Dog Service Network, LLC » Dog Training

Is Dog Training Teaching Your Kids to be Bullies?

Dog Service Network — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 22:51:49 +0000

Children can Learn To Bully by The Dog Training Techniques You Use to Train The Family Dog

Southampton, NY (PRWEB) January 5, 2011

Bullying starts in the home. Husband to wife, sibling to sibling. And yes, owner to dog. Bullying takes many forms, and can become second nature to those who grow up with bullying in the home. This includes how you interact with the family pet.

New York Dog Trainer and Pet Expert Lisa Hartmanbelieves it all boils down to compassion, communication, and leading by example.

“I have witnessed many wonderful parents trying hard to raise their children with morals and ethics. I hear them tell their kids that if they don’t have anything nice to say then don’t say anything. But then I hear the parent bashing coworkers or making fun of someone on the phone, and I know the kids heard them.” Lisa says it’s the same with their dogs. She has witnessed many parents or other dog trainers teaching young children to use a choke chain, swiftly kick, or pin a down a dog for its wrong behavior instead of patiently teaching the dog and encouraging correct behavior. Furthermore, she has witnessed young brothers after a “bullying” style dog training lesson jabbing at each other and pinning each other to the floor until the other “submits”. On the contrary, after a positive reinforcement style dog training class, she notices the children are kinder and gentler to their dog AND each other, offering praise and encouragement to one another. The bottom line: children model human behavior.

“Nothing upsets me more than seeing a young person being taught to train their dog with harsh methods and intimidation” Lisa says in her new Dog Training book“DIAL A DYNAMITE DOG: The Ultimate Field Guide for Training Your Pet.” “Violence begets Violence. There is enough cruelty in the world. I want our next generation of pet owners, parents and world leaders to learn to communicate with each other with intelligence and compassion, not a heavy hand.”

Lisa says that in the world of Dog Training what leads to bullying is a lack of communication and understanding between dog and owner. Social media has not helped. TV Dog Training shows and videos showing trainers using choke chains, prong collars, neck jabs, and forcing dogs on their backs all serve to exacerbate the problem.
“It’s ego driven dog training. Using chains and forcing dogs on their backs until they submit are all forms of bullying. There are more compassionate, dog friendly techniques available to solve any problem.”

In “DIAL A DYNAMITE DOG”; one of the tricks Lisa proposes is to think in opposites. “If you want the dog to stop jumping, ask him to sit. If you want the dog to stop running out the door, perfect your recall, and praise and reward heavily for compliance.” And while constantly bullying dogs can have lasting psychological effects on them, it can equally affect how your child learns to deal not just with animals, but with the world at large. “Children and puppies are like sponges, absorbing information every minute. Your children are learning by your example.”

Ms. Hartman, who has worked with everything from Pomeranians to Pit Bulls, advocates positive reinforcement training for all dogs, and humans. She wrote her new dog training book for dog owners short on time and patience. “It’s the dog trainer’s tricks of the trade” Lisa says of her book. “But it can help you train your children as well. Teach your children to be respectful and communicate better and non violently with all forms of life. But most importantly, lead by example.”

Find out more about Lisa at http://www.LisaTheDogTrainer.com

Source: PRWeb

Dog Training Game by The Inquisitive Canine is Effective and Fun Training Solution

Dog Service Network — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 05:23:42 +0000

Developed by distinguished dog trainer Joan Mayer, the Out of the Box Dog Training Game is an easy, affordable and enjoyable way to successfully reinforce desired behaviors in your puppy or dog, while limiting and preventing inappropriate habits.

Ventura, CA (PRWEB) September 28, 2010

The Out of the Box Dog Training Game was developed by acclaimed dog trainer Joan Mayer as a practical and affordable training solution for reinforcing real-world manners in dogs, resolving behavioral concerns, and preventing behavioral issues before they start.

The positive dog training solution was designed to go beyond traditional dog obedience training and emphasizes the importance of understanding canine behavior so that dog owners can successfully reinforce the behaviors they want, while limiting and preventing inappropriate habits.

With 39% of U.S. households owning at least one dog, the common reality for many people today is that they just don’t have the time, money, or energy to invest in dog training or coaching their dogs to develop and maintain good manners.

