K9 Home Schooling

Paying It Forward

2011-12-21T09:07:00.000-08:00

In my line of work I meet ALOT of people. Over the years I've made some wonderful friends with whom I share my love of dogs. There is however, one family that has come to be very special to me and I wanted to share their story.

In April 2007 I became a Puppy Raiser for Service Dogs of Virginia. I had been raising and training dogs for years, but this would be my first time volunteering for SDV. I had no idea what the future held for Service Dog In Training Polaris (Polar). At 12 weeks old, we had high hopes for him. There are so many mixed emotions when you're a puppy raiser. You worry that you'll become so attached you won't be able to say goodbye. You hope that all the hard work will pay off and your puppy will complete their training and be placed. It's a labor or love for everyone involved.

Polar completed his training and was placed in December 2009 with Luke Morris. Luke, 22, of Standardsville, Va., sustained an incomplete C-5 spinal cord injury (SCI) in July 2008 when he dove into a river he’d dove into a hundred times before. Luke is paralyzed from the chest down. He has no movement in his fingers or hands, but can lift his wrists using his wrist flexor muscles.

But he has found ways to continue doing the things he loves, like hunting and mud bogging in his
four-wheel drive truck. Having Polar at his side has made all the difference in the world, he says. Polar helps Luke in many ways, including opening and closing doors, taking off his sweatshirt and socks, and picking things up he drops.

On December 5, 2010 I had the honor of attending Polar and Lukes Graduation in Charlottesville Virginia. My husband John and I spent our first day in Virginia visiting Luke and Polar. We had not seen Polar since his return to Charlottesville in March 2008. It was a thrilling moment to see Polar after all this time, no longer a puppy but a working Service Dog. There is so much emotion, we were so happy to see Polar, after all we raised him from a small puppy, but now he is all grown up and has a new life. We were equally as thrilled to meet Luke and his family. From the time Polar had been placed with Luke I become Face Book Friends with his Mom Linda. We communicated via Face Book sharing stories and pictures and she has always affirmed that all our hard work was worth it. When Linda speaks about Luke and Polar and the bond between them, I can hear the joy in her voice. When I met Linda in person I felt as if we had been friends for years. We will forever be connected to the Morris Family through the wonderful and amazing Polar.

Since our visit to Charlottesville a year ago there are new and exciting things to report. Linda became a Puppy Raiser for Service Dogs of Virginia. She wanted to give back to the organization that helped her son. This is no small task, raising and training a service dog is hard work and requires a minimum 1 year commitment. Linda is a business owner, wife and mother of 2 and cares for Luke, who requires 24/7 care.

Luke wanted to share his wonderful dog with people in similar situations as himself so he and Polar completed formal testing and became a Registerd Therapy Dog Team in July 2011. Luke and Polar visit patients at Health South Rehabilitation Center at the University of Virginia.  They visit seniors and patients who have suffered similar spinal cord injuries.

To say that I am in awe of this family would be an understatement. They have shown me how one rises above their own hardship and finds it in their hearts to 'pay it forward'.

I know that living with a spinal cord injury is not only life changing but can be financially draining as not all of Lukes medicals needs are covered by insurance.   There are wheelchair repairs, transportation expenses, medical care and expenses for Polar such as food, vet care and equipment.   At the time of Lukes accident a Special Needs Trust was established to help with equipment and therapy Luke needs for ongoing therapies and to aid in his day-to-day care. The Trust also allows the family to care for Polar and meet all of his needs.

To help with ongoing expenses K9 Home School is going to donate 10% of all proceeds for the entire 2012 calendar year.  For every class, private lesson, behavior consultation and workshop we offer, we will donate 10% to Lukes Special Needs Trust. All donations will be made to the Commonwealth Community Trust of Virginia, http://www.commonwealthcommunitytrust.org/ If you would like to make a personal donation, please forward it to:

Commonwealth Community Trust
P.O. Box 29408
Richmond, VA 23242-0408

Be sure to include LUKE MORRIS in the memo section on your check.

We are excited that our Winter 2012 Classes are already filling and hope that 2012 will be our best year ever!!

What is Fido Refined? Who should attend? What will you learn?

2011-11-04T11:59:00.000-07:00

K9 Home Schooling is pleased to be hosing Fido Refined a 2 -Day Workshop with Virginia Broitman.

Virginia began her training career in 1981, and has provided a wide variety of services over the years, including group classes, private lessons, behavior consultations, board and train programs, and Service Dog training. She has also worked with a variety of humane organizations. Her own dogs have participated in pet therapy visits, agility, herding and TV/ad work.

In 1995, Virginia began producing clicker training DVDs (four), which are sold internationally. Her latest DVD, Fido Refined, was released in October 2011. It focuses on teaching impulse control to dogs that are easily excited in everyday situations, and life rewards are doled out for calmer behavior.

In 2007, Virginia began working for a non-profit organization that places hard-to-adopt shelter dogs with prison inmates for training and behavior modification prior to being adopted to the public. Not only do the dogs get a second chance, but the inmates also benefit from the program and learn valuable skills that are helpful to them upon release. Several handlers, post-release, have pursued dog training as a full-time career.

In 2010, Virginia joined a team that received a grant from the Army Research Office to research the scent-detection abilities of rodents, and much of the training will be done via an automated training system the team has designed.

The Chelsea, MI seminar, scheduled for March 24 & 25, 2012, will appeal to a wide variety of dog enthusiasts. Virginia will be covering the topic of impulse control, including many exercises that teach a dog to control himself and be calmer in situations that historically have caused excitement. She'll also be addressing a wide variety of behavioral problems and offering humane and effective solutions for issues such as: reactivity on leash; excessive barking; destructiveness; counter-surfing; resource-guarding; arousal at doors and misbehavior with guests; fearfulness; body-handling issues, and more.

Together we'll analyze the underlying causes of the problem behaviors, flush out the reinforcing aspects of these behaviors, and then discuss effective strategies for modifying these problems and installing appropriate, alternative behaviors.

The seminar will include lecture, video demonstrations and live working segments with a variety of dogs.

To learn more about this workshop visit, www.k9homeschooling.com or contact Michelle@k9homeschooling.com.

The Do's and Don'ts Of Socializing Your Puppy

2011-09-25T19:30:00.000-07:00

Gone are the days of leaving your puppy home for the first 6 months of their life for fear of them contracting a disease. It was common practice to keep puppies isolated at home until well into their adolescence. Not only would puppies be kept away from people but owners were often advised to keep them away from other dogs too. YIKES!! it's no wonder we have raised so many fearful and reactive dogs. We now know that this practice robs them of critical socialization during the early imprinting phase.

Early socialization is important and needs to be done in a way that allows your puppy to experience the world in a safe and comfortable manner. Here are some Do's and Don'ts when it comes to socialization:

Do take your puppy to a group class once they have received 2 of their 4 puppy shots
Don't enroll in a class that is overcrowded and poorly supervised
Do arrange playtime for your puppy with other puppies and dogs
Don't pick poorly socialized dogs or puppies as playmates
Do expose your puppy to riding in the car in a crate or seatbelt
Don't allow your puppy to ride on your lap or unrestrained
Do let your puppy meet LOTS of new people of varying ages, sizes, etc
Don't force your puppy to be handled by someone they are afraid of
Do expose your puppy to new places and environments
Don't overload them with multiple trips in one day, keep outings short and sweet
Do make visits to your Vets office to be petted and receive treats
Don't use a Vet who uses harsh handling methods
Do educate yourself about puppies and dogs
Don't believe everything you see on TV

The socialization process is a marathon not a sprint! Take your time, enjoy spending time with your puppy, they grow up quickly.

Use It Or Lose It!

2011-09-14T18:35:00.000-07:00

There's nothing more wonderful than a well trained dog. Life is so much easier when your four legged friend has great manners, loves people, obeys the 'house rules' and follows all your commands. The process takes time, but once you've arrived, it's a beautiful thing! The challenge then is to maintain the training because quite simply, "if you don't use it you'll lose it". If you don't maintain the skills you've worked so hard to train, they will begin to fade away and be replaced by less desirable behaviors.

It's easy to let your training backslide, especially during the summer months with vacations, Summer schedules, work, activities, etc. It can be hard to keep yourself on track much less fit Fido into your busy schedule.

How do you know when your training is backsliding? It's pretty easy to figure out.

you find yourself feeling frustrated with your dog
your once responsive pooch is paying less and less attention to you
your dog stops responding to cues they were quick to respond to in the past
they become much more vocal
their house manners have gone out the window, they are replaced with counter surfing, jumping on guests, digging, chewing, stealing
your dog thinks his name is NO!
you question why you ever got a dog
you blame the dog or the training method for the breakdown in behavior

Getting back on track won't be as hard as you think.

dust off your clicker and put it to work
practice the skills your dog learned in class, it will come flooding back
reward/reinforce appropriate behaviors, positive attention is always better than negative attention
find time for a daily walk, tired dogs are happy dogs
remind yourself why you got a dog, to be a friend and companion

The good news is your dog will be ready and willing to spend time with you, earn rewards, use his brain and get plenty of praise and attention :)

Back To School Blues

2011-09-08T19:15:00.000-07:00

For most families this was 'Back to School' week. After 3 months of fun and family many dogs are finding themselves home alone. With all the hustle and bustle of getting our kids back to school we often overlook how this impacts our dogs. Not only are the kids back to school, but after school activities are also starting which takes up alot of evening and weekend time too. For months our dogs have enjoyed more walks, more petting, more rides in the car, more of what they enjoy most, YOU! This is the time of year that I start getting phone calls from frantic pet parents who's dogs are misbehaving. The offenses include barking, digging, stealing things, destructive behavior, house soiling, etc.

To help your dog adjust to the new routine, keep a few things in mind:

Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise! We often don't realize the decrease in exercise when our kids return to school. Your dog may go from having hours of playtime to suddenly laying around all day. All this pent up energy has to go somewhere. If you have to leave your dog home alone all day be sure he is getting sufficient exercise in the evenings.
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety consider hiring a dog walker to split their day and give them some human companionship midday. To go from having constant companionship to suddenly being left alone for 8-10 hours is very distressing, a mid day break can help easy the pain.
Provide your dog with a variety of food dispensing toys, these provide mental stimulation and allow your dog to entertain themselves in your absence.
Schedule play dates with other dogs, a tired dog is a happy dog.
Allow your dog to ride along on the carpool, walk to the bus stop with you, attend the after school soccer game, etc.

If you find yourself in a quandary as to why your typically well behaved dog is suddenly acting like a terrorist they may have a case of 'Back To School Blues".

Pawsitive Comfort Therapy Dogs

2011-09-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Dr. Mark Bowers of the Ann Arbor Center For Behavioral Pediatrics and Michelle McCarthy of K9 Home Schooling and Certified Therapy Animal Consultant, will be speaking about the relationship between Social Support Therapy Dogs and children with special needs.

Social Support Therapy Dogs are life changing for children with Autism, Learning Disabilities, Developmental Disabilities or Chronic Health Conditions. Social Support Therapy Dogs are also partnered with Clinicians in a variety of Medical settings. These dogs offer:

- companionship

- emotional support

- participate in therapies to improve speech and coordination

- improve social skills and teach empathy for others

- encourage social interaction with others

- encourage exercise, physical activity and responsibility

Dr. Bowers will discuss the goodness-of-fit between child and animal including temperament, behavior, and needs. Michelle McCarthy will discuss the process of raising, training and working a Therapy Dog.

Dr. Mark Bowers is a Pediatric Psychologist in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He has provided psychological services to children, adolescents, and families for over a decade. He specializes in neurodevelopmental diagnoses (i.e., Autism, Asperger’s, ADHD, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Learning Difficulties) and he is an expert in social skills. He has worked with children at the world-renowned Menninger Clinic, owned and operated a private psychology practice in Kansas, worked as a consultant and therapist within the public school system, and completed his residency in Clinical Child/Pediatric Psychology at Denver Children’s Hospital. Dr. Bowers has contributed to articles in WebMD magazine, Scholastic, and Parenting: The Early Years. He recently developed a mobile application for Apple devices to help children practice and improve their social skills and he has written a book on improving social skills with children and adolescents.

Michelle McCarthy is a nationally recognized Certified Dog Behavior Consultant and Certified Therapy Animal Consultant with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants(IAABC). Michelle has completed advanced certification programs in canine behavioral studies and stays current by attending seminars by certified trainers, behaviorists, veterinarians and other credentialed experts. She has provided training and consulting services in Southeast Michigan since 1999.

Michelle developed the first Therapy Dog Training Program in Southeast Michigan. Michelles expertise in the field of Animal Assisted Therapy allows her to prepare canines and humans for testing by national therapy dog organizations. She also works closely with families to train Social Support Therapy Dogs for children with special needs.

http://heritage.com/articles/2011/09/02/ann_arbor_journal/news/doc4e610b53773e2434430700.txt?viewmode=default

The Dos and Dont's Of Taking Your Puppy To A Parade

2011-08-26T19:01:00.000-07:00

It's a tradition in my town to attend the Annual Chelsea Fair Parade. It's a great afternoon spending time with family friends, neighbors and of course the puppy I'm training. This will be the first big social outing for Gus. Taking a puppy to a parade is a great way to expose them to a variety of new sights and sounds, lots of new people, fire trucks, sirens, horses, tractors, motorcycles, the list goes on and on.

To make this a positive experience for your puppy here are some things to consider:

Pick a location that allows your puppy to feel comfortable. It's best to position yourself a distance away from the parade until you can determine if your puppy is comfortable with the noise and activity.
Pick a location that is shaded so your puppy will not overheat
Bring water if the temps are warm
Take YUMMY treats and offer them freely
Give them a chew toy or frozen cheese kong and let them enjoy and relax
Watch for signs of stress in your puppy and know when it's time to leave, even if the Parade is not over
Let your puppy meet and greet strangers
Allow your puppy to take breaks and to move around, sitting still for long periods of time is not much fun for a puppy

So grab your bug spray, blanket, puppy and enjoy the fun!

Prevention VS Punishment..........A Better Way To Go!

2011-08-15T17:27:00.000-07:00

I'm often asked how to properly punish and or correct a puppy or dog when they do something wrong. The list of offenses typically includes, chewing, biting, digging, barking, jumping up, stealing food and the big one, showing aggression. When you bring a new puppy or dog into your home you should expect all of these behaviors. A new puppy needs boundaries and management, this takes time. An adult dog is adjusting to a new environment and often stressed so expect a host of stress related behaviors. There is an advantage to expecting your dog to act like a dog, it allows you to approach training your dog in a whole new light.

Instead of thinking that everything your dog does needs to be punished, look for ways to prevent unwanted behaviors instead of doling out punishment. All dogs need time to learn and it's our job to teach them the 'house rules'. We all know practice makes perfect, so lets be sure our dog is practicing behaviors we find acceptable. For this to happen you have to be proactive and have a game plan. Here is a list of suggestions that may help you keep your cool and your sanity:

My dog steals my shoes- Put all shoes in closets or behind closed doors. The number one rule in my house is "If you place value on something, put it away"
My dog steals food off the counter tops - Keep all counters clean and free of tasty morsels
My dog barks out the window- Block their access to the window with blinds, curtains, gates, etc.
My dog begs at the table- Crate or contain your dog during mealtime
My dog barks at other dogs - Learn techniques to reward him for being calm in the presence of other dogs
My puppy bites everyone- Work to teach them bite inhibition using positive methods and don't encourage rough play. Puppies explore the world with their mouths, give them something appropriate to chew on instead of punishing them.
My dog tears up his toys - Buy toys appropriate for your dogs level of chewing
My puppy shreds his toys - Don't give puppies cloth, fabric or stuffed toys, these 'feel' just like our belongings, give them Kongs, food dispensing toys, chew bones, frozen carrots, anythings safe and appropriate for a young puppy
My dog digs in the yard - Don't put your dog in the yard with nothing to do, play with them or give them a food dispensing toy. It's not alot of fun for a dog to be left alone in the yard no matter how nice you think your yard is
My puppy/dog is afraid of everything - Commit to properly socializing them and helping them overcome their fears
My dog is always getting into trouble - Make sure they are getting enough exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Lack of exercise and boredom is a bad combo!
My puppy/dog is driving me nuts! - Give yourself breaks by placing them in their crate with a chew toy. No one should have to spend 24/7 with their dog, raising a puppy or getting a new dog is stressful, cut yourself some slack :) Rome was not built in a day and you will not train your dog in a day so pace yourself.

The next time you find yourself wondering how to effectively punish Fido, stop and come up with ways to prevent annoying behaviors from happening, an ounce of prevention goes a long way.

The Journey Begins----Start With a GREAT Mom!

2011-07-04T18:31:00.000-07:00

In a few weeks we will be welcoming a new puppy into our family. The proud Mom is Iris, Faye and Wallys Mom. This will be her 3rd and final litter and we are thrilled to get another puppy from her. One key to success when selecting a puppy for Therapy Dog work is starting with a GREAT!!! Mom.

We first met the puppies when they were 4 weeks of age . These adorable lab puppies were just opening their eyes and slowly starting to move around. The breeder welcomes families to come and spend time with the puppies, this early socialization is critical to their long term development. We get to cuddle and hug them which of course makes us feel great and the puppies get to experience meeting new people and being handled by strangers in a safe and controlled environment.

We returned 2 weeks later and WOW!! what a difference 2 weeks makes in the life of a puppy.

All the puppies were running around, exploring, playing with toys and interacting with us. It's now possible to see their individual personalities. All 6 puppies were friendly and enjoyed interacting with us, but you can see the subtle differences. When I select a puppy, I'm looking for the 'middle of the road' puppy, not to hyper but not too shy. I want the puppy who is friendly, confident and rebounds easily when startled or afraid. I overlook color and sex and focus on personality and temperament because "looks are fading but temperament is forever'.

I typically start to narrow down the puppy I want to raise around week 6 but things can change over the next 2 weeks so the final choice will happen when they are 8 weeks old. This process does take time but is well worth it when you consider this puppy will be a part of your family for 12-14 years.

What Happens After Therapy Dog Prep School?

2011-05-29T19:31:00.000-07:00

We've just completed the Spring session of Therapy Dog Prep School. It's always a great class and I enjoy seeing the dogs and people have fun and learn new skills. The purpose of TD Prep is to help prepare people and their dogs for testing by national therapy dog programs. Upon completion of the class many students begin the testing process with a national therapy dog organization. Once the testing is finished the big question is 'Where do we go to make visits?' There are so many options and it takes time to find the right fit for handler and dog.

When I help students find the right placement for their Therapy Dog I encourage them to follow the Who, What, When and Where process.

Who do you want to visit?- Determine the age group you would like to visit. Do you enjoy working with kids, adults, seniors? You will be most successful and enjoy your visits if you're working with a group of people you feel most comfortable with.

What type of visits do you want to make? - There are different types of Therapy Dog visits, Animal Assisted Therapy and Animal Assisted Activity.   Do you want to visits patients, participate in the READ Program with children, offer emotional support, participate in physical therapy sessions?

When is the best time of day for you to visit? - The day and time that you're available to visit will determine where you will visit with your dog.

Where do you want to visit? - Do you want to visit hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, libraries, schools? There are a variety of facilities in need of qualified Therapy Dog Teams.   Finding a facility close to home will make visiting more convenient too.

I've recently started makig visits with my wonderful girl Faye. Faye is a graduate of Therapy Dog Prep School and became a registered Therapy Dog in February 2011. We are visiting the Head Pain Unit at Chelsea Hospital and other facilities in our hometown of Chelsea.

Is Your Puppy Getting Enough Rest?

2011-05-27T17:43:00.000-07:00

How much sleep does your puppy get each day? The average puppy has a very busy day, full of new experiences, play, training, socialization and travels. All of this activity may leave your little pup tired and cranky. It's important to be aware of how much sleep a puppy needs and be sure to meet that need.

The Sleep Deprived Puppy

It's quite common for puppies to be sleep deprived . A young puppy needs a minimum of 14-16 hours of sleep per day. The majority of puppies get less sleep than they need which can result in a number of problems. A puppy that is sleep deprived can become cranky, hyper, easily aroused, fearful, nervous, anxious, nippy and overly vocal. Quite often people do not realize that their puppies undesirable behavior is the result of being tired.

Establishing Better Sleep Habits

It's important that puppies have a regular sleep and nap schedule. A young puppy will have more restful sleep in a confined area, such as a crate or gated area. As tempting as it may be to allow your puppy to crash anywhere they please, refrain from doing this, especially when they're young. Imagine trying to sleep peacefully in the middle of your living room floor, people walking by, talking to you, touching you. For a puppy to have restful sleep they need to have their own 'quiet space', not in isolation, but somewhere that they can be left alone. Utilizing a crate is the best approach and provides a safe haven for your tired puppy.

Put together a schedule so that everyone knows the puppies routine. The following is a good guideline:

Puppy wakes in the morning
Outside for bathroom break
Breakfast
Playtime for 30-60 minutes
Outside for bathroom break
Nap for 1-2 hours
Repeat

Try to avoid long periods of time where the puppy is up and active. Too often people try to impose their busy lifestyle on a young puppy. A young puppy should not be up and active for hours at a time, taking naps throughout the day will ensure that they do not have a meltdown at dinner time. Don't subscribe to the belief that an overtired puppy will sleep better at night, that plan can backfire on you. A puppy needs a consistent routine that includes play and exercise, but make sure naps and rest are included.

Multi-Age Classes For Puppies

2011-05-01T12:41:00.000-07:00

When I first starting teaching group classes many years ago, like most trainers, I offered Puppy Classes. These classes were devoted to puppies 10-20 weeks of age. What could be more fun than a room full of adorable puppies. Each week we worked on basic obedience skills and had playtime at the end of class. Because the socialization window is so narrow, these play sessions are critical for young puppies. The problem I saw repeatedly was that a group of puppies really don't play well together. Because puppies are just learning to play they all have very 'raw' play skills. Some are shy and timid while others are rough and obnoxious. This can be challenging and quite often was not very productive or safe play. I'm not a fan of big puppy play groups so I always split the class for playtime and pair up puppies to allow for safe and appropriate play. But again, this is challenging when you may have 3 rowdy labs puppies and 1 toy poodle. It's fairly common to have a least 1 puppy in each class skip playtime because there's not an appropriate playmates in the group. This always drove me crazy because all puppies need socialization and if they can't get in in a group class, they may not get it at all. To help these puppies I would bring one of my older and very well socialized dogs to class and have a one-on-one play session after everyone else had left. I would often see the panic in the owners face when they would see my 80 lb Labrador enter the training center to meet their 5 lb puppy. The first comment would be 'arent you afraid he will hurt our puppy' or ' Isn't he too big to play with a puppy'. Each time their fears were alleviated when they saw the dogs begin to interact. A well socialized adult dog with LOTS!!! of play experience knows how to play with ALL dogs, this includes small dogs and puppies. If the puppy is shy or nervous they don't have to worry about being roughed up, they can slowly interact with the older dog. If the puppy is a rough player, the adult dog knows how to properly correct that behavior and keep the wild one in line, hopefully teaching them how to properly interact with other dogs. These are critical skills that every puppy needs and you don't have years to work it out, you have about 10-12 weeks from the day you bring a puppy home.

