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How To Choose A Dog Trainer
September 10th, 2008
You’ve tried everything, but the same bad behavior keeps popping up over and over again. You’ve read the books, watched entire seasons of the Dog Whisperer, and tried your hardest to exude a dominant, reassuring energy. And yet, nothing changes. We’ve all been there. Sometimes you just get stuck in a rut with your dog.
I sincerely believe that our pets are complicated creatures with curious habits strong instincts and a mighty range of possible dysfunction. Sometimes its necessary to get some outside help, some perspective to help a relationship grow, whether it be man and beast or man and woman. Think of it as marriage counseling. Try not to take it as an insult or a weakness.
The next step is deciding what kind of outside help. In recent years, dog training philosophies have enjoyed an increase in interest and suffered an increase in argument. There are so many different and at times contradicting instructions and theories that they can make a head spin faster than the ceiling after a frat party.
So! I’ve put together a few tips I’ve collected to help one find the perfect dog trainer/obedience class.
- A wise and reputable trainer will put the safety of your dog first. He or she must inquire about vaccines before allowing you in to the class. This will insure that all dogs in a shared environment are healthy and protected.
- The trainer must be open and clear about the techniques used by him. Make sure you are comfortable with the methods used. Intuition and common sense will inform you whether they are humane. Remember, ultimately you know your dog best.
- Pay attention to the trainer’s interaction with both you and your dog. Are they open? inviting? calm? Does your dog take to them?
- Share your pup’s history with the trainer. Inform her of his patterns, schedule, and good and bad behavior. Help the trainer by sharing what you’ve found works for your dog. Every dog IS different.
- If you are sitting in on a class, pay attention to the mood in the room. Is everyone there enjoying themselves? Are they stimulated and curious? Does your dog get along with the others? A positive, comfortable environment is crucial for growth.
- Don’t be afraid to ask the other clients about their experience, their successes and their frustrations.
- Due to the variables in dog breeding and temperament and owner commitment and experience, a good trainer will not guarantee any certain results. They can only guarantee their own integrity, professionalism, and experience.
- A good trainer will also be interested in innovations in dog training. Inquire if they are in any kind of network or group that helps them stay vibrant and informed.
- Don’t expect the class or the trainer or even your dog to do all the work for you. Deciding that you want a well behaved dog and a strong bond is an incredible commitment, one that requires time and devotion.
And, most importantly, enjoy yourself! It is an incredible gift to share your life with a dog : )
Posted in K9 Care | 3 Comments »
Featuring – Urine Off Odor & Stain Remover…
September 9th, 2008
Urine Off:
Urine Off Dog Formula is the #1 Veterinarian recommended product for dog urine odor and stain removal. In the past, dog urine odor and stains were nearly impossible to eliminate. Now with Urine Off Dog Formula you can permanently eliminate your dog’s urine odor and stains from virtually any surface.
When it comes to removing dog urine odor and stains from carpet and rugs,
Urine Off Odor Stain Remover is head and shoulders above the rest. It is the only dog urine odor and stain remover that carries the “Seal of Approval” from the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), the U.S. Carpet Authority.
You may be thinking that’s great, but does it really work? Well, if by work you mean is it trusted by professionals in the pet industry, than yes, it works. Urine Off is the official show-ring treatment for Crufts, the world’s largest dog show. Professional dog trainers use Urine Off Dog Formula to remove the residual set-in urine odors that can contribute to undesirable territory-marking behavior.”
Posted in K9 Care | 1 Comment »
Did You Know…
September 5th, 2008
A young dog has only 28 milk teeth
Dogs take between 10 and 30 breaths every minute
A dog’s heart beats between 70 and 120 times a minute, compared with a human heart which beats 70 to 80 times a minute
A dog’s temperature is between 100.2 and 102.8 degrees Fahrenheit
Dogs do not sweat by salivating. They sweat through the pads of their feet.
Female dog bites are twice as numerous as male dog bites
The Chow Chow dog has a black tongue
A dogs sight is better than that of a human in dim light
Dogs have a visual range of 250 degrees compared to the human range of 180 degrees
A dog can hear sounds 250 yards away that most people cannot hear beyond 25 yards
The average dog’s mouth exerts 150 to 180 pounds of pressure per square inch. Some dogs can apply up to 450 pounds
And My Favorite…
Dogs have twice as many muscles for moving their ears as people!
Posted in K9 Fun | 5 Comments »
First Dogs
September 3rd, 2008
“George Washington, the father of our nation, is also the father of American Foxhounds. In 1770, Washington imported a number of hounds from England and in 1785, he received a number of French foxhounds from the Marquis de Lafayette. These hounds, carefully bred and maintained by Washington, are the founders of today’s American Foxhound. More than 30 hounds were listed in Washington’s journals, including “Drunkard,” “Tipler,” and “Tipsy”.
Thomas Jefferson became interested in Briards while serving as minister to France. He purchased a pregnant female named “Buzzy” and started his breeding program. Lafayette also sent Jefferson purebred dogs — two Briards to help protect his sheep.
James Buchanan’s large Newfoundland, “Lara,” was a celebrity around the White House because she would lay motionless for hours with one eye opened and one eye closed, always sure to keep an eye on her owner.
John Tyler bought his wife an Italian Greyhound named “Le Beau.”
Ulysses Grant’s son, Jesse, owned a Newfoundland named “Faithful.” President Grant, having observed his son’s heartbreak over the untimely deaths of several of his previous dogs, told his White House staff, “If this dog dies, every employee in the White House will be at once discharged.”"
First Dog Trivia
Posted in K9 Stories | 2 Comments »
Answer From the Expert, Dr. Sandra Miller
September 2nd, 2008
The Question,
“Hi there! I”m trying to choose a food that will help my Bernese mountain dog puppy with his loose stool problems, but the more I look at different brands, the more confused I get. Can someone help me? He was originally on Iams, and didnt do well with it, so he was switched to Nutro Ultra Holisitic dog food. He’s been on that for a little over a month now, and he’s still not any better. The vet has cleared him of any intestinal problems, and has suggested that he needs a food with higher fiber. He was thinking Blue Buffalo, but internet research and discussions with canine nutritionists has just made me more confused than when I started. I know that when I add pumpkin to his diet, his stools improve, but I dont want to use that as a long term option in case it masks illness in the future. He hasnt been getting treats lately as we’ve been trying to get him sorted out, just some canned pumpkin, and a spoon of cream-cheese to make him take some antibiotics he was prescribed. He no longer receives these while we’re sorting this out. Thanks!”
~Ashley
The Answer,
“In this case, before we talk about food, we need to think medical causes. Puppies very commonly have worms, even if their stool samples test negative. Running multiple stool samples (with fresh feces) and running a fecal culture is important. Many times, I will just deworm the animal to be sure that that base is covered. I use a dewormer that treats many different worms, coccidia and giardia.
There was also a mention of antibiotics. I never use antibiotics in a puppy as this has long term side effects on the GI tract. So, adding in supplements to heal the lining of the GI tract, as well as, digestive enzymes and lactobacillus is imperative, regardless of the cause of the diarrhea. I’d also suggest that supplements that boost the immune system are used. Specifics on all of these can be obtained from your local holistic veterinarian, including proper dosing.
Lastly, it doesn’t matter what food you feed as long as it is a “clean” all natural human grade quality premium dog food. If the GI tract is healthy/healed, then a high fiber diet is not necessary. Fiber is just a band – aid for the colon, not a cure. So, please consult a holistic veterinarian in your area.
Thanks!
~ Dr. Sandra Miller
Posted in K9 Expert Question | No Comments »
