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No Monkey Business Blog
dog behavior nh
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Helen Nicholls, CPDT-KA, CDBC: Posted on Sunday, July 17, 2011 9:05 PM
 Almost always in classes or in private consultations, I get asked a question that begins with "How do I stop him from ......." The behavior can be nipping, barking, jumping, etc etc. My answer varies from case to case, but I always insist that people take a look at what their dog is doing and ask themselves, "How do I PREVENT him from ......." or "What can I teach him to do INSTEAD of or BEFORE the ......." By preventing and working with your dog before the bad behavior occurs, you are not only teaching better habits that will stick, but you are not allowing bad habits to grow and become a problem later. By being a proactive dog owner rather than reactive, you are setting your dog up for a lifetime of success. Being PROACTIVE with your dog is much more helpful than being REACTIVE. There is a big difference between the two and can make a huge impact on your dogs behavior and the training process. This goes for puppy raising, working with fearful dogs, aggression general dog ownership. So what is the difference and how does that help me in training my dog? Here's a brief example of proactive as opposed to reactive; Person approaches you on the street to greet your very social and excited 3 month old puppy. - PROACTIVE owner tells person to please stop and not pet the puppy if it jumps, then gets their puppy in a sit and has the person approach as they reward or treat the puppy for sitting. (For puppies or dogs that are not able to sit with this level of distraction yet, this can also work with just dropping treats at the owners feet so the puppy just stands and is more interested in food on the ground than the initial approach)The person is told to kneel down and pet the puppy before the pup can leap off the ground, and to remove attention if puppy jumps up. Result? Puppy learns to sit or stand for petting instead of jumping all over for it.
- REACTIVE owner lets person walk right up to puppy, as puppy pulls ahead on leash and jumps all over person. Person starts to pet puppy, telling the owner he doesn't mind, but owner (frustrated after saying "off" six times) yanks puppy down and pushes on puppy's wiggly excited rear end to get him in a sit. Result? Puppy learns to pull ahead and jump all over people for attention, and then is rewarded by owner for this behavior also.
 Being a proactive dog owner takes WORK, constant work. It is a lifestyle in the way you work with your dog and the relationship you build. You are constantly one step ahead, not just waiting for your dog to fail so then you can train. It takes more effort at first, but because you are teaching good habits it means you will need to do less work later on. Reactive owners and their dogs tend to get frustrated because many times the training is inconsistent, so clear messages arent always being made to the dog and the bad habits continue or worsen. This message doesn't just work in raising a puppy, but in working with aggression, fear, and so much more! Proactive dog owners need to do lots of "set-ups" as they train. They don't just take their dog somewhere and hope for the best. They enlist friends, relatives, nerdy trainers like myself, to help them teach their puppies and dogs good habits and set them up for success, rather than failure. It takes work, but it is worth it! |
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Helen Nicholls, CPDT-KA, CDBC: Posted on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 6:00 PM
 The fourth of July is here, hooray! I do many workshops and help lots of dogs that have thunderstorm, firework and other sound phobias, so I thought I would write something for all you new puppy and dog owners out there on some ways to help prevent your puppy from developing these fears. Here are a few tips and ideas; 1. DON'T take your puppy or dog out to watch the fireworks with you!! If you have a new puppy, this is often a very exciting time and many families are tempted to bring Fido out to enjoy all the fun on the night of the 4th of July. Although this may seem like a great idea, families are often too distracted by children, the fireworks, and so much going on to actually be training their puppy, and often miss signs that the pup may feel overwhelmed or begin to get anxious after a few minutes of the noises. The puppy is flooded with loud, unpredictable noises and may become very stressed, and this can often set the stage for more sound phobia later in life. 2. DO give your puppy something wonderful to do and a place to go during the fireworks when or if you have to leave him. A Kong stuffed to the brim with yummy treats and frozen so it takes longer is a great treat to help keep your puppy happy during the noise and also teach him that fireworks = a fabulous treat! 