Bay Area Pet Spotlight: Lisa-Anne Manolius of Oh Behave!

For those of you who have never struggled with a single problem pet behavior (anyone?. . .  I heard a pin drop), this interview is not for you. For the rest of us unlucky souls, we have a wonderful conversation to share with you. 

Lisa-Anne Manolius, the multi-talented owner/trainer of Oh Behave!, is smart, funny and fascinated with animal behavior.  After giving up her successful legal career, she enrolled in the SF SPCA’s Academy for Dog Trainers, graduated with honors and began her new life as a professional dog trainer.   

It’s always refreshing to find someone so genuinely committed to improving her understanding of animals and positive dog training techniques.   We thank Lisa for taking the time to answer our questions about dog training, pet adoption, and living in the Bay Area with a pet.  

Lisa, your background is in law, what made you decide to get into the dog-training business?  Did your family just fall out of their chairs when you told them the news?

Practicing law was never my passion but animals always were. After I adopted my cat Ted, I began to read about animal behavior - cats, dogs and primates -- and I began to clicker train Ted. Animal behavior and training fascinated me. I spent many many hours volunteering at the SF SPCA and soon realized that I was much happier working with and caring for animals than being a lawyer.   

I lost my father when I was quite young. His unexpected death impressed upon me how precious and sometimes fleeting life is, and how important it is to pursue what makes you happy. I’ve been very fortunate to have the unflagging support of my husband Kimon. He was the one who actively encouraged me to get into dog-training after he noticed how engaged, challenged and fulfilled I was and still am by working with animals.

My mother did fall out of her chair. I think she’s still in shock that I left my legal career behind to work with animals.   

You obviously came from a professional background.  What are some of the things in the Bay Area pet-training industry that surprised you?

I was surprised to learn that the pet training industry is currently completely unregulated here in the Bay Area and the rest of the country. Anyone can hang out a shingle saying they’re a dog trainer regardless of education, experience or training methods. I was also surprised by how densely-populated by trainers the Bay Area, and what a relatively big business it’s become.
     
I hear horror stories related to trainers not returning calls or missing appointments – any tips on how to select a good professional trainer in the Bay Area?

You find good and bad customer service in any industry and the pet dog training business certainly isn’t exempt from that. We’re lucky in the Bay Area to have so many trainers to choose from, many of whom are wonderful at what they do.

I am a positive reinforcement or reward-based trainer, so naturally I recommend seeking out a positive reinforcement trainer. Don’t be afraid to ask them specifically about their training methods and philosophy. A true positive trainer will not use any “aversives” - no yelling, hitting, scary, intimidating, painful or forceful techniques. Positive reinforcement training is the most humane way to train, is extremely effective, and is the best safest way to train shy, fearful animals and those exhibiting aggression. Use of aversives can really backfire when working with any animal, especially those with fear or aggression issues, and can make existing problems a lot worse.

Look for a trainer who has studied and uses animal learning theory – how animals learn – and applied behavioral analysis – the science of applying principles of behavior in order to change behavior.

Talk to other pet owners about their experiences with private trainers.

The SF SPCA’s Academy for Dog Trainers maintains a positive trainer referral list on line. Local shelters and vet clinics can often recommend trainers.    

Look for a trainer who belongs to a professional organization with positive training guidelines like the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.

A good trainer is committed to continuing education about animal behavior and training techniques.

Look for someone with good communication and people skills. Typically, trainers are training not just the dogs but the people on how to work with their dogs. You need someone who can  show and explain clearly what to do and how to do it.  Because you’ll be spending one on one time with the trainer you choose, pick one with whom you’d like to work and feel comfortable with.

Never hire a trainer who guarantees you results. You can’t guarantee an animal’s behavior or how much a problem behavior will improve.  

A good trainer will let you know if a certain behavioral problem is outside her realm of expertise, and usually can refer you to another trainer who can deal with the problem.

Many people these days watch shows like “Dog Whisperer” or “It’s me or the Dog” to get training tips.  What do you think of these shows?  Is there anything different that you learn while in a live training class?

It's wonderful that dog training's become more popular in the mainstream however, I disagree strongly with much of Cesar Millan’s training philosophy and his training methods, which are punishment-based. Many of those techniques aren't safe for dogs or the humans using the techniques, and are highly questionable in terms of effectiveness. The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior among others, have spoken out against those techniques.    

I’ve seen a few episodes of “It’s Me Or The Dog” and so far, I like what I’ve seen. Victoria Stillwell appears to be a positive reinforcement trainer who uses those techniques effectively. She also appears to understand and use animal learning theory in her work.

I would caution anyone against trying out training techniques from TV shows. The shows are highly edited; in most instances you aren’t seeing everything that goes into the training. Due to the TV format, the shows often give the impression that there’s a quick fix to behavioral problems when in fact, the opposite is true. Depending on the issue and the particular dog, training can be a long process. And because dogs are unique individuals,what works to train one dog may not work with another dog.

Live training classes are quite different from the training you see in TV shows. Most of the latter focus on how to address and change problem behaviors, while basic training classes focus on teaching your dog obedience – walking politely on leash, sits, stays, coming when called, etc.

Aside from basic obedience classes, there are puppy classes, which are invaluable for socializing your pup and should be a top-priority for new puppy owners. There are also lots of fun classes that go beyond basic obedience – tricks classes, agility, rally obedience, civilized canines, and canine freestyle or doggy dance classes. I just read about a new wave of dog yoga classes.

