Dog socialization

Fun socialization at the park with some friends and clients.

Stella & Ahsoka.

Hilo, Ahsoka, & Mochi.

Caravaggio's but, Stella, Brady, Nalu, & Ahsoka.

Hilo, Stella, & Moose.

Ahsoka & her bestie Keo.

Launiupoko friends

Today we had a play date with our friends in Launiupoko.

Ahsoka, Ella, Devo, Louis, & Caravaggio.

Ahsoka loves their pool!

Ahsoka & Caravaggio.

Ahsoka, Ella, & Louis.

Ella & Louis.

Ahsoka is almost as beautiful as the background.

Agility with Ella & Louis

Ella & Louis doing some agility in Launiupoko.

Ella (1 year old German Shepherd).

Louis (3 year old Shepherd mix).

Ella doing some agility with her dad.

Agility with Ella & Louis

Videos of Ella & Louis learning dog agility.

Ella learning agility jumps and tunnel.

Louis learning agility jumps.

Ella learning combinations.

Ella learning weave polls.

Launiupoko Socialization

Today we had a socialization playdate with Ella and her brother Louis.  Ella is a little bit nervous and fearful, so its important for her to socialize with others often.  In these videos you can see that she is a bit nervous, but interested, and that's good.  Always allow a nervous or fearful dog to explore things at their own pace.  Be sure to mark good and brave behavior with your "Good" or "Yes."  This will help encourage a fearful dog and give them confidence.

Today's doggy helpers include my pack (Caravaggio, Devo, Ahsoka) and Lola.

Water lover Ahsoka showing miss Ella that the pool can be fun.

Some fetch in the yard.

New puppy: Ella

My clients got a new puppy, Ella.

She is a 2-month-old purebred German Shepherd.

She is beyond adorable!

Playtime with Caravaggio & Ahsoka

Today's video:
A little bit of fun playtime featuring Caravaggio & Devo.  

Caravaggio is our Great Dane/ German Shepherd/ Black Lab mix; he is 9 and a half years old.  He's still doing well but he is getting older and starting to slow down.  We are slowly easing him into retirement.  He still is one of the best dogs I've ever had to help teach a new puppy.  It took him a few days to warm up to the idea that this new puppy was here to stay, but he did.  This is a quick video I caught of them having some fun.  It is important for a puppy to learn to play with dogs of all shapes and sizes.  

Ahsoka is our new puppy.  We adopted her last week.  She is a Lab mix, and now about 10 weeks old.  She was only 9 pounds when we adopted her but she is growing fast.  She will be trained in all the dog basics of course, but will also become my new main working dog (as we retire Caravaggio).  All of my dogs over the years assist me in training and socialization activities with Such Good Dogs.  They are all well versed in what to do or not do around dogs with a variety of behavioral issues.  Each of my dogs also has something in particular that they are best at.  Caravaggio was best at helping assist me in training with aggressive dogs.  He has done amazing over the years at listening to me while not reacting to the other dog's bad behaviors.  I am hopeful that Ahsoka will be able to take his place as my main training dog.  At least, that's the plan.

Devo is also used in training but somewhat less often.  He is social but does not care to play for very long with other dogs.  He prefers the company and love of humans most of the time.  However he is still useful in many situations.  Because of his aloofness and small size, I do not feel he can be my "main" dog used for training.  He's more like our little princess.

Puppy Socialization

Meet Waylin, a 2-month-old German Shepherd.

Playtime with Waylin, Devo, Nekita, and Caravaggio.

Breed of the Month--German Shepherd

German Shepherd Dog

Color:  Black, reddish-tan, tan, gold to light gray markings, solid black, solid gray,
(white is not accepted by the AKC)
Height:  Males:  23.5-26 inches/  Females:  21.5-24 inches
Weight:  Males:  66-88 lbs/  Females:  48.5-70.5 lbs
Life Span:  10-14 years

Breed health concerns:  Allergies, bloat, elbow dysplasia, Cushing's syndrome, epilepsy, glycogen storage disease, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Coat:  Medium-length double coat with dense, straight, harsh, outer coat and thick undercoat.
Country of Origin:  Germany

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.

