The Christmas puppies are here!
So now what do you do?
It's always exciting to see the look on a child's face when they get that special gift, a puppy!
Here are a few tips on what should be done to make sure you get off on the right paw with your new pup.
A puppy needs about three days to adjust to it's new home. Give it down time to be left alone. Set a rule with your family, if the puppy is in the crate sleeping, leave it alone.
While out of the crate, everyone should not be calling and handling the puppy all at once and in a highly excited manner. Calm is the order of the day. Too much excitement may create a very excitable dog.
There is a two week honeymoon period. During this time the pup is learning and assessing what are the guidelines and who the important people are they must to listen to. After this "Honeymoon" period, you will begin to see what is the natural dog and what truly must be done as far as a training program.
Start to teach the puppy now what you want and expect of it as an adult.
Don't let it jump up, get on furniture, sleep in beds or carry it around all the time.
Certainly start to teach it a name, to sit, follow, and to wear a collar.
Get the pup on a housebreaking schedule and stick to it, adjusting as needed for age development.
Housebreaking is our rule not theirs, so be patient. You are trying to not only teach the dog where to go but also build physical control to hold it for longer periods of time. The rule of thumb is hour to month. So if your puppy is two months, then it should be able to hold for two hours. This varies depending on feeding schedule and play times.
What goes in has to come out and play stimulates the system, so the more active, the more likely to have to go.
A good book is Carol Lee Benjamin "Dog Problems" She outlines a section on housebreaking.
No puppy is too young to start training. At 8 weeks, you can begin to teach many simple commands that will have benefit for you and them as they grow into the teenage years, which begin, at 16 weeks of age.
Get your pup into a training program that also offers socialization. Socialization is more than playing well with others, it also includes helping your puppy develop the necessary skills for becoming a well rounded, and confident adult.
Ultimatedogtraining.com offers an excellent and varied puppy training program.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Positive vs. Correction. Where's the balance?
Training needs to bring into balance a dogs desire to work and a dog's need to be responsible for it's own behavior.
Training from one side only or the other creates an imbalance in the dogs responiveness and desire to follow commands or direction.
To use only reward or positive training may give you a dog very happy to work or a dog who works at the verge of being out of control, but not one always willing to respond to commands. They do so only if they feel whatever reward offered at that time is more important than what it they wish to do.
The imbalance is a dog who does not respond 100% of the time, leaving owners with a dog inconsistent in behaviors and a dog never able to go beyond the boundaries of a leash or reward.
If only correction is used in the training, you will have a dog who is able to control their behaviors may do so with little enthusiasm. As a sport of competition dog, they lack luster in their performance and as a family pet be more robotic than playful. A clarification here, correction does not mean nor equate to harsh treatment or abuse. Correction equates to redirection the dogs behavior as it happens, making the dog responsible for choices as opposed to making the owner responsible for the dogs choices, as in reward training.
Yet, both sides of the coin are necessary for the complete dog to exist.
A Balanced trainer is one who uses all aspects of training both reward and correction to have a willing, enthusiastic working partner able to respond to commands in varied circumstances. The best balance dogs are ones who can be in control both on and off leash with varied real life distraction.
This gives you a dog who is able to go and do more, therefore have a better and fuller life as a companion.
If you think of a balanced trainer as a super shopper. One who knows where everything is in the store, how and when to get the best value, along with how to use the store lay out to their best advantage. They can enter the store, get what they need quickly, competely and effectively, then leave the store in a timely manner with a shopping list fully complete. They don't waste time and energy or money picking up and looking at everything, hoping it fits their needs.
A balanced trainer knows how and when to move from reward to correction and back again in their training to get the most efficacious results possible.
Results are important. Without results, what benefit is there to training at all. Without results, how does an owner know they are getting the best training possible for their dog and money.
Without results in a timely manner, problems are not corrected, the dog doesn't advance.
There are many dogs placed into rescues and shelters who have not had results in their training.
Look for balance in your approach to your dogs training needs. Teach them to understand the responsibility for their behaviors. Dogs seek and look for boundaries, direction and leadership from their owners, give them the complete package of reward and correction to have happier, well behaved and more enjoyable family pet.
For more information visit: www.ultimatedogtraining.com
Training from one side only or the other creates an imbalance in the dogs responiveness and desire to follow commands or direction.
To use only reward or positive training may give you a dog very happy to work or a dog who works at the verge of being out of control, but not one always willing to respond to commands. They do so only if they feel whatever reward offered at that time is more important than what it they wish to do.
