If you are interested in what to do to work with your dog to focus on you while it exercises, learns, gains confidence, and has fun….try an agility class. This video is of my recent graduates from the beginner classes.
I came across the paperwork I had on my precious, little Melody. As I worked with some timid dogs at the local shelter to help them be adoptable, I met a not-so-happy Yorkie who had been surrendered. She had been a breeder at a puppy mill. This is the statement of surrender the woman had to sign in order for this no-kill shelter to take responsibility for her.
I read and re-read the above paragraph. Knowing Melody as I do now, it’s hard to imagine anyone being able to sign such an agreement. I am in no way faulting the shelter. This is what they have to do and this shelter is great and does so much for so many. I was fortunate enough to bring Melody home to help her trust human touch, and the rest is history.
If you or anyone you know, needs to re-home a dog, please do your best to find a home without surrendering to the already over-crowded shelters. It is traumatic for a dog to go from a loving home environment to a shelter. If I can be of assistance in any way, please let me know.
There are so many options when it comes to purchasing a collar for your dog. Should you use a harness? What type of harness is best? If using a collar, is the flat nylon style adequate? Some trainers will only train using a prong/pinch (or power steering collar, as I call them). My personal
favorite is the Martingale-style training collar.
Let’s face it, dog training is dog training when it comes to basic commands. It’s what happens when the leash and collar come off that is the true test. A lot of dogs go into their training mode when a specific collar is used for training versus the one used for a walk. They quickly learn what is expected depending on their “jewelry.” Much like a service or search and rescue dog knows it’s working when wearing a vest. Dogs are smart! We train them well (or they train us well). =)
I make certain that any dog I work with knows their commands regardless of their collar or harness. The collar and leash are tools. The end result is not that your dog responds nicely during the 15 - 20 minutes of training, but rather they listen, respect, and want to please you when training is done. Training becomes a way of life. Aren’t we always teaching others how to treat us!
After the basics, I suggest switching to a 15 - 20 foot leash to perfect “stay.” It’s also beneficial for teaching them to “come” and for distance learning. Too often, after puppy class, the leash and training are set aside until the dog does something not so pleasing to the human. I can assure you, the dog is always great at being a dog and not so great at thinking like a human. It takes (a lot) of time and consistency to create a mutually respectful relationship with your dog.
As a side note, I have seen too many dogs who were broken (for lack of a better word) by harsh training using a prong collar. Not every dog is the same, and it’s important to be willing to try different tools to see what works for your dog. If a trainer/behaviorist only does it one way, I’d find another trainer. No two dogs are the same any more than two humans.
I am happy to answer any questions you have, and if you live in the Palm Springs area, I would love the opportunity to work with you and your fur family.
If they can do it…so can we!
I posted previously about Courage, the German Shepherd left to starve to death in his human’s yard. Here is a link to his web site. What an inspirational story! He is also being adopted by his foster family.
Watch this video as a dog known for his shy behavior, goes for help when there’s a fire at home. The patrol car sees the dog and it’s obvious that Buddy is leading them to his home. Apparently, the GPS had frozen on the vehicle. Buddy’s guidance was instrumental in leading the Troopers to the fire.
Usually when we think of a dog and its instincts, we don’t think in the context of us (dog) versus them (instinct). A dog may never be truly separated from its instincts, however, it may have to grow into them.
While working with puppies, particularly male puppies, it is interesting to observe their response to their instincts particularly as it pertains to their developing hormones. Until the hormones align with maturity, it is as if their instincts work against them. Some males never lift their leg and others…well, could use a father figure saying something like, “son, never pee into the wind.” In the case of some male pups, it would be, “son, lift the other leg.”
I watched as a six-month-old ALL-MALE pup, sniffed a place where another dog had gone, and rather than lifting the leg next to the targeted rock, lifted the wrong leg. Too funny. I, of course, would never laugh at the dog.
I had him out for socialization, and as he focused on the scent where another dog had marked, he began to mark. What was so entertaining, is he doesn’t yet know to ration his urine so he went freely as he was walking away! Another time, he looked down as he was mid-stream and the urine hit his chin. He jumped with a startled expression as if to ask, “who just sprayed me and why?”
He will get his brain soon and his body will mature and the hormones will stabilize. Until then, I will enjoy the maturing process of this beautiful (when he is sleeping) boy.
Those are words I hate to hear.
Unfortunately, an estimated 150,000 dogs are feeling and living the impact of that statement and that’s just on http://Petfinder.org.
I cringe when I hear someone say they have to get ride of their dog. I know they’re just words. Just words. . .”get rid of”. . .I think of a lot of things we can all get rid of and none of them would even closely resemble a dog. I’d like someone to be able to look in the eyes of their dog and explain exactly what getting rid of them means.
There may be a lot of reasons that a dog should be re-homed or helped in other ways due to a consideration that is in the best interest of the dog. I am very grateful I have my dogs, and while I’ll have them with me for the remainder of their lives, I’m not their first home.
It’s not that there can’t be some synchronicity at play which brings the right dog to us but that’s a different story than a dog that someone chooses to get rid of out of an inconvenience. Some dogs are fortunate to have been loved by several families and have always known a loving environment. Some haven’t. A dog who has gone from love to love to love, is usually a healthy dog. A dog with a history of abuse or neglect in any way, may take time to trust us and adapt to being loved.
Maybe you or I will be lucky enough to be loved by one of these dogs.
http://petfinder.org/
(repost)
Puppy Season is upon us! It sounds exciting doesn’t it? Puppies are adorable and make us smile! They smell good and make the sweetest sounds. Later in life, the smell and sounds as they sit in the shelter aren’t quite as appealing. I know there are people who want to share the miracle of birth and the wonder of these new, precious lives with their kids or just for themselves. May I make a suggestion?
If you really want that puppy experience, (or an “accident” occurs because the dog wasn’t neutered/spayed), and you can keep and care for all of the pups throughout their lives, great. If you are like most and about five weeks into the adventure of puppy-dom the thrill is gone and you place ads on Craigslist or wait in front of the grocery store with a basket of pups, here’s an alternative. Connect with a local rescue group or shelter and offer to foster a pregnant dog or her puppies, and then you can have the experience and feel great about your contribution.
There are a lot of reputable breeders who have waiting lists of people wanting their dogs. This is not about you. While I may think a moratorium on breeding sounds like a great idea, it’s not the solution. The ones most responsible for the over-population wouldn’t participate any way!
I know I say it often, but do what you can to help the shelters and rescue/foster organizations. You may be surprised at what may seem like a little feels like a lot to those who need your help.
If you want to adopt a puppy or any dog for that matter, I am very happy to help hook you up with a rescue or to check out the area shelters for you. It can be overwhelming, but trust me, it’s well worth it!