3. DO give your puppy a safe place to go and let him go there if he wishes. A crate with the door open in a room where the noise is drowned out the most (a basement or bathroom), some soft classical music (www.throughadogsear.com) playing and their Kong will again help calm and also show puppies it really isnt that scary, it's a good thing! If your puppy isnt worried, do obedience training, play some scent games or just cuddle! All of those things will again help puppy learn that fireworks = fun. 4. DON'T forget the power of noisy toys! The kong wobbler, the nina ottosson pyramid and the premier magic mushroom make a TON of noise on tile and hardwood flooring. This can be a great way to drown out the fireworks, while using food to make your puppy feel wonderful about the whole ordeal! 5. DON'T leave your puppy alone with nothing to do, locked in a crate. Doing this can cause them to feel like the world is ending outside and they are all alone. It can panic them. Instead, plan on staying home with your puppy or designating someone in the household to stay and do the above steps with pup. If you must leave your puppy, make sure you give him plenty to do and in an area where the sounds will not be as severe with the music playing (www.throughadogsear.com) and if you can, check on him frequently to make sure he is coping well or to refill treat toys!  Finally - DON'T wait until it is too late to get help! Please contact a professional trainer to help you or answer questions if you have concerns either before or after the 4th. By helping your puppy have a fabulous time during fireworks, you are helping prevent him from fearing them in the future. It may mean you miss this years show, but it will be worth it! Plus, who wouldn't miss the fireworks for some puppy breath and a cuddle?? |
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Helen Nicholls, CPDT-KA, CDBC: Posted on Friday, June 24, 2011 8:13 PM
Just wanted to share these pictures of me working one of my dogs, Atlas while dancing around the room with my teething 11 month old daughter. This is a beautiful way to include the dog and baby in an activity together and help keep Atlas stimulated and my daughter occupied! It doesn't have to be weaving through legs or rollover either, if your dog will just do a simple sit or down, doing that around the room in different areas, to music, while holding your baby is a lot of fun! Keep in mind that it is helpful to TOSS the treat to your dog when doing this so they don't jump up for the food, and the name of the game is fun, so put on your favorite songs, get your dogs favorite goodies out and have a blast! Younger babies that are still in Moby Wraps or Bjorns may not be fully aware, but the rocking of your body to the music is soothing and your dog will be making some really wonderful associations with baby during this time. Just practicing the basic obedience is especially important with the added distraction of the music, the baby and your movements! |
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Helen Nicholls, CPDT-KA, CDBC: Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 6:58 PM
I got a great follow-up email from a client and wanted to share the results with you. Mainly because Samson (a young neutered male boxer) is a wonderful dog and his owners are dedicated, fantastic dog parents. They have kept up with all the training he has needed and it is really paying off! Samson had been in puppy classes from a young age, and is a typical boxer; goofy, loves his food, and lacks impulse control. He did very well in classes and when he hit adolscence, his owners continued to work with him through the ups and downs. Their concerns came when Samson began growling at them when they approached his food bowl and he was eating. They had played the "exchange game" with him and he did fine, but this seemed to be getting worse, and with a young child in the house, this couldn't continue. We scheduled a home visit to see what could be going on. When I arrived Samson greeted me with his usual goofy self, and after discussing some other areas that Samson still needed work on, including pushy behavior when the family watched T.V. at night, we began talking about the food bowl problem. I asked the family to show me where Samson was fed, with what bowl, and also asked them to get me out his food bag so I could show them the "food bowl game." I placed Samson's dish on the ground - a ceramic dish, about 6 inches wide - and left it there empty. Samson looked at me like I was nuts. He was obviously very interested in when the food was going to arrive. I took a small handful of his dinner, that was measured out in a cup, walked over to the dish and dropped a few bits of kibble in. It was then I noticed an immediate problem. Samson's dish was FAR too small for him. Because of his short, wide, and flat muzzle, getting any piece of food out of his small dish was torture, and he became extremely wound up trying to get the kibble out. It was fine when he was a puppy, but now as an adult it was too small, which also matched why the problem had seemingly suddenly appeared. Once he had finished the food, he looked at me with the "that's ALL I get" look, and I repeated the same exercise as before, going over and dropping a few bits of food in. I continued this game until he had eaten his whole meal. By the time I was on the last bit of food, when I walked over to his dish he was so pleased to see me you would have thought I was covered in peanut butter. His family was shocked. Usually when they placed all his kibble in at once he was tense and desperately