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.

Poodle Jump--Dog Apps/ Game

Poodle Jump

iPhone Apps for Dogs/ Dog Game
Updated:  September 8, 2013
FREE


This game is extremely simple and requires very little effort to play.  The goal of the game is to jump your Poodle up the rungs of safety while eating bones and avoiding other dogs along the way.  Simple game, but fun.  This is a game I would highly recommend for smaller children.  The Poodle automatically jumps up the board, all you have to do is tilt the phone back and forth to make him land where you want.  If you land on a bone, you gain points.  If you land on a cat, it springs you quickly further up.  If you land on/ near another dog, your turn is over.

Start screen.

Watch out for those other dogs, they will bite you.

VIDEO: Teaching the "Leave It" Cue--Step One

Here is our new video...How to start teaching your dog the "Leave It" Command.

This video is the beginning to teaching this cue.  Stay tuned for more videos.

Doggie Dash Event Saturday Oct 11th

Saturday October 11th, 2014.  (9 a.m. to 12 noon)

(All proceeds go to benefit Maui Humane Society.)

Where:  Keopuolani Park, Kahului/ Wailuku

Course:  A fun, 1.5 mile course amongst one of Maui's best public parks.  Water stations provide at start/finsh point for furry friends and owners.  Pet and people friendly pets welcome, please leave your pet in heat at home.  Furry friends and other critters must be leashed.

When:  Check-in and late registration 7:00a.m.

Race starts 9:00 a.m.  Course will officially close at 10:00a.m.

What:  A 1.5 mile Run/ Walk of all skill levels, drawing for prizes just for attending, must be present to win.

Prizes for:  Biggest Pooch, Smallest Pooch, Best Costume, 1st place, other critter racing.

Email inquiries to ssisneros1@gmail.com
Online Donation at http://www.doggiedashmaui.myevent.com

(Information from:  Doggie Dash Maui, LLC Supporting Maui Humane Society)


Join Such Good Dogs and several other great dog people at the vendor booth area at the event.  We at Such Good Dogs are always excited to be a part of fund raising for the Maui Humane Society.

Stop by Such Good Dogs booth and ask questions, take home information, and see demonstrations with some of our pack.  Our new 5-month-old puppy DEVO will be on hand to help demonstrate and answer your questions.  All our dogs used in training and events are well-trained and well-socialized around people, other dogs, and other animals.  We hope to see you at the event!

Athena & the pack.

DEVO hopes to meet you soon!

Trainer Tips--Potty Training, Ring the Bell

As a continuation from our Potty Training -Trainer Tips from August, (and as we continue potty training our new puppy), I am going to present you with an advanced training technique you can add to potty training that can be used for your dog's whole life.  This is adding a bell, or something the dog can touch or ring, to let you know they need to go potty.

To teach this to DEVO, I went to Ben Franklin and got some ribbon and bells.  Then simply attached the bells to a length of ribbon that DEVO can reach.  He is a small dog, so the ribbon hangs pretty low to the ground.


TO BEGIN:
First we start with regular potty training.  This means taking the dog out every few hours and always taking the puppy or dog out after:  waking up from a nap, playtime, eating, and drinking.  During this basic potty training, you should be adding your command like "Go potty." when you take the dog out.  (Explained in more detail in this previous post.)  Remember to say "Good potty!" with LOTS of praise when the puppy goes outside.

During this basic potty training, you will start noticing signals the puppy will give that he may have to go potty.  These can include: sniffing around a certain area or near the way out, disappearing suddenly (usually going out of sight to potty), whining, pacing back and forth, whining or jumping near the door or window.  Early in our potty training, DEVO gave a very clear signal of whining then jumping near the door when he had to go.  His signal has decreased to a simple whine as we are redirecting him into the Bell training.  Each dog will have their own signals.  Keep a watchful eye and it will soon become apparent what these signals are for your dog.

In basic potty training (especially when the puppy can't hold it very well), as soon as the puppy gives these signals, immediately get up and give your command like, "you need to Go Potty?"  Put the leash on and take the puppy directly out to the area to potty.  Continue as above (good potty, praise, etc.)

