Jason's Corner:
What's In Store for 2009?
Date: January 2009
From the Desk: Jason Mann - Senior Editor
2008 drew to a close and I found myself asking, "What happened?" For me, the year of 2008
past with light speed. I'm not sure exactly how to feel about 2008. Lots of ups and downs
for me personally and many ups and downs for Pit Bull
owners as well.
We saw the fight in Denver almost won (keyword, almost) but yet again our efforts to stop the tyranny
against people who own a specific breed of dog failed. Sadly, many people put their entire lives into
that fight and they lost it all. One person I know of lost hundreds of thousands of dollars fighting
the good fight. I asked, "Would you do it again knowing the out come?" They replied, "Absolutely!"
Hearing the answer stopped me in my tracks. Talk about passion. Talk about dedication. Talk about courage. I
respect them for their efforts. My heart is heavy they lost so much though.
The fight continues. We are not done by a long shot. I remember one time a coach of mine said, "The only
way to fail is to quit." How that rings even louder for Pit Bull owners today. For quitting means you
give the power to those who are trying to take your dogs and your rights. Don't quit.
PitBullLovers.com is here to stay!
A little known fact is that over the summer I seriously considered selling PBL. I was burned out, tired
of hearing the bad news of breed specific legislation, tired of hearing about dogs being killed because
they were Pit Bulls, and frankly my nerves were shot.
After many months of careful deliberation I have decided that PBL will only be operated by me. I can't
quit now. PBL has been online since March of 2004. 5 years. Wow. I never in my wildest dreams thought
PBL would turn out to be the beacon of hope it has turned out to be.
I have one thing to say about that, Thank you. Without you PBL would be just another site online
about Pit Bulls and only with your continued support will PBL spread the good word. PBL has went
from a tiny little 5 page web site to a monster 300+ pages of hard core, down to earth, factual,
positive Pit Bull information web site in a very short time.
One day I hope to be writing a letter to you saying, "Wow, I can't believe
it has been 20 years since I started PBL." More importantly I hope that message comes with a "Finally!
We have stopped the tyranny of ignorant people!" As well.
So what is in store for 2009? I am not completely sure. Ican say this, PBL will be here, on the
front lines, spreading the good word and helping you discover the joys of living with a Pit Bull.
I would like to end with an update ...
I recently sent out a letter saying the Gazette will only be having 6 issues a year. This is still
the case but I decided to also post a February issue as well. You will start to receive the Gazette
on the bi-monthly schedule starting with the April issue.
Until Next Issue,
Jason Mann
Dog Training Classes
Are They For Pit Bull Owners?
Pit Bull owners often email me asking of they should attend a dog training class. Most often the question is something like,
"Jason, I am thinking about getting involved in a dog training class. Do you think this is a good idea since I have
a Pit Bull?"
My answer is the same, Yes. Get involved in a dog training class. Why wouldn't you get involved in a dog training class?
After all, getting Pit Bulls out into the public around other dogs and more importantly, dog owners is one of the ways
we can start to change the publics perception of our dogs.
If you happen to run into a flat out retarded dog trainer who does not allow "Pit Bulls" in her
class, seek out a trainer who is smarter. I really hope one of those short bus trainers reads this article
because I despise ignorance.
SIDE NOTE: I mention trainers who do not train Pit Bulls because in my area
there are a number of trainers that refer Pit Bull owners to me because they "don't work with
dangerous dogs." Ignorance annoys me to no end.
Dog training classes are a great option for well trained Pit Bulls too. If your Pit Bull is trained to the hilt
get involved in a beginner class to start proofing (or maintaining) their obedience around untrained dogs. This is
also a good way to show your dog off to dog owners who might otherwise think your dog is straight out of the
Hounds of Baskerville novel.
I also encourage you to seek out sport training like agility or protection sports. Yes, I said it, protection
sports. Don't have a moo-moo. Protection sports are a gateway to some of the highest levels of obedience on
the planet. Ever see a highly trained sport protection dog? It is a thing of beauty to see a handler and dog
working in complete partnership.
