Advanced Dog Training Points For Conditioning Your Dog

by
Adam Katz -

Akeisha wrote to me with some very good questions. I've included her letter (and my responses) below:

Hi,

It's Akeisha again.

I do see what you mean if it is on all the time the dog will soon forget it is on and then will behave regardless. Ok, so the dog never wears a buckle collar again? This is what irks me. I want to be able to control the dog regardless of what collar is on not just the pinch or it could be no collar at all and the dog still behaves. What if the owner for some reason takes off the collar then they put the buckle collar on for ID but then forget the pinch collar? Then there is no control.

[Adam Replies] WRONG! The dog gets conditioned. Take off the collar for awhile. Doesn't matter.

Do you ever in the training go back to the buckle collar after months of what you recommend with a dog that is happy with doing the commands?

[Adam Replies] Yes, the dog does the command because he is happy and he likes it. But eventually, there will be something that tempts him. This is where conditioning comes in.

Think of it like this: You've lived in the same house for 10 years, right? You get up in the middle of the night and you reach for the light switch that is to the LEFT of the door. Pretty soon, you get conditioned to reach out to the LEFT of the door.

One day you travel and stay in a hotel. You wake up in the middle of the night and reach out to the LEFT of the door for the switch... even though you cognitively saw that the switch is on the RIGHT.

In fact, you may wake up for several nights-- perhaps even weeks or months-- and still reach out to the LEFT, even though the switch is now on the right. Some people will continue reaching to the LEFT for the rest of their lives. Some will begin reaching to the right.

Those people need to be reinforced. Get it?

Motivational corrections if on the right dog won't frighten them or make them hate you I know but aren't there other ways except using the collar that will eventually be established thought training that will allow you to take the collar off and have control?

[Adam Replies] Yeah, this way you can take the collar off and have control, ONCE THE DOG IS CONDITIONED. But eventually you'll have to go back and reinforce, for most dogs. And definitely if you start expecting to work the dog around new distractions that it's never been proofed around, such as chickens if the dog has never seen chickens.

Look, I don't make the rules. The dog is not a robot that you can suddenly say, "He's done" and expect him to act consistently for the rest of his life. Like any relationship you have with another person, boundaries need to be established and maintained. The dog is like your wife or husband... they will eventually test you. :)

Last question, how can the dog not realize the don't have it on since it feels a lot different than the buckle? Its like my id around my neck at school I have gotten used to it but I do realize when it is off? Just for the record I have no problem with pinches, many members in my 4-H club use them and they work great on the right dog.

[Adam Replies] Because the way you should be using the pinch collar is that the dog (since he has limited reason and logic) does not KNOW that it is the pinch collar that allows you to give him good corrections. But it's more than the pinch collar. If I put the dog in a number of small yards, with no collar on ... and I'm able to chase him down and make him come back to me, if he doesn't come when I call... then the dog will learn THE UNDERLYING PREMISE that I can make him do it, if he doesn't. So, the pinch collar and the long line make my job easier, but ultimately, the dog knows (or he thinks at least) that I am a man of my word and when I tell him to do something: If he doesn't do it, I'm going to make him do it. And his life will be a lot more fun if he does it willingly. So the dog starts to extrapolate this principle to other commands, too.

Hope I am not being irritating I just like to know why certain trainers value certain methods over others since I love competing in obedience with my dog.

[Adam Replies] Keep training.

That's all for now, folks!
Adam

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com


Adam G. Katz is the author of the book, "Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer: An Insider's Guide To The Most Jealously Guarded Dog Training Secrets In History." Get a free copy of his report "Games To Play With Your Dog" when you sign up for his free weekly dog training tips e-zine at: www.dogproblems.com



Article Source: http://www.articleonlinedirectory.com/260784/advanced-dog-training-points-for-conditioning-your-dog.html

Tips For Taking A Road Trip With Your Dog

by
Adam Katz -

Vehicles: With the possible exception of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and a side car, I've seen practically every type of vehicle used for taking the family pooch on a road trip.

Below I review three of the best:

1.) Tom Rose of High Ridge, Missouri, had a Ford van he converted into a dog-friendly transport vehicle. By enclosing the back area, installing custom upholstery and a special air conditioning vent, he created an area in the back of the van where his dogs could ride in their crates and still stay cool.

