Dog Training: Teach Your Dog Not To Beg

Begging is not something that your dogs does inherently to get what they want. Instead, it is a learned behavior and they determine over time whether it works or not. Does your dog get food when they beg? Do they get your attention? If so, it's because they have learned that begging gets them what they want.

So how do we flip this around so that your dog gets what they need on your watch, rather than what they want on their watch? We can teach them that all begging does is get them sent out of your space. By teaching your dog a command like "get out", you can help them understand that when they pester you, you're going to send them away. 

Teaching your dog the "get out" or "space" command is simple! Cue that they get out of your space with your body language, say "get out!" with a stern, low voice, and then toss them a treat once they leave your bubble. The main point is to teach them that the most rewarding response to your request is that they move outside of your space. 

Another key in teaching your dog not to beg is to simply not give them what they're begging for. Are they begging for food? Don't feed them directly after they've been begging. Are they begging for a walk? Have them wait in a down-stay for a solid minute until you call them over to where you put their leash on. Remember, the goal is to give them what they need on your watch, not what they want on their watch. 

Photography: Police Dogs

These dogs have such a cool job! They are arsenal detecting police dogs! This means that their job is to determine where the fire started, helping their police partners discover whether or not the fire was accidental. 

They have a menagerie of cues and commands to learn, and they are only fed while working. This means that they have a huge drive to work, because if they don't work, they don't eat. These dogs are mostly labs, goldens, or goldadors (cross between a golden and a labrador). They sniff out gasoline that has been 50% diluted by water.

It was such a blast to be apart of the annual re-certification process for these dogs, to meet some of their policemen owners, and to observe them working. There is no doubt in my mind that a dog with a job is one happy dog! These dogs have a fabulous life, and they love working with and for their masters. 

Part of the re-certification process happened in a training facility for firemen, so the building had already been scorched. Hence the rubble and dark spots on the walls, and the harsh lighting. When the dogs discover where the two drops of water diluted gasoline are, they sit to signify that they've discovered where the fire started. 

Pretty neat, huh? As a dog behaviorist, I was quite impressed at how well these dogs were trained, and how often their masters work with them to keep their skills sharp. Check out these photos I snagged of the re-certification exam process. 

Breed Of The Week: Weimaraner

The full origin of the Weimaraner dog breed is not fully known, though they are thought to be descendants of the Bloodhound. Recognized by the AKC as part of the Sporting Group today, the Weimaraner is a well versed hunting and retrieving family oriented dog. 

If you have ever interacted with a Weimaraner, you know that they have a beautiful temperament, they are focused on the task at hand and also incredibly loyal. As a possible cousin to the Pointer, Weims are very agile and full of stamina. They make great advanced obedience dogs, as they are prepared for being jobbed with a task from their master. 

Behaviorally speaking, the most common problem that I see happen with Weims is when they are not properly jobbed or homed. If they are paired with a person who refuses to let them sport, or give them an appropriate job and ample physical exercise, I see Weimaraners develop issues such as anxiety and activity obsession.  

This being said, they need at least two solid long walks or bike rides per day, and frequent social events such as visits to the local dog park. They are incredibly active dogs, and while they make great family pets, they really do well to have a specific job and preform that job daily with the family. 

As with any dog from the Sporting Group, I would recommend chatting with a puppy profiler to determine whether or not this breed would be a good fit for your activity level, your families lifestyle, and the dog's overall breed needs.