Dog Video Index

Index to Finding Dog Videos on my Youtube Channels:

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Here is a collection of free how to videos for training dogs using positive (force free) approaches to do basic behaviors, tricks, dog sports and service dog tasks. 

There are also videos on training principles and applications, natural history of dogs, husbandry (care and play), improving your observation skills and more. Stay tuned as more video are added all the time!

Please share them with others who can benefit from them. CC means the video have been closed captioned for the hearing impaired and non-native English speakers.

Getting Started in Clicker Training
Dog Training Made Easy 
Basic Clicker Training Equipment
Getting Started with Clicker Training CC
Capturing a Sit
Adding a Cue to a New Behavior (sit example) CC
Proofing A Cue for Handler Position etc CC
Life Skill: Self Control, Leave it or Zen 
Capturing Eye Contact CC
Teaching a Nose Target
Shaping a Paw Target from a Nose Target 
Basic Paw Target Work the Clock
Adding Distance to a Paw Target (and other behaviors)
Adding Duration to a Behavior
Praise vs Marker Word
Generalizing Eye Contact
Three Ways to Increase Value of Kibble for Training
Teaching Take & Give CC
Shaping a Hold with Tugging CC
Leash Handling Skills 

Training Concepts

Baiting, Luring & Rewarding CC
Using Food Tubes CC NEW!
Training Triangle (Building Reinforcement History for Success) CC
Lumping and Splitting Criteria CC
Counter Conditioning Desensitization, & Aversive Counter Conditioning CC
Counter Conditioning the Clicker CC (but clicks not marked)
Trigger Stacking & Stress Hormones
Training with Opposites CC
Opposition Reflex
Ian Dunbar on using Classical Conditioning to Overcome Fear CC
Does Your Dog Understand a Verbal Cue? CC
Putting an Unwanted Behavior under Stimulus Control CC
Stimulus Control "The No" Part 2

Habits of Effective Clicker Trainers
Part 1 Using Rewards CC
Part 2 Timing CC
Part 3 Criteria CC
Part 4 Trainer Focus

Clicker Training Puppies
5 week old Puppies Sit
7.5 Week old Puppies Leave it CC
Socializing a Puppy to Potentially Scary Objects CC

Impulse Control Behaviors
Leave it or Zen 
Self Control Through Doorways 1 dog
Self Control Through Doorways 2 dogs
Stimulus Control: Putting A Unwanted Behavior on Cue Part 1
Stimulus Control "The No" Part 2 NEW!

Training Recall
Part 1 Capturing the Check in CC
Shaping a Recall Part 2
Part 3 Resisting Distractions CC
Part 4 Premack Principle

Dog Care nail clipping, feeding, toys etc
Crate Training Tips CC
Is Your Dog Scared of Having her Nails Clipped?
Teeth Brushing: Teaching a Dog to Be Comfortable CC 
Raw Feeding for Dogs Part 1 Introduction
Raw Feeding Part 2 Myths and Facts
Cheap Durable Squeaky Toys!
3 Great Toys for Dogs
Free Tug Toys You Can Make CC
3 Toys from Garden Hose
4 Tips to Getting Your Dog to Take Pills CC
Front Leg Protection: dogs with surgery/injuries CC NEW!
20 Activities for Dogs on Crate Rest for injury, TPLO surgery, Heartworm Treatment etc CC
Exercise and Dogs: How Much is Enough? CC
Interrupting Dog to Dog Play: Teaching Enough 

Sue Ailsbys OLD Training Levels (an excellent program to train your dog through to teach both you and the dog the basics of clicker training.  See her web-site for more information.)

Level 1 Come, down, sit, nose target, zen (leave it) CC
Level 2 Part A Distance (around), Down, Go Mat, Handling, Sit, Stand, (stick) Target, Watch, Zen CC
Level 2 Part B Sit stay, down stay, stand stay, come, leash manners, crate, trick CC
Level 3 Part A Crate, go bed, down stay, sit stay, front, finish, heel, retrieve, shaped trick (shut the door), target, contact CC
Level 3 Part B  Stand stay, sit at 10 feet, down at 10 feet, watch, distance (around) at 4 feet, stand, loose leash, handling (pee on cue), scenting CC


General Training Principles & Approaches
Jessie Learns by Mimicry
Chaining (forward)Behaviors
Chaining Multiples of a Behavior
Back Chaining
4 Ways to Add Distance to a Behavior
Shaping a Paw Target from a Nose Target
Chaining a Paw-Sit for Send outs
Does Your Dog REALLY Understand a Verbal Cue? CC
Putting an Unwanted Behavior Under Stimulus Control CC
Teaching a Dog to Follow a Finger Point CC 
Teaching Opposites to Dogs CC