The best thing about this set up was that on hot summer days, he could leave the diesel engine running (and the air conditioning too) and leave the dogs in the van for an hour or two, without the threat of overheating.

2.) If you're travelling in an area with less extreme weather (like Los Angeles)... a pick up truck with a shell on the back is extremely convenient. I've installed sliding windows on mine, and put in hardware mesh so that the dogs cannot jump out, and nobody can get in. A light colored, fiberglass shell with cross-ventilating windows will keep the temperature in the back of the truck about equal to the outside ambient temperature in the shade.

If you don't like to keep your dog in a crate, you can purchase a rubber bed liner that will make it comfortable for your dog to lay on. These usually run about $50, and can be purchased at the same places that install camper shells.

3.) A convertible Jeep. For obvious reasons, the Jeep Wrangler (designed originally for military use) is easy to clean after long trips, and the convertible nature of this vehicle allows you to leave your dog in the back while refueling or running into a gas station rest room, without worrying about your dog over-heating.

Products you can use to help keep dog mess in your vehicle to a minimum I came across this web site by a company called, Black Armor. Their web site is: http://www.black-armor.com/

You'll find a number of products designed to protect the interior of your Car, Truck, or Sport Utility Vehicle from spills, stains, as well as premature wear. Many of these products:

- install and remove easily
- are unaffected by gasoline or oil
- clean and wipe easily
- are made of a tough, durable material that is non-skid to minimize the possibility of your dog getting tossed around.
- are guaranteed for a lifetime
- are made in the U.S.A.

You'll also find that most are custom fit to the exact dimensions of your vehicle.

A gear bag to keep water, training equipment, and other dog related stuff is essential.

A Dog's Life Web Site ( at http://www.dogs-life.com/travel.htm ) sells a nice product called the "Rollover Travel Pack & Bed For Dogs". The pack is described as:

"- Perfect for on-the-go dogs and their owners, the ROLLOVER® Travel Pack & Bed for dogs has a snap-on shoulder strap and built-in handle for easy carrying. The reinforced nylon pack-cloth construction will hold up over the long haul.

- Unbuckle the compact unit, and it unrolls to rugged storage pockets for everything your traveling dog will need-- including dog food, water bottle, dog bowl and other necessities. Dogs can easily get dehydrated when traveling. Now the dogs water and bowl can always be in easy reach. And the insulating cushions inside the product keep your dogs cold water bottle cold longer, even on hot, sunny days.

- Fully opened, the ROLLOVER Travel Pack & Bed for dogs becomes a cushioned, fleece-topped travel dog bed with a water-resistant base for indoor & outdoor use. The thick polyester cushions also provide superior insulating qualities to keep dogs comfy, no matter what your destination.

- Now you've got a convenient way to help your dog feel "at home" with familiar things they can call their own.

- And at the end of the journey, the ROLLOVER Travel Pack & Bed for dogs is completely machine washable and dryable for easy care. Unlike other dog beds, the entire bed gets cleaned, not just the cover.

- Available in Small, Medium, Large and X-Large-- comfortably sized to fit most dog breeds."

(Check out their web site... they include a picture!)

Don't forget to include a first aid kit for your dog, too!

Here's a cool product for anyone who does a lot of outdoor camping/travelling with their dog: A first aid kit designed for both you AND your dog!

Called, "America's first pet owner and pet first aid kit!" This don't-leave-home-without-it product costs $32.95 and includes:

1 Blue clean-up mitt

1 First aid scissors, blunt tips

1 First aid forceps

1 Sterile eye wash (.5 oz)

2 Triple antibiotic ointment (1/32 oz)

2 After bite wipes (insect)

1 Adhesive tape (1 x 1 yd)

6 Gauze pads (2 x 2)

1 Self adherent bandage (3 x 5)

5 Cotton balls

4 Cotton swabs (3")

1 Instant cold pack

1 Styptic pencil

1 Pair Latex gloves

1 Animal First Aid Guide

1 Human First Aid Guide

Seems like a good investment, to me! The web site URL is: http://commerce.friendlyproducts.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/onlinestore/pussnpooch.htm?L+friendly+voot6234+930023203

Additional Resources:

Travel Dog.com - http://www.traveldog.com/TD1999/resource/resour~1.htm

This site has a bunch of good resources you should read before embarking on your trip, including articles on choosing a kennel, travelling by car, and staying at a hotel with your pet. The site also has a number of resources for finding dog friendly beaches, camp grounds, events, kennels, parks, pet sitters, and pet transportation.

