Posts Tagged ‘Adoption’

Brian Carvalho is helping to train Zorro and Andy, two male Chihuahuas, who are known for their playfulness and fun-loving attitudes.

For dog training it’s good to use a clicker, but for some dogs, like Zorro, the noise scares them, so Carvalho suggests using a kiss noise instead. You can also start with the clicker wrapped in a towel to muffle the noise.

Carvalho is training Zorro how to be calm and he does this by making a kiss noise, then waiting until Zorro makes eye contact. When Zorro does, Carvalho makes another kiss noise and gives a reward.

“This starts the pattern of behavior that he can look towards me and put his attention on me, instead of the stimulus that’s scaring him,” Carvalho said.

The kiss or clicker noise is important in training dogs because it makes the dog focus on you and not on external stimulus. It also makes the dog feel safe, Carvalho said.

During the first two days of training, Zorro wouldn’t let Carvalho touch him, but a couple of days later Zorro was sitting in Carvalho’s lap.

“It’s all about creating a pattern of behavior with them. It doesn’t take long,” said Carvalho.

For dogs that bark at the doorbell or in general Carvalho has some tips:

“If they bark, don’t acknowledge it because it will reinforce the barking,” Carvalho said. “Reward their silence and as soon as they are quiet make a kiss sound and reward them.”

Olive was adopted, but was returned because she was not a perfect match for her first new pet parent. Soon after her return to our facilities, a Navy pilot connected with her immediately and is now the pet parent she was looking for. Her new mom stimulated Olive’s mind with a unique cat tree, just what Olive needed. She gives her new mom lots of love and cuddles and is in love with her new home! Olive now goes by the name Morrigan and is the perfect companion for her new mommy.