1,022 words - largest vocabulary of any known dog

Chaser, a border collie who lives in Spartanburg, S.C., knows 1,022 proper nouns, a record that displays unexpected depths of the canine mind.

John W. Pilley, Chaser's owner, bought her as a puppy in 2004 from a local border collie breeder and started to train her for four to five hours a day. He would show her an object, say its name up to 40 times, then hide it and ask her to find it, while repeating the name all the time. She was taught one or two new names a day, with monthly revisions and reinforcement for any names she had forgotten.

It was hard to remember all the names Chase had to learn, so he wrote the name on each toy with indelible marker. In three years, Chaser's vocabulary included 800 cloth animals, 116 balls, 26 Frisbees and a medley of plastic items.

Source

How to Housebreak a Puppy

By Linda Cole

Puppies are so cute, until you find a little surprise waiting for you on the kitchen floor. Hopefully, you didn't discover it in the dark. Housebreaking a puppy can be frustrating, but it's not impossible nor is it the puppy's fault. Stay calm and committed and you'll be surprised how quickly you can train your puppy where to go.

A puppy can't control his bladder muscles properly until he's at least 12 weeks old, and he simply can't “hold it” for very long. He doesn't know going inside is bad. Housebreaking a puppy takes patience and consistent training to teach him where the appropriate place to eliminate is. Yelling at a puppy for going inside the house won't teach him anything positive. He will understand you're upset, but he doesn't connect his mess to why you are angry with him. Because dogs live in the moment, he relates your anger with whatever he was doing at that moment. If he eagerly greets you at the door and you respond by yelling at him, he learns greeting you makes you unhappy and he'll stop greeting you. You want your pup to have only positive thoughts about you. Inappropriate discipline creates unnecessary stress and a confused dog.

Housebreaking a puppy is more about you training yourself to know when the puppy needs to go outside. He should go outside after every meal, immediately after waking up from a nap, when playtime is over, and anytime you see him circling or showing signs he needs to go. Because dogs are individuals, as you get to know your puppy you'll begin to see little hints he uses to show you he needs to go outside. A bark or yip, sniffing, an agitated look, staring at the door or standing in front of it are pretty good signs he's trying to tell you something. Dogs can learn things on their own and they will learn how to communicate to you what they need. Pay attention to what he's teaching you and you will always know when he wants outside. Never ignore him when he's asking to go out, no matter what you're doing.

When housebreaking a puppy, take him outside often to the place where you want him to go. The scent from his last outing will tell him this is the place. Never allow him to roam the house when you're gone. Confine him in an area of the house with no carpeting and make sure to thoroughly clean up any messes or puddles. I'm not a fan of crating a puppy, but it does have a purpose if you don't have an acceptable area to keep a puppy in. Make sure the crate is just large enough for bedding and a few toys.

Take him out of the crate as soon as you get home and don't let him spend a lot of time locked up. Go home during your lunch break and take him out for a walk and if you can't get home, try to find a neighbor, friend or someone you trust who can. Changing your routine to accommodate a puppy will only last for a short time, but how you handle his housebreaking training will last for a lifetime. Once he learns where you want him to go and he's old enough to control himself, you can go back to your old routine.

Puppies understand our body language and our tone of voice. All you need to do to let them know you're disappointed is say in a firm voice “No, bad dog.” Pick up a mess or puddle with a paper towel. Take the paper towel and puppy outside and put both of them on the ground. Let him sniff the towel and if he goes again, praise him with enthusiasm. He will understand by your tone of voice how pleased you are and he will want to repeat it to make you happy. Praise him every time he does what you want.

Establishing a routine with your pup is important. Puppies need to go outside at least 6 or 7 times a day. While you are housebreaking him, don't play with him outside. Give him time to poke around and sniff the area. He may need to relieve himself several times before he's done, so don't rush him. When he's 5 or 6 months old, he won't need to go outside as often.

Housebreaking a puppy is about being committed, staying calm, understanding your pup and giving him lots of praise for going outside. It really isn't hard to housebreak a puppy. Keep your focus and stay patient. Stick to your routine and he'll learn the proper place to go. Then you can add something new and teach your dog how to ring a bell when he wants to go out.

Read more articles by Linda Cole

Earn a Dog's Trust with Positive Reinforcement

By Linda Cole

Dogs can be as difficult to figure out as humans are, but if we followed the same rule with our dogs as we do with people, we would treat them like we want to be treated. Dogs respond much better to positive reinforcement than they do to force. Training a dog with trust, respect and positive feelings is also much easier for the average dog owner. We should do no harm while interacting with our dogs. We often create unintended behavior by either not training our dogs or by not treating them with respect and understanding. Trust and respect goes two ways, and positive reinforcement will earn both. Gaining a dog's trust should be as important to us as that of another person.

Most dogs respond to us in the same manner we treat them. Affection, attention, understanding and patience are just as necessary when interacting with dogs as it is with children. We don't automatically get a child’s or dog's trust or respect just because we're bigger than they are. Both have to be earned, and positive reinforcement is the path to that goal.

I've been working with my ten month old Border Collie, Keikei. She was beginning to show food and leash aggression issues, and is still way too excited when we get ready to go outside, but she's a work in progress and doing a good job. Training her has been fun, even with her specific behavior problems, because she is willing and eager to learn. Using positive reinforcement to deal with her aggression and excitement issues has been more effective and faster than resorting to force. She's such a good girl and when I look in her eyes, I see a dog that wants to learn. By giving her the respect she deserves, I've gained her trust and respect, and she is happy to do what I ask.

Dogs should have only positive thoughts in their mind about us. I want my dogs to be happy to see me and be excited to learn what I'm trying to teach them. It doesn't matter if it takes a day, a month or longer to teach a dog something. The important thing is spending time with them in a positive way to reinforce your bond and keep their trust by being fair, consistent and patient at all times. Training a dog can be trying at times, but well worth the effort when you have your dog's trust and respect as his leader because he chooses to follow.

I don't believe in bad dogs or bad dog breeds. I do believe unacceptable dog behavior needs to be corrected before it becomes out of control, and changing their behavior is accomplished better by using positive reinforcement. Dogs are smart and they are capable of learning behavior from each other and their owner. Instead of forcing a dog to bend to your will, you teach a dog to do something because of mutual trust and respect. Dogs learn what we teach them, even when we don't realize we're teaching.

Dogs are just as imperfect as we are. Mistakes happen and at times, they can forget what we taught them. It's up to us as responsible dog owners to help our dogs maintain a positive frame of mind even when they need correction. If you have your dog's trust and respect, they know when you're disappointed or upset with them. The important thing about a dog's trust is that they know you will be fair and forgive them. Positive interaction with your pet is positive reinforcement.

Positive reinforcement isn't just about training and giving rewards. It's talking to them, petting them, snuggling with them, grooming and going for walks; this keeps the bond healthy and strong. When you love someone, you protect them, defend them, do what they ask and have trust and respect in their judgment. That's also how a dog sees you when you teach them using positive reinforcement, and why a dog is willing to follow.

Positive reinforcement makes a dog feel good about himself in the same way positive feedback gives us a good feeling. Treating him with respect earns his. Like us, dogs are social beings who enjoy the company of those who make them feel accepted and good. We have a positive image in our mind of people who have our respect, and that's how we want our dogs to see us. A dog's trust and respect goes hand-in-hand with positive reinforcement, and that's why it works.

Ruthie Bently’s article, Training Dogs with Kindness, relates a lesson she learned from her dog Nimber, and how she came to realize that respect and kindness will always get better results than bullying.

Photo by Beth Loft

Read more articles by Linda Cole

CANIDAE Special Achiever: Bryce Mann’s Gun Dogs

By Suzanne Alicie

I recently had the pleasure of conducting an interview with Bryce Mann, another of the CANIDAE Special Achievers. The Special Achievers are an elite group of pets and pet owners sponsored by CANIDAE Natural Pet Food Company.

