The Perfect Pup

Your dog's confidence levels can drastically affect their ability to learn, respond correctly to cues, and generally feel happy in their environment! In this episode, I sat down with Emily Fitzpatrick (VSA-CDT) to discuss ways to improve your dog's confidence!

Emily also helps break down why confidence is important, things that can break your dog's confidence, and daily actions to help make your dog more confident and happy!

Meet Emily

Emily Fitzpatrick is a Victoria Stilwell Academy Certified Dog Training and is the owner of Misunderstood Mutt Dog Training.

Connect with Emily

Misunderstood Mutt's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misunderstoodmutt/

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Download the Pupford App here: https://pfrd.site/zapp-free

You’ll probably get this question a lot around Thanksgiving: what are you thankful for?

We hope your list is a long one -- and that it doesn’t leave anything out. Including your dog!

Although we may not think about it often, our dogs give us so much to be grateful for during the holidays and always.

Here are my personal top 3 reasons I'm grateful for my dogs!

Leave a review and tell me why you are grateful for your dog!

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Download the Pupford app here: https://pfrd.site/grateful-pups

Dog training isn't always "ups" and "forward progression"... it actually usually consists of a LOT of setbacks, challenges, and "dips" in behavior. But truthfully, that is to be expected!

In this episode, I'll break down 5 powerful tips that will help you improve your pup's behavior with more peaks than valleys!

Tip #1- Set Goals

Most things worth accomplishing in life take a lot of hard work. In my life, I've seen the most success with my dog's behavior when I've set goals.

I don't typically like focusing goals on 'behavior growth' necessarily, but more on how often you'll train, how long you'll train, and what behaviors you will work on.

If you set SMART goals (look that up if you aren't familiar with it 😃), you'll find that you'll become more consistent with training. And in my experience, staying consistent (more on that later) is one of the most vital ways to help your dog's behavior see more growth than setbacks!

Tip #2- Track Progress

Part of setting goals is keeping track of progress. Plus, keeping track of your dog's progress can help you visualize the growth that is occurring. 

In the Pupford App (download here: https://pfrd.site/track-progress), you can rate your dog's behaviors so that you have a snapshot of where your dog stands with different behaviors like recall, leash walking, and more!

Again, tracking progress will help you understand more thoroughly how your dog is actually progressing!

Tip #3- View Behavior as a Whole

If you're feeling down about a specific behavior your dog is struggling with, remember to look at your dog's behavior as a whole.

While your dog may be struggling with jumping, for example, find the good things your dog is doing and focus on those. And what you'll realize is that your dog's "behavior" is likely better than you're giving your dog credit for!

Tip #4- Stay Consistent

The key to pushing through your dog's behavior setbacks is consistency. 

Training takes a lot of effort over an extended period of time. And it can't just be for a few days or weeks... it takes consistent effort!

Plus, the more consistent you are with training your dog the more quickly you will be able to overcome the setbacks and 'dips' in progression.

Tip #5- Be Patient

Even more important than consistency is patience!

Often as pup parents, we put timelines in our head as to how quickly our dog should learn a certain behavior... that is a mistake.

Not only do you need to be patient with your dog's progress, but you need to be patient with yourself. Raising a dog can be hard work, so remember to cut yourself some slack and be patient with results!

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The time to prepare your dog for the holiday season is... NOW! In this episode, I'll break down 3 tips to help you start preparing now so that you can have an enjoyable season of get-togethers.

TIP #1- Teach Place

This behavior is vital to overcoming challenges with door greetings, being hyper when guests arrive, and of course, begging for food. 

To learn this behavior in-depth (from Amber Aquart), head and watch the video (and read the text recap) here: https://pfrd.site/teachplace-here

TIP #2- Impulse Control Training

Impulse control training can help with problems like jumping, barking, bolting through doors, and so much more.

Simple impulse control exercises like having your dog sit before going through doors can help teach your dog to look for guidance from you instead of just acting on their own.

