Choosing a Dog Trainer

Too many dogs are given up after their normal, easily modifiable behaviors are allowed to become problems.

But it doesn't have to be this way. To prevent your dog from becoming a sad statistic, take your dog—and your family—to a professional dog training class. A good training class is a fun, social activity that helps your dog become a well-behaved, safe, and valued family member. This information will help you find the dog trainer and class environment that best fits your budget and needs.

Why training is a necessity

Whether you are intentionally teaching him or not, your canine friend is always learning—and this is true not just for puppies but also for older, adult dogs. If you do not teach your pet your rules, he will invent his own. Training allows caregivers to safely and humanely control their dog's behavior. Positive training enhances the bond between dog and owner, and helps ensure that your dog will respond happily to your instructions.

What to look for in a trainer

It's essential that the dog trainer you select uses humane training techniques that encourage appropriate behavior through such positive reinforcement as food, attention, play, or praise. Look for a trainer who ignores undesirable responses or withholds rewards until the dog behaves appropriately. Training techniques should never involve yelling, choking, shaking the scruff, tugging on the leash, alpha rolling (forcing the dog onto his back), or other actions that frighten or inflict pain.

Where to find a trainer

A recommendation from a friend, neighbor, veterinarian, humane society, boarding kennel, or groomer is a good place to start. You can also search online or check the Yellow Pages under "Pet Training." Don't assume that a trainer's membership in a dog trainer association qualifies him as a suitable instructor: Not all associations' membership criteria will meet your expectations. Also, because no government agency regulates or licenses trainers, it's that much more important to investigate their qualifications before enrolling in a class. Find out how many years of experience they have, how they were educated, and what training methods they use. Ask prospective trainers for several references from clients who completed the classes.

Which class format is best?

In group classes, dogs learn to interact with other dogs, accept handling by other people, and respond to their owners despite distractions. Owners learn by observing other people interacting with their dogs and benefit from the camaraderie. Self-help training, private lessons, and dog-only lessons that exclude the owner do not provide these important advantages. Another disadvantage of dog-only lessons is that the dog may respond well for the trainer but may not transfer what she has learned to you and your family.When possible, all family members should participate in the dog's training. By learning to communicate humanely and effectively with their canine friend, they will develop bonds that will form the basis of the entire relationship.

Group classes

Ask the trainer whether you can observe a class in session before signing up.

Watch for the following:Is class size limited to allow for individual attention?

Are there separate classes for puppies and adult dogs?

Are there different class levels (for example, beginner, intermediate, and advanced)?

Are training equipment and methods humane?

Does the trainer use a variety of methods to meet dogs' individual needs?

Is proof of vaccination required?

Are the students, both human and canine, enjoying themselves?

Are dogs and owners actively encouraged?

Is praise given frequently?Are voice commands given in upbeat tones?

Are lesson handouts available?

Is information available on how dogs learn, basic grooming, problem solving, and related topics?

The cost of a trainer

Training costs vary, depending on where you live and the type of instruction you want. Private lessons are usually priced per session; many group lessons are priced for several weeks of sessions. Some animal shelters offer subsidized training programs; the price of several weeks of sessions may depend on whether you adopted your dog from that shelter and the number of class sessions it provides.

The best age for training

Although "puppyhood" is the best time to train and socialize dogs, older dogs can learn new tricks, too. In fact, dogs of all ages can benefit from training. Dogs between 8 and 16 weeks of age should be enrolled in puppy classes. Regular classes are appropriate for dogs 6 months or older.

Before you go

When you have selected a training program:Have your dog examined by your veterinarian to ensure your pet is healthy, free from parasites, and up-to-date on vaccinations.Don't feed your dog a large meal before class because many trainers rely on food treats to encourage or reward desired behavior.Bring the training equipment recommended by the trainer.Practice between classes with brief lessons that end on a positive note.By enrolling and actively participating in a dog training class, you will help your dog become not just a well-behaved member of your family, but also a safer member of your community.

