Long day of training, but here is a tip...

I had lessons from 9am-6pm so I obviously couldn't post today. I am a little tired, so I am only going to give a quick tip and will return tomorrow.

You may use this thread to do some random talking if you would like, my forum is open as well...

Anyway, quick tip:

When you want to teach your puppy the "drop it", "give it" or "trade" command, always have a treat on hand. You will get one that is very smelly and will present it to him when he has something in his mouth that he may become protective over. You will put your hand right under his mouth (when he has a bone, toy or whatever in it) and say "drop it", then you will show him the treat and if its smelly enough, he will choose to drop it and will take the treat. The treat is the reward. Do this enough times, he will learn to drop the item on command.

Tags: drop it, treats, bones, toys

New Mascot for Old Navy

We are back. We waited in line for about an hour. There were a lot of dogs obviously. They had a red carpet for everyone to walk down to enter. Once you were in, it was literally like a fair. Tons of booths, agility courses, food, music...etc...

The impressive thing was that everything was free including food! We even got wonderful gift bags with TONS of great stuff. I was impressed.

The actual try out was frustrating only because of the line. Some dogs would constantly bark, some had anxiety, some were just too cute though. It was really really hot and we had to sit in the sun forever.

Once we got into the audition trailer, we had to sit the dogs down one at a time and make them stay while they took a picture infront of a green screen...you were able to pick your backdrop and Jamie and I both chose Hollywood. Obviously I had Quinn try out too...waiting in line that long, I had to.

Anyway, they are traveling to other cities and will pick the top 5. So, now, its just a waiting game.

Tags: Old Navy, Franklin Canyon, mascot, Doberman Pinscher, Border Terrier

Old Navy

Well, I am on my way out to my lesson and will be going right to the Old Navy event where Emmitt is going to try out. I am bringing Quinn with me, but she will be there only to support Emmitt...unless someone wants a Doberman to be the mascot...but I doubt it. Haha...

I will be taking pictures...stay tuned...


Tags: Old Navy, Border Terrier, Doberman Pinscher, Commercial

Crate training

A lot of people think of the crate as a prison. But it isn't! Remember how I said dogs don't think like humans? Yeah, that means they don't know what a prison is either. They are already prone to like small spaces. Crates were invented to take advantage of the need for small spaces and were turned into a training tool. They are actually quite useful for several things like...separation anxiety, potty training and babysitting when you aren't around!

You want to know the best part about them is? Dogs like them! By nature, dogs are den creatures. The crate is their den or safe haven. They don't have to worry about protecting the territory which helps with barking. They learn to be independent which helps with anxiety. Because dogs are relatively clean animals, they are less inclined to go potty in their own private spot which makes potty training so much easier. Finally it keeps them safe, but also from developing bad behaviors as it limits their free roaming of the house.

I really do feel that it’s nicer to use a crate than not. Taking a chance on them without the proper training is setting your dog up to fail. Anxiety does NOT feel good to them, why make it worse?

Tags: crates, separation anxiety, barking, potty training

Open thread...

Hey, I am tired of talking...share a dog story here or just list a helpful tip!

Video Camera

So, unfortunately my camera has a defect in it and will be fixed for free...it is called the black screen of death. Sucks...now I have to start over with my filming Emmitt and his progress, along with postponing my training demonstration. Once it's sent to Sony, it will take 10 days for me to get it back. For those of you who were checking back specifically for those things, sorry! I am going to try and work around this and will keep you posted!

Pictures from hiking...

Tags: hiking, dog pictures, dog images. dogs

Dog event tomorrow in Beverly Hills

My friend Calen forwarded me this, thought some of you may be interested...

Old Navy is hosting an outside dog event this weekend to kick off the search for their new “spokesdog.” The event is taking place at Franklin Canyon Park in Beverly Hills and is targeted all towards dogs. We’d love for you all to attend!

At the outdoor event, pooches can:

• Get pampered with spa treatments from Chateau Marmutt
• Dine in the Canine Café with delicious treats from Three Dog Bakery
• Consult with a pet psychic
• Pose for pet portraits
• Participate in the “Wag-n-Run” agility training and Frisbee competition

In addition, there will be face painting, jewelry making and cookie decorating activities for kids as well as a great catered BBQ.

Old Navy is making a financial contribution to Much Love Animal Rescue, and they’ll have plenty of dogs at the event that are available for adoption- One which they have named “Navy” and one that they have named “Ketchum!”