The imbalance is a dog who does not respond 100% of the time, leaving owners with a dog inconsistent in behaviors and a dog never able to go beyond the boundaries of a leash or reward.
If only correction is used in the training, you will have a dog who is able to control their behaviors may do so with little enthusiasm. As a sport of competition dog, they lack luster in their performance and as a family pet be more robotic than playful. A clarification here, correction does not mean nor equate to harsh treatment or abuse. Correction equates to redirection the dogs behavior as it happens, making the dog responsible for choices as opposed to making the owner responsible for the dogs choices, as in reward training.
Yet, both sides of the coin are necessary for the complete dog to exist.
A Balanced trainer is one who uses all aspects of training both reward and correction to have a willing, enthusiastic working partner able to respond to commands in varied circumstances. The best balance dogs are ones who can be in control both on and off leash with varied real life distraction.
This gives you a dog who is able to go and do more, therefore have a better and fuller life as a companion.
If you think of a balanced trainer as a super shopper. One who knows where everything is in the store, how and when to get the best value, along with how to use the store lay out to their best advantage. They can enter the store, get what they need quickly, competely and effectively, then leave the store in a timely manner with a shopping list fully complete. They don't waste time and energy or money picking up and looking at everything, hoping it fits their needs.
A balanced trainer knows how and when to move from reward to correction and back again in their training to get the most efficacious results possible.
Results are important. Without results, what benefit is there to training at all. Without results, how does an owner know they are getting the best training possible for their dog and money.
Without results in a timely manner, problems are not corrected, the dog doesn't advance.
There are many dogs placed into rescues and shelters who have not had results in their training.
Look for balance in your approach to your dogs training needs. Teach them to understand the responsibility for their behaviors. Dogs seek and look for boundaries, direction and leadership from their owners, give them the complete package of reward and correction to have happier, well behaved and more enjoyable family pet.
For more information visit: www.ultimatedogtraining.com
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
BSL legal genocide
What are Breed Specific Legislations? They are an attempt to protect society from the mass marketed, media embellished dangers of a particular breed, which right now happens to be Pit Bulls.
Several years ago the push was to rid the planet of Dobermans and before that German Shepherds. What people are not aware of is that, connect to every BSL proposal are other dogs who the legislators and the their feeding groups feel should also go. That would cover any and all dogs with "Bull" in the name. Bulldogs, Bull Terriers, Bullmastiffs, French Bulldog, American Bulldog, English Bulldog and others, along with any dog which has any resemblance to a Pit Bull, which could cover many mixed breeds who have no lineage to Pit Bulls at all, but may have a head/body with a similar shape, size or color will be at the mercy of the unknowing and those legal allowed to guess what a dog may or may not be. Other dogs on the BSL hit list are: German Shepherds, Rottwielers, Doberman, and most of those termed protection type dogs.
The ironic part of these laws is, the dogs with the greatest amount of bite histories are not on these lists at all. Why is that? Probably because the general perception of these dogs is they are cute. No one would go for a BSL to rid owners of the right to own a cute and cuddly little dog, even if it is a biter or dogs used for most TV commercials.
Why do people feel BSL's re necessary?
The media has attempted to create a fear about this particular dog. To make it appear all Pit Bulls are horrible, man killers just looking for a chance to attack at any opportunity. Yet with the thousands of Pit Bulls who are well trained and good family pets, this media description is as far from the truth as possible. Pit Bulls are not bred to attack humans! When owners and fanciers of the breed have tried to get the media to cover Pit Bull activities to show the quality of the dog and that all are not as portrayed, the media will not cover these dogs events. Guess a good Pit Bull just doesn't sell!
What are the real issues?
In Denver, the BSL laws have created a mass eradication of the breed from the city limits. The Animal Control officers went into peoples homes and took their dogs away from them. It made no difference if the dogs had any prior history of bites of not. Shelter workers who were then forced to carry out the letter of the law, put down the confiscated Pit Bulls as they were required to do. Reports from the shelter worker was that 85% of the dogs they destroyed were good dogs and did not deserve what happened to them or their families.
So the laws are not designed to protect but to eradicate. Remove the problem by removing the dog. If the laws were changed to make owners more responsible for their dogs, there would be a dramatic decline and any dog related issues around the country. But since the government is afraid to have owners be responsible, they put the blame on the dogs. It is easier to get rid of an entire breed than loss of votes on owner expectations.