“This interactive dog training game is a highly effective solution because it employs established dog training techniques that reward and motivate both owner and dog,” said Mayer, founder of The Inquisitive Canine in Ventura, CA. “I’ve created this pawsitive dog training solution as an easy, simple, and enjoyable way for dog lovers to raise a healthy and happy pet. By providing training exercises that are short, sweet and simple, you make learning fun while achieving your behavior goals at the same time!”

The Out of the Box Dog Training Game was recently awarded the PTPA (Parent Tested, Parent Approved™) Seal of Approval for innovative new products that families can trust. The game is also being distributed by First Choice Naturals, a premiere pet health company, as well as breeders as an ideal way to help new owners train puppies and dogs when they are adopted.

The Out of the Box Dog Training Game includes:

56 activity cards that address real world manners such as loose leash walking, doorbell etiquette, techniques for building confidence and enhancing socialization, and activities that fulfill a dog’s innate needs while helping them adapt to our human environment
An 18-page Guide Booklet that includes everything from dog training technique instructions to tips on which rewards will best motivate your dog to learn
Scorecard to help you and your dog play your way to canine good manners

“The game is designed for dogs of all ages and can be played just about anywhere and at anytime that works in your daily routine – making dog training less overwhelming and more enjoyable,“ said Mayer, who also authors the dog behavior advice column Dear Inquisitive Canine. “Since each dog training activity can be customized for specific needs and adapted to different learner levels to help advance your dog’s skills, the game is different every time you play.”

The Out of the Box Dog Training Game can be purchased online at:
http://www.inquisitivecanine.com/dog-training-game.php

The Out of the Box Dog Training Game is also available as an iTunes application:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/out-box-dog-training-game/id340664554?mt=8

The Inquisitive Canine is dedicated to empowering dog owners with a rewarding education that will help them further develop and enhance their everyday relationships with their dogs. The Inquisitive Canine specializes in dog training methods that focus on understanding canine behavior and teaching dogs through techniques that reward and motivate. For more information on private dog training, group classes, virtual dog training or the Out of the Box Dog Training Game, please visit http://www.Inquisitivecanine.com/ or call (805) 650-8500.

Source: PR Web

Dog Behavior Specialist Warns of Increase in Dog Bites

Dog Service Network — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 15:56:08 +0000

Karen Arnoff, Cleveland, Ohio’s premier dog behavior specialist and expert witness and investigator with dog related legal issues warns that now is the time to watch out for unforeseen dog aggression.

Solon, OH (PRWEB) June 6, 2010 — Karen Arnoff, Cleveland, Ohio’s premier dog behavior specialist and expert witness and investigator with dog related legal issues warns that now is the time to watch out for unforeseen dog aggression. “I see more dog bite and other dog aggression cases in the spring and summer than at any other time of year,” says Ms. Arnoff. “And, it makes sense, she says, “if you look at it from the dog’s point of view.” Some of the contributing factors she identifies are:

Puppies adopted during the cold winter season may not get socialized to all the stimuli found outside during the summer. They are likely to view playful children, joggers, speeding bikers and moving trucks as prey. In addition, dogs that have not been properly socialized may exhibit not only predatory aggression but defensive aggression as well.
In the spring and summer, fall/winter puppies start to reach puberty. With puberty comes territorial marking by them and other dogs. That invisible communication (that is like a neon light to dogs) can be the start of dog fights in the neighborhood.
Also, with puberty comes more protective and pack aggression in general.
In hotter weather, dogs may become irritable and react aggressively, even to stimuli they previously tolerated. (Children running, noise, etc.).

Dog owners need to know that their dogs’ behaviors are dynamic. And, as their dogs change physically and socially and react to their ever-changing environment, their behavior can also change. Dogs need to be socialized appropriately and receive pro-active anti-aggressiveness training. Ms. Arnoff says, “I often hear bewildered clients say about their dog, “But he never bit anyone before.” But Ms. Arnoff warns, “There is never a bite before the first bite – but there are warning signs. Knowing those warning signs and being proactive can prevent spring/summer dog aggression and many unexpected bites.”

Source: PR Web

Good News About Dog Bites and How to Make it Better

Dog Service Network — Mon, 17 May 2010 15:50:42 +0000

Dog bites represent a tiny fraction of the injuries treated in the nation’s emergency rooms. Dog bites are, on average, far less severe than injuries we suffer from other common enjoyments. The good news about dog bites will be even better, following a model of responsible pet ownership.

