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Mylo_andchefmom ask, "Should I Crate Training My Puppy As A Foster Carer?"

Ali discusses how crate training functions, why it's important and why it's particularly important that Mylo_andchefmom follows the shelter's instructions if at all possible.

Explaining also how a 'normal' dog parent would make this decision and how it should be implemented.

She also discusses how she uses crate training with her own dogs and using it as a 'safe space' for her own dogs. Whilst none of them are crated every night, all three of Ali's dogs are comfortable being in a crate.

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Reggie & Mom, Rhi, Ask "Should I only use treats for our reactivity training?"

Ali discusses how rewards can still be used for regular obedience training and reactivity training (desensitization and counter conditioning)

Further Reading:
High Value Rewards

Reducing treats in positive reinforcement training

Intro to reactivity in dogs

Best Gear For Large Reactive Dogs

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Eleonorevangaasbeek asks Ali, "How do we build confidence in our dogs?"

Ali explains that dog sports are fantastic for building confidence, general obedience and good socialisation is a good thing!

Further reading:
Parkour for dogs
Guide to Socialisation

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Nillster_ asks "Why do dogs come to humans and ask for affection, even though they want space?"

Ali explains that it's not necessarily that they feel comfortable, and that they may be doing it to placate their humans and suggests adding in cooperative care in the context of consent to pet!

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SchnauzerStormy asks "How do I get my intact male dog to move on from the smell of a female in heat?"

Ali advises that we teach a "move on" style cue, how to train that and to use strong smelling treats to reprogrammed their nose. 

Also suggests a ready cue.

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Molly P Shea asks "Is 9yo too late to train a reactive dog who has bitten?"

Ali explains that the bite history adds in complexity that will make the training more difficult, but that they are trainable.

Biting becomes a learned behaviour and is something that your dog can forgo steps in the "ladder of aggression" that will complicate things.

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Alison Boones "How do we tell the difference between fear an excitement reactivity?"

Ali discusses how it can be hard to know, gives some tips on how to tell either way, and that fear will result in "Aggressive" displays, whilst excitement will be "over intense" play.
And to use body language!
but that it doesn't actually, truly matter because the training is the same.

Further reading
Intro to reactivity
Pandemic puppies
Spectrum of sociability

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Eric The Red Lab asks "how do we approach busy areas and new reactivity towards dogs?"

Ali explains that as a young dog, he's in a second fear phase, and that as a new adopted dog, that the family might be seeing new behaviours that are just surfacing.

And how to approach new, busy areas!

Further reading:
3D's of Dog Training

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Laura asks "Why is my 7mo dog whining? The Vet says they're healthy."

Ali suggests it may be to do with hormones! That males can get antsy if there is a girl in his environment that may be in heat. That neutering may help, but will not guarantee.
It could also be habitual, i.e. a learned behaviour and suggests creating an alternative behaviour.
Also, ensure that needs are satisfied and the whining isn't making this sort of request, i.e. if they need to go out to the bathroom.
Find the pattern!
Ali also says if other dogs are whining, then a vet check should be done!

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"Why does my dog cover his food?"

Ali explains that dogs tend to hide food they value. Explaining that this may or may not be a problem, and that in the past rescues who may not have been fed properly in the past makes them more prone to hiding or "storing" food.

Ali suggests testing! Increase food, decrease food and see if it changes the response.

Also, consider a vet check.

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Ali Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to [email protected]