Training Programs

There are several different types of training programs you may be interested in to help train your dog.

Obedience Training means teaching your dog to perform certain specific behaviors on cue.  These include things such as sit, heel, and down.  Just training your dog to perform certain behaviors on cue does not automatically make him a good dog.  A dog needs to be all around well-balanced to be a good member or your family and of society.





Problem Solving is the prevention, curtailment, or elimination of undesired behaviors, or "problem behaviors."  These problems can include things such as:  chewing, jumping, digging, and elimination in the house.

Behavior Modification is the management, curtailment, or elimination of complex and dangerous behaviors.  These include things such as:  separation anxiety, aggression, and phobias.  Dealing with these types of problems takes a patient owner, an owner that will remain calm during these situations, and an owner that is willing to put the time in.  These problems are often times more difficult to deal with for many people, and usually take longer to modify, but is IS possible to train your dog out of these dangerous habits.

Activity Training means teaching a dog a specific activity.  These include things such as:  agility, flyable, herding, and cart pulling.  Many dog training facilities offer several of these activities.  These types of activities are especially helpful to train dogs of certain breeds.  For example, herding breeds enjoy doing herding activities.  Larger breeds such as the Saint Bernard may enjoy cart pulling.  Many different types of breeds can excel at agility.  If your dog is a breed that needs a lot of mental and physical activity on a regular basis, I highly recommend some type of activity training.  Keep in mind that just because your dog is of a breed that usually enjoys herding, that does not mean your dog will love it.  Each dog (just like each person) has their own likes and dislikes.  Your dog should look relaxed and like he's enjoying himself when engaging in any type of activity training.

Breed of the Month--Chihuahua

Chihuahua


Color:  Any color, short coat any color, long coat solid-colored markings/ solid color
Height:  6-9 inches
Weight:  Up to 6 lbs
Life Span:  15 years or more

Breed Health Concerns:  eye problems, patellar lunation, seizure, collapsing trachea, hypoglycemia, pulmonary stenosis.

Coat:  Long and short coat types, both types can be double or single coat...smooth, soft, silky
Country of Origin:  Mexico

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

The Chihuahua is the smallest and oldest breed on the American continent.  It is believed that travelers from Spain brought the beginnings of this breed, mixing them with hairless breeds, making the Chihuahua of today.  The Chihuahua is one of the most popular toy breeds today.

The Chihuahua is affectionate, lively, playful, and alert.  He will bond quickly with his family and must be properly socialized so strangers will not intimidate and frighten him.

Small and easy to transport, the Chihuahua is a favorite choice for many Americans.  It is important that even these small dogs still learn rules, boundaries, and basic manners.  Many people let these little dogs get away with a lot of bad behaviors because they think it looks cute or funny coming from such a small little dog.  It's not cute, and it's not funny!  It is very important to teach these dogs proper manners and socialization.  I have also found this breed to be very susceptible to anxiety.  The Chihuahua owner would do well to create a nice calm home life and give their dog plenty of regular exercise to keep this from becoming a problem.

Exercise:
The Chihuahua can be prone to short little bursts of energy.  An easy daily walk and following his owners around are usually enough exercise for this breed.  It is important to give the Chihuahua several little play sessions each day.

Grooming:
The shorthaired Chihuahua is easily kept clean with regular brushing and bathing.  The longhaired version needs more attention, including trimming.  All Chihuahuas must be kept clean around their eyes and ears.

Training:
Positive, fun, upbeat training is necessary to keep the Chihuahua'a attention.  This breed can be difficult to potty training.  Never use punishment or harsh tones with this breed.  Socialization is especially important to keep the Chihuahua comfortable in all situations throughout his lifetime.

Playtime with Nemo

So a co-worker of mine adopted a little Pug puppy recently.  Of course being the insane dog lover that I am, I offered to puppy sit for a night.  The little Pug puppy, Nemo, came over and played with my two dogs (Caravaggio & Nekita).  Nemo had a fabulous time and got a head start on some potty training and basic manners by staying at my place.  I don't care what your dog might get away with around you or at your house, but my house has rules that ALL dogs will follow.  It's funny how much better behaved my friend's dogs are after spending a day or two with me.  People are always amazed how well positive reinforcement training works...that's why we use it :)

Oh yes, I will chase you!