Many of my dogs grow up coming to my classes, they meet hundreds of dogs. Their play skills are extensive and they have met and played with a variety of breeds and dogs of all ages. For years Leo was my 'puppy socializer' but as he got older and was developing health problems, I stopped bringing him to class and found myself at a loss in puppy class for a good playmate. This prompted me to try my first Multi Age Obedience Class. The class is a basic obedience class for any puppy over 10 weeks of age through adulthood. By doing this I was able to include a few older dogs into the socialization process. This does not mean that every dog in class is a suitable playmate, but in every class I always have at least 1 older dog who is and it's wonderful. Because I require that all dogs have current health certificates and have no history of aggression towards people or other dogs, everyone is safe from illness and injury. The play experience and socialization for the puppies improved dramatically and people were able to see for themselves what 'appropriate play' looks like.

An additional benefit of the multi age class is that small breeds can learn to be comfortable around large dogs. This is a very common problem with toy breeds because they rarely socialize with big dogs, therefore they can go through life being afraid of larger dogs.

The bottom line is that play is essential, every puppy needs it. A primary reason we've seen such an increase in dog aggression is due to a lack of proper socialization in young puppies. If you have a new puppy in your family time is of the essence, get enrolled in a group class today!

A Therapy Dog In The Making

2011-04-24T12:30:00.000-07:00

This is Maggie when she was just 12 weeks old. Last month, at 1 year of age, Maggie completed Therapy Dog Prep School. It was an awesome class, lots of great people and dogs. The majority of the class had started training with me when their dogs were just little pups, so I've been able to watch them grow. When I first meet people, their dogs are rambunctious little puppies. The first night of class, which is a New Student Orientation, I remind everyone that the journey from puppyhood to Therapy Dog is about 1 to 2 years. During this time we are going to be training but we are also going to let our puppy enjoy being a puppy. This should include lots of playtime, rest, socialization, adventures, hiking, swimming and even a little mischief :) The best Therapy Dogs are those who are well adjusted dogs. All too often people think that Therapy Dogs are all business and that they don't get to have fun or worse yet, that they should never make mistakes. The truth is, there are no perfect dogs, and that includes Therapy Dogs. While Therapy Dogs do need to have above average training and exemplary temperaments, they are still dogs. Going through the training process is what helps us determine if Therapy Dog Work is the right career choice for our dog. It's impossible to look at a 10 week old puppy and say beyond a shadow of a doubt 'he will make a GREAT Therapy Dog'. We can look at personality traits, sound temperament, sociability, but only time will tell. So what do you do while you wait? You train and have fun.

When I developed Therapy Dog Prep School it was to help others prepare their dogs for the testing process and Therapy Dog Work. While I was raising and training my own dogs years ago, I realized that there was nothing available in the way of training to help me prepare for this process. I wanted to have a better understanding of what the actual visits would be like. The only information I received was to take the CGC Test. While I think the CGC is a good gauge of a dogs basic obedience skills I don't think it gives us enough insight into how a dog will perform in a medical setting or as a working Therapy Dog.

In Therapy Dog Prep we are working on obedience skills, teaching advanced skills to use on visits and addressing very common problems such as licking, jumping, over excitement, rude greetings, etc. When the dogs enter class on week one, it's fairly common for them to be jumping for attention, licking when you pet them and having trouble settling. By graduation night the progress is amazing, it's always fun to watch the transformation. Therapy Dogs Prep School helps people prepare their dogs for a variety of careers in Animal Assisted Activities and Animal Assisted Therapies.

On April 22, 2011 Maggie became a registered Therapy Dog. She passed all 3 phases of the testing process with flying colors. Her Mom is looking forward to volunteering in the community and sharing Maggie with others. Her Mom also knows that 'all work and no play, does not make a very happy Maggie' so her days will still be filled with play, swimming, chasing squirrels and other doggie pleasures.

The Start Of A Beautiful Friendship

2011-04-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

Today was a big day at the McCarthy house, today is the day that progress was made!! Just three short weeks ago Wally joined our family and while Faye was thrilled, Leo was not happy with his new brother.   Leo has always done great with other dogs but he has always had problems with intact males, due to an attack when he was a youngster. Wally had just recently been neutered so he still had testosterone, as it takes time for that to dissipate after a neuter.   So for any dog that would meet Wally, they were still reading him as intact.   For many dogs this is not a problem, but for Leo, it was a deal breaker. When Leo was 1 year old, while on a walk, we were attacked by an adult intact male and both of us were seriously injured. From that day forward he has had significant fear issues around any intact male. As hard as I've tried he just can not forget that horrible day . Thankfully we rarely encounter such dogs so he has been able to avoid those unpleasant encounters most of his life.

The day Wally arrived I knew there was the possibility that Leo would not welcome him with open paws so I took a number of precautions during their initial introduction. We had both boys on leash in my backyard and just started walking them near each other but didn't allow any formal greeting. I could tell from the minute Leo got a good whiff of Wally that he was not comfortable. We then slowed things down and had Leo walking 15-20 feet behind Wally so he could gather a little more 'information', still he could not relax. Wally of course is a big dog with a puppy brain and all he wanted to do was play with Leo. After 10-15 minutes we moved the dogs closer and within seconds Leo began to growl, bear his teeth and use very good canine communication to tell everyone how much he wanted Wally to move away. Fortunately Wally is very dog savvy having grown up with many dogs, he immediately knew that he needed to back off and look away.   Even with distance between them Leo could not relax and was clearly stressed so we moved farther apart. Just as we were walking away, Leo turned and launched a full fledged attack on Wally. Thankfully Leo has a very good inhibited bite so there were not wounds but it was loud, lots of growling, snapping teeth and horrible to watch.   Wally was well aware that Leo was not happy to meet him and quickly retreated.

I found myself suddenly living in a potentially dangerous situation and knew I had to take time to think this through. After everyone calmed down I had a family meeting and informed them that we would have to implement some very strict safety measures while we attempted to work through this.   The first step was keep the boys apart so that things could settle down. From that moment we were rotating them in and out of crates. When Leo was free, Wally was in a crate and vise verse. This was not a problem because all the dogs are comfortable in their crates. The next step was to purchase a DAP Collar for Leo and plug in a DAP Diffuser.   DAP has a very calming effect and I knew it would help all the dogs relax.    We used ALOT of desensitization exercises, offering Leo treats when ever Wally was hear him, clicking and treating for calm behavior, etc. For nearly 2 weeks I did not allow the boys to have any contact other than approaching each other in their crates.   For the first week Leo would not even go near Wally crate and if Wally approached him he would growl. By the 2nd week there was no more growling, he was choosing to sniff around the crate but still would not engage in any way with Wally. At the start of the 3rd week Leo had made repeated approaches to Wally while he was crated and even began sniffing and licking his muzzle. I was so excited but still wanted to take things slowly and use precautions.   A few days ago I placed a soft muzzle on Leo and had him outside with Wally and Faye. He was now able to move about freely with Wally but we had the safety of the muzzle just in case.   It was at that point that I saw things changing, more relaxed body language, choosing to engage with Wally and no signs of fear or aggression.

Today with drag lines on both dogs I decided to remove the muzzle and let them meet. As you can see from the pictures things went very well. The dogs immediately started playing a game of tug and running in the yard. I could feel my blood pressure lower and knew that we had just had a major breakthrough.

I've learned alot these past three weeks and as always, I'm in awe of these wonderful creatures. When given time and the opportunity to resolve conflict great things can happen. Too often we expect our dogs to 'get with the program' forgetting that they have 'opinions' of their own. We have to respect what our dog is trying to tell us whether we like it or even understand it. It's never easy watching your beloved dog behave aggressively, it's scary and makes everyone feel helpless. Understanding that aggression is a form of ccommunication puts things into perspective and helps you move past your emotional response and move towards a resolution. I'll still be keeping my eye on the boys in the days and weeks to come but I think they are well on their way to a Beautiful Friendship!

Is Your Dog a Space Invader?

2011-04-17T09:24:00.000-07:00

It can be challenging to teach your dog to remain calm on leash when others are allowing their dog to invade your personal space with jumping, barking, lunging, grabbing, etc. Because this is such a common problem I make it a focus of all my group classes. When we enter the class I ask that people to keep their dogs focused on them and not allow them to rush up to the other dogs. I think this confuses and even frustrates students at times because they think their dog REALLY needs to greet every dog they meet. Students tell me that their dog will only calm down if they are allowed to meet and greet other dogs. Quite often what someone thinks is play or an invitation to play is quite the opposite.

To better understand what a "Space Invader' is, read this great article written by fellow trainer Veronica Sanchez of Cooperative Paws Dog Training in Virginia.

SPACE INVADERS
By Veronicz Sanchez-Cooperative Paws Dog Training

Imagine if you were walking in the mall and suddenly a total stranger rushed up in front of you and stood literally inches from your face. As this person talks to you, you can smell their breath, they touch your arm, and stay in your space even as you back up to move away. What might your reaction be? Might you become afraid or angry? What if you are trapped and cannot move away? This would make most people feel very uncomfortable. And unfortunately, many pet owners routinely make dogs tolerate canine close talkers.

Most adult dogs are not happy to have an unfamiliar dog rush up into his or her face. Some dogs may react with a growl or a snap or other aggressive behavior, others might become frightened. Even those dogs that patiently tolerate the behavior may become less tolerant over time. Moreover, some dogs that rush up to an unfamiliar dog show additional pushy behavior such as jumping on top of the other dog, standing with their head over the other dog’s shoulders, and may not respond to the other dog’s signals to back off. Owners often misinterpret this greeting behavior as “friendly.” This is not friendly, it is rude! Add leashes to this situation and now you have two dogs that are trapped in this uncomfortable situation.

Recently, at a practice event for competition obedience that I attended, there were a number of dogs of various breeds in close proximity. Many of these dogs had advanced training, some titled at very high levels. None of the dogs were interacting with each other, they were paying attention to their owners. Why didn’t the owners have the dogs interact? Simply put, because most adult dogs do not necessarily enjoy interacting with unfamiliar dogs. Even adult dogs that are highly trained and extremely obedient will not always interact in a friendly way with another unfamiliar dog. Instead, these dogs know to listen to their owners, and – even more importantly – their owners know to handle their dog in a way that prevents their dog from making another dog uncomfortable.

Compare this situation to a typical visit to a pet store on a weekend, pet owners give their pets the full leash length and allow their pets to rush up to greet many of the other dogs in the store. These dogs temperaments and vaccination status is completely unknown. Since the dogs lack training, when the dogs become too excited or even aggressive, the owners have little to no ability to stop an altercation.

Pet owners sometimes mistakenly think that they are “socializing” their dog by allowing their dog to greet every dog they see on a walk or outing. Instead they are creating the very problem they hope to avoid, they are teaching their dog to be rude to other dogs. The dog is also learning to ignore the owner, that pulling on leash gets rewarded by the opportunity to greet a dog, and because some dogs will react aggressively, the dog is also learning that other dogs are not that friendly. Sometimes these dogs develop aggressive behavior to dogs themselves as they mature after repeated negative experiences.

The nice thing is that it really isn’t that hard to prevent your dog from becoming a canine close talker. Simply respect other dogs’ space. Do not allow your dog to greet every dog you see on a walk. Reward your dog for paying attention to you when other dogs are nearby. If your dog is friendly with other dogs, you can let your dog greet another friendly dog whose temperament and vaccination status is known after giving him or her permission to do so. Ask your dog to sit before letting him greet the other dog – do not let your dog pull you to greet the other dog. Train your dog or work with a professional trainer to teach your dog to look at you when other dogs are around. Take the time and effort to prevent your dog from becoming a space invader – your dog and the other dogs you encounter will thank you for it!

Meet Wally!

2011-04-02T13:10:00.000-07:00

We are just thrilled to welcome Wally into our family. He is a full brother/litter mate to Faye. It's a rare occasion that I bring an adolescent dog home, I typically start with a puppy, but when I met this big guy I couldn't help but fall in love. The first few days have gone well, he is settling in and seems to be quite content with his new home.

Alot has changed for Wally in just a few days. He went from living with 10 dogs to living with a family of 5 humans. The routine is a bit different but he seems to be taking it all in stride. To help Wally get off to a good start we are treating him as if he were a little puppy, even though he is 15 months old and currently weighing in at 93 lbs. The counter tops are clean and free of temptations, the closets are closed, all high value human toys are put away, the baby gates are up and restricting his freedom.

Change is stressful so we are keeping things low keyed. He is learning that his crate is a happy place and it always has a frozen Kong waiting for him, going to the bathroom outside results in treats and praise and laying quietly will most definitely result in a belly rub.

There will be lots of time for training and I'm already putting together a program for him. In some ways it's easier that he comes to me with virtually no training, I get to start with a blank slate and from what I've already observed, he enjoys training, so we should have alot of fun :)

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In the coming weeks we will be out and about meeting and greeting people, visiting new places and going to class. Wally has traveled to numerous dog shows since he was a puppy, so he loves riding in the car. He loves people but has not lived with children so we will spend extra time introducing him to LOTS of kids. Today he met our neighbors kids and thought they were pretty cool. There will be lots of firsts for Wally in the next few weeks and months, if you see us around town, come on over and say hello :)

Spring Shape Up Isn't Just For Humans

2011-03-19T05:37:00.000-07:00

It looks as though Spring is actually on the way and you know what that means, time to get ready for summer.   The reality hits that in a very short period of time it will be swim suit season.    The health club is overflowing with people wanting to shed those winter pounds.   There is suddenly activity outside, the yard needs to be cleaned up, the car needs to be washed...........so much to do.

We also are excited about getting back to outdoor activities with our dogs. This past winter in Michigan was brutal, sub zero temperatures, ice, feet of snow, just plain misery. It was slippery and cold for humans and I received many reports of paw injury from all the salt on the roads. As a result there were fewer play dates, only the occasional walk and many dogs were lucky to see anyone outside for weeks at a time.    With less activity many dogs added a few winter pounds, just like their human. One of the first things we notice when we take Fido for a walk is that his on-leash manners are a little rusty. Things were going so well in the Fall, walking nicely on leash, no more chasing after squirrels, ignoring kids on bikes. Well after 6 months of Arctic lock down all of that is out the window. You find your pooch barking in the yard as people walk by, overly excited to see other dogs or any living creature that moves, life is just down right exciting!!!

Before you panic and think all your hard work has gone down the drain, stop and remember, you had a well trained, well adjusted dog once, you can have him back again.   Your training is not gone, it's just 'out of shape' so-to-speak and needs to be shaped up.  There are a few common problems when Spring appears:

The Moment Of Truth, My Dog is Chubby! The Need To Shed Those Winter Pounds
Many dogs, just like their pet parents, have added a few pounds over the Winter due to decreased activity. This is a very common and many Veterinarians are having this conversation with many of their clients during routine Heart worm visits. It is important to keep your dog at a healthy weight, overweight pets are at risk for health and orthopedic issues. A measly 5 pounds of extra weight on a dog can be equal to 25-30 lbs on a human.   If your dog is in need of a slim down, work with your Vet to develop a healthy weight reduction program of diet and exercise.

What Happened To My Dogs On-Leash Manners?
Leash manners are just like muscles, if you use them and exercise them regularly they stay strong, but if they are put on a break they weaken. During the Winter months we spend less time walking our dogs on leash due to shortened daylight hours, cold temps, snow, ice, etc. When the weather breaks and we try to resume our old routine we're shocked at how 'crazy' our dog behaves on walks.  Your once composed pooch is now pulling on leash, barking at other dogs, wanting to chase squirrels, alerting on anything and everything which makes going for walks less enjoyable.   Now is the time to polish up your dogs skills by getting back into your old routine and consider enrolling in a group class. We offer a variety of short classes for brushing up on skills. This Spring we are offering a new Outdoor Adventures Class that will meet for 3 weeks at various outdoor locations.

Spring Is A Critical Time For Winter Puppies
If your puppy came to live with you after November then you have a Winter Puppy. These are puppies who due to our weather conditions had limited socialization. If you live in Michigan they most likely have never seen lawn movers, kids on bikes, skate boarders, roller bladers, strollers, you get the picture. There are so many things we take for granted, yet they are going to be a regular part of the scenery moving forward.   You'll want to do some remedial socialization and expose your puppy to this new and exciting world. If you find that your puppy is fearful or nervous of new things consult a qualified behavior consultant. It's also a good idea to enroll you puppy in a group class, this will provide socialization and ongoing training.
So to celebrate the first day of Spring, get outside and enjoy the day with your dog!

**Check our website for a complete listing of Spring Classes**

You Know What Happens When We Assume....................

2011-03-07T12:36:00.000-08:00

I recently met a family with a wonderful 7 month old Golden Retriever named Max. When I arrived I was taken on a tour of their home, well actually it was more a tour of the destruction left by Max. There was chewed up furniture and rugs, toys shredded into pieces, paint scratched off walls and a variety of other canine crimes.

The family seemed quite baffled by Maxs behavior and desperate for ways to make it stop. My first question for the family was "where were you when Max was getting into trouble?" The family replied "we don't remember, we may have been home, but no one was watching Max". My next question was "Does Max have a crate or area you confine him"? The family replied "We stopped using the crate a few months ago, we thought he no longer needed to be crated". My final question was "Can you show me some of the toys Max has to play with ." The owner showed me a box full of stuffed animals and fabric toys, most of which were torn into pieces.

If this sounds all too familiar I have some good news!! Max is a typical adolescent dog who was given too much freedom too soon. Lets take a look at ways to keep the Maxs of the world safe and out of the dog house.

Use Supervision And Management

Don't give your young untrained dog free run of your home, use a crate or gated area. If you can't give your dog 100% of your attention, they should be confined, this keeps them safe and prevents bad behavior from developing. When you need to confine your dog give them something to chew on like a frozen cheese Kong.

Provide Appropriate Chew Toys

Young dogs need to learn chewing discrimination, the difference between legal and illegal chew toys . They chew to exercise their jaws, to ease the pain of teething, to explore their environment and to relieve stress. The smart owner selects chew toys wisely, recognizing that she is laying the foundation for her dog’s lifetime chew habits. Stuffed frozen Kong toys, food dispensing toys, and other indestructible but inviting objects are better choices than items that resemble our valued human possessions. Discarded socks and old tennis shoes teach a pup to head for the closet floor and the laundry basket when the chewing urge is strong. It’s not Jaws fault that he can’t tell which socks are his and which ones you are still using!

Exercise....Exercise......Exercise!!

Be sure that your dog is getting enough vigorous daily exercise. A leash walk is fine, but off leash exercise (in a safe fenced area) is a better choice. Boredom is the number one cause of destructive behavior, and lack of exercise causes boredom.

Training Is Not Just For Puppies

Training provides more than just 'good manners' it provide mental stimulation. Enroll your dog in a class, try something new like scent work or tracking. If your dog loves people consider Therapy Dog Training. K9 Home Schooling offers a variety of classes, check our website for details.

Searching For Answers

2011-02-27T06:56:00.000-08:00

There is nothing more stressful than living with a dog that has behavior problems such as:

Separation Anxiety
Resource Guarding
Dog-To-Dog Aggression
On-Leash Reactivity
Fears and Phobias
Housetraining Issues
Destructive Chewing and Digging
Excessive Barking

When you find yourself living with a dog or puppy who has behavior problems it can be overwhelming. Where do you turn? Helpful friends, neighbors, co-workers are quick to dole out advice. There are even TV shows that promise to teach you how to 'fix' your dog in 10-15 minutes. When all else fails, go on line and 'Google' your problem. There is a never ending stream of information. The problem with all of these approaches is that behavior problems are complex and require expert help. While we would not want to have our medical or behavioral problems diagnosed via email or by a good friend, we should not use this approach for our four legged friends either

The majority of behavior problems are misdiagnosed or ignored. Here are a few things to consider when dealing with behavior problems:

The majority of behavior problems do not resolve on their own, they do in fact escalate.
If your dog is showing signs of aggression, fear or destructive behavior, it's not being done to 'spite' you or because he thinks he is the 'alpha dog'.
Enrolling a fearful or aggressive dog in a group class to 'test' their behavior is stressful for your dog and potentially dangerous.
'Practice Makes Perfect' the longer your dog practices a behavior, the better they will get at it.
Quick fixes don't work! It takes time for behavior problems to develop, it will take time for them to resolve.

There are many resources available to help pet parents and their dogs, start with a phone call to your Veterinarian. When searching for someone to work with, credentials DO matter, so ask questions and ask for references. Visit our website and click on "Recommended Resources" for books, videos and websites to assist you in your search.

The Perfect Puppy

2011-02-06T10:10:00.000-08:00

For those of you that know me, you know that I LOVE puppies. They're a blank slate, full of possibilities. But one thing I have learned over the years is that, just like people, puppies are individuals, each one different in their own way. Many people have fond memories of that 'one special dog' they've had that was 'perfect'. He always listened, came when called, never messed in the house, never was destructive, he was PERFECT! As the years go by and you bring a new puppy into your home the comparisons are endless.

Why cant Buster be more like Fido?
I don't ever remember Fido barking as much as Buster does
Fido never ran away, he always knew to come home.
Fido just housetrianed himself, he was AWESOME!
Fido never showed any aggression, he loved everyone and everything.

If Fido really does exist, I would love to meet him :) I've had many dogs in my lifetime, wonderful and amazing dogs, but alas none of them were perfect. They've all had their own quirks, some more endearing than others. In a nutshell, embrace your puppy or dogs uniqueness and don't compare, it will only drive you nuts! I'll bet if you take a few moments and make a list of the things you love about our dog, you'll realize just how wonderful they are :)

Baby It's Cold Outside.........So Lets Train Inside

2011-01-21T14:33:00.000-08:00

Don't let the cold Michigan weather keep you from training and socializing your dog. With the single digit temps we've been having, it's easy to see why most people opt out of outdoor activities with their dog. It is however important to remember that our puppies and dogs need ongoing socialization. Just like people, dogs get 'cabin fever' so make sure they're not spending too much time at home watching life go by from the living room window.

