DogTrainster.Com

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: azcentral.com
By: Rhonda S. Verona

Keep dogs safe during Halloween - the most dangerous holiday for dogs - with tips from Bark Busters, the world’s largest dog training company. Based on the expertise of Bark Busters’ network of dog behavioral therapists, who have successfully trained more than 400,000 dogs worldwide, these guidelines for dog owners help ensure the safety of pets during fright night.

• Don’t leave your dog outside. Even if you have a fenced yard, bring your dog inside where it is safe. If your dog is usually kept outside, bring him in a few times before the big night to get him used to being indoors. Your dog may be used to strangers, but so many little ghouls and goblins running about may be too much. Remember also that it is a natural instinct for dogs to protect the family from strangers, and on Halloween there will be no shortage of strangers.

• Keep your dog restrained. If your dog is timid or scared, or if he tends to love people a little too much, it is best to put him in a separate room away from the front door to limit his excitability, aggression and chance of running outside and becoming lost.

• Reassure your dog. The best thing you can do for your dog when he is feeling unsettled by Halloween activities is to act as you normally would. By over-reassuring your dog or giving him an unusual amount of attention, you inadvertently can communicate to him that because you are acting differently, there must be something to worry about.

• Have your dog get used to costumes. Your dog may see his family members as strangers once they don their Halloween costumes. Before the kids put them on, allow your dog to scent the costumes. If your costume has a mask, keep the mask off when you are with your dog because dogs can become confused when they can’t see our faces.

• Check your dog’s ID tag. Be sure identification tags are secure on your dog’s collar - just in case.

• Keep candy away from your dog. Many candies - especially chocolate - are toxic to dogs. The severity of the toxicity depends greatly on factors such as breed, age, size and how much candy was ingested. Problems may range from a mild upset tummy to vomiting and diarrhea, or even death. If you have any concerns at all, consult with a veterinarian immediately. If you want to keep your dog safe, make certain that sweets, including their wrappers, are kept well away from your dog.

• Protect dogs from candles and pumpkins. Excited or agitated dogs can easily knock over a lit candle or pumpkin. Be sure those items are away from your dog’s reach, or consider a battery-powered candle that does not burn.

• Think twice about dressing your dog in a costume. While some dogs might enjoy being dressed up, many don’t. Experiment first to see if your dog likes being in a costume. If so, fine - he’ll most likely enjoy himself and the extra attention it brings. However, if he shows any resistance, don’t do it. Dogs feel enough stress around Halloween without also having to endure the discomfort and peculiarity of wearing a strange costume.

• Be prepared. If you take your dog with you while trick-or-treating, be prepared at all times. Do not let your dog approach the door of a house, and stay clear of possible gags or gangs of goblins who will gather at the door. Dogs do not understand that the person jumping out at you will not hurt you; they often think they can only help you by acting aggressively. Neither children nor adults in costumes should approach a dog without the owner’s consent.

Article Source: bestsyndication.com
Article by: Stan Cristian

Any dog lover would want to have his pet inside the house. Having to share each activity and experience inside the house with your dog makes the owner happy and a lot less lonely. Unfortunately, bringing the dog in would also mean bringing in the dog poop and urine.

That is why most dog owners make sure that their dog is potty trained at the soonest time possible. This is where dog training pads come in handy.

These pads are necessary if your floors are carpeted and hard to clean and maintain, or if you have babies and toddlers crawling just about everywhere. Just the same, even if your floors are easy to clean, you wouldn’t want to step on anything gooey, right?

A training pad is made of an absorbent material to hold dog waste and urine. The thick surface is treated with some scent which, when sensed by your pet, will make him defecate or pee on it instead of some other place.

This means that the dog’s waste shall only be confined to the pad, except if there will be leaks. The owner shall then regularly check and clean the pad to maintain an odor-free household.

To maximize the use of these pads, keep it in one particular spot of the house. This is usually placed in the kitchen or near the bathroom, for easier and faster clean ups in case of leaks and other accidents. Place it in a particular spot and lead your dog to it.

These pads often have a scent which sends signals to the dog, instructing him to pee in that location. So the next time that he feels like excreting anything, he shall only do so in the pad and not anywhere.