Amenia, NY (PRWEB) May 17, 2010 — There are 308 million humans and 75 million dogs in the U.S. The majority of dog owners view their dogs as members of the family. Dogs provide us joy, companionship, love and laughter.

Bites constitute a tiny fraction of our hundreds of millions of daily interactions with dogs. Moreover, U.S. public health statistics show that the risk of bites from dogs is slight when compared with other risks Americans accept on a daily basis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control database, for the years 2000-2008, dog bites accounted for less than 1% of the injuries treated in the nation’s emergency rooms.

A person injured by a dog is far less likely to be injured seriously than those who suffer other kinds of injuries. For example, over 5% of the 4.6 million Americans who went to an emergency department during those same years because they had been injured on a bicycle were subsequently admitted to a hospital or treatment facility. Over 9% of the 70 million Americans who went to the emergency room because they fell down were admitted.

Only 1.9% of dog bite victims were.

As the human and canine populations have grown – the canine population at a faster rate than the human one – reports of dog bites to major metropolitan health departments have fallen substantially. Even the U.S. Postal Service, for whom dog bites to delivery personnel have been a continuing source of concern, has seen reports of bites decline by more than 50% since 1983.

As low as the risk from dogs is, National Canine Research Council takes the occasion of National Dog Bite Prevention Week, May 16 – 22, to highlight a successful responsible pet ownership model that can reduce that risk even further. Studies of dog bite injuries by American researchers have usually concluded with reminders of an owner’s responsibility for his or her dogs.

Calgary, Alberta’s Animal & Bylaw Services has successfully translated those recommendations into a plan of municipal action. Calgary enacted what was titled the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw. (In the interests of full disclosure, we proudly point out that Animal & Bylaw Services Director Bill Bruce is an advisor to NCRC.) It codifies four simple principles: 1. License and provide permanent identification for your pets; 2. Spay or neuter your pets; 3. Provide training, socialization, proper diet and medical care for your pets; and 4. Do not allow your pets to become a threat or nuisance in the community.

The result in Calgary has been spectacular. For 2008, among the 1.1 million citizens of Calgary, there were only 145 dog bites.

Organizations nationwide are offering advice and educational resources to help children and adults be safe around dogs. NCRC urges Americans of all ages to take advantage of those resources, so that we live companionably with the 75 million dogs in our midst.

And whenever dog-safety issues come up in the community, NCRC urges all Americans to remember how Calgary solved the problem.

About Karen Delise & The National Canine Research Council
Karen Delise is the Founder and Director of Research for the National Canine Research Council, and the author of The Pit Bull Placebo: The Media, Myths and Politics of Canine Aggression (Anubis Publishing) She can be reached at kdelise(at)ncrcouncil(dot)com. The mission of The National Canine Research Council is to publish accurate, documented, reliable research to promote a better understanding of the human-canine bond.

Source: PR Web

“America’s Best Dog Trick” Contest Celebrates Positive Dog Training

Dog Service Network — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:17:25 +0000

The Zoom Room Dog Agility Training Center and exclusive sponsor West Paw Design announce the “America’s Best Dog Trick” Contest, the first nationwide dog trick contest to feature only positive-reinforcement dog training methods. Entrants will submit their best dog trick videos before the Jan. 15 deadline, and the winner will receive $1,000 plus a collection of Zogoflex toys.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) November 20, 2009 — The Zoom Room Dog Agility Training Center and exclusive sponsor West Paw Design announce the “America’s Best Dog Trick” Contest – the first nationwide dog trick contest to celebrate positive-reinforcement dog training methods. Dog owners are invited to submit their videos before the January 15 deadline. The winner will receive $1,000 plus a collection of Zogoflex toys.

Positive dog training methods include positive praise, clicker training and the use of treats. Positive-reinforcement dog training is now widely-regarded as the most effective and scientifically-researched training method. Contest entrants must affirm that they used only positive training to craft their dog tricks, and that no coercive, punitive, restraint, or other forms of dominance training were used in shaping the trick.

Open to any American resident, dog owners will submit a short video of their best dog trick via the Zoom Room Fan Page on Facebook. Initially, anyone may vote for the Best Dog Trick. The top five dog tricks will then face a panel of judges from the Zoom Room and West Paw to determine the winner.