With the help of our good friends at Wags To Wiskers Ann Arbor and Chelsea we are now offering Indoor Socialization Outings. The Outings are open to all K9 Home Schooling students 12 weeks of age and older.

The class is 1 hour and limited to 4 students. It's an opportunity to be around other dogs practice skills learned in class and meet and greet strangers. Whether we are practicing loose leash walking or polite greetings, it's a fun and WARM opportunity to train your dog.

If You Hear Barking..........Sing Louder!

2011-01-16T13:31:00.000-08:00

Over the past year I've taken Faye on many outings in our never ending quest of new people, places and things. Today she made her first visit to Church. We have a big congregation so there was alot of activity.    Even though Faye has spent her entire life working in public I know that taking her to a new place means this is going to be a training exercise not a social visit. Entering a new building means new smells, new sounds and new people.   Training in public is part of a working dogs life, here are a few tips to help you and your dog be successful.

Setting Them Up For Success
The key to having a successful training session is setting your dog up for success and having realistic training goals. To do this start by having a clear, well thought out plan, this helps you and your dog not feel stressed.   Any time you work your dog in a new environment you can expect to see some degrading of training.   Because dogs don't generalize well, we need to give them opportunities to practice learned skills in a variety of environments.   When you enter a new environment let your dog sniff around for a few minutes and explore this new place. It's not a good idea to start firing off cues the moment you arrive, even the most basic skills like Sit and Down may fall on deaf ears if your dog is nervous or distracted.   Once your dog has relaxed, begin practicing skills that your dog knows, set them up for success.

Recruit The Help Of Strangers
There are dog lovers everywhere and who doesn't want to pet an adorable dog. I always recruit the help of strangers when I'm training my dogs. Because we are always working on 'good manners' I ask people to be a 'friendly stranger' and pet my dog as long as they keep 'four on the floor'.   I also ask people to ignore my dog, this allows my dog to learn to settle and not always be the center of attention.

Forget The Fancy Stuff and Keep It Simple
As tempting as it can be to want to show off all your dogs 'bells and whistles', I find it more beneficial to work on basic skills and reward/reinforce calm behavior.   You may not think there is anything impressive about having your dog lay at your feet, but think again, how many dogs do you see in public who can just chill out and relax.

Have A Good Sense Of Humor
Yep, you got it, this should be fun too.   I never go into any situation expecting my young untrained dog to be a superstar. These are learning opportunities and I definitely learn something every time I train in public.   As we entered church today I wondered if Faye would be quiet during the service?   She is typically not a barky dog, but just in case she decided to have a vocal moment, I prepared people.  "If you hear barking..........SING LOUDER!

Happy Birthday Faye---Oh What A Year It's Been!

2011-01-14T07:22:00.000-08:00

Today we are celebrating Lafayette (Fayes) first Birthday!! I am always surprised how quickly the first year goes by. Those first few weeks with a new puppy are so busy and tiring, there is never a dull moment. But in the blink of an eye our sweet little Faye is turning 1 year old. It has been a fun filled year living with Faye, she's got it all, beauty, brains and personality.

Faye began training at 9 weeks old by attending my group classes with the help of our good friend Judy who worked as her handler so I could teach the rest of my students :) My hardworking Assistants Joy and Jacob were always there to lend a hand too.

Along with training, Faye has made many friends along the way both human and canine. She works hard but I make sure she plays hard too. Whether it meant standing in the freezing cold , wading in a lake or logging hundreds of miles on walks, Faye has had no shortage of outdoor fun.

As a Therapy Dog In Training we are always working and training in the community, lots of outings, visiting the Hospital, local stores, schools, parades, the list is endless. As I have watched Faye grow and mature this past year I'm so excited to see her well on her way to becoming a Therapy Dog. Again, many thanks to our good friend Judy for helping us train, we couldn't have done it without her.

Even though Faye loves to have fun, her favorite activity is hanging with Leo and she does it very well.

We look forward to spending many more wonderful years with Faye, Happy Birthday Fayby!!

Do You Know What You Need?

2011-01-11T16:15:00.000-08:00

On average I receive 15-20 calls per week from people inquiring about training services for their dog. I offer a variety of services and quite often people are unsure about what type of training they need. It seems as though it should be fairly straight forward, unfortunately that's not always the case. There is not a one-size-fits-all when it comes to training. There is basic obedience training, puppy socialization, behavior consultations, behavior modification and play/exercise. Every situation is different and knowing what service you need depends on a variety of factors. Here are some of the calls I receive, do you know what training service you would recommend?

Our new puppy keeps biting our kids when they play with him, he chases them too.

Our Golden Retriever jumps on our guests and licks everybody.

Our 9 months old dog barks when guests enter and growls at them too.

When ever we approach our 9 week old puppy while he's eating he growls at us and tries to bite us.

Our dog is really sweet but does not listen to a word we say

Our 7 year old dog is suddenly very nervous and anxious

I'm sure some of these sound familiar :) Not all unruly dogs need behavior consults and not all puppies should be in a group class, how is that for confusing *grin*. When you find yourself in need of help to train your dog the best thing you can do is contact a professional and ask for guidance.

Obedient Owners Make Great Pet Parents

2011-01-05T06:46:00.000-08:00

I believe that most people are under the assumption that Dog Training is just for their dog. The hope is that by enrolling your puppy or dog in a class, Fido will learn how to behave in our human world. I always enjoy the first night of class, meeting new families and preparing everyone for our 6 week adventure in training. Everyone enters class with different goals and objectives, but the one thing they all have in common is wanting their dog to be better behaved and learn the 'house rules'

As a dog trainer there are two questions I get more than any others:

“How do I get my dog to stop doing (insert annoying, yet often natural, behavior here)?”

“How do I punish my dog when he’s just being bad?”

All to often these puppies and dogs are labeled difficult, aggressive, hard headed, spiteful, dominant, the list goes on and on. When you feel frustrated with your dog’s behavior, remember that someone must teach a dog what is acceptable behavior and what is not. A dog that has not been given any instructions, training or boundaries can’t possibly know what you expect of him. It's equally as important to understand that WE the humans must take the time to learn how to properly teach a dog. When students enter my class my goal is not to train your dog, but to train you how to work with your dog. To train a dog you must understand what is normal dog behavior, how to socialize dogs, how to enrich their environment and most importantly how dogs learn. There is so much information available on TV and the Internet it can be overwhelming and confusing. Our society loves a 'quick fix' but in reality training a puppy or dog takes time and behavior problems are even more complicated so quick fixes as seen on TV are fantasy not reality. We can eliminate so much of the frustration by learning a few basics about canine learning theory, which is understanding how dogs learn,. Once we know how to communicate with our four legged friends we can be great teachers!

We have a "Recommended Resources' link on my website to direct you to great books, websites and videos on raising and training dogs.

Remembering 2010

2011-01-03T11:28:00.001-08:00

To all the wonderful dogs and their families who made 2010 a GREAT Year!

Hope to see you in 2011!

Make your own digital slideshow

For The Love Of A Dog 2010

2010-12-30T17:57:00.001-08:00

Slideshow design generated with Smilebox

To our wonderful dogs Leo and Lafayette (Faye) who make us smile, keep us exercised and bring endless joy to our family :)

Me! Me! Me!---It's All About Me!

2010-12-28T10:21:00.000-08:00

Does your dog bark for attention, grab your pant leg to initiate playtime, jump on you while your relaxing on the couch? These attention seeking behaviors are just that, attention seeking, and they tend to work quite well for most dogs. Quite often frustrated pet parents are advised to try techniques that involve some form of punishment to stop this unwanted behavior. It could be yelling NO, pushing the dog away, throwing cans of pennies, etc. This typically makes the situation worse and fails to teach the dog anything. To break these annoying behaviors lets start by understanding WHY your dog is behavior this way.

Attention On Demand
Let's begin by eliminating attention on demand. When your dog comes to you and nudges your hand, saying "pet me! pet me!" ignore him. When your dog jumps up for attention, grabs your pant leg, barks for attention, don't tell him "no", don't push him away, simply pretend you don't notice him. This has worked for him before, so don't be surprised if he tries harder to get your attention. When he figures out that this no longer works, he'll stop.

Extinction Bursts
Your dog already knows that he can demand your attention and he knows what works to get that to happen. As of today, it no longer works, but he doesn't know that yet. We all try harder at something we know works when it stops working. If I gave you a twenty dollar bill every time you clapped your hands together, you'd clap a lot. But, if I suddenly stopped handing you money, even though you were still clapping, you'd clap more and clap louder. You might even get closer to me to make sure I was noticing that you were clapping. You might even shout at me "Hey! I'm clapping like crazy over here, where's the money?". If I didn't respond at all, in any way, you'd stop. It wasn't working anymore. That last try -- that loud, frequent clapping is an extinction burst. If, however, during that extinction burst, I gave you another twenty dollar bill you'd be right back in it. It would take a lot longer to get you to stop clapping because you just learned that if you try hard enough, it will work.

When your dog learns that the behaviors that used to get him your attention don't work any more he's going to try harder and he's going to have an extinction burst. If you give him attention during that time you will have to work that much harder to get him turned around again. Telling him "no" or pushing him away is not the kind of attention he's after, but it's still attention. Completely ignoring him will work faster and better.

Use Your Powers For Good Not Evil
As the human and as his owner you have control of all things that are wonderful in his life. You control all of the resources. Playing, attention, food, walks, going in and out of the door, going for a ride in the car, going to the dog park. Anything and everything that your dog wants comes from you. If he's been getting most of these things for free there is no real reason for him to ask nicely, say please or look to you for direction.

To implement this new program you simply have to have your dog earn his use of your resources. He's hungry? No problem, he simply has to sit before his bowl is put down. He wants to play fetch? Great! He has to "down" before you throw the ball. Want to go for a walk or a ride? He has to sit to get his lead snapped on and has to sit while the front door is opened. He has to sit and wait while the car door is opened and listen for the word (I use "OK") that means "get into the car". When you return he has to wait for the word that means "get out of the car" even if the door is wide open. Don't be too hard on him. He's already learned that he can make all of these decisions on his own. He has a strong history of being in control of when he gets these resources. Enforce the new rules, but keep in mind that he's only doing what he's been taught to do and he's going to need some time to get the hang of it all.

You're going to have to pay attention to things that you probably haven't noticed before. If you feed your dog from your plate do you just toss him a green bean? No more. He has to earn it. You don't have to use standard obedience commands, any kind of action will do. If your dog knows "shake" or "spin around" or "speak" use those commands. Does your dog sleep on your bed? Teach him that he has to wait for you to say "OK" to get on the bed and he has to get down when you say "off". Teach him to go to his bed, or other designated spot, on command. When he goes to his spot and lays down tell him "stay" and then release him with a treat reward. Having a particular spot where he stays is very helpful for when you have guests or otherwise need him out of the way for a while. It also teaches him that free run of the house is a resource that you control. There are probably many things that your dog sees as valuable resources that I haven't mentioned here.

This should not be a long, drawn out process. All you need to do is enforce a simple command before allowing him access to what he wants. Dinner, for example, should be a two or three second encounter that consists of nothing more than saying "sit", then "YES!", then putting the bowl down and walking away.

Attention And Play
Now that your dog is no longer calling the shots you will have to make an extra effort to provide him with attention and play time. Call him to you, have him "sit" and then lavish him with as much attention as you want. Have him go get his favorite toy and play as long as you both have the energy. The difference is that now you will be the one initiating the attention and beginning the play time. He's going to depend on you now, a lot more than before, to see that he gets what he needs. What he needs most is quality time with you. This would be a good time to enroll in a group obedience class. If his basic obedience is top notch, see about joining an agility class or fly ball team.

Teaching your dog to have 'nice manners' does not mean that you have to restrict the amount of attention you give to your dog. It speaks to who initiates the attention (you!), not the amount of attention. Go ahead and call your dog to you 100 times a day for hugs and kisses!! You can demand his attention, he can no longer demand yours!

Ground Control--How To Stop Unwanted Jumping Up

2010-12-26T17:08:00.000-08:00

Puppies (and many untrained adult dogs) jump-up to greet. Facial contact is an integral part of the greeting ritual and that’s why they jump, to get to your face. Behaviorally, it is the right thing for them to do when greeting and the truth is most of us reinforce it when Puppy is small and adorable and we are tolerant of anything Puppy is doing. Then, pup gets a bit older and stronger and jumps and tears our dress or pants or skin or jumps on the kids or a stranger on the street and we want it to stop, immediately. So, the training challenge is formidable, obliterate a normal, appropriate (for dog-dog greetings), compulsive behavior that has a history of being reinforced. And it can be done. Read on!

Ignore It
This means don’t look at, talk to, or give a dog that doesn’t have 4 paws on the floor, any attention. Remember the Jack Benny posture? (Upright, stiff stance, arms folded and looking away) When pup has placed all 4 paws on the floor, immediately lavish her with praise and a reward such as food, a toss of the ball, access to other dogs or the beginning of a walk. Teach her that all the good stuff happens only when she assumes the four on the floor position.

Rules to live and train by
Dogs in the air are invisible. They don’t exist. They get nothing. Dogs on the ground are beloved creatures worthy of attention, praise and rewards. Dogs on the ground go for walks, get to visit and socialize with other dogs, get to greet people, get fed, get petted, get new toys, etc.

Silent Until Sit
This means that upon arriving home after a period of separation you will remain silent and more or less disinterested in your pup until he sits for you. Instruct friends and visitors that you are training pup and ask them to wait for a sit from pup before saying hello to him. Once sitting reward your pup with praise and attention.

Sit Set-ups
Recruit everyone you know (family members, friends, neighbors) to play the “sit to greet game” First, tell them the rules: Puppy only gets attention, petting or a food treat if he sits to say Hi. If he does sit, instruct them to kneel down to his level and reward him. If he doesn’t, ask them to simply ignore him and quietly move off without giving any attention. You can set this up so the people you have recruited move clockwise in a large circle and you with the puppy move counter-clockwise. Each person encountered becomes a lesson in correct greeting response. If he sits and allows the person to initiate the contact, he gets the pay-off. If he does not, he gets ignored, but always provide another chance for him to succeed with the next person.

Make Pup Sit Happy
This means that your training will emphasize Sit until it is rock solid. Sit should become your pups default position. To accomplish this, you must teach sit everywhere and always. Pup learns sit at home in all parts of the house, then in the yard, then in the neighbor’s yard, at the sidewalk, at the park, at grandmas….. you get the idea. Also, you request sit and pup must comply before you set down his dinner. Pup must sit at the door before you open it to let him out. Pup must sit to be leashed prior to going for a walk. Pup must sit before you give a new chew toy or you toss the ball or Frisbee. We’re teaching pup that sit is the switch that triggers all the good stuff in his life. Work on sit at least 20% more than other behaviors being trained.

Reward The Absence of the Unwanted Behavior
This requires self-training and is something you can always do with any behavior you don’t want. You must train yourself to notice, praise and reward pup when they are on the ground. Eventually, these bits of learning will form a clear picture of what you want from Pup and what is rewardable. Eventually, pup will begin to spend more time on the ground and less time airborne.

Don’t move for Pup
This is, as Pup barrels down on you to say hello, don’t back up for puppy. This is called ‘giving space.” The dog made you move. He has trained you that his approach is a signal for you to yield your position and that he may move you about as he pleases. Without getting into all the (mostly silly and unfounded dominance theories) it just is not a good idea to let a young, entirely dependent animal who must learn the rules of our social order push us around. We need to be the teacher in this relationship. So, DON’T GIVE UP YOUR SPACE. As Pup approaches, stand firm with your knees slightly bent and hold your position. No kicking or rough stuff. Your feet should not leave the floor. Pup will most likely gently deflect of your shins and usually after a few rounds of this pup will begin to get the idea that he can’t just have his way with you and your space. This also applies to walks. If pup cuts you off, shuffle him out of your path. Don’t get in the habit of moving for and around pup. Make him make it his business to know where you are and to stay out of your path.

MINE! Understanding, Diagnosing And Treating Resource Guarding

2010-12-26T13:57:00.000-08:00

What is Resource Guarding?

Like humans, dogs understand the concept of possession and ownership of resources. Perhaps also like some humans, dogs can take excessive measures to guard these resources. The types of resources can be numerous, but the most common and problematic ones are usually food, objects (toys/chews etc) and particular locations such as their bed, your bed or their crate.

Where resource guarding manifests itself in dangerous aggression, you should seek the advice of a professional behaviorist who can make a comprehensive assessment of the causes and develop a detailed corrective program. This article is intended as guidance to help prevent or aid minor cases of this behavior.

Common Mistakes:

* Thinking it is OK for Fido to have a chair or a toy that is "his."
* Assuming he won't bite
* Avoiding the problem rather than dealing with it.
* Leaving toys that you know he is protective over out because "he likes them so much."
* Thinking this behavior will get better with time, especially with puppies
* Allowing denial of the problem to put other people at risk.

How can I stop FOOD guarding?

This is the most common type of resource guarding. It is usually easy to spot and occurs when a dog is aggressive (or threatens to be) when approached while eating from their food bowl. It can also occur when an owner attempts to retrieve food items snatched or found by the dog. Dogs are also known to guard their empty food bowls.

First things first, disciplining your dog for food guarding, is more likely to aggrivate the problem than cure it. Using harsh discipline often results in the dog deciding that it needs to be even more aggressive to retain this resource.

The reason a dog guards its food is the fear that the approaching person is going to take it away. So we need to remove that fear and create positive associations with people approaching its food. The best way to achieve this is to tempt your dog away from its bowl with an even tastier resource (i.e. its favorite treat). Do this in small steps and start by keeping a distance from the food bowl. Let your dog take the treat and return to its bowl. Over a number of sessions, gradually get closer to the bowl to the point were you can drop the treats into its bowl. Further develop this by offering the treats right next to the bowl while the dog is eating. Different people should carry out these exercises to avoid the positive associations only being related to one person and the dog continues to guard when others approach. Children should never work unsupervised with a resource guarding dog.

Another useful exercise, particularly to prevent food guarding, is to feed your dog in small installments. This is where you feed your dog a small amount of its food, when he’s finished touch his bowl and add more food. Repeating this 3-4 times until its meal is finished. Again, this exercise helps build positive associations as your dog soon learns that when you touch his bowl more food appears.

How can I stop TOY & OBJECT guarding?

Guarding of this nature usually relates to dog toy and dog chews, but can also relate to more obscure items such as laundry, tissues, food wrappers or objects found by the dog or have a particular smell.

As with food guarding, we need to look to building positive association around people approaching the guarded objects. We want the dog to understand that approaching people and the removal of objects means more fun, excitement or a special treat.

A good place to start is by approaching your dog while near an unguarded low value object. Pick up the object with one hand then produce a treat from behind your back with the other. Then give the object back and walk away. Repeat this, but change the angle of approach and intervals between approaches. Work on this over a number of sessions, then change the exercise so that as you offer the object back to the dog, as soon as they touch it, withdraw it then praise and treat, then give the object back.

Over time, start to carry out the exercise with higher value objects. Then move onto carrying out the exercise when the dog is more engrossed with the object. But always remember to keep it positive and that the removal of resources results in even more positive experience.

How can I stop LOCATION guarding?

A common behavioral concern of owners is aggressiveness by their dogs while in a particular location. The most common locations being their sleeping area, which could be their bed or crate, you're bed or the sofa. An interesting feature of location guarding is that the level of severity is not only tied to the value of the resource, but also to who is approaching. For example a dog may allow a child to approach but not an adult. Or perhaps a woman can approach, but not a man.

Some dogs show guarding behaviors while in their bed or crate. This is usually when a person attempts to handle, caress or move them. The reasons for this may be varied, it could be they are just tired and want to be left alone or it could be that they are feeling poorly. Obviously in the later case, you should seek advice from your vet. But in all other cases you need to accustom your dog to being handled while they are in these locations. Like other forms of guarding, the best solution is to make this a positive experience. Start by offering the dog high value treats while in these locations, and then start to lure them from the location with further tid bits. Keep practicing this over a number of sessions and like food guarding, change the angle of approach, the intervals and the person who does the exercise. Over time your dog will soon learn that positive things always happen when people approach previously guard locations.

Recommendations and prevention techniques:

First of all, remove anything he may protect. If you can't remove the item (such as a bed or couch), block access to it by closing a door or putting up a gate. Keep him on lead in the house so you can more easily control him.

Teach him to "Leave It" in a positive, fun way. Do NOT make this into a battle. Make him think this command is an opportunity for a reward, not a chance to lock horns with you. Always start teaching this command with boring objects so that praise and treats will be the obvious choice.

Reward spitting things out. Much of this sort of aggression is man made. People get angry when their dog takes things, then fail to give him a way to please them. They create a situation where, once something is in their dog's mouth, there is no way for the dog to win. This can force the dog to start defending himself.

Here's the rule: Once something is in your dog's mouth, it is TOO LATE to teach him not to take it. The only thing you can teach him now is to spit it out promptly. Therefore, reward spitting it out.

Take then Give. Early on, practice "Out" with your pup. Walk up when he is chewing a toy. Say "Out" and take the toy. Praise him for his brilliance. Give him a treat. Return the toy and leave him alone. A few weeks of this once or twice a day and your dog will want you to come and take him toys.

Redirect him. If he is pawing you then keep him on lead and work his demanding self. Every time he paws you have him "Sit, down, Sit, down -- come, stay, OK" -- with little praise. He may well decide that a nap is a better idea.

Teach him to move out of the way. This will help with his understanding that you lead and he follows. If it is safe to do, simply shuffle your feet into him (no kicking) until he moves then praise him. Or leave a lead on him and guide out of the way then praise.

He owns nothing! He has no "favorite" chair or toys that are "his" -- everything in the house is yours. If he is protective over anything, a bowl or a toy, remove it until you have taught him to relinquish it willingly.

Teach him to get off things on command. Always praise him cheerfully for obeying. If need be, close off rooms and/or leave a lead on him so you can manage him more easily. Always praise him cheerfully for obeying --- that is important!

Confine him daily. Daily crating is a generally good routine for this sort of dog and keeps him out of trouble in many ways. Even if you are home with him, crate him for short periods of time. throughout the day . [Note: many behaviorists advise that it can be counter-productive to crate a dog more than 5 hours a day over the long term.]

Increase his exercise. This is a great deal of change for him. Exercise will help relieve stress and release excess energy. Be sure to play games that promote cooperation and control -- skip tug-of-war, wrestling and chasing after him.

