We have been running into a lot of shy, nervous, and fearful dogs lately, a little more than usual.  In addition to strong leadership, a solid foundation of obedience, and socialization, these dogs need some confidence!

One of our favorite ways to build confidence in shy dogs is to teach them to maneuver over the agility equipment.  Not only does it help them feel a sense of accomplishment but you can see them start to become more outgoing and willing to participate after their initial exposure to the different obstacles.  These experiences absolutely start to carry over into other aspects of the dogs’ lives as well!

Agility is not only good at building some confidence in these shy and nervous dogs, but it’s a ton of fun too!  Whether you have a shy dog or an outgoing knuckle head who is just looking for a job, find out more about our obstacle training and confidence course by clicking here.

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Have you ever tried to have your dog lay down while at a friend’s house, or told your dog to come at a new park, or introduced your dog to a stranger in a place where your dog has never been before?    Whether it be a delay in response time, a display of fear or uncertainty, or the overwhelming urge to explore the new environment, many of us get a much different response from our dogs in new places.

We all know that our dogs can be very easily effected by environmental factors that you and I take for granted.  Simple things like new smells and sounds can have a big impact on our dog’s behavior, not to mention the other more obvious factors that are present in new locations. In order to advance our dogs’ training and overcome location specific training, it’s important to expose them to new locations and bring them out of their comfort zones.  Here are some tips to help your dog become used to working in new environments.

• Start by finding the right locations to work with your dog, instead of taking your dog for a walk along the same route everyday, explore new parts of your neighborhood.  If you are an Unleashed Unlimited client who usually comes to our Leander dog training location, try coming to one of our Austin dog training classes for a change of pace, and vice versa.  Meet up at a friends home or a park that they visit frequently and do a little training in their favorite locations.

• If your dog is having a hard time in a new environment, don’t get frustrated or mark the wrong behaviors, remember to stick to the core concepts of your training program, don’t panic!  Instead, take a step back and practice something a bit easier and let them be successful, then return to more challenging tasks.

• Remember to keep moving!  Movement is a great way to dissipate stress in dogs and it can help them regain their focus back on you.

By working our dogs in new environments we can constantly expand their comfort zone and increase the dog’s confidence and skill level.  The world is such a better place when we have confident, obedient, and well socialized dogs!

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1. Can you provide a brief overview of yourself and your business and services?

My name is Mike Loesche. I am a graduate of National K-9 and have attended training at Robin MacFarlane’s “That’s My Dog” as well. I am the owner and head trainer of Homeland K-9 in Springboro, OH. I specialize in remote collar training and “board and trains”. Once a client’s dog completes a board and train with me they attend group classes in order to solidify the obedience around real world distractions. This builds confidence in the owner’s ability to be able to control their dogs in public. I also offer Puppy Preschool, Kinder Puppy, and Specialty Training such as Tracking 101, Fun Nose work, and Sport Protection.

2. What advice can you give a potential dog owner who is looking to adopt from a dog/puppy from a shelter?

When most people decide to adopt a dog, the first thing they think about is how cute the dog is. They also often want to know if the dog has any obedience training or is housebroken.

I believe the two most important things to consider are is the dog confident, and is the dog sociable with humans and other animals. The answer to these questions are not always evident just by seeing a dog at the shelter. My recommendation is to take the dog outside and away from the kennel area to see how they interact with you and your family. I would also bring a ball or tug toy to see if the dog has any drive. This is going to be important for positive obedience training. Remember, a dog can always learn obedience commands and be housetrained with consistency after they are adopted. However, if a dog is super fearful or unsociable a new owner may find it difficult to turn this dog into a desirable member of the family. It would take a very patient owner to adopt a dog with these characteristics.

3. From your experience and in your opinion, what are some of the most common mistakes dog owners make?

I think the biggest mistake I see is owners believe bonding with their dog means spoiling their dog. In fact, it is just the opposite. Dogs need someone in charge. This comes through obedience training and rules. Your dog will love and respect you more if they have boundaries and leadership. Do not make your dog an equal by allowing him/her to sleep in your bed, eat people food, and get on the furniture. I am not referring to owners who buy small dogs for the purpose of having a “lap dog” as this is OK. However, Even lap dogs should not be in bed with you or treated as if they were a human child.