One of the most recognized breeds in the world is the German Shepherd Dog and is well known for its adaptability, intelligence, and trainability.  The "father of the breed" was Rittmeister Max von Stephanitz.  Von Stephanitz promoted German Shepherds in the German Shepherd Dogs club (founded in April 1899), from 1899-1935.  He encouraged the breed's use in the military and for police during World War I.

Today the German Shepherd dog severs in many ways including:  police work, army work, search and rescue, scent discrimination, and as guide and assistance dogs.  German Shepherds are very loyal dogs, intelligent, and brave.  Shepherds are great with children of all ages and instinctually tuned into their people family members.  

This is one of my favorite breeds.  Our dog, Caravaggio, is part German Shepherd (along with Great Dane and Black Lab).  Knowing a lot about a breed allows you to pick out certain characteristics of that breed in your own dog.  For example, Caravaggio requires a lot of physical and mental activity.  He is also extremely owner oriented.  Caravaggio is a baby for his daddy.



Exercise:
German Shepherds are very energetic and intelligent dogs that require daily vigorous exercise.  Shepherds must be mentally and physically challenged each and every day to remain healthy and happy.  
I consider the Shepherd to be a "Powerful Breed."  Therefore, this is not a breed a would necessarily recommend for a first time owner.  However if the person is ready and willing to put in the extra work and training that the breed requires, this is one of the best breeds out there!

Grooming:
The Shepherd requires regular brushing to keep its dense undercoat under control.  The Shepherd is a heavy seasonal shedder.  It is not recommended to bath Shepherds too often because it will deplete the essential oils of the skin and coat.

Training:
Shepherds thrive on training.  Shepherds have been used as service and police dogs for many years.  They also excel in sports like herding, agility, and obedience.  Shepherds are very quick learners and appreciate people that keep them challenged.

Again this is a breed that requires a LOT of daily physical and mental activity.  Shepherds are considered working dogs and really need some sort of "job" to thrive.  This does not necessary mean they need to be a service dog.  A "job" for a dog can be accompanying you on a few vigorous walks throughout the day, or playing fetch for awhile, or even playing hide and seek with their toys.  They key for the German Shepherd and other working breeds is to continuously keep their minds working.  Sometimes something as simple as carrying a backpack on their daily walks will do the trick.

German Shepherd Police Dog.

Cute German Shepherd pup.

German Shepherd Service Dog.

Breed of the Month--Most Popular Dog Breeds

For this month's Breed of the Month, I would like to do a blog on the most popular breeds in the United States, and a few other places around the world.

Most Popular Dog Breeds

Oddly enough, the Top 5 most popular dog breeds in the United States were the same for both 2012 and 2013.  Below is the list of the Top Five.

Top 5 Dog Breeds in the US

#5  Bulldog

The Bulldog makes an excellent watchdog and although he does have strong protective instincts, he is one of the most gentle breeds.  Today's Bulldog is extremely affectionate and happy to be around other people and pets when properly socialized.  The Bulldog can be very stubborn and requires a firm, but patient owner.
(See Breed of the Month--Bulldog for more information.)



#4  Beagle
The Beagle's small size and charming personality has made the breed very popular.  A great size for apartment living, many city-dwelling pet owners love the breed.  Properly training and socializing your Beagle from day one is important.  Beagles do not generally like being left alone and can make some very loud objections to your absence; something to keep in mind if you are considering this breed.
(See Breed of the Month--Beagle for more information.)


#3  Golden Retriever
Smart, sociable, and always wanting to please their human, Golden Retrievers are a great breed.  Easy-going and lovable, the Golden gets along well with other dogs, other animals, and children of all ages.  Golden's are easily trainable using positive reinforcement, making them well sought after by service dog organizations all over the United States.
(See Breed of the Month--Golden Retriever for more information.)


