[s2If current_user_cannot(access_s2member_level2)]We answer members’ pet training and behavior questions in live sessions, which are recorded and provided here for easy access. Please log in or sign up for a Student or Pro membership to see the rest of our videos. [/s2If]

Normally only members can see these recordings, but I’m making this one public because this is such a critical topic and could save someone’s life. Thanks for watching and sharing! I know you are all busy. 😉

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Our guest expert was Molly Sumner, CBATI of Frenchtown, New Jersey. She runs Kindred Companions dog training school and Yellow Dog Pet Supplies (which does shipping). She has lots of great products. Her ABBA username is @nikkoth.

Questions in this video:

• What is compassion fatigue?
• What can we do to prevent burnout?
• What can we do to help our friends in the industry?
• Why do we measure success by who can be the busiest?
• How do you recommend dealing with the frustrations and disappointments that come when you have a dog who will never been normal because of damage done by illness.
• What is your opinion about raising a performance puppy? Puppy has to tug even if he does not want to. Eventually puppy tugs as there is no alternative not to tug. Puppy can not say “I don´t want to”. Otherwise the puppy learns to ignore the owner´s wishes.
• Depression is linked to a lack of controllability and predictability, exactly the sort of thing we try to build up for dogs in BAT. What do you think about that?
• In BAT basic position, our shoulders / elbows are relaxed. With a small dog, can we cheat that to avoid my dog getting tangled in the long leash?
• What are some good resources on this topic?

Here are some of the links that Molly wanted to share with us:

• QPR Gatekeeper Training (how to talk with others who might have compassion fatigue or depression)
• The Out of the Darkness Overnight
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 (don’t worry, they won’t hospitalize you or shame you)
• IMAlive – Online Crisis Network (this is the crisis line that she mentioned you could do by chat)

Other articles:

• Petfinder also has a good article on Compassion Fatigue.
• HSUS has a page of articles from their Animal Sheltering Magazine

[s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level2)]More questions? You can post them on the Live Q&A page now to get in the queue for next time.[/s2If]

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[s2If current_user_cannot(access_s2member_level2)]Grisha Stewart answers members’ pet training and behavior questions in live sessions, which are recorded and provided here for easy access.

These sessions are normally for members only, but we have made this general member Q & A recording public for you. Please share it on Facebook or wherever you can, to help spread the word about ABBA. Thanks![/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level2)]Q&A recordings are normally for members only, but we have made this recording public. Please share it on Facebook or wherever you can, to help spread the word about ABBA. Thanks![/s2If]

• Do you have a suggestion to keep would-be petters away from your person-reactive dog when you’re out on walks? I need tips for politely asking people to keep a distance.
• I have a new case staying with me for a rescue that is highly human aggressive and moderately dog aggressive. a family down the road was not only still up but outside with their uncontrolled dog in an unfenced yard. I announce to the family (mother and 3 children) to please call their dog. Mom looks my way, says “I’m busy” and turns to go inside.How can I handle this without first feeling so angry that they are not respectful enough to a persons request to not allow their dog to approach but now to ensure their dog does not get close enough that my dog in training might attack?
• My dog is triggered to frantically bark when we use a certain “pitch” calling out, such as: “Hi! I’m leaving now! Is that the mailman? Nice day!” Words don’t seem to matter, it’s more the “pitch.” Since we are often interacting with someone when her barking is triggered, it is hard to anticipate, stop interacting, and work with the dog. Wondering how to better handle this?
• My cat bolts out the door whenever I open it. How do I keep her from dashing out! She’s really fast and sneaky.
• I’m trying to teach my dog Sadie to come and she does ok if there are not a lot of distractions. But on trails she runs up to the other dogs or chases after squirrels and will not come back. What can I do to fix this?
• For next time:  I have two Westies, male & female 5 years old. I have had the boy for 3 years and the girl her whole life. When they are out at the fence or in the house and someone goes by, they both bark and then he turns to her and attacks her. What can I do?

Related links:

• Grisha’s upcoming BAT seminar in Germany
• Bio page – scroll down to see Carly Loyer, who is covering May 12 and 19 and Joey Iversen, who is covering May 29.
• Dogs In Need of Space list of useful gear
• Space vest examples abound: Here (from a CBATI and ABBA member) Here and Here and Here (the last one also has stickers, signs, treat pouches, etc.)
• Grisha’s printable “Step Back” image for t-shirts etc.

[s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level2)]More questions? You can post them on the Live Q&A page now to get in the queue for next time.[/s2If]

[s2If current_user_cannot(access_s2member_level2)]Free Sample members can check out more videos. Full student and pro members get even more features, including a discussion group, store discounts, etc. Click to compare.[/s2If]

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[s2If current_user_cannot(access_s2member_level2)]Grisha Stewart answers members’ pet training and behavior questions in live sessions, which are recorded and provided here for easy access.

These sessions are normally for members only, but we have made this general member Q & A recording public for you. Please share this page on Facebook or wherever you can, to help spread the word about ABBA. Thanks![/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level2)]Q&A recordings are normally for members only, but we have made this recording public. Please share it on Facebook or wherever you can, to help spread the word about ABBA. Thanks![/s2If]

• What is the best harness for my dog?

• What’s the best way to bring a rescue dog home? Any tips for the first 24 hours?

• My dog pees every time I get home. I tried to have him sit. What else should I do?

• I’ve always been curious to hear more about Peanut’s role in developing BAT.

• Except for “Sprinkles” Lucy seems to start “working” around treats. Could you talk about that…?

• Any advice about frustrated greeters on leash? I try to vary when moving forward, or back, and sometimes walk parallel, giving reinforcers for looking at me, or offering calm or sit for please. Sometimes Cai doesn’t want food.

• How do I give my dog a bath?

• I’m advertising for a BAT practice dogs..have you ever done something like this? If so…what did you ask for…if not…what to look for? (I’m following up from our last class. and want to practice with Lucy more….but no one around to help…so I’m advertising locally….lots of students around here with dogs so I thought I would try that…) [Here is the link to the BAT groups that Grisha mentioned in the answer]

[s2If current_user_cannot(access_s2member_level2)]Free Sample members can check out more videos. Full student and pro members get even more features, including a discussion group, store discounts, etc. Click to compare.[/s2If]

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