Stephen Rafe isn't a dog trainer, he's a people trainer. Using his 25 years of expertise in behavior and communications, Rafe trains people to effectively communicate with — and lead — their dogs.
In his presentation "Socializing Dogs with Children," Rafe did just that, by sharing his internationally recognized advice to a local audience of 30 at Lake Anne Community Center last Monday.
DISCIPLINARIAN OWNERS, who often punish their dogs and play rough, end up with dogs who are afraid of loud noises, strangers and riding in cars.
When a dog is misbehaving, as suggested by Rafe, an owner should ignore the dog until the dog thinks "hey, this isn't working." In his view, punishment is the least effective way to train.
Yet overindulgent owners who spoil their dogs with bribes and treats, in Rafe's experience, find their dogs to be bossy and uncooperative.
Instead, Rafe suggests that owners should only reward their dogs when they have done something good, so the dogs will know to continue what they have done.
Rafe explained that a good way to teach dogs good behavior is to tell them what they did right — for example, saying "good sit" after a dogs sits down rather than saying "good dog." A dog will learn to recognize the words you use when they are associated with certain activities and will eventually understand what "good sit" means.
Rafe said when owners establish positive leadership — not dominance or overindulgence — dogs will cooperate and follow instructions, especially when children are introduced to the picture. "We want to be the dog's leader, not their dominator," said Rafe.
AMY STEIGLEMAN, an expectant mother from Arlington, took advantage of a one-hour question-and-answer session following the presentation by asking Rafe's advice on how to introduce a new baby to a household dog.
Rafe advised Steigleman to establish the lines of communication with her dog through positive leadership before her baby is born.
Also, before the baby is brought home from the hospital, Rafe suggested to have someone take a baby blanket with the baby's scent on it, so the dog has a chance to get used to the idea of a new person. Another idea he suggested is to record a tape of baby noises and play it around the dog before the baby is born.
"Show the dog your baby," said Rafe. "But never let them play — only let your dog sniff and say hello."
Rafe also stressed that fact that children and dogs shouldn't be left together without supervision, unless the child has demonstrated a lot of maturity. Sometimes children will do things to bother the dog, which could result in the dog biting or harming the child.
THE AUDIENCE learned a lot of facts about dogs. There are 60 leadership-driven behaviors that domestic dogs have in common with wolves, and dogs still think of themselves and their companions as being part of a "pack."
Additionally, dogs can smell fear, as explained by Rafe. "Fear builds adrenaline and has a smell to it," said Rafe.
Rafe's presentation was based on his recent book, "Your Baby and Bowser," and he is the author of two other books.
Rafe is the founder of Starfire, an organization that trains owners to build positive relationships with their dogs. Their outreach has stretched across four continents.
Due to his expertise in canine behavior, he has also testified in court on cases related to dogs. Rafe lives in the South Lakes area of Reston.