Another major mistake that I see is that for most dogs, when they are purchased or adopted it is like hitting the mega millions overnight. Everything is free for the dog. They have to do nothing to survive. I try to teach my students that the dog needs to work for everything he/she wants. For example, food, toys, going outside, getting praise, etc. This can be accomplished by doing something as simple as making your dog sit before going out the door or laying down before feeding. This will not only make your dog’s obedience more reliable but also teaches the dog that you are in control.

4. What is the most remarkable thing you have seen a dog do?

I personally did not witness this, but found this story amazing, click here for the story.

5. In your opinion, what is the single most important command you can teach a dog and why?

I believe all basic obedience commands are important, however the command “look” or “watch me” command is probably the most important. Whether the dog is hyper, aggressive, fearful, or whatever, if the dog learns to focus on his/her owner when told he/she is not paying attention to his surroundings. This reduces the possibility of the dog acting in a manner that the owner does not want. Saying this, I will say that without a lot of consistency most owners have a hard time solidifying this command around distractions.

A lot of owners are concerned about having flashy obedience. This “flash” is usually not used. In actuality they probably use the first command they ever taught their dog 99% of the time. For example, when you go into your vet’s office and there is a dog in the lobby that is barking and pulling on their leash at your dog. What is the first thing you are going to ask your dog to do? Sit…. This is more than likely the very first command you taught your dog. A solid, basic foundation around distractions is extremely important and is more useful than tricks and the flashy obedience.

6. Can you provide any useful information, advice, or tips for dog owners who frequent off leash dog parks?

Some of you are probably not going to like the answer to this, but in my opinion, a big reason why people frequent a dog park is to have their dog play with other dogs. However, I think that the biggest reason people frequent these parks is so that they can allow their dog off leash in a fenced in area.

I personally am not a big fan of dog parks. I want my dogs to be socialized with other dogs, however I have seen dogs develop bad habits at dog parks such as dog aggression and fear. These behaviors develop because, let’s be honest, not all owners who take their dogs to dog parks are responsible. If every dog at the dog park was current on their vaccinations, obedience trained and well socialized, the risk of these behaviors developing would be minimal. Unfortunately, you cannot guarantee the owner next to you is as responsible as you are. If you are going to be at a dog park, my advise is use lots of supervision, and if anything becomes questionable with your dog’s behavior or another dog’s behavior, you need to leave for the day. You want to be sure that you do not allow something to develop that will make the park a negative experience for your dog.

I think that most owners have a goal of having off leash control in any environment. Why take your dog to a dog park when you can use this same energy to take them to an open field, camping, hiking, etc. As a dog owner and professional trainer I want my dog to have more fun with me than with anything else in life. This might seem crazy but lets think about it….with training, if your dog is used to being leashed up to go to the dog park and run with other dogs, how eager are they going to be to leash up and work with you? In comparison, where do you fall? Socialization with other dogs is important but I believe it should be controlled by me as the owner.

7. What skills/concepts do you find dog owners have the most trouble with, and what advice do you give them?

I do not use a remote collar as a correction tool, but rather use it to prompt and motivate the dog to perform a command. In remote collar training, the biggest problem I see is owners who stop using the collars too soon. Two weeks into an obedience class I see the owner not pushing the button to get their dog to perform a command. When I ask them why they say “I don’t have to push the button anymore to get my dog to sit”. I tell them that it is very important to keep your dogs conditioned to the collar and the training. If the owner is not consistent with the training I find that they then begin to use the collar incorrectly (as a correction). This results in the dog associating the collar with a punishment rather than a prompting tool.

8. Do you have a product, event, video, organization, or something else to promote that you feel our readers can benefit from?

I am currently sharing Remote Collar Training Secrets with dog owners through my newsletter. I want to take the secrecy out of using a remote collar properly. Readers can register for the newsletter here.

I am also currently taping a documentary on How to Raise a Puppy…the First 120 Days. This documentary won’t be released for about 6 months but will instruct owners on how to have a confident and friendly, obedient, off leash dog in the first 120 days. It will be available on my website.

I am also in the process of developing a trainer’s school. My hope is to have our first class available before the end of the year. I am very excited about this opportunity.

9. Is there anything else you would like to add or share with our readers?

I appreciate Paul Sulinski of Unleashed Unlimited for the opportunity to be featured on the Trainer’s Spotlight.