For more information on choosing a dog trainer, consult the Association of Pet Dog Trainers* at 150 Executive Center Drive, Box 35, Greenville, SC 29615; call 800-PET-DOGS or visit them online at www.apdt.com.

information available from HSUS

Snow Babies

Dogs love snow... ok, let me re phrase that. Big dogs love snow. Little dogs, far too often, think snow is just a dirty trick. But, really, think about it from your little dogs perspective. Their chest is inches from the ground (and in my dog Morocco's case his chest touches even the freshly mowed grass), so going outside in the cold icy snow is more than just wet feet!

If your little dog is having issues going potty in the snow, consider getting a small patch of artificial grass to place on the ground, near their favorite potty spot. It will keep them on the routine of going to the bathroom outside, but it will allow for drier conditions, making it more comfortable to be outside.

Help for your dogs itchy winter skin

Although you and your veterinarian may see more hot spots on your dog in the summer, we often see generalized itchy skin in the fall, just as the weather cools. Sometimes we see this as a result of allergies, but often it can just be the dry indoor air.

Here is a good remedy I have been using for a long time. Its works well for hot spots in a beginning stage, as well as inflamed, itchy skin. I often use this remedy 2 or 3 times a day to stop itching with my pet, and have seen if halt a hot spot in its tracks!

One of my dogs Morocco Mole is highly allergic to cats! Sorry Morocco, we live with 6 cats and they were here first... for him, the best method is to reduce his exposure to the cats (vacuum daily, move the cat beds so he can't get in them etc), but when I find him snuggled up to one of his feline buddies, he breaks out in hives. This remedy works every time to give him relief.

1 oz Aloe Vera Juice (not gel)

20 drops St Johns Wort (liquid herbal extract)

20 drops Calendula (liquid herbal extract)

Put all into a small spray bottle and shake before applying. Spray 2 to 3 times a day, as needed. Stays fresh for 2 weeks

Its safe if licked off the skin, but has a slight bitter taste so pets are good about leaving it alone.

Remember, be sure to have your pet evaluated by your veterinarian if the condition persists

Give it a try!

Puppy Owners, don't pass on the oppurtunity

Halloween is just around the corner. Time for parties, candy and a good scare... quality dog trainers know its also a special time too...

If you have a puppy less than 8 months of age, look at Halloween as a excellent opportunity to work on getting your puppy used to certain things that can cause an adult dog fear.

Costumes, scary noises, kids running about... all can be very scary stuff for an under socialized dog.

Look at this time as an opportunity to show your puppy that these things are good and trustworthy. Do you have a busy trick-o-treating neighborhood? Sit in a chair on your porch with a bowl of candy for the kids and a pocket full of tasty treats for pup. Reward your pup every time they see someone in costume or make a funny noise. They will make the association that the "scary" things are good. Not your scene? Head over to one of the many THRILLER-zombie performances this weekend. In one afternoon you can scratch loud music, costumes, scary noises and crowds off your puppies to-do socialization list.

Just remember to bring food treats that puppy will not say no to (think cheese or canned chicken)

Also, if pup is very young and not yet finished with their vaccine history, plan on carrying them rather than them walking on leash as they do not get have adequate immunity to protect them.

Look at all of this as an opportunity to expose pup. Remember, what puppy has a pleasurable experience with now- they will not fear later. Happy HOW-O-WEEN!

Puppy Pre School

Paws down... this is my favorite class.

Not only do I get to play with baby puppies for an hour, I get to impact the lives of many people in our community with our mission and goals that we all share at Tails.

We are here to make dogs' lives better. Plain and simple. One of the ways we do that is by teaching their guardians the importance of socialization and bite inhibition- the two core principals of Puppy Pre School.

Dogs are social creatures, they need to be with their own species and have dependable-predictable relationships with other dogs. They learn those social behaviors very early in life, and what better way than to meet other socials, well mannered pups in their same developmental stage.

We often shock people, usually other trainers, who cannot believe we offer Puppy Pre School at no charge. Yes, its true... any healthy, vaccinated pup ages 9 week to 14 week can attend our Puppy Pre School for free. Why? Socialization saves lives. And you can't make a dogs life better, if they are not here to help.

There certainly are puppies we see at Puppy Pre School, for 6 free session and never see again in our classes, and that's OK. I run into those pups all the time- at the dog park, at dog festivals etc. and everyone tells me how grateful they are for us giving them the opportunity to create a social dog. These dogs, even though we only saw them for a short time, learned proper social behavior, they learned bite inhibition and their guardians learned about body language and dog friendly training methods.

