DogTrainster.Com

Article Source: examiner.com
Article by: Emily Randolph

Matthew McConaughey has the right idea. Dogs are great for our health. If you haven’t already added a furry four-footed friend to your family, add one as part of your New Year’s resolutions to becoming healthier! And please rescue a dog from one of our local shelters, swollen past capacity due to our economic climate. You will save a life and give yourself a big boost, too.

According to the American Pet Products Association, dogs (and cats, too) help with the following:

* Lower Blood Pressure - A recent study at the State University of New York at Buffalo found that people with hypertension who adopted a pet had lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than did those who did not own one.

* Reduce Stress - Walking with a pet helps to sooth nerves and offers instant relaxation. The impact of a stressful situation is lesser on pet owners, especially males, than on those who do not own a pet.

* Prevent Heart Disease - Because pets provide people with faithful companionship, research shows they may also provide their owners with greater psychological stability, thus a measure of protection from heart disease.

* Lower Health Care Costs - People with pets actually make fewer doctor visits, especially for non-serious medical conditions.

* Fight Depression and Loneliness, promoting an interest in life.

A new study by researchers from Stanford University and the University of California also indicate that pets boost the immune system, even reducing one’s chance of developing non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Exposure to allergens - from pets - could boost the immune system as well, particularly in children born into households with pets.

Article Source: salemnews.net

It happens every year.

Parents want to teach their children responsibility and have fun at the same time, so they get a puppy for Christmas.

Unfortunately after the initial excitement wears off, the parents end up shouldering the burden of the new family member, who often does not want to play by the rules.

According to Dani Edgerton, owner and operator of Columbiana’s A Place for Paws, which offers both doggy day care and dog training, a lot of people bring puppies to be trained shortly after Christmas, seeking to have those unruly Christmas gifts taught to behave.

Properly training a dog is important if the owner and pet are to maintain a happy relationship over the course of the dog’s life, Edgerton said.

“Generally any type of training helps in the next step, so proper training is essential to a happy relationship with a well-behaved dog,” she said. “If

you never develop leadership over the dog, then it is less likely to work for you

in other aspects.”

For those who are considering purchasing a puppy for Christmas, or have already done so, Edgerton offers some advice that she thinks will make life much easier for both the humans and the canine.

Appropriateness: “Make sure the dog is appropriate for the household,” she said. Some dogs are naturally more active than others, so homes with small children or older pets should be aware of the dog’s breed. Do your research before the purchase.

Training: “Start training basic behaviors at the very beginning,” she said. Behaviors such as sitting, lying down, waiting and coming when called can be taught early to avoid any future problems with more difficult issues.

Rewarding: “Understand what is rewarding to your dog and reward the desired behavior,” she said. Dogs react differently to certain actions than humans, so sometimes an action like pushing a jumping puppy away is the reward, not the punishment.

Classes: “A dog’s actions can be misunderstood, so getting them in training classes not only helps the puppy, but the owners, as well, because they can ask questions and learn what things mean,” she said. New owners can also read training books to learn why dogs act a certain way.

Edgerton also offered answers to three popular questions once training has begun.

How to eliminate pulling on the leash: Never reward the dog for pulling on the leash; do not go somewhere because it pulls in that direction, say “no” and wait for the undesirable action to stop. Then reward the dog for walking loosely.

How to stop the dog from jumping: Ignore the undesirable behavior; if the dog jumps, do not acknowledge it. Wait until the dog sits calmly, and then reward it.

How to create reliable recall: Remember that “come” should mean good things, not punishment; if the dog is rewarded for answering its master’s call, it will be more likely to do so. A positive relationship can be established by playing recall games in which the dog must come when called. And always make sure to catch the dog, or the “coming” is useless.

Questions to ask before buying a puppy, according to the American Kennel Club’s Web site, www.akc.org:

- How big will the dog get?

- How old will he be before he acts like an adult dog?

- How protective will the dog be?

- How often will the dog need to be groomed?

- How does he get along with other animals?

- How long can he be left alone at home?

- How much exercise does the dog need?

- What are the best training methods for this dog?

- What possible health problems might this dog develop?

Article Source: examiner.com
Article by: Emily Randolph

Emily is in the kitchen making Happy and me some holiday cookies (recipes to follow) so I’m taking over the keyboard. I’m no spring pup, and I’ve learned some hard lessons in my life, including eating things that I shouldn’t have. I want to warn you young things out there that not everything you want to chew on is good for you. Tell your owners to be hyper vigilant. Expect a very large stomachache or something far worse should you get into the below holiday items. Trust me; it’s not worth it. You will cause your owner a great deal of worry, and on top of that, there will be a very large vet bill!

