Trainer Tip Video: Monthly dog meds

Today's Trainer Tip:
Your reminder for monthly dog meds.

Each and every month you should be giving your dog medication for flea and tick prevention and for heart worm prevention.  Currently we are using Interceptor Plus for our dog's heart worm and other internal parasite prevention.  This should be given every month.  Devo gets a pill for his flea and tick prevention called Bravecto.  For some dogs this kind of pill can be difficult on their stomach so it is recommended to take with food.  This pill provides protection for 3 months.  Caravaggio does not do well with this pill because it upsets his stomach, so he gets the topical flea and tick prevention instead.  The topical we are currently using is called Activyl.  It is easy to apply.  You simply pop the package open and apply the liquid in between the dog's shoulder blades behind the neck.  Once this is applied, be sure to avoid touching that area on the dog until the liquid is dry.  It is also important to not bath or take the dog swimming for at least 2 days before and after applying this medicine.
These are examples of the meds available for your dog.  Your vet may recommend a different type depending on your dog's needs.  Please talk to your vet if you have any questions or concerns.


Related Blog Articles:
Trainer Tips:  Monthly Reminders
Trainer Tips:  Dog Care Essentials
Myth vs. Fact on Spay & Neuter
Trainer Tips:  Why Spay/ Neuter you pet
Trainer Tips:  Picking a pet food

Video of the Day: Socialization with Ripley

Video of the Day:
Socialization with Ripley

Featuring Caravaggio, Devo, Riley, & Moana.


Ripley is about 8 months old and has poor social skills.  Her family came to Such Good Dogs for help.  Today is the second time we have done some socialization with Ripley.  But today we brought a few extra friends along to help.  Ripley lunges and barks at people and other dogs.  We are teaching her how to react to new things in a better way.  It is important to mark when your dog is behaving in a positive way.  This will communicate to your dog that you like this behavior, and encourage them to act the same way in future situations.

Proper Socialization:  Is teaching a dog to not react to stimuli by desensitizing him to every day things. 

This means the more experiences your dog has in a good, positive way, they less they will react to things that are unfamiliar with them.  All of these experiences should be introduced at a pace the dog is comfortable with.  Do not force a scared dog, let him take his time and become comfortable with the situation at his own pace.  A dog (and especially a puppy) should always appear happy and relaxed during socialization.
Another way of thinking about proper socialization is to literally desensitize your dog to regular sounds and occurrences.  Things like cars, skate boards, and bikes.  Also people who are different:  short, tall, wearing a hat or glasses, etc.
Improperly socialized dogs tend to be over-reactive or shy.  They withdraw from people and sometimes flinch or freeze.  Many improperly socialized dogs suffer from anxiety.  Poor socialization can also lead to aggression. 

Related Blog Articles:
Trainer Tip Video:  Socialization
Proper Socialization

Video Adventure: Pineapple Hill/ Napili Park

Today's Dog Adventure:
Pineapple Hill Linear Trail near Napili Park and the gulches around Hui Road F.

Featuring:  SGDs Caravaggio & Devo, and our friend Riley.

I live on Hui Road F in Napili.  A friend and neighbor showed me a secret trail that goes through Napili Park, the gulches on each side of Hui Road F, and the Pineapple Hill Linear Trail.  This hike is not easy to get to but is absolutely beautiful and lots of fun for the dogs.

Video of the Day: Socialization with Olivia Day 3: Puppy Party

Today's Video:
Socialization with Olivia Day 3:  Puppy Party.

Olivia has been working with Such Good Dogs and getting some much needed socialization around other dogs.  She is doing very well.  Although she is still a little unsure around new dogs, she is much more calm and does not react nearly as strongly as she first did.  I am very happy with her progress.

Today we have a full pack including my dogs Caravaggio & Devo, and our friends Nalu, Moana, and Phinney.

Socialization

This term tends to be thrown in your face a lot if you're a dog owner.  Everyone from breeders, rescue personnel, and veterinarians will tell you to socialize your dog.  This is very true, proper socialization is vitally important to raising a well balanced, well mannered dog.  The problem is that many people are confused by the term. 

Proper Socialization:  Is teaching a dog to not react to stimuli by desensitizing him to every day things. 