The first place winner will receive $1,000 plus a collection of Zogoflex toys, including a Hurley, a Huck, a Bumi, a Zisc and a Tux. Second place will receive $250 plus the collection of Zogoflex toys from West Paw. The other three finalists will each receive Honorable Mention, as well as a Bumi, a Hurley and a Zisc.

Only freshly-recorded dog trick videos are eligible; in other words, nothing rehashed from YouTube or elsewhere. In order to demonstrate that the video is fresh, all entrants are required to begin the video by addressing the camera and saying something to the effect of, “Hello, Zoom Room, my name is _______, this is my dog _________, and we made this trick using only positive training.”

The contest begins on November 20, 2009. The deadline for submissions is January 15, 2010. Voting for favorite dog tricks will close on January 31, 2010. The winners will be announced on February 8, 2010.

Details can be found on the America’s Best Dog Trick page of the Zoom Room web site.

About the Zoom Room

The Zoom Room Dog Agility Training Center & Canine Social Club is an eco-friendly, active lifestyle dog training center that practices only positive-reinforcement dog training methods. The Zoom Room is the only brick-and-mortar dog training franchise in America and the first dog agility franchise in the world.

In addition to dog agility, the Zoom Room offers obedience, puppy preschool, dog tricks training, therapy dog classes, and much more. As a Canine Social Club, the Zoom Room is the perfect place to host an unforgettable dog birthday party, Bark Mitzvah, Doggy Disco Night, or a charity fund-raiser. The Zoom Room carries only the finest and most Earth-friendly stuff for dogs, including many of West Paw’s great products.

About West Paw Design

West Paw Design believes in providing the best for pets while balancing what is right for the environment. They search high and low for the best, most sustainable material there is to offer and use recyclable and organic material in their bedding and toys.

Their commitment to the environment has guided them to continually strive to reduce the already minimized waste in the manufacturing process, and to offer more environmentally-friendly organic and sustainable products. Using recyclable material in the Zogoflex® line of dog toys permits the incorporation of old products back into new ones, without sacrificing any quality. Discover their unique, world-class pet products at westpawdesign.com.

Source: PR Web

Register Before the New Year to Save $70.00 Off Dedicated Dog Training’s Off-Leash Training Program

Dog Service Network — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:47:36 +0000

Register Before the New Year to Save $70.00 Off Dedicated Dog Training’s Off-Leash Training Program. This program will give the pet owner the oppurtunity to enjoy the many benefits of having an obedient puppy or dog that is trained off-leash. Such perks include but are not limited to walks on the beach, hiking, camping, frisbee playing, and swimming, without the leash restricting these activities. In addition to the recreational activities, an off-leash trained dog is a safer one as commands could be obeyed when the dog is a distance from the owner and maybe in harms way. Register before the new year to save $70.00 and have a obedient off-leash trained dog in as little as (5) lessons.

Levittown, NY (PRWEB) September 29, 2009 — Dedicated Dog Training specializes in Off-leash obedience training enabling puppies and dogs to have greater freedom enhancing their quality of life. Dedicated Dog Training also provides on leash basic training to those who prefer. This company is owner operated. Dedicated Dog Training also performs behavioral consultations and implements behavioral modification programs where needed.

Dedicated Dog Training’s mission is to promote off-leash training. The Board and Train program has peaked the interests of many. This supreme Board and Train program is ideal for people who want a trained dog in as little as two weeks (off leash), and do not have the time to put in themselves. Your dog or puppy will come and live with my family (wife, son, and dog), and receive the same love, affection, socialization, and training that is required to transform the puppy/dog into a well mannered obedient one.

Upon completion of the board and train program the client will receive one or two classes on how to maintain the training http://www.DedicatedDogTraining.info. As with all training programs, client’s receive life time support from Dedicated Dog Training. Dedicated Dog Training offers life time support for the dog. Many training businesses are good at training dogs, but Dedicated Dog Training likes to measure a trainer’s ability by how well she/she is able to teach the client; in Dedicated Dog Training’s opinion that is the best metric to use when rating a dog obedience training company.

How does Dedicated Dog Training differ from many other companies? This a a question that should be asked first. This dog training comapny differs in many ways but, what probably is the most important…would be the personalized service, the accessibility, as well as the availability you receive from Dedicated Dog Training. The company encourages members to call or e mail them with any question you may have. Dedicated Dog Training informs their members that this is a crucial part of the training process.

