How to get your cat back to using the litter box
Q: My cat Flicker has always been great at using the litter box, but lately she has started peeing in the basement and in one corner of the living room. How can I get her back to using the box again?
A: Cats: the fractious feline friends to humans, known for embodying qualities of beauty, grace and intelligence, while coupled undeniably with an unabashed side of independent pride. These qualities make them both irresistible, yet at times baffling, companions for people.
On the one hand, cats come with so many wonderful qualities already predisposed within their very feline nature. You do not need to usually “house train” a cat, rather, if you simply provide your cat with a litter box or two, they should choose to go there of their own accord. Pet parents with young puppies only wish it were so easy!
On the other hand, when kitty decides, for one reason or another, to go against the grain and begin house soiling, it can offer more of a challenge to get her back on track then one might like.
So, what is the best way to get your cat back to using the box? First, let’s look at the possible reasons as to why Flicker might have started house soiling. Has anything, even something seemingly insignificant, changed in her environment? This could mean something as noticeable as moving from one house to another or introducing a new family member or pet, all the way to something as subtle as changing the litter box location or type of litter used, or having family friends stay over for a few days. Our fickle feline friends can be extremely sensitive to their environment and sometimes the slightest disruption can throw off their routine.
Other possible reasons for Flicker’s sudden change in bathroom behaviours, could be a medical issue, such as a urinary tract infection. If you notice a sudden change in your feline’s elimination routine, especially one that is out of character for your cat, calling your vet is a responsible first step. If you’re vet has given your cat a clean bill of health, then it is time to start analyzing and adjusting her environment at home.
Has anything about Flicker’s bathroom arrangements changed? Have you possibly acquired a new type of litter box recently, perhaps one with a hood? Though we may feel we are offering kitty a more private and appealing oasis with a covered box, often cats are actually detracted from using boxes with hoods, as these can be difficult to move in and displeasing to her feline olfactory senses if not cleaned at least daily.
Though Flicker clearly loves you, she is also a feline accustomed to, and demanding of, the highest level of care and consideration, and as you can see there are many factors that could cause Flicker to become less inclined to use her box properly.
So how can you help her get back to her box and avoid these issues arising in the future? First, ensure that all accident areas outside of the box are thoroughly cleaned with an enzymatic pet elimination clean-up product. Other cleaners often just cover up the smell to the human nose, but do not actually eliminate biological enzymes that may lead the animal to use that spot again.
As a backup precaution, you can also cover the area in tinfoil, a surface that is displeasing to most felines and should detract Flicker from going in that area.
Analyze the type of litter box that you are using and the location in which it is placed. Often it is best to have more than one box, in fact, we suggest keeping one more box than the number of cats in the home. This will ensure that no kitty is able to guard the box from the other. But, even if Flicker lives alone, we still suggest that she has least two boxes at her disposal.
Finally, boxes should ideally be kept in clean and quiet areas. Many people are inclined to place litter boxes in laundry rooms or furnace rooms, unaware that the unpredictable, loud, and potentially frightening sounds, can actually condition their feline to avoid utilizing the proper potty place.
Once she has started using the basement or the living room corner, she may just consider these a backup bathroom option, a kitty outhouse if you will. She would much rather use her proper feline bathroom and it’s up to you to help her feel upmost comfort in doing so.
For more detailed checklists and ideas for dealing with feline house soiling concerns, please visit our website at www.calgaryhumane.ca
Q: I was really hoping to have a nice yard this year but my dog is already digging it up and making a mess. How do I manage to have a happy dog and a beautiful yard?
A: It’s a beautiful Saturday morning. You wake up, stretch, and put your dog Max outside in the backyard for his morning relief. You slowly make your coffee, grab a bagel, and sit down at the kitchen table to lovingly watch your canine companion frolic in your pristine yard. Sadly, the bliss ends there. You watch in horror as Max furiously digs at the base of your new fence and chews the boards when his paws need a break. You patched his previous digging expeditions just the day before and your friend helped you put up new boards on the fence. How could he do such a thing!? You’ve yelled, brought him inside and lectured all the while, he always looks so guilty, he must know its wrong!
