There are several teams that you should teach. Stay is one of them. It is important that the puppy understands what being a word not to move. You can teach your puppy to use this command from those sitting or lying down, but you should make sure that he knows what to do. It may take a long practice and told him to walk. If he moves to the next, you must take note of surprise and to return to the starting point. If you listen, and remains, even if only for two or two, listen to praise him and do what you said to do. You can extend the time to ask him to stay as it becomes more and more used to the team.

Another important feature in a dog is to go on a not drowned. You can use the fifth team teach this lesson. You should practice this lesson again and again to make it clear that you want to do. Another important characteristic is to get your dog, you know, when you want to exit. This can be partially or Saturday near the door. He must learn not to jump when he greeted the people. A good way to do this is that when people sit down approach.

He must also learn to control when other approaches. He does not bark or cause anyone to run until it permits. Inside the house, you should not let it go on your furniture. If you wish, you can allow him a decoration that he knows very well. You should train him begging for food on the table. Unfortunately, family members may make it difficult to be tempted to feed it.

Do not allow your dog to get in trouble. It should not be able to leave their property without a leash. You may think that means that he does not need training, but it is not. On the possibility to let him go, to listen to your orders and respond to commands, it can save his life. For example, a woman of well-trained Spaniels has left the door open, went to his car, on the other side of the road.

When he looked back, saw their dogs descended the stairs and the car is on the road. The use of teams, has taught them, ordered his down. "And they did as they said that, as in cars increased. He then allowed them to come and commends obedience training had given them.

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Welcome to Dog behavior training blog. You will be able to learn the Basics of Dog behavior training as we introduce you to the new tips and tricks of Dog behavior training.

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I trained my first Catahoula dog about a year ago. A couple brought in an eight week old puppy for puppy class. They said the female was a rescue and that they had been told she was a Border collie mix.

In the Manners in Minutes system we do not train puppies. We do however show you how to condition the puppy so it is ready to fully train at 16 weeks.

When the dog came back eight weeks later, I remarked to the owners that I would have expected a Border collie mix to be larger at four months. They told me that when they took her to the vet he told them he thought she was a Catahoula. Then as they were leaving a man recognized their dog as a Catahoula, since he owned two of them.

The Catahoula is a dog bred in Louisiana. The dog is used for both herding and hunting boar as well as other game. It is descended from Native American dogs. They come in a wide range of sizes and coats. One distinct feature is their webbed feet.

The dog is very intense and very pack oriented. But they are herding dogs and are easy for me to work. This dog turned out to be a very nice student.

Since then I had only seen one pure bred Catahoula and one Great Dane/Catahoula mix.

Earlier this week a Border collie mix that is deaf came in for an assessment/demonstration. When I looked at the coloring, I asked her if the dog might be a Catahoula mix. She did not know. However when we checked his feet, we found they were webbed.

I asked her where she got the dog. She got it from a rescue group from the San Luis Valley area in central south Colorado. It was the same group the first dog came from.

Then yesterday I got a call from a woman with a blue heeler mix. It sounds like the dog has some serious pack order confusion. She is coming in later today for an evaluation. I asked her where she got the dog. It was a rescue. After talking some more about the dog I began to think that the Catahoula breed might be involved. She checked with her husband and although this dog was adopted from a shelter in Pueblo, it originally came from the San Luis Valley. Then they checked his feet. They were webbed.

Now with a dog that has unknown lineage, the only way to know for sure is DNA testing, and expensive and usually unnecessary procedure since the dogs are not going to be used for breeding.

But I am beginning to suspect there is either a lot of Catahoulas in that part of Colorado, or one very promiscuous dog running around.

Doug

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I really want to be a great dog owner and am doing the best I can.  I know that I have to relate as a dog to my dog, but it is hard.  I am not a dog.  How do I know am doing the right things for my dog?

First of all, lets remember that this discussion isnt dealing with canine behavior, operant conditioning, and the like.  We are discussing if you are a responsible dog owner.  If this seems a little confusing to you, please let me give some ideas that will help you be the responsible dog owner:

• Get your dog spayed or neutered.  They live longer and have healthier lives.
• Provide proper identification.  If your gets out, you have a far better chance in getting him back if he has a dog or electronic tag.  There are also GPS products that fit on your dog’s collar.  These tools will send you a message when your dog leaves the area and will guide you right to him.  (He can run, but he can’t hide!)
• Make sure you get the appropriate training for both you and your dog.  This will help build the trust, respect, and bond between you and your dog.  Both of you will be better for it.
• Be sure to have regular appointments with your veterinarian.  Discovering problems early will provide your dog with a far better life and will cost you far less in the long run.
• Make time for your dog.  Schedule play dates and include him in your regular family activities.  Make sure that your dog feels like a family member.
• Exercise with your dog daily.  Exercise is one of the four major functions required for any dog.  Fetch, walkies, or any interactive exercise will keep him healthy and build a lasting bond between you and your dog.
• Provide your dog with shelter.  He should have his place where he can simply go and "hang out".  The best shelter is a dog crate.  This is the place where only he can go and where he will always feel safe.
• Whenever you travel for any distance, make sure that he is always safe in the car.  Always have him in a harness that is properly secure when driving.  Dont have him in your lap or the passenger seat!

It is your job to be a responsible owner for your dog.  Please follow the above guidelines to accomplish that.  For more information, please contact The Best Dog Trainers in South Florida.

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http://www.fox40.com/news/headlines/ktxl-guide-dog-attacked-in-davis-20120506,0,5844282.story

These stories are really becoming all too common.  Another Guide Dog attacked by pit bulls, while minding his own business and working with his trainer.  This dog is in training, still learning to perform his duties as a guide dog, although its questionable now whether he will be able to perform those duties after being viciously attacked by the pit bullies.

Theres someone or something attacked by these menacing type of dogs nearly every single day and its time something is done about it! More and more cities are looking into some type of pit bull ordinance and although I think thats great, I think these dogs should just be banned nationwide.  They cause nothing but trouble.  Theyre constantly attacking and killing, children, other animals, even their owners, because they were bred to fight and to kill.  Why should we allow that type of dog in peoples homes?

