Dangerous Encounters: Training Your Dog for the Great Outdoors

[@zakgeorge]

This episode is 🔥! Dying to hear your feedback on this one, as we continue to make subtle changes to our format and the series!

[@brandonrohrer7914]

George you say don't try this at home but I have no bears at home so I would have to only have a chance away from home

[@aline9123]

I liked the episode. Seeing handling in situations with wildlife is very interesting, and I liked that the advertisement was at the end usually i just skip it to get to the "interesting" stuff 😄 Although I was a bit disappointed, not by the contents, but what the title and title picture suggested. I was really looking forward to learn something about how the two dogs interact (trainings wise), to what behaviour special attention should be paid and such. Like Allelomimetic behaviour and such things. I still would like such an episode: What has to be considered when getting a puppy to an older Dog. I got an puppy to my older one after my first dog died (they both where adolescent rescue dogs when i got them, years apart). There where sooo many things I didn't consider even I had two dogs before and tried to read and talk (with trainers) about getting a puppy as second dog.

[@Missy2858]

Where’s that harness from?

[@josiegrossnickle1150]

@@Missy2858 I was wondering that too

[@lisacalais5975]

I've never read a book so fast! kzbin.infoUgkx1_veP7CApJK_GWy_TczaMciuG64PqJeU Learning about his dogs and experiences was just the icing on the cake - bed this book through and through. We're working with our new pup and Brandon's advise was just what I needed. Wish he'd just come and train for me haha but it's good for us and happy to have this new set of tools to use on our pup.

[@AspLode]

Honestly I started following for the incredibly valuable dog training guidance but now I'm just enjoying following Zak and Bree and the dogs as they travel the beautiful sights, it's such a delightful convergence of useful and aesthetic

[@zakgeorge]

So glad this is how you are interpreting this series. It is an interesting thing to balance.

[@CarrieMtn]

As a Colorado native, you guys are cracking me up. Haunted cabins, dangerous elk…. I love seeing how this is all new to you. Keep being adventurous and exploring new things. But, trying to follow a bear in what looks like the spring time is not a good idea. Bree- great job spotting the fox. That is a rare sight! ❤️

[@VeeHu]

The #1 reason bear encounters go wrong is a pet dog’s reaction to the bear which causes an unnecessary confrontation. Keeping a dog calm during wild animal encounters is critical. Statistics suggest many pet owners don’t think about this until it’s too late.

[@Nylak-Otter]

My wilderness SAR dogs are exposed to anything you might commonly encounter in the continental US and Alaska before their first assignment, but one of my new pit bull recruits *completely LOST it* when he encountered a box turtle for the first time. Didn't prep for that one. Genuinely didn't think it would be a "problem." 😑

[@MaggieintheRain]

We have a nearly nine-month-old rescue pup and have been using the George family's training advice and techniques since pretty much day one - happy to report that she is a delightful pup! Still much to work on, but the gentle approach and being sure to set her up for success rather than using "no" all the time has been very effective!

[@rrjohn5]

I love this episode... both entertaining and informative. Actually, just today we picked up a rescue dog from a local organizion,, so renewing my knowledge and use of your training methods has just become more relevant.

[@lisadehart1]

Love this video. So authentic. Inertia is amazing. Veronica is adorable and coming along in her training nicely. Truly love the adventure!!!

[@jacquelinegolden1038]

Liked the video! Socializing is vital to having a well behaved dog. To me the earlier you start the better. While we don’t live in an area with Bears etc, we live in an area with busy streets, elevators, schools with bells that go off, a fire house with a siren, busy malls, stores and KIDS. I have been socializing my puppy from the beginning. It takes many different types of experiences to truly provide a solid beginning. So Zax I’m not going to track down a bear to socialize, as this is something I don’t want to socialize with, but will try a doctors office and the busy waiting room! Yes!!!

[@Here_This]

Very exciting landscape ! 😍 Great job of Inertia , she was perfect with the Deers or Elks . 🤩👍 It was so cute , when Inertia put her paw on Veronica . 🤗 I personally think Veronica might be tough to train "be quiet" , I would like so much to know how , so I can do the same with my now 2 years old girl . 😄

[@jamescharles3181]

Zak saying don't try this at home as if we have bear prints at home everyday 😂

[@greasemonkey4god]

We do…

[@tomohawk2177]

@@greasemonkey4god Ominous… I think the closest bear to me is a few thousand kilometres away

[@greasemonkey4god]

@@tomohawk2177 there’s bears seen on the outskirts of town sometimes. So within 10 miles of me. I live in the biggest city in Montana.