Recall
Capturing the Check in Part 1
Shaping the Recall Part 2
Distractions Part 3
Premacking Part 4

Retrieve
Bird Dog Retrieve to Hand part 1 CC
Bird Dog Retrieve to Hand Part 2 CC
Secrets of Teach a Hot Dog Retrieve Part 1
Hot Dog Retrieve Part 2
Hot Dog Retrieve Part 3
Newspaper Retrieve with Verbal Cue Only
Newspaper Retrieve Part 2
Unloading the Dryer Part 1 (Put Your Toys Away)
Unloading Dryer Part 2
Unloading Dryer Part 3
Unloading the Dryer Part 4 
Unloading Dryer Part 5
Dumbbell Retrieve
Dumbbell Over 2 Hurdles
Picking up Small Objects
Dog Dish Retrieve
Plastic Dish Retrieve

Preparing for the Competition Ring
Introducing a Dog to Ring Gates: Desensitization
Building Focus in the Ring
Focussed Ring Gate Entries and Exits
Rear End Awareness

Rally Obedience training
CKC Rally O Trial
Proofing Eye Contact heeling on uneven surface
Rally O Practice
CARO Course 1 Lucy For Exhibition Only
CARO Course 2 Lucy First CARO Qualifying run (Q)
CARO Course 3 Lucy Second CARO Q
Level 1 Course Lucy First Q in Cyber Rally
Level 1 Course Lucy Second Q in Cyber Rally
Level 1 Course Jessie (her first Q ever!)
Pivots and Turns Tutorial

CARO Novice Moves (Canadian Association of Rally Obedience)
1. weave once
2. halt sit stand
3. halt sit down
4. halt sit down sit
5. halt sit walk around
6. sit down walk around
7. right turn
8. left turn
9. about turn right
10. about U turn left
11. 270 right turn
12. 270 degree left turn
13. 360 degree right turn
14. 360 degree left turn
15. call front forward right
16. call front forward left
17. call front finish right
18. call front finish left
19. slow 20. fast 21. normal pace
22. halt side step right halt
23. 90 degree pivot right
24. 90 degree pivot left-tutorial
25. spiral right dog outside
26. spiral right dog inside
27. halt 1, 2, 3 steps forward
28. halt right turn 1 step halt
29. straight figure 8

CARO Advanced Level
44. Moving Down Around CC

CARO Working level
Barrel Racing

Agility
Clicker Training the Agility Teeter Totter
Shaping the Tunnel
Forest Agility
Lawn Chair Games
Cat House & Tunnel
Bench Jumping
Vacant Lot Agility
12 Weave Poles
Barrel Racing as preparation for front crosses

Treibball
Basics of Treibball CC
Treibball Practice in the House CC
Dog Learns Treibball
Nose Touch
Basic Nose Touch with Ball Biter
Shaping a Paw Target from a Nose Target
Send Outs Behind Ball
3 Tips for Playing Treibball
Handling Skill Games
Intermediate Treibball Practice
How to Make a Treibball Holder

Scenting
Muffin Tin Game CC
Shell Game CC
Observing On and Off Scent Trail
Trailing a Person
Scenting Glove in the Snow
Scent Fun with a Blanket
Scent  Hurdle Training
See also Scenting under Assistance Dog Tasks

Tricks
Dualing Dogs -Collection of Tricks Comparison of 2 Dog Styles
Ladder Walking CC
Ring Toss
Leg Weave CC 
Cover Your Eyes
Advanced Tricks
Get in the Suitcase
Stop, Drop & Roll
Your Feet on Mine
Getting Started with Skateboarding CC
How to Teach Your Dog to Skip Rope CC
Equipment for Dog Jump Rope
Turn & Backing Between Legs-Freestyle move CC

Observation Skills
Dog Play Techniques
Calming Signals During Training
Dog Gait Observation: Single Tracking Dogs Searching for Toy
Observe Lucy as she explores the house for the first time and plays with Jessie
CKC Rally Obedience Trial-Where are the points lost?
Scenting at Table
Compare and Contrast 2 dogs Skipping
Dog Language: A Pat on the Head  CC (on screen)