When: Saturday, April 29th 1:00 – 5:00 PM

Where: Franklin Canyon Park, Beverly Hills, CA
Northern most intersection of Mulholland Drive and Coldwater Canyon Drive: Follow the Signs
Northern most intersection of Beverly Drive and Coldwater Canyon Drive: Follow the Signs

I’ve attached the invitation – We hope you all can make it, and please pass along to all your friends. It’s going to be a great event!

Here is the invite:
FinalONInvite.pdf

Tags: Beverly Hills, Spokesdog, famous dog, dog event

Speaking to pre-schoolers about dogs!

The director of a preschool in Chino emailed me yesterday to ask if I would come to their school and give a presentation about dogs. They are having a program in the summer based on “Animals, Animals, God’s Animals”, which will entail a bunch of animal presentations along with a trip to the zoo and aquarium. How cool is that?

If I do it in front of the entire school, about 100-140 children will be there. I’m not by any means, a speaker. I don't do large audiences.

However, I really really want to do it. Not only do I love to talk about dogs and actually know what I am saying, but I’m also flattered that they chose me to do it. I mean, who knows if I am their 1st or 10th pick, regardless, I am honored to be chosen at all! Plus, I figure since my dog will be with me and it’s a big group of kids, rather than adults, it will be easier…and fun!

So yeah…I will let you know how it goes!

Tags: Preschool, Chino, kids, dogs

HA! HA! HA!

I love this sooooooo much. I really hope this isn't a photoshop job, but I think it is.

I guess I should get back to clicker training.

Tags: funny, dog joke, photoshop, dog picture

Pepper

She is a sweet black lab mix. She is very young (less than a year old when I first met her) and was rescued by my client, Reggie. Reggie is a wonderful & courageous woman who decided to take this dog in, even though she was told Pepper would be a handful.

Boy, they weren't kidding. When I first went to Reggie's for our first meeting, she showed me where Pepper was staying until she could get some control. She had her very own room (it is her den area), a roofed in porch that is connected to the den and a doggy door that led outside to the pool. She completely ruined that side of the house. You would not believe the destruction! Not only that, Pepper was right in the middle of it barking, whining, and jumping uncontrollably. The only way we could interact with her was through the half door between the kitchen and den. Reggie had not been able to go in there because the dog was WAY too strong for her. She showed me her pepper wounds...bloody scabs all the way up both of her arms.

Pepper would grab on to things and not let go at all, once she even tore Reggie’s clothes right off her back. Not surprisingly, she started to be afraid to even interact with Pepper. If you ever want to see what anxiety is, there you go. This is probably the most extreme case I have ever seen. I felt terrible for her, Pepper and for her house. Reggie cried a few times because she felt like a prisoner in her own home. She couldn't ever leave Pepper alone and she couldn't enter that part of the house at all anymore. All the while, she refused to give up on her.

So, I have now dedicated myself to Reggie. She has a really good heart and she really wants to make this work with Pepper. The good thing is that it's only anxiety (just a TON of it), Pepper is not aggressive, the scabs are from jumping and mouthing-there is a difference.

We have had several lessons where we have only concentrated on one command, it’s tedious, but it’s working! I introduced the crate to Reggie for when she can't watch her. This is also so she can use the room again. I instructed her to leash Pepper any time she isn't in the crate. This has calmed her down because she is starting to feel controlled and not so anxietal. We taught her to sit, down and STAY (which is really important).

I go there once every week, and sometimes I will just take the dog myself and give her a good walk to tire her out for Reggie. I have grown close to both of them, and admire Reggie for her courage and dedication. She takes care of her 87 year old mom who is undergoing cancer treatment, so she has a lot going on, I hope I am at least making the dog problem easier on her.

Whenever you have a dog that has a ton of anxiety, you really need to give him direction. Anxiety is like a panic attack of the unknown...they just literally panic for something that isn't happening. Dogs like to feel controlled, it’s true, and they need a leader. Your job IS to be the leader; otherwise, you will have problems like Reggie had.

Tags: anxiety, rescue dog, dog training, leader

New Forum

Alright, my forum isn't done as far as design goes, but it is available for you to share your stories or ask your questions. I am ready...

I will have it added to my blog page, but until I do that, bookmark this address:

http://s11.invisionfree.com/Thank_Dog/index.php?act=idx

Tags: dog training, message boards, dogs, dog blog

Why I have pure bred dogs...

I always admire people who rescue dogs. In fact, I give $100 discounts to those who do just that. Most of the time when dogs are in shelters (that are not strays), they are there because of human error and people who rescue are literally giving them a second chance (I extend a big THANK YOU to those people).