I would like to extend a big thank you to Mike and the rest of the Homeland K9 family.  Be sure to check out Mike Loesche’s website and sign up for his free newsletter. Thanks, Mike!

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Q:  Can you provide a brief overview of yourself and your business and services?

A:  My name is Renée Lamoureux, and I own Follow Me Dog Training LLC in Richmond, Virginia. My business is mostly private lessons, board and train programs and group classes. Although I will add on more selective classes as needed. I’ve been training since 1996. During that time I have owned two businesses and was a trainer/instructor for That’s My Dog! Inc. I specialize in training with remote collars but really feel that my training is a mixture of many different methods to get the job done. Having fun with my clients and their dogs is important as long as during that fun time, they learn as much as they and their dog can handle. In my opinion, if you have a dog you should be able to do anything and everything you want to and that comes from a foundation of communication and a healthy relationship.

Q:  What advice can you give a potential dog owner who is looking to adopt from a dog/puppy from a shelter?

A:  Do your research and take someone with you. I know of a lot of clients that walked into a shelter and saw the cutest dog and said “That’s it, that’s the one” and they didn’t think about what their needs for a dog where or take the time to get the dog out a couple times to see if there was a match. Also take someone with you, an impartial friend and if you have one, one that isn’t a big dog fan. Sounds crazy but sometimes they can put perspective on the dogs you are looking at. Adopting a dog is a great thing to do and I currently have an adopted dog. But I thought long and hard about the size, look, temperament, and age of the dog that I wanted and I encourage everyone to do the same. Lastly, ask a trainer to go with you…they might ask some of the best questions.

Q:  From your experience and in your opinion, what are some of the most common mistakes dog owners make?

A:  As a dog trainer I feel as though I deal with lot of mistakes, but my job is to help people have a wonderful life with their dog and mistakes happen so I try to acknowledge what they have done and no longer think of them as mistakes, but learning experiences for the owners. There are some that stand out though that I will immediately address. One of the biggest I see is when someone brings a dog or puppy into their home, they don’t realize that establishing some house rules and a schedule are the top two things to do. I talk to people all the time that adopted a dog and waited six months for the dog to “acclimate” to the house and family. Or they get a puppy and treat it like a human baby, once more letting it “acclimate and grow up” If you start out on the right foot, your dog will love you more. Another mistake I often see is the owner that brings home a second dog “for their first dog” This never works out like we want it to. If you are getting another dog for your first to play with, spend time with, get exercise with and to have as a friend, in my opinion you usually end up with two fuzzy forces of nature working against you. Another common mistake is how and what kind of exercise a dog needs and how the family can accomplish it. Dogs need exercise that is the bottom line, big or small they need both mental and physical exercise and it makes our lives and theirs better if we take an active part in providing our dogs with exercise.

Q:  What is the most remarkable thing you have seen a dog do?

A:  Hard to say. I’ve seen police K9’s doing their job and that is amazing. I’ve seen SAR dogs do their job. I’ve witnessed a handicap assist dog and the power of a therapy dog. I’ve seen smiles appear on the faces of people of all ages because of something their dog has done. I’ve seen athletes of the dog world compete in their sport. I think all of these things are remarkable! But since you asked what the most remarkable thing was I would have to say the unconditional love and understanding of our closest friends in a time of need. I recently lost my oldest dog to cancer and her grace and fortitude in her last moments were impressive, but what my other dogs did for me as we went through the first stages of mourning was the most amazing thing I have ever witnessed.

Q:  In your opinion, what is the single most important command you can teach a dog and why?

A:  Come. If your dog knows how to come to you no matter what, 100% of the time you can save them from so much and you can give them so much. A solid recall means I can do more with my dog, take them more places, trust them around distractions and know that they will be safe with me when I need them to be.

Q:  Can you provide any useful information, advice, or tips for dog owners who frequent off leash dog parks?

A:  I’m not a huge fan of dog parks. I used to go to one a long time ago when they were becoming popular and it was a lesson in discouragement. Now with more understanding under my belt I see the need for them and understand the reasoning for taking your dog to a dog park. So the advice I give everyone is this: If you choose to take your dog there, your dog is your responsibility. Make him earn his time with proper behavior into the park and once you as the owner take off the leash, KEEP MOVING! Don’t get caught talking to friends or sitting on a bench. The movement helps dissipate stress and allows your dog to move comfortably and come check in with you. Also make sure your dog has a solid recall, no matter what. And last, don’t let your dog be a bully and don’t let other dogs bully yours. There should be no food or toys in a dog park and make sure you scoop your poop!

