Creating the Best Worst Dog

stefaniekunzelman • 21 March 2024

There is no doubt, when ‘training dogs’, that seventy percent of the training is for the human owner. Time and again we (the trainers) are confronted with many similar issues in the dog – person relationships that adversely affect the dogs behavior. This blog is going to list a few of those mistakes.

It’s a quaint house, small but with a large porch painted all in white. It is nestled between a row full of similar homes on a busy side road. The wide steps to the porch rise up to give view to the front door with a large bay window next to it. Next to the door, a sign reading “Beware of Dog” is fully on display.

This is Princess’s new home. Princess is a beautiful example of a Chihuahua mix and has found herself a very loving home. She is well fed, getting her meals twice daily and plenty of treats in between. Mom has her doggy bed in the living room and the bedroom where she can nap or sleep at her leisure. Princess’s assortment of toys that are strewn across every floor of the home would make the most wealthy of pups stop and take note. And then there is Mom. She is the greatest woman, always soft spoken, always giving and ever ready to tend to her needs. Dad is, well, he is like the captain of a ship. If Princess barks or scratches at the carpet or puts her head on the table at dinner time, from the chair of course, Dad barks out orders at her.

Princess’s life didn’t begin this easy. At her first forever home, mom and dad were initially very happy and there was lots of love and play and food! Slowly, she noticed that things were changing. Mom and Dad were ever quieter and they were gone more and more. The days became dismal and were running into each other. Feeding wasn’t coming on time like it had and mom and dad would now, on occasion, get loud and grumpy with each other. Sometimes, Princess would jump into moms’ lap and she could feel she was sad, large wet tears dropping onto her nose and head. Princess could feel the pain and lay quiet in moms’ lap. Other times, princess would jump up into moms’ lap and it would be rewarded with a loud scream from mom accompanied by a spank on the butt. There were days Princess would be left alone at home and she would have to go pee and poop so bad but couldn’t get outside. It hurt so much that there was nothing for it, she would have to run for the corner of the rug. The feeling of the soft material between her toes felt most like outside on the grass and she would relieve herself. Dad would come home first and she knew to hide. The smell of her accident was unmistakable and she knew what was coming. The bellowing rage from dad’s heated face, the slamming of furniture and kicking that she would have to endure to then be thrown out the back door. One day mom came home to witness Princess being punished and there was a big fight. She couldn’t understand the sounds but it led to dad storming from the home. A few days had passed, there were no more fights but mom was even more sad until one day she saw mom packing up her blankets and toys and food. She was crying uncontrollably when she had clipped the leash to Princess’s collar and drove her to this place where there were lots of dogs, all of them screaming at the tops of their lungs. Mom left her there and never came back.

When Princess met her second Mom and Dad, it was joy at first sight from them. Princess was cautious but felt optimistic. With lowered head and slightly wagging tail she greeted them. Within minutes Princess was smiling and after much to do with Mom and the shelter personnel, she found herself in a car leaving that place she never wants to see again.

The new home was tidy and cozy, and everything was given to her that she ever wanted. Princess soon found herself jumping up onto the couch barking with joy at Mom and Dad. When they sat with her, she would jump up on the backrest and play king of the hill. This was her castle and Mom and Dad would play catch me. So MUCH fun! When visitors would come calling, it was Princess’ prerogative to race to her tower next to the door and show that incoming person just how well she can defend her castle from intruders.

The FOOD! It was sooo gooood. Princess would just be beside herself when breakfast and dinner were served. Mom would put it on the floor and her nose would be right in it. Sometimes Mom would try to take her bowl before she was done and Princess would get angry, “I am not done,” she would let Mom know with crisp barks. “you can have it when I have cleaned it”. She could hear Mom saying in a soft voice, “Okay, I know you are hungry. I will wait.” There are also those snacks that Mom leaves on the table or kitchen counter. Dad gets angry when Mom leaves those treats for her, so Princess is always quick to grab the treats and get back on the floor.

