Wags and Wiggles has been a huge part of helping our racing Greyhound adapt to his new lifestyle. After time spent in the land of big dogs....Indy is now the most behaved walker in our neighborhood. Other Greyhound owners are amazed at his ability to sit on command which was finely tuned by Lysa in Obedience 1 class.
I am proud of my racer, and big thanks to Wags and Wiggles in helping Indy adapt to his new home off the track. Next, we will tackle the Wags and Wiggles agility course and give those Aussie's a racing challenge.
Carrie Harden & Indy
BUILDING A BETTER RELATIONSHIP
This pamphlet is to help you setup a better relationship in terms that your dog will understand. Some people call it being a Leader of the Pack, but think of it more as making you the most important thing to your dog. It's not about squashing all your dog's enthusiasm. Some of these steps will be used for the rest of his life (feeding regime, exercise). Other steps can be stopped once your dog understands that all good things in life come from you. If you discard a step and the old naughty dog returns, just reimplement. If at any point you think your dog might bite you while you're doing it...STOP! Get help by contacting a professional trainer. If any step causes you to continually butt heads with your dog...STOP! Constantly fighting with your dog on one issue is not the point. The following steps are to be problem solving tools so that you and your dog can succeed in training. This is to be used in combination with a positive reinforcement training plan.
UMBILICAL CORD/TIE DOWN: As much as possible keep dog on leash while you are home. Use the leash as a tie down (see tie down pamphlet) or attach to your waist as an umbilical cord. Do not give your dog warning that you are about to get up and walk. Have them constantly watch you to see what you will do next. This strengthens your bond!
EYE CONTACT TWICE A DAY: Train your dog to look at your face on command (Learned from Wags & Wiggles Training Class). Ask for this 2x daily and reward.
OBEDIENCE TWICE A DAY: Have a quick 5 minute working session 2x daily. This can be at feeding time, time to go for walk, ect.
FEED TWICE A DAY: When food is left out, the dog owns the food. You want to be provider of good things, ie food. Have a feeding routine. Ask him if he's hungry, get out the food, ask for a sit/stay and release to food. If the dog doesn't eat his whole meal, give him 1/2 the usually amount at the next feeding. He should lick the bowl clean. Then gradually increase food to the amount that keeps him at optimum condition. Give no treats in food. Soon when the feeding routine starts, your dog will be ready to eat and train!
POSSESSION IS 9/10 OF THE LAW: Once a day handle your dog. "This is my paw! My muzzle! My tail!" If he fusses, go slower. Release him with "Okay" once he is relaxed. Consult help with this step if it results in growling, biting, or major conflict.
DOWN STAY:
Once a day, do a 30 minute down stay. You can use a leash to keep the dog from running away. Do this while watching TV or checking email. Ignore fussing and click/treat calm behavior.
TERRITORY: Consider your dog's daily life. Does he sleep wherever, eat whenever? Does he always race you through a doorway? Who's in charge? If he's laying down, don't walk around him. Shuffle your feet and make him get up. Get a sit stay at the doors in your house so you can release him to go outside. Whoever controls the doorway controls the territory. Keep the dog on the floor. High places are often seen as desirable to dogs, and so are places where owners rest. If you're like me and must have him on the bed, then make sure he gets off cheerfully every time you ask. If he has ever growled at you from a piece of furniture, you should consult with a behavior consultant.
WORK OFF ENERGY: Jog with your dog, run on a bike (use safely), daycare, borrow a friend's dog for the day. Take an agility class!
PLAY: Remember that while playing fetch, tug or chase you are rewarding behaviors at that moment. If he's jumping and barking at toy, don't throw it. Wait for a sit and then throw.
ELIMINATE HORMONES : Have your dog neutered/spayed. Life will be simpler.