Pit bull owners keep saying that its about the owners and they need to be more responsible.  Well, thats great, but it isnt happening is it?  If it was happening, the number and frequency of attacks would be going down, and instead theyre going up.  I am sick and tired of seeing more and more of these attacks EVERY DAY by these types of dogs.  Its not necessary that we keep seeing this!

I dont think pit bull owners understand, nor do they care, about the time, money, blood, sweat and tears that go into training a service dog or guide dog. So many of them have been, and are being attacked by pit bulls, and a lot of times, these attacks either kill the service dog or force it into early retirement, as its no longer able to perform its duties any longer out of fear, or defensiveness.

In my opinion, if pit bull owners cant learn to play nice with their pit bulls, they should have their pit bulls taken away! These dogs are nothing but a menace to society and a danger to the public!

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I know that I am probably doing something wrong, but when I take Wolfie out for a walk, he is already crazy because all my other dogs are barking and jumping.  It takes all I can to hold him to get the front door open.  Then he bolts out and the rest of the walk is nuts!

I was out at a client a few weeks ago that I hadnt seen for over a year.  She told me that the reason she hadnt called me for so long was that everything with the training had been great, but that her dog recently started to go nuts anytime he would go for a walk.  This started to happen when they added a new dog to the pack (they now have 5 dogs!).  The new dog had a tendency to get the other dogs crazy and it always happened when a "walkies" was involved.

The problem was really quite simple.  Her dog was at full adrenaline as soon as the door was open and she couldnt regain focus of her dog to maintain the control needed for the walk.  We had to set up a new "exit strategy" that allowed for a calm and focused start of the walk.  What we did was quite simple.

We placed the leash on the dog and everyone went nuts.  That was OK because we then took the dog into the garage (with the garage door closed) by way of the laundry room.  The rest of the "crazy dogs" were left in the house with a family member keeping them busy.  We had the dog sit and stay for the client.  We walked the dog in a circle once or twice and then had him sit again.  He was calm and still and the client had complete control and focus.

Next, while the client firmly held the leash, we opened the garage door.  The dog began to loose focus on the client in favor of "everything outside".  We redirected the dogs focus back to the client with some simple obedience exercises until we again observed that the client had complete control and focus.

Now, we slowly walked the dog to the driveway.  We had him sit and observed his focus.  It was still on the client.  We now began the walk slowly and calmly.  The dog was perfect.

The client exclaimed "Wow!  This is a different dog!".  I explained that he wasnt a different dog, we simply provided the appropriate environment to allow him to give us focus and respect.  We became the leader and he became the follower.  For more information, please contact The Best Dog Trainers in South Florida.

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First, I want to say that the reason I discuss pit bulls at all on this blog is because of things like this....

http://www.opposingviews.com/i/deaf-woman-s-service-dog-attacked-by-pit-bulls-in-l-a

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/pitbull-savages-womans-guide-dog-at-train-station-6734197.html

http://www.abc4.com/content/news/top_stories/story/Service-dog-attacked-Owner-needs-help-with-needed/xDKYZ4kBo06aa7qHw9_WuA.cspx

If you see the page entitled "Service Dog Dangers" on this blog, you will see many, many more of these types of pit bull attacks on service dogs.  Disgusting and devastating, isnt it?!


The ASPCA says....

In recent years, Pit Bulls have gained more than just a foothold in public awareness. Unscrupulous breeding and negative media attention have resulted in many apartment complexes, neighborhoods and even counties imposing bans on Pits and Pit mixes, citing them as "inherently dangerous" to the public.

Pit Bulls often attract the worst kind of dog owners—people who are only interested in these dogs for fighting or protection. While Pit Bulls were once considered especially non-aggressive to people, their reputation has changed, thanks to unscrupulous breeders and irresponsible owners. And because the Pit Bull population has increased so rapidly, shelters now struggle to deal with an overflow of image-plagued, hard-to-place dogs.

History of the Breed

Pit Bulls are descendants of the original English bull-baiting dog—a dog that was bred to bite and hold bulls, bears and other large animals around the face and head. "Bulldogs" were bred to hang on without releasing their grip, until the animal was exhausted from fighting and from loss of blood. When baiting large animals was banned in the 1800s, people then started to fight their dogs against each other instead.

As the "sport" of dog fighting developed, enthusiasts bred a lighter, more athletic canine. These dogs made their way to North America, the ancestors of todays Pit Bulls. Pit Bulls that were not used for fighting were considered ideal family pets—affectionate, loyal and gentle with children. Serious problems started when these dogs gained the attention of people looking for a macho dog—and to meet their demands, unscrupulous and uncaring breeders are producing puppies that were not only aggressive to other dogs, but also to people.

In the Fighting Ring

Although a felony offense in all 50 states, organized dog fights still take place in many parts of the country. In some urban areas especially, dogfighters have formed a strong subculture. Dogs that fight are bred and conditioned to never give up when they are fighting, even if it means that they will be badly hurt or killed. Other animals are victims of dog fights, too—its not uncommon for trainers to encourage their dogs aggression by using other dogs and smaller animals such as cats, rabbits and rodents as bait.

While some might typify dog fighting as a symptom of urban decay, not every dogfighter is economically disadvantaged. Participants and promoters come from every community and all backgrounds, with audiences including lawyers, judges and teachers and other upstanding community leaders.

Unfortunately, a new element has been introduced to the world of dog fighting over the past two decades. Fights have become informal street corner and playground activities. Stripped of the rules and formality of the traditional pit fight, these spontaneous events are triggered by insults and turf invasions—or even the simple taunt, "My dog can kill your dog." 

So heres my question, if the ASPCA states that pit bulls are descendants of the bull-baiting dogs that were bred to "hang on without releasing their grip, until the animal was exhausted from fighting and from loss of blood," then whats wrong the pit bull owners? Yes, the owners who continue to insist that this is NOT the case! Even the ASPCA clearly states that pit bulls were bred for the sport of dog fighting and as they continue to be bred by irresponsible, "unscrupulous and uncaring" breeders they became more aggressive toward other dogs and even people.  So why is it that pit bull owners continue to deny this truth and violently attack anyone who repeats it? 