This means the more experiences your dog has in a good, positive way, they less they will react to things that are unfamiliar with them.  All of these experiences should be introduced at a pace the dog is comfortable with.  Do not force a scared dog, let him take his time and become comfortable with the situation at his own pace.  A dog (and especially a puppy) should always appear happy and relaxed during socialization.
Another way of thinking about proper socialization is to literally desensitize your dog to regular sounds and occurrences.  Things like cars, skate boards, and bikes.  Also people who are different:  short, tall, wearing a hat or glasses, etc.
Improperly socialized dogs tend to be over-reactive or shy.  They withdraw from people and sometimes flinch or freeze.  Many improperly socialized dogs suffer from anxiety.  Poor socialization can also lead to aggression. 


Related Blog Articles:
Video of the Day:  Socialization with Olivia (first day).
Video of the Day:  Socialization with Olivia Day Two.
Trainer Tip Video:  Socialization.
Proper Socialization.
Socialization.
Adding a second dog to your pack.
Introducing your dog to the cat.

Trainer Tip Video: How to teach your dog to swim

Today's Trainer Tip:
How to teach your dog to swim in the pool.

Featuring Phinney, a Cocker Spaniel who is almost 9 years old.  Phinney has hip dysplasia and luxating patellas.  Basically he has bad hips and bad knees.  If you have a dog who has bad hips, bad knees, arthritis, or joint pain, swimming is an excellent exercise!  It is also a good low impact exercise for anyone or any dog in general.

To get a dog comfortable in water, the first step is to be sure than YOU are calm during the training.  Anytime you introduce your dog to something new, they are going to be a little unsure about it.  If you stay calm, this will help your dog stay calm during training.

First I recommend gently placing your dog into the water in an area where they can easily touch without having to swim.  After doing this a few times, (if your dog is small enough to lift) place your dog into the water where they are unable to touch and get them swimming.  At first it is natural for them to freak out a little and splash about.  Stay calm.  Wait until the dog calms down and has a good swimming rhythm going.  Once that happens, allow them to calmly and slowly swim to the step where they are able to get out of the pool.  Praise lavishly!

Next attach a leash and a dog life vest (if necessary).  If you have a larger dog that you are unable to life, start here...
At this point, you will gently lead your dog into the water.  This is the hard part for them.  Most pools have steps with a drop off and not a gradual entrance into the water (like a lake or ocean might have).  Remain calm and gently pull on the leash until the dog moves forward.  Once the dog moves forward, immediately remove the leash tension.  Going over that lost drop off may take a few minutes.  Take your time.  Once the dog moves into the pool and begins swimming, praise lavishly!  Allow the dog to swim around the pool while you guide them with the leash.  Once the dog has a good rhythm going, allow the dog to swim to the edge where they may exit the pool.  Again praise lavishly.  If while swimming in the pool the dog begins to panic, do NOT panic or become nervous with the dog.  Stay calm.  If you need to (and the dog is small enough), lift the dog out of the water and allow them to calm down.  Once they are calm, put them back into the water and get them swimming again.  Hold along both sides of the dog and allow them to swim in place and get a good rhythm going again.  Then allow the dog to exit the pool and praise for a job well done.

Repeat this until the dog becomes more comfortable in the water.


Related Blog Articles:
Trainer Tip:  How to get a scared or timid dog moving.
Trainer Tip:  Lavender Oil
Teach your dog to swim in the ocean, Step One.
Teach your dog to swim in the ocean, Step Two.
Notes on teaching your dog to Fetch.
Trainer Tip Video:  Having your dog Off Leash.

Trainer Tip Video: Walking a scared or timid dog

Today's Trainer Tip Video:
How to walk a scared or timid dog.  Featuring Sherman, the bulldog.

When it comes to a dog that is scared, timid, or unsure, the most important thing you need is patience.  You must be patient and allow the dog to take extra time in exploring a new place or moving out into the world.  Be sure to encourage the dog with any movement forward or movement towards whatever they may be scared of.  Only use "baby talk" when the dog is doing what you like.  Remember that any time you reward a dog (which baby talk is a reward), you are letting the dog know you like the behavior they are doing.  This is why you should NEVER "baby talk" a dog that is scared.  By saying "its ok, its ok" you are actually unintentionally encoring the dog to continue the scared behavior.  Obviously this is not what you want.
For more information on this, 
please review What's rewarding to Dogs

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3 Things on your body that are Rewarding to Dogs:

1.  Voice

2.  Eye Contact

3.  Touch

Anytime you engage your dog in one of these things, you are rewarding them and encouraging whatever behavior they are currently doing.  This is important to keep in mind so you do not unintentionally reward bad or unwanted behaviors.  

Example:  when a dog jumps up on you to greet you, the proper thing to do is cross your arms and turn your back while saying nothing.  

