Newsletter Fall 2016
Scenes from Puppy Class
Communicating With Your Puppy
~Darcy Rohats, CPDT-KA
There I was in puppy training class, working my own puppy in another trainer’s class. Being a student rather than teacher for the moment gave me the opportunity to see things and observe students from a different perspective.
A gentleman (Let’s call him “Dave”…) and his small, fluffy puppy were attending their first puppy class together. Dave’s wife was sitting on the sidelines, cheering them on. This is always a good sign that the puppy’s upbringing is a family affair!
This fluffy little guy was anxious around the other dogs and having a hard time focusing, which is not an uncommon challenge. Dave was not accustomed to this environment either and he fussed at his puppy, adding to the puppy’s discomfort. The trainer gently explained to Dave how to regain the puppy’s attention and reward the redirected behavior, instead of fussing at his puppy for the “little kid” excitement.
But Dave seemed a bit embarrassed that his puppy was not behaving like the others in class and moved his puppy off to the side. Okay, maybe not a bad idea, except fluffy puppy immediately took a poop, drawing more unwanted attention. Staff leaped into action, the evidence was cleared away, and everyone moved on. But both Dave and fluffy puppy were still nonplussed and embarrassed … full of angst even. Notice that I said “both.”
Getting Your Dog To Focus On You
Well, I couldn’t help myself. As the class trainer was working with a group on the side and needed to give them attention, I walked over to Dave and gently suggested that he say the puppy’s name and then reward the puppy as soon as he gave a look in Dave’s direction. I explained that fussing at the puppy for being excited in the presence of other dogs may cause the puppy to associate the correction (incorrectly) with other dogs. And we certainly don’t want the puppy to think other dogs are bad now, do we? We humans don’t tend to think of it that way.
As class progressed to puppy recalls, Dave’s wife participated in the exercise, too. Interestingly, fluffy puppy went to her readily, but needed a little encouragement to return to Dave. That suggested there was a connection missing. Maybe the wife is the one who feeds the puppy and is with him during the day. Maybe she was having Dave work their new puppy, so the two could develop a bond. If so, kudos to you, lady!
You see, accurately reading your dog is a learned skill that takes time and effort. Fluffy puppy was in a new and overwhelming situation. He was on a leash (unlike at home) and not sure what to make of all the activity and new puppies around him. He was trying to tell his family about his confusion and at the same time trying to understand. For his part, Dave was likely overwhelmed as well and did not understand what his puppy was trying to tell him. Dave’s own behavior added to the situation.
Successful Puppy Training!
By the time class was ending, fluffy puppy and Dave were settling in and having some success. Not at all bad for a first time class! I congratulate all of you who take your dog to a class to develop good communication together. I can’t wait to see how Dave and fluffy puppy do in the next class. But then again, I probably need to pay attention to my own puppy a bit more!
Dog Walking Is An Art!
Happy Dog….Happy Life
Ever just feel like your life would be so much better if your dog got the amount of exercise that he or she deserves? We all want to spend time with our dogs having leisurely walks on green grass, but unfortunately, our schedules don’t always co-operate! Many jobs require an 8 am start time, and getting up and ready by 7:30 am to do a half hour of travel time is challenging enough. We tell ourselves we’ll walk our dog when we arrive back home, but we are so tired that it rarely happens.
Dog Walking Services
A professional dog walker is one solution to this never ending cycle. We are not talking about the neighborhood teenager or the stranger that wants a part time, past time; we are speaking about a certified dog walker! This is an individual that has had actual training in handling canines, other than their own. A dog walker knows different types of equipment like harnesses, martingales, gentle leaders etc. He/She is versed in canine body language, positive training methods, and the proper healthy amount of exercise. It is important to give your dog an optimum daily dose of mental and physical exertion to reinforce obedience skills.
In the summer, a supervised swim or play in the shade of your back yard can be an added bonus. They may also ask if you would like your dog walked with other dogs or choose to have a walk alone. The social aspect can be fun for young, active dogs. Depending on what part of the country you live in, some dog walkers can do off leash walks as well.