[@kristinlawrence3704]

I'm from Maine...we do lol

[@CheDeco15]

Hi, Zak, Bree, Inertia, and Veronica! I love watching your adventures unfold in this series! It does make me nervous that we haven’t done enough with our dog in terms of socialization though. He’ll be 2 in December. Is it ever “too late” to socialize a dog? I guess it’s also relevant to say that we live in a small town and don’t travel much so it’s highly unlikely we’ll run into acid pools! 😂 Can you share why it is helpful for Inertia and Veronica to be exposed to bears in this way? If they know the scent and what a bear looks like, will that aid in keeping them safe? And what can those of us who aren’t on wild and crazy adventures do to socialize our dogs? Thanks for all you do! 💜

[@zakgeorge]

I’m sure you’ve done well. We are definitely laying on the socialization pretty thick in the series. The purpose of showing our dogs various wildlife sights,smells, or sounds is to initially make them aware of the existence of different things. Once they understand those things exist, we can then begin to show them how to conduct themselves around those things.

[@haventli]

When I was out camping we once had a bear cross a road about 200 feet from my group. My dog was off leash and she barked once but didn't move. The bear turned its head in our direction while I slowly grabbed my dog's collar. The bear saw all these people and a dog and decided to move on, but I was so thankful that my dog didn't charge the bear or aggravate it in any way. I think if you aren't in bear county you probably don't have to worry about bears much, but what about coyotes, deer, porcupine, skunks? I think it'd be worth researching what animals are in your area and how they can be a danger to your dog and thinking through how to prevent your dog from being reactive or predatory towards those animals. Just my two cents as a seasoned dog owner but not a dog trainer.

[@elainelucke]

Thanks for sharing your adventures. Love your training. I also super appreciate you talking about the barking. I am working on that with my new rescue & it’s good not to feel alone😅

[@rosariadesouza266]

I have brought a nine months old puppy. Learning from you to train.i love your videos. Thanks for reaching us.

[@Scalpcollector]

I really needed this video! My sweet 5mo GSD/Aussie has had troubleeeting and playing with other dogs because he broke his leg at 9 weeks and couldn’t socialize much, so he thinks every dog wants to rough house

[@emilyh.9240]

Wildlife is beautiful but often scary to me! I don’t have a dog yet, but I am hoping to get one in about a year or so. I have watched Inertia’s series twice now and am enjoying this series and Veronica too. I plan to watch both again before actually getting a dog. I’m learning lots! Speaking of wildlife, I have a 21 year old cat, and he came flying like a kitten into my bedroom the other day and made me follow him to our back porch door. There was a skunk on our porch! He was so excited to see it, and I was happy he thought to come get me, but mostly I was just glad the skunk was on the other side of the door (and ran off soon afterwards). It was pretty though! 😂

[@ShieldMaiden95]

Bree saying "Omg zoomies" at the bison was so cute and funny to me. 😂 Still loving this series and all the adventures. 💙

[@emilyromanello9476]

You guys seriously have a sense of adventure, haha. You got some amazing nature shots. I loved that you brought up how socialization isn't just restricted to other dogs and people, but also to things like walking on a log. Inertia is doing amazing, she's come so far.

[@stephenmoore2561]

I’m really enjoying your new videos! They offer a new dimension & perspective. Watching while playing with our new Bichon puppy makes the experience more enjoyable.

[@switters27]

Love Bichons!

[@jeffg6510]

Workings hard on socializing my pup. She was spooked by horses last spring in CO. At home went to county fairs and spooked at the animal barns. With deer here in the campsite she is getting better sitting quietly. Thxs for the videos.

[@faeriesandrainbows]

It's so cool to see all of the wildlife you've encountered on the trip! And it's great to see you do so safely. 😉

[@ingeborg-anne]

Huh! The elks seemed curious but pretty relaxed to me.

[@aleisterlavey9716]

Until they aren't.

[@bellgrowsak]

I absolutely LOVE this video!! Editing was amazing and it's great to have an insight into your everyday socialization with the dogs. Plus, I love the focus on the nature around you! It's pretty amazing how even just being aware of different kinds of life forms helps us all - dogs and humans alike! - to rationalize our own place in the universe. One tiny tiny thing and please don't read further if you are not actively looking for bits of feedback like this because I love you guys and love the direction you're going in in this video, but there was one point around 5:45ish that Veronica was barking loud and you were saying something important at the same time it was a little distressing and hard to concentrate - had to rewatch a few times.

[@davidshort1459]

Love watching you training in such an unusual situation. Keep up the good work.