When your earliest memory of childhood is sitting between your brother’s feet on the floor of a cotton picker while your brother hunted and being lowered to the ground to go fetch the pheasants, what do you suppose you’d want to be when you grew up? One thing is for sure: you wouldn’t want to “be” the gun dog sent to fetch the prize.

Bryce Mann’s experience “being” the hunting dog for his brother and a lifetime of hunting and being around hunting dogs has led him to his current profession. How many of us can say that we love our jobs, that our work is fun and that it is almost like playing? Bryce Mann can say all that. His profession as a trainer and handler of gun dogs is something he has been working toward since he was small.

Bryce Mann offers guided hunts, dog training and the opportunity to see and be involved in gun dog competition. Bryce has written articles on various topics for Gun Dog Magazine, Pointing Dog Journal, and Gundogs Unlimited online magazine. He has also done interviews and articles for Western Outdoor News and Outdoor California magazine and for TV (Bird Dogs Forever), radio & newspapers. However, Bryce says he prefers presentations and speaking engagements to writing assignments. Bryce Mann’s Gun Dogs are sponsored by many well known companies in the world of hunting and dogs, including Tri-Tronics, Happy Jack and Hi-Viz Sights.

Bryce is the best kind of pet owner – he is a responsible pet owner who will go to any length to ensure that his dogs and the dogs he trains are healthy, happy and energetic. He works with each dog personally and understands the many personality traits dogs have that make them ideal for being gun dogs, which enables him to individualize the training to get the best out of each dog.

Bryce is also involved in providing specialized training for mobility impaired hunters and dog owners, and is the President of the California Wheelin’ Sportsman. He participates in guided hunts with hunters in wheelchairs and benefit hunts as well. This year is the 11th year for the Persons Dependent upon a Wheelchair Pheasant Hunt. It’s a benefit hunt where wounded hunters and veterans, trained dogs, handlers and enthusiastic hunters in adapted wheelchairs hit the great outdoors to hunt together.

While Bryce’s gun dogs are working dogs, they also are his pets. There are four German shorthairs that live in the home with Bryce. His dog Reno is not just a gun dog; she is also a breast cancer survivor and a service dog for mobility assistance, as well as his pet for 12 years. His dogs are treated like family members, and are usually found wherever Bryce is, whether that is indoors or out.

Some hunters feel that gun dogs or hunting dogs should be kept in a kennel unless they are hunting, but Bryce does not agree. His dogs and the dogs he trains are not just there to perform on command, they are pets and they are loved. Many times when in the puppy stage the dogs are hyper and a little out of control just as you would expect. Bryce says he has a two year old dog that is “wound up like an 8-day clock,” who spends a great deal of time outside until he calms down and mellows a bit.

The innate intelligence and exceptional natural ability of the breeds used as gun dogs makes them ideal for training and competing. Training begins at 3-4 months for basic obedience, hunting training and competition training. 

Bryce Mann raises birds for training and trains dogs on private grounds; he also keeps a small rotation of dogs for training because he feels that the dogs he trains deserve as much time as possible and that won’t occur with several dogs training at the same time. One-on-one attention, socialization and well rounded training make for a solidly trained gun dog.

Bryce is part of the CANIDAE Special Achievers team, and feeds his dogs the CANIDAE All Life Stages grain free formula. Bryce had run into a problem several years ago with one of his dogs who would go off his feed when traveling, and the veterinarian told Bryce to supplement his dog food with proteins such as potatoes and eggs. So when they traveled Bryce had to cook food to feed to his dog. Once he found the CANIDAE grain free food he never looked back. The grain free formula is ideal for his hard working and very active dogs.

When his dogs are retired or not working in tournaments or guided hunts they are able to have the other CANIDAE ALS product because they don’t require as much protein and can even gain weight if fed the high energy food. Bryce also approves of the CANIDAE heritage of being made in the USA and their commitment to providing natural and beneficial foods for pets. Ironically, Diane from CANIDAE had approached Bryce several years ago about being a sponsored pet owner, after seeing him at a presentation. He turned her down at the time, but happily has seen the error in his judgment and is now proud to be a CANIDAE Special Achiever.

To learn more about Bryce Mann’s Gun Dogs or to arrange a guided tour or training for your dog, visit Bryce’s website. While there, take the time to watch the video from the Wheelchair Pheasant Hunt; it’s informative, touching and amazing. To learn more about the challenging competitions that his dogs participate in which are a celebration of the hunting heritage and a sport which has something for everyone in the family, visit the North American Gun Dog Association.

The men and women who work with gun dogs are dedicated to their pets, to the spirit of competition and often spend more time with their dogs than with their families. Bryce’s dogs go with him to presentations and showcases at places like Bass Pro Shops, and are friendly, energetic and they love photo ops!

Read more articles by Suzanne Alicie

What Does a Veterinary Behaviorist Do?

By Linda Cole

Pets find themselves in animal shelters for a number of reasons, but too often, they're surrendered because of behavioral problems their owner couldn't or wouldn't deal with. Qualified veterinarians are applying their specialized knowledge in animal behavior and working with pet owners to help them solve bad behavior so a pet and his owner can stay together. Like an applied animal behaviorist, veterinary behaviorists are helping to solve behavioral problems and keeping pets out of shelters.

Dealing with a pet that has a behavioral problem is extremely frustrating for an owner who has no idea why their pet's behavior has suddenly changed. When a once quiet dog barks insistently for no apparent reason, it can drive a loving pet owner, and their neighbors, up the wall. However, the dog does have a good reason and to him, it isn't an unnatural behavior. A cat refusing to use her litter box may have a medical problem or is upset because of a change in the home. A veterinary behaviorist can step in to help a pet owner solve the mystery of why their dog is barking or why the cat isn't using her litter box.

The difference between an applied animal behaviorist and a veterinary behaviorist is education. Animal behaviorists are people who specialize in a particular field of study like wild animals or pets. They come to your home and observe a pet in their environment and watch how owner and pet interact with each other to help them make recommendations to correct behavioral problems. However, you need to make sure the applied animal behaviorist you call is someone with expertise in dealing with your pet's specific behavioral problem. Animal behaviorists need at least a B.S. or B.A. Degree.

Veterinary behaviorists are vets who have at least a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) and have spent a year as an intern. Upon graduating, they then go into a behavioral residency training program for two or three years. While in the program, they're required to do a research project and publish their findings. As a veterinary behaviorist, they are then able to help pet owners with behavioral problems.

The advantage of working with a veterinary behaviorist is that they can treat your pet's physical conditions along with behavioral problems. They can perform tests to find out if your pet's behavioral problem is due to a medical condition, and prescribe medication. If the bad behavior isn't due to an illness, then the veterinary behaviorist can work with the pet owner to determine if the behavior is from a lack of training, poor communication between pet and owner, or an owner who is unknowingly contributing to their pet's behavioral problem.

When dealing with a behavioral problem like barking, it's important to consider your dog's breed. Even mixed breeds will exhibit characteristics of one or more of the breeds in their makeup. For example, a Beagle barks and a mixed breed dog with some Beagle in him may also bark at everything he sees. Border Collies herd and Siberian Huskies love to run. Understanding who your dog is can help you determine if he has a behavioral problem. Sometimes, a dog just needs an owner who understands him and can provide him with proper training.

Pets don't do things to annoy us on purpose; there's always a reason why they do what they do. Most pet owners don't have the expertise to recognize and correct issues we consider to be bad behavior. As responsible pet owners, it's up to us to take an active role in helping our pets by educating ourselves on minor behavioral problems we can handle. More serious issues like any kind of aggression, are best dealt with by an expert. The next time your pet needs a check up, ask your vet if they are a veterinary behaviorist. Solving your pet's behavioral problem may be easier than you think.