For puppy or dogs that need (basic or advanced) training or behavioral modification programs that are suited for owner and please call (888) 370-7477 or visit http://www.DedicatedDogTraining.com. Dedicated Dog Training services Nassau and Suffolk counties, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Bronx, and Manhattan.

Source: PR Web

Leadership in Dog Training – Discover the Secret

Tracy — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 16:24:40 +0000

Yes, training your dog can be simple! Discovering and understanding how the secret works, will make training your dog simple, fun, and rewarding for both you and your dog. It will be lasting as long as you are consistent and have the proper follow through. It’s really a life style!

I have many secrets that will help you in training your dog and there are many ways to get the task done. You are your dog’s pack member, but if you’re not the leader of the pack your training won’t be lasting, no matter what method you use.

Training your dog can be simple especially when you use your dog’s natural instincts to follow a leader, but it is still work.

What is that work? Change! You changing is the key factor, it is the work involved in reforming your old inappropriate ways of communicating and interacting with your dog.

So, the biggest secret of my dog training is your dog’s instincts. Your dog instinctively wants and needs a leader. Now your understanding of this secret and you seeing your relationship to your dog, as the dog sees it, and not what you think it is, is vitally important. Because that’s the big difference here!

You must take action, the right action. Now the question is how do you do this? You communicate leadership by your body language, tonality, mannerisms, consistency, and follow through. Here are a few examples of interactions with dogs that DON’T show leadership:

Your dog nudges you and you pet him.
Your dog asks you to play with him, and you do.
Your dog asks you to put him outside, and you do.
Your dog pulls you on the leash when going for a walk.
You tell your dog to do something, but you don’t make him do it.

These are just a few signs that tell your dog he is the leader. From your dog’s perspective he doesn’t have to listen to you.

Now when you really need your dog to listen to you, is when he doesn’t, right? I bet you’re thinking of the times when your dog hasn’t listened to you. Did it embarrass you, frighten you, or make you angry?

Discover how to communicate to your dog so that he understands you are the leader. When your dog understands this, you will have his willingness to obey you. It isn’t just training it’s a life style!

To discover more about communicating with your dog and learning how to be his leader, sign up right now for Tracy Lenderink’s FREE report “Discover The Simple Dog Training Secrets Of A Pro” to find out how to do exactly that –

Go to: http://www.simpledogtrainingsecrets.com Tracy Lenderink, Master In Creating A Bridge Of Knowledge Between The Animal And Human Spirit.

Summary:

Leadership, just what is leadership to a dog? Do you know? How does it affect your training, your relationship? Discovering how to communicate to your dog from his perspective makes all the difference in the world. Do you want to know for sure that you can control your dog? Will he listen when you really need him too? What is it that you do that will make your dog respect you enough to obey no matter what? What signals are you giving your dog that you are not even aware of? Better yet, what are your signals communicating to your dog? What are you saying to your dog when he nudges you and you pet and love on him? What makes the difference between obeying and not obeying? Is it love? Is it respect? Do you know? Do you want to know what you are truly telling your dog and how he sees you from his perspective? Can training your dog be simple, fun, rewarding for both of you and lasting? What is the secret?

Aggression in dogs, is it good, bad, controllable, avoidable, workable, tolerable? What should be done with an aggressive dog? What are the signs of aggression? What types of aggressions are there? Is there hope for an aggressive dog? Why is a dog aggressive? There are many questions to ask and to think about when it comes to aggression. One thing for sure it is nothing to play around with or make excuses for. Most dogs are not really aggressive. They may have fear issues, or had a bad experience with another dog or animal to cause animal aggression. Maybe they had a bad experience with a human, unintentionally, or intentionally that causes the problem. Maybe they just have a strong prey drive and it turns into motion aggression. Then maybe they were born that way.

So what do we do and how do we handle it?

Recall

Dog Service Network — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 19:27:10 +0000

With regard to training issues rather than behavioural problems, I am asked to correct recall more than any other problem, especially with working and gundog breeds. We are told that some breeds are un-trainable or that they can never be trusted off the lead. Beagles fall into this category, as do some of the Terrier breeds. I do not subscribe to this myth I believe all dogs can be trained but only up to their inbred ability.