Playing is hard work you know.

History of Dog Training

Before WWI, dogs were responsible family members that had various important jobs to do, such as:  personal protection, herding, guarding property, killing vermin, hunting, pulling sleds and carts, and finding lost people.  When WWI began, people found a need to have dogs help them in a new way.  Many dogs were used in the war to assist our armed forces, and the need for trained dogs rapidly grew. This brought about the birth of formal dog training and the compulsion method of teaching dogs.  When the war ended, many military trainers that were discharged were now educated in the new compulsion training methods.  As people began transitioning from farm work to factories, dog owners began to find it necessary to "train" their dogs.

Because so many military trainers were now available, society accepted punishment as a proven method of training dogs.  The idea of now training the family dog through this method caught on quickly.  The door for compulsion training was opened by our society's acceptance that learning is done through punishment.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) introduced obedience training in the late 1930s in the United States, using compulsion training for competition dogs.


The release of military trainers after the Korean War (1950s) and the Police Action of Vietnam (1960s) brought about the wide use of physical punishment and choke chains.

As people began training their dogs themselves with help from new books and television in the 1970s, harsh training methods began to take a turn.  Even though operant conditioning research was done in the late 1800s, it did not come into use by the masses until the 1990s, in the form of clicker training.  As trainers started noticing the positive effects of this new method, they began to change their ideas.  Although operant conditioning uses negative reinforcement, negative punishment, and positive punishment, the main component of this training is positive reinforcement.  Using positive reinforcement training can produce greater results in a wide variety of dogs.

Breed of the Month--Presa Canario

Perro de Presa Canario

a.k.a  Presa Canario

Color:  All shades of black, brindle, fawn, brown, white markings
Height:  Males:  23-26 inches/  Females:  21.5-25 inches
Weight:  Males:  92.5-110 lbs/ Females:  84-99 lbs
Life Span:  9-12 years

Breed Health Concerns:  Elbow and hip dysplasia, cervical vertebral instability, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, bloat.

Coat:  Short, flat, coarse single coat
Country of Origin:  Spain

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

The name Perro de Presa Canario means "Canary Dog of Prey."  This breed was developed off the coast of Spain on the Canary Islands, where it gets its name.  This breed comes from Matiffs and Bulldogs.  The large dogs were used to protect livestock and homes.

Before outlawing dog fighting in the 1940s, the Presa was popular in the ring.  The Club Espanol de Presa Canario (CEPRC) was formed in the early 1980s.  The breed wasn't imported to the United States until the late 1980s.

The Perro de Presa Canario, commonly referred to as the Presa, is a very intimidating, powerful, large dog.  This breed is extremely protective of his family but is loyal, sweet, and can be quite gentle.  The Presa is NOT FOR FIRST TIME DOG OWNERS!!!  This dog is highly athletic, confident, and intelligent, and must be properly trained and socialized.  This is a very dangerous breed in the wrong hands.

Exercise:
This breed needs extensive daily exercise.  The Presa requires several long walks each day and requires training games that exercise his body as well as him mind.

Grooming:
The Perro de Presa Canario's coat is easily cared for.  Special attention should be taken to make sure his face folds stay clean, as he usually drools after drinking and eating.

Training:
The Perro de Presa Canario needs extensive time and attention when training.  It is vitally important to properly train this breed!  Positive reinforcement should be used to encourage this breed from puppy to adulthood in proper obedience and manners.  I can not stress enough how important training is.  If you are truly considering getting this breed, please do your research.  These are extremely powerful animals that can easily develop problem behaviors if not properly challenged and trained.

Stuffed Toys

Stuffed toys are filled with polyfill stuffing and are flexible, soft, and easily washed.  These toys are made of of soft materials, such as faux lamb's wool.  Many stuffed toys have a squeaky inside them as well.  These toys are good for light chewers, but are not good for average to aggressive chewers.  Again some dogs like to "kill" these types of toys.  Owners must take care to pick up pieces so dogs do not choke or swallow small pieces.