We do NOT recommend:

Going to battle over a squeaky toy. Your dog, no matter how small, can injure you. When a dog shows he is ready to battle a human, we already know that he is misinformed and confused. We need to straighten out that confusion prior to discussing that unwanted aggression. If you attack him for threatening to attack you, you may well escalate his aggression. And, even if you "win" he may decide to fight sooner and harder next time. What he needs is education, not attack.

Anytime -- ANYTIME -- your dog threatens you, hands-on help from a qualified professional is the best next step. Aggression is complicated and, if it isn't dealt with quickly, can get worse. In the end, it can lead to the death of your dog assuredly as any disease.

Fayes Therapy Dog In Training Debut

2010-12-24T13:31:00.000-08:00

It was a very exciting week as Faye made her Therapy Dog In Training Debut at Chelsea Hospital. All of the patients and staff were very excited to meet her and she was awesome. We started by walking around the Hospital so that Faye could sniff the place out, an important thing to do whenever you take your dog somewhere new. We then worked on some basic obedience skills to get her in a 'working mode' another important part of taking your dog into a new environment. After our short 'warm up' we headed to the Patient Lounge where everyone was anxiously awaiting her arrival. Faye was very calm and relaxed as the patients petted her and cuddled up to her. Because she is still a youngster I kept the visit short so that she would not become stressed or bored. After 20 minutes we said goodbye and headed home.

Faye will be turning 1 year old in January and has been very busy training this past year. She has attended group classes, socialization outings, workshops, just to name a few. We are always going somewhere and meeting and greeting new people. The training process for a Therapy Dog is about 1 1/2 to 2 years. When she is not training she is enjoying being a puppy which includes playtime, swimming, playing with toys, doggy playdates, etc.

Faye is an amazing girl and I am so thrilled to have her in my life. Aside from her beauty and brains she is very affectionate and LOVES to have fun.

I anticipate starting her formal Therapy Dog Testing in the Spring of 2011.

From Puppy Raiser to Placement--The Journey Of A Service Dog

2010-12-11T06:56:00.000-08:00

Polar, a 12 week old yellow Labrador retriever, came to live with us on April 8, 2007. He was the first puppy from Service Dogs of Virginia to participate in US Airs Puppies in Flight Program, a program that transports Service Dogs at no charge within the United States.

Polar quickly became a beloved part of our family and community. We loved taking him everywhere with us and he made friends everywhere we went. He attended School Events, Church services, trumpet lessons, dance classes, marching band rehearsals, Dr. Appts and pretty much everything else we did. Polar grew up coming to my classes and wowed everyone with his talents. I would send weekly Pup Dates to Service Dogs of Virginia along with Video of his progress and loved sharing stories of all his antics, and there were many .

Polar has more personality than any dog I have ever raised. He went through a ‘curious’ phase and ate my sons iPod, the keys off my husbands laptop, random pieces of lawn furniture, knocked our X-Mas Tree over and it broke in half. He used to enjoy hiding in my kids bathtub and would wait for them to come in so he could jump out and surprise them. His grand finale was eating a bar of soap, I think he was finally trying to 'clean up his act'.

But for all his antics Polar was the most amazing dog to train and work with. He LOVED to work and learned things quickly. He was rock solid in public and always amazed me at how he could handle stressful or new situations. As a trainer I’ve learned to look beyond the silly behaviors as those are trainable and look more at the dogs work ethic. I knew that with time and maturity Polar would be an awesome service dog.

Being a Puppy Raiser is a labor of love and an amazing experience for myself and my family. To know that you played a part in something that has such a big impact on someones life is a blessing.

Polar returned to Charlottesville at 16 months of age and moved in with his next Foster Family who continued his advanced training and kept him out of trouble during his teenage years. His advanced training lasted approximately 1 1/2 years. During this time the trainers at SDV were busy teaching him new skills and determining who they would place him with.

In December 2009 Polar was placed with Luke Morris, a young man who was injured in a diving accident and sustained a spinal cord injury leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. Polar helps Luke with daily tasks such as opening doors, picking up dropped items and even assists him in getting dressed. Along with being Lukes Service Dog, Polar is his constant companion. Luke enjoys the outdoors and Polar is always at his side and ready to partake in any and all activities, especially Mudd Bogging which involves driving a pickup truck into a mudd pit.

On December 5, 2010 I had the honor of attending Polar and Lukes Graduation in Charlottesville Virginia. My husband John and I spent our first day in Virginia visiting Luke and Polar. We had not seen Polar since his return to Charlottesville in March 2008. It was a thrilling moment to see Polar after all this time, no longer a puppy but a working Service Dog. There is so much emotion, we were so happy to see Polar, after all we raised him from a small puppy, but now he is all grown up and has a new life.

People would often ask me how we could give him back, wouldn’t it be too hard. Of course you grow very attached to your foster puppy but there is a bigger picture. While we enjoyed having Polar with us and loved him like he was our own dog, we knew that the person who would someday receive him as their Service Dog would have a relationship that goes beyond just a family companion. We knew that Polar would change someones life, give them more independence and become their best and most trusted friend.

Since Polar has been with Luke I have become Face Book Friends with his Mom Linda. We have communicated via Face Book for the past year sharing stories and pictures and she has always affirmed that all our hard work was worth it. When Linda speaks about Luke and Polar and the bond between them, I can hear the joy in her voice. When I met Linda in person I felt as if we had been friends for years. We will forever be connected to the Morris Family through the wonderful and amazing Polar.

We are now anxiously awaiting the arrival of our next Puppy from Service Dogs of Virginia :)

Dog Lovers Needed!

2010-12-08T16:17:00.000-08:00

Moore Pediatrics and Associates in Chelsea, Michigan, is looking for volunteers to work with our therapy dog, a 2 year old Portuguese Water Dog named Molly.

Do you love dogs?
Do you love children?
Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity?
Must be 18 years of age or older

Molly works in the office visiting with children and helping them to feel less anxious or scared about going to see the doctor. Molly is in need of chaperones who will keep her company while she keeps the children company.

This is an important job that protects both the safety of the children and Molly. If you have a few hours a week to share with us, we would love to hear from you.

Please contact Michelle McCarthy from K-9 HomeSchooling who is coordinating the volunteer program at Moore Pediatrics.

Michelle@k9homeschooling.com

734-395-2608

Winter Puppies-A Survival Guide

2010-12-02T13:31:00.000-08:00

Like it or not, Winter is here. It's time to break out the winter coats, gloves, boots, ear muffs, hand warmers, whatever you need to stay warm. In Michigan we brace ourselves for 5-6 months of cold weather. If you're a pet parent you know that being outside is a given, no hibernating until Spring. If you're getting a puppy this Winter it's important to remember that they need playtime and socialization. Both can be challenging as the temperatures start to dip below freezing.

There are some things to consider when you have a Winter puppy. Unlike Spring/Summer/Fall, there are fewer opportunities to properly socialize puppies in the Winter months. Here's a short list of some things you're not likely to see during the Winter months:

Kids on bikes
Lawn Mowers
Weed Wackers
Joggers
Baby Strollers
Swimming
Ducks/Birds
Kids on Playgrounds
Outdoor Sporting Events
Other Dogs

The list could go on and on but you get the picture.    When you think about the limited time frame for socialization for puppies, birth thru 18 weeks of age, it's easy to see how a Winter Puppy can be more challenging.   Don't despair, there are things you can do during the cold Winter months.

Sign up for a Group Puppy Class
All puppies need training and what place is better than a group class. A class provides not only obedience instruction but opportunities to meet people and other puppies.

Find a Puppy Playgroup
Even in the dead of Winter puppies need playtime and socialization with other puppies/dogs. Invite friends, neighbors, classmates and their well socialized dogs or puppies over for playtime.    A young puppy needs to have positive play experiences during the critical socialization period, don't put this off until Spring!

If You Don't Have Kids, You Better Go Find Some
It is critical that puppies spend time with small children during their young life but it can be down right impossible to find small kids playing outside when the temps are cold. Be creative, go visit a friend who has kids, invite a few kids and their parents, of course, over to your house for a visit.   I've been know to make short visits to a local pre school and meet and greet a few kids or pay a special visit to my Church Nursery on Sunday morning.    Try to do this as often as you can, your puppy needs to meet more than 1 or 2 children, shoot for 20 over a 1 month period of time.

Get Outside And Find Activity And Noise
Look for any outdoor activity you can find, ice skaters, hockey games, kids building snowmen, cross country skiers, parades.   Our town holds an annual Holiday of Lights Parade complete with floats and a Marching Band. I was recently asked by someone if taking a puppy to a Parade was a good idea. My answer is YES!!!   You do of course want to place yourself in a position that allows your puppy to not feel scared or overwhelmed. If your puppy is sound sensitive then standing at a distance would be best. So many Winter puppies are poorly socialized and end up with a lifetime of issues, don't let your puppy be one of them!

Buy Warm Clothing, You're Going To Need It
You should invest in a warm coat, boots, gloves, and Under Armor, my all time favorite. There is no escaping the cold, you need to be outside with you puppy helping them explore the world.    All too often I receive calls in the Spring from families whose puppy has 'issues' related to lack of proper socialization.   The majority of people were not told how important those first few months are for their puppies development and thought they could put off training and socialization until Spring.

So pull on your boots, zip up your coat, get out side and have some fun!!

Be Part Of The Solution Not Part Of The Problem

2010-11-22T12:13:00.000-08:00

I recently had a conversation with a woman whose dog is very dog aggressive. They adopted her when she was  2 years old and over the past few years her behavior has gotten worse.  They can no longer walk her outside and she only gets quick bathroom breaks outdoors because she will attack any dog she sees, so exercise is not an option. To prevent her from bolting outside and chasing after other dogs a friend advised them to use a shock collar.  They have watched a few episodes of a dog training show and tried some of the techniques recommended but found that it made her more aggressive.  While the woman felt bad about the problem she concluded that there isn't any point in trying to change her behavior.

I shared with her that when dealing with a behavior problem we are either 'part of the solution' or 'part of the problem'. She seemed a little surprised by my response and said 'so you think that her behavior problems are our fault'?   I explained that while they clearly didnt' have any control over their dogs early socialization and training, which most likely contributed to the problem, they do have control over dealing with the problem now. By not seeking professional help, their dogs behavior has gotten worse, so yes, you are now part of the problem.

It's common for families to ignore behavior problems, even dangerous aggression issues because they don't realize how serious they are or because they hope the problem will go away on its own.    In reality, few behavior problems go away without professional intervention.   The consequences of ignoring the problem impact the family and the dog so it's a losing situation for everyone involved.

How do we become part of the problem?

Ignoring fearful, reactive or aggressive behavior, especially in young puppies
Assuming behavior problems will go away as the dog gets older
Believing that our dogs behavior problems are 'his way of getting even with us or trying to dominate us'
Using punishment to correct the problem
Taking advice from unqualified persons
Re homing the dog in the hopes someone else with figure it out

How do we become part of the solution?

Socialize and train puppies, help them get off to a great start in life
At the first sign of behavior problems seek professional help from your Vet or a qualified Behavior Consultant.
Educate yourself about dogs and dog behavior
Don't rely on Television Shows to solve your dogs problems, work with a professional
Don't resort to 'quick fix' approaches
Be patient, behavior problems are complex and take time to resolve

Is Your Dog Ready For the Holidays?

2010-11-08T19:17:00.000-08:00

The Holidays are upon us and with them come house guests, parties, travel, decorations and much more. With all the preparation and excitement we tend to forget how the Holidays impact our dog. There are a number of things you can do to help prepare your dog for the Holiday Season.

Teach Your Dog A Proper Greeting With House guests
Many a dog is banished to their crate or backroom when house guests arrive because they go CRAZY jumping, barking and mugging everyone in their path.   If your dog does not know how to greet guests in a calm manner don't wait until company has arrived to start working on this skill.   The majority of people assume that dogs should instinctively know to keep four on the floor, which of course is not true. It's also common for people to encourage dogs to jump by petting them and working them into a frenzy every time they greet a dog.    So start practicing with your dog now before the Holiday rush begins. I receive many phone calls in early December for Private Lessons to address this very issue.

Calm Dogs Get To Hang With the Gang
Not only does your dog need to learn a polite greeting, they need to be able to settle and relax around guests. This is a skill most dogs struggle with and needs to be taught. We have a number of training videos on our Face Book page on teaching your dog to 'Settle' and relax. We highly recommend the Fido Refined DVD by Virginia Broitman and the book Chill Out Fido by Nan Arthur.

Help Your Dog Learn To LOVE Their Crate
If you're going to be traveling or there will be times when your dog needs to be in their crate at home, make sure they are comfortable and able to relax when crated. If it's been a long time since your dog has been crated don't wait until the last minute to find out that they no longer can tolerate being confined. It can be extremely stressful for a dog to be crated for long periods of time if they're not used to it so prepare them ahead of time with short periods of time in their crate every day.   If you pair being in the crate with a wonderful frozen Kong, your Dog will quickly learn to 'enjoy' being in their crate.

Pick The Best Pet Care For Your Dog When You Travel
If you need to board your dog take the time to visit the boarding facility prior to leaving your dog there. Ask questions and tour the facility to ensure that it is well run and safe. If your dog has any behavioral or medical issues be sure that the staff are trained and equipped to deal with them properly.    You will also want to check with your Vet to be sure your dog is up to date on all their vaccinations.

If your dog can not tolerate being crated or has other special needs it may make boarding them difficult so consider having a Dog Sitter stay at your home.    In Home Pet Care is a great alternative for puppies and elderly dogs who need a little TLC.

Deck The Halls
Holiday decorations are REALLY fun to chew on, tear apart, pull off trees and knock over.   If this is the first Holiday Season with your dog assume they are going to have fun 'undecorating' your house. Many Christmas tress are pulled down, knocked over, peed on or dismantled by unsupervised puppies and dogs. All of these new sights and smells are amazing to your dog and they have no idea they're off limits especially if you place them at nose level. Take time to plan where you will place your tree and decorations. If you have a puppy or exuberant dog bring out the baby gates or keep doors closed during your absence.  Teach your dog "Leave It' and practice daily. To encourage your dog to leave your things alone buy them a few new exciting chews or toys such as food dispensing toys.

Not Everything Is Edible
Whether it's an ornament on the tree or a holiday plant, beware of hidden dangers in your home. A small ornament can become a choke hazard. There are some holiday plants that can be poisonous so check with your Vet or the ASPCA Poison Control Department when in doubt.

Brush Up On Your Training Or Take A Class
You still have time to brush up on your dogs training, just a few minutes each day can make a huge difference.   If you have not taken a class with your dog or it's been a while consider enrolling in a group class or working with a trainer one-on-one.

Pup Start - Puppy Classes

2010-10-22T05:42:00.000-07:00

K9 Home Schooling specializes in helping people prepare their puppies for family life as well as puppies pursuing careers as working Service Dogs and Therapy Dogs. Puppies have special needs and we help families understand those needs. Our Pup Start Program addresses the physical, emotional and social needs that puppies have. The first 18 weeks of your puppies life is the time when critical first impressions are made. If your puppy has positive experiences during this critical developmental period, he will likely mature into a confident, friendly, easy going adult dog. Puppies who lack proper socialization, experience harsh handling, have limited exposure to new environments, typically mature into fearful, timid, reactive possibly aggressive adult dogs. We help families understand the importance of early training and socialization to get their puppy off to the right start. Our Pup Start Program gets you started with basic obedience training and socialization with other puppies, well socialized adult dogs and people. We also work on preventing unwanted behaviors such as nipping, jumping, barking, destructive chewing and much more. We limit our class size to 6 students to allow for individual attention. Our instructor, Michelle McCarthy, is a Certified Therapy Animal Consultant, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Training Consultant for various Service Dog Programs and Therapy Dog Tester for Therapy Dogs, Inc. Michelles expertise working with puppies is evident by the countless number of puppies who have graduated from Pup Start becoming beloved family members and successful Service and Therapy Dogs. To learn more about Pup Start contact michelle@k9homeschooling.com.

Degree Of Difficulty

2010-10-10T09:24:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite pictures, Cali, a 16 month old Labrador Retriever, winning the Best Trick Contest at Bark For Life this past June. I'm sure Cali and Judy had practiced this trick (crawling) MANY times prior to the contest.   In the early stages of training Judy would Click/Treat the smallest pieces of the behavior, an elbow bent, a small crouch, the slightest movement forward, etc. Once the behavior was taking shape, Judy gave it a name, CRAWL, and continued to reinforce Cali for correct responses. From there they practiced in a variety of locations so training would generalize.  When Judy was able to cue Cali to CRAWL in multiple locations she was on her way to having a nice solid behavior. The day of the contest was the ultimate challenge for Cali, responding to a cue in a strange place, in front of cheering strangers and with many dogs nearby distracting her. She performed her CRAWL like a champ and walked away with the Blue Ribbon!

Last week I was talking with a friend about the proper use of Food Rewards in training, when to treat, when to fade out the treats, what comes after the treats, etc. I think many people become confused about the proper use of using food rewards in training. There are 4 simple rules to clicker training:

1. Get the Behavior through shaping and capturing
2. Reinforce it steadily, lots of Clicks and Treats, so that it increases in frequency
3. When it’s offered regularly and with ease, ADD A CUE
4. When the behavior is well trained, fade the use of the Clicker and treats.

It sounds so simple doesn't it, but for the average dog handler it's complicated. In the early stages of training we are using continuous reinforcement, LOTS of Clicks and Treats to strengthen behaviors.    We want to teach Fido to SIT in a variety of environments, at home, at the park, at the Vet, in Class, when he's excited and when he would rather be doing something else.    When progress is being made we then want to start fading out the Clicker and Treats. This is where it gets tricky!! A dog may have a wonderful SIT at home but at the Park he seems to have forgotten all his training.   The handler is frustrated because at home they have already faded the Clicker and Treats for SITS but Fido still needs help when working in public. This is where I use the Degree of Difficulty program.   I start by assessing my dogs current level of training to determine which behaviors are fluent. For example, Fido has a great Sit at home and in Class, but when we go to the Vet or the Park he does not respond to the Sit cue. It's safe to say that Fido needs more practice working in areas with high levels of distraction. When he is at home or in class he is comfortable and relaxed, but when he goes to strange places the Degree of Difficulty increases, therefore making it harder for him to perform the cued behavior. He may no longer need Clicks and Treats for SIT at home but he does still need reinforcement for SITS in other locations. When the Degree of Difficulty increases those are times when reinforcement is still needed. As the dog gets more practice in multiple environments and situations the Degree of Difficulty will decrease and allow you to fade the Clicker and Treats completely.

It's important to look at your dogs entire training program and break it down into pieces, it gives you a better gauge of your dogs level of training. My dogs have "Piece of Cake" behaviors, this means it's a no brainer for Faye to Sit, Down, Come, Stay and much more when we are at home or in an environment she has had alot of exposure to. It is VERY difficult for her to perform at this same level in a strange environment or one that is full of distractions. While I may fade the clicker at home I will still use it in other environments until each skill is fluent..   When a dog has become fluent in a skill it's time to replace the Click and Treat with a life reward such at verbal praise, petting, toys, rides in the car, walks, etc. A Life Reward is something your dog enjoys and finds rewarding.   We will also make the dog work harder by asking for multiple behaviors for a single Click and Treat. When using this technique it's best to chain together a few beahviors that your dogs knows only Clicking and Treating the last behavior cued.

It is important to note that there is not a 'one size fits all' approach to training, each dog learns at their own pace. We must also take into account the amount of time we have spent working with our dog and keep our expectations reasonable.   If you only spend a few minutes each week training your dog, don't expect them to perform like a champ. I often hear people complain that their dog 'should know this stuff, after all we took a class'.   It's not the class that teaches a dog, it's the handler, so practice is important.

Puppies As Gifts For Children, Things To Consider.

2010-10-02T13:36:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year........the Holidays are approaching and people are thinking about giving a puppy as a gift.    I've already received a few phone calls and emails from families wanting to surprise their children with a Christmas Puppy.    There are so many things to consider when adding a puppy to your family.

Do you have time for a puppy?

Puppies are cute and cuddly and they need ALOT of time and attention.  Puppies need someone to care for them the first few weeks as they settle into their new home and to establish a housebreaking routine. You will need to get up with them at night for bathroom breaks until their are able to sleep through the night, this varies by breed and age so it could be anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.   They need to be fed on a regular schedule so having someone home or able to care for them mid day is very important the first few months.

A puppy needs to learn how to live in a human home so training is a top priority. Do you have time to attend a puppy class?   Contrary to what people may tell you, puppies do not train themselves, even the REALLY smart ones *grin*. A young puppy needs to be walked and socialized on a daily basis, this is something that can not be overlooked or it will impact  their development. A puppy will go through many developmental stages not entering adulthood until around 2 years of age.   During this time you will need to be diligent in supervising all interaction between your puppy and small children.    It's important that families look at their schedules and determine if they will have the time needed to properly raise and care for a puppy.

Does a puppy fit into your budget?

Whether you purchase your puppy from a breeder, a rescue group or get one for free, there are many costs associated with raising a puppy. You will have Veterinarian bills, food, fencing, equipment, training and property loss. Yes, you will loose things due to chewing, that just comes with the territory.

Do children make good pet parents?

Most of us get our dogs for our children assuming they will be actively involved in their care, but in reality we, the adults, are the primary caretakers for our puppies and dogs.    I have yet to hear of any 3 or 4 year old child waking up at night to take their puppy outside to go to the bathroom. I've seen few 5 year olds cleaning up poop out of the yard even though they vowed to do this and many other puppy related jobs. As a professional trainer and mother of 3 I have alot of experience in this area. I have great kids who love our dogs, but they are kids with busy lives. They are also learning responsibility, emphasis on the LEARNING so the supervisory position falls on the parents. Many a well meaning parent surprises their children with a puppy only to find out after a few weeks that the kids have very little interest in the day-to-day care of a puppy.

It's also important to remember that children typically have little if any understanding of animal behavior and find normal puppy behavior annoying and or scary. A young puppy has razor sharp teeth much to the dismay of small children. While we'd like to imagine our kids curled up cuddling with their puppy a more realistic picture is of the children crying when little Fido sinks his puppy teeth into their hands, grabs their hair, rips their clothing, etc.   A few days of this and most kids have little if any interest in interacting with their puppy.   This often results in the puppy being banished to their crate or receiving punishment for normal puppy behavior.

I often suggest that parents assess their childrens ability to care for a puppy based on the childs age and temperament. I encourage parents to consider whether or not they would allow their 5, 6 or 7 year old child to babysit for another child.    I know puppies are not humans but they do require a responsible and competent caregiver, able to meet the needs of a living creature.   A caregiver needs to be patient, calm, a good leader and a problem solver. It's doubtful that many children would meet these requirements, so they are going to need adult supervision and LOTS of it.

