Doggie Bok! Bok!: May 2010

Monday, May 31, 2010

All Things Dog Blog

ASK THE DOG TRAINER: Training the Intelligent German Shepherd

Posted: 31 May 2010 12:52 PM PDT

by Judith Joseph, D.O.I.

German Shepherds are Highly Trainable
Focus on the Basics to Get Control

Hi Judy,

I noticed you have a German Shepherd, so you may be able to help me with my shepherd's need to be mouthy. I have tried all the suggested tricks: holding the lower jaw, giving him a toy...but he still does it.

My GS is under a year old, but he tends to get mouthy if you pet him, when he is trying to get attention or just walking beside you. I've tried various things, but can't seem to break him of this bad habit, which I want to get rid of before he gets much older and becomes a bigger problem.

I have two older dogs and they correct him when he gets too mouthy with them. But, he it still doing it.

He barks when we walk up to new dogs. I take him to dog parks, Petsmart..etc. Sometimes he is fine, then suddenly he starts barking when we go to greet a new dog(s). He is fine if he gets to meet and play with them, but if you pull him away or if the owner of the other dog does not want to let the dogs meet (he is a big , black Shepherd) then he acts out. He does seem to do it more when he is on-leash.

I don't think it is aggressive, because he is really sweet. But, he is scaring off other dogs and owners.

What do you think?

Vic

----------------------------------------------

Dear Vic:

The German Shepherd Dog (GSD), developed to be loyal, sturdy, fearless, protective, and sometimes all knowing, is highly intelligent and easily trained. Did I mention they talk back; they just have to have the last word. GSDs take themselves way too seriously, flaunting their AKC character standards like an Olympic gold medal. These proud dogs love to work and seem to never tire. Being pushy, assertive, and mouthy when young is part of the breed's herding and protecting instincts. Teaching him how and when is his owner's responsibility.

By 12 months, the GSD should know and obey sit, stay, down, come, leave it, loose leash walking, here/recall, heel, off, and many other commands like wait, find it, drop it, pick it up, speak and quiet. The GSD is so intelligent and eager to learn, showing him what you want and rewarding the right behavior a few times usually results in him mastering yet another command. Unwanted behaviors (nipping, chewing, jumping, barking), should be under control by this age too. A clearly visible line of who's the boss should be drawn in the sand; that way you can re-draw it when necessary. And it will be necessary with a GSD.

When your older pup nips, you must teach him manners ("sit" and "stay") and to respect you ("leave it"). Teach sit using plenty of tasty treats. Wait for him to sit. As he does, say sit and offer a treat. If he stands he doesn't get the treat. Wait patiently letting him sniff your hand. He'll soon sit, and as his bottom touches the floor, command "sit" and release the treat. Walk 3 steps away. Repeat. If he does not sit after 10 – 15 seconds put the treat away and leave the room. Wait 5 minutes and start again.

Once he sits reliably, delay his treat 10 seconds, then 20, building up to 1 minute. Tell him 'stay' as he waits. When he stays for 20 seconds, take 4-5 steps back. Keep him in position repeating "stay". If he gets up, correct him with "eh eh", and return him to the same spot. Slowly add time and distance. Always return to him.

'Leave it' helps with self control. Place a tasty treat in your hand keeping it tightly closed. Extend your hand for him to sniff without releasing the treat. The instant he moves his nose away, or turns his head away say "leave it", and give him a treat that was hidden in your other hand. Repeat many times. When he understands he must move away to receive a treat, command "leave it" before he moves. When he responds correctly, use the "leave it" command to stop his nipping. Do not move your hand from his mouth. Firmly say "NO, leave it". Remember, he must move away. Be patient and always reward your GSD's correct responses.

Good luck, Judy

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DogQuality: Top 10 Reasons to Use a Dog Stroller

Top 10 Reasons to Use a Dog Stroller

Posted: 30 May 2010 04:52 PM PDT

Today when I was out on a walk with my younger dog on a leash and my senior dog in his stroller, I was reminded of how amazing a dog stroller can be. If you are like me and have one dog who can walk without issue, and another who can only walk for a few minutes then you will appreciate what I am saying.

Having the ability to take both dogs out for the walks they both enjoy so much is so rewarding I don’t know what I ever did without one

For those of you who are new to the concept, here are the top 10 reasons to use a dog stroller.

1. Allows your senior dog to come on long walks again.

2. Older dogs can walk when able and ride when they need a rest, allowing them to continue to get the exercise they need to stay healthy.

3. Getting your older dog out and about helps to keep their minds stimulated, contributing to better mental health.

4. You no longer have to look into the disappointed face of your senior dog as you tell them they can’t come with you because now they can!

5. Dog strollers are easy to transport so you can bring them anywhere.

6. The right dog stroller can last years giving you extreme value for your dollar.

7. Older dogs love the view from the dog stroller. It keeps them young at heart and can breathe new life into your senior dog.

8. Not only can a dog stroller help to keep your elderly dog active, but you might find yourself shedding a few pounds as well with all the walking or jogging.

9. If your dog has arthritis, is injured or disabled, a dog stroller is a great way to help them travel safely whether it’s to the vet, groomer or to the park.

10. Many dog strollers can fit two dogs comfortably so even if you have two older dogs, you can all get back to walking again.

