Pet Chat
by Jennifer Faul

It is hard to believe that it is September once again. As we move into the autumn season, the kids are back in school, and things seem to settle back into some sort of normalcy. I often find that every September the behavior of our kids – and our pets – improves. Pets and kids thrive on many of the same things – consistency, routine and positive reinforcement.
When I worked at SeaWorld, I was stunned by the tremendous bonds that exist there between animals and their trainers, and by how eager to please the animals are – even the sharks. After all, it is impossible to draw a routine blood sample from an uncooperative shark! Though many precautions are used with these animals, the same principles are applied and result in good compliance: If they know what they are supposed to do, and they know they will be rewarded for doing what they are supposed to, they do it willingly every time.
In the book Whale Done, Ken Blanchard applies SeaWorld’s animal training principles to business. He writes, “It takes a long time to build trust and friendship. That trust and friendship is the basis of everything….The animals are (our) teachers….Build trust – accentuate the positive. “
I like to apply SeaWorld’s animal training techniques to – well, animals! Two years ago we got a puppy. It had been a long time since I had been on the hook for daily puppy training and care. I knew how much effort and dedication and energy it requires to have a new puppy. Like a new class of kids in school, there is much to teach puppies about what is acceptable and what is not, about what is expected and about what gets the greatest rewards. Our puppy was a Sheltie – an energetic, loyal and responsive breed. I encouraged her to do things by using food rewards. And I watched closely for her to choose behaviors on her own that would fit in great with our lifestyle. For those I gave lots of praise and attention, and more food rewards, too.
I remember the one day I came home and found that our adorable little puppy had chewed up the molding in our kitchen. Despite having many toys and good chewing choices, she chose the wall. She was about five months old, and I was so tempted to come completely unglued and scold loudly. Instead, I counted to ten and remembered my days at SeaWorld – ignore the wrong behavior, praise the correct behavior. Several hours later, I offered our puppy some good chewing choices. When she took them, I praised her and offered a reward. I did it over and over again to reinforce good choices. Then I offered her the wall; she went for it. I quietly stopped her and walked away. She looked at me confused and with her head to one side – she was wondering why playtime was over. Later still I offered her some good options which she took, and I praised her well. Our puppy trained easily and is a fabulous dog today. She does everything well, and on a daily basis I am thankful for the choices which I encouraged, but which she made. She thrives on consistency; that things seem out of sync because we are travelling or camping, she looks to me for approval of her behavior. Those first six months were pretty demanding and took a lot of effort, but it has paid off well.
Some of the most trying times of pet ownership, not unlike parenting, are when pets are youngsters. They don’t know the score, and things that seem horrible to us are perfectly reasonable to them. If you are training a puppy or an adult, I encourage lots of positive reinforcement. Don’t be afraid to use rewards, like food and treats. Food is a great way to communicate with your pet about what you want him or her to do. Use the same command for the same behavior. Ask it in the same way and at the same time of day every time. This provides clear and consistent communication. The most important thing is to reward good behavior. I have been asked many times, “But isn’t it a bad thing for animals to only do what you want because you give them a treat for it?” My answer is “No way!”
We all thrive on rewards. We know we are doing a good job at school or work because someone tells us so, or we get a raise, or we get good grades. My daughter knows that if she is quiet and listens well in class, it means 20 extra minutes of recess every Friday. She is able to be amazingly attentive all week long – because the expectation is clear and the reward is consistent and positive, every time. When rewarding our pets, food is a great common denominator and a great reward. They see us eat, they see us enjoy eating, and they know that food is a hot commodity. Treats are a consistent and positive reward, and it is a great place to start. Of course, using good quality, lean treats and in small amounts is always for your pet’s best health.
Be sure to check with your veterinarian for specific recommendations regarding your pet’s diet and treats. Food rewards work; it does not mean that you will always have to use treats for training, but it is a great place to start. Happy September….

Jennifer Faul is a practicing small animal veterinarian, living and working in Vermont. She is a 1991 graduate of the University of Vermont, graduate with honors from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine (now the Cummings School) in 1998, and visits Charlotte as the sole owner and practitioner of Vermont Veterinary Housecalls. She is also an associate veterinarian at Fitzgerald Veterinary Hospital.