Myths from Cesar's magazine (fall 2009) original post: 12/4/09
Myth: Mutts are always healthier than purebreds...Fact: Any dog can get sick. Mutts are less likely to be born with the genetic diseases that purebreds may have. Myth: A warm nose means your dog is sick...Fact: A warm nose doesn't mean your dog has a fever, anything over 102.5 is a fever. Myth: Feed your dog garlic to keep fleas away...Fact: Garlic will have no effect on the fleas. Myth: A wagging tail is a sign of a happy dog...Fact: Not always...Can be a sign of affection or a sign of competitive dominance. Myth: Only male dogs lift their legs...Fact: A dominant female dog may do it too, even if she's spayed. Myth: You can calculate a dog's age in human years by multiplying by seven...Fact: The first year is like 15 human years, the second like 10 years, and every year after is like 5 human years. Myth: Eating grass means your dog is sick...Fact: Dogs will eat anything. They eat grass when they are sick and when they are hungry. Myth: It's OK to feed table scraps to your dog...Fact: Don't give them large chunks that they can choke on or bones that they may not be able to digest. Myth: Before a dog is spayed, she should be allowed to have a litter...Fact: Spaying doesn't affect the dog's health at all. Myth: All dogs like to be petted on the head...Fact: Not true.
Off Leash Dog Parks original post 6/13/09
The wondrous world of "Off Leash Dog Parks" can be found all over the United States and Canada by visiting "dogfriendly.com." This website goes above and beyond the call of duty for mans best friend. They highlight where dogs can visit like hotels, campgrounds, State and national parks, and more.
The term off leash makes sense that your dog does not have to wear a leash in this area of a park. Read the regulations at the park which will be posted. Dogs who are associated with dog parks early in their life are more likely to feel comfortable than a dog who is introduced in later years. Remember to keep your dog on a leash until they understand the barriers and how to play with the other dogs in the area. Some top dog parks have areas for larger and smaller dogs. They also even regulate fenced in areas for timid (shy) dogs.
The top five dog parks in the United States that have off leash policies include: "Point Isabel Dog Park, Richmond, CA," "Cosmo Dog Park, Gilbert, AZ," "Friends Forever Dog Park, Freeport, IL," "Alum Creek Dog Park, Lewis Center, OH," and "Warren G. Magnuson Dog Park, Seattle, WA." Each park has a water feature or exercise equipment that the dogs can romp and play on. Most of the top five have large fenced in areas. All dog parks in the top five have rules and regulations that you will have to follow. These dog parks can be found on "petvr.com." Dog parks are great for the whole family. Some parks will have fees that are daily, weekly or even yearly. This is something you will have to research. Enjoy your time with your dog and take them to a park.
Dog Training by Rob
Dog training is not just about silly tricks, and training (in the convenience of your home) is easier than you might think.
I will show you how to get your puppy or adult dog to stop jumping on people, to stop bolting out the door as soon as
it is cracked open, and to stop pulling on the leash like he is a sled dog. I can also cover the basics like "sit" and "stay."
Training is for the entire family, even the youngest members. I have a proven ability to effectively communicate with children, and you will find that they are comfortable taking direction from me.
Why should you and your dog get training?
A well behaved dog is a happy dog and is a joy for you and others to be around.
Effective communication with your dog will strengthen the bond you share.
A trained dog is less likely to run away (and get hit by a car or worse).
Trained and confident dogs are less likely to bite.
Why get help from Rob?
I will come to your home and provide individualized training and behavioral solutions specific to you and your dog.
I can help you address behavioral problems before they get any further out of control.
I use only positive reinforcement and other humane means of training.
I will demonstrate some simple techniques to you (as well as the philosophy/psychology behind them) and you should see great results within a few days.
I will show you what you need to do so that you will not need me to come back each week.
I have ten years of experience.
I have extensive experience with managing dog/dog aggression.
I have extensive experience with pitbulls.