Instinct

Border Collies are supposed to be the most intelligent of all the breeds, but surely, intelligence is relative. I doubt if anyone could train a Collie to win a field trial championship or a Labrador to win One Man and His Dog.

The problems we see with some of the hunting retrieving breeds is that instinct takes over, that instinctual trait reduces some of the senses, the one that is often detuned or switched off is hearing.

We imagine our dogs can always hear us clearly, that it is selective deafness or stubbornness that is the cause of dogs ignoring recall commands. In actual fact genetics often takes over, without early counter conditioning we cannot cut through the desire to hunt to initiate the recall.

We also show this behaviour. Imagine you are watching a brilliant wildlife or shooting program, then someone starts talking about shopping, we hear the sounds but often do not understand the content. Our brain has detuned it out; we are not being rude or ignorant (though try telling the OH that,) the brain is genetically hard wired to react this way.

However if we were specifically trained to react to an audible cue/signal rather than words then we would shift our attention to the person emitting that signal much more readily.

I am sure we have all read the books or been told we should not start training our dogs until six months or in some cases a year; that is totally incorrect. Dogs learn more in the first 16 weeks than the rest of their life. It is at this time that dogs are at their most receptive, they soak up information and experiences like sponges.

Whistle Introductions

Often, we introduce whistle commands far too late in the puppies training cycle. Starting pups very young on the whistle for recall and the sit pays huge dividends, yet we often do not take this opportunity. Introduce the whistle as early as possible by associating exciting and pleasurable experiences very early on, even whilst still with the mother. Pups will readily respond to the recall whistle by seven or eight weeks old. I have seen litters of six-week-old pups scamper to the whistle in excitement.

When puppies associate experiences with the whistle in a positive manner, they will respond positively to their reward of affection, food, treats, or a game, always make the whistle something positive. The same is true of the “sit”. Pups can consistently comply with this whistle command by twelve weeks old. They will eagerly sit on the whistle when the reward is good and the commands are given consistently.

Start by preparing the dogs food and getting someone hold the pup 10 or 12 feet away blow your normal recall and get the helper to release the pup. Extend this by getting your helper to hold the pup in another room and repeating the process.

Allowing the puppy to become more mature before introducing the whistle is not conducive to a good recall response in later life. At six-month-old, pups pay little no heed to their owners recall commands, making the training more difficult. Likewise, once the pup has developed in basic training and is charging in hard on retrieves, whistle controls are much more difficult to introduce.

Early Reinforcement

Imagine that your dog’s brain is a CD. Written to that CD are the breeder and their family the mother, siblings and any other dogs the breeder has. Then you and your family

There is nothing on that CD that says if he runs away; it will be far more interesting than staying with you. So leave off the extendable lead the dogs not going anywhere it will stick like glue to almost your every move. The first time you take your dog into the big wild world, which should be as early as possible, you should let him off. Make sure you pick a safe place without too many distractions or other dogs pick an area with plenty of trees.

Now what is vitally important is that the dog gets a slight feeling of anxiety when he cannot see you. Move upwind, then whilst he is distracted, quickly hide behind something, like a tree or a fence, he will eventually look up and start to panic, allow this to happen for a short while, he will eventually run around and hopefully pick up your scent and find where you are hiding. When this happens, make a big fuss and give a treat.

If he does not find you fairly quickly blow your whistle and show yourself, praise and treat when he runs up to you, a valuable lesson will have been learned. He will not think you have hidden but will think you have gotten lost; this will instil the need to keep you in view at all times.

These initial reinforcements are critical, however if you want to use you dog to pick up in later life you can introduce the ethos of track and retrieve out of sight, but with tight recall when necessary.

Lead Work

Call your puppy to you and put the normal lead on three or four times during every walk, then he will not learn that the lead means end of walk ie end of fun. We have all seen the dogs that dance around 5/6 feet from their owners at the end of the walk, they have actually taught the dogs this frustrating habit by only ever putting the lead back on at the end of the walk.

Rectifying Recall Problems

If you are already having recall problems then you need to go back to basics you will need to initially practice the sit stay command at home.