trying to gulp down every morsel in one bite, and even if they walked by he got worried. This had slowed the process down for him and made me coming over to his dish a GOOD thing, not something to worry about. Me = more food! YEY! I told them to continue this exercise for the next week and then move onto the next steps of the game as he got better and we continued to work together. I also advised they up his meals a little to make him not as ravenous when he ate. My biggest advice to them that day however was the CHANGE the food dish. Samson's muzzle and the dish's size was making eating very difficult, and so he was very stressed and tense about eating. This is also a great example of how a HOME visit can make a huge difference in working on solving a dog's behavior problems. Being able to see the "dish" was very helpful. I got an email from Samson's family only a few days later regarding his improvements already, and I am thrilled with his progress so far. We still have work to do, but with patience, consistency, and a bigger dish, I think we are on the right track! :) "Helen, Just wanted to touch base with you. Wow, what a difference a game and dog dish makes. We upped his intake a bit and we play the dish game every time we feed him. It is to the point now where he stops eating altogether and follows us if we leave the room. Or, when we approach him he looks up at us and actually goes into a sit position as we put the food in his bowl. So weird. He is like a docile kitten. He even leaves food in his dish now and he used to gobble it all up so fast. We will always continue to play this game as it makes me feel good that he is actually docile, and also because I want to be sure he doesnt forget where the food comes from. " *PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOUR DOG IS DISPLAYING ANY FORM OF RESOURCE GUARDING YOU SHOULD CONTACT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINER FOR HELP. EVERY DOG AND EVERY CASE IS DIFFERENT AND THERE ARE MANY METHODS TO HELP MODIFY BEHAVIOR* |
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Helen Nicholls, CPDT-KA, CDBC: Posted on Thursday, April 07, 2011 8:30 PM
 We have all seen the images by Norman Rockwell of a boy and his dog playing happily together, and many of us have wonderful childhood memories of playing with our family dog. Kids and dogs living happily together is one of the sweetest sights to see, but there are a few things you must remember as a parent when letting your child interact with the family dog (or any dog) safely. Firstly, supervision is vital. Dogs have a tolerance level just like we do, and kids sometimes don't always recognize when they are pushing a dog too much or making them uncomfortable. Some dogs have a very high tolerance level, and others do not. It is your job as a parent, and as a dog owner, to monitor and supervise your dog and young child all the time. I have seen the consequences of this rule being broken far too many times to ever say that it is flexible. The bottom line is to never leave them unattended together. If you have to leave the room, have your dog follow you, or put him in his crate or a gated off room where he will be safe. You cannot be too careful, and although it seems tedious at first, it will soon become a habit that you, your dog, and your child will be happy with. Educate yourself and your kids on dog body language and signs that your dog may be uncomfortable. A great resource is doggonesafe.com, which has pictures you can download and show your kids! You can even put them on the fridge as a reminder. Talk to them about why it is so important to know these signs not only with the family dog, but with dogs at their friends houses, who may not tolerate some situations the way their own dog does. The more you know what to look for, the more you can prevent circumstances that could end badly. Also, teach your kids to play safe when they do interact with the dog. Show them fun games like fetch, or hide and seek (supervised of course) that both they and your dog with love! If you feel you need help learning canine body  language, or other tips, call your local trainer and have them visit the house for a mini class with the kids. Surprisingly, kids love to learn about what to look for and even start telling you what you are doing wrong! Knowing your dogs limits is also crucial. Once you have learned about dog body language, and have started seeing signals that your dog may be uncomfortable when your child grabs their paws for example, you must take action and intervene. The more a dog realizes that his signals are not being heard, the more likely it is he will move to other clearer signals, like growling, snapping, or biting. He is doing his job by trying to communicate, and you must do yours and listen to what he is saying. Kids that are very young don't always understand, so helping your dog by removing them from the situation and providing relief will make him feel much happier and more confident that you have everything under control. Understand that just because your dog doesn't want to be a furry climbing frame, it doesn't mean he is a bad dog! Finally, get help when you need it. If you are concerned about your dogs behavior around your child, do not wait until there is an incident before contacting a professional for help. There are many steps you can take to help increase your dogs tolerance with kids and it is imperative you start the work before your dog crosses a line that many parents cannot forgive. Talk with your vet or consult a qualified local trainer to get tips, resources and help. When your dog and child live happily together with mutual respect for each other, you are creating a relationship and memories that will last a lifetime. |