Classes are a wonderful way to learn how to train your dog and get him to focus on you in an extremely distracting environment. You pick up lots of behavior and training tips, and can network with other dog owners. Classes are a great way to maintain manners you’ve already taught your dog, to give him vital mental stimulation, and to have fun with your dog.

Just out of curiosity, is there one type of breed that you often find are the most difficult to train?

So far, no. Like humans, dogs are individuals with unique personalities. I take each dog as he/she comes to me, figure out what motivates the dog to behave in certain ways, then use those motivations to train the dog to behave in desirable ways. Most dogs are extremely motivated by food, attention from people and different types of play. Some dogs require you to work a little harder to figure out what motivates them.

Adoption is always the better thing to do, however for people who want a specific type of purebred dog, what would you recommend they do?

Think hard about your lifestyle – realistically, how much time and energy are you willing to commit to training a dog, exercising, socializing, grooming and spending time with him? If you’re getting a dog from a breeder, most likely you’re getting a puppy. Puppies are lots and lots of work, and adolescent dogs definitely need continued training and socialization. Ask yourself if you’re ready and able to make that kind of commitment.

Research breeds that fit with your lifestyle. Humans are very visually-oriented -- many people choose a dog based solely on its physical appearance without knowing much about the breed’s energy levels, exercise requirements, lifespan, typical temperament, or typical health risks. If you relish lots of down time, that adorable high-energy herding dog is probably not the best match for you.

Once you’ve figured out what breeds match your lifestyle, find a responsible breeder or breed-specific rescue. There are lots of irresponsible breeders and back yard breeders who breed dogs without selecting out serious health and/or behavioral problems, or who raise puppies solely in dog runs without much human contact.

A responsible breeder should provide you with health records from the dog’s ancestors, allow you to meet the dog’s parents to get an idea of their personalities, and will have done lots of early socialization and handling of the puppy. A responsible breeder usually requires adopters to sign an agreement promising to return the dog to the breeder if things don’t work out.  

Last but not least, spending time with the dog you’re thinking of adopting will tell you about his/her personality first-hand.

Finally what items do you recommend getting for people who are about to welcome a new cat or dog into their family?  Where should they buy the items?  Do you have a favorite local pet store?

A new cat should have her own litter box, litter, cat toys, scratching posts, food and water dishes, a good quality cat food, flea and tick preventative, a collar and ID tags.

For new dogs the list is a bit longer. They should have a crate that’s the right size for the dog, baby gates or portable divider to set up a dog-proofed zone in the home, a flat leash and collar, ID tags, dog toys including safe chew toys, a supply of waste bags, safe long-term chewable treats, a good quality dog food, food and water dishes, flea and tick preventatives and food puzzle toys like the Kong or Busy Buddy line. If your dog pulls on leash, get a front-clip anti-pull harness. Bitter Apple spray is a good thing to have on hand when you’re training your new dog what not to chew. It’s also a good idea to have an enzymatic cleaner like Anti Icky Poo in your home in case of potty-training or hairball throw up accidents.

You can buy these items in local pet stores or shop around on line.

I don’t have a favorite pet store. There are so many great ones in the Bay Area. I frequent Noe Valley Pet Company and Critter Fritters in Glen Park. Because my dog is a power chewer, I order quite a bit from Best Bully Sticks, an on-line company that sells bully sticks, bones and other good quality natural dog chews and treats at great prices.
 
Any final words of wisdom for new pet owners here in the Bay Area?

In case  you haven’t noticed, I’m a huge advocate of positive training, so my advice is to train your dog as soon as you get him. Enroll in a positive reinforcement basic obedience class. Because dogs and cats are creatures of habit, the best strategy is to teach your pet good manners from the get-go. That is much easier to do than to change habitual problem behavior.

If you have a puppy, enroll in a positive reinforcement puppy class, take her to drop-in puppy playgroups and socialize her to as many different experiences, environments, and types and ages of people, especially kids, as much and as early as possible All kinds of behavioral issues crop up in animals that weren’t well socialized when they were young.

Behavioral wellness is just as important as physical wellness. Pets  have behavioral needs and if those aren’t met, behavioral problems result. Animals need daily exercise, mental stimulation, human companionship, affection and playtime, among other things.

Establish and stick to clear consistent rules and limits. Ask everyone in your household to do the same. That will set your pets up to succeed and help them learn what’s appropriate behavior and what isn’t..  

Spay or neuter your pet. Too many unwanted animals perish every day in shelters.

All pets should be microchipped in case they get lost.

We have a terrific wealth of pet resources here in the Bay Area – pet nutritionists, holistic caregivers and vets, breed-specific meet-up groups, dog park on-line groups, cat behaviorists, vet behaviorists, just to name a few. Take advantage of those resources. You can make new friends, set up playdates for dogs, and learn from and support others. InCirclePets.com is a great place to learn about local pet-related services, businesses and events and to connect with pet lovers and pet professionals.

Have a sense of humor. Be patient. Training is a process. Don’t expect your new pet to learn overnight or to know how to behave unless you invest the time in training him.  

Play with your pets and love ‘em up every day. It will lower your stress level,  make you laugh, and your pets will love you back more than you can imagine. 

About InCirclePets.com: We highlight locally-owned pet businesses, non-profits and organizations as well as pet-friendly activities. We think the Bay Area is an amazing spot in which to have an animal, yet we know that many hidden gems go unnoticed and local spots may not get the attention they deserve. We hope to fill in this gap. If you think we could be doing things better, send us an email . Click here to learn more about us.