We did our job. We helped make their life better.

When are Children Ready for a Puppy?

Dear Tails,

Kids are bugging us to get a puppy… when is the best age of our children to get a dog?

Thanks,

Foster Family

Hi Foster Family,

In general, I think parents should hold off on getting a puppy until the youngest child is about 7 yrs old… I have several reasons.

· Kids younger than 7, tend to have shaky eye-hand coordination and poor reflexes. This can make it difficult for them to interact with the pup without stumbling, loosing balance and being constantly knocked down.

· Kids under 7 tend to have poor impulse control, when they get angry then tend to act it out and frequently their frustration is aimed at the weakest link in the family- the pet.

· Young kids often have nightmares involving animals which can make them timid or fearful around real animals.

· Kids under 7 rarely have the ability for abstract thought, and cannot overcome the natural tendency toward ego-centrism. Basically everything revolves around the child. This prevents them from understanding empathy in caring for a pet, as well as not knowing the difference between a stuffed toy and a real dog. Young kids tend to play too rough with puppies, wanting to pick them up, carry them around and twist their bodies.

A mis-treated pup quickly learns a fear of children and other similarly-moving, squeaky, smelly children (no offense)

Best to wait until the kids are a bit older or consider an adult rescue dog, one who has already been proven good with kids.

Dog Parks

Dog Parks
We are lucky enough to have 8 off leash areas here in Bellingham. They all have their good and bad points, here are just a few things worth mentioning.

Blodel Donavan: Nice group of dogs who go regularly. The group is maintained well by some regulars (two legged) that will keep dogs and people in line. Good for well behaved dogs, but expect to be “called out” if your dog is not a good pup! Note the off leash times: During daylight hours from October 1 to April 30 and until 10:00 am from May 1 to September 30.

Lake Padden: Only fully fenced area in Bellingham. Because of that you are going to get dogs that can’t be trusted in an open area without a fence. If they have poor boundary manners there is a good chance they have other issues as well. Dogs tend to be over ruley there and people tend to “check out” while chatting on their cell phones or socializing with people more than their dogs. Area does have a fenced small dog area, which is rare. This park has 4 entrances. If you are new use the entrance in the back near the horse trails. Never enter near the bathrooms if there is a big crowd of people and dogs.

Fairhaven: Two main areas, the large field and area near the water. This is inside the sewage treatment plant. Wonderful area, but a bit too close to the railroad track for me (if near the water) Due to its proximity to the college, it tends to get a lot of young people. Not a bad thing, but be aware of young college kids and out of control dogs.

Arroyo Park: All Trails are off leash, for dogs and horses… we aware of lots of horse poop and lots of hills. A favorite for mountain biking too.

Sunset Pond: All trails plus the water are designated for water exercise and training area. This too is a bit too close to the road for my liking, but great water area for doggie swimmers.
Sehome Hill Arboretum: All secondary trails are off leash, Dogs must be on leashes on all paved trails plus the Jersey Street and Arboretum Walkway which are the two trails at the bottom of the Arboretum abutting the University campus. Nice area, some trails can get pretty narrow so make sure your dog is good at passing other dogs off leash. Sometimes there is no room to move off to the side of the trail.

Little Squalicum Park: All Trails are off leash (Note - Little Squalicum Creek may contain hazardous chemical which may be harmful to animals- so I never recommend this area.
Whatcom Falls: A great area. The Waterline Trail (south of Whatcom Creek) west of the Water Treatment Plant to Bayview Cemetery and the trail from the Waterline Trail south to Lakeway- is all off leash. Nice secondary trail to the right after the Bayview Cemetery junction. Careful of the drop off to the right, near the Falls.

Although we are advocates for good dogs at dog parks, we never recommend a pup attend a dog park until after 7 months of age. Dogs are far too impressionable and its too risky who they may run into at the dog park, so it’s important to make sure your dog is behaviorally sound before attending. Think of it this way: if your puppy hangs out with other good puppies and dogs then they will be a good dog, but if they hang out with a bunch of juvenile delinquents ( just who you might run into at the dog park) they too will become little stinkers too.
Only you are your dogs advocate, its up to you to set them up to succeed.