December 10, 2016

Love, Trust and Communication: The Gifts of Positive Training


When I adopted Ruby in 2013 I didn't exactly have a training philosophy, and I had no idea how essential training and management would be to our life together. By the time I adopted Boca (as a foster failure), I knew that positive reinforcement was my goal and I've tried to employ it every step of the way with my two wonderful girls.

Aside from trick training and enrichment like crate games, I don't do a lot of formal or obedience training, but my background in horses taught me that every interaction is training. Day to day life with The Ginger Sisters is a constant dialog, and sometimes lessons are learned - for good or bad - before I even realize it. My dogs are far from perfect, but my relationship with them is one of the most important and treasured in my life, and I would never sacrifice it for a shortcut. My adherence to positive training is non-negotiable and a value I won't compromise on. Its gifts aren't quantifiable, but among its greatest are love, trust and communication.

Over the past year I have had the opportunity again and again to see how our relationship had grown as a result of positive reinforcement and a willingness to listen. Never forget that the dog decides what is aversive. I talk to my dogs unceasingly and without apology, forming questions they get to answer. Recently I was able to hold Ruby upside down like a baby (it is not possible to have a small dog and not want to do this) - something that used to make her uncomfortable - because we have a foundation of trust, because I never forced it, and because I waited until she gave me permission. I literally ask her, out loud, "Can I hold you like a baby?" If she's feeling comfortable and safe, she says yes. I use the same technique when I pick her up as a redirection/safety net for her reactivity. I always say "can I see your teethies?" before I cup her chin and lift up her lip, and now she will let me look at her teeth effortlessly. Nail trims have gone from being scary to a painless ritual we call 'Peanut Butter Paws' - she runs to the sofa to get into position, almost unable to control her excitement about getting this rare delicacy reserved soley for the task.

Both dogs had some big firsts this year: Ruby went on a hike on her long line, delighting me by checking in frequently and happily navigating a mountain trail. Boca went on an enormous adventure, accompanying me on our southwestern road trip to Blog Paws where she met countless other dogs, people, and patiently handled noisy crowds, quiet classrooms and numerous hotel rooms. I could not have been more proud of her. Ruby even showed off some of her tricks during a vet visit this year! Just today, we had a little visitor, a Chiweenie I was taking to an adoption event for Paws on the Ground, and we had an uneventful introduction and walk with all three dogs.

I'm someone who analyzes, overthinks and second-guesses a great deal, but my commitment to positive training is something I never question. Its benefits and rewards show through every day in both subtle and astounding ways.

In the spirit of the season and as a token of our gratitude for embracing positive training throughout the year, we are giving away a prize package to one of our lucky readers. Two Outward Hound puzzle toys generously donated by A Dog Walks Into a Bar,, a humanely raised, ethically sourced treat selection from Open Farm, and the book 101 Dog Tricks from Ruby, Boca and me because I am passionate about trick training. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents and a winner will be randomly selected on December 15th. 



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16 comments:

  1. I like training the pups especially Nala because she is too smart for her own good and knows what to do before I ask. Cody on the the other hand makes me laugh because he is a space cadet and acts like he doesn't hear me and I know he's not deaf because he comes running when he hears a cheese wrapper.

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  2. You are right, all day, pretty much every day is training and a chance to do it right. Getting a dog is not an easy thing if you do it right. It is a lot of work, but the work brings a lot of joy.

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  3. That statement about always training is just so true. And this blog is so well stated; it isn't a game for when there's time. It's a way of living with animals, and I think that it evolves over time in unpredictable ways. I wonder how many dogs have benefited from your Ginger Sisters. Thanks for all you do, for these beauties and also Paws on the Ground.

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  4. On top of training my pups, I volunteer at my local Humane society and work with the dogs there to train them as well to help them get adopted!

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  5. I love training with my pup Grady. It builds our bond as a pair as well as helping him gain confidence in himself! He has always been a fearful dog but through trick training he has gone from being terrified of new things to thriving in new environments and his recovery time from scary things has greatly improved. The best part is that he LOVES learning and I love watching his gears turn. He loves interacting whether that be by learning a new trick, playing games, doing some fun parkour, or just walking around the block.

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  6. Nicely stated! Having a new puppy is definitely a reminder to me how much positive reinforcement helps build your relationship. It's not always easy since she's super smart and super stubborn, but I just keep trying to remind myself that Barley was exactly like her 6 years ago and now she's a dream to live with all because of positive training ;)

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  7. I sometimes think the everyday training can be just as important as the more formal stuff.
    I'm just so grateful I found out about positive reinforcement before Luke joined our family. Nothing else would really have worked with him and his fearfulness.
    Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

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  8. I wish I could institute positive reinforcement training at our house, but my partner is too busy treating for all the wrong reasons!

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  9. Great post, Lara! I'm sharing this! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.

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  10. Your training philosophy is how I found you! Yay for food game toys and extra treats!

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  11. I have always loved your relationship with your girls. Ruby is so smart! You're the ideal dog mom... er guardian... companion ... life partner?

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  12. Positive training makes things more fun. And really, what is the point if you aren't having fun? Competing in flyball is a blast for both me and my dog, and having fun and being safe are the absolutely top most important goals for myself, and for every team member and student.

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  13. Thanks for the reminder that every moment is a training opportunity. Your girls are lovely and that is a testament to your patience and love!

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  14. Great accomplishments! We're working on making nail trimming a more positive experience.

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  15. Working at an animal shelter I have learned how positive reward based training works so much better than correction training such as prong collars bear rolls etc...

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  16. What a great blog! So encouraging for dog owners, rescuers, and trainers alike. Thank you for what you do!

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