Princess was let outside often during the day. It was a bit scary though with the neighbor dogs barking and the loud mechanical noises and sound of rushing air coming from the busy road at the front of the home. Princess would hurry to do her number then rush back into the house where she would find Mom and jump into her ever welcoming arms. Sometimes Princess wasn’t in the mood to face the obnoxious world outside the walls of the home that now belonged to her. She would slip away and find the corner of the carpet to relieve herself to then rush away and hide. Mom would find her mess and most times without a word clean it up. If anything was said it was mostly “Naughty Girl!” in a voice tinged with high note on the ‘girl’. Princess didn’t know what those words meant but soon learned that she did not need to be scared of being kicked.

The big brown van with the huge white lettering “UPS” comes to a halt in front of the neighbor’s home with the squeal of well used brakes on the verge of needing replacement. Princess’s ears would prick up at the noise, “Boy! My favorite metal box on wheels is coming! Where is Mom?”. Princess races around the small home looking for Mom and hears her downstairs. Bark! Bark! “That truck is here again!“ And back to the window she would run. Screaming at the top her little lungs, Princess would ramble on, “My House! My House! Don’t come up those stairs! My house! I don’t know you! My House!”, as the man would approach the front door and bend over to put something on the porch. Princess wasn’t having any more of it, and in a voice as nasty as she could make she would shriek, “MY HOOOUUUSE! Get away from here!” It was usually at this time that Mom would show up to try and soothe her angst. She would pick her up and with sweet sounding words in her ear, talk until Princess would calm. Now Princess was really beginning to think and voiced her opinion for all to hear, “THIS IS MY MOM AND MY HOME, YOU ARE NOT COMING IN HERE TO HURT US!!!” At this point, Mom would turn and head towards the kitchen. Princess could see the man leaving the front door from over Mom’s shoulder. She would punch out a couple more very vocal lines that were now more half hearted and grumpy than scared, “Don’t come back here! I said this is my house…” Grrrrr. This scenario is repeated almost daily, sometimes several times a day.

On those days where Dad was home and the mailman would visit, Princess would forget that Dad is not so forgiving. When she would yell at the mailman, Dad would add to her chorus with his booming howl. At first Princess took this as a good reason to raise her own voice and did so willingly. Only, he would then call her name and shake a bag of her favorite treats. Of course this was an excellent reason to run to Dad until she found that he would grab her by her collar and get a good spanking. Princess didn’t understand why she was getting spanked? These were her treats or not?

Princess, had in her eyes, such a great life. So good that no matter who came to her home, she would let them know that Mom is her mom and only her mom. She was very decisive in letting these people too close, at times having to snap at their hands to make sure they knew they were out of bounds. “Nobody is taking my Mom from me.” She would grumble under her breath, just loud enough for the trespasser to hear and understand how serious she is.

There is a lot to take away from this story. Although Princess thinks she has ‘The Life’, she doesn’t understand how hard her decision making is impacting her mom. Nor how she might enjoy much more love from everyone else coming into the home if she were to understand that she needs to follow Mom’s lead. Only through training with Mom will Princess comprehend her position in the home and truly be able to relax. A happy life for a dog must include boundaries.

What is the story trying to tell you?

Dogs are not kids, they do not understand our words
- Dogs do understand our feelings which impacts their behavior
- Dogs understand tones of voice. High for good and low for bad
Dogs need structure as soon as they are brought home
- With boundaries Princess would be less stressed (barky)
- Less Stress means happier
One must not allow a pup to self reward
- Getting onto tables and counters to find ‘snacks’
Do not coddle your pup constantly for no reason
- Make your pup work for the love. They will appreciate it more.
- Love on your pup for doing the right thing!
- Coddling every time the pup requires it only reinforces their position as leader of the home.
Pups need to know they do not own the home. When they become possessive is when big problems start.
- Do not reinforce this behavior
- Claim your space! (Couch, chair, bed, kitchen)
Do not reward your pup for bad behavior
- Soothing your pup for barking at someone only reinforces their bad behavior
Do not correct your pup when it is doing what it is asked
- Do not spank your pup if they just did what you asked (recall in the case of Princess)! That negative reinforcement will surely cause your pup to not do what you would like.

