Unleashed Unlimited
THE Dog Training Blog

The new Dublin Dog Collars designs are here! In order to get these new designs out there, we are putting all Dublin Dog Collars and Leashes on sale for 20% off!  To view and purchase the great Dublin Dog Collar and Leash styles and colors, visit our online store!

As you all know, Dublin Dog Collars are created from a special blend of polymers that won’t absorb moisture, retain dirt, or harbor bacteria found in your favorite play areas. So no more collars that smell like an old sponge, just rinse under warm water, and you’re ready for the next adventure.

These dog collars will not fade and do not stink, ensuring that they will look brand new for years to come. You wanted a collar as unique as your dog, now you got it. We should all be so Lucky!!!!

You will be hard to find any site that offers these collars for this price!  All Dublin Dog items are delivered via UPS and the 20% off sale runs until October 31, 2008!

People frequently ask us what a good age is to start training a new puppy.  The short answer is as soon as they set foot in your home, in fact a good breeder should have already started training.  I know what some of you may be thinking - how do you expect to train an 8 week old puppy?  A lot of people think dog training only refers to teaching sit, come, paw, and stay; however dog training is so much more then that.

Training a puppy or a dog goes way beyond obedience, dog training is about structure, boundaries, leadership, socialization, behavior, balance, and so many other things.  All of these things need to be established from the first second you take home a new puppy.

Obedience can be taught at any time, but when you first bring home a new puppy, you should be focusing on molding your puppy into the dog you want him or her to become.  Sometimes you only get one chance to work on certain skills, that is why it is important to start immediately, things like walking on a leash and retrieving can wait.

The focus of puppy ownership should be concentrated in the following areas:

• Socialization with people of all different races, shapes, sizes, age and personality
• Socialization with puppies and other WELL-SOCIALIZED dogs
• Prevention of resource guarding
• Handling skills
• Potty training
• Leadership drills

We get a lot of calls from adult dog owners who are experiencing behavior issues that could have been easily avoided if certain drills and exercises were practiced when the dog was younger.  We understand that puppies do not come with an owner’s manual, so Unleashed Unlimited offers a Puppy Consultation that is designed to give the right information and confidence to get you and your family off on the right foot with your new puppy.

Please take our advice and realize that obedience should not be the primary focus of a young puppy’s life.  Start on the important, time sensitive things that your puppy needs.  If you have any questions about your puppy, please feel free to contact us.

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Dogs are such great animals; entertaining, athletic, funny, affectionate and fascinating.  Maybe all of these characteristics are reasons why we bond with them so easily.  Sometimes we see certain clients with an obvious, amazing bond that they have with their dog; that is what dog ownership should be about.

Building relationships and bonding do not always happen automatically or easily, we can’t simply command our dogs to bond.  In order to have a healthy relationship with your dog, certain things like leadership, communication, interaction, exercise, mental stimulation, praise, and respect all have to be present.  These things take time, patience, and consistency to establish, but the rewards are worth it!

Here is a short list of things you can do to build or improve the relationship you have with your dog…

• Train them not only in obedience, but with some different things like agility, tricks, and games
• Take your dog for a walk, run, hike or swim
• Praise your dog when you are proud of them
• Groom your dog.  Clean their ears, bathe them, trim their nails, brush them, and handle them
• Play with your dog
• If you have multiple dogs, occasionally take turns walking or playing with one at a time
• Implement and practice leadership skills and exercises

Pictured above is Jim and his dog Maverick, an English Pointer puppy.  Jim and Maverick have a great relationship and bond that is extremely clear from the first second you see them together.  Jim and Maverick have this great relationship because Jim frequently practices the tips mentioned above, and thoroughly enjoys spending time with his dog.

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We frequently take a break from our normal training classes take our clients and their dogs trail class at Walnut Creek Park. Many have clients have been before as we do this once a month; but we also had a few new students.  One to mention is an 8 month old Akita named Kevo who did not achieve off-leash status until last class.  He had a grand old time and experienced getting into the water for the first time; it was hot, he was thankful.

It is a joy for me to watch all of the dogs pack up and move forward, it does wonders for socialization.  They were all mindful of their owners and frequently checking in, and everyone practiced their recalls and distance sitting. The trails are tight and full of bike riders; everyone was mindful as to control their dogs to make way for the incoming traffic (one of the rules of our trail class).  I think they were a bit surprised as to how well trained all of the dogs were and how they were able to sit them at a distance in spite of everything.   It makes it more enjoyable for everyone and we all had a blast!

If you would like to enjoy hiking with your dog in all of the wonderful trails and parks in Austin, give us a call and we can begin to show you how Unleashed Unlimited can train your dog to behave off-leash.

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We are always looking for new pet products to share with our readers.  We recently went to a home for an evaluation and I was introduced to a product I never knew existed; an electronic motorized pet door.  Its like a garage door opener for your dog, what a great invention!