What is the role of the Trainer?

The role of a Trainer is to teach a family how to care for and train their puppy. I try to incorporate all family members into the process but the majority of work falls on the parents. I receive many phone calls from frustrated parents who are surprised to find that their children want very little to do with training the new family puppy. Training a puppy is time consuming and at times frustrating.   Sometimes families opt to send their puppy to live with a trainer who has offered to return to them a 'trained puppy'.   There are a few problems with this scenario.  It takes more than a few weeks to train a puppy, so a few weeks of Board and Train is just skimming the surface.  As trainers we are training you, the humans, to train your dog, removing you from the process is not going to help you develop the skills you need.   A skilled trainer can teach a young puppy basic obedience skills but quite often when the puppy returns home things unravel and the family it back to square one.

How does a Family make the right choice?

It's safe to say that if you have children under 12 years of age the majority of the puppy rearing will be yours.
If you have the time and it's your hearts desire to raise a puppy then go for it, if not, then conider an older dog. The shelters are full of wonderful dogs looking for their forever homes. You can also find breeders who have adult dogs that are being released from their breeding program. These dogs are typically 12-18 months old and much easier to integrate in to a busy family or one with small children.

Basing your decision to get a dog on solid information can help make owning a dog an enriching experience that changes your life for the better.   Adding a dog to the family for all the wrong reasons or buying the wrong dog can lead to heartache. Before you bring your dog or puppy home, let us help you determine if dog ownership is right for you and your family.

Change Is Ruff

2010-09-29T13:20:00.000-07:00

Over the years I have raised ALOT of dogs, almost too many to count. I am still amazed at how different they are, after all they're indivuduals, each with different personalities, quirks and tempraments. The first 2 years are a rollercoaster ride, full of never ending changes, some good some bad, but all very interesting.

There are numerous developmental stages that puppies go through on their way to adulthood. To help your puppy mature into a confident, well adjusted adult dog it's important to know what these are and be actively involved in helping them through the process.

The following chart is a great resource to help understand a puppies development from birth through age 2.

http://www.diamondsintheruff.com/DevelopmentalStages.html

So help your puppy get off to a great start and be an active participant in their every changing world.

Lets Play!

2010-09-23T17:44:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy Summer Session, classes are up and running and there are so many new doggie faces. I'm excited to be working with so many great families. Aside from teaching obedience skills I will be helping people learn how to properly interact with their puppies/dogs and this includes play. I'm often asked 'What Is Normal Play Supposed To Look Like'? I love answering this question and spend alot of time speaking to this at every class I teach.

The average pet parent is unsure of what consitutes good play vs bad play. I often witness people or children playing with dogs in very inappropriate ways, that can and often does encourage bad manners or aggressive behavior. It's not uncommon for people to wrestle, tease, taunt, chase and torment their puppy/dog thinking it's 'play'. What typically starts out as a 'game' often ends up with someone being hurt and the puppy/dog being confused about appropriate boundaries when playing with humans. We want to discourage any type of rough play with young puppies, it teaches them to use their mouths too roughly, to grab, chase and basically treat us as if we were a toy.

A young puppy or untrained dog has little if any impulse control, so whipping them into a frenzy rarely has a good outcome. What starts out as 'fun' often ends up with the puppy/dog being repremanded for hurting someone.

There are so many things you can do to play with your puppy/dog that don't include rough stuff. A game of hide-n-seek is an all time favorite with most kids and dogs. Make an agility course in your backyard and teach your puppy to run through a tunnel or weave in and out of poles. Hide food treats around the house and let pup hunt for them. Teach fun tricks and wow your friends and family. Buy an arsenal of toys and play fetch. Playing with your dog is a great way to teach obedience skills too.

For more ideas on building a better relationship with your dog through play, check out Patricia McConnells book Play Together Stay Together available on http://www.dogwise.com/.

Oh Where Oh Where Did My Little Faye Go??

2010-09-15T14:11:00.000-07:00

Where does the time go, Faye is now 8 months old. It seems like just yesterday we brought her home. She is growing like a weed, 54 lbs and counting. The puppy teeth are gone, replaced by big pearly white choppers. Her puppy fuzz is now replaced with a beautiful black shinny coat. The puppy gates are down and she is free to roam on the first floor of our house. The upstairs is still a little too tempting, lots of treasures up there :) She no longer has to ride in her crate in my Van, she is a great traveler. She keeps four on the floor when greeting people, has yet to meet a dog she doesn't like, will do anything for a piece of cheese and is great at keeping the chipmunks out of our yard. While I am completely in love with my little Faye I know that there is still work to be done. The next year will be a wild ride through her teenage years, stay tuned:)

Why I Love Clicker Training

2010-09-11T05:53:00.000-07:00

Today while on a walk with Faye I was once again reminded why I love Clicker Training. We were at the Metro Park enjoying the beautful Fall weather. One of Fayes training goals is to walk calmly on leash especially when we encounter other dogs. I use a variety of techniques to acheive this goal.

Clicking and Treating Faye for looking at dogs in a calm manner.
Clicking and Treating Faye for choosing to look away from a dog and look at me.
Clicking and Treating Faye for responding to LEAVE IT.
Playing "Where's The Dog", Clicking and Treating for looking at a dog on cue in a calm and quiet manner.

The end result is that Faye has learned to associate seeing other dogs as a GOOD thing. She has the opportunity to look at other dogs and does so without frustration, barking, lunging or fearfulness. She never receives leash corrections, verbal repremands or physical restraint for being curious or friendly towards strange dogs.

While Faye has learned to enjoy her walks we saw many dogs today who unfortunately don't feel the same way. We were strolling along the trail today when a couple headed towards us with their bouncy lab mix. As they approached us the dog became very excited and started pulling towards Faye. The owner immediately pulled hard on the leash tightening the choke chain collar the dog was wearing. The dog became more aggitated which in turn made the owner pull harded on his choke chain. When this didin't calm his dog he tried verbal repremands, "NO", "STOP". This only made the dog more frantic. When all his attempts to 'calm' his dog failed he abruptly turned and dragged the dog away. I couldn't help but notice how stressed both owner and dog looked.

My husband turned to me and said "wow, Faye just ignored that dog, that Clicker stuff really works". I smiled and said 'yes it sure does' and went on to explain why. When we stop using punishment as a means of controlling our dog and replace it with positive reinforment our dog learns the behaviors we find acceptable. They are rewarded for remaining calm, not barking, paying attention to their handler. Our dogs can learn that seeing other dogs is a good thing, not a predictor of pain and frustraion. Using Clicker Training allows our dog to learn without stress, fear or pain.

So today was another reminder of why I LOVE Clicker Training and I think my dogs feel the same way :)

Teach Your Dog To Speak English

2010-09-04T18:18:00.000-07:00

My daughter will be leaving in a few months to study abroad. She has spent the past few years learning to read, write and speak the language of the country she will be living in. We are looking forward to visiting her at some point in time but are curious how we will navigate a country where we don't speak the language. How will we find our way around, ask questions, find our hotel, order in restaurants and just plain communicate with people. Thinking about the language barrier made me realize once again, this is what it's like for our dogs when they enter our homes. Afterall, dogs don't speak english, it's a second language for them.

You're probably wondering how do we teach a dog to speak english? The answer is quite simple, through training. We teach a dog to pair together a single word command with a single behavior. They can quickly learn that putting their rear end on the ground is SIT and laying their body on the floor is DOWN and runing towards us is COME. By using positive reinforcement methods we reward the appropriate behavior, making it more likely that the dog will repeat it. There is no need for punishment, that only stresses out the dog and teaches nothing in the process. Would you like to be dropped in a foreign country seeking guidance and when you fail to respond properly to a request or question a hand reaches out and gives you a physical correction or you get a harsh verbal repremand. It's doubtful that this technique would improve your ability to commnunicate but would most likely make you less likely to want to communicate with anyone else.

To teach a dog to speak english we need to keep it simple, use one word cues, mark the correct response as it's happening so that the dog knows exactly what he is being rewarded for. For those of us who use Clicker Training we use the CLICK to mark the correct response followed by a small food reward. While food tends to be a dogs highest value reward, toys, play, petting and praise can be used too.

I routinely hear the following complaints from frustrated families:

"Fido doesn't pay attention"
"Fido won't come when called"
"Fido knows what he should do but chooses to ignore us"
"Fido doesn't listen to spite us, he's such a hard head"
"He Knows what SIT means, he did it last week"

Teaching a dog to speak english takes ALOT of training and repetition, could you learn a foreign language in a few sessions, I know I couldn't. We have to practice each word/skill in a variety of locations so that the dog can generalize. We need to allow our dog time to learn and yes make mistakes without fear of repremand.

The next time you're feeling frustrated with your dogs ability to listen to you, ask yourself a few questions:

Have I taught my dog what this cue/word means?
Have we practiced a few hundred times?
Have I rewarded correct responses?

Before you write your dog off as a hard head or lost cause sign up for a group class. With the help of your interpretor/trainer you'll be communicating with your dog in no time.

I've realized that my daughter and I have the same job, we both teach ESL, English As A Second Language, we just have differnt students :)

Leo Enjoying A Pupsicle!

2010-08-25T09:59:00.000-07:00

I am a big fan of Premier Pet Products and an all time favorite at our house is the Kool Dogz Ice Treat Maker. We fill it with lots of yummy treats, apple, carrotts, pineapple, kibble, etc. It's a great treat for a hot summer day

Well On Her Way To Adulthood

2010-08-14T13:57:00.000-07:00

Faye has just turned 7 months old and she continues to be an amazing puppy. Of course at 7 months of age she is slowly leaving puppyhood and entering adolescence. This is a wonderful time when your sweet wonderful puppy becomes more independent, curious, mischevious and yes at times down right annoying.

Can You Hear Me Now!
These past few weeks Faye found her voice and boy does she like to use it. She decided that barking in her crate was a sure fire way to get peoples attention but she quickly learned that the consequence was that we ignore her so that behavior may be short lived. She also found that her voice echoes outside and that there are many things to bark at such as birds, kids on bikes, other dogs and joggers. She quickly found that this barking always results in being brought back into the house. It was amazing how quickly she learned that quiet dogs get more attention and freedom.

Catch Me If You Can!
My family continues to learn the importance of putting their valuables away. A young adolescent dog enjoys chewing just about anything they can sink their teeth into and Faye is no exception. For a young dog there is nothing more enjoyable than a game of 'chase me' especially if the human is waving their arms, jumping up and down and screaching as they attempt to catch you. I've raised ALOT of dogs and every single one of them has gone through this phase. Fortunately we know that there are great alternatives such as not being a participant, asking for an alternative behavior such as Leave It or Come and most importantly PUTTING AWAY VALUABLE ITEMS :) There is a rule in my home for all the humans, If you place value on something, put it away!

What's A Girl To Do?
Just when when we think Faye is tired and ready for a nap, she gets her second wind. There seems to be no end to her boundless energy. The good news is we have alot of dog friends and have seen alot of them lately. We've also taken advantage of the many lakes in our area and swim a few times each week. Along with physical exercise we've increased her training to allow for mental stimulation. There is nothing worse than a bored dog, they tend to do things that make us CRAZY.

So in a nutshell, Faye is just like every other puppy. There are no shortcuts to adulthood, no magic wands to stop bad behavior, no perfect puppies:) We have to manage her environment, continue with obedience training, LOTS of exercise and a good sense of humor is especially helpful.

Help Find Roscoe A New Home

2010-08-12T04:59:00.000-07:00

Roscoe is a 1 year old Beagle who loves pig's ears, his Princess towel, walks and morning naps. He is typical for the breed and age in that he needs a fenced-in yard and supervision. He is housebroken, walks well on a leash and likes to learn new things for a treat. His family has a child with special needs who have found his energy level and size to not be compatible with this child nor new financial strain. He likes to run with other dogs and has a great sniffer he uses to play hide and seek for treats. Please contact kaschmid@comcast.net if you would like more information.

2010-08-10T16:31:00.000-07:00

This week is National Assistance Dog Week.

Socialization---A Marathon Not A Sprint

2010-08-02T06:14:00.000-07:00

All dogs benefit from socialization and exposure. Whether you have a young puppy or have adopted an adult dog, socialization should be an ongoing process their entire life. We should continue to provide our dog with a variety experiences to enrich their lives from puppyhood through adulthood. A young puppy who has limited exposure to the outside world, meets few if any strangers, etc., will NOT grow up to be a confident, well adjusted adult dog. He will most likely be fearful of new situations, strange people, strange dogs, loud noises, etc. The following information will give you some guidelines to following while your puppy is young to build his confidence and help him feel comfortable and confident in his ever changing world.

Socializing Puppies

Most people are unaware of how important early socialization is for their young puppy. The first 18 weeks of your puppies life are the time when critical first impressions are made. If your puppy has a positive experience he will remember it always, unfortunately the same can be true for negative experiences. We want our puppy to meet a variety of people, visit a lot of different environments, walk on many different surfaces, etc. We do, however, want to use caution with our young puppy, so as not to overwhelm them in our attempt to “Socialize” them. The key to success is working at a pace that allows your puppy to feel safe and comfortable. You never want to force your puppy into a situation that makes him feel anxious or fearful. When taking your puppy out and about, keep it short and sweet. A young puppy can not handle a marathon outing of being dragged from place to place, meeting tons of people, being over handled by strangers, etc. Your outings should be based on your puppies age and temperament. For young puppies 8-12 weeks 10-15 minutes a few times per week should suffice. If your puppy seems fearful or apprehensive, back off and try again another day. If he is having a wonderful time, still stop at 10-15 minutes, call it a day, and head home. Being able to end your outings on a “High Note” is the best way to ensure success.

Here are some suggestions for ways to expose your puppy to new situations:

- Walk your puppy in a new environment and offer treats, he will associate the treat with the new situation
- Ask people to CALMLY greet your puppy and offer him a treat
- Walk your puppy on a variety of surfaces and offer treats as he moves about. You can even drop small treats on the ground for him to pick up as he walks.
- For situations that may make your puppy nervous, stand a good distance away, allow him to observe as you offer him treats. NEVER force him to approach something that makes him nervous or fearful. You may have to work him at a distance for a few sessions until he feels ready to approach someone or something. As his confidence builds allow him to approach when he is ready. Praise and reward him for being brave!

Who should your puppy meet?

You’ll want your puppy to meet a variety of people during the Socialization period. This includes, adults, children, seniors, men with beards, women wearing glasses, kids on bikes, boys on rollerblades, girls wearing hats, people from different ethnic backgrounds, etc. Do not encourage strangers to pick up your puppy, rather wait for your puppy to sit or at least keep all four paws on the ground and then offer a treat and some gentle petting. If everyone who greets your puppy does so in an exuberant fashion, encouraging your puppy to jump up, lick, bark, etc, this will set the stage for a lifetime of rude greeting behavior. It is always best to explain to people that you’re training your puppy and would like their help in doing so, but ask that they follow your guidelines for proper greeting behavior.

How do I Socialize my puppy with other dogs?

We do want our puppy to play with a variety of other dogs and puppies to help them develop appropriate play skills. Try to find playmates that have a solid socialization history of their own. This means puppies or dogs who enjoy dog-to-dog play, have a history of appropriate play, have never had a negative incident during play such as injuring another dog or fighting. It is cruel to turn your innocent puppy loose with a dog that plays too rough or has the potential to injure or scare your puppy. All play should be fun, productive and safe. While dog parks are the way of the future, they can be a terrifying place for a young inexperienced puppy. Do not buy into the belief that puppies need to be “toughened up” in the name of socialization, this is just not true. If you visit a Dog Park and find that the play is too rough, unsupervised, etc., do your puppy a favor and leave. One bad incident with another dog can result in reactive, fearful aggressive behavior that could last a lifetime. On the other hand, having countless positive play experiences with other dogs will help junior grow up to be the dog everyone else wants their puppy to play with!

What if your Puppy is Fearful and Anxious?

It is not uncommon for young puppies to be fearful of new situations or people, but you’ll want to start to see improvement after a few sessions. If you find that you’ve tried a few times and continue to see little improvement, seek the assistance of a Professional Dog Behavior Consultant. A fearful puppy will rarely improve without intervention and the sooner the better.

What if your Puppy acts like Tarzan?

If your puppy appears to have no fear and charges up to everyone and everything he sees, it’s time to enroll in an obedience class. While we all want a confident and social puppy, rude pushy puppies grow up to be obnoxious out of control dogs. It’s one thing to have an adorable 8 week old Labrador jump up for kisses, it’s another to have a 90 lbs Labrador knock you over. We need to teach our puppies how to interact appropriately with people and how to behave in public. It's recommended to enroll in a group puppy class as early as 8 weeks of age.

And finally, remember that Socialization is a marathon not a sprint, pace yourself. It will takes months to properly socialize your puppy so take your time and have fun!

There are many wonderful books listed in the Recommended Resources section of the K9 Home Schooling website on raising and training dogs.

Cue Tip

2010-07-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

For verbal cues, it’s best to use a single word and to say it only once. It’s called “nagging” when the cue is repeated multiple times and it has the effect of reducing the power and usefulness of the cue to capture Pup’s attention and get a correct response. Pup learns to ignore the cue. This also happens to us when the same information is repeated over and over. We too, soon learn it is without relevance and we block it and attend to something else.
For verbal cues, it’s best to use a single word and to say it only once. It’s called “nagging” when the cue is repeated multiple times and it has the effect of reducing the power and usefulness of the cue to capture Pup’s attention and get a correct response. Pup learns to ignore the cue. This also happens to us when the same information is repeated over and over. We too, soon learn it is without relevance and we block it and attend to something else.
For verbal cues, it’s best to use a single word and to say it only once. It’s called “nagging” when the cue is repeated multiple times and it has the effect of reducing the power and usefulness of the cue to capture Pup’s attention and get a correct response. Pup learns to ignore the cue. This also happens to us when the same information is repeated over and over. We too, soon learn it is without relevance and we block it and attend to something else.
For verbal cues, it’s best to use a single word and to say it only once. It’s called “nagging” when the cue is repeated multiple times and it has the effect of reducing the power and usefulness of the cue to capture Pup’s attention and get a correct response. Pup learns to ignore the cue. This also happens to us when the same information is repeated over and over. We too, soon learn it is without relevance and we block it and attend to something else.
For verbal cues, it’s best to use a single word and to say it only once. It’s called “nagging” when the cue is repeated multiple times and it has the effect of reducing the power and usefulness of the cue to capture Pup’s attention and get a correct response. Pup learns to ignore the cue. This also happens to us when the same information is repeated over and over. We too, soon learn it is without relevance and we block it and attend to something else.
For verbal cues, it’s best to use a single word and to say it only once. It’s called “nagging” when the cue is repeated multiple times and it has the effect of reducing the power and usefulness of the cue to capture Pup’s attention and get a correct response. Pup learns to ignore the cue. This also happens to us when the same information is repeated over and over. We too, soon learn it is without relevance and we block it and attend to something else.

*GRIN*

Exercise Your Dog Before Leash Walking.......WHAT????

2010-07-22T18:53:00.000-07:00

We all want to enjoy a nice leasurely walk with our dog, right? Well thats not always how things play out. You get up in the morning, throw on your walking shoes, grab the collar and leash, and head out for a walk. The only problem is your 4 legged friend is so charged up it ends up being more of a drag around the neighborhood, barking, leaping, sniffing, you get the picture. Then as if you're not frustrated enough, you ask me, the dog trainer, how to make Fido walk 'nicer' on leash. My response is "have you tried exercising your dog before you walk him". It sounds like a crazy idea, isn't the walk exercise?

Some dogs, especially young puppies or high energy dogs benefit from 10-15 minutes of off leash play in the yard before being leashed up and taken on a walk. A short game of fetch or just romping around the yard can help burn off some steam and make walking on leash a much more reasonable request.

I often encourage students to exercise their dogs before trying to teach leash walking or attending a group class. Next week I will be taking my Therapy Dog Prep Class on an outing in Downtown Chelsea. Prior to that outing we will be meeting at the training center for a short play session. This will help all the dogs gets their YaYas out and allow everyone to relax and enjoy the outing.

So next time you want to take your dog on a relaxing walk, exercise them first :)

Making Your Pets Recovery Time Less Stressful

2010-07-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

In just 2 days Faye will be restriction free after her Spay and able to resume her normal puppy life. It's been a REALLY long 10 days for her, no running, jumping, doggie playdates, swimming, etc. To restrict her activity she had to spend extended periods of time in her crate. Faye has always been very comfortable in her crate but I wanted to be sure that this extended crate time didn't change her 'feelings' about being confined.

For starters I made sure that when she has to spend time in her crate she has a frozen cheese kong to keep her company. Lock down is made a little bit easier when you have a yummy treat to keep you busy.

Her exercise is restricted to leash walks only so I've adjusted my schedule to make sure she is getting 3-4 walks per day. A tired puppy is more likely to rest in their crate.

She'a been eating her meals out of food dispending toys to make meal time last longer.

Yesterday we made a quick drop in visit to the Vet office so she could get treats and hugs from the staff instead of shots and surgery:)

The past few days I've been teaching her new skills, paw targeting, hold/give, spin, bow and a few other fun tricks.

Even though Faye has been a wonderful patient, I know she will be thrilled when Friday arrives and she can bust loose.

Think Outisde The Bowl!

2010-07-12T06:46:00.000-07:00

I recently had a discussion with a friend about using food in training and/or behavior modification without adding extra pounds to our dogs waistline. Whether we're teaching new obedience skills, redirecting behaviors, training in public or using frozen kongs/bones for recreational chewing, calories can add up quickly. The average dog LOVES food and will rarely turn down the opportunity to eat so it's our job to manage those calories. If your dog is currently in training and you're using food rewards it's immportant to keep track of how much food they're eating each day. I start by measuring out their daily amount of dry kibble and placing it into a zip lock bag each morning. If you're doing alot of training and want to use special treats you can withhold a small portion of their daily food to account for those added calories. Adult dogs and puppies need a balanced diet so do not replace too much of their food with high fat or empty calorie treats. It's easy to overfeed so monitoring daily calories is important. By premeasuring food you'll be able to keep track of eactly how much food your dog is eating each day.

Keep in mind that there is no rule that says your dog has to eat all their food out of their bowl. You can divide it and dispense it a number of ways.

Place it in food dispensing toys
In the morning while you're getting ready for work, place your dogs breakfast into a food dispensing toy such as a Tug-A-Jug, Kibble Nibble or Fayes favorite The Tornado!