#2  German Shepherd
The German Shepherd dog is one of my most favorite breeds.  The German Shepherd is adaptable, intelligent, and trainable.  It is one of the most recognized breeds in the world and is aptly used for police work, army work, search and rescue, scent discrimination, and as guide and assistance dogs.  German Shepherds are extremely loyal, intelligent, and brave.  Shepherds bond very closely with their family and have an instinct to protect them.  German Shepherds are quick learners, but require an owner using consistent positive reinforcement training.
(See Breed of the Month--German Shepherd.)


#1  Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is intelligent, affectionate, and willing to please.  Labs seem to understand that children need to be treated with an extra gentle touch.  Labs are generally high-energy and need lots of regular exercise, but just about any activity will do.  Labs are great with other dogs, other animals, and children of all ages.  Labs love to please and enjoy working for their owners.  Their excellent temperament and training ability not only makes them the most popular dog breed for owners, but also makes them highly popular in the use of police and service dogs.  Labs enjoy most any activity including:  fetch, swimming, hunting, agility, tracking, and obedience.  Many mixed-breed dogs have Lab in them.
(See Breed of the Month--Labrador Retriever.)



Top Breeds Around the World

Along with the United States, several other countries rank the Labrador Retriever as the number one dog breed.  They include:
Great Britain
Brazil
Israel
Sweden




Ranked #2 in the United States, the German Shepherd takes the top spot for most popular dog in both Germany and France.




Ranked #5 on the U.S. list, the Bulldog ranks the number one spot for South Africa.





Not gracing the Top 5 for the U.S. most popular breed, the American Staffordshire Terrier is rated most popular for Russia.  The AmStaff has an affectionate nature and loyalty for his family.  The AmStaff is adept at guarding, hunting, herding, and weight pulling.  It is vitally important to socialize and train this breed from day one, as they can become aggressive towards other dogs is not done so.  This is a very powerful breed that requires an owner willing to put in the time and training required.  I do not recommend this breed for a first-time dog owner.  This breed (along with other Pitbull-type breeds) are steadily gaining popularity in the United States.
(See Breed of the Month--American Staffordshire Terrier.)


Also missing the Top 5 list for the United States, the Doberman Pinscher is rated the number 2 dog in Israel.  The Doberman Pinscher excels in many activities including:  police work, therapy, search and rescue, and protection.  The breed is very intelligent and graceful, yet powerful and intimidating.  This breed is often used for home protection.  As with any powerful breed, the Doberman Pinscher is not necessarily a breed I would recommend for a first-time dog owner.
(See Breed of the Month--Doberman Pinscher.)

Remember, just because a breed is considered the most popular, does not mean its the right breed for you.  If you are truly considering adding a new dog to your family, please do your research.  If you have a breed in mind, look them up on-line and see if the aspects of the breed actually match your lifestyle.  Please do NOT get a dog breed based on looks alone.  Each breed has characteristic about it that are unique.  Properly choosing an appropriate dog breed for your lifestyle, family, and energy level, will ensure a happy life for your entire family.

Need help choosing the right dog breed for you?  Check out this previous post.

Minnesota Horse Expo 2012

My aunt and uncle in Wisconsin have always had horses, so every year they come to the Minnesota Horse Expo held at the State Fair grounds.

As I do every year, I took my youngest dog, Caravaggio (or Vaggy as we call him most of the time).  It's important to socialize your dogs AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE!!!  Even as your dog gets older, it's important to keep giving them many new experiences so they can learn to be comfortable in any situation.

Although they do allow dogs onto the fair grounds for the event, they do not allow dogs inside the horse barns or coliseum.  I would recommend to most families if you're going to the event and want to see all they have to offer, to leave your dogs at home.  However, if you're like me and you want to go to such an event to look at things for sale (they have all kinds of dog stuff as well), have a day with your dog, and hang out with some good people, I highly recommend bringing your pup along.