It allows you to keep your indoor cats safely inside and lets your dog or outdoor cat outside using a magnetized sensor that is worn on your pet’s collar, and will not allow raccoons, opossums and the like to gain access to your home.  There are many great features of this pet door:

• You can lock the door if you don’t want your pets outside in the wee hours of the morning
• It can be connected to your security system for extra safety
• You can control the activation range
• You can control the duration of time the door stays open
• It is helpful in conserving energy, as there is no draft

The company that makes this product is a company called Solo.  They have a lot of information on their site about shipping, pricing and sizes, it is definitely worth checking out!

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• Dogs are not born knowing how to behave, training teaches them
• Training mentally stimulates your dog
• Training is a part of responsible pet ownership
• A trained dog can have more freedom
• Training is a great way to bond with your dog
• Training is fun
• Training teaches you and your dog to work together
• Training gives the dog a clear understanding of how you want him to behave
• A trained dog can be a greater part of your family
• Training can help prevent dogs from being surrendered to shelters or put down
• Training establishes and improves communication
• Training helps control and manage behavior issues
• Dogs look to us for guidance, training provides this
• Training eliminates conflict between you and your dog
• The joys of owning a trained dog are priceless

The bottom line is that owning a dog and dog training go hand in hand; do yourself and your dog a favor and train them!  Unleashed Unlimited would love to show you the benefits of owning a trained dog, if you are looking for a dog trainer in Austin, please feel free to contact us for a FREE demo and evaluation.

If you would like to add another reason why dogs should be trained, please leave your reasons below in the form of a comment.

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What Is It?

Gastric torsion, bloat, torsion, and gastric dilatation-volvulus are all names given for the medical condition where a dog’s stomach becomes overstretched by excessive gas content.  In these cases, the dog becomes unable to naturally expel the buildup, and some cases the stomach can actually “flip” over and cut off all escape routes for the gas, trapping it inside.  Bloat can be fatal!  Unfortunately I experienced this first hand with my last dog Onyx, who experienced bloat while staying at a kennel a few years ago and died.  One of our clients had a previous dog, an Akita named Borlo, that also passed away from GDV.

Can Your Dog Get It?

Although it is unlikely, smaller dogs do not usually experience bloat.  It is more likely to happen to larger, deep-chested breeds like Great Danes, Akitas, German Shepherds, Labradors, Boxers, St. Bernards and other dogs of similar body types.

How Can You Recognize It?

Although there are several possible signs of bloat or torsion, a dog suffering from it will not always show ALL of these signs, but here are a few…

Restlessness, excessive drooling, non-productive attempts to vomit, noticeable swelling of the stomach, pale gums, difficulty breathing, and the inability to lay down.

If you think your dog may be showing signs of these behaviors or others, take your dog to the vet immediately - THIS IS AN EMERGENCY.  It is also a good idea to call the vet on your way so that they may prepare for your arrival.

How Can You Prevent It?

• There is a preventative surgery, called gastroplexy, that can reduce the risk of the stomach turning over onto itself.
• Do not feed your dog less then 2 hours before heavy physical activity.  Also, do not feed your dog within 2 hours after heavy physical activity.
• Feed several (at least 2) small meals, instead of 1 large meal per day.  Also make sure that your dog eats slow and does not “inhale” their food.
• Limit your dog’s water intake before, after, and during exercise or play.
• Give your dog a Gas-Ex before heavy physical activity; this will help prevent gasses from building up  in your dog’s stomach.
• Feed your dog a high-quality dog food that will not immediately expand when it comes into contact with water.
• Have your vet’s contact information readily available at all times.

Pictured above are Kira and Kevo, two Akita puppies that have had the preventative surgery.

Please understand that this entry provides a very basic outline of this condition.  Please contact your vet if you have any questions regarding this condition or any information contained in this article.

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I was recently reading an article called “Some Important Dog Training Equipment”.  The article talks about a few different dog training tools, such as muzzles, harnesses, leashes, etc. used by people to train dogs.  I didn’t really think much of the article until the author made the following statement, “You will no doubt find that by using the right dog training equipment you’re sure to have success with teaching and training your beloved pet”. What bothers me about that statement is that the author is inferring that using this equipment will ensure that your dog will become well-behaved.

The huge point that is missing from the article is that all of these items are simply tools that used to help train dogs.  Any one of these things by themselves, or together, do not train a dog to do anything; it is how a person uses these tools that produce the desired results with your dog.  If I were to buy the most expensive pair of golf clubs available, does that mean I would be able to able to drive a ball 300 yards down the middle of a narrow fairway or compete on the PGA tour?

Even simple tools used incorrectly will not produce the results you are looking for.

• If my timing is off even a little bit, when using a clicker, I can’t effectively shape any behaviors.
• If I put a choke chain on backwards, what good is it doing my dog?
• Applying tension to a leash at the wrong times can help contribute to aggression.
• Treats can easily turn into a bribe if not used correctly.
• Improper use of a gentle leader can cause a dog neck injuries.