Thanks to continued research into why pets act in certain ways, people who love animals and care for our pets can give us assistance in dealing with behavioral problems before they become unmanageable. If you have a pet that has any kind of behavioral problem, the solution is to find out what's bothering them and correct the problem with the help of a veterinary behaviorist, an applied animal behaviorist or a qualified trainer. A pet belongs in a loving home, not in an animal shelter. You picked out your pet for a reason, so give him the same unconditional love he gives you. Seek out the help you need to correct behavioral problems that can be eliminated with a proper diagnosis or dedicated training.

Read more articles by Linda Cole

How to Teach an Excited Dog to Calm Down

By Linda Cole

Some dogs can get so worked up when it's time for a walk or a romp in the backyard they nearly knock you over on the way to the door. Frenzied barking and jumping is the sign of a hyper, out-of-control dog who could become aggressive if they remain in that state of mind and meet another dog or person once outside. Calming them down before they go out is the best thing to do – but how do you teach a dog to stay calm? Read on.

An overly excited dog isn't focusing on you. If you are trying to get them outside and they are jumping, barking and running away from you, they are controlling the situation. Teach a dog to stay calm with basic commands and get him to focus on you.

Dog training is important for any dog, but an excitable dog needs to learn how to sit and stay. The next step is to teach a dog to focus only on you. My dog Keikei goes bonkers every time we get ready to go outside. She bounces and barks insistently. The louder I get trying to get her to stop barking, the louder she barks and I know I've lost control because she can out bark me. According to dog experts, ignoring her is supposed to help calm her down. Most of the time it works, but not when we're ready to go outside. Her state of mind is running on high octane. The only way to put on the brakes is to have her sit and stay before she can go through the door.

To teach a dog to calm down, have them sit right in front of you. It's easy for them to forget their training when they become hyper, but an agitated dog can become aggressive and hurt you or them. It's important for them to sit and stay until you release them. Stay calm, no matter what happens. You are setting an example for your dog to follow and he will feed off of you if you become as excited as he is. Teach your dog to focus on you and nothing else.

The best way to teach an excited dog to calm down is to begin training them to sit, stay and focus on you. Take a CANIDAE Snap-Biscuit® treat and hold it up so they can see it. If they get up, they don't get the treat. They are rewarded only when they sit, stay and look at you. Give your dog a command to focus on you and give them a treat when they make eye contact with you. After he's focusing on you every time and pays attention to what you are saying, then you won't need to make him sit and stay. Have him focus on you every time he becomes excited. This helps him redirect his mind away from what's causing him to overreact. You need to be able to control your dog's excitement and helping him learn to calm down takes away stress that only adds to his excited behavior.

Dogs can be like kids in a toy store at Christmas time. For some children, no matter how much you holler at them to come back, your voice falls on deaf ears once those little eyes see all the toys. Yelling at your dog won't calm him down and will only reinforce his behavior because he is getting your attention, even if it's negative attention. His level of excitement is more apt to increase. Training your dog to obey basic commands and learn  to focus on you puts you back in control. Dog training should be done on a daily basis and reinforced daily after they've learned a command.

When trying to teach a dog, don't worry about doing it overnight. Take your time and make it fun. Stay positive, calm, patient and consistent. Keikei has been a challenge to work with. She is a spirited soul with a mind of her own, but she is learning what I'm trying to teach. One of the best ways to teach a dog to stay calm is for you to remain calm. For most dogs, ignoring them will help subdue their level of excitement. For a more head strong dog, they may need to learn how to sit and stay until they can learn how to control their excitement.

Photo: "Ellie" by Keira Bishop

Read more articles by Linda Cole

Train Your Dog According to Their Personality

By Linda Cole

Dogs are not created equal when it comes to training. Some learn faster than others, and some just can't seem to get what you're trying to teach. All dogs can be taught basic commands as long as you're willing to invest the time and energy to stay committed. However, dogs are individuals and like kids, they learn at their own pace. Knowing your dog's personality can help you devise a training schedule that works best for them.

Dog training isn't high on some people's priority list. I know many dog owners who have never spent one minute training their dogs to sit, stay, walk on a leash or any other basic commands. They feel that as long as their dog will come to them most of the time when called, that's all the training they need. Animal shelters are full of untrained dogs who have been surrendered by their owners because the dog developed behavioral problems they had no idea how to correct. Lack of training to correct behavioral problems is one reason many people give up their dogs.

Another reason dogs end up in shelters is because their owner didn't really know or understand their pet. A dominant dog who borders on aggression can become aggressive if his owner doesn't take the time to discover his personality. I'm the proud owner of a 10 month old Border Collie who was given to us because she wasn't housebroken. She was 8 weeks old when we took her in. Within a couple of months, she was housebroken and she now lets us know when she needs to go outside. As she grew, she became more aggressive with the other pets, but her personality is really more dominant than aggressive and training with positive reinforcement has curbed her aggression. Working with her on basic commands has shown me that she is eager to please and excited to learn what I want to teach her.

A dog's personality is formed by their environment, what they learned from their mom, how well they were socialized, and how we treat them. A dog can be confident, aggressive, submissive, fearful, shy, outgoing, happy, independent or dominant.

An already submissive dog who is shy or insecure will need slow and steady training sessions. Loud or sudden noises could easily send him searching for a place to hide. The independent dog can be harder to train because he hasn't formed a bond with his owner, and a fearful dog can show aggression if he feels threatened. Keep things simple and quiet and give the dog lots of praise and opportunities to succeed to help boost his confidence and gain his trust. A happy, outgoing dog is usually eager to please his owner. He needs to learn how to sit, stay and stay down to keep from knocking people over when he greets them.

A dominant or confident dog can be harder to train, because he'll try to be the one in charge. He needs an owner with a firm hand that's fair and gentle when the dog needs correction and gives praise and rewards when he does what is asked. I don't believe a dominant or confident dog is hard to train – as long as you know your dog and don't try to force him to submit to you, because you risk creating an aggressive dog with behavior problems you didn't intend. Stay consistent, patient and calm, and never let frustration come between you and your dog. When working with this personality type, if you or the dog become frustrated you need to stop, take a breather and try again. Once your dog understand that you're in charge, you might be surprised how fast he learns.

Regardless of what your dog's personality is, treat them with respect and love to earn their trust and respect. There's nothing wrong with taking a dog back to step one to reinforce what you're trying to teach them, and there's no specific time line for them to learn.

Dogs who are treated with love and respect will learn anything we want to teach them as long as we take the time to understand who they are and how best to train them. Just like us, dogs want and need to feel secure in their surroundings. We can eliminate confusing signals we send to our dogs simply by knowing who they are. It is that important to know your dog's personality to understand how they will learn. A dog owner also needs to evaluate their own personality as well, to know which breed or dog they are best able to handle.

Read more articles by Linda Cole

How to Teach Your Cat the High Five Trick

By Julia Williams

I’ve never been very successful at teaching my cats tricks. It’s not because training cats is impossible – I’ve seen plenty of performing cats in videos and at cat shows to know that felines definitely can learn tricks. My cat training failures stem mostly from a lack of patience and motivation. Since my cats run and hide from nearly everyone who comes to visit us, the payoff of teaching them tricks doesn’t seem worth the effort.

That is, until now. I’ve actually found a cat trick that is pretty easy to teach, most likely because it’s a fairly natural behavior. One of my cats, Rocky, is picking up the High Five trick quickly, and although we’re not at the “perform on command for your friends” stage, I’m betting it won’t be long. Of course, then I will have to find a way to keep Rocky from hiding under the bed when people come over.

