Kay Laurence - Learning About Dogs

When we plan the future of this wonderful new life we can begin to think in terms of how we want them to be as adults. This can make our training plans quite narrow and centric to our expectations. Instead if we view them as learners that can be flexible then there is no limit to what they can learn for all of their future. 

As much as we would love to be able to let our youngsters enjoy plenty of freedom to explore, learn, run free; the realities of the desires of your adolescent dog means that:"Explore" morphs quickly into reverse engineering your sofa, laptop, waste bins; or run the neighbourhood until darkness and hunger drives them home"Learn" is discovering of the joyous sensations of digging, chewing, chasing"Run free" becomes a license to irritate all local wildlife, other dogs, other people or cats We can design an adolescence with plenty of selected opportunities to learn without compromising their development or blossoming personalities. This period is very much about learning the future skills of being an adult in your world. 

Important conversations when we graduate from one dog to two: Does one dog teach the other bad habits and can we ask them to teach good habits? Delivering rewards, you only have two hands, training one dog without excluding the other: learning the important skills of spectating and not feeling left out. Walking together: your body language is the dominant cue and we have to be careful not to let them feed off each other in arousal. Nose put out: the long term resident can feel upset by the demands of the new puppy. Be sure they have their special moments. 

Our hands are very often used for communication and for the pup most importantly CONTACT.  The way we use our hands, where they touch the puppy, how they touch the puppy will be building associations for life. Hands that can be trusted and hands that will deliver sensational rewards. Hands that will later becomes tools: hands can begin the feelings of brushes, cleaning and holding for stillness.  Building familiarity with the movement and actions of your hands can build a future for easy veterinary procedures in the future. 

A period of exceptional growth  where the pup's world seems to shrink as they grow larger. Feet seem gigantic and unmanageable, teeth are falling out, appetites and growing and sleep is the deepest kind. Not a time we should be expecting cognitive gymnastics but still need to feed the learning appetite. Having survived many of these transition periods Kay and Frances share their observations and recommendations. 

Most of us want to take our pup out-and-about with us; from the countryside walks to brunch at the local café or pub. We will plan to go on holiday, stay in hotels or visit friends, perhaps go to classes, a dog show or the local garden fête.To ensure these outings are as pleasant an experience for your dog as they are for you we need to begin to familiarise the youngster with these anticipated but unnatural environments.A familiarisation protocol should ensure that a puppy has the time to assess, observe, and become familiar with, the weird and wonderful life that will be their future. If you rush this and the pup becomes fearful of people at the cafe, then this shared outing may never be on your dream list.Do not rely on putting it right or fixing this associated anxiety at a later date. “Become familiar with” should never involve anxiety, it should always be gradual, never extreme and the pup should always have the right to say “no thanks”.FEATURE: Familiarisation

Kay Laurence and Frances McCormack of Learning About Dogs introduce a new member of Frances’ family: Nika, a collie pup from rescue.  You can follow Nika and Frances through their first year exploring the many questions that arise.In this episode: Nika is 16 weeks and a voracious learner. We talk about Nika's learning in particular what lifeskills she will learn from her Cup on a Stick activities. A range of resources and articles are on our website: Learn About Puppies

Kay Laurence and Frances McCormack of Learning About Dogs introduce a new member of Frances’ family: Nika, a collie pup from rescue.  You can follow Nika and Frances through their first year exploring the many questions that arise.In this episode: we talk about learning to say "no". and at the same time avoid shutting down your enquisitive pup who wants to run everywhere, put everything in their mouth, jump, grab and shred. Learn to see what learning they are seeking and how you can divert that into a lifeskill. More reading:Stop Doing That an Articles that examines how we can teach a "Cease That"  behaviour via teaching an alternative, and employing blocking, stationing, and consistency.A range of resources and articles are on our website: Learn About Puppies

Kay Laurence and Frances McCormack of Learning About Dogs introduce a new member of Frances’ family: Nika, a collie pup from rescue.  You can follow Nika and Frances through their first year exploring the many questions that arise.In this episode: we talk about those tricky situations where you need to protect your pup from uninvited approaches from strangers when you feel the pressure to avoid seeming to be rude. Your contract, or loyalty is to your dog, not a stranger.  You can say "no", but thank you for admiring my puppy. Our consideration is for the long term  future of this puppy not the short term momentary pleasures of a passing stranger.  More reading: Lifestyle: Out and About A familiarisation protocol should ensure that a puppy has the time to become familiar with the weird and wonderful life that will be their future. This blog also examines verbal cues and how to handle strangers who want to touch the puppy.A range of resources and articles are on our website: Learn About Puppies

Kay Laurence and Frances McCormack of Learning About Dogs introduce a new member of Frances’ family: Nika, a collie pup from rescue.  You can follow Nika and Frances through their first year exploring the many questions that arise. In this episode: Nika’s learning is already well underway, but toileting outdoors is a work in progress. In this episode, we think about routines, management, and tackle the Great Puppy Pad Debate head on! 

