Amber Burckhalter, a certified master trainer and the owner of K-9 Coach, recently attended the Association for Pet Dog Trainers conference.

Burckhalter is from Atlanta, GA and said everyone who saw her Atlanta name tag immediately commented on Michael Vick.  Recently there has been another local scandal, this one involving an animal shelter in Fulton county. The director has resigned due to allegations of abuse and mistreatment of the animals housed in the facility.  One of the reports alleges pit bulls were being caged with other dogs.

The point Burckhalter was trying to make,  not many dog owners realize that the professional dog community isn’t always what it appears.  Not only can anyone own a dog, they can also run a dog training facility.  Owners need to be trained to learn what to look for and what questions to ask.

Few dog owners realize that within the professional dog community there is a varying degree of what is considered acceptable training and treatment of animals.

Dog owners should aggressively seek out treatment guidelines, professional affiliations and certifications of everyone who comes in contact with their pet, just as parents do their due diligence on the qualifications of a potential child care provider. Owners should ask how the dog professional would deal with their specific situation to ensure that their practices are in line with an owner’s values. Owners should also ask themselves one basic question: Does this sound too good to be true?

Responsible pet ownership goes far beyond annual veterinarian visits and feeding. Owners should try to be more proactive with their dog and its behavior. All dogs should be able to socialize with other animals, children and adults in public to be considered safe. Working with a qualified dog trainer can give the dog and owner all the guidance needed to enjoy visits to the park and visitors at the home. It can also help with behavior problems such as aggression. Training is critical for dogs who have spent time in rescue homes, shelters or other arenas where the history of the dog is unknown.

There is no governing professional group for becoming a dog trainer even though there are associations such as the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), which offer continuing education updates for their members. It is frightening how many people complete an online course and hang out a shingle selling themselves as “dog trainers.” Just because a company has money and slick marketing, does not mean that it has the knowledge or experience to work with your dog.

“Now is the time for all of us — trainers, rescue groups, veterinarians and the public — to work together to take control of abuse and mistreatment of animals through proactive training, research and awareness,” stated Burckhalter.  I’ll second that.

I posted this on October 2d but wanted to do a special re-post for any Dogsters who may have missed it.  The article has some great tips for a safe and fun holiday. Happy Halloween Dogsters!

Halloween can be a lot of fun, but it can also be very scary for dogs. According to Liam Crowe, the CEO and master dog behavioral therapist of Bark Busters USA, Halloween is when they hear about more dogs dying or straying than any other holiday.

I would never have guessed that, but it makes sense when you think about it.  There’s usually a lot more accessible chocolate candy in the house for dogs to get into, the result of which can be deadly. Plus, the overabundance of loud noises and door bell ringing can set off a dogs flight instinct.

As pet owners we can keep a few simple things in mind to make Halloween a fun and safe holiday for all our four legged friends.

* Don’t leave your dog outside. Even if you have a fenced yard, bring your dog inside where it is safe. If your dog is usually kept outside, bring him in a few times before the big night to get him used to being indoors. Your dog may be used to strangers, but so many little ghouls and goblins running about may be too much. Remember also that it is a natural instinct for dogs to protect the family from strangers, and on Halloween there will be no shortage of strangers.

* Keep your dog restrained. If your dog is timid or scared, or if he tends to love people a little too much, it is best to put him in a separate room away from the front door to limit his excitability, aggression, and chance of running outside and becoming lost.

* Reassure your dog. The best thing you can do for your dog when he is feeling unsettled by Halloween activities is to act as you normally would. By over-reassuring your dog or giving him an unusual amount of attention, you inadvertently can communicate to him that because you are acting differently, there must be something to worry about.

* Have your dog get used to costumes. Your dog may see his family members as strangers once they don their Halloween costumes. Before the kids put them on, allow your dog to scent the costumes. If your costume has a mask, keep the mask off when you are with your dog because dogs can become confused when they can’t see our faces.

* Check your dog’s ID tag. Be sure identification tags are secure on your dog’s collar-just in case.

* Keep candy away from your dog. Many candies-especially chocolate-are toxic to dogs. The severity of the toxicity depends greatly on factors such as breed, age, size, and how much candy was ingested. Problems may range from a mild upset tummy to vomiting and diarrhea, or even death. If you have any concerns at all, consult with a veterinarian immediately. If you want to keep your dog safe, make certain that sweets, including their wrappers, are kept well away from your dog.