It seems that everyone knows this is the truth about pit bulls, except for the pit bull owners.  

I do realize that the pit bull owners are attempting to improve the reputation of the breed and to diminish or eradicate the stigma attached to it, but I really dont believe that telling outright lies and viciously attacking those who discuss the origin of the breed, is the way to accomplish their mission. In fact, it makes them appear even less than substandard.  

If you havent any experience in "debating" with or dealing with pit bull owners on any level, let me enlighten you.  Here are just a few comments by pit bull owners in defense of their dog and man killers...

1) "Lets be honest.  Your a fucking complete and utter moron, you obvisuly have had no experience with a larger bread of dog.  you have no love, no care for living things, why dont I abuse you, perhaps provoke u, force you too fight for the amusement of other people.  Its people like YOU!  that give the breed a bad name, fuckheads like YOU!  who make people THINK they are aggressive.  people like you! need to be taken out of family homes.  not these magnificient creatures.  I hope you fucking rott in hell, your filth." 

2) "Id luv to have one my friends pitbulls crap on your face and then piss in ur mouth - rot in hell!  u have no damn clue about the breed so STFU..."

3) "How about canine safety with all breeds --so ignorant children dont become part of an ignorant statistic by a group of humans who are blatantly ignorant" (yes, "ignorant children.")

4) "Go fuck yourself.  I hope your children have their assholes pounded out by your neighbor & his faggot ass friends.  If u as a parent cant protect your children and feel the need to have the gov step in & do it for you, then u shouldnt be parenting in the 1st place.  Control your kids worry about u and others.  Stay out of my business.  I have the same rights as you.  Want a lot of the same things in life as u.  Dont try dictate how anyone else achieves their happiness.

5) "Now fuck off who the hell are u??  A worthless fucking scank whore!!  U have no facts and no logic all ur doing is bashing people and stating ur dumb ass opinions!!  U have no validity to ur argument ur just a mean, nasty, ugly, hate spreading cunt!!  U are very stupid and not very well spoken and I sure hope u dont have kids!!  Jesus I cant imagine what those little bastards will grow up to act like, prolly stupid mouthy cuntface bitches like their worthless bottom feeding whore of a mother!!

Now, if its true that pit bull owners are attempting to improve the reputation of the breed and eradicate the stigma attached to it, do you think this is the way to go about it? Thankfully, these comments were not directed at me, but even if they were, they would be ignored.  In fact, I do receive some comments from pit lovers, and have "debated" with some on the internet, and their comments, I should say their attacks, were very similar to these.  

Pit bull owners continue to argue that their dogs are not dangerous, and were not bred for the specific purpose of fighting. They say that they are not fighting breed dogs.  Hmmmm...well, it seems that everyone knows the truth except for them.  If they are really interested in improving the reputation of the breed, and eradicating the stigma attached to the breed, then maybe they should start by admitting the truth and working from there.  Their lies are definitely NOT helping them accomplish their mission.  

Is this what you want barreling down the street after your service dog?

Also, it would certainly help to start containing their fighting breed dogs appropriately so these vicious, brutal and devastating attacks on children, peoples pets and guide/service dogs would STOP. But then....when you think of that happening, you have to consider the type of people were talking about here. Were talking about pit bull owners that first of all, wont even admit what their dogs were bred for, and these are the same people who respond with comments such as the ones above (see 1-5). 

I really DO NOT see these people becoming more mature, accepting what their dogs were bred for (i.e. the truth), and doing a better job at breeding, raising, and becoming more responsible in terms of appropriate containment for their fighting breed dogs. 

This is what a pit bull should like.

This is why I, and most intelligent, caring, compassionate people, would like to see pit bull type dogs go extinct, through bans on breeding, and mandatory spay/neuter laws.  In the meantime, since these pit bull owners cant handle the truth and be responsible owners, I would encourage all city councils to enact laws that include, mandatory muzzles for pit bull type dogs, no more legal adoptions of pit bull type dogs through shelters, rescues, etc., mandatory microchip, and mandatory containment regulations.  

The fact is, that pit bulls were bred to fight in a pit.  Dog fighting is now illegal, so why are these dogs still around? 

The work of a pit bull.

There are so many other breeds of dog to choose from, that need homes.  Pit bulls are only fit for the pit.

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Two of my clients and friends recently lost their beloved pet dog to a sudden illness. The loss was totally unexpected as the dog was only four years old, and was in apparently good health. While its always difficult to say goodbye to our companions, such a sudden loss can be extremely difficult to face.

When a pet dies suddenly, even if we are not at fault, we may blame ourselves. "I should have been more careful, more tolerant, more aware, more ... ". When we may have some responsibility in our pets death, it is even more difficult to face the guilt.

I have owned many dogs during my lifetime. Some have died relatively young, some have died accidental deaths, and some have lived full lives before their deaths. In some cases, I had to make the decision to euthanize my companion because he or she was in pain, or even worse, because I did not have the financial ability to pay for extended treatment. After these many years, I know for sure that I will eventually lose my pet, but it never stops me from engaging in the joy that I know a relationship with a pet can bring.

Grief is a personal journey. When I am faced with the loss of a pet, I recall the good things that my pet and I did together. I recall the time that I spent with my pet, as well as the money that I did not spend on clothes or cars so that I could spend that money on my pet.

Especially if I feel implicated in some way in my pets death, either by action or inaction, I try to remember that no one is perfect in their ability to care for their pet. We all make mistakes from time to time. And our pets may not be able to tell us that they are hurting. From personal experience I know that making the choice to euthanize can be devastating.

I take time to grieve. For people who do not hold pets dear to their hearts, it is hard to understand the depth of the grief that we pet lovers can experience upon the loss of a pet. Be kind to yourself during this period. One of the most therapeutic ways that I grieve is to make a detailed photo album/scrapbook of my pet. This helps me to remember the fun times that we had together, from infancy to death.

I try to memorialize my pet by purchasing something permanent to remember him or her by. One of my favorites is a beautiful plant or tree, planted in memory of my pet. Others may give a gift to an animal charity or veterinary medical research to remember a pet.