[@rockinrobin75x]

Thank for your videos! I really look forward to them ❤ You guys are so fun!

[@michellemulligan9480]

Zak I love your videos and my puppy has learnt so much, her sit pretty is coming along nicely and she is starting to ring her bell to go outside. Thank you so much for your positive training methods. My puppy still has things to learn if you could give any tips on how to get her to drop things she steals rather than running away, thinking its a game, she doesn’t listen to me to me all, in fact she knows its wrong and ignores me. I can’t thank you enough for your videos.

[@NyreeAlana]

Beautiful shots of wildlife!!! 😍 But the shot that really made my day, was Veronica's head in Inertia's mouth! 🤣🤣🤣

[@Lourdes-nc3sp]

Omg Inertia quietly and casually watching the black bear ❤🐻 I personally love this kind of video!

[@zakgeorge]

She has come so far! She’s calmer than we are around animals! However, she still has her moments!

[@Lourdes-nc3sp]

@@zakgeorge I would probably be hyperventilating and/or pooping myself if a bear got that close 😂 you must be so proud!

[@breejustine]

I was so proud 🥹

[@Lourdes-nc3sp]

@@breejustine 😌❤

[@disneydelaforet]

Love this video!. That’s exactly what we are trying to do with our dogs, considering we like hiking with them. My female is like Veronica, very reactive and very vocal and loud about her opinion😅. I am still working with ducks and squirrels, but I feel like things are getting worse. Nothing works, not my voice, no food, no treats…

[@AmbeEve]

Super helpful! I have a question, how do I get my chihuahua to not bark at everything she hears. Yumi has such a hard time responding to anything while distracted. Not even treats get her to look at me. What should I do?

[@JuliaColon805]

I have the same problem.

[@zakgeorge]

I would recommend starting this series from the beginning. We have thoroughly addressed this issue. Much better to show you realistically than to tell you in a KZbin comment! It’s all normal! Hang in there!❤

[@kthomp6844]

Thanks for the wilderness update. BTW What brand of harness do you have on Veronica? Thanks

[@1_viewer]

looks like a Ruffwear Front Range

[@breejustine]

Yep that one is Ruffwear 👍 We also use the Blue 9 balance harness pretty often!

[@lydiacantu112]

Real nice videos Zac!!! Wooooh lol

[@irahuang7365]

THIS IS SUCH GREAT VIDEO 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@emxtionalgaming6340]

Hey Zak love your videoes I have an 18 month old border collie called Vento And he gets very anxious when he’s home alone with our other dog, but he gets very reactive around larger dogs any tips?

[@pconan1]

If you were in Yellowstone area, sure seemed like it, one bark and an elk could be after you. Particularly in Mammoth, where the elk are constantly agitated. I love the scenery as you travel but it would be more relevant and fun to hear about where you are and what you are looking at, as well as the fun adventures will the dogs, even if it’s brief. Love your shows

[@melissacooper8724]

The older dog and the puppy on the thumbnail reminded me of how my older dog "Molly" was doing with my new puppies when they were 8 weeks old.

[@Calistake047]

Me, living in an apartment where the gravest danger is mosquito bites: Oh well...

[@susanworrell2058]

I was wondering if you could do a video on reactive aggression? Madison is suffering with it which inturn makes us all suffer. if she hears a noise she attacks the puppy. every little thing she attacks Emma. please we need help advice something. I have cried for months it feels like over this. thanks Susan

[@SHARKAST1C]

My dog and I were walking near a creek in Colorado when I heard a large animals hooves running towards us on the other side of some tall reeds. I either had time to jump out of the way or get my dog out of the way, so I grabbed him by his booty and swung it out of the way just as the elk came through the reeds. I was still bent a bit and my dog was just off the side of the trail a bit sprawled, the elk stopped on a dime less than a foot from me which makes no sense based on her size and speed, she shouldn't have been able to stop. I could feel her breath as she looked at me, looked at my dog, and then looked back at me, but we didn't move a muscle. She then turned her head towards the creek and looked at me again, so I slowly turned away from her and as soon as she took a step towards the creek I took a step off the trail and away from her and she took off up the creek. My dog is extremely well trained, but he also has a very sweet temperament and has been known to let wild rabbits chase him out of his spot in the yard, so I'm extremely lucky. My new rescue wouldn't be so polite, but we're working on it :)

[@beesknees9565]

Zac pleeeeease help! We got two not so friendly cats and now 5 months old border collie. It's been 3 months of trying to get them to be at least ok with each other but he just so despirately wants to play he keep running to them when sees them and they hiss and tend to even get agressive and try to scratch.. It's better now since day one as before they wouldnt even enter the room with him but nowhere near being at least ok to pass each other without hiss/lets play game