* Protect dogs from candles and pumpkins. Excited or agitated dogs can easily knock over a lit candle or pumpkin. Be sure those items are away from your dog’s reach, or consider a battery-powered candle that does not burn

* Think twice about dressing your dog in a costume. While some dogs might enjoy being dressed up, many don’t. Experiment first to see if your dog likes being in a costume. If so, fine-he’ll most likely enjoy himself and the extra attention it brings. However, if he shows any resistance, don’t do it. Dogs feel enough stress around Halloween without also having to endure the discomfort and peculiarity of wearing a strange costume.

* Be prepared. If you take your dog with you while trick-or-treating, be prepared at all times. Do not let your dog approach the door of a house, and stay clear of possible gags or gangs of goblins who will gather at the door. Dogs do not understand that the person jumping out at you will not hurt you; they often think they can only help you by acting aggressively. Neither children nor adults in costumes should approach a dog without the owner’s consent.

* Have fun but think of your dog’s safety. Finally, if you want your dog to be included in Halloween festivities, think about his safety much as you would the safety of a small child. Your dog does not understand Halloween, so he needs you to provide the guidance and safety that you always do.

Thanks to Bark Buster’s for sharing those great tips.

I thought a great ending to American Humane’s Adopt-A-Dog Month would be to post tips on how to safely bring home your shelter dog.

Bark Busters,  who uses dog-friendly training techniques, offered up these great tips.

Before You Bring Your New Dog Home:

Hold a family meeting to create rules about caring for the dog. Will he be allowed on the couch, the bed, and in all rooms of the house? Where will he sleep and eat? Who will be responsible for feeding? Who will walk him and clean up after him? As a family, you must all be consistent with your decisions or you will confuse the dog, typically resulting in the dog making his own rules and causing unnecessary tension, which can lead to undesirable behavior.

Have the necessary items your dog will need from the start: ID tags, a collar and a 6 foot leash, food and water bowls, food, dog toys, a crate and bedding, and basic grooming tools.

Plan to bring your new dog home on a weekend or when you can be home for a few days. You will want that time to get to know each other and to establish rules and a trusting relationship.

Just before you bring your dog into the home, take him for a walk to tire him out a little. Walks are not only good exercise, but they also serve as a training tool and an opportunity to establish yourself as the pack leader.

Establish Ground Rules in the First Days:At first, limit your dog to one room or area. Allow him time to familiarize himself with the smells and sounds of his new home. Try to limit your time away from home those first days; your spending time with him will help him to become more comfortable in his new home.

Keep your dog on leash for the first few weeks so you can immediately teach him what behaviors are and are not acceptable.

Expect housetraining accidents. Your dog is in a new territory and is establishing a new routine, so accidents probably will happen. Review housetraining information available from the shelter, your veterinarian or your local Bark Busters trainer. The key is to be consistent and maintain a routine.

Dogs instinctively like to den, and a crate makes the ideal place for your dog to sleep and get away from household hubbub. A crate also makes housetraining and training easier, but limit the amount of time the dog is crated. The crate should be roomy enough to allow your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. An alternative to a crate is to confine him in a dog-proofed part of your home, such as a laundry or mud room. You can use a baby gate or dog gate to block off the area from the rest of the house.

Most shelter dogs have been given basic vaccinations and many have already been spayed/neutered. It is important that your dog is examined by a veterinarian within a week after adoption for a health check.

For the first few days, limit guest visits to allow your dog to get comfortable with his new family. When you do have guests, ask their help in training your dog by instructing them to not pay attention to him until he has calmed down. One way to communicate this request is to post a sign on your front door informing visitors that you have a new dog in training.

A Trained Dog Makes for a Happy Human-Canine Bond:
Get guidance for training your dog. A well-trained dog is a happier dog and a joy to have around.

Dogs need a pack leader. If they don’t have one, then they try to become the leader, which can create numerous behavioral problems. Thus, you–and all people in your home (other than children under 12)–need to be the pack leader. Practice obedience training, set rules and apply them calmly and consistently, and praise your dog’s good behavior. He will see you as his pack leader and will bond more quickly to you.

It is amazing how quickly dogs learn what is acceptable and what is not. Dogs have a language of their own, and once we understand it, we can communicate better what we expect of them.

A Bright Future:
Hats off to you for bringing home a shelter dog! Your patience and training will help to create a bond that will reward you both for years to come. With the right balance of discipline, understanding and affection, your shelter dog will become a loyal, grateful and loving companion.

If you’re interested in learning more about Bark Busters dog-friendly training techniques, which leverage the same communications methods - body language and voice control - that dogs follow as part of their instinctual pack mentality, stop by their site. All training takes place in the home.

If you had a neighbor who had dogs that bark incessantly, and did  nothing , would you sue them? The answer for two brothers in Ohio is a resounding “yes”.