I wait for a while before purchasing or obtaining another pet. If you get another pet too soon after the death of a beloved companion, especially a tragic death, it is likely that for the first 2 or 3 years of the new pets life you may unintentionally compare your new pet to the old pet. The period of grieving that you need is individual.

Some people believe that they can never get another pet because it is too painful to lose them. My philosophy is that choosing another pet to fill a void is an honor to your previous pet. You are not replacing your beloved pet, and you will always have his or her memory, but you remember the fun and know that you can provide a good home to a new pet.

The words of the Garth Brooks song "Last Dance" perfectly describe my feelings about the circle of life that we experience with our pets.

http://www.planetgarth.com/lyrics/the_dance.shtml

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     Well, I did it.  Yup, I had that conversation that Ive been wanting to have with my neighbor who recently acquired another pit bull.  If youve been following my blog at all, you know that my neighbor just got another pit bull, after his former  one died fairly recently.  The former one was old, about 13 years, and my neighbor had to put him down. One day, most recently, another pit bull showed up in his back yard, barking and staring out the gate.  Ive been wanting to have a conversation about this with him, in a very civil way (have to get along with neighbors), to ensure that we are all kept safe.  The reason for this is because his former pit bull, Zeus, had once gotten into MY backyard by jumping onto something he had stacked against the 7 foot wall, and leaped right over into my yard. I didnt have my dog yet at that time, and luckily my cats were safely indoors that night.  I wont name names, but for the sake of easier writing, well call my neighbor Joe and his pit bull, Blue.
     So, Ive previously stated that the next time I see Joe outside, Id plan to have a conversation with him about safety. I saw him outside this afternoon, bringing in his trash cans, while I was headed to training class with Jade.  So I took the opportunity.  I started with small talk asking how hes been doing and how hes feeling, etc.  Joe is also disabled.  We spent a few minutes on small talk and then I got down to it.  I said, "I saw you got a new dog, Joe." He said, "Yea, I need the companionship." I asked him why he chose another pit bull, and he said that he got it from his wifes son, who couldnt keep him anymore because he was moving. Joe said, "He was one of those young thugs, who just wanted to be tough by getting a pit bull, and then didnt know how to handle him....he abused him and treated him like crap, beating on him and punishing him....he didnt know what the hell he was doing, so I got him." I went on to tell Joe that Im afraid of pit bulls and those dogs are really dangerous."  Joe said that he understood that, and a lot of people feel the same way.  He also went on to say that the media helps to instill that fear in people by always reporting about pit bull attacks and bites (the same old pit bull owner excuses, blame the media, bla bla). I said, "Yea, Joe, but did you see what happened to the elderly lady the other day....it was on the news....she was brutally attacked and mauled....there are a lot of those stories, Joe! Those dogs are always attacking and hurting people and other pets." Joe said, and this surprised me, "They certainly have the potential, thats for sure....theyre really strong dogs and you really have to know what youre doing to have one." I was so glad Joe said that.  Its usually excuses and denials about the power and potential that pit bulls have by their owners, so this made me feel relieved.  Joe also went on to say that hes had pit bulls all his life and he knows what hes doing.  I let him know that I am still afraid of it, and of all pit bulls and for good reason.  I said, "Please dont let him get over that wall into my yard, Joe....remember when your other pit got over that wall and into my yard? Please dont let that happen." Joe smiled and said, "No, hes not gonna get over there, Ill make sure of that." He went on to say how friendly his pit is, but then in another breath said that he was afraid of people because hed been abused, which didnt make any sense to me.  Another walking contradiction of a pit owner.
     So we talked a little more and I repeated myself about not letting his dog get over the wall into my backyard, and he clearly stated that he wouldnt let that happen.  I told him that Im afraid of pit bulls because theyre always mauling and maiming people, even killing.  I also told Joe that his pit bull might very well "bite" him.  I said, "You better be careful Joe, because those dogs are known for turning on their owners.  He might just tear you up, better be careful." Joe replied with, "Oh, hes NOT gonna bite me!" Ok, well see.  Im sure thats exactly what Darla Napora said too, right before her pit bull attacked, mauled and killed her, and her unborn baby.  Joe also said that he cant let his dog outside the front door, because when he opens it, the dog bolts running for freedom.  Just wonderful! He said he had to chase him a couple streets down the other day, but if he does it again, he might just let him be free and let the pound pick him up.  Wow! Thats just great! If I see that dog out, EVER, I will call 911. If it comes in my yard, were going to have very serious problems.  Thats why I had the conversation with Joe; so if it does happen, there wont be any misunderstandings.
     The conversation with Joe, my neighbor has been had.  So well see how everything plays out.  Thanks for listening.

(Although this is not Joes dog, its a pit bull, and its damn scary!)

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I just dont understand it.  I work with Wolfie on Come/Sit/Stay.  I play with Wolfie.  I walk Wolfie.  But it seems like he still thinks he is the boss.  I think I am doing everything right, but something must be missing!

Remember the old phrase  "Walk a mile in my shoes"?  Well, this is the problem that you are having with Wolfie.  Yes, you are providing him education, exercise, and bonding.  What you dont understand is that Wolfie sees the world through a canine perspective.  He judges you as if you were a dog and not a human.  You must understand his perspective to understand how and why he does what he does.

So why does Wolfie act like he is the boss?  The reason is because you are constantly telling him that he is!  You dont know that you are doing this because you view the world from a human perspective and your actions reflect that.  From Wolfies perspective (the canine point of view), you are constantly implying that he is the boss.

Here is what you are doing, why Wolfie believes he is the boss, and what you have do to...

It is a typical Saturday afternoon and you are sitting on your back porch reading the paper.  Wolfie comes up to you and sticks his nose in you hand asking for a pat on the head.  You think nothing of it and give him a big pat and maybe even throw the ball for him.  You have just told Wolfie he is the boss.  Since he is the boss, he can do whatever he wants because you will always comply.