Techniques to Use with Fearful/Reactive/Aggressive Dogs
Counter Conditioning the Clicker CC (but clicks not marked)
BAT Behavioral Adjustment Training for Fear of Bicycle
Teaching Look at That (LAT) Game
Making a BAT Decoy Dog
Ian Dunbar on using Classical Conditioning to Overcome Fear CC
Leash Skills for Clicker Training 
Leash Walking Techniques for Aggressive, Reactive or Overexcited Dogs
Using Shaping and targeting to Overcome fear in Dogs Part 1
Using Shaping and targeting to overcome fear in Dogs Part 2 Adding Sound

Assistance Dog Tasks

Body Targeting
Out of Harms Way Protecting Your Service Dog  
Shaping a Shoulder Target
Backing into Small Spaces (seat on busses and places)
Part 2 Backing into Small Spaces 

Pulling Tasks
Tugging Part 1 CC
Tugging Part 2 CC
Pulling Up Blinds Part 1 CC
Pulling up Blinds Part 2 CC
Zipper Pull CC
Zipper Pulling Up CC
Zipper Pulling Down 

Pushing Tasks
Pushing Door Part 1 CC
Pushing the Door Part 2 CC

Assistance  Dog Retrieve
Teaching a Nose Touch
Touching Different Objects CC 
Teaching Take and Give
Teaching Hold with Tugging CC
Generalizing a Hold CC
Fine Tuning the "Take" CC

Light Switches
Shaping Explained Part 1 CC
Part 2 CC
Off and On with Extension CC

Sound & Other Medical Alerts (Diabetes, Alzheimers etc)
One Way Alert CC
Two Way Alert CC

Wheelchair Skills & Tasks
Part 1 CC
Part 2 CC

Unloading the Dryer Part 1 (Put Your Toys Away)
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4 
Part 5 

Scenting
Pairing Alert Behavior with the Scent CC
Putting Sniff on Cue CC
Introducing Containers CC
Scent Remedial Training CC
Making a Scent Training Wheel CC
Introducing a Scent Training Wheel to a Dog CC
Using the Scent Wheel to Add Distractions CC
Beginning the Search part A i CC
Beginning the Search Part A ii
Beginning the Search Part B
Height of Scent Part 1
Height of Scent Part 2
Scent Dilution Process

Yard Search Part 1
Yard Search Part 2 Adding Height
Blind Scent Finds and Indication
Scenting for the First Time in a Public Washroom

Equipment
Quick Release Adjustable Leashes

Other
Making a Watercolor Portrait of Your Dog
Multimedia Portrait of a HorseIan Dunbar Using Classical Conditioning to Overcome Fear

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Doggone Safe Coordinator Tonji Stewart Wins Video Contest

We are thrilled to announce that Doggone Safe Eastern Canada Coordinator Tonji Stewart was the co-grand prize winner of the Canis Film Festival. The award was presented at Clicker Expo in Chicago on the weekend. This is an international video contest for clicker trainers and the videos must demonstrate how to teach something using clicker training. The videos are judged on entertainment and teaching value and the winners must demonstrate excellence in the application of clicker training principles in training.

We are very proud of Tonjis accomplishment and her efforts to promote force free training methods that are safe for kids and dogs.

Click here to listen to an interview with Tonji on CBC radio

Click here to see all the winning videos

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How to Help Your Child Emotionally After a Dog Bite

Child psychiatrist Dr. R. Larry Schmitt has been very concerned about the welfare of dog bitten children. Dr. Schmitt has been very helpful to Doggone Safe and to dog bite victims by providing us with information for parents and for spreading the word in the medical community about the importance of emotional support and counseling for dog bite victims.

The typical dog bite on a child hits them at or above their shoulders. Such attacks equate to that of a bear attack on an adult, in terms of the shock, overwhelming fear and residual stress. The emotional impact on the child and the adult is huge. The difference is the adult will talk about their experience until the day they can no longer speak. The child will not talk about it and greatly needs to. This is because the child sees the sad faces of his parents anytime the topic comes up. They remain silent to save their parents from additional grief. So the child keeps this emotion load locked up in his mind. Parents must repeatedly encourage and allow their child to talk about the accident and their feelings.

R. Larry Schmitt, M.D. Child Psychiatrist

Read more in a article by Dr. Schmitt published in the journal Contemporary Pediatrics.

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions from parents supplied by Dr Schmitt and published at the Doggone Safe website:

How soon after the incident should I start talking to my child about it? 

Immediately! It is important to completely avoid making any comments about your own feelings other than to express your regret that it happened.

How many times per day should we talk about it? 

For the first few days at least twice a day followed by once a day for the following three weeks.

For how long after the incident should we keep talking about it?