Feed them out of your treat bag during training sessions or on walks
You can pour some of their meal into your treatbag and use it for training or feed them breakfast/dinner while you walk them.

Hand Feeding, especially for puppies
Hand feed your dog their kibble a few pieces at a time, especially helpful for puppies to prevent any food bowl/resource guarding issues.

Scatter it around your yard and let them 'hunt' for their food
Most dogs love to use their nose so take their meal and toss it around your yard. They can spend the next hour hunting for their food.

Not only can we use these techniques during training but they can be especially helpful for a dog recovering from illness, injury or surgery. Tomorrow Faye is going to be spayed and she will be restricted from her normal exercise routine for 10-14. During her recovery she will be eating meals out of her Tornado or Tug-A-Jug. She loves to hunt and use her nose so we'll be tossing a meal or two into the fenced yard. The only outdoor exercise she can have is leash walks so she'll be eating many of her meals on the go as we walk. We will also take this time to learn a few new obedience skills or tricks.

So when it comes to feeding your dog, Think Outside The Bowl, the possibilities are endless!!

The Life And Times Of Leo The Therapy Dog

2010-07-09T11:49:00.000-07:00

I am in a new phase of life with Leo who recently retired from his 8 year run as a Therapy Dog. For the past year he has suffered with chronic orthopedic issues so I made the decision to retire him and let him enjoy his golden years. It was a difficult decision because we have worked as a team for so many years. As I look back I am in awe of all that we have done, the places we've visited, the people we've met and the friends we've made.

Leo came to our family at 8 weeks of age and immediately won the hearts of everyone he met. At the time my kids were in elementary school where I would pick them up daily so he quickly became a local celebrity as he was always at my side. The first year was filled with socialization outings, training, playdates and family time. I was so excited to have a dog so eager to work and I loved the learning experience of teaching him higher level skills. We went through formal Therapy Dog Testing when he was 2 years old and he passed with flying colors. Within a few weeks he became a R.E.A.D. dog too. At the time I knew very little about Therapy Visits so it was a learning process for us both. What I quickly found out was that there is no shortage of places wanting a Therapy Dog to visit. I also realized how many ways a Therapy Dog could be utilized in patient care or rehabilitation. I thought it would be fun to teach him some higher level skills and hopefully utilize them on visits. And utilize them we did, we found our calling working at numerous hospitals in their OT/PT departments with rehab patients. At our weekly visits the Therapists would include Leo in their patients treatment be it rolling a ball back on command, picking something up, playing balloon volleyball or using Leo for balancing while walking. The opportunities to learn new skills were endless and much of this we were learning as we went along so it was alot of fun for me too. Every visit was a new adventure and Leo and I loved the challenge. Along with our Hospital visits we worked at local libraries and schools as a R.E.A.D team. Leo and I started the R.E.A.D. Programs at the Chelsea District Library and Ann Arbor District Library as well as helping other cities and schools launch their own programs. We made alot of public appearances to talk about Therapy Dogs and helped others develop programs and promoted the benefits of positive based training........always have to get that plug in *GRIN*

To the best of my recollection here are the places we have visited over the years:

Silver Maples Retirement Center
Chelsea Retirement Center
St Joesph Hospital
University of Michigan Hospital
Eisenhower Place Rehabilitation Center
St. Louis Boys Center
Towsley Center
Hartland Center
Ann Arbor Public Library
Chelsea District Library
Dexter Library
Chelsea Community Hospital
Pierece Lake Elementary
South Meadows Elementary
Cornerstone Elementary
Rainbow Rehabilitation Center

So what is retired life like, pretty darn good :) There are no more early morning visits, fewer baths, more licking of faces and various other doggie type behaviors. While I have enjoyed sharing Leo with so many people over the years I can honestly say it's been nice having him all to myself.

Of course there is always something new on the horizon, that would be Faye. She is 6 months old and shows great promise as a future Therapy Dog. She is going to be attending Therapy Dog Prep School Graduation this week, she's been a great student. As one career ends another one begins.

Fayes Firsts

2010-07-03T09:12:00.000-07:00

Faye will be turning 6 months old this week, the time is passing so quickly. I can't remember when I have had so much fun raising a puppy. She is calm, confident, playful and loves to train. Since her arrival I've been working through my Puppy Socialization Check List. So many places to go and people to meet, she has done wonderfully every step of the way.

This past week Faye graduated from small puppy restrictions to earning a little more freedom. For starters she is now able to ride in my Van outside of her crate. If I need to leave her in the Van I will still crate her, but for tooling around town with me she is free and loving it. She has also had a few opportunities to be left free on the first floor of our home while I was upstairs. She was more than happy to just hang out with Leo. She still has ner moments of mischief so total freedom is not an option this early in the game, but we are gradually working towards it.

She experienced her first Fireworks this week, loud, obnoxiious boomers and took it all in stride.

The most exciting turn of events has been her wonderful behavior when we have guests in our home. We have ALOT of people come and go through our home so she has had alot of practice. Faye was quite the jumper and nipper in the early weeks but now will keep all four on the floor and mouth closed when greeting guests. I'm sure the sign I had posted on my front door directing visitors to ignore her until she kept four on the floor helped ALOT.

As the weeks and months go by there will be many more firsts for Faye.

Riding Out A Storm With Your Pet

2010-06-24T11:46:00.001-07:00

It's that time of year again, storm season, and Michigan has already had a number of dangerous storms. All this wild weather is stressful for humans and their four legged friends.

Those of us who have grown up in Michigan know the importance of being prepared for tornados, floods, thunder and lightening, etc. We know to have flashlights, candles, bottled water, radio, cell phone, designated shelter in our home such as a basement or interior hallway. When the weather man says 'take cover' we know just what to do, grab the family and take cover, this includes our pets too!

We want to be sure that our pets are indoors as the storms start rolling in, especially if there is lightening. In the event that you could become separated from your pet make sure they're wearing collars with Identification. When ever our family is under the threat of severe weather I not only collar my dogs, I also have them on drag lines, leashes, to ensure that I can keep them with us. A dog can panic during a storm causing them to want to run and hide and we want to be sure they don't escape or become separated from us. Have an assortment of chew toys to give your dog something to do. It's helpful to distract your dog with a fun game of fetch or run through their list of obedience skills, anything to keep them occupied. If your dog is most comfortable in a crate, be sure to provide that safe place for them to rest and relax. With a young puppy in our home we are quick to redirect her during storms and try to keep the mood light. Even when we are hunkered down in our basement we try to play with her, offer her treats anything that will help her not feel fearful or stressed. At 5 months of age she rarely notices thunder or lightening and can sleep through just about anything. I think living in a home with 3 teenagers has pretty much desensitized her to noise *grin*.

For dogs who have storm phobias it's an especially stressful time. If your dog is experiencing fear and anxiety during storms, speak with your Vet. There are things you can do to help your dog be more comfortable such as using DAP products and if necessary prescription medication. A dog with storm phobia rarely will improve without medical and behavioral intervention, so seek help.

All Work And No Play Can Make For a Frustrated Fido

2010-06-18T15:48:00.001-07:00

I've been raising and training Therapy Dogs and Service Dogs for many years. It's a labor of love and I am always so proud of these amazing animals and all they do. It is however a long training process with many ups and downs along the way. The biggest challenge is finding a balance between training and downtime. When a puppy enters training we have so many goals set for them. We first address socialization which needs to happen during the first 20 weeks. The pressure is on, take the puppy out, have them meet people, play with other dogs, explore new environments, ride in the car, and so much more. Then next on the list is obedience training, You sign up for a group class, attend a weekly class, work on teaching new skills. And what would puppyhood be without teaching good manners, no jumping, no biting, relinquishing slippers, papper and other stolen objects. It's not uncommon to feel overwhelemed as you watch the clock ticking away towards the 20 week deadline. While all of these things are a very important part of the training process it's important to remember that play and rest are important too. If you find yourself feeling stressed imagine how your puppy must be feeling. It's common for students to feel that more is better when in reality slower is better. A young puppy in training does not need to be working/training in public everyday. If you're getting them out for 30 minutes a few times per week that is more than adequate. As they mature you can and should increase this, but short and sweet is best the first few months.

Faye is 5 1/2 months old and is doing really well in training but I am cautious to not push her too hard. We typically go out and about a few times per week, she loves to ride in the car so she tags along when I am running errands or driving my kids around town. She is much more reliable with housebreaking so we have been making short visits to local businesses to meet new people, ride elevators, climb stairs, etc. She will be starting her first Therapy Dog Class this week and I'm excited to teach her some new skills. At home we are giving her more freedom in the house as she has proven to be trustworthy. It's important to remember that raising and training a puppy is a marathon not a sprint, so pace yourself.

Can You Meet Your Breeds Needs?

2010-06-13T05:38:00.001-07:00

Over the years I have had many different breeds of dogs. The past 10 years I've had Labradors. I like their personality, size and energy level. I have a young active family and wanted a dog that would enjoy and tolerate the faced paced and often chaotic lifestyle of my home. I have a BIG fenced yard, enjoy being outside, love to walk and spend time at the water so the Labrador is a great fit for our family.

When people ask me 'whats a good breed of dog' I'm quick to start firing off a list of questions for them to consider:

How big of a dog do you want?
Do you care about shedding or have allergies?
Do you have a fenced yard?
How much time do you spend away from your home each day?
Do you have the time to committ to a puppy or would an adult dog be better?
Do you have other pets?

These are just some of the questions I ask people. There is so much to consider when adding a pet to your family. Most people research the purchase of a new car longer than they do the decision to add a dog to their home. True a car may cost more, but most people only have their cars 5 years and a dog lives an average of 12-15 years. Basing your decision to get a dog on solid information can help make owning a dog an enriching experience that changes your life for the better.

I often work with families who are not prepared to meet the needs that their particular breed of dog requires. A young lab, pointer, shepard for example will need daily vigorous exercise for years. All dogs need training, supervision, companionship and socialization. The average terrier LOVES to dig and without appropriate outlets for this behavior can make your backyard look like a scene from Caddy Shack. You have your herding breeds, yes they DO love to chase and herd things, even children. You have your hunting dogs with powerful noses ready and willing to follow a scent. The toys breeds tend to need less exercise and are popular with people who live in apartments or condos but are typically slower to housebreak. All dog breeds have unique needs. It's unrealistic to think that a dog will conform to our lifestyle, they are after all animals and are genetically hardwired to live up to their breed standards.

One of my favorite shows is DOGS 101 on animal planet, you can even watch previous episodes on their website. It's a great show and features 6 different breeds each episode. I also encourage people to visit different breeders, visit a dog show, talk to people who own different breeds and of course ask to meet and spend time with their dog.

When in doubt talk to a professional trainer or Vet.

Help Hobo Find His Forever Home

2010-06-10T05:50:00.001-07:00

I AM A VERY SWEET BOXER MIX WHO WAS FOUND AS A STRAY BY ONE OF THE WESTARBOR ANIMAL HOSPITAL STAFF. I SEEM TO HAVE BASIC TRAINING AS I KNOW SIT, SHAKE, LEAVE IT, AND BE QUIET. I AM NEUTERED, DEFINETLY CRATE TRAINED, PROBABLY HOUSETRAINED AS I HAVE NEVER MADE A MESS IN MY KENNEL. I PLAY WELL WITH OTHER DOGS, I LIKE CHILDREN AND PEOPLE AND ENJOY GOING FOR WALKS. I AM VERY POLITE AND ONLY BARK WHEN I NEED TO GO OUT OR AM HUNGRY. I WALK WELL ON A LEASH AND LOVE PLAYING BALL. THE DOCTOR ESTIMATES MY AGE AT 1 ½ YEARS, AND I APPEAR TO BE IN GOOD HEALTH. NEGATIVE HEARTWORM, FECAL AND VACCINATIONS ARE CURRENT.

WON’T YOU PLEASE HELP ME FIND MY FOREVER FAMILY….MAYBE IT COULD BE YOUR’S????

Bark For Life 2010

2010-06-05T12:02:00.001-07:00

K9 Home Schooling is a proud sponsor of the American Cancer Society Bark For Life. What a great day raising money and awareness for cancer treatment and prevention. This was the first year Bark For Life was held and it was a big success. Dog lovers from all over southeast Michigan along with their 4 legged friends were in attendance. There was a group walk around Olsen Park and numerous planned demonstrations by various Dog Professionals. Big congrats to K9 Students Cali for winning the Best Trick Contest with her amazing CRAWL and Joey for winning the Musical Sit Contest.

Fayes Firsts

2010-05-31T09:35:00.001-07:00

When you have a new puppy there are so many 'firsts', especially during the socialization period, birth--20 weeks. We checked 2 more off our list this weekend, swimming and a Parade. Faye took to the water like a fish, or labrador *grin*. It's always fun to watch a puppy swim for the first time, lots of splashing around until they figure out how to make those webbed feet work. After a fun day of swimming we were on to our next adventure a Parade on Memorial Day. There were marching bands, fire trucks, lots of kids, tons of dogs and a ceremony complete with a military gun salute. I was so proud of Faye, she was calm and relaxed the entire time. She met alot of new people and ignored alot of obnoxious dogs. As Faye approaches 5 months of age I'm amazed at her progress, she is such a wonderful puppy.

Final Farewell

2010-05-30T18:32:00.000-07:00

On this beautiful sunny day I gathered with my family, friends and of course our dogs to say a final farewell to Isaac. When Isaac died in February it was such a sad time for me and my family. To loose him at such a young age was a shock and we still miss him everyday.

Isaac loved to swim and his favorite spot was at our good friends pond in Blissfield. We spent many a warm summer days hanging out there watching the kids and dogs swim. I invited our regular swimming buddies to join us so that we could scatter his ashes in the pond he loved to much. With the sun shinning, kids swimming and all his doggie buddies splashing around, it was a wonderful way to say our final farewell to our sweet boy.

Help Me Find My Forever Home

2010-05-28T16:21:00.000-07:00

I AM A VERY SWEET BOXER MIX WHO WAS FOUND AS A STRAY BY ONE OF THE WESTARBOR STAFF. I SEEM TO HAVE BASIC TRAINING AS I KNOW SIT, SHAKE, LEAVE IT, AND BE QUIET. I WAS NOT NEUTERED BUT HAVE SINCE BEEN. I AM DEFINETLY CRATE TRAINED, PROBABLY HOUSETRAINED AS I HAVE NEVER MADE A MESS IN MY KENNEL, BUT WE ARE NOT CERTAIN OF THAT. I LIKE OTHER DOGS AND APPEAR TO LIKE CHILDREN (HAVE NOT HAD MANY CHILDREN AROUND HIM, BUT THE ONE HE WAS HE WAS HAPPY AND WAGGING HIS TAIL)
I AM VERY POLITE AND ONLY BARK WHEN I NEED TO GO OUT OR AM HUNGRY. I WALK WELL ON A LEASH AND LOVE PLAYING BALL. THE DOCTOR ESTIMATES MY AGE AT 1 ½ YEARS, AND I APPEAR TO BE IN GOOD HEALTH. NEGATIVE HEARTWORM, FECAL AND VACCINATIONS ARE CURRENT.

WON’T YOU PLEASE HELP ME FIND MY FOREVER FAMILY….MAYBE IT COULD BE YOUR’S????

2010-05-23T07:24:00.000-07:00

Would you like to volunteer in your Community with your dog? Are you hoping to train your dog to become a Social Support Therapy Dog? Does your dog have solid obedience skills, sound temprement, enjoys human contact and adapts well to change? If so, you should consider training your dog for a career in Therapy Dog Work. In the past few years Therapy Dogs have become very popular in medical settings, schools and as social support companions for persons with special needs. Therapy Dog are used in hospital settings to bring comfort to patients or trained to actively participate in Physical Therapy programs. Therapy Dogs participate in the R.E.A.D. Program (Reading Education Assistance Dogs). R.E.A.D. Therapy Dogs, visit libraries and schools as part of a fun Animal Assisted Activity which allows children to read to the dog one-on-one. Social Support Therapy Dogs are life changing for persons with Autism, developmental disabilities or chronic health conditions. These dogs offer companionship, emotional support, participate in therapies to improve speech and coordination and improve social skills K9 Home Schooling developed and offers the only Therapy Dog Prep School in southeast Michigan. This program is unlike traditional obedience classes or CGC classes in that it is geared specifically for the training needs of dogs and humans pursuing Therapy Dog Testing. Our instructor, Michelle McCarthy is a Certified Therapy Animal Consultant and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She has years of experience working as a Therapy Dog Team in the community. Michelle worked with staff members to develop and launch a Therapy Dog Program at Chelsea Community Hospital called Paws-itive Comfort. She coordinated and launched R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dog) Programs at the Ann Arbor and Chelsea District Libraries. Michelle is a Tester/Observer for Therapy Dogs Incorporated, a national Therapy Dog Organization. Upon successful completion of either Pup Start or Dog Training Fundamentals-1 you would be eligable to enroll in Therapy Dog Prep School. The 6 week session allows students to begin preparing their canine companion for a career in Therapy Dog Work or as a Social Support Therapy Dog. There will be instruction and practice with successful therapy dog commands as well as discussion on techniques for effective interaction between visiting teams and patients. Students enrolled in Therapy Dog Prep School are eligable to participate in Socialization Classes we hold at local Malls and Medical Facilities in the community. These classes allow teams to practice skills learned in class. These classes are not designed to certify dogs, but rather to give both handler and dog the tools to become effective therapy teams and to be better prepared for tests conducted by various programs. The next session of Therapy Dog Prep School will be in June 2010. For more information contact Michelle@k9homeschooling.com.

Overcoming Fears and Phobias

2010-05-22T06:59:00.001-07:00

As Faye nears the end of the puppy imprinting phase we have one last thing to work on. She is afraid of garbage bags. I first noticed it when I was changing a garbage bag in my kitchen. As I was opening up the bag she ran and hid in another room. She seemed very anxious and would not return to the kitchen until the lid was back in the garbage can. While this may seem totally unreasonable to be afraid of a garbage bag, it's not my place to question why, but rather to help her learn to not be afraid. To often we get hung up on trying to figure out 'why' our dogs are afraid of something rather than putting our energy into helping them overcome their fear. In the case of the garbage bag it could be any number of things triggering her fearful response. She could be afraid of the sound the bag makes, the smell, the way it looks, etc. A response such as Fayes does not typically resolve on its own so it's best to do desensitization exercises as soon as you notice the fearful response other wise it can become a lifelong fear.

To help Faye feel less anxious about garbage bags I started by holding a garbage bag in my hand and offering her a tasty treat from my other hand. I didn't make her interact with the bag, just being near the bag made great treats appear. As she became more comfortable I put the bag on the floor and tossed treats on the floor near the bag for her to eat. She quckly was taking the treats off the floor. After a few sessions I was able to toss treats onto the bag and she was happily eating them while walking on the bag.

I'll continue to do these short sessions until she no longer fears garbage bags.

When you notice a fearful response from your puppy or dog don't ignore it or assume it will just go away. While we can't fix everything there is alot we can do to help our 4 legged friends overcome their fears. And of course, when in doubt always seek the help of a professional Dog Behavior Consultant.

Summer Fun!

2010-05-20T13:21:00.000-07:00

The first HOT day in Michigan and the dogs are loving it. As the the temps creeped past 80 degrees we knew we had to pull out the doggie pool and throw a pool party. This was Fayes first time in the water and though it took some time for her to warm up to the idea, she eventually was splashing around with her buds Leo and Cali.

When exposing a young puppy to something new like water, make it fun. Quite often our puppies first experience in water is the dreaded BATH. I try to make their first water experience a fun time with doggie friends. Of course a Winter Puppy in Michigan can throw a wrench into that plan *GRIN*. I start with a kiddie pool, add water, a few good doggie friends, lots of toys and let the fun begin. Faye was not quite sure about this whole pool thing but after watcing Leo and Cali splash around she decided to join in on the fun.

As temping as it may be to "toss" your puppy into the drink to help them get used to the water, it's best to let them take their time and inch their way into the water. After all there's nothing fun about being forced to do something you're unsure of, puppies are no different than people in that way.

If you plan to spend time at the water with your dog throughout their lifetime it's always best to introduce your dog/puppy to the water ASAP. While not all dogs love the water, most tend to enjoy it if they were exposed as a youngster.

So get outside and enjoy Summer with your dog, SURFS UP!

Off Leash Playtime, It's a Must!!!

2010-05-19T12:01:00.001-07:00

How important is playtime? Aren't leash walks enough? Isn't letting my puppy or dog run around the house good enough? These are questions I'm asked on a regular basis by clients. My students know that I am a BIG advocate of off leash playtime. I supervise playtime at the end of group classes, encourage students to connect outside of class for playtime and provide my own dogs with an abundance of off leash fun. While I do walk my dogs on leash daily, it does not compare to a good off leash romp. I think about my own exercise routine and how much I need it to stay healthy and happy. When I head out for a long walk I am relaxed, free to move about as I please, walk or run, you get the picture. If on the other hand I'm walking with someone whose holding my hand, controling my pace,dictating which direction I head, I would not get the same benefits or enjoyment out of my workout. I think the same can be said for our dogs. When our dog is on leash they are not free to move about as they please, they can't explore, jump, roll, sniff, etc. A young active puppy or dog can out run most humans, so walking on leash rarely helps them expend their boundless energy. A senior dog may not have the stamina to keep up with his power walking human, so walks can be stressful if not painful. Allowing your puppy or dog to play off leash gives them the freedom to play at their own pace.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting that we turn our dogs free to run anywhere they please. We need to find safe fenced areas to let our dogs play. This can be a challenge when most people don't have fenced yards. If you don't have a fenced yard, find a friend or neighbor that does and become their best friend *grin*. Find a socialization playgroup in your area and sign your dog up. There are many good doggie day cares that provide supervised off leash playtime and exercise. You need to find the right option for your dog.

To encourage my students to exercise their dogs I maintain a Play Group Listing of K9 Home Schooling Students. The list is comprised of students wanting to connect with other dog parents to provide off leash playtime and exercise. I am always thrilled to hear that people are willing to take time out of their busy shedules to give their dogs much needed off leash exercise. I also hear about all the great friendships that develop, an added perk for the humans :)

A Pets Ten Commandments

2010-05-12T07:36:00.001-07:00

A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS......... (INCLUDING KITTIES TOO)

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being..

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

Take a moment today and be thankful for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them.

Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without them.

