Teaching Dress

Reminder:    May graduation and matriculation will be Friday, May 16, 2014 at the Dublin Recreation Center in Dublin, Oh. 

Puppy raisers of May matriculating dogs: Remember medical records are due by Friday, May 9, 2014.  Also, RSVP to akittell@cci.org or suzanne@cci.org. 

Puppy Training Challenge:  With Spring taking a firm hold over the weather, take this opportunity to get outside and go for a walk.  Even if it rains, grab your umbrella and practice commands.  Over the next month work the puppy on both your left and right side. Rotate days so you can remember to practice as much on "Side" as you do on "Heel".

Example: 

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday: "Side" days.  All day long the puppy is on your right side.

Tuesday, Thursday,Saturday:  "Heel" days.  All day long the puppy is on your left side.

Puppy Raising Tip:     Putting on your Sunday best!

DRESS:  tells the puppy to calmly place its head through the collar, gentle leader or cape.

Learning:   Hold the item up and hold a treat on the other side from the puppy.  The puppy should place his/her head through the object to get the treat.  Gradually wean the treat.  Have puppy on leash when initially teaching this command so they do not learn to play keep away.

Proficient:  the puppy moves its head forward through the object on command when held in front of them.

Introducing the Gentle Leader 

Reason

• to teach the puppy to associate the Gentle leader with positive things
• to teach the puppy to walk on a loose leash wearing the gentle leader
• the gentle leader is often used by graduates to gain more control over the dog

Explanation

• with the puppy in front of you, hold the gentle leader in front of his nose so that it may easily be slipped on.  Hold a treat on the other side of the gentle leader so that the puppy must move his nose into the gentle leader in order to get the treat
• as the puppy's nose moves into the gentle leader, say "Dress” and give him the treat as you praise
• remove the gentle leader and repeat the above procedure
• build for time in small increments and fasten the gentle leader at the back of the puppy's head

 Tail Waggin' Tips

• allow the puppy to move his head into the gentle leader; do not put the gentle leader on his nose for him
• say the "Dress" command as the puppy moves his nose into the GENTLE LEADER

Practice:

• practice the above and build time as the puppy becomes more successful and used to the Gentle Leader
• after two days of practice, begin fastening the Gentle Leader behind the puppy's head and then removing it; again build for time as the puppy becomes more tolerant
• after five days, begin feeding all meals with the Gentle Leader on; remove the Gentle Leader as soon as the meal is finished
• never leave a Gentle Leader or cape on a dog that is unattended 

 When finished introducing, "Dress" can look like this first video:   

Puppy moves its head through the nose loop.

Another acceptable version of "dress" looks like this video: 

Puppy holds its head still while you place the Gentle Leader over the nose, or the cape over their head.  The puppy's ears or body tenses, but once on the puppy relaxes and behaves normally.   

This final video is when you should contact Canine Companions for assistance:

This puppy needs help.  Contact the puppy program manager.

Tips for improving the "Dress" command with older puppies:

• Use treats.
• Go back to teaching like the first introduction.
• Feed the puppy while it is wearing the Gentle leader or cape.
• Play with the puppy while they are wearing this equipment.
• Have the puppy wear the Gentle Leader or the cape as much as  possible when supervised.

Tips for dealing with a puppy that runs away from the cape or Gentle Leader:

• Practice above tips
• Put the puppy on leash before you grab the cape or Gentle Leader.
• Use food rewards to build a positive association.
• Close the door to the crate before you pick up these items.
• Essentially you want to have control of the puppy before you get the equipment. 

Rubbing is a common problem.  Most dogs will rub their head on occasion.  Correct for rubbing. Some dogs puppies  rub when a command is asked.  Rubbing is a sign of resistance or avoidance.  This behavior can be perceived as the puppy not liking the Gentle Leader.  Don't fall into this trap.  If they only start rubbing when a command is given, it means they are avoiding your leadership.  Correct the puppy that rubs at the Gentle Leader or scratches at the cape.  Use treats to reward good behavior and to distract them from rubbing.   

The Gentle Leader is a required piece of equipment regardless of how well the puppy behaves on leash.  Remember the Gentle Leader is like a seat belt.  We are good drivers, but you wear the seat belt just in case. 

It is normal for some dogs to tense their body when putting on the cape or Gentle Leader.  As long as the puppy immediately goes back to acting normal, staff are less concerned.  Dogs that become stiff and refuse to move after the cape or Gentle Leader are on, are a concern.  Tensing then relaxing is fine.  Tensing with no recovery, and refusal to move, is a concern.  Please contact Canine Companions if the puppy you are raising does not adjust to the cape or Gentle Leader after following these tips.

Happy Training,

Suzanne Sliclen

Puppy Program Manager