Dog Bites

Tip of the Day.

"Jaws of steel!" "Locking jaws!" "A 2000 psi bite pressure." These are just a few of the plethora of statements describing the dog referred to as the "Pit Bull." The "Pit Bull" is a term encompassing several breeds, the American Pit Bull terrier, the American Staffordshire terrier, the Staffordshire terrier, and the Bull terrier. Every year the media hype continues with a perpetual series of disinformation, myth, and distortions that bedevil the bull breeds. The media bombards the public after a dog attack incident perceived to involve one of the bull breeds. We read about "scissor bite", and "locking jaws", and even bite pressures that are upwards of 2000 psi. The American Pit Bull terrier and all the related breeds are dogs. They are anatomically and physiologically no different from the Labrador retriever or the poodle, The strength of the bull breeds bite comes from their tendency to hold a grip, not from any physical or physiological abnormality that gives them super strength.

Pit Bulls are not monsters, but dogs that need experienced owners to handle and raise them properly. When done so, they are loving family dogs. They can be dangerous in the wrong hands, so it is up to us to spread the word. Down with laws that ban certain breeds, and let’s move forward with education and compassion.

Dog Parks

Today I am going to say a few words about dog parks. I know that there are many people who like to take their dogs to the dog park. However, there can be a number of problems associated with them. They are a tool just like any other, and when used properly, they can be a useful tool. Too many people use the dog park to exercise their dogs instead of taking them for a walk. Remember that the proper structure is exercise, discipline, and affection. Dog parks should be thought of as affection, not exercise. The reason is simple. When your dog is at the dog park they are running around off leash, and you have very little control over them unless they are really well trained. Exercise in the form of a good walk, is the best way to bond with your dog, because of the structure, and that is what they do in the wild. They walk together.
So, if you would like to take your dog to the dog park, try this the next time you go. Take your dog for a thirty minute walk, then take them to the gate of the park, and have them do a down stay. When they are calm and submissive, enter the first gate. Make sure they are calm and submissive, and then enter the park. Now you have had a great walk where the dog received exercise, and discipline, and the dog park can become the affection in the form of a reward. Use caution in dog parks, if you are training your dog, and then put them in a pack of unstable dogs, you can experience setbacks in your own training.

Finding the Perfect Vet

Trying to find a good Veterinarian can be a daunting task. There are so many to choose from. Don't be scared to ask questions, and if you don't like the answers you are getting, try another veterinarian.

The dog in this video is Driver, and she is an angel. She was in need of a nail trim, but suffers from a phobia related to touching her feet. I tried to do it myself, but she was just in too much distress. I recommended my Vet to her, and meet her there for some advice. Another vet had already tried to drug her, with no luck. I felt like trimming them at a different location other than her home would help. Also being out of site from the owners can cause dogs to behave differently than they would in their home. As you can see from this video, it was a great success! Thanks to all the folks at VCA El Mirage Animal Hospital. They are just the best!

Dog Taining

It is a great idea to try to train your dog everyday in ten minute sessions. Try to focus on one thing at a time. You can tell when it is time to move on to the next trick when your dog is performing the task at about 80%. It is important to treat the dog when promised. This is especially important when using the clicker. If you do not follow through with this, the clicker will lose its power.
To many people try to tell me that they just do not have the time it takes to train a really good dog, but that is just not the case. With a little time management, you will see just how easy it really is. Make your training sessions only ten minutes at a time. The time frame makes sure that the dog stops still wanting more. This is very important, If we train for periods that are too long the dog gets tired, and it stops being fun. If we stop sooner, then we leave the dog wanting more. Also, I like to train my dogs without any collar or lead whenever possible. That way, I know that they are working because they want to, and not because they have to. With some work and patience, you can have the perfect dog that you have always wanted. Seek out a professional in your area, and that will help keep you from making mistakes. It is much harder to teach a dog not to do something, than it is to teach them how to do something.

Fear Aggression

Wow! What a day. Today, I was working with a dog named Chico. He was the worst case of fear aggression I have ever seen. On our first visit, he did everything in his power to kill me. I found that when submitting the dog, he tended to become more afraid, and that triggered his aggression.

So, on my next visit I changed my tactics. I invited some people over to their house that had not had any real dealings with the dog. I asked the mom to step outside, and put the muzzle, leash, and the collar on the dog. Then I asked her to put the dog on a sit, and stay about ten feet back from the door. I ask the others in the house to come up one at a time and get a piece of ham (I asked the men to take several pieces of ham since the dog showed more aggression towards men than women). Then I asked them to walk up to the dog with confidence (no touch, no talk, and no eye contact), and kneel straight down, and put the treat on the ground in front of the dog. As soon as the dog took the treat they were to go back inside the house. We did this with all the guests in the house. Then we went through some training. I had different members of the house take turns walking the dog. We ended the exercise the same way, by having each person walk up, kneel down, and then offer the treat. Then they stood up, and went back into the house.