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Helen Nicholls, CPDT-KA, CDBC: Posted on Wednesday, March 09, 2011 7:33 PM
So many new and exciting things are happening with NMBDT this year and here are a couple that are starting right away. Many more to come but I can't quite blow the secret yet! :)  I am thrilled and honored to be the new Assistant Director to The Family Paws Programs, Dogs and Storks and Dog and Baby Connections. These international programs are designed to increase awareness and promote safety and  harmony for both expectant families with dogs and families with young children and dogs. I am very passionate about these programs and working side by side with their creator Jen Shryock is a fantastic opportunity and a dream come true!  NMBDT is all about preventing bad behaviors before they even start. That is why Helen Nicholls has paired up with Russell Animal Hospital to offer a groundbreaking program that will help new puppy owners get off on the right paw with their new pup! Every new puppy that is seen at Russell for vaccines will automatically get a complimentary 30 minute consult (at a different time and date) with me to help address any initial concerns they may have, talk about proper socialization, positive training methods and so much more! This program has been long in the making and is finally starting this month. Every consult will be custom fit to that puppy and his individual needs.  The consult will be held at Russell. The goal is to help new puppy owners get informative, helpful tips that will guide them through the confusing, sometimes frustrating, but always fun job of raising a puppy. It will not replace a training class, but will help get owners and puppies started on the right paw until they can get into a class. This service will hopefully expand to adult rescues too! Please contact me for more information on this program. Keep your eyes peeled for more exciting news from NMBDT and as always, happy training! |
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Helen Nicholls, CPDT-KA, CDBC: Posted on Monday, March 07, 2011 4:15 PM
Life is getting harder and harder for dogs. They are being forced out of public places, locked away, and even euthanized because of one thing, us. We are the sole reason for so many bad things happening to dogs, and if we all changed a few aspects in our lives with our dogs, maybe life would get a little easier for them. Training, owner-education, management, and responsibility are the answer to having a society that co-exists happily with dogs.  Training a dog takes work, believe me, I do it every day with some very naughty dogs. However, I do know this - that it can be done. Training your dog should be the most important priority next to getting proper vet care. Learning how to communicate with your dog in an effective and positive way sets you and your dog up for a lifetime of success. Not only that, but training opens doors to your dogs mind, and gives him something to do rather than destroy new shoes! It should start the second you bring your new puppy or dog home, and should not end with one set of classes. You should try to always be teaching your dog something new, like a fun trick. Not only will your friends be impressed, your dog will have mental stimulation and a strong bond with you.  Owner education sort of goes along with training our dogs, but as many of my clients say, "it's really more about training people than it is training dogs." That is exactly right. As a dog owner, I not only need to train my dogs, but I need to understand why I am training them, and why what I am doing works. If every dog owner knew why their dogs do what they do, and how to effectively communicate with them and help them, so many dogs would be saved. Owners also need to be aware of their dogs psychological and physical development, so that they understand why puppies need puppy classes, or why they chew everything in sight for the first few months of life. Talk with local trainers, ask your vet, and read dog training books by qualified professionals in the field! Management and responsibility can be any number of things when it comes to dog ownership, but it basically means, keep your dog and other people safe. Do not let your dog off leash in areas that aren't designated or permitted. Pick up after your dog when they go to the bathroom on your neighbor's lawn. Make sure your dog is up to date with vaccines and medical care. Sounds simple, but it's amazing how many people don't do it, which brings me to my final point.  If all of us dog owners and lovers did even a small part of some of the things mentioned here, dogs may not have to die every day because of our mistakes. Being a good representation of a responsible dog owner is the best thing you can do for your dog because it shows that dogs can and do mesh well in society. If every dog owner picked up after their dog, there may be more public areas for them to play. If every dog owner got their dog proper training and learned how to communicate with them appropriately and without violence, there may be less dogs being euthanized for bad behavior. Making the world a better place for dogs and for dog owners is up to us, and it's about time that we got started trying to show people how great dogs can be! |