Honestly, it's usually the previous owner that made the dog misbehave. They got a dog just to get one and didn't realize how much work they can be along with not know anything about them. They are the reason the dog wasn't socialized properly, or never learned to stop chewing, or barking, or jumping or whatever it was that caused them to bring the dog to the shelter.

I feel terrible for those innocent, unfortunate dogs who have to live the rest of their life pacing in a small kennel only to be put to sleep because nobody else was interested. Or, they finally get rescued and are then returned due to their baggage they came with. People ruin dogs, period.

I would love to hear some of your rescue success stories by the way!

Anyway, I have two full bred dogs...yes, I know, it may look bad, but to be totally honest, I knew exactly what I was getting by purchasing my dogs. I knew the temperament, the health problems that could arise, the mom and dad, plus where they came from so there was no surprises. I felt that since I was making a LIFE decision, that I really needed to know what I was getting.

I really believe that first time dog owners should know EXACTLY what they are getting. I don't think there is anything wrong with getting a full bred dog as long as you get it from a reputable breeder. I don't support puppy mills, pet stores or even inexperienced breeders trying to make a buck. However, I do encourage people with experience to rescue. If you do...call me or write me, I will give you a free lesson to get your started.

I don't feel guilty about Quinn and Riley. I just make sure I give back to those who take the time to rescue. I help the Burbank Animal Shelter whenever I can, I fostered for the Minpin rescue and I often help Linda Blair and her Worldheart Foundation.

Tags: rescue dogs, shelters, dog training, pure bred

Raining

I usually don't have lessons when it rains. It was raining earlier and is supposed to rain all afternoon and evening. Weather.com isn't always correct, but regardless, my lessons were rescheduled for tomorrow by my client's choice. So, now I have the entire day off. This would be a good time for anyone to contact me with any questions as I will be here all day working on my site.

I have a few phone calls to make (potential clients), so if you are one that is waiting for me to return your phone call...get ready, here I come!

Tags: dog training, dog questions, Thank Dog, lessons

Website and Forum

This website is a work in progress. My goal is to be miss dog resource lady & trainer. I am in the process of creating a forum so everyone can participate. I will also be adding resources like dog parks, vets, legalities, books, personal pages, hopefully a dog training equipment store...etc...

I want it to be the place people go when you have dog question. So, please forgive me when I am only able to post once a day. The good news is - not posting means I am working on something to better the site for you! I am open to any requests or suggestions! Please, feel free to let me know what you would like to see!

Tags: dog blog, dog training, dog resources, forum

It's a dog's life for cloned puppy Snuppy

THE world's first cloned dog, Snuppy, celebrated a low-key first birthday yesterday. It was in marked contrast to the publicity surrounding the Afghan hound when he was first shown to the world's press last year.

An academic paper describing its creation was later published in the scientific journal 'Nature'. But Snuppy, became embroiled in controversy when it became known that its creator, Hwang Woo-suk, faked ground-breaking stem cell research. The dog's creation is the only one of Hwang's achievements that is still recognised.

Snuppy weighed 530g and was 12cm tall at birth. He now weighs 29kg and measures 80cm. Even though the dog is only a year old, he is said to be 22 years old in human terms. Prof Kim Min-kyu, of Seoul National University's Veterinary College, said the plan was to clone a female dog and see whether she and Snuppy, which is male, can reproduce.

I know this is a very controversial issue. However, I for one have always wanted to clone Quinn and Riley. I can't stand the thought of EVER losing them. Quinn is such a quality dog and Riley is well, just my little baby that makes me laugh on a day to day basis.

Now, a cloned dog doesn't mean it will act just like the dog you are cloning. All dogs develop by their experiences. Although I would love for Quinn2 and Riley2 to be exactly like Quinn and Riley, I am fully aware they wouldn't be, because there would definitely be some things I would do differently with them. All in all, it would just be the idea that some part of Quinn and Riley are around me at all times.

I love my dogs, can you tell?

Tags: Cloning, dogs, dog training, Trainer

This is Sierra...

I got a call from my client/friend, Ken Coombs, in early March. He wanted to get some help with training and told me of his plan for the Canine Good Citizens test. I was immediately intrigued because my normal clientele is usually those who are having major problems. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE problem dogs, but this was just something different.
I really wanted him as a client, he seemed very serious and excited for Sierra's potential.

On March 12th, I went to their house for the evaluation we set up and when I first met Sierra, a 9 month old, BEAUTIFUL Chesapeake Bay Retriever (the first dog I ever trained was a Chessy), I immediately felt a connection with her and with the family. I was very excited when they signed up. I really love my career, but love it 20 times more when I get good people who are dedicated. It's fun!