This worked out very well, and at the very end, I was able to get the dog to accept the treats from my hand. This left the dog with a positive experience when dealing with strangers, instead of growling, and then being submitted. His first sight of us was positive with food reward, and last thing we did was positive with food reward.

Thanks to the cooperation of their entire family, I now believe Chico is well on his way to having a well balanced life.

Bad Behavior

Bad behavior, much like in humans is almost always a result of what the dog has been getting, as well as what the dog has not been getting. It is very important to make sure that we are meeting the needs of our dogs, according to breed as well as their environment. When we see aggression in dogs, it is most often the end result of a far bigger problem, and we are seeing the aggression as a result of other things in the dog’s life. Far too often, people are making a choice on the kind of dog they will be getting based only on its appearance. What a mistake! We are just setting the dogs up for failure, and that is one reason that dogs are returned to the shelters after only a couple of days. This is a lifelong commitment you made, so you should do everything in your power to pick the right dogs, and to make sure those dogs has every possible advantage when it comes to training. Then you will have a well balanced dog that will be a valuable member of your family.

Fear Aggression

One of the biggest problems I face as a Behavioral Specialist is fear aggression in dogs. This can be a real problem, because you are dealing with the lack of trust, plus the aggression that can be displayed out of that fear. I have been working with a little dog named Marley who came from an abusive home. She was very afraid, and would bite anyone who came to close. I worked with her for three weeks, and helped her to be more trusting, even going so far as to sit in my lap while I petted her. This case was a little sad, because the folks that were taking care of her could not keep her, because they were loosing their home, and the lady was moving in with her daughter who had several small children. Marley would not have been happy there, and could have ended up in a shelter where she would have been put down. But, with a little luck we ran an ad in the paper, and a wonderful lady and her husband answered the ad. I meet with them, and they loved Marley right away. I gave them some instructions about how to introduce Marley to her new home, and off they went. I wish all of my cases could have such a happy ending. Marley is now in her forever home, and she is doing well. The picture is of her new owner! What a great lady, and I thank her with all my heart.

Balanced Dogs

Today we are going to talk about having a well balanced dog. I see so many people making so many mistakes when it comes to handling their dogs. People spend their time trying to relate to their dog like a typical primate would. They throw their hands around, talk louder, and when the dog does not listen they talk even louder. You are not going to have a well balanced dog acting like that. We have to learn to relate to our dogs in a way that they can understand from their point of view. Dogs do not rationalize! When they are not trained, all they have is instinct. When I am training my dogs, I never hit or yell at them. I want to build a loving relationship that is based on trust. I try to use as much positive reinforcement as I can. We can think of our relationship with our dogs like a bank account. Picture a black board with a line down the center, with plus signs on one side, and minus signs on the other side. Every time we use negative reinforcement, we are making a withdrawal, and we put a minus sign on the board. Every time we use positive reinforcement, we are making a deposit, and we add a plus sign on that side. At the end of the day, we should have far more plus signs than minus signs. Find out what motivates your dog and use it. It will never be violence or abusive behavior!

Puppy Training

So many people make mistakes when training their dogs, because they are not consistent with their training. Remember that a new puppy does not know the rules of the house. They must be shown what to do, and we must expect them to make some mistakes along the way. Dogs do not rationalize like humans do. Also, dogs rely on instinct until humans train them, so when a dogs bites at you over food, they are not trying to get you back or be bad. Their instinct tells them to fight for food, until a human shows them another way. Being calm and assertive is the key to getting dogs to respect us. It is also important to start training them right away, and do not let an unwanted behavior go unchecked. If you are a strong pack leader, your dog will love you, and follow you all the days of their lives. It is natural for a dog to be in a pack in the wild. So as you train them to be a part of your pack, it is only natural for them to assume that role. But, if you do not take charge, then they will. They always look so cute when we bring them home, but any dog can go bad if not properly trained. Please seek out a professional like myself so you can get on the road to a well balanced dog that will bring you, and your family many years of joy.

Pit Bulls

Just a note to Cesar Millan. He is one of the people I really admire. He has been instrumental in the success of my business. I wanted to acknowledge his 16 year friend Daddy. Daddy was a credit to his breed. I am so blessed to have a right hand man (dog) named Dozer, and I hope to continue Cesar's work as long as I can. Maybe someday, Cesar will meet Dozer, and he will see some of Daddy in him. Daddy will be waiting for Cesar at the rainbow bridge! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmh61qHBMas