Keeping Your Puppy Busy And Out Of Trouble

2010-05-01T09:07:00.000-07:00

Today I found pieces of my favorite decorative plant spread all over my familyroom floor. And in the middle of the action was Faye enjoying the dismanteling process. My first reaction of course was the same as every other puppy parent, I was REALLY irritated. I then caught myself wanting to rant and rave at her until realized someone must have left her unattended. I also realized that she must have been bored or she would not have found my belongings so appealing. With a young puppy in the house it's my job to keep her out of trouble. It's also my responsibility to provide her with appropriate chew toys and mental stimulation. I cleaned up the mess and went in search of a fun toy for her to play with. I found her Kibble Nibble, filled it with treats and watched her roll it around the floor so the treats would dispense. I am constantly reminded that puppies need supervision, not only when we have time, but all the time. These early months are hectic and demanding of our attention, but they don't have to be miserable. If you find yourself frustrated with your distructive puppy, take a closer look at your role in supervising and providing appropriate outlets for normal puppy behavior.

Playing Builds Confidence

2010-04-15T08:16:00.000-07:00

Today Faye had fun playing in a 8 ft long Tunnel. This was her first time and she had blast. When puppies are young we want to expose them to a wide variety of new experiences like climbing stairs, walking over differnt surfaces, strange noises and playing in confined spaces like a tunnel. When you pair the new experiences with yummy treats and lots of encouragement and praise your puppy learns that the world is a fun place. The first 18 weeks of your puppies life are the time when critical first impressions are made. If your puppy has a positive experience he will remember it always, unfortunately the same can be true for negative experiences. We do, however, want to use caution with our young puppy, so as not to overwhelm them in our attempt to “Socialize” them. The key to success is working at a pace that allows your puppy to feel safe and comfortable. You never want to force your puppy into a situation that makes him feel anxious or fearful. If your puppy seems fearful or apprehensive, back off and try again another day. The socialization process is a Marathon not a Sprint, so pace yourself and enjoy wathcing your puppy explore their ever changing world!

Puppy Nipping and Biting, OUCH!!!! THAT HURTS!!!

2010-04-11T08:34:00.000-07:00

Anyone that has raised a puppy knows how horrible the nipping and biting can be, it's down right painful. There are however things you can do to survive the process but it's important to first understand why puppies bite.

When puppies play with each other, they use their mouths. Therefore, puppies usually want to bite or “mouth” hands during play or when being petted. This behavior is rarely aggressive and, therefore, not intended to cause harm. Because puppies are highly motivated to exhibit this type of behavior, attempts to suppress it or stop it are unlikely to be successful unless you give your puppy an alternative behavior.
The goals of working with this normal puppy behavior are to redirect your puppy's desire to put something in her mouth, such as an acceptable chew toy, and to teach her that putting her teeth on skin is never acceptable. Encourage Acceptable Behavior
Redirect your puppy’s chewing toward acceptable objects by offering her a small rawhide chew bone or other type of chew toy whenever you pet her. This technique can be especially effective when children want to pet her. As you or the child reach out to scratch her with one hand, offer the chew bone with the other. This will not only help your puppy learn that people and petting are wonderful, but will also keep
her mouth busy while she’s being petted. Alternate which hand does the petting and which one has the chew bone. At first, you may need to pet or scratch your puppy for short periods of time since the longer she’s petted, the more likely she is to get excited and start to nip.

Discourage UnacceptDable Behavior
You must also teach your puppy that putting her teeth on skin is unacceptable and that nipping results in unpleasant consequences for her. Teach your puppy that nipping “turns off” all attention and social interaction with you. As soon as you feel her teeth on your skin, yelp, “OUCH” in a high-pitched voice, then ignore her for a few minutes. (In order to ignore her, you may need to leave the room, or alternatively, have her tethered by a leash while you play, so when you leave she can’t follow.) Then, try the chew toy and petting method again. It may take MANY repetitions for your puppy to understand what’s expected.
NOTE: Never leave your puppy unattended while she is tethered as she may get tangled in her leash and injure herself.

Provide A Variety of "Legal" Chewing Opportunities
The nipping and bitting phase is a normal developmental stage for all puppies and is at it's worst between 12 and 15 weeks of age. During this time try to provide your puppy with a variety of chewing outlets such as frozen stuffed Kongs, bully sticks, hard rubber toys, etc. Chewing relieves the pain of teething, stress and boredom so we don't want to deprive our puppy of opportunities to chew.

Dog-To-Dog Play
Provide your puppy with opportunties to play with well socialized adult dogs to learn bite inhibition. A young puppy can learn alot about how to properly use their mouth by playing with other well socialized dogs. It's best to keep the group size small 2-3 dogs, and NEVER allow your puppy to play with a dog that has a history of aggression or poor socoialzation.

What Doesn't Work
Contrary to what helpful friends, neighbors or even some people on TV might say, using physical force does not stop biting. There is much scientific eveidence to prove that it escalates the problem and promotes fear and aggression. You should refrain from nose bops, scruff shakes, alpha rolls, etc. These are outdated tactics that cause puppies to become anxious, fearful and therefore they feel the need to 'fight back'. There is no shortcut to the teething process, just be patient and consistent and it will pass.

Chewing-Keeping It Healthy

2010-04-08T09:48:00.001-07:00

With a new puppy in our home we are constantly looking for appropriate chew items for Faye to sink her teeth into. With so many choices at the Pet Store it can be overwhelming. My priority is always to find healthy chewys for my dogs. Young puppies need to chew ALOT, it relieves the pain of teething, relieves stress and boredom and it's just plain relaxing. If you don't provide your puppy or dog with appropriate chew objects they will likely sinks their choppers into something of yours. Teaching appropriate chew habbits needs to start from the day they arrive in your home, don't wait for bad chewing habbits to develop or you could spend a lifetime trying to break them. Not to mention the damage a chewing dog can cause or the potential danger that can arise from 'illegal' chewing.

An all time favorite for our dogs has always been carrots and apples. You can core the apples because they can't eat the seeds, freeze the apple and it's good for a few hours of chewing. It's healthy and can help clean their teeth, an added benefit. The same is true for carrots, give them straight out of the fridge or freeze them first. Either way, it's a healthy chew toy and economical too!

If you want to get really creative make an ice mold. You can include pieces of fruit or vegetable, small doggie treats or pieces of their dry kibble. This is a big hit on a warm summer day.

There are of course foods that your dog can not eat such as raisins, grapes, chocolate and onion. For a complete listing check with your Veterinarian.

So the next time your puppy gets the urge to chew open of your fridge and pull out something healthy!

Change Your Perspective And Train Your Dog

2010-04-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

As a dog trainer there are two questions I get more than any others:

“How do I get my dog to stop doing (insert annoying, yet often natural, behavior here)?”
“How do I punish my dog when he’s just being bad?”

There are also a few statements I get more than any others:

“She knows better!”
“She’s just being stubborn.”
“He doesn’t respect (me, my wife, my children).

Anyone see a pattern here? I’ll give you a second…

It’s all so adversarial and puts the entire responsibility on the dog. A dog! Blaming the dog for lack of communication skills or not understanding human language or desires is scape-goating and also gives a supposedly lesser creature (according to that whole “he doesn’t respect” me malarkey) a heck of a lot of power and responsibility. It’s also quite egotistical of us humans to think that a dog should respect us simply because we’re human. Even if dogs are capable of feeling the human notion that is respect, it’s something that is earned, not just inherently awarded.

Looking at, and dealing with, your dog from an adversarial perspective sets both of you up for failure. From this perspective every perceived transgression is an insult. When your dog doesn’t come when called it’s a slap in the face! “How dare Rover ignore me when I’ve demanded his presence!

The thing is, it doesn’t have to be this way. Presumably you got a dog because you wanted a companion, a sidekick. Presumably you live with a dog because you like dogs. Your dog is your friend, the two of you have so many great moments of fun and affection every day, yet you don’t even give him the benefit of the doubt when it comes to his perceived transgressions.

Ever consider that your dog isn’t listening to you because she doesn’t know what the heck you are saying, let alone understand what is expected of her in a given situation?

Most dogs don’t comply to your requests, commands, or more accurately, cues, because they haven’t been sufficiently trained to do so – by you.

Newsflash: Dogs are not born with a reverence for, or submission to, humans. Nor do they inherently “know” what we want them to do, how to behave in the presence or home of another species, or the meaning of human language. They also aren’t born with a penchant for world-domination.

Dogs are, however, born with a unique ability to “read” humans really well, better than any other species, and a desire to survive: be safe, fed, comfortable, socially accepted.

They’re pretty easy to manipulate, especially by more intelligent beings with bigger brains, greater access to all resources (including good dog training information), and opposable thumbs. (Hey, that’s us!)

When it comes to dog behavior there’s good news and bad news. The bad news is that dogs often have a very different idea about what acceptable behavior is any given situation. The good news is that dogs are generally very malleable and willing to learn our strange human ways if given the opportunity via clear instruction and rewards.

So next time your dog doesn’t come when called at the park, or jumps up to greet someone think about whether she’s had sufficient instruction and repetition of recalls or if she’s ever been taught what a polite greeting looks like from the human perspective. Has she been taught what is “right” versus merely been told what is “wrong”? Has she been given an acceptable alternative to her natural doggy behavior and has it been heavily practiced and reinforced? Because behavior doesn’t lie, and it’s likely if your dog is doing something you don’t like it’s probably your fault and it’s definitely your job to teach her what to do.

So if you find yourself getting grumpy, or frustrated with Fido, first change your perspective, and then get to work training your dog!

**Written by Kelly Gorman Dunbar for Dogstar Daily**

Faye Learns To Play With The Brick

2010-04-04T16:30:00.000-07:00

Faye had fun learning to find hidden treats in the Interactive Toy called the Brick. This is one of many wonderful Interactive Toys developed by Nina Ottoson. These toys allow your dog to use their natural scenting abilities. They also provide mental stimulation with is a big plus. To find the treats the dog must use their nose, paws, mouth, to move the sliding piece to reveal hidden treats. Faye is 11 weeks old and already enjoys playing with this game.

The Benefits Of An Educated Dog

2010-04-02T07:51:00.000-07:00

When you feel frustrated with your dog’s behavior, remember that someone must teach a dog what is acceptable behavior and what is not. A dog that has not been given any instructions, training or boundaries can’t possibly know what you expect of him. By teaching your dog how you want him to behave, you will not only have a saner household, but a healthier and happier dog as well.

An Educated Dog:
• Allows you to handle every part of his body, to check for injury or illness and to give him medication.

• Has good manners, so he can spend most of his time indoors with his people, which means more supervision, less boredom and fewer opportunities for mischief. The more time you spend with your dog, the more likely you will be to notice when something is wrong with him, such as a limp, a cough, a sensitive area or loss of appetite. By recognizing such irregularities early, you
can seek medical attention immediately and, hopefully, prevent more serious problems.

• Wants to stay near you, listening for instructions (and praise). This means he will have less opportunity to get into trouble.

• Will walk or run beside you on a leash without pulling, dragging or strangling, so you and your dog can get more exercise and spend more time together.

• Knows that “drop it” and “leave it alone” are phrases that mean business, so he will have fewer opportunities to swallow dangerous objects. He also can be taught what things and places are out of bounds, like hot stoves, heaters or anxious cats. However, you will still need to limit his access to dangerous places when you cannot supervise or instruct him.

• Will “sit” immediately, simply because you say so. No matter what danger may be imminent, a dog that is suddenly still is suddenly safe. And a dog that will “stay” in that position is even safer.

• Understands his boundaries, knows what’s expected of him and has few anxieties. Less stress means a healthier dog. By training your dog, you can help prevent tragedy and develop a better relationship with him. Keep in mind, however, that even an educated dog needs supervision, instruction and boundaries –sometimes even physical boundaries. Allowing your dog, no matter how educated he may be, to walk, run or roam outside of a fenced area or off of a leash, is putting him in danger.

Selecting a Class K9 Home Schooling offers adult dog and puppy training classes several times a week throughout the year. Our behavior consultant is also available for assistance with dog behavior problems. Contact us to help you select an obedience class or training program that’s right for you.

The Crate Debate

2010-03-30T10:01:00.000-07:00

I am asked quite often my opinion on using crates. My response is always "YES" I am a firm believer in using crates, especially for puppies. A crate has a variety of purposes, such as, assiting with housebreaking, safety, sleeping quarters, management, etc. A young puppy needs management and a crate is the best way to provide that. Young puppies explore the world with their mouth and can be very distructive, having them in a crate with appropriate chew toys can save you alot of worry and expense. If puppies are properly introduced to a crate they enjoy the safety and security it can provide and actually learn to relax and enjoy their quiet time. A crate is not meant to be used for punishment or isolation. It should the place your puppy naps, sleeps, and relaxes when you can't give them 100% of your attention. You should place your crate in a part of your home that is utilized by your family, avoid placing the crate in an isolated area. Dogs are social animals and prefer being with their human family. When your puppy is in their crate they should not be wearing any collars or harnesses to prevent possible strangulation. Provide them with safe chew toys such as frozen stuffed kongs. Do not leave your puppy unattended in the crate with rawhides or other bones that could become choke hazzards.

How long should your use a crate? That depends on your dog but most puppies should be kept crated at bedtime until they are fully housebroken, typically 6-9 months of age, longer for smaller breeds. It is also important to remember that you'll want them to be past the puppy chewing aswell and that can be 18 months for some dogs. Giving a puppy too much freedom too soon can have tragic consiquences so always use common sense and utilize your crate for their safety.

As you can see from the picture, Faye is quite comfortable napping in her crate. Leo is 8 years old and has always enjoyed his crate. While we no longer place him in his crate, he reguarly is found napping in there. And being the kind boy that he is, he even invites Faye to join him!!

Faye, catching up on her beauty sleep

2010-03-24T16:39:00.001-07:00

After a busy day Faye is enjoying an afternoon nap. It's important to remember that puppies, just like babies, need lots of rest. Faye is 10 weeks old and spends more time asleep than awake. While her energy level is increasing and she enjoys playing, she still needs naps throughout the day. If puppies don't get enough sleep it can cause them to become overly stressed. This of course can lead to health and behavioral problems. So the golden rule for Faye is "Play Hard -- Sleep Harder"

Fayes First Night In Class

2010-03-23T11:01:00.000-07:00

Faye attended her first class today. She enjoyed exploring the training room and meeting new doggie friends. Attending a group class is an important part of her training and socialization. Over the next 2 months she will be meeting new people, visiting new places and playing with other dogs. The socialization period for puppies is 0-18 weeks, we have LOTS to do :)

Faye, our newest family member!

2010-03-21T09:23:00.001-07:00

We would like to introduce the newest member of our family, Lafayette "Faye". Faye is a 9 week old Black Labrador. She has the most amazing temprement and is a beautiful girl. She is the first female labrador for our family, so we are very excited. Faye is from I Spy Labradors in Grass Lake Michigan and hopefully will take after her wonderful Mom, Iris, who is not only a gorgeous Lab but a sweetheart. This past week has been busy and alot of fun as we have helped her settle into her new home. As always, Leo has been a good 'mentor' and big brother. She is already very comfortable in her crate and loves the big fenced yard. She has learned her name, sit and down, lots more to learn. In true labrador style, she is "BALL CRAZY" which makes for hours of fun in the yard.

She will begin her first obedience class this week in Chelsea with her wonderful handler Joy. We are so happy to have her in our family and look forward to many wonderful days ahead watching her grow, learn and make lots of new human and doggie friends!

Hello Spring!! Time to get back into training

2010-03-20T11:04:00.001-07:00

Spring has sprung and it's time to get back into training. We will be resuming our outdoor socialization outings at local parks. These are great opportunities to work your puppy or dog in an small group setting. The outings are open to all K9 Home Schooling students. To learn more about these fun classes check our website for more information.

Saying Goodobye

2010-02-28T17:00:00.000-08:00

We recently had to say goodbye to our beloved Isaac. Over the past few months Isaac was showing signs of neurological problems. The condition worsened and we had to make the heartbreaking decision to euthanize him. This is a tremendous loss for my entire family. Isaac had just turned 2 years old and was the life of our house. He was my birthday present 2 years ago and since the day he arrived at our home he has been making us smile. I truly was not expecting the intensity of greif I would experience from his passing.

He was first and foremost my beloved dog whom I adored. He was affectionate, playful and always wanted to be part of what ever I was doing. He loved to ride in the car with me, cuddle on the couch and sleep at my feet underneath my desk while I worked on my computer. It was not uncommon to see him carrying his stuffed Tigger or sleeping with it. He was a full blood brother to our dog Leo and together they filled our lives with so much love.

Isaac was also my work partner and had spent the past 2 years going to classes and workshops with me. He was my demo dog at class and at public events. He was truly amazing to work with, he loved to train and taught me so much.

But aside from his great skills, my biggest pleasure came from watching him play with his many doggie friends. Throughout his lifetime he had met and played with a countless number of dogs. He had such zest and helped many puppies get off to a good start in life by learning proper play skills.

When Spring arrives we plan to scatter his ashes at his favorite swimming pond in Blissfield. He spent many warm summer days swimming with my kids and his dog friends so it only seems fitting that we should say our final farewell to him there.

Our sincere thanks to those who have remembered us with cards, flowers, emails and in your prayers. Even though his life was too short, we were truly blessed to have him in our lives.

The Last Days Of Pain Training Are Upon Us !

2010-02-24T04:54:00.000-08:00

February 22nd, 2010 by Drayton Michaels

On February 12th, 2010 American Humane announced that there will be a symposium on humane dog training and behavior. The impetus for this symposium is that for 6 years the ideology and methodology of Cesar Millan and his show The Dog Whisperer have been under fire by everyone from humane organizations to positive reward based dog trainers and aware dog owners.
There was a collective law suit brought against Millan in late 09 by a number of humane organizations, and there are even whispers Millan’s show will not be picked up by Nat Geo next year.
With all this pressure mounting, it’s no wonder that Millan and his people have asked for a sit down with the best of the best in dog training and behavior. Remember, he and his people asked for this due to mounting pressure. This is not a joining of forces per say; that remains to be seen. It may be spun by the Milan machine as a meeting of the minds, but in actuality this is in essence a clean up your act or else situation.
There is skepticism in the positive dog training community about the sincerity of Millan’s interest in a different approach to dog training. After all this criticism is not new and he and his people obviously have had access to the same information as the rest of us. So why now is there a desire to meet and learn? Perhaps that cash cow of a TV show is in jeopardy of not returning, and they have nowhere else to turn except to the legitimate humane crowd. The simple fact that Millan and his people have asked to meet with the people that have been criticizing his show/methods & ideology is an admission that he needs to change his way. Regardless of why it is happening we should all rejoice that it is happening.
Look at it this way...
After the symposium is complete and Millan and his people are educated first hand, it will be hard for him to go back to his fear and pain based methods, simply because he has now been schooled by the best, and he has met with people willing to teach him how to be humane. He is under the spot light and it’s hard to hide when you are on TV.
The jig is up as they say. If he was not doing anything harmful, why would there be such a clamor from everyone from dog owners to behaviorists, humane dog trainers and the humane orgs about his methods and ideology? Dogs are conduits of the truth and you cannot mess with them for too long without getting caught, it’s that simple.
This meeting of the minds is the beginning of the acknowledgment by Millan and Nat Geo that indeed his methods and ideology are faulty, harmful and not humane. If he were not doing anything harmful this symposium would not be happening. Think of this an intervention of sorts.
What has many people concerned is that Millan will do a 180 and become a humane trainer over night, and he will not admit to doing anything wrong or that his show has caused countless dogs to be unfairly harmed under the guise of training.
A new spin on his old show will however not be enough to really satisfy. There will have to be a public admission that he was wrong and that he has now seen the error of his ways, without that it will reek of entertainment people scrambling to save their pay checks. That might be the case no matter what, but as long as he admits he was using out dated methods and was under the guise of a faulty ideology, who really cares? The goal here is to help dogs and owners get the correct information.
The other reason we need Millan to come out and publicly decry his ideology that dogs are dominating us at every turn and that his approaches are harmful is so that dog owners who religiously follow his advice and mimic his methods will stop doing so and seek out legit and humane approaches. This is perhaps the most crucial aspect concerning the outcome of the symposium.
There is also the question of the Dog whisperer shows that run on Nat Geo repeatedly showing the out dated methods and that spew the Dominonsense ideology. This will be a big question and a legal one for Millan, Nat Geo and the American Humane TV & Film unit to hash out.
After all once Millan changes his ways, and he will, what about the old shows? Once he denounces his old ways, why would he want them represented on TV and on DVD? Syndication of his show is a large question to be answered and that has more to do with legal contracts and a whole lotta money at stake than anything else.
This ripple effect that Millan has had to the detriment of dogs, could in one fell swoop begin to reverse that damage by him simply asking his followers to follow the humane advice of behavioral science and positive dog trainers and to give up his old ways.
It would be a big step, but it is the necessary step for us to believe he is genuine in his admission that he wants to not only learn about humane dog training but also become a legit and humane dog trainer. Without it, this will be seen as lip service.
This is the “educational opportunity” that American Humane speaks of in their announcement of the symposium; the education of Millan and the trickledown effect it can have in culture. The ball is already rolling and the tide is already turning. All we need is the Oprah moment of “I’ve seen the light” and it will be complete.
Now; if nothing changes on Millan’s part and he takes a few new ideas and implements them into a watered down version of his show, he’ll look really foolish and no one in the legit dog behavior and training camps will trust him anymore than they do now. I do not think that is what he or his people want out of this. In fact I think what they want is more money, and what a better way to make more money than include all of us legit people. His show needs new life, and what else has he got left?
Making the personal choice to inflict fear and pain on a dog under the guise of training or otherwise can be done only out of ignorance, a lack of understanding or a lack of information, IE: lack of education. After this meeting of the minds Millan and his people will not be able to claim any of those as excuses any longer. Of course they can’t claim them now in any believable sense, but after this symposium, they’ll really be foolish to continue their ways.
From this symposium relationships will be forged and doors will be opened, so there will be no excuses any longer. All that will be left will be actions, words will not be enough. America loves a good transformation; and this will certainly be quite a change if indeed Millan does change, and he will because what’s left?
The lemming mind set of the sycophant fans will follow and they’ll make claims of how great he is, how open minded he is, even if the impetus to change may have more to do has with money than a desire to learn. It might be both, we’ll only know if he comes out and tells us. Millan has the chance to fix the damage he has created with his show. He also has the opportunity to get the best help out there in doing so. I hope he takes this opportunity to man up and change his ways.
We should not stop educating people about the harmful effects of pain and fear based training, we should not stop eradicating the dominance nonsense from dog behavior education, as this will be an ever vigilant job until dogs are protected under the guise of training by the law and we have uniform education of people about dog behavior.
The larger issue at stake here is the issue of consumer protection in pet dog training. Millan has by and large been the reason why so many people are out there taking money for dog training services are not doing anything to really help people with their dog’s behavior. It’s not all dominance, it’s not all force and control, and if it were that easy then there would be no need for anything else. What is being recognized is that these whispery ways have finally come to the end.
Please don’t get this twisted people of the humane and positive training camps, this is not an admission that his ways are legit, it is the realization by Millan and his people that it’s time to change or else. Even after Millan has a change of ways and he will eventually as behavior does not change overnight; there will always be a need to stop the spread of ignorance about faulty dog training and the need to explain dog behavior in legitimate factual terms. It will be nice to have his help with that, after all people do listen to the man.
We should take some comfort in the fact that this symposium is happening. This is the first step, though it will not be the last. There is work to do and there will always be work to do. Education is a lifelong pursuit for the person that wants to grow and change and improve as well as a lifelong job for those of us devoted to helping dogs live a better and more humane life along side us.
Let’s not spoil this by being jaded or being shortsighted. Have some faith in American Humane they are not swayed by Hollywood. Have some faith in the human spirit, there is a chance to make a massive change here and it can be done, and it is starting already. Lastly have faith that dogs are conduits of the truth, and the truth is going to be told very soon in a public forum.
The last days of pain training are upon us.

