#ptsdservicedogtraining

[sdcora-blog]

Just some thoughts

When you train you service dog a really good place to start is with the attention game. I have modified this a bit with Cora, I don’t use a timer, every time she looks at me directly in the eyes when she is sitting in the close position I give her a treat. Try the game and modify it to suit your needs.

http://www.canineuniversity.com/articles/training/train_26.html

[sdcora-blog]

Give your partner adequate time to rest. If you are as active as you should be with your dog this will be a common sight. A tired dog is a good dog...

[sdcora-blog]

Start treating your cussing like a game.

If you're like me when you get angry, fuck, damn, shit, the list goes on, become more than an every other word problem. So, while you are calm begin cussing but, make it into a play fight with your dog. Get down in the floor start cussing in a playful manner. Get on all 4 then bow at your dog. This will indicate you want to play. When you bow keep your rear end high stretch your arms all the way out in front of you then put your head against the floor, looking at your dog. Then begin playfully fighting with your dog while you are cussing. This will build a desire into your dog to begin playing when you start cussing causing you to give attention to your partner to get them back in line and give you a chance to calm yourself. Remember, do this only AFTER building a bond with your dog, AND, reward them with affection afterwards. You can use treats but, if you have a really strong bond affection will be more than enough reward for your partner.

[sdcora-blog]

Stress

Stress is going to manifest itself in many forms while you are training your Service Dog. The key thing to remember is to take a step back from the problem and take a few breaths. Allow yourself some space between you and the issue. Once you've calmed, return and review the situation. Ask yourself, Is this something that must be dealt with now or, can I deal with this later? Once you have answered that then go about dealing with it in a positive productive way. Don't allow the anger to take you over and say or do something you'll later regret. It's better to send your SDIT away for a few minutes and allow yourself that time to cool down. You AND your partner will be better for you learning to handle your anger. No matter how angry you do get when things are going wrong NEVER withhold love or affection from your partner...

[sdcora-blog]

Train while you walk. It allows you to take advantage of getting your partners attention while they’re distracted. Don’t get upset if they don’t respond at first. Gently lead them where you need them and teach them how they need to alert. Coras alerts are all passive, she will sit close (on my feet even,) or she will attempt to play so she distracts me. These are the alerts I have built into her through many, many hours of training her. AND, even though she is trained, we still train everyday so her skills are fresh. You should never stop training your partner. Train on walks, during play, and even during your down time. The more you train your partner the more reliable they’ll be.

[sdcora-blog]