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

When using the leash in training a scared or timid dog, be very careful how you do so.  Never just pull on the leash and drag the dog while not releasing the tension on the leash.  What you want to teach any dog about walking on a leash is that a loose leash is good and pulling or tension on the leash is bad.  So when walking a scared dog, you want to pull the leash just enough until the dog starts moving forward on their own.  As soon as that happens, be sure to release the tension on the leash.  By doing this, we are communicating with the dog that we like that he is moving forward.  However if you continue to pull on the leash and there is always tension, the dog will never learn how to move forward on his own.


Related Blog Links:
Trainer Tips Video:  How to Walk your dog on a leash
Common Training Terms
Training Terms Help

Trainer Tips--Pulling towards an object on Leash

Breed of the Month:  Bulldog
Proper Leadership
Other Helpful Commands
Reward Marker or telling your dog "Good"

Video of the Day: Dog tries to bury food.

Video of the Day:  Dog tries to bury food.

Caravaggio has decided that he wants to bury his food in the rug.  Not sure why but I find it amusing to watch.  I linked some articles below if you have a dog that does this regularly.  I think in this instance, Caravaggio was trying to hide his food from his brother Devo, who scarfed his own food down quickly then was hovering around Caravaggio and his food bowl.  Hope you enjoy our video.  Don't forget to like and share!


Related Links:
The Dog Pretends to Bury Food Before Eating
The Food Covering Canine

Video of the Day: Puppy Playtime with Mini Australian Shepherds

Video of the Day:
Puppy Playtime with two Miniature Australian Shepherds.

Meet Maile and Mana.
Mana (brown front leg) is actually about 4 weeks younger than Maile (while front legs).  But that didn't keep him from quickly outgrowing her.  These two are neighbors and enjoy lots of good socialization with each other.  Puppy playtime is important for every young dog.


Related Blog Links:
Breed of the Month--Miniature Australian Shepherd
Breed of the Month--Australian Shepherd

Video of the Day: Socialization with Olivia-Day 2

Today's Video of the Day:
Socialization with Olivia, Day 2.

Olivia is a small Yorkie mix that tends to bark and lunge at other dogs.  Her owner came to Such Good Dogs to help socialize her.  After the initial appointment, we set up a some socialization.  I always start by using my own dogs.  I use them often in training and socialization.  They have been trained how to react, or not react, when other dogs present bad behaviors to them.  They are excellent for some beginning socialization.  Once I see how the client's dog reacts to my dogs, I know whether or not they are ready to socialize with other dogs.

Since Olivia did so well in her first Socialization, this time I brought another friend of ours, Nalu, to join the pack.  Nalu is a small Miniature Pincher & Chihuahua mix and loves to play and run with other dogs.  He tried several times to get Olivia to play.  Although she is still a little unsure about it, she did run after him a few times.  I am pleased to see that Olivia is progressing very well.

Socialization

This term tends to be thrown in your face a lot if you're a dog owner.  Everyone from breeders, rescue personnel, and veterinarians will tell you to socialize your dog.  This is very true, proper socialization is vitally important to raising a well balanced, well mannered dog.  The problem is that many people are confused by the term. 

Proper Socialization:  Is teaching a dog to not react to stimuli by desensitizing him to every day things. 

This means the more experiences your dog has in a good, positive way, they less they will react to things that are unfamiliar with them.  All of these experiences should be introduced at a pace the dog is comfortable with.  Do not force a scared dog, let him take his time and become comfortable with the situation at his own pace.  A dog (and especially a puppy) should always appear happy and relaxed during socialization.
Another way of thinking about proper socialization is to literally desensitize your dog to regular sounds and occurrences.  Things like cars, skate boards, and bikes.  Also people who are different:  short, tall, wearing a hat or glasses, etc.
Improperly socialized dogs tend to be over-reactive or shy.  They withdraw from people and sometimes flinch or freeze.  Many improperly socialized dogs suffer from anxiety.  Poor socialization can also lead to aggression. 


Related Blog Articles:
Video of the Day:  Socialization with Olivia (Day 1)
Trainer Tip Video:  Socialization

Video Adventure: Maluaka/ Maui Prince Beach

Video of the Day:
Adventure at Maluaka/ Maui Prince Beach.

This beach is located in Wailea in South Maui.  There are bathrooms and a shower, which is always nice.  It is also very near several food trucks in the area, but bringing snacks is recommended.  The waves are very calm and not too large.  It is an excellent beach for families and children.


Some pictures from the day:

Video of the Day: Socialization with Olivia

Video of the Day:  
Socialization with Olivia.