**This article was written by Michael Drayton for Dog Star Daily**

Fun For Fido!

2010-02-20T05:38:00.000-08:00

Leo and Isaac have been having a blast playing with their new interactive toys the Brick and Tornado. These toys were developed by Nina Ottoson and are great fun for your pooch. The toys not only provide a fun activity for your dog but stimulate their minds aswell. The toys have compartments for hiding treats, your dog has to 'work' the toy to find the treats. There are spinning pieces and sliding slots which need to be moved by either their nose or paw. Dogs love to hunt and scent so this is a great way to let them use their natural abilities. You can use the toys during training, when your dog is bored or feed them a meal out of it. Either way your dog will have fun and stimulate their brain at the same time!

The Adventures of Molly

2010-02-15T12:49:00.000-08:00

For the next year we are going to follow the adventures of Molly, the Portuguese Water Dog/Therapy Dog in Training. Molly came over to visit her buddies Leo and Isaac this past weekend. With the snow and cold many dog are getting 'Cabin Fever' as they are unable to spend much time outside. With the temps dipping below freezing and the wind whipping, our housebound doggies can start to get a little crazy. All the dogs enjoyed a few hours of indoor and outdoor playtime and Molly is now fully refreshed and ready to begin her work week at Moore Pediatrics. My dogs enjoyed having some playtime too and have been content to lounge around today which makes life easier for everyone!

Therapy Dog Team Diana and Boomer

2010-02-07T13:23:00.000-08:00

Boomer began training to do therapy work when he was six months old. He came to my family from Shetland Sheepdog breeder who was planning to show him in the ring. But he grew too big and became available as a companion. He is my second sheltie, my sweet Murphy was the first. Having spent several months in the hospital in 2000 and not having therapy dog visits available at that time, I longed to see Murphy. He was so gentle and loving, everyone loved him that met him. I promised myself when I was better I would train my dog Murphy and visit others who were in the hospital. Murphy however, passed on later that year with a brain tumor and I was so grief-stricken I waited a while for Boomer.

I began training with a puppy positive reinforcement class taught by Michelle McCarthy of K9 Home Schooling. Using treats and a clicker, I began the training to develop Boomer into a therapy dog. Michelle also did a few home visits with my family present, to make sure we were all being consistent with Boomer in the home too. While that was going along well, more training for a young dog is to expose him to as many different situations as possible. I took him to Timber Town and walked him in some tight spaces with kids running and yelling around us. We went into church and had use of practicing going in and out of an elevator. We went to the banks, pharmacy, wait outside of school at the end of the day, and any place that would allow him in. He was developing into a great dog to take out his obedience was to me was always 100%. When he turned a year old, my husband and I adopted a daughter and Boomer's days out were less and less for the next two years.

Then in 2008 I took a therapy dog training class taught by Michelle who is also a therapy dog tester. After graduation the class we had to be tested twice more in the hospital on visits. Boomer did great! Since then we did visiting at the Head Pain clinic at Chelsea Hospital. The patients are there for a short stay but come from as far away as Scotland. Many of them have pets and greatly appreciate the petting and calmness Boomer brings with him. You can see people relax and their focus shifts from their chronic pain to a beautiful dog with soulful eyes, breathing steady and hoping for a pat or two. Shelties are known to be sensitive to people and I have witnessed him soothing people when I did not realize the depths of their pain. It is amazing!

Boomer also loves children and we are involved with the Reading Education Assistance Dogs, or R.E.A.D. program at our Chelsea Library. Children sign up for 10 minutes sessions to read by themselves, aloud to Boomer. Children who participate have shown a gain in confidence in reading and have improved test scores. They also receive a free book on their third visit.

Therapy work with Boomer is extremely rewarding for me and Boomer too. He gets so excited when I put that vest on him! If you see us out, stop and say Hi

Bruin Needs a Forever Home!!

2010-01-30T05:47:00.001-08:00

Bruin is a 6 year old Yellow Lab looking for his forever home. Bruin was rescued 1 year ago from a home where he had been neglected his entire life. He has been in foster care this past year where he has fully recovered from Heartworm. Being a true Labrador, he loves people, is good with other dogs and loves to swim and play. He has some basic obedience skills but needs more work. Because of his previous home situation he is not housebroken and has separation anxiety if left for long periods of time. We want to help Bruin find a loving home where he will have a fenced yard (not Invisable), human companionship throughout the day, ongoing training and daily exercise. Because he has these special needs he would not be a good fit for a novice dog handler or a busy family. He is a very loving dog with great potential. Please contact Stephanie at stephanieh@chartermi.net for more information.

The importance of teaching 'table manners' to our four legged friends

2010-01-27T13:12:00.000-08:00

K9 Home Schooling was recently asked to contriubte to an article in the Ann Arbor Examiner on teaching 'table manners' to our dogs. Check out the link and read the article.

http://www.examiner.com/x-33782-Ann-Arbor-Christianity--Culture-Examiner~y2010m1d27-Teach-your-dog-manners-at-family-dinner-table

Molly- Resident Therapy Dog In Training

2010-01-24T06:54:00.001-08:00

Meet Molly a 1 year old Portuguese Water Dog and Therapy Dog In Training. Molly can be found by day at Moore Pediatrics in Chelsea, Michigan. Dr. Scott Moore has been training Molly with K9 Home Schooling to be his Resident Therapy Dog since she came to live with him in Spring 2009. She has already become everyones best friend at the practice and clearly makes kids feel less anxious about going to the Doctor. Over the next year we will follow her on our blog as she progresses through her advanced training and pursues formal Therapy Dog Testing.

Lost dog survives car accident and two weeks alone

2010-01-20T11:31:00.000-08:00

What do the following items have in common? Family pet, car accident,
microchip, good Samaritan.

The answer is – a happy ending. How is it those items have a common thread?
The following story is true. It happened Monday, January 19 at Westarbor
Animal Hospital.

The staff of Westarbor received a call from a concerned client. Nancy
Shipway was heading out from her Cavanaugh Lake home to run errands. She
didn’t get very far. She found an older mix breed dog walking down the
country road. Since Nancy is an avid animal lover, she stopped to see if
this lone soul needed help!

The skinny, older dog jumped into the back of her car. Well, now what??
Nancy called Westarbor Animal Hospital. She said I’m on the way with this
cute skinny, old dog. Her biggest worry was that he had been dumped in the
winter to fend for himself. His tags were old and almost illegible. His
sweet sad face struck every one at Westarbor. He needed our help.

Stephanie Heading, Practice Manager, had Dr. Teresa Londenberg gave the old
guy a complete check over. Westarbor Technician scanned the old soul for a
microchip! And lo and behold, there was an Avid Microchip. The staff called
Avid and got the information that this dog was from Oklahoma. The chip was
assigned to a veterinary hospital.

That’s when all the pieces fell together. This sweet boy had been involved
in a horrible car accident on I-94 by Kalmbach Road. His human parents were
severely injured. The accident caused the back window of the car to blow.
Sweebie ran from the accident scene dazed and confused. He left behind his
human parents and other canine sibling.

“By the time the paramedics arrived on the scene I was pretty dazed, said
Mark Sisson. Mark and his wife Betty Ann had been visiting from Oklahoma for
the holidays. “I thought I was pretty lucid, but my wife was already pretty
hysterical about Sweebie being missing. She refused to leave the scene until
some of the rescue workers agreed to look for him.”

The post holiday accident occurred January 5th, 2010. “My wife and I were so
depressed, but still holding onto hope. Two weeks in the Michigan winter is
such a long time for any animal. We weren't sure if he was hurt.”

“Sweebie is a very special animal to me because he was my gift to myself
after a year of volunteering at our humane society in Stillwater, OK.,’ said
Mark. “ I would walk dogs every Friday and sometimes on Tuesdays as well and
I really became fond of Sweebie and his sister Teena. When Teena was adopted
I made a vow that I would rescue Sweebie as well. He had been in our shelter
from early October of 2000 until May of 2001 when I adopted him. Since then
we have had 9 really grand years together and he often comes on road trips
and usually stays with me at my art studio at Oklahoma State University
where I am a professor. We just do everything together. We think our other
dog, ZuZu; a 14 year old Basenji really misses him as well.”

Almost two weeks late, Sweebie was found by Nancy Shipway. How many people
had passed him and kept going? Where did he sleep? What did he eat? How did
he survive? He lost almost 12 pounds in two weeks time. Dr. Londonberg found
nothing physically wrong with him, except thin and exhausted.

When Westarbor called Mark, he couldn’t believe it. He sent his parents to
retrieve his long lost canine. Sweebie quickly ate several meals from
Westarbor and feel asleep quickly on the fluffy quilt given to him by the
staff.

When Mark’s parents arrived, Sweebie took a minute to reconnect with them..
His eyes became bright again. And his tail starting wagging like crazy
Sweebie will be reunited with his owners in a couple of months.

“I can't thank you, Nancy Shipway and the folks at Westarbor Animal Hospital
enough. My folks are going to nurse him back to full strength and we hope to
pick him up on Spring Break, which is mid-March. I'll certainly pay you a
visit at that time. You have made our recuperation from our physical
ailments much easier by easing our heavy emotional burden.”

Family pet, car accident, microchip, good Samaritan… All means …Sweebie can
go home.

Harpo - Therapy Dog/K9 Home Schooling Graduate

2010-01-05T13:38:00.000-08:00

Harpo, Mary Ann, and Dwight are starting their third
year and continue to enjoy working as a therapy dog team at Chelsea
Community Hospital. Harpo visits patients in three different areas there: the Head Pain Clinic, the Occupational Therapy Clinic, and the Physical Therapy
clinic. They frequently visit Kentucky, and while there
visit an elderly relative who is a resident at a Retirement and
Rehabilitation facility.

How true it is that patients respond physically to visits by a
therapy dog. I'm sure all therapy dog teams have seen
this phenomenon many times, but it never ceases to delight and amaze
me. Mary Ann and I often talk about one particular patient we
visited who was in bed, in a fetal position, eyes covered, and in
obviously serious pain. She couldn't sit up or even lift her head
from the pillow, but she wanted to have a visit by the dog. The
nurse suggested that we have Harpo hop up in a chair next to her bed,
and the patient began to pet him, still in her fetal position.
Gradually, she perked up, uncovered her eyes, and then sat up. By
the end of a visit of less than 10 minutes, she told the nurse that
she was ready to get up. It was as if a switch had been thrown to
give her energy and to mask at least some of her obvious pain. Amazing.

Harpo is a Lhasa-Poodle mix, 5.5 years old. Harpo began training with K9 Home Schooling 4 years ago. He completed Dog Training Fundamentals-1 & 2, Charm School and Therapy Dog Prep School.
.

Jump Start Puppy Classes In Ann Arbor

2010-01-02T06:48:00.000-08:00

K9 Home Schooling is pleased to announce Jump Start Puppy Class.

Jump Start Puppy Class is for puppies between 10 and 24 weeks of age. This is a great way to prepare your puppy for a group class and begin to teaching basic manners.

There will be discussions on housebreaking, management, socialization, basic household manners and much more. Your Puppy will gain socialization skills as well as get some much needed exercise and play time. Under the supervision of our experienced Instructor, you will learn how to better understand canine body language by watching your puppy interact with the other puppies and dogs.

You will be given advice on how to pick playmates for your puppy, how to properly socialize your puppy, as well as selecting appropriate play environments.

To enroll in this class, visit our website, www.k9homeschooling.com.

NBC News Update on Polar the Service Dog

2009-12-17T17:59:00.000-08:00

View Video Story
When a paralyzing accident forces you to change how you live, sometimes it takes a four-legged companion to get 'day to day' life back to normal. Service Dogs of Virginia matches people with pooches, but in the recession donations are down.

With a watchful eye and a wagging tail, Polar can open doors or pick up dropped cell phones with a simple command.

"I'd be going down the road and I'd drop my phone," said Luke Morris, who owns a service dog. "And I had to go all the way home, get mom to come get my phone, or I couldn't get the door open and he solves all that. It's so nice."

About a year and a half ago, Luke Morris dove into a river and broke his back. He has limited movement in his arms, and he cannot move his legs. Service Dogs of Virginia, based in Charlottesville, gave Luke a yellow Lab named Polar for only a small placement fee.

"I like it," Morris said. "It's wonderful to be able to have him there and I don't have to worry about anything."

"Every little thing we take for granted, Luke has to think about now," explained Luke's mother, Linda Morris. "Polar can do those things for him."

"We want the dog to make huge difference," Service Dogs of Virginia founder Peggy Law said. "They will be a best friend but also a ticket to independence."

And that ticket is not cheap; it costs the organization about $18,000 to train Labs and Great Danes to be constant companions, guardians and helpers for people in need.

"Certainly the economy has taken its toll on us as a non profit," Law said.

The group relies on donations as well as families willing to foster these pups till they are ready for intense training.

"It's a gift of love to raise a puppy," Law said. "You do have to give them up, then you see a beautiful partnership."

These Pooches are helping people in a simple yet powerful way.

"Luke's had amazing support from friends and family," Linda Morris exclaimed. "Just having the dog there to do things and help and just be a companion is wonderful."

The group trains dogs to help people with mobility problems, diabetes, even children with autism.

Michelle McCarthy, Owner and Director of Training for K9 Home Schooling raised and trained Polar from 10 weeks of age until his return to Service Dogs of Virginia at 16months of age.

Puppy Socialization-Make It A Priority

2009-12-13T11:13:00.000-08:00

There is a critical socialization window for puppies, it's birth to 18 weeks. This means you have to make socializing your puppy a top priority. They need to meet and greet ALOT of people, walk in new environments, be exposed to new sights and sounds, meet and play with other puppies and dogs, etc. I encourage people to enroll in a puppy class as soon as your puppy is 10 weeks of age. It's not too early to start training and the socialization gained in class is priceless. If you get a Winter puppy, buy warm clothes and get outside! It's tempting to hide away in your home for a few months until the weather warms, but by doing this you will deprive your puppy of much needed exposure, and you won't get it back after the socialization window closes. Here are some helpful tips to get you started. Walk your puppy in public places everyday, don't restrict your outdoor time to your backyard. Let your puppy meet and greet a variety of people. If you don't have kids in your home, go to places where kids are, parks, friends, neighbors, outside Toys R Us. Go for rides in the car, visit your Vets office and let the staff give your puppy treats. The bottow line is, get creative, have fun, and let your puppy expand his horizons in a safe and positive way.

Future Landscaper!

2009-12-07T17:37:00.000-08:00

Is your dog trying to get to China by way of your backyard? Many dogs are diggers much to the dismay of their family. Why do dogs dig? Well there are many reasons, boredome, recreation, hunting and because it's just fun! The good news is there are things you can do to redirect this annoying behavior. First, provide your dog with a 'digging pit'. This is an area specially designed for your dog or puppy to dig in. It can be a kiddie pool filled with sand or a sectioned off area of your yard. You can bury some of his favorite toys or bones. If Fido wonders off to another area of your yard, you can quickly lead him back to his digging pit and reward him for digging in the appropriate area.

If you have a dog prone to digging, you need to provide adequate supervision. This means, don't put Fido in the yard alone, he will quickly become bored and you got it, START DIGGING! Provide your dog with appropriate toys outside, this will help deter digging out of boredom. I recommend using food dispensing toys, they are interactive, require brain power, and keep your dog entertained and less likely to dig out of boredom.

Play with your dog outside, they will be less likely to dig if someone is tossing a ball or throwing a frisbie. There are few dogs that enjoy just hanging out in the backyard alone, keep them busy!

Caring For Your Senior Dog

2009-11-29T16:32:00.001-08:00

At what age does a dog become a "Senior"? Is it when their muzzle starts to gray? When they slow down? This is a common question. The typical dog begins to enter Senior Status around age 8 or 9. You may notice subtle changes such as graying, more naps throughout the day and arthritic changes that cause soreness or lameness. To help your dog make the most of their golden years a healthy lifestyle is very important. An active dog is not only healthy but happy. Whether it's a fun game of fetch, a walk in the park, or a swim in the lake, keep your dog active. You can teach an old dog new tricks so teach them a new skill or trick just for fun. Speak with your Veterinarian about the best food for your dog, espescially those that include joint suppliments. The senior years can often lead to weight gain which puts added stress on the joints, so keep their weight down through diet and exercise. Keep up on regular grooming and do monthly exams to detect any physical changes in skin or abnormal growths. And most important enjoy this time with your dog. We all remember when they were wild crazy puppies and longed for the day that Fido would settle down. Well that day has arrived so ENJOY!

When play turns rough

2009-11-11T13:28:00.000-08:00

Have you ever watched dogs play and wondered if it's getting too rough? When does it turn from play to fighting? Well it can happen in the blink of an eye. What starts out as innocent play can quicly escalate into fighting.

Dogs need playtime with other dogs but we need to be aware of problematic behavior to avoid injury. Watch for an even give and take in play. If one dog seems to be getting ganged up on then break up the play session until things settle down. Not all dogs are good playmates or are well suited with certain dogs. It's important to pick playmates for your dog that have a solid socialzation history and good play skills. Have regular breaks in play to allow the dogs to take a break and settle down. ALWAYS supervise dog play, never leave a group of dogs alone to play.

If any of the dogs has a history of resource guarding do not allow toys or food in the play area. Limit your group to 4 or 5 dogs to keep things manageable and safe. To prevent collar grabbing/strangling remove collars from all dogs before allowing them to play. By following some of these simple suggestings you can provide a safe and fun play environment for your dog.

Keeping Training Fun!

2009-11-02T10:46:00.000-08:00

Yes it is possible to have fun while training your dog. Whether I'm teaching a group class or working with a famiy one-on-one, I always encourage people to have fun! Start by setting realistic training goals for you and your dog. Most people feel overwhelmed because they expect their puppy or untrained adult dog to be 'perfect' after a few weeks of training. The process of training a dog takes time, it's a marathon not a sprint. It's best to set achievable goals and gradually add more skills as your puppy/dog progresses. Keep your training sessions short and sweet, don't have long grueling training sessions, it's not good for you or your dog. Incorporate play and games like fetch or hide and seek into your training. Train in a variety of locations to keep things interesting and ask friends and thier dogs to join you. Some of the nicest people I know are people I've met at dog class so connect with other dog people and let your dogs play. We all want a well trained dog but try not to make it feel too much like a job, have fun!

Are two better than one?

2009-10-25T06:33:00.000-07:00

I am often asked the question, Are two dogs better than one? My response is, "that all depends". There are many things to take into consideration before you add a 2nd dog to you family. First, does your current dog like other dogs? Have they been well socialized with other dogs? We often think that all dogs LOVE other dogs, need a constant playmate, long for 24/7 canine companionship, this is just not true. Some dogs are quite happy being the only dog in your home and find the addition of a puppy or adult dog very stressful. This can lead to fighting and potentially dangerous situations. Secondly, you need to consider the added expense of having a 2nd dog. This includes food, Vet care, equipment, boarding, etc. And lastly, do you have the time to train and exercise a 2nd dog. Too often people get a 2nd dog and think that the older dog somehow trains the new dog, again this is not true. You will need to supervise playtime, exercise and train both dogs and provide a safe environment for the dogs to live in.

Now with that said, don't think I am opposed to multi dog homes, I've had one for years. I enjoy having multiple dogs and can't imagine living any other way. I do however have the time and desire to meet their needs and provide a safe healthy environment for them to live in. There is nothing cuter than seeing the boys cuddeled up together sleeping in their doggie bed. We enjoy watching them run and play together, it's better than TV! They love to ride in the car together, take walks, visit other friends dogs and always welcome new dogs into our home. Leo, who will be 8 in January has welcomed over 10 puppies into our home over the years and is an awesome mentor. Issac will be 2 in January and clearly enjoys having a housemate.

The majority of my dogs have done well in a 'group home' but some did not and I had to make the difficult decision to rehome them. The daily stress of having another dog in their space or wanting to play, just does not sit well with every dog.

If you're thinking of getting a 2nd dog, try having a friends dog spend a weekend with you first. This will give you an idea of your dogs interest in having another family member. You'll know fairly quickly how things are going to go. And of course when it doubt speak to a professional!!

Leo makes a special appearance at Chelsea Hospital

2009-10-23T09:38:00.000-07:00

Today Leo and I made a special visit to Chelsea Community Hospital. We have been making visits for over 5 years but earlier this year I had to make the decision to retire Leo due to a chronic health problem. Thankfully Leo has been doing well the past few months so we agreed to cover for an absent Therapy Dog. As always the staff and patients were thrilled to see him and he always enjoys being the center of attention. So many of the patients have dogs of their own and really enjoyed spending time with Leo. After his busy morning, Leo was happy to come home and take his afternoon nap.

K9 Partners with 2 Ann Arbor Locations for On-Site Training

2009-10-18T12:42:00.000-07:00

K9 Home Schooling is excited to announce that we will be partnering with West Arbor Animal Hospital and Wags to Wiskers Pet Supply to offer On-Site Training. This new service will allow us to work with clients and their dogs at convenient Ann Arbor locations. We will be offering a variety of services from Behavior Consultations to new puppy socialization. At West Arbor we will be able to work closely with the staff to provide a comprehensive behavioral assessment and treatment plan. At Wags to Wiskers we can address training issues as well as help you purchase appropriate equipment, toys and food for your dog. Check out our website for more details.