Lastly, do not forget to acknowledge the effort that he did. In this way, he will most likely do the same thing next time. Praise him verbally or through actions, like a pat on the head or by giving him some treats. Positive reinforcement is an effective method of training your dog.

Aside from serving as toilets for your pup, these training pads also serve as beds for some dogs. This explains why there are various designs and types of pads available. You can find round, igloo types as well as the regular rectangular ones.

Of course we want to keep our dogs warm during the cold seasons, so you might consider getting a heated pad for your pet. A temperature control enables you to adjust the degree or amount of heat as well.

Innovations in the design and technology of the training pad resulted in the creation of new and more efficient designs. Although these may cost more than the traditional pads, these new products prove to be better and more effective, making it easier for you to maintain a dog indoors.

Dog training pads are one of the lesser-known tools in dog training. While it may not be popular, it is still a very basic and helpful tool in training your dog. This aid is most useful for those who do not have a backyard or dog house for their pet, particularly apartment or flat dwellers.

As toilet or bed, these pads remain to be among the most important dog supplies, a must-have for dog lovers like you.

Article Source: examiner.com
Article by: Jeff Millman

I am constantly amazed at how many new dog walking services pop up all over Chicago. I would imagine this is consistent with other big cities. With downsizing and people’s desires to run their own business, dog walking is often a natural fit for the dog lovers of the world.

But, like any other business, there are better options than others. How do you sift through all of the dog walkers to choose the best one for your dog?

Here are some questions and strategies that I recommend that you take into account when making a decision.

I always recommend meeting the dog walker that your service will be sending. I spoke with one of my clients that did not hire a service because the walker did not even pet the dog during the interview. Not a good way to endear yourself to a dog guardian!

How long have you been in business?
Everyone has to start somewhere, but this is an important question. If has been a really short amount of time, you can press more and ask what their last job was, why they got into this business, etc. I would be cautious of someone that doesn’t seem really committed. You don’t want to be left high and dry by someone that changes their mind and chooses another line of work.

How many clients do you have?
This will help you determine how successful they are and also how busy. If they are a one-person operation and have an usually high number of clients, that probably means they are stretched really thin and probably do pack walks. (See below).

Will you work with puppies that are not housetrained?
Some services will not take on the added responsibility of potential clean-ups and multiple walks necessary for young puppies.

How many dogs do you walk at once?
There are many dog walkers that do pack walks. I would never hire a dog walker that walks more than 2 or 3 dogs at the most. I would prefer that they just walk my dogs alone. For even the most skilled walker, it is difficult to walk a lot of dogs. What if dogs get into a fight? Do you want multiple dogs tromping through your house while they are picked up? I also worry about dogs urinating on each other when there are many dogs on one walk.

Do you do training on walks?
I would not expect dog walkers to do a lot of training, but it is nice to know what they are willing to work on.

Do you leave notes after walks?
This should be basic. The notes should be the potty report and if anything unusual happened on the walk. Some dog walkers send text messages or even call after walks.

Has a dog ever been injured in your care? What happened and what did you do?
It is good to know what your walker will do if a bad situation arises.

For larger services, I recommend asking if you will get the same dog walker every day.
Consistency is nice for you and your dog. You will also be giving keys and possibly alarm codes to a stranger. It is nice to know that there won’t be a new person each week.

Do you offer vacation care?
You might choose a service that also offers vacation care to have consistency for your dog when you travel.

Do you offer package discounts?
Some dog walking services offer cheaper rates if you pay by the week or the month.

What is the cancellation policy?
It is important to know what happens if you will be charged for cancellations.

What do you do if my dog barks, becomes aggressive or jumps on people on walks?
This will clue you in on their thoughts on punishment. They should only use humane, gentle methods. No choke chains, prong collars, spray bottles, knees in the chest, etc.

Article Source: cbc.ca
By Liz Brown

If you’re a fitness buff and dog owner, chances are you’ve toyed with the idea of taking Rover for a run. Most likely it was after watching an uber-fit marathoner jaunt past with a loyal Labrador (sans leash) at his side. Perhaps you’ve even attempted a run with your dog.

But if your canine companion is less than co-operative, the workout can quickly turn into an exercise in futility.