If you want to teach your cat the High Five trick, keep reading for my step-by-step instructions. But before you actually start your cat training, make sure you have plenty of their favorite treats on hand. Cats are not usually motivated by praise, but most are quite motivated by food, especially if it’s something they love. So keep the cat treats handy, because you’re going to need them.

Step One: Take your cat and the treats into a quiet room where the two of you can practice without distractions.

Step Two: Have your cat sit in front of you on the floor or the bed.

Step Three: Hold one of the treats in your hand. Let your cat know you have the treat and allow them to sniff it.

Step Four: Slowly move your hand with the treat back and forth, above your cat’s head. If they get up on their hind legs or try to grab the treat with their paw, just move them back into a sitting position and try again.

Step Five: Hold your hand with the treat off to one side above your cat’s head to encourage them to touch your hand with just one paw. If your cat reaches for your hand and touches it with their paw, say “yes” and give them the treat. If they use their claws or mouth, pull your hand away and try again.

Step Six: Repeat step five several times. Next, make the same motion but without a treat in your hand. When you are able to get your cat to touch your hand, say “yes” and give them a treat you’ve stashed somewhere nearby.

Step Seven: Practice step six several times. Next, place your open palm in the same place above your cat’s head. Say “high five” if they touch your hand with their paw, and then reward them with a treat.

Step Eight: Repeat the entire sequence a few times each day until your cat learns the High Five trick. Just like people, every cat is an individual and they don’t all learn at the same rate. Some cats might pick it up with just a few training sessions, and others might take weeks. Be patient!

Tips for Teaching Your Cat the High Five Trick:

● Make sure your cat’s nails are kept trimmed for training.

● Keep the training sessions short and try to make them fun.

● If your cat becomes agitated during training, stop and try again later.

● Schedule the training sessions before mealtimes so your cat will be more motivated to get the treat.

If you decide to teach your cat the High Five trick, let me know how it works out! In the meantime, I’ll be working on Rocky to get him up to speed. Then I can work on teaching him to stay in the room when company comes over.

Photo by Michaela Kobyakov

Read more articles by Julia Williams

Breaking Your Dog’s Bad Habits

By Suzanne Alicie

Dogs are supposed to be “Man’s Best Friend” but without proper training and consistency they can develop some bad habits. Each dog is different and may have a variety of bad habits which can make your life pretty stressful.

I am in awe of pet owners who always have mannerly, well behaved dogs. My dog is generally well behaved, but at times I have difficulty controlling her when we get ready to go outside. She jumps and barks and whines because she is so excited. I know why she does it, and it is my fault. I made the mistake of riling her up in the past just to watch her do this because I thought it was funny. Now she thinks that is what is expected when I say “Let’s go outside.” We are working to change this bad habit that I inadvertently taught her. Each dog has their own personality and that is reflected in both the behavior of the dog and the success of training methods. Some dogs require a different approach, but many dogs respond to basic consistent training.

If your dog has a problem with excessive barking, for example, you want to first figure out why he is barking so much. Dogs can bark because of being bored, frightened or just to hear their own voice. Once you understand why your dog is barking you can begin to work on how to stop it.

Some dogs have bad habits that can be dangerous to them and to their owners, such as chewing. Electrical cords, toxic items, etc. can cause serious problems for the dog and the dog owner. You can find solutions for how to deal with chewing problems in this article by Linda Cole.

Another dangerous bad habit that dogs may have involves running out when the door is open or dragging their hapless owner along on the leash as if they are taking their owner for a walk instead of the other way around. While it is easy to say that you are a human and can control your dog, it is more important to earn your dog’s trust and respect by practicing consistent training.

If your dog lunges out the door at top speed you must simply stand your ground and wait for him to realize that you won’t be walking anywhere until he comes to your side. This can be repeated throughout your outing anytime your dog pulls or strains at the leash; just stop walking and wait for him to come back to you before continuing to walk with him. By insisting that this is the way the walk will progress, you are enforcing the rules in your dog’s mind. He learns that this is what is expected of him in order to be able to go outside and walk. Be prepared to spend a lot of time standing on the sidewalk feeling foolish, because it takes time for your dog to learn this.

Breaking a dog’s bad habits is not something that happens overnight. It takes time, patience and consistency. You’ll notice the word consistent is used throughout this article.  That’s because the best thing you can do for your dog to ensure good behavior is to always be consistent. If you allow him to do what he wants half the time because you don’t feel like working at his training, he will not learn the rules and will continue to be strong willed and determined to continue his bad habits.

Dogs are intelligent, and can be taught to be well mannered and well behaved. Part of being a responsible pet owner is taking the time to work with your dog and help him not only fit into your family but to be safe and a pleasure to have around.

There are no bad dogs; dogs are a product of their environment, and can be redeemed from their bad habits and behaviors with love and understanding. A stern yet calm voice, repeated commands, some CANIDAE Snap-Biscuit® treats and consistent training can usually break a dog of their bad habits. If you feel unable to handle this task yourself, consider visiting a dog training class or consulting with your vet about how to get your dog in control.

Read more articles by Suzanne Alicie

How to Train Your Dog to Ring a Bell

By Linda Cole

Teaching your dog basic commands is necessary to help keep them safe and well behaved. It's important to know that your dog will come when called. Once you've taught him how to sit, stay, come or any of the other basic commands, consider moving on to tricks. One fun dog trick that can make things easier for you, and hopefully improve your pet's life, is to train your dog how to ring a bell when he needs to go outside.

When you train your dog to ring a bell, it's just like teaching any other command. Make sure you have plenty of patience and CANIDAE Snap-Biscuit® dog treats. You can have your dog ringing a bell sooner than you think. This is also a good command to teach a puppy to help reduce accidents. Puppies can learn commands as long as you stay patient and consistent with them, and remember they're still developing in mind and body.

Training your dog to ring a bell gives him a way to send a signal to you when he needs to go outside, especially if you're busy and miss his normal body language that lets you know he wants out. The first thing you need to teach your dog this trick is a bell. It can be one of the desk bells like you find in hotels and businesses, or it can be a bell you hang on a doorknob or on the wall where your dog can reach it.

Begin by training your dog to touch your hand with his nose or paw. Hold your hand in front of his nose and wait for him to touch your palm. He may need some help getting started. Lift his paw or touch his nose with your hand to help him along. Immediately reward him with a treat and praise. It's best to train your dog when he's hungry because you need to repeat it 15 or 20 times in a row, and do it in 3 different training sessions. Once your dog is touching your hand, start giving him a command to “touch” or “ring.” Pick one of the two words and don't confuse him by using both. When he's touching your hand on command, it's time to train your dog to touch the bell.

Hold the bell in your hand and give him the command to touch. If he doesn't want to touch it, try rubbing something he likes on it to make the bell smell better to him. A dab of peanut butter appeals to many dogs; cheese, butter or some of his favorite CANIDAE canned dog food will work too – just enough to get his attention. Continue this exercise until he's consistently ringing or touching the bell in your hand.

Now it's time to move the bell to the door you use to let him outside. Place a desk bell on the floor by the door or if you're using a hanging bell, hang it from the doorknob or on the wall where your dog can reach it. Give him the command to touch or ring the bell, and open the door to let him outside when he rings it. Don't forget to give him a treat and praise. This is more than just a simple dog trick to entertain guests. It helps your dog communicate when he needs to go outside!

Continue to train your dog to ring the bell until he does it on his own every time. When you go to the door to let him out, give him the command to touch. Once he touches the bell when you tell him to, the next step is to stand by the door and wait for him to ring the bell without you giving the command. Wait for 30 seconds or so before saying anything. If he doesn't ring it and is waiting for your command, stare at the bell to help him understand he doesn't need your command to ring the bell. When he rings it, immediately open the door so he can go outside.