We started the lessons a week later and it was really obvious that Ken and Bobbie had already started to work with her. The lesson was really easy...Sierra caught on very quick and so did my clients.

The next couple of weeks went smoothly so we actually jumped ahead and already began teaching the come command (I always teach the recall once the dog knows his other commands reliably). Anyway, so, now we're a lesson ahead and we'll be using the remaining lessons to prepare for the CGC. Although, Sierra has a way to go, it's very promising!

Plus, because of their dedication, I will probably stick around until she passes it. See...ya follow through with the training and you'll probably get me forever...sorry Ken and Bobbie, I forgot to tell you that! :)

I am a proud teacher.

Tags: Chesapeake Bay Retriver, Canine Good Citizens Test, CGC, Dog training, Basic Obedience

Dog Aggression

Aggression in dogs is a scary thing. It's literally the most serious behavioral problem owners deal with. Aggression is most likely to become a serious behavior in most dogs between the ages of 1.5 - 3 years if not raised properly.

Here are some things that contribute to your dog showing aggression:

1. Inconsistent routine (or no routine at all) and lack of discipline
2. no exercise (this is really important because it allows your dog to expend his high energy levels and it also keeps him busy and balanced.
3. A traumatic experience that permanently makes the dog insecure.
4. Poor breeding
5. Not socializing your dog at the appropriate age (to dogs, children and strangers)
6. Not establishing yourself as the alpha dog, dogs need a leader and if you don't own up to it, they will act out.
7. Medical Conditions
8. Being Neglected (dogs who have to live outside of the owners home is more prone to aggression)
   

Those are just some of the contributing factors, not all of them, but you get the idea. Now you know what causes it, here are the different kinds of aggression:

1. Food Related Agression: the dog consistently shows aggression in the presence of food, rawhide bones, biscuits, blood or human food.
2. Inter-animal Aggression: the dog expresses aggression that is out of context, I.e. perceived threat from a dog many yards away who is not aggresssing. This includes all growling, barking and lunging on a leash.
3. Maternal Aggression: the dog shows consistent aggression toward her puppies.
4. Pain Aggression: the dog shows aggression when restrained, held or made to do something. Frustration or restraint aggression occurs when pulling back on leash; give the dog some wiggle room.
5. Play Aggression: the dog shows consistent aggression when playing with another animal who shows normal interaction.
6. Possessive Aggression: aggression directed toward an individual who approaches or attempts to obtain a nonfood object from the aggressor.
7. Predatory Aggression: the dog exhibits quiet behaviors indicative of prey drive, i.e. staring, salivating, stalking, lowering of the body.
8. Protective Aggression: the dog shows consistent aggression when a third party approaches regardless if there is no threat.
9. Redirected Aggression: the dog directs aggression to a third party when the dog is prevented from reaching the primary target.
10. Territorial Aggression: the dog displays consistent aggression in the vicinity of an area when that area is approached by another individual.
11. Dominance Aggression: the dog shows abnormal, inappropriate, out-of-context aggression (threat, challenge or attack) toward people under any circumstance involving passive or active control of the dog's behavior.
12. Fear Aggression: aggression produced as a result of fear. They are not necessary aggressive to everyone, it's usually a selected type, the most common are men and children. This is a type of Dominant aggression.
13. Idiopathic Aggression: aggression that is truly unpredictable. This type of aggression, which is very rare, is frequently confused with the subtle dominance aggression. With Idiopathic aggressioiin, the dog will attack anything in its path, animate or inanimate.

Some people will even see their dog show hints that he is developing a certain type and not even realize it until its too late. It's important to know the kinds of aggression and what to look for.

Tags: dog aggression, aggression, dog training, behavior

Quick Tip...

I had a very long day of training and then came home to a house full of people (which I loved by the way). So, now that I have a chance, I'm writing a little note before I go to bed.

Tomorrow (Monday) I also have a busy day, but stay tuned because I will be writing something before I leave (I have lessons from noon until 7pm).

A tip to hold you over...

Nothing in life is for free (NILF). Make your dog earn every treat, pet or bowl of food by doing a command. This will lead the way to a successful relationship with you and your pal. Why? Because it is a way of communicating that you are alpha dog.

Good night!

Tags: dogs, sit, down, NILF

Potty Training

To potty train is to understand how dogs work. To a dog and humans alike, whenever we have to go it's uncomfortable. Remember that dogs always do things to make them feel good, so even if it's just a little bit of pee, they will immediately relieve themselves even if they had already gone outside 15 minutes ago.