Q:  What skills/concepts do you find dog owners have the most trouble with, and what advice do you give them?

A:  One concept I see owners struggling with is the concept that once that new dog (usually a rescue) is in your house they are no longer an abused, abandoned animal. They are yours and you are responsible for everything that happens to that dog from now on. If you stay stagnant in the thoughts of “oh my dog was abused and can’t do that” or “my dog is afraid because this happened to him” you are wasting time with your dog who just wants to be yours. So I find that the owners have a hard time realizing this is their dog and they have the ability to do anything the owners teach them.

Q:  Do you have a product, event, video, organization, or something else to promote that you feel our readers can benefit from?

A:  I offer a free evaluation to anyone that is interested in my services. Give me a call and let me tell you about the things we can do with your dog.

Q:  Is there anything else you would like to add or share with our readers?

A:  Owning a dog is a responsibility but it can be rewarding and a heck of a lot of fun. I hope that I have helped as many dogs and their owners as they have helped me. I look forward to continually learning and having fun with my dogs and any that I meet.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to Renée Lamoureux!  If you or anyone you know is looking for quality dog training in Richmond, Va, be sure to check out Follow Me Dog Training LLC.

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As we covered in a previous post, Should You Shave Your Dog in the Summer?, we learned that dogs do not feel cooler when shaved.  Since that is the case, what can you do to keep your dogs cool in the summer?

Here is a short list to help keep your dogs from over heating during the warm weather:

• Make sure the dog has plenty of access to fresh cool drinking water
• Never leave your dog in a parked car
• Make sure your dog has access to shade, and do not leave them outside when you are at work or away from home
• Set up a baby pool or a sprinkler in the back yard, or play some games with one of these
• Instead of pouring water on the dog’s back in efforts to cool him off, apply some water under the dog’s front armpits, belly, and inner rear leg
• If your dog has a dual layered coat, have a groomer brush out the undercoat to help insulate your dog
• Be sure to decrease the intensity of your play sessions, walks, and runs during extreme heat
• Be aware of your dog’s paws and pads when it comes to walking them, the street and sidewalks can get very hot
• Be sure to apply sunscreen to fair skinned dogs with fine coats
• Plenty of naps on the tile floors

Dogs are not only uncomfortable on hot summer days, but they are vulnerable to heatstroke and heat exhaustion which can be fatal, especially for overweight and older dogs.  Regardless of your dog’s age, weight, breed, or habits, please keep an eye on your pets and make sure they have as much fun this summer as we do!

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Q:  Can you provide a brief overview of yourself and your business and services?

A:  My name is Casey Ray and I am the training director at DogSmarts, a St. Louis based company offering training services to the greater St. Louis and Southwestern Illinois areas.  My staff takes pride in being able to offer services to meet the needs of each individual dog.  We feel strongly that every dog is different and better yet, that every dog & owner combination is different!  We set up a strategy for success after evaluating each dog and their environment.  We offer a wide variety of training programs and use a variety of training tools. In the summer of 2010, we’ll introduce our new facility, which will be home to our training, boarding, daycare & grooming services.

Q:  What advice can you give a potential dog owner who is looking to adopt from a dog/puppy from a shelter?

A:  Do your homework!  Not so much about the breed or mixed breed you’re thinking of adopting, but that particular dog’s energy level.  There are several energy levels within every breed and it’s crucial for you to place the proper one in your home depending on your lifestyle.  Focus on learning what that dog ‘will need’ daily to be fulfilled and not on  ‘what he is supposed to be’ because of the breed. Far too often I hear clients tell me about how they’ve owned this breed their whole life and this is the first they can’t manage.  Most likely they’ve gotten lucky and owned more low energy, submissive type personalities.  All of the sudden their 4th dog is the same breed but high energy and much more dominant.  Circumstances such as this, usually leaves the client feeling like something is wrong, when in reality, nothing is wrong at all.  Sure, certain breeds are better at certain tasks and vary in trainability, but a dog is an animal and canine before it is any breed type.   Be true to yourself and get a dog that matches your energy level, regardless of breed!

