Calling All Dog Obedience Trainers

I am certain that I am not the only dog obedience trainer that reads this blog, actually I have taken notice to quite a few of you!  And, for those of you who are currently in a dog obedience class or know someone who is a trainer, print this out and give it to them!

We, as professional dog trainers, are often really dull and BORING!  I know we don’t like to admit it (and some of you may be offended that I even suggest you are boring) but let’s face it, it is difficult if not impossible to not fall prey to getting tiresome after years of training.

We drone on about heel position and perfect sits and our methods and basic curriculum hardly ever changes!  I admit, I have been there; and I know how hard it is to be a dog obedience trainer and realize week after week hardly anyone is heeding your advice or doing their homework.

We have a very limited amount of time to make a real impact on the lives of our clients and their dogs.  Most people will only take ONE obedience class with their dog and so we have a lot of stuff to pack into a 6 to 8 week period.  I also know that you are treated like a celebrity after class and everyone wants a piece of your time and advice!

It’s a complex job at best and sometimes it is downright disheartening depending on your classroom dynamics! Read the rest of this entry »

Working Dog Theory

Today I want to discuss a working dog theory and get everyone’s opinion on the idea and why people are so adamant that it works.  Although I really won’t weigh in on what I think, only giving the facts and the pros and cons, those who know me and my writing will probably know where I stand!  I am fascinated by the fact that this particular theory seems to work so well for so many.

Let me clarify, for today’s article working dog=police/military/competition dog.  This theory would not work for Guide/Service/Hearing working dogs.

As the theory goes; working dogs should not be treated as pets and are not pets.  Working dogs should be kept outside in a kennel and not live inside with their handler or owner.  The dog should be taken out a few times a day to work and some work related play is allowed.  It is believed that this aloofness creates a better working dog. Read the rest of this entry »

How to Give a Dog a Pill

Help for Dogs that Control Their Owners Relationships

Recently I was out dog training with a middle aged couple that had acquired a lovely, but wild Maltese/Terrier mix.  Admittedly she has many problems some of which include aggression towards the toilet (when it flushes) and vacuum and also the possessive guarding of her human “Mother”.

“Mom” is her main care giver.  She gets up in the morning feeds and waters her, takes her for walks, plays with and trains her.  Although there is an adult son that also lives in the home and her human “Dad” they mostly only interact with her when Mom is gone and they NEVER train with her.

She is definitely spoiled and gets almost everything she wants, from everyone.  When she demands that her humans pet her; they do.  When she wants to play ball, she initiates and insists someone throw it for her; non-compliance will be met with barking and an escalation from nipping to hurtful biting.  When she doesn’t want to be picked up, she flashes her teeth and is hastily left alone.  She has to be tricked to enter her crate when it is time for her owners to work.

Mom makes her listen and obey commands most of the time, but gives in to her “cuteness” and has trouble truly enforcing commands, but no one else even asks her to obey or adhere to any rules.

AND, “Dad” is not allowed to affectionately touch “Mom” in her presence without the threat of significant bodily harm and damage (thank goodness she is not a Rottweiler!). Read the rest of this entry »

Puppy Possessiveness and Resource Guarding

Some puppies learn early in their development to guard the resources they receive, or their littermates might take them.   They guard food, toys, treats, chewies and even affection by snarling, growling, and even biting.  This guarding behavior often extends into their new homes.

The problem begins when these bullies enter a home with humans and especially those with young children.  They must be taught impulse control and not to guard whatever they value.   It is imperative to start this training while the puppy is young, if this behavior continues past adolescence it can be become extremely dangerous.

I remember hearing a story about resource guarding that still makes my hair stand on end.

On thanksgiving the grandmother of the family took the turkey out of the oven and put it on the counter to cool before dinner was to be served.

The family dog immediately came into the kitchen and began sniffing around and investigating the turkey.  At some point he decided the turkey belonged to him.

Therefore, when the grandmother returned to retrieve the turkey for dinner, he attacked her.  Her wounds were so significant that she had to go to the hospital for stitches. Read the rest of this entry »

Get Your FREE Report Here – “The Dog Anxiety Cure”

No matter whether your dog is afraid of the occasional vet visit or terrified of everyday objects and social situations, I expect you’ll find this free report a useful read.

In just 14 pages, it covers the 7 most common fear and phobia triggers in dogs while explaining how to reduce and even cure your dog’s anxiety with a simple, but strategic multi-step plan.

Download your free copy of “The Dog Anxiety Cure” here:

http://www.thedogtrainingsecret.com/Dog_Anxiety_Report.pdf

And then tell me what you think in the comments area below:

What’s your dog afraid of?

What mistakes have you made along the way…?

And what are you going to do differently now to help your dog live with greater confidence

The Importance of Canine Dental Care for the Longevity of Your Best Friend

One of the most important and most preventable diseases for your dog is dental disease.  Periodontal or gum disease has become the number one health problem for both dogs and cats.   It is estimated that by the age of 3 80% of dogs will show significant signs of oral disease.

Dental disease is very painful!!  This pain can even lead to a change in behavior and increase the likelihood of bites and aggression.

Common Signs of Dental Disease

• Bad breath
• Build up of yellow deposits on the teeth by the gums
• Red swollen or bleeding gums
• Trouble eating and obvious pain when chewing hard objects
• Increased salivation

However, oral disease is almost completely preventable and avoidable!