Running with an improperly trained or ill-suited dog can be frustrating and even downright dangerous for both animal and owner. Here a dog trainer, veterinarian and owner offer tips for choosing, training and maintaining the health of a four-legged running partner.
Lapdog or lap-runner?

Before setting out, take an honest look at your dog. Is he a high-energy mutt who would love to run, or is he a breed more suited to snuggling at your feet?

Sporting and working breeds are the best choice for running partners, says Ben Moradian, a dog trainer and owner of K9PRO, which has locations in Montreal and Calgary. Moradian suggests retrievers, pointers, German shepherds and Dobermans are generally good breeds to look at if you are planning to run with your dog.

“But there are always exceptions to the rule,” he warns.

Rottweilers, for example, appear to be a dog suited for running because of their build, but this is not the case, according to Moradian. Their body structure makes it difficult for them to cool down once they are overheated.

“So a five- to 10-minute jog would be OK, but 30 to 40 minutes would not be,” says Moradian.
Heel!

After type of dog, obedience is key. After all, a run will be no fun if your dog stops to sniff every tree, or races in front of you and trips you up. Your dog should learn to heel, and a good obedience class can teach this skill.

Moradian trumpets running with your dog as a way to deal with obedience problems as well.

“When running you can establish a hierarchy and have a dog that is more calm, confident and secure,” he says. “Most dogs I deal with are under-exercised. and lots of times walking is not sufficient on its own.”
Dogs unleashed

Shelagh Macdonald, program director at the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies in Ottawa, has two Nova Scotia duck tolling retrievers she runs with regularly. “If you’re an active person, it’s easy to combine your run with [the dog’s] walk,” she says. “It’s one of my favourite things to do.”

Macdonald takes her pair to areas where dogs are allowed to roam off-leash for 40- to 60-minute runs.

“It’s more fun for the dog and person,” she says.

Dr. Stacie Akins, a veterinarian at the Marda Loop veterinary clinic in Calgary, agrees that running with an off-leash dog is a better option.

“Ideally, you should jog with your dog in off-leash areas so that he or she can got at his or her own pace and has the option to speed up or rest if needed,” she says. “You and your dog may not have the same ideal pace, and it may be difficult for your dog to match your stride comfortably or even safely.”
Clean bill of health

Before embarking on a running program, Dr. Akins recommends getting the “all clear” from the dog’s vet.

And both Dr. Akins and Moradian say that dogs, just like humans, need to be conditioned for jogging.

“Start with short distances and build up endurance over time, do not force your dog if he or she is lagging behind and wishes to rest,” says Dr. Akins.

Moradian recommends beginning with 10-minute sessions, twice daily, and then combining them.
Keep cool

Even if your dog is “running fit,” it’s important to recognize that dogs don’t have as efficient cooling systems as humans do and are more susceptible to heat stroke. Especially in warmer weather, runners need to be alert to signs of exhaustion and overheating.

“Dogs will go farther than they should,” says Macdonald.

“Make sure you and your dog are acclimatized to current temperatures before attempting your regular jog,” warns Dr. Akins. “Even moderate temperatures can be dangerous if you and your dog are not used to them yet.”

Signs of heat stroke include excessive panting, increased heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea and depression.

“Since the earliest sign of heat stroke is excessive panting, which may look a lot like normal panting, it’s always best to avoid running in hot weather and choose cooler times of the day for your jog,” says Dr. Akins, adding that jogging should be avoided in temperatures above 25 Celsius.

And like humans, dogs need to hydrate regularly while exercising, so bringing along water, or running near a body of water like a river, is a good idea.

A final caveat — even if Fido is bred for running, and is healthy to run, it doesn’t mean he’s going to enjoy it. Like humans, dogs have their own personalities, and you may need to find a human running partner if your canine isn’t keen.

“Remember, each dog is an individual and may not share your love of running,” says Dr. Akins.

Article Source: peteducation.com

‘Not every dog loves a face-in-the-wind car ride.’