Olivia is a small Yorkie mix that tends to bark and lunge at other dogs.  Her owner came to Such Good Dogs to help socialize her.  After the initial appointment, we set up a some socialization.  I always start by using my own dogs.  I use them often in training and socialization.  They have been trained how to react, or not react, when other dogs present bad behaviors to them.  They are excellent for some beginning socialization.  Once I see how the client's dog reacts to my dogs, I know whether or not they are ready to socialize with other dogs.

Olivia reacted strongly at first, barking and lunging, as she has done for some time.  But was able to calm down quickly around my dogs and under my supervision.  Olivia ended the lesson in a very calm and happy manner.  She did very well.

Socialization

This term tends to be thrown in your face a lot if you're a dog owner.  Everyone from breeders, rescue personnel, and veterinarians will tell you to socialize your dog.  This is very true, proper socialization is vitally important to raising a well balanced, well mannered dog.  The problem is that many people are confused by the term. 


Proper Socialization:  Is teaching a dog to not react to stimuli by desensitizing him to every day things. 


This means the more experiences your dog has in a good, positive way, they less they will react to things that are unfamiliar with them.  All of these experiences should be introduced at a pace the dog is comfortable with.  Do not force a scared dog, let him take his time and become comfortable with the situation at his own pace.  A dog (and especially a puppy) should always appear happy and relaxed during socialization.
Another way of thinking about proper socialization is to literally desensitize your dog to regular sounds and occurrences.  Things like cars, skate boards, and bikes.  Also people who are different:  short, tall, wearing a hat or glasses, etc.
Improperly socialized dogs tend to be over-reactive or shy.  They withdraw from people and sometimes flinch or freeze.  Many improperly socialized dogs suffer from anxiety.  Poor socialization can also lead to aggression. 

Related Blog Articles:

Trainer Tip Video:  Socialization
Wilma Cat
Pack Walk
Trainer Tips:  Dog Friends
Island Dogs
Dog Parks
Caravaggio Loves Cats
Trainer Tips:  Island Dogs & Socialization
Adding a second dog to your pack
Introducing your dog to the cat

Video Adventure: Launiupoko hike, south side.

Video of the Day:
Hiking the trail in Launiupoko, south side.

This trail starts a little ways past the round-about on mountain side of Kai Hele Ku Street. The trail goes both north and south.  On this hike, we went south.
If you wish to try this hike, be sure to go on an overcast day.  The hike is very hot and has no shade along the way.  Be sure to wear sunblock (even if it is cloudy or overcast) and bring PLENTY of water!  It is a beautiful path with stunning views.


Related Blog Articles:
Video of the Day:  Hiking the Lahaina L
Trainer Tip Video:  How to Walk a Dog on a Leash
Trainer Tip Video:  Having your dog Off Leash


Pictures from the Hike...

Trainer Tip Video: Walk no matter the weather

Today's Trainer Tip:
Get out and walk your dog, no matter the weather.

It is very important for your dog to get good daily exercise.  This does not change just because the weather may not be favorable.  So grab your rain coat or snow suit and get out there and walk!


Related Blog articles:
Video:  How to walk on a leash.
Indoor dog games
National walk your dog day
The Shade Walk

Video of the Day: Min Pin attacks Great Dane

Just a little fun flash back of our Miniature Pinscher mix, Devo, attacking his brother, Caravaggio the Great Dane mix.  Just having some fun.

Related Blog Articles:
Trainer Tip Video:  Socialization
Proper Dog Socialization
Dog Friends
Dog Parks

Video of the Day: Puppy discovers toy bin.

Today's Video of the Day:  Devo discovers the toy bin.

Having a regular bin or area where you keep all your dog toys is a good idea.  Whenever your dog is ready for some playtime, they know just where to go to get a toy to have some fun with.  This is a video from 2015 when Devo was just a puppy discovering our place and his new surroundings.  This is the first time he really figured it out.

Related Blog Articles:

Chew Toys

Tennis Balls

Frisbees

Rope Toys

Squeaky Toys

Stuffed Toys

Trainer Tips:  The game of chase

Trainer Tips:  Dog Friends

Breed of the Month:  Miniature Pinscher 

Video Adventure: Hiking the L in Lahaina

Join us on our adventure hike to the giant L in Lahaina.



Related Blog Articles:
Trainer Tip Video:  How to walk your dog on a leash.
Trainer Tip Video:  Having your dog off leash.
Trainer Tips:  What does your dog really want to do?
Trainer Tips:  Dog Backpacks
Trainer Tips:  Grass eating dogs