Ep 18. Husbandry: Handling and Object Conditioning

Dog Training 101 season 1 episode 18, titled "Husbandry: Handling and Object Conditioning," is a crucial episode in the series as it focuses on teaching viewers how to train their dogs to tolerate handling and become accustomed to objects. This is an important step towards creating a well-behaved and calm dog that can handle everyday situations without becoming anxious, frightened, or aggressive.

The episode is hosted by a seasoned dog trainer who provides an in-depth tutorial on how to train your dog to tolerate handling. She begins by explaining the concept of "husbandry," which refers to the crucial veterinary care practices that are necessary for your dog's overall health and well-being, such as administering medication or grooming it regularly. However, these practices can be stressful for your dog, especially if it has not been trained to tolerate handling.

The trainer goes on to provide tips on how to train your dog to tolerate being picked up and carried, which is especially important when it comes to veterinary visits. She emphasizes the importance of starting with simple tasks, such as lifting your dog's paw or picking it up for a few seconds, and gradually building up to more complex tasks, such as carrying it around the house or outside.

The episode also covers object conditioning, which involves training your dog to become familiar with and comfortable around everyday objects, such as a brush, nail clippers, or a lead. This training is vital, especially when it comes to grooming, as your dog needs to be comfortable with the tools used for grooming, so it does not become anxious or frightened during the process.

The trainer explains that object conditioning involves introducing your dog to an object gradually and positively. For example, if you want to condition your dog to a brush, start by placing the brush on the floor and encouraging your dog to come and check it out. Once your dog is comfortable around the brush, you can start to introduce it to brushing by gently brushing its fur with the brush.

Throughout the episode, the trainer emphasizes the importance of being patient, calm, and consistent when training your dog. She also provides helpful tips on how to make the training process more enjoyable for your dog, such as using treats or toys as rewards or breaking up the training into shorter sessions.

Overall, "Husbandry: Handling and Object Conditioning" is an essential episode for any dog owner who wants to ensure that their furry friend is well-behaved and comfortable in any situation. It provides practical tips, techniques, and best practices for training your dog to tolerate handling and become accustomed to everyday objects. By following the advice provided in this episode, you can create a happy, healthy, and well-behaved dog that will bring you joy for years to come.