Why Use A Professional Dog Walker
The dog walker will make sure your dog has ID and treats or toys for the walk. They pick up after the dog and properly dispose of waste; so your neighbors approve! The dog walker leaves your pet tired and happy for the rest of the day until you arrive home to your faithful and loving companion. Checking references, using a professional bonded and insured service is the safest and most desirable way to hire anyone caring for your dog, especially if transport is involved. Make sure you have a signed contract and know the individual’s credentials…get references. Most dog services charge monthly for the number of times you ask for the service per week. This is a huge help in that you only pay once per month, and usually it is a renewable credit card or check arrangement.
WE are committed to the idea that a big yard is not enough! Most dogs enjoy getting out! This also keeps problem behaviors like digging, barking, and pulling to a minimum. Added bonus…you will have a well exercised, happy dog!
Where To Look For Ticks On Your Dog
Even if you use prevention meds, tick-transmitted diseases are too serious to be nonchalant about. To keep your dog safe, make tick patrol obligatory after all outdoor playtime sessions and walks.
Checking Your Dog For Ticks
Look at these places in particular:
✓ Under the collar
✓ Under the tail
✓ Under the elbows
✓ Under the front legs
✓ Behind the ears
✓ Between the toes
✓ In the groin area
✓ On eyelids
Removing Ticks
Spotting ticks can be tough, especially if your dog’s coat is dark. Look for irritated areas, but don’t rely on your eyes alone. Feel for lumps or bumps and if you find any, go in for a closer look, using a magnifying glass if need be. Be careful when removing ticks— if you’re not sure how, search online for instructions.
Essential Gear For Dog Obedience
If you are one of the many new dog guardians enthused about the first puppy or obedience class at your local dog training school, good for you! You have made a positive decision to start your new family member off on the right foot.
Dog Training Essentials
Before you get carried away with fashion accessories, you will need some basic supplies for class. For starters, we hope you have enrolled in a positive training class; if so you will need lots of small soft, healthy, high value training treats for your dog. (High value treats are not kibble or biscuits.) The treats you use to train should be healthy, tasty, and plentiful. We suggest not feeding your dog a big meal before class. You should either wait to feed your dog after class, or feed a small amount before you come. This also helps with reducing the possibility of car sickness if your new pet has not ridden a lot before.
Dog Travel Safety
Don’t forget! …Safety First! Use a seat belt or crate for transporting your dog, and these can be found at most pet supply stores. This is the safest option for you and your dog.
Dog Equipment Basics
The majority of trainers will want you to have a sturdy leather or nylon; four or six-foot lead, and a flat collar, martingale, or no pull harness. Gentle leaders and snoot loops are also great for dogs that pull a great deal, as control of the head is sometimes more effective when the dog is learning to walk quietly on a lead. Soft harnesses are great for small and toy breeds. A roll of bags for pottying your pooch is also part of your leash equipment.
You will need a treat pouch which fastens to your waist by belt or clip and can hopefully close when you bend down, so the treats do not fall out. This is really important when bending frequently for smaller dogs. Bring a small portable toy, or ball that your dog enjoys. A tug also works well for some breeds.
Bring water, a small bowl, and a small blanket or mat that rolls up if requested. This would be for a “place” exercise. Yes, you may need a small bag for all of your great stuff, but that makes it really easy! You can leave the bag stashed away from your dog’s reach, and have it all together whenever the mood strikes to practice and have fun with your pet. Don’t be surprised if in just two weeks, your dog knows that the bag means fun.
Relieve Your Dogs Stress
Keep your voice upbeat and happy when taking your dog to class. The worst thing is to be stressed after work or if you are running late. It really won’t help the situation and your dog will feel that stress and that will not help the learning process.
Remember to wear tennis shoes or sport shoes, not flip flops or open-toed sandals. This is your chance to get exercise, have fun and gain a bond with your canine pal.
Have a great class!
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