Some dogs and puppies learn faster than others, so don't be discouraged. Training your dog to ring a bell can help reduce accidents in the house, but you also need to train yourself to listen for the bell. When your dog rings the bell, you need to stop what you're doing and let him outside. If he rings it just to go outside and play, call him back inside so he can learn what he's supposed to do when he rings the bell. This is a useful trick that can benefit both you and your pet. For another fun dog trick, read How to Teach Your Dog to Roll Over.

Photo by Tony Alter

Read more articles by Linda Cole

How to Teach Your Dog Proper Leash Etiquette

By Linda Cole

Walking a dog is necessary to provide them with proper exercise and give them access to new stimulation they can't get locked up in the house all day. Many times, though, owners find that their dog is so excited and eager to see what's around the next corner, he ends up dragging them down the street. It's not difficult to teach your dog proper leash etiquette, but it does require practice and time.

As with any dog training session, pay attention to your dog and stop when he is tired. Make it fun and he'll be eager for the next lesson, especially if you have lots of CANIDAE Snap-Bits™ dog treats on hand for a reward. Stay calm, consistent and patient, and you can teach your dog to walk beside you on a loose leash. Walking a dog should not leave you feeling like you need a trip to the emergency room once you get back home.

When you allow your dog to rush forward on his leash, you're teaching him it's okay to pull you down the street. But this also creates a dog who can be more aggressive when he's on a leash. The tight leash puts tension on his neck, and he's not in a relaxed state of mind. The result is a dog who barks at other dogs and people, or a dog who rushes up to people or dogs in his path. Walking a dog on a loose leash keeps the dog calmer, and he learns to control his excitement.

Begin by practicing with your dog inside your home where you can control distractions. Put the leash on your dog and walk around the house with him by your side. When you're ready to move outside, grab the treats and head out to the sidewalk in front of your house. You need to teach your dog how you want him to behave before going on a regular walk.

Practice by walking back and forth in front of your house. When your dog tries to move forward, call him back and drop a treat at the back of your heel. You want to teach your dog that's where he'll find his favorite treat. As you walk, drop a treat behind your heel each time he moves ahead of you. You’re teaching him that when he stays next to you, good things can happen. Positive reinforcement and treats – what more could a dog ask for?

Another trick you can use to teach your dog not to pull on his leash is each time he moves forward, when the leash becomes tense, stop walking. Call him back to you and take a couple of steps back to get him into a walking position at your side or a little behind you. Place a treat at the back of your heel when he comes to your side. Stop each time he tries to pull ahead, step back when he returns to you and reward him every time he comes back. When he stops rushing ahead and is constantly walking by your side, you can eliminate the treats if you want.

When practicing in front of your house, change directions suddenly to keep your dog on his toes. He will learn to watch what you're doing instead of looking around for something or someone to bark at. Your dog learns it's in his best interest to pay attention to where you are going and what you are doing. By suddenly changing direction, he no longer knows which way is forward and is more intent on following you.

Once your dog learns how to walk on a loose leash, you can drop the leash and your dog should continue walking beside you, because that's where good things happen. He'll be more interested in walking with you instead of pulling you down the street. This is also a good opportunity to teach your dog to sit whenever you stop walking to help keep him in a relaxed state of mind if you stop to talk to someone and when you stop at a street crossing.

Walking a dog should be relaxing for both of you. If your dog drags you down the street, don't expect overnight success when you start to teach your dog to walk on a loose leash. It can take several training sessions before you're ready to go for a walk, so keep trying. It's much easier to enjoy an afternoon walk when you don't have to worry about fighting your dog every step of the way.

Did you know that cats can also be trained to walk on a leash? It’s true! Julia Williams has a great article on the subject, which you can read here.

Read more articles by Linda Cole

Could Your Dog Ace the “Canine Good Citizen” test?

By Julia Williams

Having a well-trained feline is not something most cat owners care about. Not because cats can’t be trained – they certainly can – but it’s really not necessary for everyday life. Dog owners, on the other hand, do need to make sure their canine buddy is well trained and well behaved. Trained dogs make better companions, and the training process helps you build a stronger bond with your dog.

Many pet owners use the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) certification program as the first step in training their dogs. Passing the 10-step CGC test ensures that your dog has good manners both at home and out in the world. Having a well behaved dog makes you a better neighbor, and makes it more likely that your dog is welcomed in your community.

What is the Canine Good Citizen program?

The American Kennel Club started the CGC program in 1989 as a way to promote responsible dog ownership and to encourage the training of well-mannered dogs. A dog and his owner (or handler) must take a short behavioral evaluation consisting of ten objectives. Dogs who pass earn the Canine Good Citizen certificate from the AKC, which some owners use after the dog's name, e.g., “Rover, CGC.”

Many other countries have developed similar programs based on the AKC’s CGC Program. A CGC Neighborhood Model has been established, police and animal control agencies use CGC for dealing with dog problems, some Therapy Dog programs use the CGC as a screening tool, and some 4-H groups use the CGC as a beginning dog training program for children.

Benefits of the Canine Good Citizen program

Working with your dog to teach the CGC skills gives you an introduction to the world of obedience training. Dogs that have a solid obedience education are more fun to live with, because they behave better in the presence of people and other dogs. Many dog owners find working with their dogs to obtain their CGC so enjoyable that they decide to explore other AKC training programs. The Canine Good Citizen program lays the foundation for all other AKC activities, including obedience trials, agility, tracking, and performance events.

Before you and Fido take the Canine Good Citizen test, you will need to sign the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge. The AKC believes this is a key part of the CGC concept, and signing the pledge means you agree to take care of your dog's health needs, safety, exercise, training, and quality of life. You also must agree to be a responsible pet owner by doing things like cleaning up after your dog in public places, and not letting your dog infringe on the rights of others.

CGC Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger - demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation. The dog must not show resentment or shyness, and must not break position.

CGC Test 2: Sitting politely for petting - demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler. He must not show shyness or resentment.

CGC Test 3: Appearance and grooming - demonstrates that your dog will allow being groomed and examined. Must also appear to be healthy (proper weight, clean, and alert).

CGC Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead) - demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog and should leave no doubt that the dog is attentive to the handler and is responding to their movements and direction changes.

CGC Test 5: Walking through a crowd - demonstrates that your dog can move politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places. He should not jump on people or strain on the leash.

CGC Test 6: Sit and down on command, and staying in place - demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler's commands to sit and down, and will remain in place.

CGC Test 7: Coming when called - demonstrates that your dog will come when you call him.

CGC Test 8: Reaction to another dog - demonstrates that your dog can behave politely around other dogs.

CGC Test 9: Reaction to distraction- demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with distracting situations.

CGC Test 10: Supervised separation - demonstrates that your dog can be left with a trusted person, and will maintain training and good manners.

Who can participate?

Both purebred and mixed dogs are welcome in the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen program. Dogs do not have to be registered with the AKC or any other canine organization to earn their CGC certification, and there is no age limit for the CGC test – a dog is never too old to be a good citizen!

Local specialty breed clubs, AKC judges, 4-H leaders, therapy dog evaluators, veterinarians, vet techs, groomers, private trainers, kennel owners, animal control and police K-9 officers can all give the CGC test. You can use the AKC website to find an evaluator in your area.

Read more articles by Julia Williams

Humor: How to Make Your Cat Do What You Want

By Tamara L. Waters

If you have a cat, you already know that making it do anything is next to impossible. Can it be done though? Let's find out. Here are a few tips on just that— try them if you dare!

Exert Your Authority

One of the first steps in making your cat do what you want it to do is to exert your authority. Make sure your cat knows you are the boss. You must make this clear from the very beginning and never allow your kitty to forget that you are in charge.