Depending on the degree of fright and injury, until the parental waves of guilt are close to flat and/or the child shows easy emotion, not suppressed or keyed up emotion when it is discussed.

What if my child starts to cry? 

Try saying something like, “Wow, I see it really hurts/frightens/upsets you. It is so good for you to let me see how you feel about the dog biting you.”

What if my child withdraws or becomes irritated and refuses to talk? 

This is very likely a sign that it may be time for trauma counseling with a mental health expert.  Say to the child, "Are you worried about how talking about it makes me feel?  If you are, please understand that I am a grown-up and can handle such feelings of being sad because you were injured. This will help you to look at all the feelings that came from that dog attack.”

What if my child insists that he is fine and doesnt want to talk about it anymore?

Reply to the child, “That may be right". (This is true if the parent notes that it has been discussed a great deal with a noticeable decrease in affect/emotion). Then say  “I want to think about it some more.”  Later, if the child still seems reluctant to talk and bothered by the topic,” I notice that any mention of it finds your face changing as if it still hurts.”  “How about drawing a picture of the dog attack scene, before, during and after?”

What kinds of questions or statements can I use to engage my child in a conversation?

In an intact family, observing  parents conversing with each other about the accident and making gentle guesses about how the child thinks and feels about the attack. “I still think about the day when the dog hurt and scared you, do you?”  “Sometimes I feel really mad about that dog biting you.”  “I saw a dog barking at me when I was jogging today. I remembered what happened to you and was scared when the dog barked!”

With teenagers, whose skills in talking about a dog attack are probably closer to that of an adult you might say something like:  “What do your friends say about the dog attack?”;  “How many others at your school have been bitten by dogs?”; “ If you find you are dreaming about the attack or thinking about it a lot and you do not want to, consider this paradox, that talking about it with anyone will reduce such dreams and thoughts.”

What are the signs that my child needs professional help? 

The big ones are decreased success at school, (both socially and academically), lack of pleasure from past enjoyments, and early resistance to speak about the attack. Watch for dog phobia, avoidance of other animals, or the appearance of other new fears and anxieties.

When in doubt seek a mental health consultation and if the parents have doubts about the recommendations/conclusions of that first consultant, seek a second opinion.  Consider an analogous  situation with a post-surgical issue.  The surgeon says they think an abscess developed out of sight with minimal symptoms that if ignored will cause problems later.  Of course, with an x-ray or digital exam it may be evident.   A competent child mental health expert can be expected to probe in an interview and demonstrate an emotional abscess.

What should I look for in a mental health professional?

First, one who works with children; second, one with at least a five-year record in the field; third, a referral from a trusted mental health professional, and most of all, one with whom the parent feels comfortable. I prefer one who works with the child and parents together and spends less time with the child individually. In other words, family oriented therapy.

How do we know when to stop the therapy? 

This obviously varies with the severity, both physical and emotional, of the injury. Assuming the child and family have a positive relationship with a competent therapist, the therapist should suggest when to stop. If the parents are concerned that it is going on too long they should suggest a hiatus of four to eight weeks, observe the child during that time and return for termination in the absence of symptoms. In the typical situation, success comes early, with promoting the child and family to discuss all aspects of the attack and its potential residuals. (2-6 sessions).

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Positive Pet Training Blog Hop Active Dogs Parkour and Stretching and Conditioning Equipment Oh My!

Hey, everyone!

Thank you so much for all the wonderful, kind, and supportive comments on our new addition! Rule, as she has been christened, says thank you.

Today Im participating in the Positive Pet Training Blog Hop, hosted by Rubicon Days, Tenacious Little Terrier, and Cascadian Nomads. Januarys theme is "National Train You Dog Month", and as always, any positive-based training posts are accepted.


I debated on doing a sort of "Plans for 2016" training post, but quickly dropped the idea in favor of something Ive been really enjoying lately, and something that I feel is invaluable to those of us with active dogs, or any dogs, really!

Whats that, you ask? Fitness, and how to keep your dogs body strong and healthy!

2015 was my year of getting fit and healthy. I quit sugar in late December of 2014, and aside from yogurt, peanut butter, and natural sugars like fruit and honey, havent had any since then. Ive kept up with yoga 4-7 days a week. I started running and walking, and have been consistently doing 5 to 10 miles a day. I quit gluten, Im careful with getting enough sleep, and eat incredibly healthy.

I had one small cold in October, but was otherwise 100% healthy. In the years before, Id be sick 5+ times a year. My moods are stable, my skin is clear for the first time in my life, I feel amazing, and I am so happy. I cant imagine its much different for our dogs!

