Wednesday, April 28, 2010

All Things Dog Blog

All Things Dog Blog


CONTEST: Free Lupine Collar , Lead and Key Chain to Winner

Posted: 28 Apr 2010 01:11 PM PDT

by Carrie Boyko
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ASK THE DOG TRAINER at All Things Dog Blog
(c) photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2010
Tanner Models Your Dog's Prize
It's official; Tanner has selected a prize for our latest contest at All Things Dog Blog.  One of Lupine Lead's newest patterns is called 'Peace Pup', a perfect name for Tanner, who enjoys being the peacemaker and social butterfly at the dog park.

We love this beautiful 3/4-inch adjustable collar, that ranges in size from 12-20 inches. Thanks to Lupine for providing the prize, along with an ad in our sidebar, in case you'd like to check out all their other beautiful products. They were very gracious to assist us with supporting Adopt a Dog Park this year, along with our efforts to try to get the word out about National Clean Dog Park Awareness Week.

What's special about Lupine? Besides their many adorable patterns that are all made in the U.S. (American jobs!), Lupine guarantees their products, even if your dog chews them. They last a long time also. I've owned two of Lupine's Invisible Fence collars for years. Tanner is showing off his in this photo, in the 'City Lights' pattern. Xena's is a solid blue model that is 12 years old and still going strong. Amazing, huh?


Now let's move on to the contest. In one of my polls, you told me that you enjoy heart-warming or inspirational dog stories. If your dog has a special story to tell, I would love to share it. The winner gets the beautiful collar pictured at the top (for 12-20" necks), the 4 ft. lead, and a matching key chain--roughly a $45 value.









So get to writing, folks. This is your opportunity to share your pup's special journey. Multiple submissions are allowed, and may be published as well. By submission of your story, you are allowing it to be published.


Your submissions can be sent to LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com, along with a photo (or 2 or 3?) of your dog. Your email should indicate whether you would like to share your name, along with your story . We're looking forward to something we can all really chew on!


Check out some of Lupine's Beautiful Products here. Like it? You can order it right now in your dog's size and favorite color.

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ASK THE DOG TRAINER: Taming Excessive Barking, Part 2

Posted: 28 Apr 2010 12:50 PM PDT

by Carrie Boyko
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Dear Reader:

Thanks again for your letter regarding your "Town Cryer". I hope you found some helpful advice on calming his vocalizations in my first post at Part I. This is a follow up to touch on the subject of indoor barking. If you have further questions, feel free to write again anytime.

Teaching "Quiet" works wonders for indoor barkers.  Maintain a matter-of-fact attitude to encourage him to take you seriously, and train when no one is around.  Practice at least 3–4 times daily with 4-5 repetitions.  

Solicit and encourage him to bark.  Stand silently facing him and wait until he stops.  Praise only when he's quiet.  Provide several treats at one time to condition him to the command "Quiet" and that being quiet--even for a few seconds--has its rewards.  

With success, extend the quiet time by not releasing treats right away, holding them a few seconds longer each time.  Add hand signals to the command after a few successes.  When he understands "quiet", gradually add distractions.
Dogs want to please but require positive training that identifies what is pleasing. With patience, repetition and reward, you can have a quieter dog. 
Watch for my next post, when I will give more tips for extra hearty yappers.


Judy
ASK THE DOG TRAINER Columnist
Judith Joseph, D.O.I.
ASK THE TRAINER at All Things Dog Blog
For more information on Judith Joseph and her training, you may find her at TCDOA Dog Training. A personal appointment will likely provide more specific information on your dog's issues and your questions.



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ASK THE TRAINER: Taming Excessive Barking, Part I

Posted: 27 Apr 2010 09:54 AM PDT

by Carrie Boyko, all rights reserved
Bust that Barker 
with Judith Joseph


Dear Judy:
I have an outspoken spaniel mix whose barking can be a little overbearing at times. For the sake of my neighbors and dog park acquaintances, I would like to calm his constant vocalizing a bit. I think he feels it is his job to announce every entrance to the park and every dog or critter he sees on a walk. Can you offer some suggestions for our friendly, happy boy to quiet his inner "Town Cryer"?

Thanks, A Dog Park acquaintance
_______________________________________

Dear Reader:


One way dogs communicate is through barking, and barking now and again is expected.  Then, there's the dog that barks at everything, despite repeated requests to "knock-it-off".  Frustrated?  There are ways to re-condition your dog and end his barking episodes.  All involve identifying what makes him bark and when.  Keep in mind that, like the Basset Hound, some breeds are specifically crafted to be vocalists or alert barkers, so research your breed and form realistic expectations before you begin training.

I've eliminated barking episodes by placing the dog on lead and exposing him to the things that made him bark.  Stand about 25 feet from the object outdoors, (10 feet indoors), remaining in one spot – saying nothing.  When he's finished barking and settles or turns away, remain in place for one minute more.  Say "let's go", give him a treat and walk away from or past the object.  Repeat several times.  Get a foot closer each practice until you can pass with no barking.

For more distracted barkers, add "stop-turns" to regain focus.  Approach the object from a good distance. The moment he barks, stop, abruptly turn and walk in the opposite direction saying nothing.  Ease him along as most likely he'll be looking back, barking.  When he stops barking and begins to follow you, praise and treat.  After a few steps, turn and head back in the original direction.  If he reacts repeat the "stop-turn".   The goal is to get closer to the object.  


When you get to within 25 feet, stop walking and remain in one place saying nothing.  If he barks, wait until he's settled, then stand in the same place one minute more.  Say "let's go", provide a treat and praise as you walk away.  If he doesn't settle after 2 minutes of standing, walk away, and start again.  Repeat the exercises several times during walks until you can pass the object(s) with no barking.

Looking for more ways to teach "Quiet"?  Go to Teaching Quiet on the Total Control Dog Owner Assistance website. 

Good luck,
Judy

ASK THE DOG TRAINER Columnist


Judith Joseph, D.O.I


ASK THE TRAINER at All Things Dog Blog


For more information on Judith Joseph and her training, you may find her at TCDOA Dog Training. A personal appointment will likely provide more specific information on your dog's issues and your questions.













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