Dental disease can lead to heart, liver and kidney disease.   The infection from your dog’s mouth courses through his veins and can set up shop in the valves of the heart and in other organs of his body.

There was a veterinary study done on Labrador Retrievers that found with regular brushing a dog’s life could be extended by up to 3 years!  3 YEARS can you imagine that?  I would do anything to get an extra 3 years of life with my dogs! Read the rest of this entry »

Alpha Pack Theories Disproven!

The tide of dog training is changing.  The good news, is that it has been changing for most of us dog trainers for years, and although there is always a resurgence of negative training methods the science behind dog training is proving that the dog world has had it all wrong for years!

Problem #1: Theories were Based on Outdated Information

When dog training hit the mainstream a few years ago and got a lot of coverage on new series and TV moments, almost certainly the reason for a dog’s problems were linked to his “wolf heritage” and short term studies that were done on wolves in the 1940s.

Problem #2:  These Short Outdated Studies were performed on Captive Wolves

The problem with most of these studies that proclaimed to shed light on not only wolf behavior but also dog behavior was that they were done mostly with captive wolves. Read the rest of this entry »

How to Utilize the Gentle Leader and Similar Head Halters in Dog Training

I don’t often condone much less recommend the use of dog training collars because most often these references refer to: choke chains, prong or pinch collars, or even shock collars.  However, I do on occasion recommend the use of The Gentle Leader ™ and similar head halters.

I almost ALWAYS recommend a head halter for dogs that show ANY kind of aggression: dog aggression, human aggression, wheel aggression (wanting to chase scooters, cars, roller skates), and even fear aggression.

A properly fitted head halter gives you the ability to control the offensive body part; the snout and mouth.  Although a dog can still eat, drink, bark and bite with a head halter on, it allows their owners to control their face and snout.

Imagine your dog races, accidentally off leash, towards a dog aggressive dog.  Dog #1 is wearing a gentle leader head halter and his owner is able to pull his face upwards and keep his gnashing teeth from biting your dog, dog #2 is on a choke chain, prong collar, or buckle collar and because of his great range of motion in his neck and face he is able to lash out and deliver a bite despite his owner’s best attempts to keep him from biting your dog.

Although this is not necessarily the dog aggressive dog’s fault (since the other dog was off leash), accidents happen!

Now imagine that you are the owner of the dog aggressive dog; which collar would you prefer?  I would want the ability to control my dog’s snout and mouth in any

instance where he might be aggressive or deliver a bite.

People who have never had an aggressive dog think that these dogs should be left at home and never taken out in public or around other people or animals.  However, you cannot work on behavior modification and helping problem dogs if you simply lock them up and never teach them appropriate behavior.

BUT, as the owner of a dog that has aggressive tendencies you want to be in as much control as possible and the idea of your dog showing aggression is usually horrifying for you and fills you with shame.  Good people often get aggressive dogs, or dogs with problems and they have to deal with people who judge and blame them!

My second dog, a female Rottweiler, was excessively dog aggressive for most of her life.  She is the reason I am a dog trainer.  I couldn’t lock her at home and HOPE that her problems would leave and she deserved a shot at a normal life with on-leash walks throughout neighborhoods and parks. Read the rest of this entry »

The 7 Deadly Sins of Dog Ownership

There are some things I have seen in veterinary medicine and also as a professional dog trainer that are recipes for disaster and sometimes death.   Although none is a definite death sentence because some people experience extreme luck in very dangerous situations, I believe it is best to arm yourself with the knowledge to keep your dog safe!

#7: Living within the Bounds of a Safe Enclosure

Although some dogs chose and prefer to stay within the realms of their home territory, most dogs like to wander.  Wandering from home to home or across the street to chase cats and squirrels is tantalizing for most dogs.  If you add to this scenario an unneutered male, chances are almost nonexistent that your dog will choose to stay home when he gets a whiff on a female in heat.

Secure fencing is essential for good safe pet ownership.

Thousands of dogs are killed when hit by cars each year.  Several are killed by other dogs and wild animals when they leave the safety of their yard.

If you are on the side of luck and your dog doesn’t die from being hit by a car, or attacked by another dog the trauma of these experiences can affect them for a lifetime!

Make sure your fence is escape-proof.  If you use invisible fencing be sure to check it regularly to ensure it is working properly.

If you cannot provide a safe secure fenced area, walk your dog on a leash for his exercise and elimination requirements.

#6: Not Providing Preventative Medicine

Preventative medicine, means providing your dog with vaccinations, medications, and other veterinary tests in order to prevent disease and problems.  Regular quality veterinary care prevents diseases and tribulations as your dog ages.

Providing your dog with vaccinations and medications like Heartworm Prevention can keep your dog safe and alive!  Waiting to see the signs of disease for heartworm, or distemper may prove to be too late to save the life of your dog!

Recently I spent time with the friend of a friend who’s dog had NEVER been to a vet.  No puppy vaccines, no medications of any kind had ever been given.  The dog was 10 and only recently began suffering from obesity and arthritis.  I was amazed at her luck!

However, no matter how lucky she was…I would never risk my pet’s health.  I am happy to submit to annual and 3 year vaccines, yearly heartworm tests, monthly prevention pills, 2 or more exams per year with blood work and urinalysis as my dogs age.

My theory is if my vet recommends it, it makes sense, and it could potentially extend my dog’s life DO IT!  I will do whatever I can within my power to make sure I provide the best care available to me! Read the rest of this entry »