us to see the world through the eyes of our beloved dogs. By knowing our pets’ perspective, we can build their love and trust. It’s a message that resonates well beyond the animal world.
Why you should listen
We may call dogs man’s best friend, but according to Dr. Ian Dunbar, humans often fail to reciprocate. Dunbar’s decades of research on hierarchical social behavior and aggression in domestic animals truly give him a dog’s-eye view of human beings’ incomprehensible and spontaneous — if involuntary — cruelties.
Dunbar says we might break our unseemly, unflattering habits and usher in an “era of dog-friendly dog training” by coming to understand why dogs do what they do — Is Fido misbehaving, or just being a dog? — and the repercussions of our actions toward them. (We might foster better relationships with our fellow humans, too.) His Sirius Dog Training company focuses on training puppies to be playful, yet well-behaved. His second organization, Animalin, promotes games for dogs and puppies at an international level.
What others say
“There is no single person on the face of the planet to whom dog trainers and owners (not to mention dogs) owe more.” — Jean Donaldson, author, The Culture Clash
ooOOoo
I will close with another photograph from the PetSmart event.
We try hard on the positive reinforcement thing.
For example living in a flat, we don’t want the dogs barking all the time. But, as they consider they are guard dogs (and Podencos are hellish good, GSD level good) they bark at strangers in the block and one of our noisy neighbours who used to hiss at Snowy. Oh, and another dog in the block who was aggressive towards Pippa. So Tosca and Snowy have their reasons.
But instead of shouting at them in a bad tone of voice, we say ‘thank you for telling us, good dogs to be alert etc’. Sound silly? They come away from the door knowing they have done their duty. Tell them ‘No. Shut up!’ and they bark even more.
I might even watch the video at some point!
Incidentally, I’m reading a dogs rescuing people post at the mo, you might be interested in featuring it.
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Very good example. I live in an apartment building. My understanding of the dog barking at people outside your door is that he is saying, “Go away, stranger.” If you yell at the dog, he thinks that you are joining in and reinforcing his protective behavior.
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Thanks for that added insight Tony. One of our neighbours recently said that ours had been barking a lot. My partner pointed out that the neighbour had three members of family staying with him and the dogs didn’t know the scent or sounds of them. Plus, they were going into the neighbours flat when normally there is only one person. Big difference there to dogs. But right now, mine are crashed out. Had some food, some walks, some treats and it’s the proverbial dog’s life.
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That’s a very good example, well done. Do watch the video for it is as much inspiration as it is education. Plus, do send me the link of that post.
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Here’s Rowena’s post. From memory I think you normally contact people before you repost/reblog. That would be appreciated 🙂
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No link provided! Yes, I would do that in any case. Many thanks.
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Eek soz. https://beyondtheflow.wordpress.com/2016/09/19/a-different-type-of-rescue-dog/
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Got it! Many thanks!
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Thank you Paul for sharing, and I learn something from Dogs most time I come to read your posts Paul.. 🙂 and thank you for the links shared..
Hope you and Jean had a super day with your book promotion and loved the photo, and never worry about the boxes under the table 🙂 I used to take a table cloth to the craft stalls I attended it hid a multitude of boxes 🙂
Have a brilliant week Paul
Sue
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Yes, in our haste to be out of the door in time the tablecloth was forgotten! Sue you have a very good week and, once again, thank you for interest in these scribblings!
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🙂 my pleasure..
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Nice photo of Jean in action Paul! I look forward to viewing the video now 😃
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🙂
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Great info to help with dogs. Don’t be afraid to adopt this info will help you with everything you need to know once you get home.
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Thanks for your input and a very warm welcome to this place!
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Great input. A lot of informtion
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Daniel, thank you so much and welcome to this place.
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Awesome !
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Thank you, Nicole. You are most welcome to this place.
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So glad I found your blog! Perfect for me, and a very inspirational video by Ian Dunbar. I’m excited to continue reading.
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What a lovely start to the day for me from reading your response. Thank you, and welcome to these scribblings! Hope you do stay and guest posts are always appreciated: hint! hint!
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