Aggravatingly, this is a frustration that many canine owners deal with on a daily basis. If Max isn’t chewing your shoes, he’s at the baseboards, or ripping the fluff from the couch, digging up your garden, or demolishing your fence. But let’s look at the life of Max. He’s in his prime, he has a lot of drive to work, an incredible amount of energy, and a load of intelligence; he was bred for his courage and stamina. With all of this potential, what is Max’s job? He gets up in the morning for a run in the yard, some breakfast and a few hugs, and then he waits. He waits for his family to come home. Eight hours pass and a few people come home, Max gets to run in the backyard again, maybe go for a walk, then he has dinner and sits while his people watch TV, visit with friends, or play on the computer. What does Max have to work for? What stimulates his mind? His food comes in a dish placed before him, his walks are leisurely, and circles in the backyard are only so entertaining, so he has done what any brilliant yet bored mind might do. Max has become an entrepreneur of sorts and created his own job. Max has taken up landscaping.
Being the discerning land owner you are, you don’t appreciate Max’s sloppy landscaping work, so you tell him “NO!” every time you catch him. But what does “no” mean? Does it mean “no” don’t landscape at 3pm in the afternoon? Then Max will landscape in the morning instead. Does it mean “no” don’t dig in the far right corner? Ok, well Max will try to accommodate and dig along the back fence instead. His guilty look comes from the worry that his master is upset, but he can’t fathom why, after all, he is trying to be so accommodating.
Does this problem sound familiar to you? The solution is this; Max needs a job. “No” is not a job, “no” is not even a behaviour, he can’t do “no.” So he’ll just keep coming up with new ideas and return to old habits when he’s lost creativity. Since you know that Max has a passion for landscaping, instead of fighting his dreams, encourage him, but teach him how to do his job appropriately. Come up with ideas for him and instead of telling him “no”, show him what he can do.
• Make a digging patch for Max to explore his excavation dreams; bury his bones, treats, and favorite toys in tilled dirt for Max to find again.
• If you don’t own your home, then acquire a kiddie pool and create a portable dig site instead.
• Get interactive feeding toys, stuff them with goodies and hide them in the yard, by a rock, in the grass, etc.
Make a game out of creating a backyard wonderland for Max, where every day in the yard is like a new Easter egg hunt. Make the toys easily accessible at first and then, as Max becomes more efficient, you can become more tactful in where you hide the treasure. Now Max has a job, one that you can praise him for and that he can feel proud of at the end of a long days work. Max doesn’t have to know that it was all a set up for him, he’ll feel like his budding landscaping business is a thriving success and you can smile as you watch him with your coffee in the morning, busy at work and leaving your fence and new turf in peace.
Q: Now that the weather is nicer, my cat keeps trying to make a break for the door. How can I keep her in?
A: Spring is just around the corner and through those freshly opened windows your cat is catching the smell of adventure in the air. The scents she smells are triggering her instincts to go out and explore, but however alluring the outside is, Calgary bylaws do not allow cats to roam, and for good reason. Roaming the neighborhood, your cat is at high risk of being hit by a car, getting lost, or falling victim to urban coyotes. But don’t worry - we have some tantalizing tactics to keep her entertained inside the safety of your home.
#
# Bring the outside, inside! Adding dirt to her litterbox will bring the smells and textures of the open world right into her own box. This often will help with cats who have trouble focusing on using only their litterbox, or who may begin spraying during this time of year. So bring the outside, inside! Adding dirt to her litterbox will bring the smells and textures of the open world right into
her own box. This often will help with cats who have trouble focusing on using only their litterbox, or who may begin spraying
during this time of year.
#
# Find a nice log for her to sink her claws into. Offering up a natural scratching post will bring new texture and stress-relief while saving your couches and carpets at the same time.
#
# Hang a bird feeder outside your window and offer a comfy viewing spot for your kitty. This will provide hours of entertainment and stimulation for your kitty within the safety of your own home. You may notice her chattering at the birds, her tail twitching and her pupils fully dilated, these are all signs that she is very focused on the bird watching and may not welcome pets from you at that time.