In a human family, anyone can have an idea and the family can respond.  Nobody implies anything about leadership about the act.  We (humans) thought it was a good idea and did it.  Now, in the wolf pack you have the canine alpha leader and the rest of the pack.  The only one that tells the pack what to do is the canine alpha leader.

As soon as Wilfie said "pet me" and you did, you submitted to his demand, placed yourself in the role of the pack, and promoted him to being the canine alpha leader.  We (humans) do this all day long.  We are constantly telling Wolfie that he is the boss.  Since he is the boss, he can do whatever he wants.  This normally equates to a misbehaved dog that is always annoying us.  So what can we do to fix this?

You must always make sure that it is your idea and not Wolfies.

When Wolfie comes over to you and wants to be petted, ignore him.  In a moment or two, he will turn away.  At that moment, you can call him to you and you can tell him that you want to pet him.  It is now your idea and when Wolfie comes to be petted, he has placed himself as the pack member and you as the canine alpha leader.

This sounds like a simple thing to do, but in reality, it is very difficult.  The reason is that (we humans) really dont care whose idea it was.  Dogs do care whose idea it was because that equates to leadership and ultimately their general safety.

So, if you want to be on the way to having Wolfie well behaved and understanding his position in the pack, you must always initiate, you must always begin, you must always implement your idea.  For more information, please contact us at The Best Dog Trainers in South Florida.

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     A while back I did a home visit with a client.  I do not do a lot of those since most problems can be diagnosed and dealt with in either my private lessons or in our neighborhood pack group sessions.  But this dog was bought from a puppy broker/trainer who seems to deliberately make his puppies and students dog aggressive.  That is because he is also a trainer who specializes in dog aggression.  And your dog always needs lots of extra lessons.

     Since the behavior wasn’t improving as quickly as I wanted I decided to see the dog on his turf.

     The walk was a success and I spotted what was delaying improvement, but I also saw something I realized a lot of people do.  They don’t let the dog get as much out of a walk as they do.

     A lot of us take our dogs for a brisk walk.  We are getting exercise as well as exercising the dog.  So we tend to keep the dog on a short leash next to us.   We will however, stop and chat with a neighbor or maybe pause to look at something interesting.   We even stop to smell the roses.

     Yet we don’t let our dog do the same.

     A dog gathers a lot of information through its sense of smell.  They in many ways use their nose to gather information the way we use our eyes.  So for a dog a walk is much more about what you can smell than what you can see.

     As we walked the dog I had the owners give him six foot of lead rather than one pull him in next to them.  And he was able to keep up.  He would bound ahead, almost to the end of the line, to check out an interesting smell.  He would finish his information gathering, and then bound ahead to the next great smell. 

     He never tugged ahead, nor forced them to slow down when they went past him to the end of the line.  Manners in Minutes training teaches your dog never to have a tight line. 

     As the walk progressed he got to be a dog doing dog things.  And as a result he was much more relaxed.  And since he was relaxed and having a good time, he did not spend the whole walk worrying about other dogs.  He even went up to a fence where there are other dogs.  With a short line, this sends him into a barking frenzy.  But with a relaxed line he said hello and kept going.

      So the next time you go for a brisk walk with your dog, give him or her a little line.  Let them get as much out of the walk as you do.  Your dog nose what to do.

Doug

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 Well, I have to do a little more bragging.  This coming week will be Jade and Is last week of actual classroom training.  We have been doing classroom and field training together now for a while, and now she will be moving into the pre certification stage, which means field training from here on out. No more classroom training.
     Im very proud of my girl.  Shes been able to skip a few classes along the way, because well....shes a quick learner and a great dog! This has also saved me some money, since the entrance fee to each class is a bit steep, but so worth it! I was informed by the trainer last week, that this coming week would be our last classroom experience and we will be continuing field training only; when the field trainer feels Jade is ready, we will take the certification exam and she will then be an official Certified Service Dog! Yay!
     Jade and I have worked really hard to accomplish this.  Yes, shes a smart dog and in my opinion, born to be a service dog, but it does take a lot of work on my part.  Ive spent endless days in training with her, getting her accustomed to loud noises, strange environments, weird smells etc., and have had so many training sessions with her at home between classes, that I cant even count.  The trainer told me when we first began this program, that if we dont work with our dogs at home, they wont be successful.  I took heed to that, took it seriously, and got busy.  Thats why shes able to move through the program so quickly.  Its been almost a year now that weve been in the program I think, and shes come a long way!
     I remember the first day I took her to class. I couldnt even get her to look up from the floor; she was so busy sniffing the floor and trembling from nerves, that I really couldnt get her to do much of anything.  Last week in class, she performed a down/stay while tennis balls rolled and bounced right by her.  I NEVER imagined Id see that day!!! This dog is a ball dog to the death!
     So, after the trainer told me wed be moving to pre certification, I have to confess, I became a bit sad, thinking of all the fun weve had in class together, moving forward, and watching all the other dogs move forward and grow into service dogs.  So, I took the opportunity to ask the trainer about the possibility of volunteering to help out in the classes.  We didnt talk much about it, kind of just a passing conversation, but Im thinking it might be something Im interested in.
     Regardless, next week, well be turning in Jades blue vest and getting a pretty Red one, which signifies pre certification, and when she is finally certified, well acquire the teal colored vest.  What an accomplishment!!! Ive learned SO much through these classes and these trainers, and through doing research on service dogs.  I cant thank them enough for the work they do to help the disabled become more independent and free, with the help of their canine companions.
     So off we will go with our pretty, new red vest, and continue our training out in the community with our field trainer.  We went to the mall, kmart, restaurants, etc. and will continue to do so until Jade is ready for the big test.
     I also want to mention that last week in class, I spoke to the classroom trainer about Jades little episode in SAnta Fe where she went berserk when the other dog got in her face.  The trainer explained to me that this is due to my nervousness, fear and transferring it to Jade by yanking on the leash and feeling so anxious.  The trainer actually proved it to me, by using her dog.  We walked toward each other with our dogs, faced each other, got really close to one another, and walked side by side.  At NO time did Jade have any problems, because the trainer told me to relax, breathe and just know everything is fine.  It was! I was so happy! Jade doesnt have any aggression issues, as explained by my trainer, she has a handler issue, and it was me.  Im glad that I can help Jade by being relaxed, and calm when another rude person puts their dog in Jades face.  Youd be surprised how many rude people are out there.
     Im really looking forward to another step forward in our training, and I know Jade will be just as proud as I am to put that red vest on.  Thanks for listening.

