Tuesday Training Byte: Trivia questions- myth or fact?

Often times my weekly topics are based upon issues clients have with their dogs. Today, I decided to do a "myth buster" because a group that I am part of on Facebook, has people responding with harmful and outdated advice. My answers and advice are always based upon scientific research and veterinary journals, not just my own experience. Research relies on having a large sample size for the results to be reliable and able to generalize. So, here we go!

Q. As long as the puppy is weaned, it is okay to get my new puppy at less than 8 weeks.

False! Most states have laws prohibiting the selling or giving away of pups under 8 weeks of age- and for good reason! A pup needs it's mom and litter mates for proper development including bite inhibition and socialization. There can be lifelong issues that can be traced back to early separation.

Q. Some breeds are stubborn and need the owner to assert themselves as Alpha.

False! Animal behaviorists have found that dogs do not have the same types of emotions as people. What appears as stubbornness is usually a sign that the dog is very independent and needs more engagement to train. Being the Alpha by intimidating the dog can have negative repercussions.

Q. Using aversive training tools like an e collar (shock) or prong collar is best for getting control of a big dog and stopping unwanted behavior like pulling and jumping.

False! These tools are painful and fear-inducing. The brain cannot think well when the dog is in fear. Dogs often will obey only because they are afraid of the punishment, not because they enjoy pleasing you and the teamwork that comes from positive reinforcement.

Q. The best way to deal with food aggression is to get the dog used to you standing over him at meal time and taking his food away if he growls or guards his food.

False! How would you feel if we were sitting down at a restaurant and I stood up and grabbed your plate of food away? Dogs have a natural instinct to guard their resources/food. Dogs need to feel safe and not threatened, so put your pup in his crate and have him wait while you place his bowl in there. Then step away and do not bother him. If he does growl, work on hand feeding him, and teaching the wait command. Snatching his food away gives him all the reason he needs to guard it.

Q. Early neutering of your male dog helps to prevent unwanted "humping" behavior and aggressiveness.

False! Humping is usually a sign that the dog is either over stimulated or bored and wanting your attention. Make sure your pup has rest time and not allowed to get too wild in their play. If attention getting, redirect your dog calmly and then praise him for the appropriate behaviors. Also, neutering males has been shown to increase the bite risk. Most dog bites are from neutered males.

Q. Crate training is cruel. Puppies need to have freedom and not put in a crate.

False! Dogs are den animals by nature. They feel safe in a den. This is why small dogs like to get under the bed or in a closet that was left open. Crates are very helpful when house training a pup. Our dogs have open crates set up in the house and when one of the dogs wants to nap, it goes in by itself. Unlike horses, dogs are not claustrophobic. A crate cover is especially help for an anxious dog, because it makes it even more den like.

Happy training!

A litter of 5 1/2 week old Rottweilers. They all vie to get in the cubby hole first to take their naps. This is because they are den animals by nature.