Q:  From your experience and in your opinion, what are some of the most common mistakes dog owners make?

A:  My top three would have to be:
1) Your everyday dog owner doesn’t understand the timing needed to correctly send a message, either positive or negative, to the dog. I see a lot of punishing or correcting a dog long after the association is gone.
2) An overall lack of knowledge when it comes to how to walk their dog and how important it is.  Many replace a good, structured walk with a romp in a large fenced back yard which only creates an aquarium effect.  Better than nothing, sure, but shouldn’t replace a good walk.
3) They tend to coddle and show affection when their dogs are in an unstable state of mind.  Telling a dog “it’s okay” and petting it while it is fearful or anxious is only reinforcing THAT state of mind.  Doing so is a perfect example of practicing human psychology on a canine.

Q:  What is the most remarkable thing you have seen a dog do?

A:  Years ago, we owned a Boxer named Hank, a dog that I will never forget. My wife was pregnant at the time but apparently was going through a tubal pregnancy that we were obviously unaware of.  One night she had gotten out of bed to use the restroom and didn’t return.  She was in our bathroom, on the floor, in dire pain.  Because it was in the middle of the night, I was sound asleep.  Hank came into the bedroom and barked at me until I awoke.  I woke up to Hank’s steady barks and to find her in agony.  As you ‘just know’ when something is serious, I drove her to the closest hospital at what seemed like 100 mph!  The doctors informed us after her emergency surgery, that due to a rupture, a longer period of time could’ve cost her life.  Hank stepped up, awoke me from a dead sleep and possibly saved a life!  I hope he’s waiting for us both to reunite someday. You’re forever missed, Hank!

Q:  In your opinion, what is the single most important command you can teach a dog and why?

A:  We can only pick one?  Hmmm…I’d have to go with a ‘heel’ command.  I think it’s vital to a dog’s psyche to learn to walk in such a matter that they are NOT in charge.  Dogs that pull their owners down the sidewalk on their retractable leashes are undoubtedly, running the show.  A dog that is walked properly and regularly also has decreased chances of frustration, which leads to many behavioral disorders, including aggression. A proper ‘heel’ enables an owner to walk through doorways and/or enter dog parks in charge while keeping the dog in a calm state of mind.  The ‘place’ and ‘down’ commands would be next on my list.

Q:  Can you provide any useful information, advice, or tips for dog owners who frequent off leash dog parks?

A:  Don’t!  All kidding aside, all you can do is control your own dog.  I personally don’t care for dog parks due to the fact of under educated owners.  This is another reason for our ‘Unlimited Group’ classes.  Many of our classes resemble a dog park with tons of playing.  However, in our classes, all the dogs have been through some type of formal training, bringing the number of unstable dogs way down!
If I must go to a dog park, I’d do a couple things:

1) Enter the park through the gates with your dog in a controlled ‘heel’ and in a calm state of mind.  Don’t ever let your dog go in highly excited, anxious and blowing through the gates.  Let your dog know that this is YOUR park.
2) Do a little obedience with them first thing.  Associate executing commands with this particular dog park, and reinforce properly.  Make it fun and incorporate a toy as a reward.  I want my dog to know I run even this show, but he can still have a ton of fun!
Anytime you take your dogs to a dog park, your dog is at the mercy of the others and its owners.  In my opinion, dog parks are often breeding grounds for unstable dogs!

Q:  What skills/concepts do you find dog owners have the most trouble with, and what advice do you give them?

A:  Usually dog owners who have well behaved kids have pretty decent dogs.  For the most part, there are a lot of similarities.  If I go into a home and notice the parents can’t stop their young child from doing a certain action, I know I have my work cut out for me.  Be consistent, be assertive, set boundaries and stick to them.  Keep your emotions in check.  As Cesar Millan says “We’re the only species that follows unstable leaders!” Your dog will respect you more when you have calm, firm rules in place.  Set up a strategy for success and do your best to stick to it!

Q:  Do you have an product, event, video, organization, or something else to promote that you feel our readers can benefit from?

A:  I’m not sure about if anyone can benefit from them, but I’d love to share a couple videos with the readers!  Meet DogSmarts Dog Training and DogSmarts Dog Training

Q:  Is there anything else you would like to add or share with our readers?