The brothers [Tom and Joe McDaniel] have sued Dan Ullman, claiming the relentless yapping of his dogs has created anxiety and compromised their standard of living. They are seeking more than $25,000 in damages.

Although the dogs are in a fenced yard the McDaniels claim their neighbor won’t control the barking. They were supposed to go to trial last week,  it has been delayed in hopes that there can be an out of court resolution.

We’ll have to keep an eye on this case for the final outcome.  Would you sue your neighbor over barking, or do you think it’s something you just have to live with?  Give me a bark.

At least not when it comes to destructive behavior.  A study done in the UK used more than 3000 dog owners to find out what breed does the most household damage.

You may be surprised to find out the innocent looking pint sized chihuahua comes in at number one.

They might be tiny, but when it comes to destroying things in the home, the pint-size chihuahuas can be monsters, that”s what a new list of the world’s most destructive dog breeds claims. The peewee pooches are ranked just behind Great Danes in the list conducted by pet insurer Esure, reports the Daily Telegraph.

So, what is your best friend doing to occupy himself when you’re at work and how much will it cost you in the long run?

The items most often damaged were soft furnishings and electrical goods - used as makeshift chew-toys - and vases and lights, knocked over by wagging tails.

According to the survey, chihuahuas and great danes clock up repair bills averaging 1376 dollars and 1420 dollars respectively during their lifetime.

I remember shortly after we got Bo a friend had given us the book No Bad Dogs: The Woodhouse Way by Barbara Woodhouse.  I don’t remember who gave it to us,  but obviously it was someone who knew what we were in for.

One day after Lisa and I got home for work we noticed Bo had eaten half the book.  I guess Bo’s way was not the Woodhouse way.

Do you have a funny tale of destruction to share?  Give me a bark.

For all the  “Greatest American Dog” fans out there,  if you’ve ever wondered what Victoria Stilwell is thinking take a look at this this great interview by Christine Keith.

August 18, 2008

I spoke with trainer Victoria Stilwell about her experiences as a judge on CBS’ reality competition program, “Greatest American Dog.” My article based on this and other interviews is here.

Christie Keith: … I really like things I’ve seen you say in your writing and in your other interviews about the concept of “thinking dog.” Can you tell our readers a little bit of what that’s about?

Victoria Stilwell: Well, as a trainer I always like to get my clients, before they start training, to try and think what the world is like from a dog’s point of view.

I find so many people don’t even think about that. How is the environment that you have created around your dog affecting your dog both psychologically and physically?

I think when people take time to start thinking what must this be like from the point of view of the dog, I think they begin to understand their dogs. That’s the first key to understanding why your dog does things, why it responds to certain stimuli in certain way and what it’s thinking. We know so much more about our dogs now than we used to, from study and scientific research.

That’s why I always say it’s important to think dog. I think it makes you a better dog owner.

To read the full scoop on her thoughts on the photography competition, doggie dancing, the “infamous” snarl bands, and more hop on over to Pet Connection.

Summertime is the time for outdoor activities and having fun.   However, being outdoors with your dog, or leaving him outside more, does lead to an increased chance that your dog could get hit by a car.

The following are five great tips to keep your dog from becoming another statistic and keep everydog’s summer safe and fun.

1. Summertime can be the time for some nasty weather.  Always check on your fence after a storm to make sure it’s still intact.

Due to the storms, high winds can blow open gates or blow down sections of fences and dogs can escape. The most frequent emergency seen by veterinarians is a dog or cat being hit by a car. There are so many ways to prevent this tragedy. Always check fences and gates after high winds and storms before letting dogs in the yard. If there is a pet door and nobody is home during the day, install a padlock to the gate so it won’t blow open. If the fence is questionable during high winds, lock the pet door until the fence can be secured against high winds or until someone is home to monitor the dogs. Always be prepared for dogs to escape by having them microchipped by a veterinarian or local animal shelter. Microchips last forever and dogs will be returned when they are scanned.

2. Summertime is also the time for  having friends over, bar-b-q’s, and get togethers. This means a lot of traffic coming in and out of the front door.  No not car traffic, people traffic, so it is imperative to teach your dog not to run out the front door.

The best way to persuade your dog not to dash through doors is: do not let your dog make a successful dash through the door. Sounds obvious — but countless dog people and their guests have accidentally let the dog out the door, giving the dog a taste of freedom that can be exhilarating, but fraught with danger. The dog does not realize this, but he could get hit by a car, get in a fight with another animal, get lost and hurt, knock over children, not to mention alienate your neighbors. Even after dogs who get hurt after an escape fail to remember the connection between door-darting and pain when spotting a new chance to dash out the door.