If you're looking to purchase a wire cage for travelling with your pet, Foster's and Smith have a variety for sale, and their return policy (if you don't like it) is excellent!

If you're looking to purchase a plastic crate, you can also find them at:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/fsstore/dir2.icl?SECID=6&SUBSECID=17&ORDERIDENTIFIER=ID9300203301401A7C02

Bringing a crate with you is practically a necessity if you're going to be on a long road trip.

That's all for now, folks!
Adam

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com


Adam G. Katz is the author of the book, "Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer: An Insider's Guide To The Most Jealously Guarded Dog Training Secrets In History." Get a free copy of his report "Games To Play With Your Dog" when you sign up for his free weekly dog training tips e-zine at: www.dogproblems.com



Article Source: http://www.articleonlinedirectory.com/261379/tips-for-taking-a-road-trip-with-your-dog.html

The Belgian Malinois: Police and Protection Dog

by
Michael Russell

Originally there were as many as eight Belgian breeds of the same genetic inheritance that were used as herding dogs and drovers in Belgium and Germany. Through the years the Belgian Sheepdogs have been narrowed to four "types" or representatives. The Belgian Sheepdogs are represented in the American Kennel Club registry by the four types known as follows: the Groenedael, the Lakenois, the Malinois and the Tervuren. The Belgian Malinois is one of the most well known of the Belgian breeds, having been used not only as a dog that will herd the flocks but having gained much recognition in the armed forces and with police units as a dog that is a great drug, narcotic and bomb detector. In Search and Rescue the dog has also shown that it has a great aptitude.

The Belgian Malinois at first may appear to look similar to that of a German Shepherd but a closer look reveals a dog that is of smaller proportion and has a somewhat "snipier" look to the head. The instinctive behaviors of a herding dog, being a protector and a drover, is the inheritance of the Belgian Malinois, but the reputation of the breed in modern times has become that of a highly respected and courageous police dog breed, a dog whose protective instincts of taking care of his "flock" have been channeled into a protective instinct to care for his human companion and "partner".

The character of the Belgian Malinois should be one of extreme loyalty to his master. He should be watchful and alert, ready to guard and protect but never being vicious. He can be and often is trained as an effective "attack dog" but should never demonstrate aggressive behavior, rather should behave exactly as commanded with speed and a steady temperament. Increasingly these dogs have been used as detection dogs not only for their sense of smell which is highly regarded but also for their strong "prey drive", which when translated into "play drive" makes these dogs willing to perform for hours on end for a chance to play with their favorite "toy". Persons who enjoy the ring sport of Schutzhund often have found that the Belgian Malinois can be a top performer in this area and in the area of Obedience competitions.

The Belgian Malinois is a medium sized dog of moderate build. The coat is very similar in appearance and texture to that of the German Shepherd. His head is of "cleaner " lines than the Shepherd. The Malinois should be agile and quick, showing speed for short bursts and great power . He should move gracefully and have the ability to make sharp turns as any dog with herding abilities can. The face often has a black mask and the color of the coat can range from shades of gray to red to black and tan, typically of a double pigment (where each lighter colored hair has a black tip). The coat is easy care, needing a brushing with a medium stiff brush regularly and an occasional bath, but it is not long enough to tangle or mat and sheds out easily. The breed generally exhibits few health problems, there is a propensity to hip and elbow dysplasia and the responsible breeders should x-ray for this condition before using the dog for breeding. Also CERF examinations should be undertaken on a regular basis.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Dogs



Article Source: http://www.articleonlinedirectory.com/261732/the-belgian-malinois-police-and-protection-dog.html

Give A Dog A Home

by
Steve Hill

I have recently given a home to a dog called Cassie. She was living in a local animal sanctuary and as soon as I saw her I knew that she was the dog for me and my family. To say she was a bit of a handful to start with is an understatement, however she has now, with a little bit of training, calmed down a lot and is very well behaved. In this article I write about the reasons why I believe more people should own a dog and the benefits it can bring to ones life.