In the wild, the entire world is their toilet. They just go whenever they feel necessary. It's important to understand that. New dog owners NEED to know that they don't just enter your home and know to hold it until they get outside. Your home is now their world, and you know what? They think they can pee in it.

The entire concept of potty training is holding it. They need to know the difference between your carpet and the outside. Usually I don't allow clients to use their doggy door while they are training. The reason why is because its the same concept as the wild - if they have immediate access to the outside and can go anytime they need to, they will never learn to hold it. Chances are, if you closed the doggy door, they will not wait to get outside, they will go right on your floor.

Puppies can only hold it for however many months they are plus one (hours). You should base your potty training routine on that. If you constantly take your pup out every 40 minutes, he will never learn to hold it. Obviously you will need to keep a very close eye on him when he isn't outside.

You should get on an organized routine (schedule feed, potty breaks...etc...), limit their free roaming and be patient. Otherwise, you are setting them up to fail, which isn't fair to them.

*Don't rub your dogs nose in the poop or pee that you find...they don't know why you are doing that. You can only reprimand them when you catch them in the act and even then, do something more effective...dogs already smell their own poop and pee, other dogs poop and pee as well. A startling "NO" and running them outside or popping the leash while they are squatting would be more effective.

Tags: potty training, basic obedience, doggy door, puppy

Go to your place!

I teach a thing called "go to your place" and it's everyone's favorite command once the dog learns it. It's basically a designated area (usually a dog bed) where you can send your pup on command. Usually we will use beds rather than the spot so you can move it anywhere and he will still go to it. It's great because you can also take it places that he is not familiar with (which usually gives your dog anxiety anyway-we will talk about that later) and command him to go there, and he will!

Although you would use it when he is being annoying - like jumping on people, barking or begging at the table - it's very positive for him. You are never to scream the command because it would turn into a punishment area. All you would do is say, "go to your place" and the dog will literally stop what he is doing, and go to his place to lie down and will stay there until you release him. It's awesome.

The place basically teaches your dog to accept everything that is going on in the room as well. Because when you tell him to go there, he has to stay until you say otherwise. If he gets up to chase something, or because he is scared of something, what is he not doing? He is not staying at his place.

It's a great way to introduce your dog to cats, other dogs and babies. It's also great for teaching your dog its ok to have new people in the house.

Tags: place, dog bed, training, commands

Canine Good Citizens Test

The Canine Good Citizens test is "a certification program that is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club."

Dogs are pretty impressive when they pass this test. It would be fun to see your dog receive an achievment award for doing good behavior! Not only does the dog look great, but you look great too!

So, if you would like to know what the test consists of, keep reading...

Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation.

Test 2: Sitting politely for petting
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler.

Test 3: Appearance and grooming
This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so.

Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog.

Test 5: Walking through a crowd
This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places.

Test 6: Sit and down on command and Staying in place
This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler's commands to sit and down and will remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers).

Test 7: Coming when called
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler..

Test 8: Reaction to another dog
This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs.

Test 9: Reaction to distraction
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations.

Test 10: Supervised separation
This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners.


Oh yeah...and dogs are not allowed to pee during testing! Or they fail!

Dog Training, Basic Obedience, Canine Good Citizens Test, CGC

Do Dogs Think?

This is a really good article about dogs...

Tags: dog behavior, anxiety, separation anxiety, dog training

Emmitt and his training...

So, I am going to be posting progress videos of Emmitt throughout his training. I figured it would be a good way to show people what each week of working with their dog can bring. It will start from Day one and will go until he takes his Canine Good Citizens test.

Also, I am going to be making a training demonstration video with Quinn and then I am planning on taping my client, Ken Coombs, and his dog Sierra (total rockstar!). This will give people incite on what their dogs will learn.

I have already started the taping with Emmitt, now I have to figure out how to format it for the internet.

Stay Tuned!

Tags: Border Terrier, bootcamp, training, basic obedience

Long Beach a Top-10 City in North America to Visit with a Dog

I guess Long Beach is the place to be if you have a dog!

Also...

Dog’s Life A Dream In Long Beach

By Amy Bentley-Smith
Features Editor

Living in Long Beach is something dogs can wag their tails about.

So says Dog Fancy magazine, which in its November issue names Long Beach as one of the 10 most dog-friendly cities in the country. Others in the top 10 included Albuquerque; Austin, Texas; Bellingham, Wash.; Chicago; Coral Springs, Fla.; Houston; New York City; Richmond, Va.; and Santa Barbara. While the winners weren’t ranked, the magazine did say Chicago was the number one choice, naming the city Dogtown USA.