The following holiday plants are poisonous to us dogs if ingested. If you become ill with seizures, vomiting, losing consciousness, or breathing difficulty, have your owner telephone ahead and bring you immediately to your local veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic.:

•    Poinsettia

•    Mistletoe

•    Holly

•    Amaryllis, Narcissus, Daffodil

•    The Christmas tree!

Other holiday no-nos - chocolate: Because it is the holidays, there’s likely to be lots of lovely chocolate lying around. Cocoa / chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic, and can cause death in us dogs. If gluttony gets the best of you, and you do consume chocolate (or cocoa mulch in the garden), your owner will need to take you immediately to the emergency room or your vet. You might not have an immediate reaction but by the time you do, it could be too late. My cousin, Mackie, in fact, has suffered extensively from his lust for chocolate. His owners didn’t realize the extent of his Olympic jumping prowess, and he hopped up on a bar-high counter and pigged out on a bowl of chocolate. He had to have his stomach pumped. The nurse said it was an experience that even put her off chocolate!

Article Source: examiner.com
Article by: Emily Randolph

If you have decided to get a puppy or adult dog for Christmas, do consider the animal’s welfare above all else. The holidays are a chaotic time, and your new companion will be nervous in his new home.

Boundaries - we all need them!: To help your dog settle in, make sure he does not have the run of the house (for example, keep bedroom doors closed; partition off the dining room; gate off the second floor at the bottom of the stairs, etc.) If he’s a puppy, consider a play pen so you don’t have to watch him while you are doing things that need your full attention, like cooking. It isn’t uncommon for a new dog to be destructive in the house. Help him and you by minimizing his opportunities.

Toys, exercise, & games:  Give him lots of exercise and plenty of safe toys to play with both on his own and with you. There are so many fun games to play inside the house and out. My personal favorite with a new puppy or young dog is hide and seek. You hide and call for him, “Buddy, COME!’ letting him find you. Reward him with a treat and a big happy YEAH! Wait to you see the wag of his tail when he finds you! This little game is also helpful in teaching him the ‘come’ command.

Kennel / crate training. Furthermore, to help with his transition, make sure he gets plenty of quiet time. To achieve this, crate training your new dog is ideal. A proper sized kennel with comfortable padding will be a great solace to an animal feeling anxious or unsure. And it will serve him well his whole life. Consider it his hideaway. Everyone needs one.

When introducing a crate to a dog, you want to make it as attractive to him as possible. Make it a HAPPY place! You may need to do it in stages:

Stage 1: Throw a couple of treats into the kennel while he’s watching, saying happily ‘Cookies!’ or something similarly upbeat and wonderful, then walk away. Let him go in and get them and come out again. Do this several times through the course of the day (or several days) until he gets the hang of going in and out on his own.

Stage 2: Next, throw in some treats, say ‘Cookies!’, let him go in and then gently close the door – not locking it, just closing it so he can get out on his own. Again, do this several times over the course of the day or a few days. However long you feel your dog needs. Then, when you think he’s ready, on to Stage 3.

Stage 3: When your dog is happy to go in and out of his crate, the next step is to close and lock the door behind him when he enters to go after his treats. Tell him Good Boy! and walk away. DO NOT open the door if he starts whining. Only open the crate door when he is quiet. Otherwise, he will know that whining gets him released, and then my friend, he is training you!

Bringing a new dog home for the holidays can be a smooth transition with a little preparedness and foresight. Think ahead of all the things your new dog will need BEFORE he comes home, and it will be a happy holiday for all involved.

Article Source: examiner.com
Article by: Emily Randolph

Apparently, I have the dubious title of ‘most gluttonous of the Dog House’ so I was assigned to write this piece about making holiday dog treats from scratch. I heartily stand behind the idea of homemade treats because you can control the ingredients. It’s a four-paws-up and a-tail-wagging concept. I have personally taste-tested (of course) the below recipes, and think they are all woof-a-licious.

Note: When investigating and creating your own dog biscuits, be sure there are no onions or chocolate ingredients, as both can be toxic to canines.