Squeaky Toys

Squeaky Toys are probably the most popular dog toy.  There are tons of different types, sizes, and varieties of squeaky toys that can be purchased almost anywhere.  These toys have a high pitched squeaker that makes noise to attract the dog.  Dogs also like squeaky toys because it reminds them of noises small animals might make.  Squeaky toys can be very helpful for dogs in obedience training that are not food motivated.  Although these toys are great for being easy cleaning, take care not to let your dog use these toys as a chew toy.  Many dogs like to "kill" squeaky toys by ripping them apart, pulling out stuffing, and destroying the toy.  The small pieces that will be chewed apart can cause choking or a blockage if swallowed.  Always remember to pick up and throw away toys that have been destroyed or are falling apart.  Keep your dog safe.

Breed of the Month--Old English Sheepdog

Old English Sheepdog


Color:  Any shade of blue, blue merle, grizzle, gray, with white marking.
Height:  Males:  22-24 inches/  Females:  21-22 inches
Weight:  60-100 lbs
Life Span:  10-12 years


Breed Health Concerns:  Cataracts, congenital deafness, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and bloat.


Coat:  Waterproof undercoat with a harsh outercoat.
Country of Origin:  England

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

Many breeds contributed to the line of the Old English Sheepdog, developed in England.  The breeds original name (and still used today) is Bobtail.

The Old English Sheepdog is always protecting his flock, but he is a gentle soul.  This herding breed can have a tendency to herd his own family members and children.  The Old English Sheepdog is an excellent watchdog, yet a playful companion.

This breed is excellent petting when their coats are clean!

Exercise:
The Old English Sheepdog is athletic and enjoys being able to explore outside.  Although this breed does not require a lot of exercise, a good walk every day is still important.

Grooming:
This breed needs extra attention when it comes to grooming.  The Old English Sheepdog is a seasonal shedder, but needs to brushed regularly year round to help maintain his coat.  Non-show dogs of this breed need only be bathed and clipped every few months.  Scissors can be used to help keep the hair trimmed around his eyes and feet.


Training:
The Old English Sheepdog was bred to think independently and can sometimes seem stubborn.  Using positive reinforcement and patience, this breed will respond well to training.  Socialization is always important.

Rope Toys

Rope Toys come in variety of sizes, lengths, and shapes.  Some have additions for various entertainment like attached toys or bones, multiple knots, or handles.  Rope toys are made of cotton with highly knotted ropes, and owners must remember to take care to get the appropriate size for their dog.  A rope toy should not be able to fit completely into a dog's mouth.  Rope toys are interactive toys that should be for supervised playtime only.  NEVER leave a dog unsupervised with a rope toy.  After playtime is over, remove the rope toy and place somewhere the dog cannot get it on his own.  Rope toys can be used to play many games, including helping teach fetch, and can be soaked in cold water to help with teething puppies.  Rope toys are NOT recommended for aggressive chewers.  Because rope toys are soft, they are also not recommended for problem chewers because some dogs can mistake the rope you for fabric and clothing.

 

Breed of the Month--Basset Hound

Basset Hound


Color:  Tricolor, (black, tan, white), bicolor (lemon, white)
Height:  13-15 inches
Weight:  50-70 lbs
Life Span:  10-12 years


Breed Health Concerns:  Allergies, ear infections, eyelash and eyelid problems, thrombopathia, intervertebral disk disease, enostosis, back and joint problems.


Coat:  Dense, short, hard, smooth
Country of Origin:  Great Britain

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

The Basset Hound was developed from other French hounds used for hunting.  The ancestry of the Basset Hound is French, but the breed was perfected in England.

The Basset Hound is gentle, kind, sweet, devoted, and naturally well behaved...he is always a friend.  He is actually not clumsy, but can appear to stumble and waddle as he walks.

The Basset Hound, like many hound breeds, is not always the best choice for a city life.  This breed was reared for hunting and has a very loud, deep voice that he enjoys using.

Exercise:
The Basset Hound has no interested in moving anywhere too quickly, and will be happy with a short walk every day where he can use his nose to smell all the wonderful things outside.

Grooming:
The Basset Hound's coat is fairly easy to care for, but his skin requires extra attention.  It must be kept clean and free from infection.  The Basset Hounds ears and eyes must also be cleaned regularly and kept free from infection.

Training:
Bassets may sometimes need some extra time to learn basic obedience.  The Basset is highly motivated to please, and using positive reinforcement training will help the breed learn with more ease.

All that extra skin can make this breed quite comical at times!