“As a dog owner, I am delighted that Dog Fancy magazine has listed our community as a top 10 dog-friendly city,” Mayor Beverly O’Neill said. “We pride ourselves on creating a good quality of life for our citizens as well as activities that include our dogs.”

Susan Chaney, editor of the national magazine that is published in Orange County, said the top-10 list came from an initial list of 101 cities nominated by readers. In selecting the winners, the magazine considered everything from pro-dog legislation and dog-centered activities to the ratio of dogs to veterinarians and the percentage of dogs in shelters whose owners had brought them there.

“If owners are turning in their dogs to shelters, that’s a good indication that it’s not a very dog-friendly city,” Chaney said.

Long Beach fared well in all criteria, which put it in top-10 contention. Chaney said there was one area in particular that Long Beach really shined.

“I would say that what most stood out was the activities for dogs,” she said, crediting Belmont Shore resident Justin Rudd for the role he has had in bringing so many dog events to the city. Rudd’s Haute Dog Halloween and Easter dog parades have attracted national media attention.

Rudd also was instrumental in what turned out to be another plus for Long Beach as a dog-friendly city — the city’s dog beach zone. This Oct. 31 marks the one-year anniversary that the Dog Zone became a permanently allowed area for dogs on the beach, after a more than 15-month trial.

“Not many places could say they had that,” Chaney said.

One of Rudd’s Haute Dog events, the bulldog beauty contest, was singled out by the magazine, which listed it as one of the top three most unique events for dogs. The contest was part of a Father’s Day event Rudd organized for the community this year. The next bulldog beauty contest is scheduled for Mother’s Day 2006.

“I just love to celebrate having animals in not only my life but people’s lives. It’s such a joy to do,” Rudd said as to why he puts on his Haute Dog events. “It doesn’t matter when I spend more than 40 hours a week on it, because I know it’s doing something good for people and their pets.”

The November issue of Dog Fancy is on stands now. Chaney said she expects the magazine will make the top-10 dog-friendly cities an annual competition.

For more information, visit www.dogfancy.com.

Tags: Long Beach, dog parks, dog beach, dogs

From Rags to Riches...

My friends, Eva Sippel and Cynthia Cavanaugh are traveling to Romania with 8 other volunteers to spread awareness of the stray dog problem there. They will also rescue a select amount of puppies to be flown to the U.S. to be adopted out.

Best part about this? Besides the dogs being saved, we will be able to watch this amazing act of kindness on the soon to be documentary: From Rags to Riches: A Dog's Life.

Please send them some love...Schnuffie

You Guys Rock!

Tags: Schnuffie, Documentary, Romania, volunteers, dog rescue

County Board Backs Dog Spaying-Neutering Ordinance

Looks like they are buckling down to prevent dogs from reproducing...

LOS ANGELES -- Most dogs in unincorporated parts of Los Angeles County will have to be spayed or neutered and implanted with an identifying microchip under an ordinance tentatively approved Tuesday by the Board of Supervisors...more...

Tags: spay, neuter, ordinance, Los Angeles

Hiking

Today is my only day off this week. I decided to spend some of it hiking with Quinn and Emmitt. They are so awesome together. Emmitt just follows Quinn everywhere, and they both stop and wait for me to catch up. I love it.

It was hotter than normal today, so I brought a bunch of water. Going down Runyan, is the easiest, its getting back up to the car that sucks, but is very good exercise. I always do the hardest hike there, even though it literally kicks all of our asses every time.

Now I have sleepy dogs for the rest of the afternoon...

My tip for today:

Exercise your dog!

Tags: exercise, hiking, Runyan Canyon, off leash

Off Leash Control

It's very tedious, time consuming and, unfortunately, hard...sometimes near impossible, pending on the dog, but the end product is so worth it. I am talking about having total off-leash control. You really do need to be devoted and consistent for it to work.

Dogs are so distracted. Remember when I said they only do things for themselves? Well, here is a prime example. When you let your dog off of the leash at a park, you are basically saying, "ok, go be a dog". I mean, that is what he is thinking anyway. Then, when its time to call him back, you yell and yell and yell and he continues to run around the park, disregards your commands and embarasses you infront of the dog park regulars. It happens a lot and people don't understand that you have to TEACH him to be off-leash.

Basic obedience always starts on a leash. You have to master all commands on-leash before you can venture out into the off-leash world. When your dog is on the leash, he starts to realize he has to behave and do what you say because he knows you control the other end of it. Once you master everything 100%, that is when you start with off-leash training.