[@katherinehomer8326]

how do you socialize a dog with other dogs if you don't know anyone with a stable dog? I'm scared to take mine to a dog park

[@susanschuck8124]

Great video! Be safe

[@irahuang7365]

This great video👍

[@mssdn8976]

This makes my dog walking so tame, I’m in England and not many scary animals here

[@victoriag7573]

I definitely appreciated seeing the importance of socializing dogs around wildlife, but I did find the tense/dramatic background music at a couple points to be a bit much, leading to annoyance. On another note, Inertia is such a good girl 🙂

[@veronikafrankovicova5060]

Hi Zak! I love your videos and IG posts/stories :). Thank you for what you are doing! :) And - I apologize if you've been asked this question 8394 times. I really tried to search for the answer, but couldn't find what kind of leashes you are using. Is it somewhere to be found, or could you please publish that info? :) I believe more people would be interested.

[@zakgeorge]

We use so many different leashes. I wouldn’t know where to begin! I don’t have a strong loyalty to specific leashes.

[@breejustine]

A lot of them are biothane leads, we have them in pretty much every length imaginable!

[@veronikafrankovicova5060]

@@zakgeorge Haha, understood! :) Thank you for the answer anyway!

[@veronikafrankovicova5060]

@@breejustine Thank you Bree! :) I was thinking if that might be it - biothane. Thank you again and have a great day 😊

[@Garmonbozia909]

Is there a way to socialise my dog more so he stops humping other dogs? He's not aggressive and he's fine with people but it seems like a nervous or playful habit and I'm finding it difficult to discourage and manage

[@JillPlusBooks]

Who is in charge of the thumbnails? because this may be the BEST thumbnail you've had! SO CUTE!

[@zakgeorge]

🤔😂 we take turns!

[@haventli]

I literally came looking for this comment, it's such a good thumbnail I knew someone had already cemented about. It made me smile.

[@JenKirby]

Even in England it’s necessary to keep dogs under control. People get stampeded by cattle and it’s people with dogs who die. If one has a sensible dog, he or she goes very quiet and obedient. Very good episode!

[@zakgeorge]

Thank you!

[@switters27]

Were you and your family in Yellowstone?

[@judybeverley-harvey5899]

This was so exciting & scary I was so worried about you guys, I knew you would come out ok,!!!!

[@isaiah_huff]

This episode is gripping!

[@zakgeorge]

I thought so too!

[@marniehouston7465]

What kind of Frisbees are best for small dogs, like Veronica’s size?

[@zakgeorge]

We use hero discs. They have several sizes and weights.

[@marniehouston7465]

@@zakgeorge Are they softer discs. Because i tried a regular frisbee with my dog and he didn’t like it because it was hard and only wanted to chew it. So i bought the Chuck-it disc which he seems to like. But i can’t get him to actually catch it mid air. Still working on him (18 months - had him just over a year). Thanks for your help/feedback.

[@uhmmhellno]

I haven’t been watching in a bit but every time I do I ask myself why I haven’t!

[@leemeyer4059]

I am a disabled veteran, and I am not able to walk my dog far enough to fulfill her exercise needs. She walks along with me while I ride my recumbent trike.

[@beth8401]

Veronica looks almost exactly like my rescue dog, she just has longer legs ❤️

[@SysterYster]

lol, any toy with treats our dog can't get the stuff our of in less than say, 10 min, he gives up on them. He just quits. Even if we help him a bit and encourage it.

[@P0LAR.48]

That thumbnail ... was clickable (and slightly terrifying)

[@shaere1]

Hope YOU'RE looking up in the trees n bolders for mountain lions and bobcats!

[@zakgeorge]

Yes! Great point. The landscape only becomes more authentically wild from here on out.

[@shaere1]

@@zakgeorge stay alert while out cuz wild animals are hungry, especially after all the fires, the bunny epidemic that killed 95% of our rabbit population.

[@breejustine]

😳😳

[@karma.chameleon]

LOL! That thumbnail photo…

[@zakgeorge]

Actual shot from the video too!

[@pagesculptor]

Bones. Everywhere. Sounds like Montana. I remember being surprised the first time my hunting dog sniffed but bypassed a dead moose on the side of an Alaskan road.

[@anipi100]

I would like to teach my dog TO BARK when someone comes to my door as I often don't hear my doorbell. How would I go about this?