As with most things, it becomes the dog not the owner who is at fault.
The real issue is ownership, training and personal responsibility. Dogs will do what they are taught and in many cases not taught. 80% of what our dogs will become is directly related to the owners and what they have/haven't taught the dogs from day one.
The real issue is lack of common sense!
Will BSL keep society safe from dog bites? No! Once a breed is removed from the planet, which will become the next dog of choice? BSL's do not address the real issues, ownership and training.
Without making is possible or even necessary to properly train the dogs, any BSL will only become a band aid solutions with too much potential for leakage into other areas.
Look at what is going on! No dog is safe from BSL, no owner is safe from their breed being banned. Towns are making it more and more difficult to own dogs without fees, fines and laws being imposed on them. Owning a dog will soon become either too expensive or too cumbersome for people to even want a dog. So who wins? The only winners are the groups whose sole drive has been an attempt to rid the country of all dog ownership.
Freedom of dog ownership is quickly being eradicated. Forced controls, higher insurance rates, how you can train and with what training tools to meet the dogs needs are becoming the order of the day.
The real issue is, we will loss our rights to own dogs. The real issue is, dog ownership is a responsibility to train, maintain and control your dog. No law can replace common sense!
Several years ago the push was to rid the planet of Dobermans and before that German Shepherds. What people are not aware of is that, connect to every BSL proposal are other dogs who the legislators and the their feeding groups feel should also go. That would cover any and all dogs with "Bull" in the name. Bulldogs, Bull Terriers, Bullmastiffs, French Bulldog, American Bulldog, English Bulldog and others, along with any dog which has any resemblance to a Pit Bull, which could cover many mixed breeds who have no lineage to Pit Bulls at all, but may have a head/body with a similar shape, size or color will be at the mercy of the unknowing and those legal allowed to guess what a dog may or may not be. Other dogs on the BSL hit list are: German Shepherds, Rottwielers, Doberman, and most of those termed protection type dogs.
The ironic part of these laws is, the dogs with the greatest amount of bite histories are not on these lists at all. Why is that? Probably because the general perception of these dogs is they are cute. No one would go for a BSL to rid owners of the right to own a cute and cuddly little dog, even if it is a biter or dogs used for most TV commercials.
Why do people feel BSL's re necessary?
The media has attempted to create a fear about this particular dog. To make it appear all Pit Bulls are horrible, man killers just looking for a chance to attack at any opportunity. Yet with the thousands of Pit Bulls who are well trained and good family pets, this media description is as far from the truth as possible. Pit Bulls are not bred to attack humans! When owners and fanciers of the breed have tried to get the media to cover Pit Bull activities to show the quality of the dog and that all are not as portrayed, the media will not cover these dogs events. Guess a good Pit Bull just doesn't sell!
What are the real issues?
In Denver, the BSL laws have created a mass eradication of the breed from the city limits. The Animal Control officers went into peoples homes and took their dogs away from them. It made no difference if the dogs had any prior history of bites of not. Shelter workers who were then forced to carry out the letter of the law, put down the confiscated Pit Bulls as they were required to do. Reports from the shelter worker was that 85% of the dogs they destroyed were good dogs and did not deserve what happened to them or their families.
So the laws are not designed to protect but to eradicate. Remove the problem by removing the dog. If the laws were changed to make owners more responsible for their dogs, there would be a dramatic decline and any dog related issues around the country. But since the government is afraid to have owners be responsible, they put the blame on the dogs. It is easier to get rid of an entire breed than loss of votes on owner expectations.
As with most things, it becomes the dog not the owner who is at fault.
The real issue is ownership, training and personal responsibility. Dogs will do what they are taught and in many cases not taught. 80% of what our dogs will become is directly related to the owners and what they have/haven't taught the dogs from day one.
The real issue is lack of common sense!
Will BSL keep society safe from dog bites? No! Once a breed is removed from the planet, which will become the next dog of choice? BSL's do not address the real issues, ownership and training.
Without making is possible or even necessary to properly train the dogs, any BSL will only become a band aid solutions with too much potential for leakage into other areas.
Look at what is going on! No dog is safe from BSL, no owner is safe from their breed being banned. Towns are making it more and more difficult to own dogs without fees, fines and laws being imposed on them. Owning a dog will soon become either too expensive or too cumbersome for people to even want a dog. So who wins? The only winners are the groups whose sole drive has been an attempt to rid the country of all dog ownership.