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Helen Nicholls, CPDT-KA, CDBC: Posted on Monday, February 28, 2011 6:01 PM
I had a thought this morning after receiving an email from a past client, thanking me for my help when she and her family came to the conclusion that the dog they had adopted did not fit into their family. I realized that I really should address something that many trainers may think of as career suicide - the fact that some cases don't or can't always be fixed. Here is what she wrote -  "Hi Helen! It was so nice to see you at For Love of Animals! I can never express how much it meant to us to have you helping us with Toby and supporting us when we realized we could not keep him. That has to be one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make and I cannot thank you enough for being there for us. People do need to see both sides and know that sometimes it is ok to let go, when you have tried hard and done the right things. It doesn't make it easier, but helps to know others have gone thru it and been glad with their efforts and decision. I think it helps to know there are trainers out there who won't force you into making the wrong decision for you, but will work with you and help you, no matter how things go. That was huge for me-that you did not make me feel inadequate, like a quitter, or like a fickle pet owner who simply changed her mind when the going got rough. That was truly a fear of mine, that you would look at me and say "You took him, now you deal with him." I don't know that I could have! The jumping, the anxiety, the hyperness, yes, I could deal. It was his behavior toward my kiddo that I could not deal with. How on earth would I  have felt if he bit her in the face because I could not let go??? So, yeah I am rambling and I am sorry, but thank you so much and if using our story helps others, go for it!!!!!
We would recommend you to anyone, we have recommended you, in fact, based on the help you gave us. Thank you for what you did for us!!!!
Thanks for your email, your support and what you do for our lovable dogs!!!! You are appreciated! Hope to see you again sometime, God bless, Margaret" The media, and certain TV shows can make many people think that with the wave of a magic wand, a couple of simple tasks, and in around 30 minutes, PRESTO, their family dog is fixed 100%. The truth is, this is far from a reality. Modifying a dog's behavior takes lots of patience, consistency, and effort from all parties involved. Most times the results are wonderful, but I would be lying if I said that all cases have a happy ending where dog and family live together in peace and harmony. Is it often? No. But it does happen. Either due to the fact that the dog's behavior is not compatible with the family it lives with, or because the family's lifestyle does not support the type of behavior modifcation required to have both dog and family live in harmony. The behavior problem can vary from aggression to anxiety to simply that the dog has more energy than the family can cope with at this time. My job as a trainer is not to pass judgement on why the family is making this choice, or make a family feel like they have failed; it is to help find an appropriate solution to these cases that both dog and family feel comfortable with, because (as I tell the clients) I don't have to live in the situation - they do. As a side note, Toby is doing great in his new home, and although he still has some of his quirks, he is in a situation and living enviroment that his new owners can help work with him and manage it as needed. Thus setting Toby up for success and not failure, which is the most important thing of all. I also want to thank Margaret and her family for being brave enough to allow me to share their story. Although it isn't what most people would label a "happy ending" I think it is pretty close, because both dog and people are happy and stable, and that is what it's all about. |
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Helen Nicholls, CPDT-KA, CDBC: Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 8:44 PM