Kay Laurence and Frances McCormack of Learning About Dogs introduce a new member of Frances’ family: Nika, a collie pup from rescue.  You can follow Nika and Frances through their first year exploring the many questions that arise. In this episode: "First Days At Home" we talk about making the transition for the new pup, and setting up success for her first few days meeting the rest of the family. 

Kay Laurence and Frances McCormack of Learning About Dogs introduce a new member of Frances’ family: Nika, a collie pup from rescue.  You can follow Nika and Frances through their first year exploring the many questions that arise. In this episode: "Introducing Nika we talk about choosing a puppy from a litter, introducing a new dog to an existing canine resident, and why sometimes names just fit. "We have a range of Articles and Resources to help you both survive the first year.

Kay Laurence of Learning About Dogs and Sue McGuire of Sue McGuire Teaches Dogs, join forces for the fourth season of the hugely successful, Learning About Dogs podcast.This is the final episode of Season Four, which featured short, one subject podcasts. This episode deserved a deep dive because we ask some very important questions. In this episode: "Can you identify good training? What does it look like?"Here is a treat, some wonderful training videos showing that good training stands the test of time.Learning About Dogs Video Channel.Courses:Self-directed, online with unlimited lifetime access.Build the LearningAs learning engineers we design access to rewards that shape the learning with guidance and suggestion. We cannot do the learning for our dogs, we can simply set up the situation that they learn from.Management or TrainingFind your pathway to suit your lifestyle of living with dogs. When you need management to temporarily support the learning, or choose training.Discover the power of passive learning and invest your energy to the active learning.Reward Skills CourseLearn about the fascinating landscape of rewards and make them the centre of training and relationship.Explore the different and diverse ways we can deliver rewards to bring excitement or relaxation, curiosity or confidence.Sue McGuire offers a limited number of consultations and courses for small groups human/canine learners. Contact her through Sue McGuire Teaches Dogs.

Kay Laurence of Learning About Dogs and Sue McGuire of Sue McGuire Teaches Dogs, join forces for the fourth season of the hugely successful, Learning About Dogs podcast.Season four features short, one subject podcast no longer than 10 minutes. Although try as we might, we are shooting for not much over five minutes. But one salient thought.In this episode: "Why it is important to incorporate irrelevant cues while teaching relevant cues."Here is a treat, some wonderful training videos showing that good training stands the test of time.Learning About Dogs Video Channel.Courses:Self-directed, online with unlimited lifetime access.Build the LearningAs learning engineers we design access to rewards that shape the learning with guidance and suggestion. We cannot do the learning for our dogs, we can simply set up the situation that they learn from.Management or TrainingFind your pathway to suit your lifestyle of living with dogs. When you need management to temporarily support the learning, or choose training.Discover the power of passive learning and invest your energy to the active learning.Reward Skills CourseLearn about the fascinating landscape of rewards and make them the centre of training and relationship.Explore the different and diverse ways we can deliver rewards to bring excitement or relaxation, curiosity or confidence.Sue McGuire offers a limited number of consultations and courses for small groups human/canine learners. Contact her through Sue  Teaches Dogs.

Kay Laurence of Learning About Dogs and Sue McGuire of Sue McGuire Teaches Dogs, join forces for the fourth season of the hugely successful, Learning About Dogs podcast.Season four features short, one subject podcast no longer than 10 minutes. Although try as we might, we are shooting for not much over five minutes. But one salient thought.In this episode: "Keeping track of all that you have taught your dog."Here is a treat, some wonderful training videos showing that good training stands the test of time.Learning About Dogs Video Channel.Courses:Self-directed, online with unlimited lifetime access.Build the LearningAs learning engineers we design access to rewards that shape the learning with guidance and suggestion. We cannot do the learning for our dogs, we can simply set up the situation that they learn from.Management or TrainingFind your pathway to suit your lifestyle of living with dogs. When you need management to temporarily support the learning, or choose training.Discover the power of passive learning and invest your energy to the active learning.Reward Skills CourseLearn about the fascinating landscape of rewards and make them the centre of training and relationship.Explore the different and diverse ways we can deliver rewards to bring excitement or relaxation, curiosity or confidence.Sue McGuire offers a limited number of consultations and courses for small groups human/canine learners. Contact her through Sue McGuire Teaches Dogs.

Kay Laurence of Learning About Dogs and Sue McGuire of Sue McGuire Teaches Dogs, join forces for the fourth season of the hugely successful, Learning About Dogs podcast.Season four features short, one subject podcast no longer than 10 minutes. Although try as we might, we are shooting for not much over five minutes. But one salient thought. In this episode: "Can we ever do enough DISCRIMINATION SKILLS?"Here is a treat, some wonderful training videos showing that good training stands the test of time.Learning About Dogs Video Channel.Courses:Self-directed, online with unlimited lifetime access.Build the LearningAs learning engineers we design access to rewards that shape the learning with guidance and suggestion. We cannot do the learning for our dogs, we can simply set up the situation that they learn from.Management or TrainingFind your pathway to suit your lifestyle of living with dogs. When you need management to temporarily support the learning, or choose training.Discover the power of passive learning and invest your energy to the active learning.Reward Skills CourseLearn about the fascinating landscape of rewards and make them the centre of training and relationship.Explore the different and diverse ways we can deliver rewards to bring excitement or relaxation, curiosity or confidence.Sue McGuire offers a limited number of consultations and courses for small groups human/canine learners. Contact her through Sue McGuire Teaches Dogs.