I provide unlimited free phone support for people with pitbulls.
The initial 90 minute session is $30 with a $20 follow up
visit (if necessary). Mileage applies to all visits outside a 20 mile radius of Cherokee County.
I have experience with dog/human aggression, but in my experience this is much
more complicated. Dog/human aggression should be taken very seriously
and should be dealt with immediately.
I can provide numerous references from local veterinarians and other professionals in the animal care industry.
Adopt a sweet Pitbull from the Cherokee County Animal Shelter, and get a free in-home training session. 770-256-1575 or thepittbull@juno.com
Rob
Dog Terms / Vocabularyoriginal post 9/1/08
Bait: using a small treat, toy, or other rewarding object to gain a dog’s attention. Benched show: an all-breed show designed for public education and enjoyment. All the dogs in a benched show are required to stay in an assigned benching area for the show’s duration. Brace: two dogs of the same breed, owned by the same owner, being shown in a conformation competition together as a pair, in order to display the breeder’s consistency in his or her breeding program. Finish: a term used in conformation competition that means the dog won enough points to be awarded a champion title. Gait: The most efficient way of moving for a particular dog, usually a trot or jog. Loin: The area between the dog’s last rib and the beginning of his pelvis - what we call a waist on people. Occiput: A bony, domed part of the dog’s skull that’s located at the back top. Pastern: The area between the dog’s paws and his lower arm. Patella: The knee joint of a dog’s rear legs. Stack: To make a dog stand in a way that best displays his physical virtues. Stop: The area on a dog’s skull between the back of the muzzle and the beginning of the top skull. Topline: The spinal section of the dog from his shoulder blades to the base of his tail. Withers: The point where the shoulder blades meet. Whelp: To give birth to a litter of puppies.
From Dog Fancy magazine
Reading your dog's body language 2/4/08
Your pooch is licking his lips and yawning.
Yes, he might be hungry and, yes, he might be tired. But these signals can indicate a feeling of distress, as well. If you’re petting your dog and he yawns more than once, chances are he’d like some space. Give it to him.
Your pooch is bowing.
You might think he’s just stretching, but consider this a clear invitation to play. And when he’s also wagging his tail and has something like a toy monkey in his mouth, he might even be hard to ignore. Come get me!
Your pooch looks away when you look at him.
Not making eye contact is a sign of submission or deference. If you’re trying to get your muddy canine to hop into the tub for a bath, or to drop a stick, he is looking away to tell you, “I’m sorry, but I don’t want to do that.” With all due respect, of course.
Your pooch’s ears are tucked back.
If done while running, it’s for speed. But if his ears are in this position around another dog or a person, he is afraid or anxious. Respect his fear and remove him from the situation immediately.
Your pooch’s tail is straight up, perhaps wagging stiffly.
A wagging tail does not always equal a happy pup. If his tail is erect and vibrating slightly at the tip, stay alert: he feels tense or over stimulated. He might bark or lurch at another dog, or even at a nearby person, so keep him on a tight leash.
Your pooch’s lips are back, his mouth is relaxed and open, and his teeth are exposed.
No need to go Freudian here - sometimes a smile is just a smile. If your pooch’s tail is wagging at the same time, well, the happy guy might even be laughing at you. Dogs have a great sense of humor.
From AARP Magazine 2008
Back it up
As seen in Dog Fancy (December 2009), "Throw it in Reverse" is an interesting and useful concept to tackle.
Step 1: Have your dog stand, facing you, hold a treat just below the nose. When they tilt their head to reach it, move the treat slightly inward and downward (toward the dog's chest) so that a small step back is necessary to reach it. Click/Praise, give treat
Step 2: Use chairs and arrange as a narrow alleyway. Walk backward (into the alley) with your dog facing you and coming toward you. Suddenly lean forward to slightly crowd their space. When your dog shifts weight backward or takes a small step back, click/praise and give treat.