It's a great place to introduce your dog to all kinds of new things.  (Please note you should never bring an aggressive dog to any such event).

The Minnesota Horse Expo is held the last weekend in April every year.  Try and check it out next year!

Below is a picture of Caravaggio and myself next to a pony.  He was only a few inches shorter :)

Foster--Keaton

Keaton, German Shepard Mix

Keaton is quite a handful.  Very jumpy and extremely nippy.  Keaton is a very impulsive dog.  Although we started with the basics like food lure, sit, down, and kennel, we also ventured to Leave-It so that I could help get the fosters on the right path.  Although it did take him a long time (the longest I've had to wait for a dog so far), the fosters were able to see that Keaton was slowly picking up on the command.  I encouraged the foster mom to be the only one doing the Leave-It training with Keaton for now because he still bites fairly hard at your hand, and her two kids are rather young.  All three family members went through truing with Keaton on Sit, Focus, Down, and Come.  We went over all the right and wrong things to do when he jumps and nips.  The kids learned how important it is to give a dog good positive feedback so he knows exactly what behavior he should be doing.  The fosters will now be giving him more exercise and working daily with him on basic obedience skills and impulse control.  I believe with a few more weeks of good training and exorcism we will see a drastic improvement in Keaton's behavior.

Remember:  BE PATIENT!  KEEP AT IT!

Brush your teeth

Did you know your vet recommends that you actually brush your dog's teeth?  Part of keeping your pet happy and healthy is also keeping your pet's mouth healthy.  You veterinarian will usually have some free samples of tasty dog tooth paste for you to try, it's meat flavored.  Dogs like meat, they like the flavor of meat toothpaste, which is both helpful and hurtful.  Although your dog will not fight as much when you attempt to brush their teeth, they tend to lick to try and get the flavor.  But as with any dog, they more you do something, the less sensitive your dog will become to it.

Mmm...meat.

Hey, what you got there?

I can't lick it when it keeps moving!

Breed of the Month--German Shepherd

German Shepherd Dog

Color:  Black, reddish-tan, tan, gold to light gray markings, solid black, solid gray,
(white is not accepted by the AKC)
Height:  Males:  23.5-26 inches/  Females:  21.5-24 inches
Weight:  Males:  66-88 lbs/  Females:  48.5-70.5 lbs
Life Span:  10-14 years

Breed health concerns:  Allergies, bloat, elbow dysplasia, Cushing's syndrome, epilepsy, glycogen storage disease, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Coat:  Medium-length double coat with dense, straight, harsh, outer coat and thick undercoat.
Country of Origin:  Germany

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.

One of the most recognized breeds in the world is the German Shepherd Dog and is well known for its adaptability, intelligence, and trainability.  The "father of the breed" was Rittmeister Max von Stephanitz.  Von Stephanitz promoted German Shepherds in the German Shepherd Dogs club (founded in April 1899), from 1899-1935.  He encouraged the breed's use in the military and for police during World War I.

Today the German Shepherd dog severs in many ways including:  police work, army work, search and rescue, scent discrimination, and as guide and assistance dogs.  German Shepherds are very loyal dogs, intelligent, and brave.  Shepherds are great with children of all ages and instinctually tuned into their people family members.  This is one of my favorite breeds.

Exercise:
German Shepherds are very energetic and intelligent dogs that require daily vigorous exercise.  Shepherds must be mentally and physically challenged each and every day to remain healthy and happy.

Grooming:
The Shepherd requires regular brushing to keep its dense undercoat under control.  The Shepherd is a heavy seasonal shedder.  It is not recommended to bath Shepherds too often because it will deplete the essential oils of the skin and coat.

Training:
Shepherds thrive on training.  Shepherds have been used as service and police dogs for many years.  They also excel in sports like herding, agility, and obedience.  Shepherds are very quick learners and appreciate people that keep them challenged.