Learn 21 effective (and fun) impulse control games here: https://pfrd.site/get21-games

TIP #3- Get the Right Tools

Sometimes even with the right training you just need a 'safety net' of tools and products to help keep your pup occupied and happy. 

Mental enrichment can work wonders for your dog during the holiday season. Whether you're leaving your pup at home or having guests over, mental exercise can help tire your dog out and help them relax.

Shop easy to use Mental Enrichment toys and tools here: https://pfrd.site/toys-here

Thanks for listening, please leave a review!

Download the Pupford app here: https://pfrd.site/gettheapp

Letting your dog off leash can seem like a 'dream' scenario, but it comes with inherent risks and drawbacks. In this video, I'll break down 4 "pros" and 4 "cons" to letting your dog run off leash!

First things first, it's important to obey leash laws! They are there for a reason and typically help keep you, your dog, and other people and their dogs safe.

Here are some of the main cons of letting your dog off leash.

-Leash laws can be very limiting as to where you can go with your dog (if you’re wanting to be off leash)

-You lose control of potentially dangerous situations with other dogs, animals, wildlife, etc. and you really never know how other dogs/animals will react to your dog

-Bad habits can be formed like chasing objects, running quickly in other directions (even if your dog comes back to you)

-There is an inherent danger of your dog running into bad situations like cars, bikes, etc…. It does happen all the time unfortunately

And of course, here are some of the main pros of letting your dog off leash.

-Freedom for your dog… it can give them a mental ‘break’ from having to be cooped up inside, being beholden to the leash, etc.

-Your dog gets an enhanced sniffing experience and that mental exercise can really make your dog’s exercise time more beneficial and tiring

-Typically your dog will do more running than when attached to you since they aren’t having to go at your pace… they’ll go forward, come back, etc. and end up getting more exercise than walking that normal distance

-You and your dog both are not dealing with a leash and all the challenges that come with it

Choosing to let your dog off leash should be a decision you make very carefully. You don’t HAVE to let your dog off leash if you’re not comfortable with the risks. And ultimately, having your dog on a leash adds a layer of safety to almost any situation.

Do you or do you not let your dog off leash? Tell me why in the comments below!

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Download the Pupford app here: https://pfrd.site/yz-appfree

Doing trick training with your dog can be an extremely enjoyable experience for both you and your dog.

And of course, everyone loves to be able to show off their dog’s favorite tricks when guests come over!

But there are some unexpected benefits to trick training that will make you want to prioritize doing trick training every day with your pup!

Let’s dive into it!

One quick note. Trick training doesn’t have to be crazy, complex tricks! It can be as simple as tricks like shake, roll over, speak, etc. It’s more important to try it out than getting hung up on trying to learn extremely difficult tricks!

Unexpected Benefit #1 – Improved Communication

One of the biggest challenges with raising a dog is that we don’t speak the same language. Yes, dogs can pick up and learn words, but there is a ‘language barrier’ when it comes to our dogs.

Every moment of interaction with your pup involves trying to communicate what you’re wanting and expecting from them. And of course, they often try to communicate back how they’re feeling and perceiving situations (often with body language).

A huge benefit of trick training is that your communication will have to be precise! Marking, shaping, and reinforcing tricks learned takes a high level of focus on communication.

You have to key in on the exact moments your dog does what is being asked of him or her. Trick training forces us as humans to think and communicate more clearly and effectively with our dogs.

As I’ve done more trick training with my dogs, I’ve found my ability to communicate with them much improved. It also has helped that communication become more second-nature, even when compared to just ‘normal’ behavioral training sessions!

Unexpected Benefit #2 – You’ll Have Fun

I know that sometimes it doesn’t feel this way, but raising a dog should be fun!

Too often we get hung up on the ‘bad’ parts of our dog. It can be frustrating, feel like progress is slow, and sometimes feel like there isn’t a solution to the challenges of raising a dog.

I’ve been there!

And that’s why it is so important to do things with your dog that are fun. Doing fun things, like trick training, with your dog can unlock the positive experiences with your pup you might be searching for!

