The APDT Chronicle of the Dog Summer 2020 | Page 27

CATCH Canine Trainers Academy
caution to things that you “could have sworn” he was already
comfortable with as a younger pup. Don’t get disheartened when
this happens, it’s normal. It seems to be nature’s way of balancing
a healthy blend of caution (keep yourself safe) with curiosity (find
food, territory, mates).
If/when an adolescent dog shows a fear response, stay calm and
upbeat. Don’t force the dog to engage with the thing that has
spooked him. If you apply that pressure, you could confirm his
worst fears and erode his trust in you. Instead, go to a distance
that allows the dog to observe the trigger with less stress. Watch
his body language to see if he feels more comfortable given some
time and distance. If he calms, you may have an opportunity to
give him treats or a favorite toy to help make a positive association
with the fear trigger. Another option is to reward him for some
basic training cues that he already knows (i.e., hand targeting, sit,
or watch). Responding to these cues can earn him treats while also
teaching him alternate behaviors he can use in situations like this
going forward. Knowing what to do and getting rewarded for it
can help him build confidence and comfort.
Putting this Into Practice
Let’s take an example of a pup that loved meeting new people, but
as an adolescent starts to bark at strangers during nighttime walks.
Here is a basic overview of steps you can take:
• As the dog starts to show fear (stops, backs up, barks or
growls), talk to him in a positive way (think of the kind of voice
you would have while playing). “What do you see good boy? Do
you want to come over here?”
• Guide him over to a spot that you think could be more
comfortable. For example, cross the street to the other side
if you were on a sidewalk and the stranger is walking right
towards you. Or, if you are in a park with open space, move
off the path and far enough away that the dog feels more
comfortable but can still watch the stranger pass.
• When you get to a “safe” distance (according to the dog’s body
language) you can comfort him with more upbeat talk or petting.
• Watch the dog to see if he gives you eye contact. If so, that’s
great – praise that! Even better, reward that with treats or play if
he would enjoy it.
• If you have the dog’s attention, you can reward him for some
basic training cues as described above (stick to fun, easy behaviors
like hand targeting, sit, or watch as opposed to behaviors
like down-stay that might make him feel more vulnerable).
around to gobble them up. If he’s not ready to engage in “find
it,” then feed from your hands.
• Whether the dog is taking the treats or not, don’t linger
too long watching the stranger if the dog remains scared. Stay
upbeat, act like there’s nothing too interesting happening here
and move on to more fun parts of the walk.
• Keep leading the dog to new spots where he can experience
scents, sights and sounds that engage his curiosity without
fear. You want to show him that whatever scared him is just
another normal part of a walk and that your “night on the
town” will be peaceful and pleasant.
With patience and practice, following a plan like the above,
you’re likely to see a dog that was confident as a pup “work his
way through” the adolescent fear periods and resume his happygo-lucky
ways – day or night!
David Muriello is the founder of CATCH
Canine Trainers Academy, a national school
for dog lovers who seek to study professional
dog training and behavior with the guidance
of experienced pros. Since 2011, the CATCH
program has developed a passionate
community of students and mentor trainers
working together across 48 states. David and the CATCH team also
teach five intensive week-long workshops per year at St. Hubert’s
Animal Welfare Center in Madison, New Jersey. At these workshops,
students work hands-on with shelter dogs every day in order to hone
their skills and benefit the dogs. David is a Cornell University
graduate who began his training career in New York City. He
founded and led a multi-location dog training business for Biscuits
and Bath, a Manhattan-based full-service facility for dogs, now
with 13 NYC locations. David has appeared as a dog expert on
ABC-TV’s Rachael Ray Show and in Dog Fancy Magazine. He was
also the annual emcee for the NYC Central Park “Best in Park”
Dog Show, and a national speaker for the Petco Foundation's
Adoption Options educational events. David currently lives in New
Jersey with his wife Lauren and their two kids and two dogs who
have all been raised with tons of positive reinforcement! Both work
as therapy dogs at Lauren’s psychotherapy practice.
• If the dog doesn’t know any cues, play “find it” where you
sprinkle a bunch of treats on the ground and let him sniff
The APDT Chronicle of the Dog | Summer 2020 25