[@Nylak-Otter]

Teach a bark command first, then recruit a friend to randomly ring the doorbell for you when you're expecting it. Then give the bark command as soon as you hear the doorbell, and mark/reward the behavior. Repeat until the association "door bell + barking = reward" is consistent. If you want them to bark until you quiet them, just delay the reward for longer and longer, with of course random times when you reward quickly to keep up the unpredictability to increase the consistency of the behavior.

[@anipi100]

@@Nylak-Otter thank you, very sensible - just need to get him to bark at all now 👍👍

[@Nylak-Otter]

@@anipi100 Haha, I get that! The way I do it is by teasing them. Hold a high value thing (a favorite toy or treat) in front of them just out of reach, and wait for them to get frustrated and bark, then give it to them as a reward. Just do it over and over and integrate a hand signal or voice command when the bait is presented (I use the hand sign of a shadow puppet hand opening and closing its mouth - seriously). 😂

[@anipi100]

@@Nylak-Otter that’s fantastic- thank you

[@chikararexzpo]

Adventure Time is ever so dangerous 🙃 Lucifer damn cat poop 🖤🐶🤣

[@christineleonard1110]

Just curious as to why you don’t post on a regular schedule?

[@zakgeorge]

We pretty much upload one, sometimes two times a week. However, we are more focused on quality over quantity. Most of our videos have an evergreen quality so they receive most viewership over the course of years.

[@quietstormmelody]

Zac searching for bears is dangerous.

[@zakgeorge]

I know!

[@kaclama]

It's not super safe, but at the same time, bears want to avoid humans whenever possible. It's when they feel trapped that they are dangerous.

[@Zimtej]

URGENT - DO Not TRACK Bear! XD Joking aside, love your channel

[@zakgeorge]

Agreed!😂🤔

[@SpaceDorito]

I'm pretty sure I can't find a bear at home, I'll try this at the woods

[@ec-3po]

What breeds is Veronica?

[@zakgeorge]

Coming soon!

[@sheilafrancl1423]

Wait, those bisons can bathe in sulfuric acid?

[@SigiNorth]

I my opinion all those bones are likely from a herd that got struck by lightning

[@Heyjot]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@hauskalainen]

I'm personally freaked out that you used the word ELK instead of MOOSE!!

[@homeandgardendiy6363]

Why? Those WERE elk. ??? 🤔

[@hauskalainen]

@@homeandgardendiy6363 I thought Europeans say elk but North Americans only use the word moose for the same animal.

[@hauskalainen]

having said that Finns call it Hirvi. A similar word to hirviö which means MONSTER!

[@homeandgardendiy6363]

@@hauskalainen 🤣🤣🤣

[@Nylak-Otter]

@@hauskalainen Oh, come on. We're not *THAT* dumb over here. 😂

[@samanthadeyo]

Will you be doing a DNA test on Veronica? I’m so curious to know what breeds she is!

[@zakgeorge]

Yes!

[@mandyschlereth5662]

When are we going to find out Veronica’s DNA results? I can’t wait!!!

[@susanmcbeth4220]

Never in a million years would I do this with or without my dogs. I don't think you're the trainer for me. Yikes!

[@zakgeorge]

Specifically, what? Take your dog into the world and show it to them? Or something else?

[@brianbeswick]

The thumbnail feels like click bait. I see the thumbnail and think this is going to be an episode about dogs using their mouths when playing, and then the episode has nothing to do with it and is a huge let down. My dogs love to play with each other but their play often involves play like the thumbnail. They don’t bite, they use zero bite pressure but they use their mouths. Occasionally it can escalate to some low level growls that seem to be playful communication. As I’m not a trainer and I admittedly only know what I learn from Zak’s videos, I never know if it’s appropriate behavior and when to intervene in their play. Usually once I hear the low level growling, I give a correction. I don’t see any harm in the play they do, but I worry that if they attempt that type of play with dogs they don’t know at the dog park it would escalate to a problem. Would love to see an episode that talks about appropriate types of play between dogs.

[@zakgeorge]

Come on!! 🧐I do appreciate your honest feedback though. The thumbnail is an actual image from the video. The title is clearly about socializing dogs which we deliver on thoroughly throughout the video. There is nothing misleading about this title of the thumbnail combination. At least that’s my opinion.

[@XYZ-nz5gm]

Non of zaks dogs turn out to be calm in front of other animals.

[@zakgeorge]

?? Maybe explain? Because this video shows different.

[@Yusheesan]

In order to achieve a well trained dog, go find a bear. Got it. *eyeroll*

[@JennJenification]

Are you guys at Yellowstone?