Dogs-Fear Aggression

I would just like to remind everyone, that being a dog owner comes with a great responsibility. That responsibility becomes even greater when we own powerful large breed dogs. When a dog owner allows a powerful breed dog to get out of control, they are just adding to the problems all of these dogs are having in finding a forever home. Please, you owe it to your dog, they are dependent on you, and they only know what you teach them. When we let our dogs bark, growl, or strike, even once without correction, we are setting ourselves, and our dogs up for failure. Dogs must be wearing a collar with a lead attached at all times (except when unattended, or asleep). We must have a way to correct them when they are displaying unwanted behavior. If we do not take the role of pack leader in our homes, then the dogs will. Then all you have is the inmates running the funny farm. If you would like to own a big dog like a Pit Bull, you need to read about them, and find out what they were bread for, and how you might be able to meet their needs based on the home you have, the space you have, and the people who are living in the home. Everyone has to work together to teach a dog it's proper place in the pack. Please seek out a trained professional as soon as you get your new dog. That will help you avoid mistakes that can be hard to correct. It is easier to get a dog to do something you want, rather than fix a behavior that you do not want.

Dog Aggression

Tonight, we are going to talk about training our dogs while being in a state of calm assertive energy. When people get angry with their dogs, and yell at them, or spank them, they are doing an injustice to themselves and their dogs. That energy is passed through the leash, and right into the dog. This can lead to aggression in dogs down the road. As a dog trainer, I see this type of behavior far too often. I do understand that owners get frustrated with their dogs, mostly because the owners are untrained. The key to a well balanced dog is rules, boundaries, and limitations along with exercise, discipline, and affection (in that order). If you watch a good dog trainer, you will notice that there is not a lot being said, but you can see the respect that they have for each other. That is accomplished through trust! You may get a dog to do some stuff for you because he is afraid of you, but that is not what we are looking for. We want a well balanced dog that is a wonderful addition to our families. Look at this picture of me, and my dog Dozer. If you are not sure about the point I am trying to make, look at this photo. This is what we want between owner and dog.

Dog Behavior

If you are planning to introduce a new dog into your home, make sure that you put some thought into the kind of dog that will fit into your family the best. It is a good idea to try to pick a dog that has a energy level on the same level as your other dogs or just below. Take your old dog to a neutral place to introduce them for the first time. Avoid eye to eye contact at first. In...troduce the old dogs butt to the new dog. Watch the dogs body posture, as well as their eyes, ears, and tails to gain some insight as to how the dogs are feeling about each other. Take all of them for a long walk before returning home. Make sure to watch them when they eat, and play to help keep them out of trouble. Correct any unwanted behaviors right away. Keep all the dogs on some type of correction collar with a 10 ft lead till everybody gets to know one another. Before you know it, you will have one big happy family!

Dog Training-Repeating Commands

One of the biggest mistakes people make when training their dogs, is to repeat commands. You always hear people saying come on Fluffy sit, sit, SIT! This is one of the worst things you can do when training your dog. You have to say it, and mean it. Give a command once, wait one or two seconds for the dog to respond. If they do not respond, make them obey the command. If you give a command like stay, and the dog breaks the command, do not repeat the command. Go to the dog, grab their leash and give them a correction, and put them back in the same spot that they broke from.
If you believe in Positive Reinforcement, you can use a bribe to get them to stay. Put them in a down stay, and put the bribe on the floor. When the dog moves, pick up the bribe. Put them back in the stay (without repeating the command), and put the bribe back on the floor. Soon the dog will be staying for you on their own. Later this bribe becomes a Lure, and then finally no treats at all. Check out this video link, and you will see an example of the sit, and stay command.
http://www.youtube.com/user/007ryker?blend=5&ob=5#p/a/u/1/qdE_GTBdBcw

Potty Trainig

Here is a great tip for potty training our dogs.
* Keep your dogs in your site at all times.
* Dogs must go outside after naps, playing, eating. Then, about every two hours in between. You can use a crate to manage their space, especially when they are just starting to learn.
* Keep dogs on a lead with a collar so you can get them in a hurry if you need to.
* If you do use a crate, the crate should be just big enough to stand up in, and turn around in. If it is any bigger, the dog with just eliminate in one corner, and rest in the other,
* Finally, if your dog makes a mistake, clean it up with a rag, and take the dog outside, and show them the rag, then let them sniff it. Drop it on the ground, and say go potty. Then leave the rag outside. The next time you let the dog outside, walk him up to the rag, and let them sniff it, and then give the command "Go Potty".

Dog Obedience

Everybody wants to have their dog acting on its best behavior at all times. It is possible to have a well trained dog that is obedient, and a pleasure to take with you. Really, before we begin any training, we must learn to get the dogs attention. He or she needs to be looking at us, so they will be able to see what it is that we are asking of them. We can use food as a lure to get our dogs to look at us. Hold the treat up in front of your face, and as soon as the dog makes the least bit of eye contact with you, say watch me, give them the treat. As you practice this, you will be able to get the dog to look at you for extended periods of time. Take a look at my dog Dozer in this picture, notice that his attention is focused on me. This picture was taken in a busy park with lots of distractions, and other dogs walking within 10 yards of us.