You have to be patient because you are still at the point that once you take the leash off, all bets are off. Therefore, you need to have an area that your dog can't escape from while you are teaching him everything. I master the commands from a 6ft leash to a 30 ft leash. Once you get 100% control 30 ft away, I would say you are ready to either go back to the 6ft leash or make a tab, which is a one foot leash that he can't trip on, but one that you can hold on to should you need to guide or correct him.

You will also need to change the places you train every so often so he thinks he has to listen everywhere and not just home in the back yard.

A couple of tips:

• One mistake that people make is constantly saying "come on" to their dog not realizing they are ruining the come command. When it's time to teach them it, they have no clue because they've heard it before but it was never reinforced.

• Always reinforce commands you happen to shout out, otherwise, you will never have the off-leash control you have always wanted. If you can't get up and follow through with your command, don't say it at all. It's only setting your dog up for failure.

Quinn is an off-leash dog, I have put in some major time with her and it was worth every second. I will be hiking with a client of mine on Wednesday...I am going to show her off. Hopefully she doesn't make a fool of me...you never know, it could happen!

Tags: off leash, advanced obedience, come, recall

Quinn's farts.

Wow. That is all I can say. I felt like I woke up in diarrhea today. We switched her food to Wellness (does wonders for their coats) awhile back due to her allergies and sickness, and it took her a couple of days to get used to it. Would have been the end of that, except for the fact that Gina mixed Wellness with her old food again not thinking about it when pouring the rest of the two bags in the dog food container. Now Quinn is farting like you will not believe. Bottom line...

Make sure you gradually change your dogs food should you decide to change it. Also, make sure that after you change it, you stick with it. It's terrible for their tummys.

Tags: Doberman Pinscher, dog farts, dog food

Meet Emmitt...

he is my sister's Border Terrier. He is like mine too, though. He is the best puppy I have ever dealt with and that is saying a lot. I can't wait to see what he is like once he is through with his training.

Facts about Emmitt:

He is 7 months old.

He LOVES Quinn.

We call him Emito.

He barks when he plays, sometimes it sucks.

He is going through a doggy boot camp right now.

He loves to hike and started when he was 3 months old.

He is just as or more crazed about food than Riley.

He cries when he is waiting to be fed.

He accepts anything that is going on quickly.

He likes to cuddle.

He has a wardrobe.

He eats poop.

He learned sit and down in the matter of seconds.

He has the cutest face.

He has the best haircut.

He loves to visit you when you are in the bathroom.

He is relatively calm. I wish all dogs got as hyper as him. We wouldn't need shelters.

His breeder is the only one in Southern California; and their client list includes Meg Ryan, Dennis Quaid, Clay Aiken and Topher Grace.

He is such a baby.

He has the cutest little breaths and grunts when he sleeps or gets comfortable.

He LOVES all people and all dogs.

He is an all around, quality dog.

I feel lucky to have him.

Tags: Border Terrier, puppy. dog

Meet Riley...

she is my Miniature Pinscher. She has the best personality I have ever seen on a minpin, on any dog for that matter. She also has her faults, like overeating, but her sweet and loving nature makes me forget all of that.

Riley Facts:

She loves to cuddle.

She is 5 years old.

She has no anxiety whatsoever.

She is otherwise known as Rileydoo or just doos.

She will do anything for a treat.

She knows how to play dead.

She knows how to sit and stay.

She thinks she is a big dog.

She does a really cute thing called Alligator dog.

She loves food.

She overeats constantly, even when we think we have all of the food put away. Somehow she finds them.

She comes to someone singing "Who let the dogs out? woof woof woof woof" because we follow it with a treat. Otherwise she takes off.

She was never really trained. I unfortunately did what others do and that is picking her up whenever she did anything bad. That was before I became a dog trainer.

She sleeps in longer than us.

She does a really funny bark, twitchy thing which is followed by a sprint when she wants to sit with us or just wants our attention.

She once took a bagel from a woman's hand at the dog park.

All she ever thinks about is food.

She is the BEST snuggler.

She has the cutest face.

She snores really loud.

She lifts her leg to spread her pee everywhere.

She owns all of Glassell Park.

She once ate so many figs that she had to get an enima because nothing was able to pass through her body.

She is my little fatty.

I love her. She is my little football.

Tags: Miniature Pinscher, Min Pin, dog

Meet Quinn...

my Doberman Pinscher. You really can't get much better than her. Sure she has her faults, but who doesn't, right?

Facts about Quinn:

She is 3 years old.

Her birthday is 2/13.

We call her Queen.

She was attacked by a pack of dogs at the dog park when she was 4 months old.