Taking the time to practice tricks can be an extremely welcome break from the ‘behavioral training sessions’ you and your dog are used to. Plus, I’ve found it can be a helpful reset for my dogs if they are becoming frustrated during those ‘behavioral training sessions’.

If you’re looking for a fun way to bond with your dog, do trick training!

Unexpected Benefit #3 – Improved Behavior

While working on tricks isn’t going to make your dog stop barking through the fence right away, it can help his or her behavior generally.

So much of training comes down to practicing how we communicate with our pups. And as I mentioned previously, trick training is a great way to improve communication with your dog.

When communication improves, behavior often does as well.

With my own dogs, for example, I’ve found doing fun things like leg weaves can get them more excited about being around me and more attentive to what I’m asking. In turn, when we go out on walks that makes them want to be attentive, even if just a little bit more!

And in dog behavior, every incremental bit of success is valuable and important. Dog behaviors don’t change overnight or with one training session, but rather, gradually over time.

Practicing trick training can help your dog’s ability to listen, focus, and therefore indirectly improve their general behavior and manners.

Get access to 40 tricks

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I’ve always loved robots! The idea of a machine that can complete tasks for you is fascinating.

And nowadays, we deal with robots every day. You have one on your phone (Siri, etc.), a speaker in your house that will do exactly what you ask, and you may even have a robot that vacuums your house (best appliance I own).

You give an input or command, and get the same output every single time.

Unfortunately, I think that because we are so used to getting the exact same output from these robots, we often, inadvertently, view our dogs in the same manner. We want A=B always, but that’s just not reality with our dogs.

And while I know you don’t actually think your dog is a robot, I want to discuss ways that you might act like your dog is a robot.

I have two sister Labrador Retrievers. So you would think that of all the dogs out there, they would surely behave in a similar fashion.

Nope.

They are extremely different in more ways than I can explain. But needless to say, they do not behave the same way in every situation. And how I train and raise them individually is extremely different.

So, why do we often think that a technique that worked for a neighbor’s dog is going to work for our own?

And even beyond that, why do we think that a toy your neighbor’s dog loved will be loved by your own dog?

It’s important to remember that the things you learn (even from us here at Pupford) may need some tweaking to best fit your dog’s needs. Or, they may not work for your dog… and that is okay!

Don’t be afraid to try out different variations of training techniques you learn to best meet your dog’s needs.

While this episode is about how your pup isn’t a robot, it’s a good reminder for us as humans to not act too robotic when training our pups.

My opinion is that when we get into ‘training sessions’ we often get hung up on trying the same things over and over. And sometimes that just doesn’t work.

Don’t be afraid to mix it up! If your pup is struggling with recall, try turning it into a game. Or, try jumping up and down when you call your pup to you.

Again, remember that if your training becomes too robotic it may lead your pup to tune out and not focus as well.

My dog Sunny has hip dysplasia. When I tell my dogs to go to their place (typically their bed), I do not expect Sunny to lay down. It can be uncomfortable for her and so a sit is just fine, even though I expect my dog Scout to actually lay down on her place.

That example illustrates that it’s more important to look at your own dog’s situation than a conventional ‘this is how a behavior is done’ mindset.

And sometimes, our dogs just need a little bit of a break when they aren’t “performing how we hope”. There are so many factors in their surroundings including sounds, smells, and other stimuli that we may not even notice.

That isn’t to say we should be okay with our dog not listening to us or following behaviors that they are capable of! Rather, it’s a reminder that our dogs are creatures with nuance, and we should be okay with that.

While we all know our dogs aren’t actually robots, we sometimes get into the trap of thinking they should behave like robots!

Remember that not every technique will work for your dog and that sometimes may just be having an off day or off moment when we ask for a behavior.

As we try to view our dogs through the lens of them behaving variably, it can help us remember to be patient and consistent with teaching new behaviors!

Thanks for listening, please leave us a review!

Download the Pupford app here: https://pfrd.site/appfree-here

I'm a huge believer in the power of mental enrichment for dogs! It really can help keep your dog's pesky problem behaviors at a minimum.