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I have been struggling with whether or not to write this particular blog. By nature I like give people the benefit of the doubt when it comes to their decisions, believing that most people are basically decent. Yet my street time as a cop has shown me that poor judgment can show its ugly head in many situations.

I read a column by a trainer recently. The trainer was contacted by phone. Someone had gotten a dog off one of the internet boards. The dog had started to show some alarmingly aggressive behavior. Apparently based on a phone description of the behavior and the trainer’s “knowledge” of the breed’s behavior, the trainer advised the owner to put the dog down.

The point of the article appears to have been to be very careful when getting a dog from this kind of a source. That is a valid and useful point. People are not always honest about why they want to place a dog.

What was so aggravating to me was that, unless this columnist is a poor writer, that trainer never saw the dog.

That just mystifies me. It is not that hard to get a pretty good idea of what you are going to be dealing with when someone calls. And some behaviors are so mild, that you can help them with just a few simple suggestions. You should be able to give the owner some good general advice on what they are dealing with in any conversation. But you should make it clear that until you see the dog, you cannot say for sure what the problems are.

But the trainer should insist of seeing the dog, especially if they think the problems are dangerous. To diagnose a dog as un-trainable over the phone is an extreme act of arrogance. Or it is the mark of someone who should rethink how they train.

Maybe someday I’ll find out it was just poor writing skills. But I kind of doubt it.



I wrote the paragraphs above two weeks ago but decided not to put it on the blog. Then the columnist wrote another column. The columnist got several e mails taking him to task on this. The writer made a point of how he had won over the worst critic.

When I was a field training officer I taught my young cops always try to get the suspect’s story. There were occasions when I had a solid case against a suspect. I had enough to do a warrant and make a good arrest. They seemed like slam dunk cases. But every now and then, when I got the suspect’s side of the story, the case fell apart. Either the crime hadnt occured or the supposed suspect was actually the victim.

It didn’t happen often, but it did happen.

They day will come when I have to advise someone to put down a dog. The dog will be so badly traumatized that it cannot be saved.

But I guarantee I will have seen the dog in person.

Doug

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Guide dog training has been a passion of mine for the past three years. Ever since I witnessed a guide dog manuever his handler through a busy intersection Ive been in awe of guide dog training.

Guide dog training is not my only interest. I have a keen interest in dogs and training in general. Service dog training, dog obedience training, dog training schools, dog training careers, dog training certifications...you name something dog related and I probably have an interest in it.

Today and for the next few weeks Id like to talk about the ins and outs of dog training. My particular interest right now are the differences between different guide dog training methods.

Guide Dog Training

Im not a guide dog trainer, but who knows maybe someday I will be. Over the past few years Ive been volunteering as a guide dog puppy raiser. I first got involved with guide dog puppy raising after visiting the OC Pet Expo several years ago. While walking around visiting the many pet products and adoption tents at the OC Pet Expo we stumbled across the Guide Dog Puppy In Training booth. Ive always been interested in volunteering my time for worthy causes and immediately put in my application to raise a puppy.

Puppy raising has been a great experience and I enjoy every minute of it. Well maybe not the long nights when your guide dog puppy is only 8 weeks old and just wants to cry all night...but besides that...totally worth it!

As a guide dog puppy raiser Ive been given the opportunity to get a first hand look at the early stages of guide dog training. The majority of early guide dog training revolves around just a couple simple goals:

• Socialization
• Basic Obedience

Youve probably seen a guide dog or a guide dog puppy in training roaming around the grocery store, restaurant, or movie theater. This is part of the puppies socialization and something a regular dog is not allowed to do. It sometimes reminds me of the Peanuts cartoon when Snoopy has to "keep off the grass no dogs allowed!" However, guide dogs and puppies in training are allowed into most "no dogs allowed" areas.

Puppy raisers are also responsible for teaching basic obedience. Im training my second puppy and the majority of the commands I teach are just basic dog obedience training. We will teach our dogs a few guide dog specific commands, but as I said the majority are simple basic obedience.

One point Id like to make before closing out this article is that guide dog puppy raisers need to be very strict with their training. You must follow all the guide dog training rules very closely. A few things that some people might allow their dogs to do that is absolutely forbidden of a guide dog puppy in training are:

• Jumping on the furniture
• Jumping on people
  
• Eliminating during a walk (guide dogs are trained to eliminate before they start their walk)
• Not allowed to sniff around during a walk
  

These are just a few of the many strict rules we must abide by when raising our guide dog puppies in training.

If youre interested in dogs you may also have an interest in guide dog training and guide dog puppy raising. If so, please feel free to leave a comment in the comments section and Ill do my best to leave the most complete answer possible.

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We all know that aggressive dog behavior can have very serious consequences. A vicious dog can cause massive injuries or even kill a person or another dog. Most aggressive dogs do not have that level of aggression. However, dog aggression will develop overtime. Minor signs of dog aggression can escalate and become much worse if this aggression is untreated.

We never believe our dogs could become vicious. After all, we love our dogs and cannot think they could ever cause so much harm or turn on us. Think again. When a dog starts becoming dominant and is not corrected, his dominance will increase to the point where he could become dangerous. If he thinks he is the leader, then he is in charge and he can choose any behavior he wants, including biting.

It is very important to recognize signs of aggression when they start. This way we can correct our dogs and put an end to this. After all we want to be able to enjoy our dogs and not be afraid that they can cause us stress and embarrassment when we take them out or when people visit us. Worse yet, we cannot afford to let them injure someone.