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Separation Anxiety

by Stefanie Kunzelman • 9 February 2025

Dog separation anxiety is a common behavioral issue that affects many dogs when they are left alone or are separated from their owners. This anxiety can manifest in various forms of distress and destructive behaviors, which can be troublesome for both the dog and its owner. Understanding the underlying causes, recognizing the symptoms, and implementing effective solutions are essential to managing and alleviating separation anxiety in dogs. Dogs are creatures of habit, and any significant change in their daily routine can trigger anxiety. This could include changes in the owner's work schedule, moving to a new home, or a sudden alteration in the household dynamics, such as the arrival of a new family member or pet. Dogs that have experienced abandonment, abuse, or multiple re-homing situations are more likely to develop separation anxiety. The fear of being left alone again can cause significant stress and anxiety. Dogs that have not been properly trained to cope with being alone may struggle with separation anxiety. Early socialization and gradual acclimatization to periods of solitude are crucial in preventing anxiety from developing. One of the most common signs of separation anxiety is destructive behavior, such as chewing on furniture, scratching doors, or tearing up household items. This behavior is often a result of the dog's attempt to escape or alleviate its anxiety. Dogs with separation anxiety may bark or howl excessively when left alone. This vocalization is a form of distress signaling and can be a significant indicator of anxiety. Despite being house-trained, dogs with separation anxiety may urinate or defecate indoors when left alone. This behavior is often linked to the stress and panic they experience in their owner's absence. Some dogs may try to escape from their confinement areas, such as crates or rooms, causing damage to doors, windows, or even injuring themselves in the process. Physical symptoms of anxiety, such as excessive drooling, panting, or shaking, can also be observed in dogs with separation anxiety. Gradual desensitization involves slowly acclimating the dog to being alone by starting with brief periods of separation and gradually increasing the duration over time. This helps the dog build confidence and reduce anxiety. Providing a safe and comfortable space for the dog, such as a crate or a designated room, can help reduce anxiety. This space should be equipped with the dog's favorite toys, bedding, and items that carry the owner's scent. Implementing positive reinforcement training techniques can help modify the dog's behavior. Rewarding calm behavior and gradually exposing the dog to being alone can help reduce anxiety. Ideally, it is best to start desensitizing dogs while they are still puppies or for the rescued pup, right from the first day they arrive at their new forever home. Begin by identifying what should be a safe space for your dog. The crate is recommended as it is practical because it can be taken with you on vacation or brought to another person’s home that is intending to watch out for the pup. Do not force your dog into the crate as it is to become a safe space. Reducing or eliminating separation anxiety will only happen through positive association with their safe space. Begin by tossing treats into the crate so the dog may find them and be rewarded for entering the crate. Once the dog is entering on its own to look for treats, place a treat in the crate and close the door. Position yourself comfortably next to the crate. The dog will begin to get excited, whining and scratching to get out. It is in this phase that you, the owner must remain strong. Whether out of sympathy for the pup or because the noise is so annoying, you will be inclined to let the dog out. Do not! You will be rewarding the dog for its bad behavior. Once your dog has calmed down, this may take several minutes or even longer, open the door, let your dog out and reward with treats and love. Repeat the above sequence many times a day. When your dog begins to relax right away when the door is closed, then you need to begin to put distance between you and the crate. When you are able, create that distance, then you start leaving the room, first for short periods of time and then increasing longer. Once the dog is used to you being away longer and out of sight in the home, then you start going outdoors. Again, start short then gradually increase the duration of the separation. When leaving home, do not give your dog ques that you are leaving for a longer period. Do you say “Goodbye” to your pup before heading to work? Do you say “Goodbye” to your dog when you go to the mailbox? Treat your dog the same way no matter what you are leaving the home for. Ensuring that the dog receives adequate mental and physical stimulation can help alleviate anxiety. Regular exercise, interactive toys, and puzzle feeders can keep the dog engaged and reduce stress levels. In severe cases of separation anxiety, seeking help from a professional dog trainer or a veterinarian may be necessary. They can provide specialized training programs or recommend medication to manage the anxiety. Dog separation anxiety is a challenging issue that requires patience, understanding, and consistent effort from the owner. By identifying the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and implementing effective solutions, owners can help their dogs overcome separation anxiety and lead happier, stress-free lives. The key to success lies in a combination of gradual desensitization, creating a safe environment, providing mental and physical stimulation, and seeking professional help when needed. With dedication and empathy, dog owners can significantly improve their pets' well-being and strengthen their bond. Videos with additional information / Technicks Cesar Millan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmVSLqCh-RI Beckman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAoDtfpBwVs Steve Mann https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vps9Es0T_5E The posting of these links does not necessarily mean that TCC endorses any of the other training methods presented by those authors! References • American Kennel Club. (2021). Separation Anxiety in Dogs. Retrieved from [URL] • PetMD. (2020). How to Help a Dog with Separation Anxiety. Retrieved from [URL] • ASPCA. (2019). Dog Behavior: Separation Anxiety. Retrieved from [URL]