Freedom of dog ownership is quickly being eradicated. Forced controls, higher insurance rates, how you can train and with what training tools to meet the dogs needs are becoming the order of the day.
The real issue is, we will loss our rights to own dogs. The real issue is, dog ownership is a responsibility to train, maintain and control your dog. No law can replace common sense!
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Agility or Just Fun?
Dogs just like to have fun!
One of the best thing you can do with and for your dog is either get into an organized program that challenges you and your dog beyond what you already do, or, find a way to increase your dogs mental powers.
A thinking dog is a calm dog!
Think about all the seminars and lectures you have had to attend as part of your job. You leave at the end of the day exhausted when all you have done is think.
On the other hand, what do high level competitors do to increase their stamina, they exercise.
So, if you are only relying on exercise to calm your dog down, think again. Exercise is important for their health, but after a quick nap, they are ready to go again.
Create in your training program a balance of exercise which includes thinking. Your dog will love it! You will be happier and as a team, you will develop a stronger bond!
What does your dog seem to really like doing and find a club that offers something along those lines.
To see some dogs having fun visit this web link. You may get some good ideas!
http://ultimatedogtraining.com/photos3.htm
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Winter allergies
Now that the cooler weather is upon us, the windows close and the heater goes on.
Each season has it's own allergenic producing problems and our pets are just as susceptible as we are.
Some indoor allergy symptoms might be:
Common symptoms include:
excessive licking under the tail
chronic ear infections
irritated skin with some hair loss
licking front paws
sores around the muzzle and face rubbing
head shaking
Rare symptoms include:
asthma like symptoms
behavioral change
seizures
Allergy Sleuths: Detecting the Problem If you detect any of the above symptoms in your pet's behavior, make an appointment with your vet. Though itching, for instance, can be caused by a variety of different things, your vet can perform diagnostic tests to differentiate between causes of itching.
For more information on allergies or other information on pet health, click on the link for additional articles.
http://ultimatedogtraining.com/health.htm
Each season has it's own allergenic producing problems and our pets are just as susceptible as we are.
Some indoor allergy symptoms might be:
Common symptoms include:
excessive licking under the tail
chronic ear infections
irritated skin with some hair loss
licking front paws
sores around the muzzle and face rubbing
head shaking
Rare symptoms include:
asthma like symptoms
behavioral change
seizures
Allergy Sleuths: Detecting the Problem If you detect any of the above symptoms in your pet's behavior, make an appointment with your vet. Though itching, for instance, can be caused by a variety of different things, your vet can perform diagnostic tests to differentiate between causes of itching.
For more information on allergies or other information on pet health, click on the link for additional articles.
http://ultimatedogtraining.com/health.htm
Friday, December 02, 2005
Dog Flu A balancing Act!
The Dog Flu, which was first discovered in the Florida Greyhound race tracks, is slowly spreading through the eastern United States, with the largest outbreak in NYC, of about 20 cases. The Dog Flu is actually a form of a Horse Influenza that has been studied since 1987.
Since the symptoms are similar to Kennel cough, Cornell University has developed a blood test to identify specifically if a dog has the Dog Flu or not.
A dog may present with a hacking cough, sneezing, nasal discharge which is yellow or greenish, lethargic, high fever (104-105). The fever and colored discharge from the nose distinguishes the Flu from Kennel cough. Symptoms can last for 10-14 days in the average case. Most dogs will show the signs of the Flu and get over it.
The concern for pet owners to aware of is, the Flu can produce a secondary infection, pneumonia!
All dogs if exposed to the Flu are 100% susceptible to getting it. The ones at the greatest risk for life threatening complications are the very young, old, and those with impaired immune systems. So keeping your dog in the best state of health is paramount!
Since this is a virus, it can be spread via the air in enclosed places, physical contact, shared drinking areas, and can be passed from petting a contagious dog, then petting your dog or carried into the house on clothing and skin.
The outbreak rate is very low! There have been no known reported cases from Kennels or Doggie Day Care facilities.
Common sense, due diligence, maintaining your pets health and having an open dialogue with your Veterinarian are all important.
There is no known vaccine for the Dog Flu as of yet, but they are working on it.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Looking for dog trainers?
If you are looking for some great dog related articles or how to find the perfect dog trainer, visit this web site: www.DogPro.org
This link will take you the International Association of Dog Trainers.
Great articles and dog information for every pup owner.
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