For some dogs, car rides produce a great deal of anxiety. A combination of fear and not understanding what is happening will cause drooling, shaking, or even vomiting in some dogs and cats. In humans, we refer to this as car sickness or motion sickness; however, true motion sickness is a result of an inner ear problem. Some dogs truly do have motion sickness, and for these animals products such as Dramamine can be used under the supervision of a veterinarian. For most dogs, however, the sickness is strictly an over-reaction to the fear and apprehension of the car noise, motion, etc. If your dog would rather be anywhere besides in the car, here is how you can help her overcome the fear of car rides.

1. Get your dog used to the car environment. Get in the car together and have a treat. Talk. Be happy. Make it a fun time. Do not have the car running, just share a treat and make it a positive experience. Repeat this a number of times on different occasions. You may want to feed your dog in the car. If your dog is afraid of even getting into the car, try feeding or giving a treat close to the car.

2. Get your dog used to the car while it is running. Repeat step one, only this time start the car. Give a treat before and after. If she looks or acts nervous, reassure her that everything is OK. Take your time and make sure she is relaxed before ending the session.

3. Get your dog used to the motion of the moving car. Once she is used to the car running without any fearful reaction, back the car to the end of the driveway, then forward again to the garage. Give her a treat and praise her. Repetition is the key. The more you do this the more confident your dog becomes that cars are no problem. In fact, to her it becomes a great place for attention, praise, and even treats.

4. Now it is time to take a short trip around the block. Treats and praise before and after, and calm, reassuring talk throughout the ride are a pre-requisite. Gradually increase the distance traveled until your dog is calm no matter how long she’s in the car.

Get puppies used to the car while they are still young and are more receptive to new adventures. Dogs make excellent traveling companions so it is well worth the training now for the years of enjoyment it will bring both of you once you get over this obstacle together.

Article Source: dogchannel.com

“Greatest American Dog” judge Allan Reznik offers tips to build a strong relationship.

The weekly competitions on the CBS reality show “Greatest American Dog” are meant to be fun. Bonding with your dog can be just as rewarding, Allan Reznik explains.

“Building a happy, harmonious relationship with your dog is critically important,” said Reznik, a judge on the show and editor-at-large of DOG FANCY. “It starts the minute your new family member enters your home and life.”

Here are some tips to maximize the relationship-building process.

DO:

Continue the early training and socialization begun by your puppy’s breeder. If your dog has been regularly groomed, had his nails clipped and been taught by the breeder to spend brief periods of time in a crate, keep up that routine. It takes just a few days of “no rules” for many dogs to forget the good habits they learned early in life.

Be consistent in your training. If you don’t like dogs on your furniture, don’t let your puppy on the sofa. If you don’t want your good shoes chewed up, don’t let him play with your grubby tennis shoes.

Enroll in a puppy kindergarten or basic obedience class. It’s a great opportunity for socialization. It also gives dogs and owners confidence and experience shutting out distractions and working together.

DON’T:

Try to train when you’re feeling tired or frustrated. You will accomplish nothing positive.

Let other family members give the dog mixed messages. Using different words for the same command or sneaking food to the dog from the table confuses the dog and undermines training.

Be lazy and postpone training. You accepted the responsibilities of dog ownership as well as the fun. There is already a lot of anti-dog sentiment out in the world today. Each of us needs to show by example that a well-behaved dog is a joy to have around and an asset to every neighborhood.

Article Source: examiner.com
By Jeff Millman

Training a dog to walk nicely when on leash can be very frustrating and can seem daunting. My job as a dog trainer is to break down goals into small chunks for my clients to focus on.

One of the important strategies that I recommend is to be more interesting than the environment. When a dog pulls she is often interested in investigating something that is in the distance. If you make yourself really interesting and fun and games start when she appears by your side, then she will be more motivated to walk next to you.

Understanding motivation is critical to being a great dog trainer.  What entices or motivates a dog to do something? That understanding is key to success.

There are many ways that you can motivate a dog to walk nicely next to you. Here are some strategies that you can try with your dog to be more interesting so she is motivated to walk near you to see what other fun activity is going to happen!

1. Bring an outside-only toy with you. If your dog is not thrilled with toys, read this post about teaching a dog to like toys more. Keep a toy near your front door that your dog LOVES. Only use it on walks, and only give it to your dog when she is walking nicely. Gently take it away when she pulls.

2. Talk more. Enthusiasm is a way to keep your dog focused on you as well as provide information to her that she should continue doing what she is doing because she might get a treat or a toy.