RECIPES:
Apple Cinnamon Doggie Biscuits
Source: DogCook.com
1 package apple, dried
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1 Tablespoon parsley, freeze-dried
1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
1 cup ice water
1/2 cup Corn Oil
5 cups flour
1/2 cup powdered milk
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon corn oil

Put the apples in a food processor so those pieces are small. Combine in a bowl all of the ingredients — can add oil or water if dough is too dry. Using a rolling pin roll out dough to about 3/16″ thick (can make thinner or thicker). Using a cookie cutter – cut into shapes — place on cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for approx. 20 -25 minutes (until golden).

DAISY’S PEANUT BUTTER BISCUITS
Source: DailyDrool.com
3 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup quick oats - uncooked
1 cups hot water
1/4 cup olive or vegetable oil
2 eggs- lightly beaten
3 to 4 tablespoons peanut butter- smooth
2 to 3 tablespoons of your favorite nutritional supplement

Combine peanut butter, hot water, oil, and eggs in a bowl. Mix until smooth. Set aside. Combine flour, cornmeal, and oats in a separate bowl. Mix well. Pour the bowl of the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Mix well with hand mixer until dough forms.

Knead dough on a floured board until no longer sticky. Add flour as needed. Roll out dough to inch thickness. Cut into shape with a floured bone shape cookie cutter. Place on a lightly greased or non-stick cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes, or until firm to the touch. Remove from oven and let cool until hard. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. (Dough can be frozen for later use.)

Cheese Biscuits
Source: AllNaturalDogTreat.com
1 1/2 c. Flour
1 1/4 c. Grated Cheddar
1/4 c. Veg. Oil
4 Tbl. Water

Preheat oven 350 degrees. Cream the ingredients together, adding the water one tablespoon at a time to help bind the dough. When it begins to form a ball, roll it out on a floured surface, using cookie cutters, cut the dough into fun shapes and place on cookie sheet. Bake approx. 10 min. until lightly browned. Makes about 30 med. size biscuits.

Article Source: oregonlive.com

In the spirit of the season, Bark Busters, the dog training company, offers helpful tips for the estimated 44.8 million U.S. dog owners on keeping their dogs safe and happy during the holidays.

“In planning for this season’s holiday festivities, it is important to keep your pets in mind. While most of us welcome the sights, sounds and smells of the season, holidays can also be chaotic - especially for dogs,” says Lisa Holzer, dog behavioral therapist and trainer for Bark Busters USA. “Holiday festivities can disrupt a dog’s routine and present potentially dangerous circumstances. But by following a few common-sense tips, the holidays can be cheery for everyone - including the family dog.”

Christmas trees can lead to problems with curious canines. To prevent the tree from tipping, anchor it to the ceiling or wall. Hang nonbreakable ornaments near the bottom. Since tinsel can be deadly if eaten - it can twist within the intestines, causing serious problems - do not use it.

Don’t let dogs drink the Christmas tree water. Chemicals that help the tree last longer can cause severe indigestion in dogs.

Holiday plants and greens can cause health problems. Pine needles, if eaten, can puncture holes in your dog’s intestines; regularly sweep them up to avoid a trip to the emergency animal clinic. Mistletoe, poinsettias and amaryllis can be toxic, so keep pets away from them.

Many snow globes contain antifreeze, which is extremely toxic to dogs - so it’s best to keep snow globes and all antifreeze out of the reach of a happy, tail-wagging dog. If there is an antifreeze spill of any kind, send your dog out of the room while cleaning up the liquid. Dilute the spot with water and floor cleaner to make sure your dog does not lick these harmful chemicals later.

Holiday sweets are not dog treats. Candy, cookies, cakes, peppermints - and especially chocolate - can trigger life-threatening illnesses in dogs. Keep sweets out of the dog’s reach.

Make no bones about it. Turkey and chicken bones are not for dogs. They can easily break, causing choking or bone shards getting stuck in your dog’s gums. Give “dog bones” specifically designed for dogs to chew….

Article Source: examiner.com
Article by: Penny Eims

Puppies are cuddly, adorable and oh so much fun! But, they are also A LOT of work. Are you really ready to be committed to the needs of a new puppy? Ready for the training (potty, crate and obedience)?? Committed to raising a puppy that will be a wonderful dog?

Being prepared means more than having a collar, leash, crate and bowls. New owners need to consider all aspects before diving into the puppy process. These sweet babies need an owner who is dedicated to starting things off on the right foot. Teaching good manners (no biting, chewing, jumping), working on potty training and crate training from day one, and looking ahead to the needs of an adolescent and adult dog.

