K9 TODDLERS
THINK like a dog.   BEHAVE like a Master!

"Training" is a lifetime (learning) process since animals invite us into the magical experience of sharing their world.

Teka Ludovico, an animal behaviorist since 1983, founded K9 Toddlers in 1995. Teka knew from the time she was a small child that she had a special gift of intuition when it came to communicating with animals. She grew up on a ranch in Brazil. Teka developed her gift over many years, studying typical animal behavior training as well as veterinary care of horses, dogs and cats. She has developed her own unique behavior modification program that is gentle but extremely effective.

As an animal behaviorist Teka focuses primarily on teaching owners how to communicate with their pets. Understanding a pet’s emotional and psychological needs is extremely important since many times it can override their learning ability and expression of love. Teka guides her clients at their own pace. No rush.

Teka believes pets have a lot to teach us, sometimes much more than we have to teach them! Over the years she observed how pets and owners are alike in many ways and how much we can benefit from their energy and unconditional love.

The most important thing when teaching animals a new routine or even to modify an old behavior is understanding how they think and learn, not using intimidation. Patience and calm assertive energy are the keys. We live in a "microwave society" where everyone wants problems to be resolved in just minutes. Many times that reflects how we treat one another. The following passage from "The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity" by Catherine Ponder summarizes Teka's personal philosophy in life because we are the energy we project and animals just react to it:

"Another shocking truth about prosperity is that thoughts of your mind have made you what you are, and thoughts of your mind will make you whatever you become from this day forward. The more you realize this, the more you come to know that people, places, conditions and events cannot keep prosperity and success away from you, once you decide to deliberately employ prosperous thinking as your ally for success. Indeed, you will discover that the things, people and events that have previously worked against you will either begin to work for and with you, or they will fade out of your life, and new people and events will appear to help you succeed. That is the power of prosperous thinking."

When training animals and trying to solve behavior problems, it is essential to understand your pets' needs, as explained in this recently published article by Teka:.

Understanding your Pet's needs

Training is nothing more than a common language owners and pets create so they can communicate and establish in a positive way what's expected from one another. Understanding how your pet thinks and learns will greatly improve your communication and teaching skills! Most common behavior problems are:

Socialization: Since dogs are pack animals they need early socialization to prevent becoming aggressive or shy around others. They need to play and socialize with a VARIETY of dogs and people. Expose them to everything! Make an extra effort to take them hiking, to the beach, dog parks, open shopping malls, busy traffic, coffee shops ... you name it! Lack of socialization will give them an impression that everyone is a "threat" creating a defensive "fight or flight" mechanism.

Separation Anxiety: Teaching your pet to be independent, confident, happy and content will avoid his anxiety when left alone. Increasing gradually the time your puppy is left alone can teach him trust. Puppies will cry when left alone, if "rescued" all the time quickly they learn to cry to get your attention and rescue. This period is never an easy one since as humans we feel the need to comfort and we feel sorry for them. This "tough love" period won't last long and it'll help your puppy be comfortable and happy when left alone.

Boredom: Animals express their emotions through their mouths. They can become very destructive if left alone for long hours. Some of the things that can help: Plenty of exercise; rotating new toys (to keep it fun) and new age music are very helpful to balance the energy in the house calming your pet as well.

Kids & Pets: It's very important to "baby proof" pets by socializing them with children (even if you don't have kids of your own). Incorporate training into this socialization: ask your pet to sit before the child gently pets him and gives him a cookie. Pets can become confused or agitated when mishandled or subjected to teasing. Teaching kids how to "speak" to pets will not only improve their relationship but it'll also give them a sense of responsibility and kindness to one another.

Older pets: Senior pets often experience arthritis, loss of hearing, eyesight as well as a number of other physical ailments associated with aging. Usually they want a quieter environment and sometime they may not be very patient with puppies or other pets as they used to. They may start soiling the house again. It's important to notice these changes as your pet matures. You may need to make adjustments in your living situation but most of all be patient and understanding to this loyal friend who gave you unconditional love for all these years.

Spaying & Neutering: Many behavior problems such as aggression, desire to roam, spraying (cats), mounting (dogs) can be greatly reduced by altering your pet and it'll also increase the longevity of your pet and improve its overall health.

Teaching a pet takes time, patience and a sense of humor. It's something you should be committed to and you enjoy doing it as well. After all, we must do all we can to honor this gift our pets give to us: Pure love.

Teka Ludovico
* Animal Behavior Specialist *
- Member, Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) -
K9 Toddlers Behavior Training
Office:  (310) 478-9562
e-mail:   Teka@k9toddlers.com
http://www.k9toddlers.com/

© Teka Ludovico 2004-2007