#
# Using toys to engage your kitty in a game of chase can help burn off those spring-time feline friskies. Find toys that offer stimulating movement such as the Laser Chase Toy or Feather Teasers found at the Calgary Humane Society Pet Gear Store.
#
# If your kitty is still bouncing off walls and trying to dart out the doors, you can try offering her honeysuckle treats and toys. For many cats, honeysuckle will actually act as a calming agent, compared to cat nip.
#
# Another option to help calm your kitty is to use a product like a Feliway diffuser. This diffuser plugs into an outlet and works much like a Glade Plug-in would for you. Rather than fruit or flowery smells, it slowly emits a feline pheromone which calms your kitty down.
#
# Steer your cat away from doors leading outside by dabbing oil of citronella or wintergreen around the area. These smells are unpleasant to cats and will encourage them from hanging around doorways. Upside-down carpet runners can also be used on the floor to discourage walking in that area. Cats don’t like the feel of these on their paws.
For more information on products to help calm, or engage your kitty, contact the Calgary Humane Society Behaviour team by e-mail at behaviour.help@calgaryhumane.ca or call the free Behaviour Helpline at 403-723-6057.
Q: How do I get my dog to come when called?
A: Recall skills are essential for any dog owner and are often the hardest skills to master due to many factors including the everyday use of the word “come.”
Recall starts before words are even used. The dog needs to know that paying attention to you pays, and pays big. Start with a high-reward system in a home environment for the simple behaviour of the dog looking at you. When you notice them looking at you, immediately mark the behaviour by saying “yes” or using a clicker and then give them a treat. Breaking treats into small pieces, purchasing ones that are already in small portions, or using their kibble will allow you to give multiple treats without overdoing the calories.
This first step will take about two weeks of 50 – 100 times per day, or as many times per day as you can manage. You can introduce their name into the mix so that when they look at you, say their name, mark the behaviour (“Yes!” or click) and treat. This process will lead to them looking to you whenever you say their name, which is important in a multi-dog environment such as a park.
Set your dog up for success and look for opportunities to reward them; if they are looking at you when you are about to feed them, say their name, say “yes!” and give them their food, or find other such instances where they are looking at you and reward. If they are following you around the kitchen, or down a hallway, you can start introducing the cue word for “come” and associate this with a reward.
We highly recommend choosing a word for recall that is not used in a common fashion, particularly one that has not already been in partial use for asking them to come to you. “Come” is often overused and associated with other less desirable behaviours. Other words can be “here,” “hurry,” “scramble,” or whatever you choose. This will help the dog much more quickly associate the cue word, and the behaviour with a positive consequence.
Once you’ve established the connection between their name, attention and recall in simple situations, take it to the next level by working on these skills in your backyard, front yard, then on leash walks. Repetition and quick reactions are key.
The next step is to expand to a long line and a quiet park. The long line will allow you to go to environments that have greater distractions, but allow you to control the outcome.
Another great tactic to work on in your backyard with a friend is restrained recalls. Have a friend hold your dog in one place in your backyard, show your dog the treat, run away from your dog (increasing the distance each time), turn around, call their name and your cue word for recall while having your friend release them. When they run over to you, make a big deal about it with lots of treats and praise. If they don’t immediately come to you, have your friend get the dog and repeat with a more valuable “treat.” The object of this game is to get as many fast, fun recalls into a short period of time. Again, repetition helps to solidify this skill.
The key to successful recall skills is for the dog to know that recall pays big every time and that you practice in situations where your dog will be successful, gradually working up to incorporating more complicated situations. Be aware of what your dog finds rewarding; for some it is food all the way, for others a squeaky toy or ball is a higher reward than a treat.
Reliable recall in complex situations and environments takes time and dedication to perfect. Have fun working with your dog and enjoy the fruits of your labor when that time comes where you need to be able to get your dog’s attention and direct them from a distance!
For more information, contact behaviour.help@calgaryhumane.ca or call the Calgary Humane Society free Behaviour Helpline at 403-723-6057.
Q: I’m new to owning a dog and wondered if there are general guidelines for off-leash park etiquette?