 My husband took this picture of myself, my 7 month old daughter, and one of our dogs Atlas on a stroll this afternoon. It's a great photo of the three of us, but looking at it reminded me of how hard both my husband and I worked to get to this point. As a licensed Dogs and Storks presenter, and as a Licensed Dog and Baby Connections presenter, I educate expecting families on how to help prepare their dog for the arrival of a baby. I also assist families after the birth in helping the dog adjust through the many stages of development babies and young children go through. Teaching proper supervision techniques, body language, and management skills that are imperative in helping both dog and baby grow up together safely and happily. I had to employ these skills with my three dogs in my own family through my pregnancy and now through the development of my daughter as she grows from a tiny newborn to a toddler. The amount of work it took to get Atlas to walk on a leash next to the stroller and be able to withstand distractions was no easy task. It is these minor everyday adjustments that the dog will have to make that many families do not think of and sometimes struggle with after the baby is born. Dogs that chase, dogs that bark, dogs that like to constantly be in your lap... these all seem fine and livable (and to some owners even funny) until a baby is in the house. The proof is in the pudding as they say. The hard work that we have done and still do everyday is making raising a baby with dogs an absolute joy. There are certainly challenges, but knowing how to work through them appropriately and safely is crucially important. It takes work, but it can be done and it is so worth it! I can't wait to see what the future will bring and hope that one day it will be my daughter educating people on building lasting relationships with dogs based on trust, respect, and friendship. If you or someone you know is pregnant, has a baby or young child, and needs advice on how to help prepare their dog for their new baby, please contact me via email or phone! I would be delighted to help! Please visit my Dogs and Storks page for more information or call for upcoming workshop dates. |
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Helen Nicholls, CPDT-KA, CDBC: Posted on Monday, February 21, 2011 5:19 PM
 The hardest time of year for dogs has to be winter. It's cold, it's icy, and we humans can't stand the thought of going for a 2 mile walk with our dog when the wind chill is so cold your eyes freeze over. Dogs end up sitting indoors desperate for some way to release their pent up energy, and we usually find that they do it by chewing, barking, running madly throughout the house, or generally being much pushier for attention than usual. What's worse is when you finally do decide to take your beloved dog out for a walk, he is so excited and full of beans, that you run the risk of ending up in a full body cast from being dragged in the snow and ice. Well, here are some tips to help you and your furry friend survive until spring. Firstly, get the right tools to walk your dog with. If your dog is a puller already, it will be very dangerous to walk him on icy roads and sidewalks. Although a leash a collar might be fine for general control, it is not the best tool for getting an immediate handle on the pulling and giving you some control back while on your walk. There are many different tools made now to reduce pulling dogs, like the Gentle Leader or Easy Walk Harness by Premier. Both aid in giving you quick control over your dog safely. There are other tools out there too, and I suggest researching and finding the right one for your dog. If you don't know where to start, ask at your local pet store, and consult your veterinarian or trainer. I also highly suggest taking a class or meeting with a trainer to work on loose leash walking to help you and your dog enjoy walking together! Next, there's what to do inside the house on those days that are impossible to go out in. Games like tug of war, hide and seek, or fetch are great options for you and your dog to play when you are both struck with cabin fever. Tug of war is simple, but should be controlled, and broken up with mini obedience sessions in between. Hide and seek is a great game for families and couples. Have someone in the house go hide in a room behind a bed or chair with a great treat or toy, and call the dog. The other person then encourages the dog to go find them and when the dog does, he gets a big reward. Then start over with the other person. Gradually hide in harder places to find, like in closets. This will also really help your recall too! Fetch is easy, but some dogs just aren't into it. However, you can toss low calorie treats, like cheerios, down a long hallway for your dog to chase and eat. A few reps of that usually tires them out a little. Furthermore, remember to have some interactive toys, like Kongs, on rotation to give your dog something to do! Fill your Kong with wet dog food and freeze it, or use healthy leftovers mixed with dry kibble. You can also get creative with your dog and take an old empty milk jug, poke some holes in it and put some kibble in that for him to work on. The point is, anything that relieves him of boredom is going to relieve you too. However, I will make a point to mention that if you are going to be giving your dog a treat filled toys, and he will not be getting as much exercise, you can use his regular meal rations mixed in with the treats or cut back on his daily food, so he does not put weight on during the winter.  If all else fails, and you are at your wits end, enroll your dog in doggie daycare or hire a dog walker to get you through the season. It doesn't have to be every day, but just a couple of times per week can make a world of difference in your dogs demeanor, because they are getting the exercise they so desperately need! |
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