I've noticed in my own dogs that when they have enough mental enrichment they are overall less likely to jump on guests, bark at the door, etc.

Snuffle Mats are a super easy option for giving your dog some quick mental enrichment. Here are 2 powerful reasons why you should use a Snuffle Mat for your dog!

#1- Slow Down Mealtime

My labs love to scarf down their food. Which in most cases isn't a huge deal... but it can be problematic. I've seen it cause stomach issues and sometimes even throwing up (not often, but it has happened).

Giving your dog their meal in a Snuffle Mat can make the time they consume their meal MUCH longer.

#2- Mental Enrichment

Mental enrichment is powerful. And when you can knock out some mental enrichment during a daily task, it makes your life SO much easier!

As your dog forages for their food or treats in the Snuffle Mat, it works their brain and nose to find the treats. 

If you wanna try out a Snuffle Mat, right now you can snag one and get a FREE bag of 2oz Training Treats (over 225 treats) and FREE shipping! Get the deal here: https://pfrd.site/snufffle-deal

Please review and subscribe!! Thanks for listening 🐾

Download the Pupford app here: https://pfrd.site/pupapp-freee

Intro music cred to Kevin May: https://soundcloud.com/kevin_may

Whether it’s back to school, a job change, or new family members in your home, any time of transition can be a challenge for your pup!

That sudden adjustment from plenty of time at home with you to suddenly being alone more during the day can cause some fear, anxiety, and even loneliness for your dog.

Let’s dive into 3 ways you can help make schedule changes easier for your pup.

1. Give Extra Exercise and Enrichment

Our dogs need mental and physical exercise. It’s that simple.

And when we know schedule changes will be happening, we need to give them even more.

Do NOT plan on leaving for long stretches of time without giving your dog some exercise. Here are some quick ideas:

And now, the 2nd point.

2. Slowly Work into the New Schedule

Dogs are creatures of habit, so if you need to change those habits… try to do it gradually instead of all at once.

If your summer wake up time for your pup is 8 am but it will be switching to 6:30 am, take a week or two to gradually move up their wake up, feeding, and exercise schedule. accordingly

And with any time of change, remember to be patient with your pup. They may change their behavior, habits, and even general mood as they go through changes in their schedule.

Here’s the 3rd and final point.

3. Get a Dog Walker or Friend to Help Out

Dogs have been bred for thousands of years to enjoy the company of humans. So if you’re not able to provide that during the day, try to get other people involved in their life.

Dog walkers or sitters are a good option for midday visits.

If that isn’t financially viable, try getting the help of a friend, family member, or neighbor. I’m sure there is someone near you who LOVES dogs and would love extra time around one!

Recap

Changes in schedule can be surprisingly challenging for dogs of any age. By following these tips you’ll help ensure that this transition is as simple and positive as possible for your dog!

Have other ideas that helped your dog? Tell me in a review!

Please review and subscribe!! Thanks for listening 🐾

Download the Pupford app here: https://pfrd.site/qpup-app

Intro music cred to Kevin May: https://soundcloud.com/kevin_may

Dog aggression is both a scary and often misunderstood topic. And while we won't be able to dive into everything there is to know, this episode will help you understand the basics of dog aggression!

In this episode, I was lucky enough to be joined by Karen Chapdelaine. Karen is a professional dog trainer who specializes in working with reactive and aggressive dogs.

She holds multiple certifications including CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed), DN-CET (DogNostic Canine Enrichment Technician), Fear Free Certified, and is an AKC CGC Evaluator.

You can connect with Karen through her website or social media!

https://thetimelessdog.com/

https://www.instagram.com/karenandcj/

https://www.facebook.com/TheTimelessDog/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Qzwou5vLd-DcKGeXtSgOw

Please review and subscribe!! Thanks for listening 🐾

Download the Pupford app here: https://pfrd.site/wpup-app

Intro music cred to Kevin May: https://soundcloud.com/kevin_may