Puppy ownership is DOG ownership and the faint of heart should not jump in on a whim (especially if motivated by the pleading of their children) especially if they aren’t willing to see ownership through the lifetime of the dog. Nothing is worse than bringing a puppy home and then turning your back on your responsibilities after several weeks or months because it’s just “too hard”.  Worse yet, making it through the cute puppy months and rehoming (or taking to a shelter) when the sweet puppy breath smell has faded and the gangly pup or rambunctioius adolescent dog’s sweet looks have faded and it’s harder to find them a quality home.

So, what should you expect with a new baby? Expect to get up during the night to attend to potty needs (probably every 2-3 hrs for a 8-12 wk old pup), expect to keep the puppy on a lead during this time or resign yourself to cleaning up random messes if you don’t make it outside in time (it takes up to 6 months to fully potty train a puppy due to their bladder size), expect to listen to crying when the puppy is away from you. Dogs are pack animals and want to be WITH their people, so if you are away from them, most likely they will cry. There will be an acclimation period as your puppy learns to use his/her crate.

Be committed to finding a puppy training class to start your dog off on the right foot for learning good obedience and manners. Studies show that puppies’ brains are 80% developed by the young age of 16 wks. So, you need to start early! Be committed to socializing your puppy to avoid fear issues in the months to come.

If this is your first puppy (dog) ever, expect to adjust your schedule. If you are used to taking off for extended weekends or even long nights out on the town, you should realize that a puppy (soon to be a dog) has needs that must be considered first.  If you take the step to adopt, or buy, a puppy, don’t resent that puppy when you are inconvenienced down the road.

On the upside, puppies are beyond adorable. Puppies are snuggly, fun and unconditionally loving. Puppies are a great tool to teach responsibility to children and a wonderful way to share your love. Just remember that it’s not a commitment to take on lightly.

Article Source: newschannel5.com
Article by: Darcy Lockman

When friends and neighbors Evelyn Pang and Hilary Louie of San Francisco were 9, a dog training class was offered in their apartment building. Though neither girl had a pup of her own, both loved dogs, so they signed up for the class. Five years and many classes later, the two high school sophomores co-authored Good Dog! Kids Teach Kids About Dog Behavior and Training (Dogwise Publishing 2008).

Inspired by the belief that kids learn best from other kids, Pang and Louie wrote and illustrated their book, which incorporates expert advice on teaching kids how to read doggie body language, how to be safe around dogs and how to train Rover to do cool tricks. Says Louie: “Kids need to understand and train their dogs so that neither ends up getting hurt.” Below, the young authors share their five favorite tips for kids who live with, or around, dogs.

Tip No. 1: Know your dog’s signals

Dogs are playful, peaceful creatures. When a canine feels threatened, it will display “calming signals.” These are visual cues that communicate to nearby dogs or people that the dog doesn’t want to fight. “The fur on the back of its neck will stand up. Its tail may go down, or its head will lower,” explains Pang. When this happens, Louie advises walking away, if you are the one scaring the dog. If a nearby dog or other animal is scaring your furry friend, you should simply remove your dog from the frightening situation.

Tip No. 2: Know your own signals

If a strange dog comes running toward you, Pang and Louie advise keeping yourself safe in the following way: be a tree. “Stand still, put your arms by your sides, and your head down. Look at your toes and don’t move,” says Pang. “The dog will think you’re boring, and it will go away.” Running from a dog will signal that you’re up for a game of chase, and looking the dog in the eye may make it feel afraid, which can lead to a fight that both you and the dog don’t want.

Tip No. 3: Be consistent during training

Pang and Louie advocate clicker training, which involves reinforcing desirable dog behavior with the sound of a clicker, followed by a treat. The dog learns to associate the click with the reward and comes to understand that that the click is a compliment. But this only works if the trainer is consistent. “You have to click on time, and every time,” stresses Louie. “You have to pay attention at all times during clicker training, or your dog will think you’ve lost interest, and (the activity) won’t be fun anymore.”

Tip No. 4: Treat, don’t trick, during training sessions

Dogs in training need rewards in order to learn. What they do not need is for you to yell, or worse. “Don’t punish your dog,” emphasizes Pang. “You are its teacher, and if the dog messes up, it’s sort of like it’s your own fault. It’s your responsibility to teach them.” If things get heated, or you start to feel frustrated, take a break! You can always go back to it later or another day.

Tip No. 5: Have fun!