3. Quick, gentle changes in direction. Occasionally turn quickly and go the other direction when your dog pulls. Never jerk or be rough with your dog. The changes in direction combined with enthusiasm when she is in the right position is a way to keep her focused on you.

4. Change speeds. If your dog wants to run, run with her for short spurts when she appears by your side. The goal is to make it worthwhile for her to walk in the “reward zone” because sometimes it results in toys, treats or quick sprints might occur.

5. Change your tone and volume of voice. Did you know talking really softly is one way to sometimes get dog’s attention? Try something like, “Hey. What’s over there? Let’s go check it out” and then start running towards something as soon as your dog looks at you. What are you doing? You are motivating your dog to pay attention to you. The more a dog pays attention to the person holding the leash, the less she is scanning the environment for something to pull towards.

6. Toy exhanges. Teach your dog to drop toys on cue and then practice toy exchanges on walks by  asking for “Drop”, and then throwing another toy within the length of the leash. You can continue this periodically on walks to give your dog exercise and mental stimulation. If you need to learn how to teach your dog to Drop, see my Puppy Biting and Rules of Tug video and see more leash walking strategies in my Intermediate Leash Walking video.

7. Reward eye contact. Read this post about teaching eye contact on walks. The more your dog is motivated to look at you, the less she will pull towards other distractions.

These are just a few of the many ways you can be more interesting than the environment to keep your dog focused on you. With practice, you will discover what works best to keep your dog interested in you.

Article Source: cfc.wciv.com

This scenario plays out everywhere. You’re about to head out to a picnic or other outdoor gathering and you know that dog of yours loves going to the park. It can be difficult to leave a beloved pet at home. However, before you melt and reach for the leash when the dog looks at you with pleading eyes, there are many things to consider.

“Taking your dog with you on a picnic can be a wonderful experience. It can also turn into a nightmare if you are not properly prepared,“ says Paula Lind (CVT, BS) chair of the veterinary technology program at Argosy University, Twin Cities. According to Lind, you should inquire ahead of time whether the picnic location allows pets. Many parks ban dogs altogether, and arriving with your pooch could prohibit you from attending the event.

To help ensure an enjoyable experience for all, Lind recommends that dog owners consider several basic issues before taking a pet to a picnic.

* Vaccinations. The New York Department of Health reports that raccoons present a growing risk for rabies, particularly across the eastern seaboard. Be sure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date before exposure to wooded areas and other wild or domestic animals.

* Obedience Training. “A dog must be trained at home with no distractions,” says Lind. “Children running and throwing balls are big distractions that can put stress on a dog. It’s impossible to teach anything when a dog is stressed. If the ‘down’ and ‘stay’ commands are not heeded in the home, it’s not fair to expect that the dog will behave elsewhere. Another consideration is proper off-leash obedience. Do you have reliable recall? Can you get him back if he takes off? If not, it becomes a safety issue.”

* Socialization. “Many unfortunate situations can occur when a dog is not properly socialized. Consider how your dog reacts to children, strangers and other animals” says Lind. A dog that jumps up to say hello can frighten a child and become a nuisance to other guests. One that becomes aggressive toward other dogs should not attend a gathering where another animal could be present.

* Supplies. When a trusted dog with established training accompanies you to a picnic, it’s important to take supplies with you. Lind outlines these basic items: water supply and bowl, food, leash and/or chain, appropriate treats, a toy to keep your pet occupied, and “poop bags” for waste disposal. Lind recommends not allowing guests to feed your pet “people food,” which can cause an upset stomach on the ride home.

* Backup Plan. If your pet disrupts an event away from home, you will need to remove the dog to a safe place. What will you do? “Cars become dangerously hot in the summer months, even with the windows down. Unless you’re prepared to leave early and take your pet home, you will need to arrange for the dog’s safekeeping for the duration of your stay at the event,” states Lind.

“It’s all about training, socialization, and common sense,” says Lind. A dog that is well behaved at home, and proven to be a “good canine citizen” in public, can be a welcome addition at a picnic or outdoor gathering. “As a general rule, if the dog can’t walk on a leash properly around the neighborhood, please don’t take him,” Lind says.