Puppy Food Possessiveness

by Stefanie Kunzelman • 29 January 2025

One of the most annoying and often scary behaviors a dog can exhibit is Food Possessiveness towards people. In this blog we are going to address the topic of food possessiveness in puppies. What is a puppy? You could talk to 20 different people and get 20 different answers. In the world of training, the vast majority of trainers will tell you that a puppy (that is to be trained) is between the ages of 6 and 20 weeks. What are the defining characteristics of a puppy that is food possessive? Growling / flashing of teeth, stiffening of the body when you are near the food bowl when the dog is eating Growling / flashing of teeth, stiffening of the body when your hand approaches the food bowl while the dog is eating. Growling / flashing of teeth, stiffening of the body when you are petting the dog while it is eating Why does a puppy (and dogs) show this bad behavior? Simply put, they do not want their food to be taken away. How to address this behavior in a puppy (or a dog)? Show and ingrain in the puppy that we do NOT intend to take their food away! The best way to address this behavior is when the dog is a puppy! If you Google the topic or go on YouTube, you will find a multitude of information on the subject. One thing that I have noticed is that a lot of those people providing the information seem to be stuck on their ‘method’. What I would like to emphasize is that nearly all the methods that I have seen are good! The best methods that I would recommend are listed below. Things you should do (for puppies!): Touching / petting the puppy while it is eating, provoking the bad behavior. If the bad behavior is exhibited, continue petting until it seems less then stop If there is no bad behavior, stop petting sooner Offer higher rewards (to draw the puppy away from its food) You must offer something to the puppy that is of higher food value than what they have in their bowl! If the pup is being fed kibble then offer a jerky If the pup is being fed wet food then offer a food scrap (piece of chicken or steak – can be raw if you know the pup likes it) With your hand close to bowl, call their name, entice them and give the treat When the pup is used to this, call them off the bowl a few feet before giving the treat, or Entice them away from the bowl, while giving the treat, pick up the bowl. Place the bowl back down in front of the pup after a short moment Feed the puppy by hand With the food bowl on the ground, drop the kibble bit by bit into the bowl. The pup sees the food is coming from you! Train with the food This is a method often used by dog trainers, the advantages The puppy is always hungry and driven to work for the food The puppy learns that the food comes from the human The puppy does not learn to guard a food bowl in the first place Things you should NOT do: Do not ‘correct’ your puppy You want to have the most loyal and playful dog! Corrections at this age will dampen your pups’ feelings towards you. Unless using the training or feed by hand method (breakfast is used as the reward during training), do not constantly intervene in your pups feeding time. It may annoy the pup and possibly have the opposite results! For more detailed information, the following links have been listed: 1. How to Stop Puppy Resource Guarding https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oyft03x6cU 2. How to Deal With FOOD AGGRESSIVE PUPPIES! | Shield K9 Clips https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VM0N_4jx9M The posting of these links does not necessarily mean that TCC endorses any of the other training methods presented by those authors!