To set this well the dog should be on a lead preferably 5 foot long with a Jingler “see my website for this device” Get the dog to sit with the dog on your left side holding the lead in you left hand. Using the cupped palm of your right hand bring it to the dogs nose saying “Stay” three times. Swivel in front of the dog so you are facing it pick up the loop of the lead but make sure you keep your left hand on the lead as well, this is your control hand, slowly back up to the length of the lead with the left hand about as third of the way back up the lead.

If your dog moves or tries to follow, lift the lead upwards with your left hand and say “Stay”. This will activate the Jingler, Keep repeating until you think the dog has the message, then start dropping the lead and moving further backwards. If your dog starts moving, you have gone too far to fast, therefore shorten the distance again. Do this about three times a day for about five minutes per time.

Practice this till you can move 100 feet away without the dog moving then after a couple of days call your dog to you every third time, use either the Whistle, Come, Here or his name. Only treat the best stays and the best results Once you feel you have mastered this, it is time to use the lunge rein.

Practice the sit stay in the park or field but this time with the 35 foot horse lunge rein; take a friend who will hold the dog whilst you hide behind a tree or fence then call the dog, when he finds you give him a favourite treat and repeat the exercise.

After a couple of days allow the dog to walk free but with the lunge rein still kept on dragging behind, keep standing on it at different lengths whilst issuing the recall command, so the dog thinks you are in control at all distances.

If the dog takes off after a bird or another dog; either stand on the lead or pick it up to stop the charge. The dog will get the message that you are in control and cease chasing after a while. During all of this work, we must give the dog lots of praise and treats. After a few weeks of keeping the lunge rein on you can reduce it down by putting on a normal lea,d then after a few more weeks remove it completely.

As always, the best strategy for training is to set your dog up to succeed and to not condition in a problem that will have to be rectified later on in the training.

Stan Rawlinson Dip MTCBPT.PAACT
Doglistener
Behaviourist and Obedience Trainer
H 0208 979 2019
M 07976 153161
enquiries@doglistener.co.uk
www.doglistener.co.uk

Founder Member and Chairman of PAACT
The Professional Association of Applied Canine Trainers
www.paact.co.uk

© Copyright: Stan Rawlinson (Doglistener) one of the leading Dog Behaviourists and Obedience Trainers in the UK. Who has owned and worked dogs for over 30 years, starting with Gundogs then moving on to the behavioural and obedience side of Pet Dogs. He now has a successful practice covering London, Surrey and Middlesex. Visit his Web Site for more information and details of his work. www.doglistener.co.uk

Puppy Obedience Basics

Tracy — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 20:48:38 +0000

Puppy obedience starts from the moment you come home with your puppy. It is kept simple and you motivate your pup to do everything. There is no forcing here, keep it fun! Use small food treats and toys.

This will show leadership on your part and shape your pups behavior, which is much easier then changing bad behavior later on. Training your pup is a “lifestyle”! Remember you are training your pup all of the time and every time you interact with him. Even if you not thinking about training your puppy.

NOTE: Keep your commands specific with only one meaning. Example: if “down” means lay on the floor then don’t use “down” when you want your pup to get off of you or off of something else by saying “get down” this will be confusing to the pup.

Remember you don’t want to get into the habit of using a lot of verbal wording to stop your pup from doing something or you could just end up giving your pup negative attention and wonder why he is repeating the behavior.

Part of teaching your puppy obedience is to teach him to always look at you. If your pup isn’t looking at you DON’T talk to him. If you want to say something to him make a kissing sound so the pup looks at you and gives you eye contact as you say “ready”, then praise him with “good ready” and then speak to him.

It is important to ALWAYS have your dog’s attention before interacting with him no matter what you are doing with him. Soon you won’t have to make the kissing sound just give the command, “ready”.

Help your pup do a “sit” when you feed him by holding his food bowl up over his head and back slightly, not so high that he jumps up, but low enough that he will automatically go into the sit position. Don’t ask for the “sit” at this point until you are sure your pup will give you the “sit” position every time, then ask for the “sit” as your pup starts to give you the behavior.

Praise and release with a word like “okay” and place the food bowl on the floor for him. Important you must release your pup BEFORE he gets up! This keeps you in the leadership role, very important. If he does get up, say “No” and gently replace him in the “sit” position, wait a few seconds before releasing.

You can ask your pup for a “sit” by using a small food treat or toy for motivation. Do this whenever you want to pet your pup, play, throw a toy, put on his leash, or go out the door. Do this any time you want to interact with your pup. Later you can do this with the “down” too.