SIDE NOTE #2: Working a dog in a protection sport can be rewarding
but there are pitfalls you want to avoid. Using harsh methods stinks. Don't do it. Putting your dog into defense and
fight drive are to be avoided too. Of course this is my opinion but I know one can train a dog in
protection sports without doing that. Using prey drive and making the bite work a game, much like
tug of war, is the preferred path for Pit Bull owners. Again, my opinion. Proceed with caution
when seeking out a trainer to help you. DO NOT try to train bite work yourself.
Agility, fly ball, dock dog jumping, Schutzhund, French Ring sport, are many of the sports
that American Pit Bull Terriers excel at. Don't limit yourself or your dog. Get involved
and have fun.
In the end, any chance you have to get out there and show the world what real Pit Bulls
are capable of is opportunity you should not pass up. Take advantage of those opportunities
every chance you can.
Obedience Training for Your Pit Bull
Learning Theory Continued ...
In October last year I wrote an article called, "How to Tell When Your Pit Bull is Ready for the Next Level." I would like
to expand on that article by discussing more about how dogs learn in this article.
If you need a refresher jump over to the Pit Bull Lovers Gazette
Back Issues October 2008 Issue and read the article.
Okay, now that you have caught up let's continue.
The Four Stages of Learning
Acquisition - Basically this is when your dog acquires a new behavior. They are learning something new.
Fluency - Once your dog is learning the behavior fluency is how well your dog can perform the specific behavior.
Generalization - When you move training from your living room to the front yard. You are generalizing the behavior in different locations.
Maintained - When you continue to work on the behavior to make sure it doesn't disappear or extinguish.
I would like to focus on acquisition for this article. During the learning process this is a critical stage for you. You can either make or
break your dog here. I have some good news, using positive, motivational methods, reduces the "break" part. Yes, you can mess up but it has
less of an effect on your dog and more of an effect on the overall process of teaching them. In other words, you set yourself back a few
steps but your dog is not going to be harmed by the methods.
Let me explain...
Say you are using a prong collar on your dog for leash pulling. Every time the dog pulls you give a correction and say, "NO!" If
you miss the timing or if you over correct you will mess your dog up. I have done this before and I have seen
the damage I caused.
If you are using corrections or compulsion (force based) training methods during this stage you are doing it wrong. How
can you correct a dog for not knowing something? It is unfair and again, you will mess your dog up long term if you are
doing this.
How does one teach and not screw up their relationship? By using positive, motivational methods.
During the learning phase or the acquisition phase of training you should concentrate on being as positive as
possible using motivation to help your dog acquire the new behavior. Corrections do have a place but if you have
read my book you know that I do not "correct" a dog for mistakes. I welcome them. It is a time of learning
as well.
When I am teaching a new dog training class or a private client there is a path I follow and I will
share that with you here.
Start with a clear picture of the end result. If you are teaching the dog to sit, then the end result is
the dog sitting square on the ground. If you are wanting a "front" then your dog will sit in front. If you are
teaching the dog to automatic sit during heeling then you want the dog sitting on your left.
Having a clear picture before you try to teach the behavior is important. Don't over look
this process.
Develop your plan. Knowing what you are wanting is only part of the process. Knowing
how to get your dog to do it is the next step. Again, this should be thought about before you
start teaching your dog a new behavior.
Example: Ever see a dog owner asking their dog to sit like this, "Fido, sit ... sit ... sit ... sit!"? That
is often the sign of a dog owner who didn't have a plan to begin with. They just kept asking and trying
and trying and the dog learns to sit after 5, 10, 15 "sits." Having a plan eliminates the repeated command.
Instead, try this. Find a method that you feel comfortable with. I use a food lure most often and
occassionally I will bring in a toy if that is what motivates the dog to listen. I lure the dog into position
and at the same time I say, "Sit." I say it one time and one time only. The lure is the back up. If the dog
does not understand I repeat the lure but do not repeat the command. This results in a dog that sits
when asked to the first time.
Stick to it. If I had a nickel for every time someone said, "Jason, that positive
stuff never worked for me." I would be retired right now living on some exotic island. For training to
work you have to stick to it. Repeating yourself and then changing methods over and over again results
in an unreliable behavior and untrained dog. Not to mention a frustrated dog owner.