She was raised by a miniature Pinscher, whom was always the dominant one until about a year ago.

She loves dogs, but is more interested in a tennis ball.

She is submissive to every dog she just meets, once she warms up, she feels more confident.

She loves hiking and is always making sure I am right behind her, its rather cute. I eat it up and am so proud of her whenever I go.

She loves her buddy, Emmitt. They are both a blast at Runyan.

She really loves hot dogs.

She has been in the hospital twice for a virus and once for Pancreatitis (turns out it wasn't that though).

She likes cats.

She loves men after she knows them, especially gay ones.

She sleeps under the blankets and even demands it.

She lets me do anything to her.

She sits so cute in the passanger seat when I am taking her to exercise.

She is afraid to go to the vet.

She LOVES attention.

She loves her bones.

She has the loudest bark known to man.

She has the best personality and temperment.

She is awesome with her commands.

She likes her crate.

She is an intermediate in agility.

She loves small dogs way more than big dogs.

She tries to lay on the back of the couch like Riley, the minpin. She also tries to fit in Emmits bed, which is hilarious.

She farts really loud and then leaves a lingering cloud that makes us all disgusted. It's actually really funny though.

While I was away visiting Portland, OR, she was hit in the head by a car going forty, ran 3 miles home, tore all of her paws and almost went into cardiac arrest-doctors said she had no business being alive and she survived it.

She is my hero.

Tags: Doberman Pinscher, Dog, Dobie, Red

The Truth About Dogs

Dogs are eager to please...themselves. They aren't eager to please you. People are kidding themselves when they think that. They only do things that make THEM feel good. Things like, taking the chicken sandwich directly from my hands even though I am hungry...RILEY! Or, pushing me out of my spot on the couch to look out the window, inspite of the fact that I am uncomfortable...QUINN! Or, barking that high piercing bark when playing even though I am clearly annoyed by it...EMMITT! It's just the reality of dogs...they only do things for themselves.

If people realized that, they wouldn't be so angry with their dogs behavior. By thinking they actually decided NOT to please you is only harming your relationship with him/her. You are humanizing them; and when you do that, your expectations become unreasonable and it only fills your relationship with anger and resentment.

Then you start to think your dog is doing these terrible dog behaviors just to spite you. This is when it really gets interesting, because your patience dwindles, and you are angry all of the time. Now you are looking for a home for your dog if not the shelter.

All the while, your dog is just this innocent litte creature who has no idea what you want from them. You haven't taken the time to really communicate who the boss is, or what the boundaries are. People often assume that their dog should just "know". Well guess what? All they know is how to be a dog. All they want is to be a dog. It's unfair to think otherwise.

They don't reason, they work on drive and instinct. Once you realize that, your patience is increased by 20 and your expectations go back down to a healthy level. What comes out of it is a balanced relationship. He gets love and attention and you get a loyal friend.

Quinn (my Doberman), Riley (my Miniature Pinscher) and Emmitt (my sister's Border Terrier) make my day, every single day inspite of their annoying behaviors. Its because I understand them and know how to communicate to make it better. I know that I have to teach them everything I want them to know and abide by.

I had never taught Riley to stay away from our food, as far as she was concerned, my chicken sandwich was fair game. That was her instinct. After working on that, now she doesn't even notice when I eat. I let Quinn sit on the couch all of the time, it doesn't make a difference if I am sitting there or not. Regardless, she is going to try and sit there. That was my cue to teach her her place, which is somewhere she can be commanded to go to when I want to sit at my spot. Finally, Emmitt and his barking...he is in doggy bootcamp to control it.

Bottom line, your dog is a dog, treat him like one. They will be better for it, and so will you.

Tags: dog training, dog behavior, communication, alpha dog

Welcome to my dog blog

My name is Jill, and I am a dog trainer (Thank Dog! Training - yes, that is God spelled backwards). I decided to start this blog so I can talk about dogs whenever I want! yes, I do this as a career, so one would think I would be over dogs...however, that isn't the case at all.

I love dogs, they are the most fascinating creatures in the world (to me anyway!). Their unconditional love is what I adore the most. The entire world could be mad at you...but not your dog! They accept you as you are and will comfort you as you need it. They truely are amazing, so here I am, dedicating this blog to all dogs and their owners.

Here I am going to share my dog training experiences that others may relate to. I am also going to share my personal experiences with my own dogs, along with anything else that relates to dogs. Dogs dogs dogs...let's talk about dogs. Who's first?

Tags: dogs, dog trainer, Jill Bowers, blog

An amazing dog...

Three cheers for Faith the Biped Dog.