The next step in puppy obedience is to teach your puppy to do a “down” position. Start from the “sit” position WITHOUT saying the command “sit” motion for it instead. You should be on the floor with your pup and have him on one side or the other.

Have small food treats (or toy) in your hand and make sure the pup sees or smells it, then promptly place your hand on the floor with the food treat directly in front of the pup and wait. You DON’T say anything at this point.
If your pup tries to get up gently keep his butt on the floor in the “sit” position with your other hand then remove your hand. Touch is distracting, use it as little as possible. Tap the floor with the food treat a couple of times to refocus the pup.

Be patient and your puppy will eventually go into the “down” position. When he does, instantly release the food treat to him as you verbally praise him. Get him to look at you with the kissing sound and or “ready” and then release him with “okay”.

When your pup is giving you this “down” position every time you can start giving the command, “down”, at the same time as you place your treat hand on the floor, tap the floor if necessary. Praise! (When tapping the floor never take the treat back up to the pup’s nose, small little taps will be sufficient to get your pups attention and to refocus him.) NOTE: When giving the verbal command, never repeat it, say it only once!

To teach your pup to hold any position longer give little food treats every few seconds. Building the time slowly, then decreasing the number of food treats given. If you don’t ask your pup for more he won’t give you more! Build on wins! Always verbally praising your pup! Remember to always get his attention BEFORE you release him.

Tracy Lenderink, Master Trainer
“Master In Creating A Bride of Knowledge Between The Animal And Human Spirit”
http://www.simpledogtrainingsecrets.com

Introducing a Muzzle to a Dog

Dog Service Network — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 02:24:54 +0000

It is vital that your dog perceives the muzzle as a positive experience. Quite often the dog’s first encounter with a muzzle is in a stressful and fearful situation, such as the vets because the dog may become aggressive or difficult to handle because of fear, panic, or injury.

It is therefore prudent to introduce a dog to a muzzle over a period of time, irrespective of whether you ever intend to muzzle. Remember it may be a necessity at sometime during the dog’s life, so you should introduce this aid in a non-confrontational positive manner. Depending on what muzzle you are using, there are numerous on the market, ranging from the Baskerville type which is normally a pink plastic type muzzle, or a canvas type muzzle with or without pinprick holes.

The one I prefer is a mesh muzzle with the tiny pinpricks this is normally called a mesh muzzle, and stops overheating to the skin, and allows treats to be fed directly into the dog’s mouth, and seems to be more acceptable to most dogs. This is where you can order them http://www.pet-supermarket.co.uk/

Depending on which one you choose, you must make the experience rewarding and positive. Most dogs will not be over happy at this type of restriction, so initially either drop a piece of food (cheese is ideal) into the basket muzzle or hold a titbit up to end of the mesh type muzzle and bring it up to the dogs nose. The dog will smell the food and press forward to get at the titbit pushing its face into the muzzle as he does so, carefully slide the muzzle a little way over the nose so he can get the treat then immediately remove it praising at the same time.

Do this a number of times never attaching the muzzle or forcing the issue, you can use a word like good, or even muzzle whilst you are sliding it over the nose. Continue these exercises over a number of days in different places in the house and garden say 4/5 times a day if possible.

After 3 or 4 days actually clip the muzzle on for a few seconds, then take it off immediately. Do this on a number of occasions gradually increasing the time the muzzle is left on from seconds to minutes then longer. Make sure it is not too restrictive and tight around the mouth and nose as this can restrict drinking and breathing and could distress the dog.

I do not recommend muzzles for anxiety related problems such as separation anxiety, whereby the dog is destructive, or for barking or howling problems, there are much safer and more appropriate techniques for these types of behaviour. Never leave the muzzle on for long periods and always supervise the dog when he is wearing one.

The use of a muzzle can be advantageous in a number of circumstances.

In certain Veterinary procedures a muzzle may be required.
When introducing another dog or puppy into the household.
In cases of pain related temporary aggression.
When introducing cats and other animals.
Certain breeds are required by law other breeds may be added to the list in the future.
Some behavioural modifications or training procedures may require a muzzle.

Stan Rawlinson
Behaviourist and Obedience Trainer
www.doglistener.co.uk

Dog Service Network, LLC » Dog Training

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