Remember, most cats don't go along with this step willingly. They will allow you to think you are in charge, but the reality is that you really aren't. Your cat will go along with this fantasy as the mood suits him or her in an effort to raise your self-esteem. Rest assured though, when kitty allows you think you're in charge, you will feel like the king of the world!

Train Your Kitty

After you’ve made it clear to your cat that you are head honcho, you will need to train them. Training involves teaching your cat and making sure your authority is not challenged and that your cat respects you.

You can train your cat using treats, affection and a stern voice. If you tell your kitty enough times to stay off of the kitchen counters or the table, eventually they will understand and obey in an effort to please you and win your approval.

As part of kitty training, you will need to make sure your cat understands what other parts of your home are off limits. If you do not want your cat on the furniture, train her to stay away. Use a cat bed to train her to only sleep in that particular spot. This will help cut down on excessive cat hair and other messes your cat can make.

In addition, you will need to make sure kitty knows and understands what toys he is allowed to play with. Choose proper toys for your cat, and only allow him to play with the designated kitty toys. He is sure to love any choices you make simply because you – his loving owner — picked them out.

Expect Obedience

You should expect obedience from your cat. Do not allow him to show you disdain or disobedience. Your cat will appreciate the structure of your behavioral expectations. Do not back down and even if your cat ignores you, know that he will eventually thank you for staying strong and continuing to challenge him.

Discipline Your Kitty

If your cat disobeys and is stubborn about training and doing what you want it to do, you can offer discipline through removing favorite playthings. Your cat will immediately see the error of his ways and work to get back on your good side to earn his toys back. Every cat strives to be in his owner's good graces and affections.

Finally...

Ignore all of the above advice – it is a work of fiction. Your cat will do whatever the heck he wants to do, and there isn’t a darn thing you can do about it. As a matter of fact, your cat will do what he wants and will continue to prove to you daily that you will accept this behavior. After all, you are really the one who has been trained. Get used to it!

Read more articles by Tamara L. Waters

How to Get Your Dog an Acting Career

By Linda Cole

Where do they find all those cute dogs we see in movies, on TV shows and in commercials? A lot of dogs and cats are found in animal shelters by trainers, but not all. Sometimes a casting call goes out from a studio to find the next dog star for a movie or TV commercial. It is possible to get your dog an acting career when you know how to start. If your dog likes to show off when company is around and is well mannered, with a little luck there’s a chance they could end up in the movies or on TV with their own acting career.

A dog who is well socialized, friendly and has a good temperament is what Hollywood executives are looking for in the next dog star. Your dog will need to impress people with his charm if he wants to be considered for any role. There's a lot of hustle and bustle around a movie set with interaction between the cast and film crew. In order to pass a casting company's demands, the friendlier your dog is, the better his chances will be. He can't be shy or afraid of new things, and he needs to stay focused on you or his trainer to present his best qualities to the people who are in the position to make your dog a star.

The next step in getting your dog an acting career is training. Not only does your dog need to be well trained, but any tricks he can perform could give him a paw up on the competition. The dog should be able to follow hand signals as well as silent commands. If you're serious about trying to get your dog in the movies, search for a specialized obedience school who trains dogs for work in the movie industry.

Step three is an obvious requirement in an acting career. A well groomed dog is more likely to catch the eye of the person making casting decisions. The dog must be healthy and have all of his vaccinations up to date. You want to present your pet in the best light possible because he will be competing with other dogs who are just as cute and just as talented. If your dog has a special talent or trick that's different from the others, he may have a chance to shine on the big screen one day.

If you're serious about getting your dog an acting career, search out a good pet talent agency. You may be able to find a visiting talent scout in your area. You can do the leg work yourself to meet with movie personal, but a quality talent agency has contacts and a relationship with people in the movie industry. Getting your dog seen by the person that counts is more likely if you work with an agency who can help you find possible opportunities for your dog.

Your dog needs to be prepared to perform at a moment's notice if a talent agency wants to take a look at him. These are busy people who preview lots of dogs and cats. Your dog needs to be able to perform his stuff in front of an audience, so make sure he focuses on you only and does what you ask each and every time regardless of how many people are watching or how many other distractions may be going on around him.

If you think you have a dog who would make the next Benji or Lassie, make sure you have the time to invest in your dog's acting career. You may have to meet with someone at a moment's notice, so be prepared for a last minute call to show off your dog. Make sure your schedule is flexible so you can attend to business if and when a call comes in. If your dog is singled out, he will need to meet many people who will decide which dog to choose, and there will be auditions to go to. Be prepared to invest time and money for travel and lodging if you don't live close to where auditions are held.

Any healthy dog has as good a chance of ending up in a movie if he's well trained, well socialized, friendly and can perform tricks and strut his stuff. If you have the time and patience to do what it takes to get your dog an acting career, he could be starring in his own action adventure as the next dog hero on the big screen. It is possible a walk down the red carpet could be in your dog's future if you're willing to do what it takes to make him a star.

Photo: Lassie filming a movie on location; State Archive of Florida

Read more articles by Linda Cole

The Three Types of Dog Intelligence

By Linda Cole

Most dog owners have some idea how smart their dog is. Every dog can learn basic commands as long as we make the commitment to teach them. Most dogs also know at least one trick you can show off to guests. However, some dogs take a little longer to learn, which can try an owner's patience. And sometimes, a dog just doesn't seem to get what an owner is trying to teach. Scientists and animal behaviorists have been studying dogs for many years, and have come up with three types of dog intelligence. One type of learning is a specific kind each dog breed has that helps them learn according to who they are and what their breed characteristics are.

Dog intelligence is defined as the ability to learn, think and problem solve. It's easy to come up with a list of the smartest dogs, but in order to determine a dog's intelligence, how quickly they learn is just one part of the equation. A specific breed’s characteristics and what they were bred to do plays a large role in their intelligence, and understanding this makes training a dog easier. Intelligence shouldn't be confused with stubbornness though, and hard-to-train dogs need a consistent owner with plenty of patience and understanding along with a firm, yet gentle hand.

The first type of dog intelligence is instinctive intelligence. The Border Collie is born to herd, but as a hunter or retriever, this dog wouldn't make the top of either list. Bloodhounds are generally on a list of the dumbest dogs, but put one on a trail and there's none better at following and sticking to a scent. This dog's instinctive intelligence sets him apart from any other dog breed in doing what he was bred to do. One common characteristic in dogs listed in the top smartest or dumbest dogs is their tenacity, which enables them to do what they were born to do, when or if it's required of them.

The second type of dog intelligence is adaptive intelligence. This is how well a dog can problem solve and learn from their environment, from other animals and us. I had a dog who learned on his own how to open the back door that led into the basement, so he could let himself in when he was tired of being outside. Always the perfect gentleman, he not only opened the door, but stood against it so his sister could go inside ahead of him. Dogs do adapt to their environment and are capable of problem solving to get things they want, to devise ways to escape from their enclosure and even find short cuts to get them to their favorite place outside. We've all heard stories of how dogs, and even cats, alerted their owner to danger and were able to lead their family out of a burning home. Mixed breed dogs who were never trained in search and rescue, have found people who needed help. Some dogs learn on their own how to turn on lights or open a refrigerator door – and it's not for a cold brew. They even learn how to ma
nipulate us to get what they want!

The third type of dog intelligence is obedience and working intelligence. This is how well a dog can learn not only basic commands, but how easily they can learn commands related to specific jobs they are asked to do. A good hunting dog has to be able to learn the tools of his trade to aid his owner. Border Collies may instinctively know how to herd, but it's their handler who perfects the dog's ability into a dog who can move a herd of sheep without harming them. Dogs who compete in agility competitions need to learn how to follow their human in order to run a smooth course for the best time.