When someone hires a dog trainer they are not hiring them because they own “some important dog training equipment”, they are being hired for their knowledge, experience, obtainable results, and problem solving abilities.  Make sure that your dog trainer knows how to use the training tools that they recommend, and can effectively share that information with you.  If you live in the Austin area and would like Unleashed Unlimited Dog Training to speak to you about our training abilities, knowledge, or anything else, please feel free to contact us.

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Many more towns and cities are adding dog parks to their list of community features.  In the Austin area alone there are over 14 off-leash areas.  Dog parks can be an excellent community resource for you and your dog, but they can also be a nightmare if the rules are not followed and the owners do not pay attention.  Besides the obvious ones like picking up after your dog and having voice control over your dog at all times, here are a few things to keep in mind when attending dog parks, just to ensure you and your dog leave having a pleasant experience.

Dog Park Dos

• Do keep your eye on your dog at all times - When you are not watching your dog, you will not only miss your dog pooping, but you also have no idea that your dog is pestering another dog, jumping on little children, guarding the water dish, or a variety of other things.  Unfortunately, a dog park is not the place to let your dog run free, out of sight while you sit at the bench and read the paper or engage in other activities.  Dog parks are a great place for humans to socialize, it just has to be done while at the same time keeping an eye on your dog.  In my opinion, this is the most important thing you can do.

• Do keep moving - Dogs in motion are less likely to get into fights.  It’s when several dogs are stationary in a single spot that a lot of unwanted social behaviors are practiced.  Help out by not crowding around in a large group of non-moving people and dogs.

• Do find a dog that shares a similar play style as yours - Some dogs like to chase, some like to wrestle, some dogs are fast, and some are slow.  In most cases, a high-energy dog and a slower, older dog will not make good play partners.

• Do learn a little bit about dog behavior and body language - Reading a dog’s body language is a huge part of the social process.  If you can tell when your dog (or another dog) is uncomfortable in a certain situation, you can call your dog out of it before anything escalates.

• Do realize that not all dogs belong at a dog park - It really is that simple, not all dogs can handle the dog park experience.  I know plenty of really well-trained, good dogs that just cannot handle a dog park for a variety of reason; there is nothing wrong with that.  Be honest with yourself and really ask yourself if your dog belongs there.

Dog Park Don’ts

• Don’t let young children run around or approach all dogs - There is a proper way for children and adults to greet a dog, and not all dogs are good with children.  When children run, dogs chase - it is what they do.  Teach your kids how to properly behave around dogs, and always get permission from the dog owner before any interaction occurs.

• Don’t over-react if some one’s dog growls at yours - Growling is a form of communication, it does not mean that a dog is aggressive.  There is a proper way for dogs to greet each other, if a stable dog corrects another dog for an in-your-face, inappropriate greeting, it is simply communication between them.

• Don’t crowd around the entrance - It can be a stressful experience for dogs when dogs first enter the dog park.  Imagine how much worse it becomes when 10 other dogs rush right up to him or her.  Most dog parks are big enough to spread out, even if your park is not huge, keep the immediate area around the entrance free of dogs.

• Don’t let your dog guard - Guarding the water bowl, a stick, or other toys is an easy way for a fight to start.  Don’t let your dog do it, and don’t let your dog bother another dog if that other dog is peacefully chewing a stick off to the side by himself, tell your dog to come!

• Don’t expect anyone else in the park to do the right thing - When it comes down to it, you are the only one that can only be responsible for your dog.

While there are several dozen more dos and don’ts about dog parks, if everyone followed these steps there would be a lot less incidents at dog parks.  Unleashed Unlimited is always here to answer any questions you may have about dog parks and your dog, so just ask it in the form of a comment below.

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Some may refer to small dogs as “Yappy little things,” I just laugh.  Small dogs are just as trainable as large ones, small dogs are awesome!! You can really have a blast training them although people seldom do, many prefer to carry them around in a tote bag or pushing them around in stroller while they are wearing their new outfits (I thought strollers were for babies).  Small dogs have the same needs as larger dogs; they need to be socialized, taught to pay attention, leadership, and balance.

I met a small dog whose feet had barely touched the ground because she had been constantly carried around, there are a lot of great things down there for her to explore. It took her a few days to figure that out and then the fun began!!

I am the proud owner of a Cairn Terrier named Walter. I love this little dog, he knows all of the obedience work as any other dog in the house. I spend time now teaching him fun new tricks, building his toy drive and keeping him polished on his obedience work.  He is social with large dogs and small dogs and regardless of size, is often the biggest dog in the house, I think they call that “mini me syndrome”.  His nickname is Joe Pesci.  Some of my favorite small breeds to watch in action are Rat Terriers, French Bulldogs, Jack Russell Terriers and our friend Bill (a Pomeranian/Chihuahua mix).

Small dogs have huge possibilities!!! They are intelligent, capable of learning and you can really teach them some great things!!  If you have a small dog that may need some training, contact our Austin dog trainers, we would love to meet your mini-me.

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