A: A successful, safe visit to the park depends on the answers to many questions. Is your dog comfortable with dogs of all sizes running up to them, chasing them, or wrestling with them? Are they okay with having their ball, or toy stolen? Will they come when you call them back to you? Is your small dog able to deal comfortably with larger dogs coming up to him? Is your dog okay with other dogs coming up to you for “their” treats? Do you have a puppy who hasn’t had its full set of vaccines?
If you’ve answered NO to any of these questions, we strongly suggest you and your pooch get some training before heading to the park, or even reconsider if the park is right for your dog. Off-leash parks are a privilege for many owners, but they are not right for all dogs.
For example, a dog’s recall skills are challenged in an environment as exciting as an off-leash park. Many dogs have become lost while at an off-leash park. Ensuring your dog will respond will help to keep him safe. (Check out next-week’s Minding Manners for tips on developing recall skills).
For a number of reasons, while at the park be aware of where your dog is and what they are doing at all times. For example, to keep the park cleaner, you need to be attentive of where your dog has done his business.
Also be aware of other dogs around you and your dog. If you have a small dog that is running, some other larger breeds may kick into a predatory drive and chase your little one who may get seriously injured if caught. Keep little dogs near you at all times so you can scoop them up if need be.
Before heading to the park, get together with some friends and their dogs and make sure your dog is okay with sharing toys and with you petting or feeding other dogs. That being said, when at an off-leash park, don’t offer treats to other dogs as they may have special dietary restrictions.
Prior to any visits to the dog park, it's important to make sure puppies have their full set of vaccines; check with your veterinarian for more information as to when you can safely take your puppy out in public. Also be conscious that adult dogs may react differently to your puppy than they would with another adult dog. It’s important for proper socialization skills that puppies have a positive experience in their interactions with other dogs – a bad experience can leave them frightened and even reactive to other dogs. Consider taking a puppy class, like Precocious Puppies at the Calgary Humane Society, where they can romp and roll with other puppies and learn the necessary skills of interaction in a controlled environment before venturing into the dog park.
With summer right around the corner, everyone and their dog will be itching to get out and enjoy the sun. Keeping these points in mind will help everyone enjoy the off-leash park experience in a positive and safe way.
For more information, contact behaviour.help@calgaryhumane.ca or call the Calgary Humane Society free Behaviour Helpline at 403-723-6057.
Q: How do I teach my dog not to jump up?
A: Jumping up is a behaviour problem many owners struggle with. Owners frequently focus on eliminating the problem or undesired behaviour by telling the animal what not to do. When a dog jumps up, the owner will yell “No! Get down!” as they push the dog off. In such an interaction, even if the correction is given in a stern tone, the dog actually learns that if he jumps on his owner, the owner will interact with him. For many dogs, interaction is a good consequence.
Scientific study of dog behaviour and training methods indicates that a more effective approach focuses instead on desired behaviour that the dog can do, and reinforcement of this behaviour with high-value rewards. This positive approach results in long-term increases in the desired behaviour, which also boosts the dog’s confidence and supports a strong, positive bond with his owner.
To use positive reinforcement; instead of reacting when your dog jumps up on you, wait until he has all four paws on the floor. Then say “yes!” in a very excited voice, or use a clicker to mark the behaviour, then reward with the dog’s favorite treat. Toss the treat on the floor so that he is focused down on the floor instead of upwards at you.
At the start of this re-training process, you will need to use a high rate of reinforcement to allow the dog to be successful and come to fully understand that “four on the floor” pays! A high rate of reinforcement means offering 20 to 30 clicks and small bits of treats per minute. If the dog is sitting, keep throwing down the treats.
Generally after you have repeated this process two or three times, dogs will actively keep “four on the floor.” Once you have done the initial training with a high rate of reward, slowly reduce the number of rewards and only intermittently reinforce the desired behaviour. Intermittent reinforcement can be more or less frequent, depending on your dog and his level of distraction. If he fails to offer the desired behaviour, go back to a higher rate of reinforcement. Eventually, you can taper off altogether and just ask for the behaviour through a word or signal.