Can you think of some reasons I missed? Share your thoughts or experiences with your dog stroller.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

All Things Dog Blog

Helping Toy-Challenged Dogs Enjoy Playtime

Posted: 30 May 2010 01:08 PM PDT

by Carrie Boyko

(c) Carrie Boyko

Finally--Blue Puppy Gets Playtime

Oliver, my 9 lb. Papillon, is not really very big on toys. Well, maybe I shouldn't say that. The reality is that Tanner, my Golden Retriever, is Oliver's toy. Oliver grew up playing on top of Tanner, as if Tanner were his personal playground or jungle gym. I'm not sure who enjoys it more—Tanner or Oliver!

To this day, Oliver continues to enjoy playing with Tanner's ears and tail, snuggling with Tanner for an afternoon nap and following him around during his daily rounds of the house--sort of like a pesky little brother, except that Tanner loves it.

Once in a great while, Oliver will get interested in one of his many toys. Oliver's not exactly starving for playthings. I have tried very hard to get him interested in a plethora of different types of toys, generally to no avail.

There are a few that he favors. One is a blue puppy, small enough for him to pick up and carry around. This is to say that it is VERY small, as Oliver has an extremely tiny mouth. This picture was taken on one of the rare days when Oliver was enthralled with the blue puppy. Yeah! If only I could get him to enjoy all of his toys this way.

Often, when Oliver seems to be in a toy mood, I will try to introduce him to another toy, along with the one he has chosen. After all, every little boy needs a variety of playthings to stimulate his brain. What usually happens is he loses interest in both and begins to follow me around. He is so cute, sort of like a deaf child who is imploring me to explain, in his own language, what I am doing and how he can be a part of it.

One of my agility friends who is a very patient trainer, gave me some tips on getting him interested in toys. I've tried a few. Treating him when he plays with a toy seemed like a great idea, but failed miserably when he decided it was better to follow me to get more treats. The toy was abandoned and I became the object of interest.

Playing games with his toys, like hide and seek, chase, fetch or catch, are all things that Tanner absolutely loves to do. Yet Oliver looks at flying toys as potential danger. He sees something flying through the air and runs for cover, as if to exclaim, "Incoming!"

I tried gently tossing a soft toy to Oliver as a reward for good agility work, and he ran away from the toy. Ugg!

Today I read about a toy game that might work, so we'll give it a trial run and see how we do. I found this game on Raise a Green Dog, one of our favorite websites. You can come along for a ride. Perhaps if you, too, have a toy-challenged dog, you might find this tactic works.

Tuck a couple of small, great smelling treats into the sections of a muffin tin. Then set 12 small toys on top of each treat, also inside the cups of the muffin tin. The idea is that the smell will encourage the dog to pick up the toy, in order to find the yummy treat. When the dog picks up the toy, be sure to praise him or pet him immediately. The final reward will be finding the treat.

We'll practice this a few times and see how we do. If you try it, will you report back. Hit the comment link at the bottom of the post and let me know how it worked for you. Good luck!

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Saturday, May 29, 2010

All Things Dog Blog

Celebrating Memorial Day with Your Dog

Posted: 29 May 2010 01:00 PM PDT

by Carrie Boyko

(c) Carrie Boyko

We're Ready, Mom

Xena is Napping

Like many dog owners, I enjoy including my pack in whatever celebration I am having. Whether it be a costume on Halloween or a special bandanna or shirt, my dogs seem to get the message that something extra special is happening. I know, they sense it from my excitement, but that's all good when we have something special going on in our lives, even if only a long weekend.

Memorial Day was set aside on this day to commemorate U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. A patriotic holiday requires a red, white and blue theme at my house--just for fun. But what else can you do to participate with your pups in this remembrance of these special service men and women? Here's a few ideas:

Take your dog with you to the parade! Like many of the ideas below, it's FREE and he will enjoy the walk, the activity, and passersby will enjoy saying hello. This is a great time to practice friendly, calm greetings with your dog, so remember to bring a few training treats in your pocket, and praise him when he behaves properly. Canine manners are important when you are out in public, so be ready.
Visit your closest veteran's cemetery for a walk, and time to contemplate the ultimate sacrifice that these special folks have made to help us keep our freedom.
Wherever you go on this special day, take Fido with you, wearing his or her red, white and blue. You too! Don't have a bandanna? Just tie a ribbon around Spot's neck; this will do the trick.
If your community is sponsoring a commemorative event, join in with Rover in tow. Likely it will be an outdoor gala, complete with flags, speeches and local performers. Your dog is sure to love the excitement and attention he will get, even if only wearing a ribbon around his neck. This will surely be a good opportunity to socialize your dog--good for his manners.
Whenever you take your large or younger dog into a public setting, there is one thing you should do to assure safety and a calmer dog; take your pup on a long walk before you go. This may seem redundant, but it will help to drain his energy and make him a calmer companion during your outing.
Today is the perfect day to consider a dog park visit. While you're at it, perhaps you might want to Adopt a Dog Park. What a great way to show your dedication to your dog as well as helping out the government with a little dog park clean up now and then.You can visit Adopt a Dog Park for more information.
One last idea for finding patriotic bandannas and other accessories: In addition to pet stores, I have located them at places like dollar stores, craft shops, and discount stores. At this time of year, there is usually stock at most of these places, with Memorial Day, July 4th and then Labor Day, all lined up to take their place in our patriotic celebrations. Now go have some fun with your dog!

Xena, Tanner and Oliver plan a day with their favorite girl this year. We're ready to celebrate her homecoming along with Memorial Day. Maybe just a cookout at home? Here's a plan you might enjoy, complete with a bunch of yummy recipes for your own cookout: Kicking Back with the Dogs on Memorial Day.

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