If you ask for a sit one time, then follow up with a lure, then reward at the proper moment, it will work.
I have yet to see a dog not respond to positive methods. Even the "dead head" dogs that seem to be motivated by
nothing have responded with consistent work on the owners part.
When you find yourself teaching a new behavior follow this process. I have used it on well over 100 dogs and
I have yet to see it fail me. From the simple sit to the complicated behaviors like focus while heeling this
process has stood the test and proved itself again and again.
If you get nothing else from this article I hope you at least start to think about the process of training
before you start. You will see your dog learning faster and you'll have more hair because you won't be
pulling it out from frustration.
Stay tuned, next issue I will expand on the other stages of learning.
New Pit Bull Puppy?
Welcome to Life with a Pit Bull
Pit Bull puppies can either be a great experience or a nightmare. You will learn how to make life with
a puppy easier in the following article.
First and foremost I caution you not to use any harsh methods with your puppy. What are harsh methods? One
example would be rubbing their nose in their mess. Jerking on them, pulling on them, swatting them with paper,
are things I also consider harsh.
I have learned over the years that positive, motivational methods work best with puppies. Especially when
you are trying to teach them something for the first time.
Generally I start puppies out in the following fashion ..
One: I am the only one to handle the puppy for several months. From 8-10 weeks to 6-7 months
I am the only person the dog interacts with. Why? Because I want the dog to develop a strong relationship with
me as her sole provider. During this time I do socalize the dog but people are never allowed to handle the dog
for any length of time or give obedience commands etc...
Two: The puppy wears a long lead with the handle cut out while inside and outside. The only
time I remove it is when the dog is sleeping in their kennel.
This accomplishes three things. First it teaches the dog to wear a leash. Second it gives me the ability to
stop the dog from running all over the house so I can pay attention for potty training and finally it develops
a "critical distance." In other words the dog learns that 10-15 feet is about as far as they get away from
me.
Three: Training. I am the sole trainer. No one else tells my dog anything. I am a bit
of a hard nose when it comes to this rule as my dogs are never allowed to listen to other people.
This includes family, girlfriend, friends, and especially strangers.
I am often asked why I am such a hard case about this issue. Personally I am a bit paranoid about people
stealing my dogs. Hence the reason I teach them to listen to me and only me. Not to mention other people
do not adhere to the set rules I have for training. They repeat cue's, they try and bribe the dog etc... I
work hard to train my dogs and I really feel it is a waste of time when someone comes a long and ruins
it by not understanding what to do.
Once the dog is older and we have established training and a bond then, and only then, will I let my
family and girlfriend give the dog cues and they can only do it in my presence. Since the dogs are
with me most of the time anyway this is not a problem.
Do you have to be a hard case like me? No. It is my personal opinion and preference. How much
you allow your family and friends to get involved in the training process is entirely up to you.
Four: I feed by hand for the first two months the dog is with me. I use this
time for training and bond building. This tells the dog that food comes from me. Not a bag. If
I do feed dog food it is a food that contains zero grains as I personally believe the fillers
and grain by-products in dog food are killing our pets.
There are about 500 things one should probably do in regards to their pups but I find these
to be the most important in developing a young dog into a well rounded adult. If you establish
yourself as the sole provider, or leader if you will, the dog will learn to listen to you
in high stress situations and that will save you a lot of trouble in the long run.
Training should start the day the dog comes home.
I get asked, "Jason, How young is to young for training?" My answer is the same, "Your
dog is never to young to learn something."
When I say training, I am also speaking about manners and behaviorial training like
not jumping up, not barking all the time, potty training, etc...
I want to make sure you understand these are my personal handling methods. They are
not for everyone and may not work for everyone but from the dogs I have raised and helped
raise I have found great results over the long term.
However you choose to raise your pup is up to you. By following a few of
these simple guidelines you can stop a lot of the behaviors that annoy us, like nipping,
house soiling and excessive chewing in their tracks.
Once again, welcome to life with a Pit Bull puppy. Enjoy the ride!
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