Some common signs of aggression to watch out for are:

• Stubbornness and willfulness to get their way
  
• Demanding and nudging when they want something
  
• Walking ahead of you and going out the door in front of you
  
• Jumping on you and others
  
• Barking and whining to get their way
  
• Fighting and growling at other dogs
  

You have some options to stop this aggressive dog behavior. A trainer is expensive. Also, a trainer will train the dog. However, you also need to be trained in order to become the leader. You need to know how to be the leader and command without yelling or intimidating. There are things you will need to learn so that your dog will know you are the pack leader who protects, feeds and cares for him.

Here is the #1 recommended method of dog training which has helped hundreds of thousands with their dog’s aggressive behavior.

This method is guaranteed to help you and your dog with his aggressive dog behavior.

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Early this morning, I had a court hearing for personal reasons, and as always, my trusty co-pilot, Jade, accompanied me, and boy am I glad she did! It was one of the toughest days Ive had so far, since Ive become too disabled to work.  Jade was, as she always is, there for me.

I was about as nervous as I could be getting up and getting ready this morning to head off to court, which I have to admit, isnt an easy task in itself when youre disabled. Thankfully I have help...I have my boyfriend, who is the best man Ive ever known, and my loyal 4-legged friend; both of them help me immensely.

After I got my first set of pills in me, and a little something to go down with them, I move about a bit easier, and strapped Jade into her service dog vest and collar, which lets her know its time to get ready to work.  My nerves started to settle some just looking at her loving face looking at me, while I strapped her into her seatbelt in the back seat of the truck and slowly climbed into the passenger seat.  I thought about how court would go on the ride, and when I started to feel very nervous again, Id look into the backseat, and see that face again.....deep breath...we can do this.

We got through it, and although Id wished we would never have had to, we did, and today I realized that Jade helps me in so many other ways than just doing the physical things she does to help me.  Yes, she picks up everything I drop, she opens doors, she puts clothes in the dryer and pulls them out, she pulls the laundry basket into the laundry room,  she holds things for me, she carries bags into the house for me after shopping, she lets the cat in and out so I dont have to get up, she helps set the table for dinner, and she fetches the phone for me, but today I realized how much she helps me emotionally.

Sometimes, its just about her being there with me, through the hard things, through the physical pain, and the emotional pain.  Just her being there, laying next to me, or looking at me with that silly smile, and wagging tail, with those pretty eyes of hers, that seem to say, "Smile, Im here for you!" seems to keep me going from day to day.  But then theres that look of hers that I get every evening after dinner, that says, "Well, are we going to the park now or what?" and I know, I have to get out.  I have to get out, see the sun, see the park, see other people, and think about other things...or not think at all; its unbelievable how much just getting out of the house, and going to the park helps with depression and stress. She makes me do that.

Today was difficult.  I sat in the courtroom, nervous, and wondering what would happen, but I could look down at my feet, under the table, and theres that face again, looking up at me, smiling, and making me feel like "yes, I can do it....and everything is going to be okay."  After it was over, and I was crying so much I couldnt stop, we left the courtroom, and I stopped right there in the hallway, squatted down slowly, and hugged Jade. She sat with me, just letting me, because she knew I needed to, then we shared a cup of water and regrouped.  I often wonder what Id do without her, but today I realized its for so many more reasons.

When I wake up in the morning, I find her right there, on the bed, laying next to me, after my boyfriend has left for work (or is sometimes getting ready for work).  I wake up and I pet her, and she rolls over for the belly rub.  She happily fetches my slippers and my cane, as if to say, "Cmon, lets get moving," and I do.



So, what I realized is that my service dog, is so much more than just my physical helper, and my partner.  She also helps me so much emotionally.  Shes my therapy, and my friend.

Thank you, Jade, for always being there.

 Dogs just have a way of making it better.

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Dog training is both frustrating and rewarding. It kills you to torment your poor puppy for months on end, trying to get them to understand commands that to them probably seem irrelevant and arbitrary. However, when they finally learn it is best for all. You are happy because they no longer eat your furniture or run away from you in the park. I am also convinced the puppy is now happier because he has learned how to manipulate you. He has learned that when you are happy you give him treats and he has also learned the things that are most likely to make you happy.

This is of course a beneficial relationship for all concerned. You get what you want and the dog gets what he wants, making everyone more pleased. Some people say that the dog is actually happier because it craves rules and boundaries. Dogs will test you to see how far they can push you because they want you to define their limitations, to give them their place in the household. I am not sure how convincing I find this argument but it makes some sense, in the way it makes sense that children with rules and boundaries tend to be better adjusted as well. For this reason among others dog training is an important part of any household that has a dog. I have seen the houses where the poor dog is locked outside all day and night with no affection and love because he is “out of control”. However in my experience this is normally because no one tried to control the dog and he was allowed to push his boundaries to the max until there ceased to be any. Dog training needs to be done, and to be done well in order for the dog to truly flourish.
To find more more information about dog training courses? Visit our site for more helpful information about dog training courses tips.

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Handi-Dogs, Inc. was featured on KGUN 9 Morning Blend...heres the vid!

http://www.tucsonmorningblend.com/videos/143317506.html

Today both my girl and I are just beaming with pride! Today Jade and I moved into the Precertification stage of training and both of us couldnt be happier! I almost cant believe how well shes done and the changes I see in her are just amazing! She has come SO far! Today was our last actual day of class, and from here on out, its only field training, out in public.  Weve been doing field training for some time 

between classes, and Jade goes everywhere out in public with me. So its nothing new to her, but as soon as the field trainer feels she is ready to take the exam, we will.  Then shell be a Certified Service Dog.

When we first started training, and even up until about 3 or 4 weeks ago, Jade had a big issue with loud noises and strange noises; she would set her tail between her legs (all the way to her tummy), tremble and head for the nearest exit.  It was frustrating, and unusual for a Lab, but we worked through it, and we made it.  The trainer kept on pushing us on this, me becoming frustrated and Jade becoming nervous and plain old, freaked out! It would be so hard to calm her down after "noise" sessions and Id have to take her outside for a break to get her back to reality....most times even after the break, I just couldnt get her to refocus and perform any longer until we left training. 