Every dog is born with certain breed characteristics that determine their intelligence. In order to know how smart your dog is, you need to put the entire package together. Consider what they were born to do, how well they can think for themselves, and how they learn basic commands or instructions related to the job they may be doing. The whole picture gives you the pieces you need to understand how intelligent your dog is. Mixed breeds may have two or more other breeds in them, but they too can show specific characteristics of one or more of the different breeds.

However, dog intelligence is still only part of the whole dog. His personality, loyalty, trust and devotion to his owner completes his psyche as an individual dog who will stand by his owner's side through thick and thin.

Read more articles by Linda Cole

What Does an Animal Behaviorist Do?

By Linda Cole

Trying to train a dog that has behavior issues can be frustrating. For some owners, a qualified trainer can help dogs work through minor issues they may have. But serious behavioral problems need a professional eye to help a dog or cat owner deal with specific issues. What does an animal behaviorist do, and how do they help your pet? When you need to consult with an expert, what can you expect from them?

Animal behaviorists are people who love animals and study them to learn and understand animal behavior – why they do things and act in certain ways. They look at the animal's environment and try to find what caused the behavior. One mistaken belief some pet owners have is that a good dog trainer is also an animal behaviorist and vice versa. That may be true for some trainers and animal behaviorists, but not usually.

Animal behaviorists typically have a specialized field of study in specific animals like birds, livestock, fish, reptiles, wild animals, or pets. It's common to find a behaviorist whose expertise is in certain kinds of behavior, e.g., how animals mate, how they raise their young, how they defend themselves and their food and how they hunt. When you need to consult with an expert for a dog or cat with behavior issues, you need to make sure the person works with household pets and has experience in the area your pet needs help with.

When pets develop problems we don't know how to address, an Applied Animal Behaviorist is the person who will step in and look at the environment the pet is living in. They look for reasons why a dog or cat is acting out. It could be a fear of thunderstorms or another pet that's making them feel uncomfortable. It could be a medical problem that's gone undetected or a stray pet who developed problems before he got to his new home. Behavior problems could also be associated with a specific dog breed that isn't right for a home. Even hormones can play a role in behavior problems that an untrained eye can't see. Problems can also arise from a dog who’s had inconsistent training or no training, and who may be confused with what his owner expects from him. Hard choices may need to be made for the welfare of the pet, and an animal behaviorist can make recommendations and suggestions a responsible pet owner may not have considered.

An animal behaviorist will visit a pet owner's home to observe how the pet and his family interact with each other. They aren't concerned with dog training, because many times the root cause of a behavior problem has nothing to do with training. After observing the human-pet relationship, they help the pet owner with changes in the pet's environment, which may include the humans, to improve the pet's behavior. They will work with veterinarians as well, if medication is needed for a medical condition.

Animal behaviorists do their job because they love animals. They have at least a B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) or B.S. (Bachelor of Science) degree, although most careers in animal behavior require advanced degrees. These are people who are experts in their field of study and capable in helping you and your pet regain a healthy relationship.

When working with any animal behaviorist, it's important to feel completely comfortable with them. If they recommend harsh treatments you don't agree with, it's up to you to speak up and find another solution to address a pet's issues, or find another behaviorist that uses techniques you’re comfortable with. To get the best results, it's also important to make sure the person has experience and knowledge in working with your specific behavioral issues.

Some dog trainers have gone through a certified program as a dog trainer and receive certification as a Certified Pet Dog Trainer. They may be able to help with minor problems, but most will refer a pet owner on to someone more qualified for major behavioral problems.

Animal shelters are full of dogs and cats whose only crime was an owner who didn't take the time to find out how they could help their pet. Today, many shelters work with animal behaviorists to help them with problem pets who have been surrendered to them by frustrated owners. This increases the chance that these dogs and cats can find a new home.

If your pet has a behavioral problem, always start with your vet to rule out any medical concerns first. They can then recommend a qualified animal behaviorist in your area who can help with non medical problems.

Read more articles by Linda Cole

How to Stop Your Dog’s Excessive Barking

By Suzanne Alicie

You love your dog, and you love knowing when there is danger or something lurking on your property; what you don’t love is when your dog barks excessively or for unknown reasons. Excessive barking is something that can be trained away. The secret is to make your dog understand that there is a time when they need to bark, and a time when they should be quiet. Keep in mind that your dog cannot read your mind, so it is your job as a responsible pet owner to teach him how you expect him to behave.

The sooner you get started on curtailing this excessive barking problem, the easier it will be to train your dog to stop the barking habit. The best way to begin is to dedicate yourself to consistently teaching your dog two basic commands: “speak” and “quiet.” It may be quite frustrating for you to break your dog’s excessive barking habit, but by remaining consistent and not allowing the dog to bark continuously for no reason you are slowly teaching him that barking is a method of communication and shouldn’t be used unless there is something important to “say.” For more on consistent dog training, be sure to read Linda Cole’s article, “Dog Training with Consistency and Patience.”

Some dog breeds bark more than others, some hardly bark at all, and each and every dog has different barks that convey just as strongly as a human tone of voice. By listening when your dog begins barking, you will learn the different barks and what they mean. This will help you understand some of the triggers for your dog’s excessive barking, and allow you to determine which barking behaviors need to be trained away.

Dogs commonly bark for the following reasons:

Danger/stranger - When someone comes into your yard or home that the dog does not know, and sometimes even if the dog does know the person, they will bark to alert you. This is a regular occurrence around my house. We have two inside dogs. One will bark as soon as she smells or hears someone on the porch; the other will wait until she hears a knock on the door. This usually stops as soon as someone opens the door and allows them to see who is there.

Anxiety - Some dogs have attachment issues to their owners and will be extremely vocal if they suspect their human is getting ready to leave. This is often in the form of a high pitched barking or whining.

Excitement - When I leave my house and come back, my dogs hear the car pull into the driveway and dance and bark at the sliding glass door until I come in. They are simply excited to see me and are letting me know. Yes, at times it is annoying, and can be a real challenge when I come in the door needing to race for the bathroom but they won’t stop barking until I speak to them and pet them.

Boredom - Have you ever seen a dog that just seems to bark for no reason at all, just a continuous and nerve grating bark droning on and on? This is a dog that is bored. It’s basically the dog barking to hear his own voice. Some activity and interaction will usually cause this barking to stop.

Response - This is one that drives me crazy! When I take my dogs for a walk there is a large pen in my neighbor’s yard with two beautiful large black labs. Those dogs bark at us, and my dogs bark right back. I am sure they are just greeting each other and being sociable, but it is so annoying and I know the other neighbors don’t appreciate it either. If you have an outside dog, the excessive barking you hear may actually be your dog responding to other dogs around your neighborhood.

Understanding your dog’s barks and what is causing the barking is the key to being able to train the excessive barking away. All the consistent “quiet” and “speak” command work won’t matter if you don’t address why your dog is barking. Some simple things you can do along with the training include:

• Exercise your dog regularly so they don’t feel the need to bark off excess energy.
• Avoid leaving your dog alone for hours on end.
• Don’t give attention to your dog when he is barking just for attention or out of anxiety. That would be giving in to the demands of the barking, and will negate your training.
• Avoid being loud and shouting over the barking. The louder and more stressed you are, the more your dog will bark. Maintain a calm, firm voice, and if you have to get your dogs attention in order for him to even hear your commands, try a whistle or a clap.

Remember that your dog is just that, a dog. He isn’t going to know what you want him to do until you teach him. Be patient and use consistent training methods to ensure that your dog learns how to behave in any situation he is faced with, and will look to you for instruction.

Photo by ems van goth.

Read more articles by Suzanne Alicie

Working Dogs on the Farm

By Suzanne Alicie

Dogs are known as man’s (or woman’s) best friend, and they are excellent pets and companions. However, many dogs are also hard working family members who more than earn their room and board. Farm dogs are one of the many working dogs that have a lot more to do than be a playmate. 