Having a fit and healthy dog has always been a top priority of mine. The vast majority of dachshund owners do not exercise their dogs, leading to overweight dogs and more back problems than you can shake a stick at. I refuse to have that for my Doxie girls, or Pike or Rule. Aside from a good diet, exercise is one of the best tools for a healthy dog. These are some simple, fun training activities you can do with your dog to help increase strength, balance, flexibility, and overall stamina.

Disclaimer: Know thy dog. These exercises are preformed by young, healthy dogs with no medical problems. Be careful!

Parkour

Something Ive become a little obsessed with lately is Parkour for dogs, or "Barkour", as it is sometimes called. Parkour training is a way of using your environment as an obstacle course, involving climbing, jumping, running, vaulting, ect. Its the same thing for dogs! 

I like it because you dont need any fancy equipment (Im cheap!), and anywhere you go can offer different challenges for you and your dog. Everything from trees to fences to picnic tables to playgrounds can be used! You can even earn titles in the sport from The International Dog Parkour Training Association. I may try both Nola and Rule for these soon. 

I only started the girls on this about a week and a half ago, but already theyre picking it up and loving it. Its Nolas favorite time of day! 

Some cues used in the below photos:

Paws Up! (front feet on object)

Up! (jump onto object)

Pretty (sit pretty/beg)

Stand (stand on hind legs)

Climb (self explanatory) 

Up on here (walk along an elevated surface)

Working on climbing on cue! #positivedogtraining #dogtraining #smartdog #climb #dailydog #dachshunds #dachshundnola #dachshundsofinstagram #dogstagram #dogsofinstagram #trainyourdog

A video posted by @dachshund_nola on Dec 27, 2015 at 1:30pm PST

Climbing over an obstacle 

Were working on going under, too!

Climbing up

Climbing down 

Up on a bucket

Up on a cinderblock 

Increasing difficulty by having her back feet on the bucket, and her front on my leg. 

Climbing 

Standing up on a cinderblock. Bonus core and rear workout!

Shes such a happy dog!

Balancing on a narrow board

Paws up

Jumping off

Using a tree to show off "paws up!"

Now the other side!

Rear end awareness on a hunk of lumber. 

Paws up

Balancing on a narrow walkway

Tandem paws up!

And again!

Stretching

Any athlete, human or canine, needs to have warm ups, cool downs, and stretches. Warming up literally warms and ready the muscles and sinews for activity. Cool downs allow the body to work out  lactic acid, prevents stiffness and soreness, and lets the heart and respiratory rate to return to normal. Stretching helps to maintain flexibility and fluidity, allows blood to better circulate, and greatly reduces the risk of injury. 

I do all three of these with the girls before a Parkour session, before a run or long walk, before an intense play session (especially tug), and before working on physically demanding tricks.

For cool warm ups and cool downs, Ill have them do a few sit/down/stand/repeat drills, a quick brisk walk and/or backing up or other rear end awareness exercises. It only takes a few minutes, and helps to get the girls into a training mood.

For stretching, I follow the things listed here. Theyre easy to put on cue!

Conditioning: Poses and  Equipment

There are a few great poses your dog can learn to help build muscles. Sit pretty (or beg) is fantastic for building core strength. I do this one a lot with Nola; having a strong back and core reduces the risk of back issues. Standing on the hind legs builds both the rear muscles as well as balance. Holding positioning, or changing position, on some kind of balancing equipment not only builds balance, but also overall strength.

Two great resources on Facebook are Canine Conditioning and Body Awareness, and Structure in Motion - Too!

Im a sucker for dog gear of all kinds, and fitness and conditioning gear is no exception. Currently we only have a FitPaws donut, but this month Im planning on ordering several others, including:

Paw Pods

Balance Disc

Peanut 

Wobble Board

Since Im cheap, Ill be buying the human version of these (and perhaps having my dad make a wobble board). Half the price and just as sturdy!

Nola and Rule also do 3-5 miles of walking and about a mile of running a day with me, in addition to play, with both me and all the dogs together. Those two are both high energy dogs, while Pike and Olivia lean more towards moderate and low, respectively.

Keeping your dogs in good body conditioning also greatly reduces the risk of injuries. Nola and Rule score as 4s on the Purina body condition chart, where Pike is a 5 and Olivia a 4. Its hard to see on Pike and Liv due to their coats, but you can see it well on the smoothies.

This one shows the muscling on both girls. 

Nolas admirable rear. 

Rule is naturally thin and narrow. 

Nolas waist

And again

How do you keep your pup fit?

- Dachshund Mommy

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