A:  Enjoy every minute with your dog.  It doesn’t seem fair to have such a noble and selfless species receive such a short life span.  We are their world, and yet some of us abuse that.  I want to give my dog everything he needs, everyday so when I look back at our time together, there are no regrets!

To learn more about Casey Ray and the entire DogSmarts family check out their website. Thanks Casey!

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I have heard many different theories and opinions about the benefits and risks of shaving a thick-coated dog in the summer.  Each differing opinion will cite reasons and facts that favor their decision, but should you shave your dog in the summer or not?

Just like all of the others that weigh in on this topic, I too have an opinion; my answer is no, you shouldn’t shave your dog in the warmer months.  Here are some of the reasons that bring me to this conclusion:

• Our dogs don’t sweat like we do.  Instead, their cooling process is handled by panting and even some sweating on the paws, having a thick coat will not slow down a dog’s cooling process.
• Some types of fur and hair can be beneficial in hot weather, working to insulate dogs from the heat.
• Dogs with double-coated fur receive protection against biting flies and mosquitoes.
• Dogs with little or no pigmentation in their skin, like the Husky, can get sunburned very easily when shaved.
• Most long haired dogs look ridiculous when shaved.

So if there are so many reasons not to shave your dog during the summer, why do we all see so many shaved dogs?  Do you have another perspective on this issue, do you have better reasons why you should shave your dog?  If so, we would love to get a discussion going, feel free to comment below.  Also be sure to keep your eyes on our dog training blog for an upcoming post that will provide Tips for Keeping Your Dog Cool in the Summer.

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Here is the first installment of a new feature we call the “Trainer’s Spotlight”. We hope to regularly post these interview style entries with talented trainers and leaders in the dog industry.

Q: Can you provide a brief overview of yourself and your business and services?

A: Jt Clough, owner of K9 Coach, Inc in San Diego, CA. While I spent many years creating classes like “Urban Outing Adventures”, I now focus most of my time on private coaching sessions with owners and dogs as well as exclusive dog camps with an emphasis on exercise and fitness as the successful bridge to obedience. In the last year I wrote the 5K Training Guide: Running with Your Dog and coach people online to running with their dog for both fitness and the way to a well trained dog. As an athlete and advocate of health and fitness this program has been near and dear to my heart and I’m finding the joy of coaching many who have wanted to get fit but were missing the motivation factor. Training your dog as your workout partner has the advantage of training partner that is always encouraging and ready to go despite the weather, time of day, or what you are wearing.

Q: What advice can you give a potential dog owner who is looking to adopt from a dog/puppy from a shelter?

A: Though many dogs at shelters are mixed breeds, do a little research and find out what breed(s) best fits your lifestyle. Many people think that a small dog is going to be easier than a large dog, when in fact a small dog can have high energy and require exercise or mental stimulation as if it were in a big energetic dog suit.

Q: From your experience and in your opinion, what are some of the most common mistakes dog owners make?

A: I have people on a weekly basis come to me and ask how they can get their dog to quit destroying and/or peeing in their house. My first question is “when is your dog displaying the destructive behaviors?” Typical answer: “When I’m at work.” Yikes. Just like babies or toddlers unattended there is a good chance they will get into trouble, do something they shouldn’t or something that is simply unsafe when left to roam the house unattended. Without the ability to logic dogs need to have guidance, especially a dog new to the home who is not aware of the rules or appropriate training over time. Leaving a dog unattended free to roam the house is not “being nice” like most people try to logic, but asking for unwarranted anger at a dog when mistakes happen that could have been avoided by providing a safe den or room of his/her own in a crate while you are away at work.

Q: What is the most remarkable thing you have seen a dog do?

A: Wow. Many, many things from alerting the owner to a seizure well before it was going to happen to warning that an approaching person is dangerous. One of the most incredible things I’ve scene a dog do is provide companionship that becomes unconditional even in our greatest solitude over time.

Q: In your opinion, what is the single most important command you can teach a dog and why?

A: Recall or come. The ability to call your dog away from anything is the most rewarding and safety conscious things you can do with your dog. The scenarios go from wanting to jump up on someone, running in the street, racing after a rabbit, running out an open door, chasing after another dog or cat, to coming away from a rattlesnake sunning itself in the middle of an urban trail. If I was only allowed to teach a dog one thing, it would be to come here now!

