Pit Bulls, Poodles, Pointers, and Pugs: How to Choose a Family Dog

2007-08-08T07:00:00Z

Wellness.com - Pit Bulls, Poodles, Pointers, and Pugs: How to Choose a Family Dog by Colleen Pelar

I once loved a pit bull named Cheeseburger. He was big and strong, silly and social. He was wonderful with four kids he lived with.

As a dog trainer, I am often asked what breed is best for families. Unfortunately it's not a simple question.

Look beyond breed when choosing a dog. Do all pit bulls make good family pets? No. But some do. Similarly not all golden retrievers enjoy living with kids, but some do.

It's not about breed; it's about behavior.

The vital characteristic for a good family dog is a strong social drive. Choose a dog that loves people, not just tolerates them.

How can you tell? When you first meet a dog or puppy, stay still for 60 seconds and wait to see if the dog initiates social contact with you. Count the number of times the dog makes 2 seconds of gentle, physical contact with you. The more, the better.

Try stroking the dog's back three times, pausing briefly between strokes. Does the dog move closer and make gentle contact again? Next talk to the dog for 20 seconds before stopping abruptly. Does the dog try to get you to "wake up?"

The best family dogs will do more than meet us in the middle. They really enjoy being with people. Cheeseburger was a great family dog. By focusing on sociability, you can find a wonderful dog for your family too.

- Colleen Pelar, www.LivingWithKidsandDogs.com

Don't Scare a Dog in the Name of Training

2007-07-09T21:21:20Z

Wellness.com - Don't Scare a Dog in the Name of Training by Colleen Pelar

by Colleen Pelar

The Dog Whisperer show is the canine version of Fear Factor, but the dogs are not willing participants.

Many canine behavior problems are rooted in fear. These problems respond best to positive-reinforcement training methods, not forceful handling that suppresses behavior.

The dogs on The Dog Whisperer gave no informed consent, yet they are subjected to forceful "treatment" of their fears. The techniques shown don't teach the dog what to do in a given situation; they simply suppress the dog's outward expression of his fear.

An anxious dog may bark and lunge to keep other dogs at a distance. If I become even scarier than the other dogs, by yanking on a choke chain, yelling, physically forcing him to lie down, or pinching at him,I can temporarily suppress the dog's lunging. Yet I haven't helped the dog. He's still afraid. Now he's afraid of other dogs . . . and of me.

This looks good for TV, a miracle cure! A trainer who has no relationship with the dog can accomplish behavioral suppression quickly. The results, however, don't last.

Watch the show with the volume off. Canine stress signals are everywhere. The dogs start out uncomfortable and look worse after the training. They watch the trainer carefully, but they don't come up for a quick cuddle or to initiate a game. Is this the relationship you want with your dog?

I guess good behavior modification techniques don't make exciting TV. However, wonderful trainers all over the country train dogs in ways that don't make the dogs feel like they are on Fear Factor. Man's best friend deserves to be trained with your brain, not fear or pain.

Colleen Pelar, www.livingwithkidsanddogs.com

Wellness Posts by Colleen Pelar

Pit Bulls, Poodles, Pointers, and Pugs: How to Choose a Family Dog

Don't Scare a Dog in the Name of Training