Dogs innately respond to positive reinforcement, because they are “wired” to repeat behaviours that “work” – that is, behaviours that get them rewards. If you stay consistent and patiently put in the time required, you will have dogs who are well behaved and happy to be around people. People are also happy to be around the dogs, thus providing the dog with a much more varied and exciting life experience.On the other hand, when kitty decides, for one reason or another, to go against the grain and begin house soiling, it can offer more of a challenge to get her back on track then one might like.
So, what is the best way to get your cat back to using the box? First, let’s look at the possible reasons as to why Flicker might have started house soiling. Has anything, even something seemingly insignificant, changed in her environment? This could mean something as noticeable as moving from one house to another or introducing a new family member or pet, all the way to something as subtle as changing the litter box location or type of litter used, or having family friends stay over for a few days. Our fickle feline friends can be extremely sensitive to their environment and sometimes the slightest disruption can throw off their routine.
Other possible reasons for Flicker’s sudden change in bathroom behaviours, could be a medical issue, such as a urinary tract infection. If you notice a sudden change in your feline’s elimination routine, especially one that is out of character for your cat, calling your vet is a responsible first step. If you’re vet has given your cat a clean bill of health, then it is time to start analyzing and adjusting her environment at home.
Has anything about Flicker’s bathroom arrangements changed? Have you possibly acquired a new type of litter box recently, perhaps one with a hood? Though we may feel we are offering kitty a more private and appealing oasis with a covered box, often cats are actually detracted from using boxes with hoods, as these can be difficult to move in and displeasing to her feline olfactory senses if not cleaned at least daily.
Though Flicker clearly loves you, she is also a feline accustomed to, and demanding of, the highest level of care and consideration, and as you can see there are many factors that could cause Flicker to become less inclined to use her box properly.
So how can you help her get back to her box and avoid these issues arising in the future? First, ensure that all accident areas outside of the box are thoroughly cleaned with an enzymatic pet elimination clean-up product. Other cleaners often just cover up the smell to the human nose, but do not actually eliminate biological enzymes that may lead the animal to use that spot again.
As a backup precaution, you can also cover the area in tinfoil, a surface that is displeasing to most felines and should detract Flicker from going in that area.
Analyze the type of litter box that you are using and the location in which it is placed. Often it is best to have more than one box, in fact, we suggest keeping one more box than the number of cats in the home. This will ensure that no kitty is able to guard the box from the other. But, even if Flicker lives alone, we still suggest that she has least two boxes at her disposal.
Finally, boxes should ideally be kept in clean and quiet areas. Many people are inclined to place litter boxes in laundry rooms or furnace rooms, unaware that the unpredictable, loud, and potentially frightening sounds, can actually condition their feline to avoid utilizing the proper potty place.
Once she has started using the basement or the living room corner, she may just consider these a backup bathroom option, a kitty outhouse if you will. She would much rather use her proper feline bathroom and it’s up to you to help her feel upmost comfort in doing so.
For more detailed checklists and ideas for dealing with feline house soiling concerns, please visit our website at www.calgaryhumane.ca
Q: I was really hoping to have a nice yard this year but my dog is already digging it up and making a mess. How do I manage to have a happy dog and a beautiful yard?
A: It’s a beautiful Saturday morning. You wake up, stretch, and put your dog Max outside in the backyard for his morning relief. You slowly make your coffee, grab a bagel, and sit down at the kitchen table to lovingly watch your canine companion frolic in your pristine yard. Sadly, the bliss ends there. You watch in horror as Max furiously digs at the base of your new fence and chews the boards when his paws need a break. You patched his previous digging expeditions just the day before and your friend helped you put up new boards on the fence. How could he do such a thing!? You’ve yelled, brought him inside and lectured all the while, he always looks so guilty, he must know its wrong!