Kay Laurence of Learning About Dogs and Sue McGuire of Sue McGuire Teaches Dogs, join forces for the fourth season of the hugely successful, Learning About Dogs podcast.Season four features short, one subject podcast no longer than 10 minutes. Although try as we might, we are shooting for not much over five minutes. But one salient thought. In this episode: "Listen to your heart. If it's not enriching for you, this competition or training thing, then it likely is not for your dog either. Being a square peg in the round hole of the training world."Courses:Self-directed, online with unlimited lifetime access.Build the LearningAs learning engineers we design access to rewards that shape the learning with guidance and suggestion. We cannot do the learning for our dogs, we can simply set up the situation that they learn from.Management or TrainingFind your pathway to suit your lifestyle of living with dogs. When you need management to temporarily support the learning, or choose training.Discover the power of passive learning and invest your energy to the active learning.Reward Skills CourseLearn about the fascinating landscape of rewards and make them the centre of training and relationship.Explore the different and diverse ways we can deliver rewards to bring excitement or relaxation, curiosity or confidence.Sue McGuire offers a limited number of consultations and courses for small groups human/canine learners. Contact her through Sue McGuire Teaches Dogs.

Kay Laurence of Learning About Dogs and Sue McGuire of Sue McGuire Teaches Dogs, join forces for the fourth season of the hugely successful, Learning About Dogs podcast.Season four features short, one subject podcast no longer than 10 minutes. Although try as we might, we are shooting for not much over five minutes. But one salient thought. This episode is a bit longer because it's a passionate topic; competition.In this episode: "People who compete with their dog are right to train to standard. But this should never be at a cost to the dog."Courses:Self-directed, online with unlimited lifetime access.Build the LearningAs learning engineers we design access to rewards that shape the learning with guidance and suggestion. We cannot do the learning for our dogs, we can simply set up the situation that they learn from.Management or TrainingFind your pathway to suit your lifestyle of living with dogs. When you need management to temporarily support the learning, or choose training.Discover the power of passive learning and invest your energy to the active learning.Reward Skills CourseLearn about the fascinating landscape of rewards and make them the centre of training and relationship.Explore the different and diverse ways we can deliver rewards to bring excitement or relaxation, curiosity or confidence.Sue McGuire offers a limited number of consultations and courses for small groups human/canine learners. Contact her through Sue McGuire Teaches Dogs.

Kay Laurence of Learning About Dogs and Sue McGuire of Sue McGuire Teaches Dogs, join forces for the fourth season of the hugely successful, Learning About Dogs podcast.Season four features short, one subject podcast no longer than 10 minutes. Although try as we might, we are shooting for not much over five minutes. But one salient thought.In this episode: "Why it is beneficial to teach a dog to walk well, before you have them running. Walking well is a skill that will allow for a healthy life."Courses:Self-directed, online with unlimited lifetime access.Cup on a Stick as referenced in the episode. A terrific method for teaching a dog to walk well.Build the LearningAs learning engineers we design access to rewards that shape the learning with guidance and suggestion. We cannot do the learning for our dogs, we can simply set up the situation that they learn from.Management or TrainingFind your pathway to suit your lifestyle of living with dogs. When you need management to temporarily support the learning, or choose training.Discover the power of passive learning and invest your energy to the active learning.Reward Skills CourseLearn about the fascinating landscape of rewards and make them the centre of training and relationship.Explore the different and diverse ways we can deliver rewards to bring excitement or relaxation, curiosity or confidence.Sue McGuire offers a limited number of consultations and courses for small groups human/canine learners. Contact her through Sue McGuire Teaches Dogs.

Kay Laurence of Learning About Dogs and Sue McGuire of Sue McGuire Teaches Dogs, join forces for the fourth season of the hugely successful, Learning About Dogs podcast.Season four features short, one subject podcast no longer than 10 minutes. Although try as we might, we are shooting for not much over five minutes. But one salient thought.In this episode: "The importance of focusing on simple moves before moving onto complex ones. This skill is vital to building strong behaviors?"Courses:Self-directed, online with unlimited lifetime access.Build the LearningAs learning engineers we design access to rewards that shape the learning with guidance and suggestion. We cannot do the learning for our dogs, we can simply set up the situation that they learn from.Management or TrainingFind your pathway to suit your lifestyle of living with dogs. When you need management to temporarily support the learning, or choose training.Discover the power of passive learning and invest your energy to the active learning.Reward Skills CourseLearn about the fascinating landscape of rewards and make them the centre of training and relationship.Explore the different and diverse ways we can deliver rewards to bring excitement or relaxation, curiosity or confidence.Sue McGuire offers a limited number of consultations and courses for small groups human/canine learners. Contact her through Sue McGuire Teaches Dogs.