Pang and Louie agree that training is a game, and games should be enjoyable. “If you’re not positive, you’ll get impatient. If you’re not having fun, it’s not a game anymore,” says Louie. The girls believe that training also promotes bonding between humans and canines. It’s the best time to create feelings of closeness between people and their pets. “Your dog will feel your love during training,” says Pang. It should be like hanging out with a friend. You’re doing something together and learning together.

About the author: Darcy Lockman is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in the New York Times and Rolling Stone. She lives in Brooklyn, with the prettiest pug dog in the five boroughs.

Article Source: examiner.com
Article by: Keith Smith

It seems everywhere I go these days all I hear about is how you must physically dominate a dog to make him behave. I see these very common training practices of yanking dogs around on a choke chain and calling it training. These same people call the choke chain a “training collar”. I have a challenge for these people. Grab a friend and have them put a “training collar” on you. Now ask them to attach a lead and give a nice firm yank. Do you still believe it is a “training collar”?

Next ask them to yank on the lead every time you say “training collar”. I bet after a few times you stop saying those words. And not because you like your friend but because you are afraid to feel that dreadful yank again. You may even attain enlightenment and begin calling it for what it actually is, a choke chain! Choke chains are dangerous!

Choke chains, shock collars and other professed training tools are merely used as shortcuts by people who have yet to genuinely and compassionately comprehend the intricate workings of dog behavior.

Another thorn in my side are the people who believe that pretending to be Hulk Hogan and pinning a dog to the ground or using similar physical practices somehow makes them respect you. It will certainly make the dog fear you. Fear is not respect! In case you did not read that right, fear is not respect! Respect is a dog looking intently into your eyes, tail wagging and ear’s perky thinking with reserved anticipation “what should I do now”.

The goal in training is to develop the relationship using trust and motivation, not fear and desperation!
“Dog people are wonderful people,” Cherry said. “They will help new dog owners get off to a good start and advance in their training.”

She also stressed the importance of exercising dogs.

“A 30-minute brisk walk every day is good for the person and good for the dog,” Cherry said. “Knowing my dogs need a walk encourages me to get up every morning and get some exercise with them.”

Cherry assures puppy owners that if they spend time with their puppies, take their puppies to obedience classes and do the homework, they’ll have a good dog by age 2.

“Good behavior kind of clicks when a dog is 2. The dog settles down, and some of the puppy problems stop. If you can make it until the dog is 2, you’ll have a good dog for the rest of his life.”

Article Source: edmondsun.com
Article by: Kathy Toppins

EDMOND —  In the past few weeks, cute puppy faces have nuzzled visitors through kennel doors at the Edmond Animal Shelter. All the puppies that have been available will grow into big dogs. Two of the puppies, possibly Anatolian Shepherd and Great Pyrenees mixes, are now in foster care and may be seen by appointment. They may eventually weigh 100 to 125 pounds.

Shelter employees take time to educate visitors interested in adopting the puppies about their breed traits and need for training. Anyone who adopts a puppy, especially one that will grow into a large, herding dog, will need to begin obedience training right away.

“A cute face will get a puppy a home. Training will allow the puppy to keep its home,” said Lynn Cherry, a German Shepherd owner and co-founder of Paws for Life Inc.

Early training is especially important for puppies that are growing quickly.

“You need to start training when the puppy is 6 weeks old,” Cherry said. “Puppies at 6 weeks can learn ‘sit’ and ‘down.’ If you haven’t started training by 3 or 4 months, you’re behind. You can pick up and maneuver a large-breed dog for only about four months. By the time a dog is a year old, he’ll be at his full weight,” Cherry said.

Training is easy. “It’s really just repetition with a dog. If you spend 15 minutes a day training your dog, you can have a great dog,” Cherry said. “There’s nothing harsh or mean about asking a dog to listen and mind. We all have to do that. It’s not fun to have a dog that jumps on you, your friends and your furniture. It is fun to have a best friend dog you can take anywhere because he’s obedient and trained.”

Cherry recommends connecting with other owners of large-breed dogs.

“Dog people are wonderful people,” Cherry said. “They will help new dog owners get off to a good start and advance in their training.”

She also stressed the importance of exercising dogs.

“A 30-minute brisk walk every day is good for the person and good for the dog,” Cherry said. “Knowing my dogs need a walk encourages me to get up every morning and get some exercise with them.”

Cherry assures puppy owners that if they spend time with their puppies, take their puppies to obedience classes and do the homework, they’ll have a good dog by age 2.

“Good behavior kind of clicks when a dog is 2. The dog settles down, and some of the puppy problems stop. If you can make it until the dog is 2, you’ll have a good dog for the rest of his life.”