Aggravatingly, this is a frustration that many canine owners deal with on a daily basis. If Max isn’t chewing your shoes, he’s at the baseboards, or ripping the fluff from the couch, digging up your garden, or demolishing your fence. But let’s look at the life of Max. He’s in his prime, he has a lot of drive to work, an incredible amount of energy, and a load of intelligence; he was bred for his courage and stamina. With all of this potential, what is Max’s job? He gets up in the morning for a run in the yard, some breakfast and a few hugs, and then he waits. He waits for his family to come home. Eight hours pass and a few people come home, Max gets to run in the backyard again, maybe go for a walk, then he has dinner and sits while his people watch TV, visit with friends, or play on the computer. What does Max have to work for? What stimulates his mind? His food comes in a dish placed before him, his walks are leisurely, and circles in the backyard are only so entertaining, so he has done what any brilliant yet bored mind might do. Max has become an entrepreneur of sorts and created his own job. Max has taken up landscaping.
Being the discerning land owner you are, you don’t appreciate Max’s sloppy landscaping work, so you tell him “NO!” every time you catch him. But what does “no” mean? Does it mean “no” don’t landscape at 3pm in the afternoon? Then Max will landscape in the morning instead. Does it mean “no” don’t dig in the far right corner? Ok, well Max will try to accommodate and dig along the back fence instead. His guilty look comes from the worry that his master is upset, but he can’t fathom why, after all, he is trying to be so accommodating.
Does this problem sound familiar to you? The solution is this; Max needs a job. “No” is not a job, “no” is not even a behaviour, he can’t do “no.” So he’ll just keep coming up with new ideas and return to old habits when he’s lost creativity. Since you know that Max has a passion for landscaping, instead of fighting his dreams, encourage him, but teach him how to do his job appropriately. Come up with ideas for him and instead of telling him “no”, show him what he can do.
• Make a digging patch for Max to explore his excavation dreams; bury his bones, treats, and favorite toys in tilled dirt for Max to find again.
• If you don’t own your home, then acquire a kiddie pool and create a portable dig site instead.
• Get interactive feeding toys, stuff them with goodies and hide them in the yard, by a rock, in the grass, etc.
Make a game out of creating a backyard wonderland for Max, where every day in the yard is like a new Easter egg hunt. Make the toys easily accessible at first and then, as Max becomes more efficient, you can become more tactful in where you hide the treasure. Now Max has a job, one that you can praise him for and that he can feel proud of at the end of a long days work. Max doesn’t have to know that it was all a set up for him, he’ll feel like his budding landscaping business is a thriving success and you can smile as you watch him with your coffee in the morning, busy at work and leaving your fence and new turf in peace.
Q: Now that the weather is nicer, my cat keeps trying to make a break for the door. How can I keep her in?
A: Spring is just around the corner and through those freshly opened windows your cat is catching the smell of adventure in the air. The scents she smells are triggering her instincts to go out and explore, but however alluring the outside is, Calgary bylaws do not allow cats to roam, and for good reason. Roaming the neighborhood, your cat is at high risk of being hit by a car, getting lost, or falling victim to urban coyotes. But don’t worry - we have some tantalizing tactics to keep her entertained inside the safety of your home.
#
# Bring the outside, inside! Adding dirt to her litterbox will bring the smells and textures of the open world right into her own box. This often will help with cats who have trouble focusing on using only their litterbox, or who may begin spraying during this time of year. So bring the outside, inside! Adding dirt to her litterbox will bring the smells and textures of the open world right into
her own box. This often will help with cats who have trouble focusing on using only their litterbox, or who may begin spraying
during this time of year.
#
# Find a nice log for her to sink her claws into. Offering up a natural scratching post will bring new texture and stress-relief while saving your couches and carpets at the same time.
#
# Hang a bird feeder outside your window and offer a comfy viewing spot for your kitty. This will provide hours of entertainment and stimulation for your kitty within the safety of your own home. You may notice her chattering at the birds, her tail twitching and her pupils fully dilated, these are all signs that she is very focused on the bird watching and may not welcome pets from you at that time.
#
# Using toys to engage your kitty in a game of chase can help burn off those spring-time feline friskies. Find toys that offer stimulating movement such as the Laser Chase Toy or Feather Teasers found at the Calgary Humane Society Pet Gear Store.