Cassie is now very happy in her new surroundings and shows this happiness in many forms. She is very loving and very loyal. I have two children and she really enjoys playing with them, especially ball type games, however has never become over aggressive with them. Some people state that a dog is a mans best friend and even though I possibly would not go that far, Cassie is somebody I enjoy spending a lot of time with.

In some peoples opinion taking a dog for regular walks would be one of the reasons why they might choose not to own one. I actually really enjoy taking Cassie on her walks as it gives me a chance to clear my head, to meet other people and is a really useful form of exercise. I always take a tennis ball on our walks and she is now becoming an expert at catching this ball after the first bounce and even at times without the ball bouncing at all. She wags her tail in enjoyment and this also fills me with a feeling of pleasure.

During the evening after another one of her long walks, she settles down in the living room and cuddles up to go to sleep. Cassie is now another member of our family and I am sure that she feels this as she curls up for little snooze. She always looks so contented as she starts to dream, I often think that she would have probably have dreamt of living in such an environment when she was living in the animal sanctuary. I hope that her dreams have come true.

Cassie has become a great companion to the members of my family including myself. She is a great listener and never answers back, unlike my children and wife.

I would certainly recommend other people to give a dog a home. It may cost you some money in the way of dog food and may take up some of your time in the form of dog walking. This is a very small price to pay however for the rewards which the dog is likely to bring you.

Companionship, loyalty, happiness as well as the health benefits of exercise via the regular dog walking are just some of the reasons why I love owning Cassie.

Stephen Hill helps to promote a number of websites including:

stuttering information

identity theft advice

help with starting a business



Article Source: http://www.articleonlinedirectory.com/265861/give-a-dog-a-home.html

The Shih Tzu

Michael Russell

It is said that the first Shih-Tzu came from a breeding of two dogs that were given as gifts to the Imperial Court of the Tang Dynasty from the King of Vigur. All of the dogs used for breeding in the Imperial Courts of China were always chosen with great care. The line of dogs that descended from this first breeding were designated with the name Shih-Tzu, meaning "lion" in chinese.

The first Shih Tzus were brought to England in 1930 and the breed steadily gained in popularity from that time. At first they were called "Apsos" but this name was changed by the Kennel Club to the Shih-Tzu. The breed flourished and gained more recognition throughout the dog shows of Europe and by the end of World War II it had traveled to the shores of the United States.

The Shih Tzu appears quite haughty and rather distant in the show ring. In reality they are a playful and energetic dog and get along famously with children, the elderly and everyone in between. They make good house dogs, being small enough to dwell in an apartment and not needing an inordinate amount of exercise.

The Shih Tzu breed is plagued by an inherited condition known as "familial nephropathy", a kidney disorder. This disease can be found also in Tibetan Spaniels, the Llhasa Apso, the Tibetan Terriers and the English Cocker. It is a fatal condition and as yet there is no successful diagnostic testing that can predict this condition, although it is under study in several Veterinary colleges.

The Shih Tzu has a long straight and silky double coat, with a topknot of hair that can be kept out of the dogs eyes with a band. The little dog possesses a deep and wide ribbed chest similar to the Pekingese. He is short and his coat often extends clear to the ground. He has a broad head with large expressive eyes that do not bulge out, a short nose and hair which flows over each side of the nose and under the lips, giving a bearded appearance to the face. The coat requires daily or weekly brushing and the pet owner often finds that this is too much of a chore. It is best if the coat is trimmed rather than shaved, since the double coat provides some protection from the elements and protects the skin from sunburn.

Shih Tzu are lively and happy and should be generally of a good disposition, as they were bred to be pets and not guarding dogs. It is an indoor dog and should not be kept in a kennel. If used for breeding in a kennel it is highly important that the puppies be brought into the house and be socialized early, they simply are not a "kennel" breed. They take well to households with children and with other animals. These little dogs have found a place in many homes as loving, affectionate and gentle family members.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Dogs



Article Source: http://www.articleonlinedirectory.com/266826/the-shih-tzu.html