3. Make sure your dog is always leashed, with the proper leash,  when you take your dog for a walk. As I’ve mentioned before Bo was quite a Houdini in his youth, a true master of slipping the leash.  When we got Logan, our Berner, his foster parents sent him along with a Martingale collar, something we had never heard of.  This collar prevents dogs from slipping the leash when they pull back.  Not usually an issue if Fluffy is 10lbs, but when she grows to be over 80lbs and turns into a ‘flight risk’, you’ll come to appreciate it.

Leash laws exist to protect not only your dog from tragic hit-by-car accidents but also to protect and safeguard all humans and other animals out and about in a civilized society. No dog, despite its level of training should be allowed to roam or to walk about freely when not in a fenced in yard, a home or a fenced dog park where dogs are permitted to run.

4. Having your dog spayed or neutered.

Dogs become sexually mature at around six months of age. Like a teenager first feeling the surge of hormones, an intact male dog has a strong, natural drive to seek out females. As you can imagine, it can be difficult to prevent an intact dog from escaping when his motivation to do so is very high.

Have your male dog neutered. Studies show that neutering will decrease sexual roaming in about 90 percent of cases. If an intact male has established a pattern of escaping, he may continue to do so even after he’s neutered, which is even more reason to have him neutered as soon as possible. Have your female dog spayed. If your intact female dog escapes your yard while she’s in heat, she’ll probably get pregnant (and she could be impregnated even if she stays in your yard).

5. Teach your dog to come.

Coming to you when called is one of the more important skills your dog can learn. Although we strive never to put our dogs in unsafe situations, the “come” (or “recall”) command can avert a car-dog collision, a deer chase, or other hazards.

In the event that your dog does get loose it is imperative that he has the proper tags and identification.  There are multiple ID choices and now is the time to decide which one is right for your pet.

Take the time to call your vet and investigate the options NOW. Once your pet is lost it’s too late. Also make sure to have a good clear updated photo of your pet should you ever need it.

Every now and then bad stories come out about dogs and children. That’s when I hear from young parents and new parents about how they fear having a dog in their home. For all those negative stories there must be a hundred or more stories like this where dogs make all the positive difference for kids.

Here’s big barks to all those wonderful dogs who make us and our world better!

Thanks to the Rocky Mountain News for this article.

At-risk children pair with rescued dogs in Pawsitive ways
By Julie Hutchinson, Special to the Rocky
Monday, May 26, 2008

Put any kid with any dog and you’ll see two happy faces.

And if that kid and that dog share histories of abuse and abandonment, you’ll see a bond develop that changes both of their lives.

Read the rest of this entry »

Please Crosspost!!!

What’s in the water the North Carolina State Trooper K9 handlers are drinking? Whatever it is, someone needs to cut them off. One handler is already in trouble for horrible abuse of a dog in his care. Now we find out that the more of the folks in the same department may also be dog abusers, all in the name of training.

News flash, NC canine cops, abuse is abuse no matter who does it or what the excuse. If you can’t train a dog without abusing her, you DEFINITELY are in the wrong line of work!

If you want to let the appropriate NC authorities hear your views on this situation, their contact information is at the end of this post.

Thanks to Lynn H. for bringing this terrible case to my attention.

First we find out that a 12-year veteran of the NC Highway Patrol has been videoed repeatedly kicking a roped trainee dog. Then it turns out that the rest of the Canine Unit is also tainted.

Please be aware that this article contains EXTREMELY upsetting information and video. I was sick to my stomach as I put together this post.

This article comes from The News & Observer.

Video of trooper kicking dog released
Jones was fired after 14 years with the patrol.
Dan Kane, Staff Writer

Dog handlers for the State Highway Patrol have stunned dogs with Tasers, swung them by their leashes until they became airborne, and hit them with plastic bottles full of pebbles.
None of that was an issue until a trooper used his cell phone to record a video of a sergeant kicking his police dog repeatedly while it was leashed to a loading dock, its hind legs just touching the ground. The video was made public for the first time Monday, and it shows Sgt. Charles L. Jones kicking Ricoh, 7, a Belgian Malinois, five times, causing the dog to swing as much as two feet under the loading dock.

Read the rest of this entry »

Thanks to the Daily Yomiuri Online for this article.

Abandoned dogs set to serve deaf
The Yomiuri Shimbun

A Tokyo-based nonprofit organization will open a facility Friday in Yokohama to train abandoned dogs to become service dogs for the deaf, and use socially isolated young people cocooned at home to become hearing dog trainers.

Read the rest of this entry »