#
# If your kitty is still bouncing off walls and trying to dart out the doors, you can try offering her honeysuckle treats and toys. For many cats, honeysuckle will actually act as a calming agent, compared to cat nip.
#
# Another option to help calm your kitty is to use a product like a Feliway diffuser. This diffuser plugs into an outlet and works much like a Glade Plug-in would for you. Rather than fruit or flowery smells, it slowly emits a feline pheromone which calms your kitty down.
#
# Steer your cat away from doors leading outside by dabbing oil of citronella or wintergreen around the area. These smells are unpleasant to cats and will encourage them from hanging around doorways. Upside-down carpet runners can also be used on the floor to discourage walking in that area. Cats don’t like the feel of these on their paws.
For more information on products to help calm, or engage your kitty, contact the Calgary Humane Society Behaviour team by e-mail at behaviour.help@calgaryhumane.ca or call the free Behaviour Helpline at 403-723-6057.
Q: How do I get my dog to come when called?
A: Recall skills are essential for any dog owner and are often the hardest skills to master due to many factors including the everyday use of the word “come.”
Recall starts before words are even used. The dog needs to know that paying attention to you pays, and pays big. Start with a high-reward system in a home environment for the simple behaviour of the dog looking at you. When you notice them looking at you, immediately mark the behaviour by saying “yes” or using a clicker and then give them a treat. Breaking treats into small pieces, purchasing ones that are already in small portions, or using their kibble will allow you to give multiple treats without overdoing the calories.
This first step will take about two weeks of 50 – 100 times per day, or as many times per day as you can manage. You can introduce their name into the mix so that when they look at you, say their name, mark the behaviour (“Yes!” or click) and treat. This process will lead to them looking to you whenever you say their name, which is important in a multi-dog environment such as a park.
Set your dog up for success and look for opportunities to reward them; if they are looking at you when you are about to feed them, say their name, say “yes!” and give them their food, or find other such instances where they are looking at you and reward. If they are following you around the kitchen, or down a hallway, you can start introducing the cue word for “come” and associate this with a reward.
We highly recommend choosing a word for recall that is not used in a common fashion, particularly one that has not already been in partial use for asking them to come to you. “Come” is often overused and associated with other less desirable behaviours. Other words can be “here,” “hurry,” “scramble,” or whatever you choose. This will help the dog much more quickly associate the cue word, and the behaviour with a positive consequence.
Once you’ve established the connection between their name, attention and recall in simple situations, take it to the next level by working on these skills in your backyard, front yard, then on leash walks. Repetition and quick reactions are key.
The next step is to expand to a long line and a quiet park. The long line will allow you to go to environments that have greater distractions, but allow you to control the outcome.
Another great tactic to work on in your backyard with a friend is restrained recalls. Have a friend hold your dog in one place in your backyard, show your dog the treat, run away from your dog (increasing the distance each time), turn around, call their name and your cue word for recall while having your friend release them. When they run over to you, make a big deal about it with lots of treats and praise. If they don’t immediately come to you, have your friend get the dog and repeat with a more valuable “treat.” The object of this game is to get as many fast, fun recalls into a short period of time. Again, repetition helps to solidify this skill.
The key to successful recall skills is for the dog to know that recall pays big every time and that you practice in situations where your dog will be successful, gradually working up to incorporating more complicated situations. Be aware of what your dog finds rewarding; for some it is food all the way, for others a squeaky toy or ball is a higher reward than a treat.
Reliable recall in complex situations and environments takes time and dedication to perfect. Have fun working with your dog and enjoy the fruits of your labor when that time comes where you need to be able to get your dog’s attention and direct them from a distance!
For more information, contact behaviour.help@calgaryhumane.ca or call the Calgary Humane Society free Behaviour Helpline at 403-723-6057.
Q: I’m new to owning a dog and wondered if there are general guidelines for off-leash park etiquette?
A: A successful, safe visit to the park depends on the answers to many questions. Is your dog comfortable with dogs of all sizes running up to them, chasing them, or wrestling with them? Are they okay with having their ball, or toy stolen? Will they come when you call them back to you? Is your small dog able to deal comfortably with larger dogs coming up to him? Is your dog okay with other dogs coming up to you for “their” treats? Do you have a puppy who hasn’t had its full set of vaccines?