Learning to walk in reverse will improve your dog's coordination. When training, gradually ask for more steps back before clicking/praising and giving reward.
Puppy Development
Puppy development is something that many people do not know much about or take too little time to understand so it is done right. Puppies are much like children at first and need special care from first their mother and then their owners. There are seven basic stages that happen after a puppy enters the world.
The first stage happens during the first two to three weeks of life. During this time, puppies start to move around more, open their eyes and become more aware of their surroundings. They also begin to recognize their dog family at this point.
In the second and third stages, a puppy’s development goes through about a month of real growth. Puppies develop their senses fully and begin to recognize their human family members also. Puppies should not endure drastic changes or loud noises as they may develop into nervous dogs. Mothers also start to wean the puppies at this point and shouldn’t be separated too long while handling the puppy. The puppy should also be left with his dog family for as much as possible while beginning light training.
Stages four, five and six range between two to six months in total. During these stages, puppies begin to get more control over their bladder and bowels. They lose their fearlessness most times and become afraid of many things that never bothered them before. Once they grow out of this stage, they reach the rebellious stage and the owner should maintain firm discipline.
The final stage is from approximately six to 18 months. This is when your puppy looks more like an adult dog but still needs training as they are certainly not an adult. Once you've gotten your puppy through these stages, you should have a well-minded and well-rounded dog.
Puppy House Training
Happiness is having a puppy. The boundless energy, unabashed curiosity and uncoordinated antics bring highlights to the experience. One challenge that accompanies puppy possession is housebreaking. Although the puppy, like any baby, needs time to develop muscles and control, beginning the training process starts early.
If the puppy is still with mother, she will help in the process. If the puppy enters a home with dogs already understanding the program, the older members will give some assistance by example. Even with these supports, it is important to establish a routine and preferred location for the toilet area. Usually a puppy will need to eliminate about every sixty minutes. When inside, keep the puppy close, either by leash or by confinement. While being near is reassuring for the puppy, be alert to behaviors like sniffing and making circles. This usually indicates there is a need to use the bathroom. More advanced signals include scratching at the door, barking at the door and standing by the door.
Remember that what goes in, must come out. When a meal is finished, allow a few minutes (often less than fifteen) to pass, and then take the puppy to the toilet location. Also, upon waking in the morning or after a nap it will mean it is time to go out.
Remember to give praise when proper toiletry occurs. This reinforces the desired behavior and your companion looks for actions that please you. Some individuals like to have a command to encourage good potty manners. Keep it simple and use only one or two syllables. The cue should be limited to this activity.
The Pros and Cons of Choke and Shock Collars
Choke and shock collars are meant to control a dog from for barking long periods of time. They are also used to control dogs from leaping or jumping on to people or other animals.
There are more negative then positive connotations with regard to bark or shock collars. If the collars are used incorrectly it could have a negative affect on the animal. If you are not careful with how you use them the dogs can either turn on you or hurt the animal.
The choke collars should be three fingers wide for bigger dogs and one finger wide for smaller dogs. If you don’t use this method you could end up pinching the dog or choking them. The smaller dogs have a tendency to paw at the collars. You have to be careful that they do not damage the collar as well.
Electric shock collars send out high pitch sounds that only the dogs can hear. The sound distracts them from whatever bad behavior they are showing. There is another type of shock collar that sends of little shock to the dogs body. Then there is the muzzle that wraps around the dogs mouth. It helps to prevent the dogs from nipping or trying to bit at another dog or person.
Some people prefer to just take the time and patience to train the dogs without the use of these device’s. With love and caution these devices can have a great affect and be useful for the different devices.
Keep Your Dog Busy
The following was recently published in the Best Friends Animal Society magazine (Sept/Oct 2009) as ways to have fun with your dog.
products: Manners minder (askdryin.com): An incredibly fun learning tool for dogs
Interactive puzzle toys (nina-ottosson.com): Innovative ways for your dog to have fun solving puzzles