Q: Can you provide any useful information, advice, or tips for dog owners who frequent off leash dog parks?

A: I believe going to a dog park should require any dog owner to have a strong recall with their dog. For the reasons above it provides the ability to call your dog away from a situation where other dogs may be getting too rambunctious or running out an open gate and into the street. People also need to be aware of over reacting to other dogs behavior at a dog park as well. Too many times I have scene people start yelling, screaming and causing reason for fight of flight in dogs when remaining calm and instructing dogs to come away is the solution to a tiff over a ball or a new dog entering the scene.

Q: What skills/concepts do you find dog owners have the most trouble with, and what advice do you give them?

A: Many people are irritated by their dog pulling on the leash, yet they are encouraging the behavior by giving their dog the entire leash and letting the dog lead them around. My advice is to give the entire leash when your dog needs the space to go to the bathroom but rein it in and keep your dog beside you while you are walking or running.

Q: Do you have a product, event, video, organization, or something else to promote that you feel our readers can benefit from?

A: Fitness and health should be on the immediate radar of every person. Dogs are part of the family and should be fit and healthy as well. A well exercised dog is a happy dog and that goes for people too. A training program to support getting out to move is key to the success of those who are just starting out. The 5K Training Guide: Running With Your Dog provides inspiration, a running program for you and dog training tips for your dog. Get out an move and have more fun with your dog.

Coming May 2, 2010 FitForDogs.com The site is dedicated to exercise with your dog and founded my Liz Devitt, DVM specializing in Canine Sports Medicine, and Jt Clough Professional Dog Trainer and owner of K9 Coach, Inc.

I would like to extend a big thank you to Jt Clough for taking the time to share her thoughts with us, to learn more about Jt and K9 Coach, be sure to stop by the K9 Coach website.

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As a part of National Pet Week, on Sunday, May 2, 2010, we will be kicking off Fit Dog Fit Nation Day by enjoying a hike with our dogs at Walnut Creek Park in Austin. Although Austin is known for having some of the fittest dogs around, the movement has a simple concept, it stresses the importance of fitness on both our dogs and ourselves as an entire nation.

Exercise is so important for our dogs and it’s great encouragement to get out and do something will benefit not only them, but ourselves too!  Fit Dog Fit Nation goes beyond only focusing on the importance of fitness for one day, but hopefully creating a chain of events that leads to more activities that benefit dogs and humans.  Stressing a the importance and benefits of a fit dog and a fit nation falls perfectly into this year’s National Pet Week theme, which is “Healthy Together”.

Please join us on May 2 for our Fit Dog Fit Nation event; the hike starts at 10:30 and we will be crossing the stream in a few places so please dress appropriately and bring a towel for your dog.  If you cannot make it to our event, please consider doing something else with your dog that promotes the very important message.  Hope to see everyone on May 2!

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A few weeks ago I made a blog post about only being able to teach your dog two skills. We received a lot of great feedback from our readers with their input on what skills they would teach their dogs if they could only pick two commands.  Now it’s my turn, if I could only pick two things to teach my dog, they would be heel and down; and here’s why.

Heel - Many people think heel is simply walking with their dogs, and it is, but it also can be so much more.  Heel can and really should be taught not only when walking, but rather as a position relative to your body.  This means that regardless of movement, starting position, distance or anything else, heel means to get into a certain position.  Because of this extended definition, heel can be used when walking with your dog, but can also be used as a recall command as well!

Down - I chose down because this skill has a lot of control built into it.  Not only does down mean put your belly on the ground, but it also means keep your belly on the ground until you are told to do something else, so down is also your “stay” command as well.  So why chose down instead of sit?  Remember, we have to enforce every command we give to our dogs, so unless you expect your dog to sleep in a sit and relax at home always in a sit, down seems like a better option to me.

In my opinion, there are no two other skills that give us more useful control of our dogs then these two commands.  If you have another view on this subject, please respond with a comment, I would love to hear different perspectives from everyone!

So what’s the point of all this?  Yes, obviously we teach more then just two commands to our clients and their dogs.  The point is that obedience should be used as a functioning tool that allows us to control our dogs in a wide variety of situations.  The more we build into our commands, the more our dogs will get out of them and the more control we will have over them.  Increased freedom comes with increased control, and that is always a good thing!

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