"Noise" sessions consisted of the trainer, and volunteers making noise.  It would start lightly, then get louder and more frequent.  Jade would freak out, the tail would tuck, shed start trembling and heading for the door, and I would become frustrated and discouraged.  The trainer would take out the whistle and blow it, drop pans, clipboards, and such on the floor, clap their hands, turn on the vacuum cleaner, get out the robotic remote-controlled toys (little dogs that bark, Santas that sing, and the like), and just make a ruckus.  Not all at once, of course; but it didnt matter, Jade just couldnt handle it, and I was sure wed never get passed it.  Sometimes, Id have to take her outside, and let her walk around and sniff a little, giving her a break; Id stand there looking at her thinking, "Were never gonna make it...shell never be a service dog...," and Id find myself getting upset with the trainer, and thinking, "Why does she have to keep deliberately trying to freak my dog out!?" But I knew the trainer was just trying to make Jade "bomb proof," and I was just frustrated and discouraged.  What made it worse was that none of the other dogs ever seemed to be bothered by the noises.  

We practiced these "noise" sessions in class, and I practiced them at home, dropping pots and pans, slamming doors, etc.  In the last few weeks, I could see Jade improving during these sessions.  She was no longer tucking her tail and heading for the door, and no longer trembling.  She was still visibly anxious, but it was more of an excited kind of anxious.  Her tail would be wagging, and she would be tolerating the noise, and Id be feeding her treats constantly, but she still couldnt perform once it was over.  I couldnt even get her to do a down/stay, or even a sit/stay, but she was improving, and I felt hopeful again.  

Well, today, she impressed EVERYONE, including the trainer, and volunteers! I was so proud of her, I almost busted into tears! The trainer started doing the "noise" session, getting the remote-controlled toys out and the like, and Jade was a CHAMP! She didnt only tolerate the noise makers, but she was able to look at them, and even "target" them! 

I guess I should tell you how we got passed the noise issue.  Of course, we practiced making noise and desensitizing her.  The trainer would make the noise, and I would feed her treats and tell her what a good girl she is; but it was something the trainer taught me that helped us move passed this.  We learned the "look at" game.  "Target" was something we learned at the beginning. The "look at" game, as the trainer explained, helped Jade start to feel differently about loud noises, and helped her "change her perspective" about loud noise.  I would put Jade in a sit and as the noise would happen, I would tell Jade "look at it" and she turns her head to look.  When she looks, she gets a treat.  Learning "look at it" changed the way she feels about noise.  Dont ask me why, Im no dog psychologist, but by God, it worked! "Target" is when a dog walks up to an object or person and touches it with her nose.  I can basically point to anything and say "touch" or "target" and she will walk up and touch it with her nose. This also helps her feel differently about scary things, like the vacuum cleaner, for example.  

So today, the trainer dropped the metal bowl on the floor (the training room, I should mention, is a huge, fairly empty room, that echoes loudly), and I told Jade to "look at it," and she did, and she got a treat.  Then I told her to "touch it" and she did.  She wasnt upset at all! No tucking, no trembling, no heading for the door, and she was able to perform like a champ after the noise session, with no problems at all! I almost cried. She stood there watching me, tail low and wagging, completely relaxed, with a smile on her face, waiting for the next command.  The volunteers were clapping, as was the trainer, and I was seriously tearing up.  You have no idea how frustrating it is to try and get your dog over her fears.  Maybe you do, but if you do, try the "look at it" game, its a godsend! I almost couldnt believe what I was seeing.  I say almost, because I know how hard we worked.

We also practiced separation, which she also had a bit of an issue with in the past.  Jade and I just dont do well apart, but in order to pass this test, she has to be separated from me, with someone else holding her leash for 3 minutes.  No barking allowed, no whining, no panting, no trembling or otherwise anxious behavior allowed.  Let me tell you, the first time we practiced this in class, I could hear Jade, from the next room, doing this strange kind of whine/bark and pulling on the end of the leash trying to get to me.  Today, I gave the trainer the leash, and walked away.  I heard silence.  When I returned to the room, Jade was sitting quietly, waiting for my return.  Wow! Mind you, this was AFTER the noise session!!! Im astounded!!! This trainer knows her stuff!

I know some of my readers have made comments about Jades little episodes when she runs into another dog, so if you all are reading...this paragraph is for YOU! We practiced that today too, since it was the last day.  We practiced walking her close by other dogs, walking side by side with other dogs, and sitting closely in a little circle with other dogs, and Jade was a CHAMP once again! I told her to "look at the dog," and she looked, then she looked at me, and got her treat! NO PROBLEMS!!!! I will also add, that Jade met another dog at the park the other day, and made a friend.  The dog sniffed her, she sniffed the dog, then gave an appropriate "lets play" bow and sniffed some more! Again, Im astounded! However, I know now that this issue was mine, not Jades.  If you have trouble with your dog getting reactive while meeting another dog on a leash, pay very close attention to what YOU are thinking and feeling, because mark my words, your dog is feeling it too! If youre nervous, which I was, your dog will become nervous and protective, thinking that she has to protect you because something is wrong. I learned this, and Jade is fine now.  

I know this is a long post, but I hope its helpful, and I cant help but be so proud of my girl and how far shes come! She really amazes me sometimes.  

We practice other things too, like "go get the phone," "take me to the door," for when I get anxious while out somewhere, prolonged down/stay, with me walking away and out of sight, and prolonged "leave it" while food is thrown nearby.  She did everything perfectly! 

Then, Jade was given her pretty, new, red vest, and we proudly put it on. The trainer and I talked a bit after class, and she told me how proud of Jade and I she is, because she knows how hard weve worked.  We also talked a bit about my possibly volunteering to help others train their dogs for service. Its a thought, but Im not sure yet.  Ill decide when Jade and I are all finished.  One things for sure though, I will certainly miss going to classes with Jade, and seeing the trainer and volunteers there.  Theres just something about those people! And....how can you not just love watching these dogs grow and learn?  Such an amazing thing to experience! 

"I did it, Mom!"

3 months cute!

Wading in the river.

What a beauty!

Anyone up for a swim?

Moving forward!

The definition of relaxation, with a smile!

She LOVES that little stuffed dragon!

"Can I lay on the couch too?"

Proud little digger at 3 months!

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