Originally, most all dog breeds were trained and bred for a purpose other than being pets. There were guard dogs, hunting dogs, herding dogs, and dogs that pretty much did it all. Farm dogs fall into the last category, as they often have several jobs they are responsible for.

There are many working farms still around today which utilize these special dog breeds to herd, to protect, and to perform other important tasks. These working dogs have the natural instincts bred into them over the centuries, and go through extensive training to become trustworthy farm dogs.

Some of the breeds that are familiar with farm work  such as herding livestock and guarding herds include Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Kelpies, Belgian Shepherds, Sheepdogs, and even several mixed breeds such as the German Shepherd/Rough Collie hybrid.

These working dogs get plenty of exercise as they help round up and move herds of cattle, sheep and other herd animals. They also work as guard dogs for chicken coops, herds of animals and the farm in general. A typical day for a working dog begins early and ends late, but a farm dog always has energy to play fetch, show some affection and be a pet as well as a hard working dog.

Farm dogs do face some dangers on the job, though. They are at risk of being trampled by livestock, getting snake bites, fighting with wild animals to protect a herd, and disease from other animals. These hard working dogs should be vaccinated thoroughly, examined regularly, and treated for fleas and ticks on a regular basis. A farmer is more than a responsible pet owner – he or she also has to be a good employer. More often than not, a farm dog is a common sight around the farm but is seldom found indoors. Their job isn’t over when the family turns in for the night; even when sleeping a farm dog is ready to sound the alert if something or someone trespasses where they shouldn’t be.

Problem solving and intuitive skills make farm dogs easy to train, and gives them the ability to easily and quickly decide when they are needed to round up a stray cow or save a chicken from a predator. A good farm dog that has been trained will perform their job, whether their human tells them to or not. That is the dedication and the work ethic that makes farm dogs reliable guardians of all you hold dear. They are paying attention whether you are watching them, or not even on the premises.

If your children are interested in dogs and other farm animals there is a wonderful website called Kids Farm that will teach them all about farm life, farm dogs and other animals that are found on farms. This site is a wonderful way for children and adults to learn about the type of jobs working dogs have on a farm.

Read more articles by Suzanne Alicie

The Joys of Owning a Giant Breed Dog

By Suzanne Alicie

There are benefits to having a small “pocket dog” you can carry around everywhere, and some people prefer smaller breeds. But for some of us, there’s just nothing like a big pushy lovable dog. Think of the Saint Bernard in the Beethoven movies. Sure, he was like a bull in a china shop and drooled a lot, but that sweet face and undying loyalty made him a scene stealer.

What actually qualifies a dog as a giant breed? There is no set weight or height requirement, however most people in the dog world consider a dog that weighs more than 100 pounds to be a giant breed. Simply put, giant breeds live up to the name. They are taller, longer, and heavier than most other dog breeds.

Because of their size you can imagine that a giant breed dog probably also needs a giant food dish! You are right; one of the hardest things about having a giant breed dog is realizing how much you will have to spend on dog food. Essentially, a single Great Dane may eat as much each day as two American bulldogs.

The expense of having a giant breed dog is one reason many owners have to give them up. Larger beds, larger collars and larger toys, as well as grooming and kennel fees are all more expensive than the same thing for a smaller breed of dog. The same goes for medications – because prescription dosages are based on the weight of the dog, you will have to give a giant breed dog a lot more of the medication than you would a smaller dog.

Giant breed dogs often have a shorter life span than other dogs, many times living as few as 6 years, with an older dog being 10 years old. They are also susceptible to more health problems with joints and bone diseases. While this may sound like a lot of issues to overcome just to raise a giant breed dog, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

Giant breed dogs tend to be mellow and relaxed adult dogs, of course an extra large puppy means you will have to make sure he is trained well and allowed plenty of exercise and room to explore and grow. Once a giant breed dog is fully grown they actually require less exercise than smaller dogs and if trained well can be quite happy even in an apartment.

Surely you’ve heard of the fictional giant breed Clifford the Big Red Dog. Clifford is loyal and very protective of his human, Emily. He follows her about and keeps an eye on her. This is what you can expect from a real life giant breed dog – loyalty, love and unwavering attention.

Simply put, there are pros and cons to every breed of dog and every size of dog. If you are considering a giant breed dog, make sure you can afford the greater expense, and can spare the extra time to train and attend to your pet. Once you make the decision, use a reputable breeder or look for a giant breed rescue to obtain a wonderful, loving, and very large dog.

Read more articles by Suzanne Alicie

Tips for Teaching Your Puppy His Name

By Julia Williams

When people adopt a puppy, one of the first things they usually do is name him. But once you’ve decided what to call your furry new friend, it’s just as important to begin immediately teaching your puppy his name. Why is it so essential? Because once your puppy learns to respond positively and immediately to his own name, teaching him other basic commands (such as sit, stay or lie down) will be much easier. When your puppy knows his name, you will be able to get him to focus his full attention on you instead of his surroundings. Thus, teaching your puppy his name is a fundamental base for any future training.

Your first objective is to teach your puppy that when you say his name, he must immediately stop whatever he's doing, turn his head and look directly at you. With consistent training and patience, your puppy will eventually understand that the sound he hears is his own name. Later, you can teach your puppy that the sound of his name will be followed by a command.

Step One: Take your puppy to a quiet place with no distractions, armed with some dog treats (CANIDAE Snap-Bits™ are perfect treats for puppies) and a few toys that your puppy enjoys playing with.

Step Two: Put your puppy on a long lead, which will help you to keep him from wandering off if something attracts his attention elsewhere.

Step Three: Using a happy tone of voice, say your puppy’s name.

Step Four: If your puppy looks in your direction when you say his name, immediately reward him with a treat and praise, such as “good doggie.” Puppies are usually very attracted to the sound of your voice, and will naturally look towards you when you speak. By giving him a treat and praising him, you reinforce the desired behavior. Only say your puppy’s name once; if he doesn't respond, you can gently tug his lead or touch his leg so he turns to look at you.

Step Five: Hold a treat up near your face so that your puppy has to look directly at you when you call his name. Doing this will ensure that you have his full attention.

Step Six: Swap a toy for the food treat, and use a few minutes of playtime as the reward for looking at you. Experiment with different treats, toys, and tones of voice to learn which ones are the best motivators for your puppy.

Step Seven: Repeat steps one through six several times during each training session until your puppy consistently looks at you when you say his name.

The next step in training your puppy to respond to his name is to introduce distractions. The goal is to teach your puppy that no matter where you are and no matter what else is happening around him, he needs to give you his full attention when you say his name. Try training him with other family members in the room, outside in your garden, at the local park or at someone else’s home.

Training your puppy in different environments or with distractions will likely be much more challenging at first (both for you and your puppy), but it is a great way to reinforce what your puppy is learning. Remember, your puppy wants to please you, so help him do that by remaining patient and taking this stage slow.

When teaching your puppy his name, it’s important that this sound only be associated with good things. In other words, try not to use your puppy’s name when you are scolding him. Otherwise, he will form a negative association with his name and may become confused or refuse to respond to you when you call his name.

Key points to remember:

* Keep your training sessions short (five or ten minutes at a time, several times each day), and keep them fun.

* Train your puppy before a meal so he’ll be more motivated to get the food treat. Just remember to account for the extra food in his daily rations, so as not to overfeed him.

* If more than one person will be teaching your puppy his name, make sure everyone understands what to do and uses the same technique.

* Be sure to give lots of praise along with the treat or toy reward, and always end each training session on a positive note.

If you follow these simple tips, your puppy will learn his name in no time at all!

Read more articles by Julia Williams