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When Caring Hearts Rescue takes in a new rescue dog, there's a lot to consider when it comes to the proper care of our newest furry member. One of the first things we assess is the medical condition of our newest rescued dog. A visit to the vet gives us a clearer understanding of the pet's medical needs. If extended medical attention is needed, the pet undergoes tests to give us a diagnosis and a treatment plan. 

 

But what if there is a behavioral issue with our newest rescue dog? When it comes to understanding

and treating behavioral issues in dogs, it's a lot more complicated to get a clear diagnosis to help treat

the problem. That's because the science behind understanding canine behavioral problems is relatively new. 

Most of us just deal with behavioral issues that come up by talking to our vet or friends with dogs to get their

opinion on how to fix the problem. Quite often, though, the behavioral problems get worse or just stay the same

as time passes. That's because so much of the available information on dog training revolves around the

old-school correction-type dog training. Getting to the root of the behavioral issues is never addressed.

 

The most successful dog training that follows the most current science-based studies on canine behavior

is based on positive reinforcement and is known as positive dog training.

 

What is positive training?

 

Positive reinforcement in dog training can be described as using rewards to motivate your dog into

repeating good behavior. Scientific research on canine behaviors is on the increase and we're seeing that

positive training is producing desirable behaviors in our pets while the old-school training--which uses

intimidation and physical punishment--is not successful.     

 

Key points about positive training:

 

1. It avoids punitive training techniques that can bring long-term harm to your pet. Physical punishment,electric shocks, and screaming at your pet not only does not work in the long term, but it can actually cause a negative "ripple effect" on your pet's behavior that can last for the life of your pet. Using positive techniques can fix or reduce the bad behaviors in the long run.   

2. It will help you understand why your pet is exhibiting the unwanted behavior(s). People go to a psychologist to understand their own emotions and behavioral issues, so understanding the science behind certain canine behaviors is enlightening and rewarding to pet parents.    

3. Fosters a better relationship between you and your pet.

 

By following the techniques and philosophies behind positive training, you will be less frustrated and the result will be a more loving and calm relationship with your pet. 

 

How Caring Hearts Rescue is implementing positive dog training:

 

Positive training is much safer, more humane, and more effective than most old-school training methods commonly used. For this reason, CHR has chosen to follow this model when it comes to training our rescued dogs transition into their new home. Because we want to ensure that each adoption is a success, CHR has begun implementing positive training in the following ways:

 

1. Dogs that are new to the rescue are evaluated by our positive dog trainer and potential problem behaviors are noted.

2. Foster parents are provided ongoing written and oral guidance on how to address the problem behavior(s) while the dog is in their care. By tackling potential problem behaviors or emotional issues while the dog is still in foster care, we are hoping to reduce or eliminate problems that may arise when the dog transitions to its permanent home.

3. Adopters are offered training to continue the behavioral support that was started in the foster home and to address any new issues that come up in the adoptive home.  CHR dogs with more involved behavioral issues are required to get a positive counseling session with a trainer provided by CHR.  This not only helps the adopter, but also the adopted dog so the transition into the new home is less stressful. Check out our most recent behavioral case Snickers adopted in May 2015 by clicking here.  

4. A new CHR dog training program will provide past adopters of CHR and other Animal Rescue organizations with positive dog training.