If you’ve answered NO to any of these questions, we strongly suggest you and your pooch get some training before heading to the park, or even reconsider if the park is right for your dog. Off-leash parks are a privilege for many owners, but they are not right for all dogs.
For example, a dog’s recall skills are challenged in an environment as exciting as an off-leash park. Many dogs have become lost while at an off-leash park. Ensuring your dog will respond will help to keep him safe. (Check out next-week’s Minding Manners for tips on developing recall skills).
For a number of reasons, while at the park be aware of where your dog is and what they are doing at all times. For example, to keep the park cleaner, you need to be attentive of where your dog has done his business.
Also be aware of other dogs around you and your dog. If you have a small dog that is running, some other larger breeds may kick into a predatory drive and chase your little one who may get seriously injured if caught. Keep little dogs near you at all times so you can scoop them up if need be.
Before heading to the park, get together with some friends and their dogs and make sure your dog is okay with sharing toys and with you petting or feeding other dogs. That being said, when at an off-leash park, don’t offer treats to other dogs as they may have special dietary restrictions.
Prior to any visits to the dog park, it's important to make sure puppies have their full set of vaccines; check with your veterinarian for more information as to when you can safely take your puppy out in public. Also be conscious that adult dogs may react differently to your puppy than they would with another adult dog. It’s important for proper socialization skills that puppies have a positive experience in their interactions with other dogs – a bad experience can leave them frightened and even reactive to other dogs. Consider taking a puppy class, like Precocious Puppies at the Calgary Humane Society, where they can romp and roll with other puppies and learn the necessary skills of interaction in a controlled environment before venturing into the dog park.
With summer right around the corner, everyone and their dog will be itching to get out and enjoy the sun. Keeping these points in mind will help everyone enjoy the off-leash park experience in a positive and safe way.
For more information, contact behaviour.help@calgaryhumane.ca or call the Calgary Humane Society free Behaviour Helpline at 403-723-6057.
Q: How do I teach my dog not to jump up?
A: Jumping up is a behaviour problem many owners struggle with. Owners frequently focus on eliminating the problem or undesired behaviour by telling the animal what not to do. When a dog jumps up, the owner will yell “No! Get down!” as they push the dog off. In such an interaction, even if the correction is given in a stern tone, the dog actually learns that if he jumps on his owner, the owner will interact with him. For many dogs, interaction is a good consequence.
Scientific study of dog behaviour and training methods indicates that a more effective approach focuses instead on desired behaviour that the dog can do, and reinforcement of this behaviour with high-value rewards. This positive approach results in long-term increases in the desired behaviour, which also boosts the dog’s confidence and supports a strong, positive bond with his owner.
To use positive reinforcement; instead of reacting when your dog jumps up on you, wait until he has all four paws on the floor. Then say “yes!” in a very excited voice, or use a clicker to mark the behaviour, then reward with the dog’s favorite treat. Toss the treat on the floor so that he is focused down on the floor instead of upwards at you.
At the start of this re-training process, you will need to use a high rate of reinforcement to allow the dog to be successful and come to fully understand that “four on the floor” pays! A high rate of reinforcement means offering 20 to 30 clicks and small bits of treats per minute. If the dog is sitting, keep throwing down the treats.
Generally after you have repeated this process two or three times, dogs will actively keep “four on the floor.” Once you have done the initial training with a high rate of reward, slowly reduce the number of rewards and only intermittently reinforce the desired behaviour. Intermittent reinforcement can be more or less frequent, depending on your dog and his level of distraction. If he fails to offer the desired behaviour, go back to a higher rate of reinforcement. Eventually, you can taper off altogether and just ask for the behaviour through a word or signal.
Dogs innately respond to positive reinforcement, because they are “wired” to repeat behaviours that “work” – that is, behaviours that get them rewards. If you stay consistent and patiently put in the time required, you will have dogs who are well behaved and happy to be around people. People are also happy to be around the dogs, thus providing the dog with a much more varied and exciting life experience.