TO ADD THE BELL:
Continue training but when the puppy starts to give his signal, incorporate the bell.
So, when DEVO goes to the door and whines (telling me he has to go potty), I say "Do you have to go potty?"  Then I come over to the door and point to the bell, and again say, "Go potty?"

Initially, you will want to come over after the puppy signals the need to go potty, say your phrase, and ring the bell yourself.  Say "Let's go potty!" then touch the bell a few times.  If the puppy touches the bell, give lavish praise..."Good! Let's go potty."  Continue with excitement until the puppy starts touching the bell.

If you are consistent with using the bell when the dog signals you he has to go potty, he will learn to associate the Bell with going potty and eventually start touching the Bell instead of giving his other signals (such as whining).  This training does take time.  Don't think it will happen overnight or even in a few days.  Most likely it will take several weeks to a few months.  Don't get discouraged.  It will all be worth it in the end.  From now on you will have a dog that will easily let you know when he really has to go potty.  Besides that, it is an extra helpful way to keep up with proper potty training for you pup.  Many of us do not take a new puppy or dog out to go potty nearly as often as we should!

This was after DEVO rang the bell.  He is waiting to go outside.  Good boy!

(NOTE:  You may also need to do a side training of "Touch," teaching a dog to touch an object.  For "Touch Training," say your word "Touch," touch a simple object like a toy while encouraging the dog to mimic you.  When they do, "Good Touch!" and reward.  Work up to more difficult and unusual objects.)

Breed of the Month--the DEVO mix.

For this month's Breed of the Month, I wanted to highlight our new puppy, DEVO, who is a mix of Miniature Pinscher and Chihuahua.  Although both of these breeds have been in previous posts, I felt the need to redo them with a fresh reminder of the breeds in my own home.  DEVO is currently 5 months old.

DEVO definitely has the Miniature Pinscher coloring, but his legs and eyes have more of a Chihuahua look.  As some of you may know, I am a HUGE fan of mutts!  Even though we do the Breed of the Month focusing on Purebred Breeds, I highly recommend adopting a mutt of several breeds for your next dog.  Why?  The fact is...ONE IN FOUR purebred dogs will have some sort of genetic health problem.  Mutts tend to be healthier over all, and usually also tend to have less behavioral problems.  So I present to you, our newest pack member, DEVO...

DEVO's first pack walk (with Nekita & Caravaggio).

DEVO's first day at the beach.

Since he looks most like the Miniature Pinscher, let's start with that...

Miniature Pinscher

Color:  Black with rust markings, stage red, solid red, chocolate or fawn with rust markings.
Height:  10-12.5 inches
Weight:  9-13 lbs
Life Span:  15 years or more

Breed Health Concerns:  Epilepsy, heart problems, patellar lunation, Legg-Calve-Perthes, eye problems, cervical disk problems.

Coat:  Dense, close, smooth, shiny, straight, short
Country of Origin:  Germany

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

Although this breed looks like a smaller version of the Doberman Pinscher, the two breeds are actually not related.  The Miniature Pinscher comes from breeds including:  Italian Greyhounds, terriers, Dachshunds.  The breed comes from the word "pinscher," which refers to the way the dogs actually attack vermin.  The dog literally pinches his prey.  The "Min Pin" is the top toy breed in Italy, Holland, and Denmark.

It is important to properly socialize this breed and to not allow him to get too spoiled.  The Min Pin is a fun-loving, self-assured dog that bonds very quickly with his family.  This breed does enjoy using his voice and can become a real behavior problem if not properly trained and managed.

Exercise:
The Miniature Pinscher enjoys getting exercise by accompanying his owners anywhere, as much as possible.  He also enjoys draining mental and physical energy with obedience and agility.  A short walk each day will be enough exercise for this toy breed.

Because DEVO is still a puppy, he has plenty of energy and still needs lots of exercise (usually followed by a nap).  DEVO definitely has the characteristics of following me around.  He is always on my heel following me around the house or out on the leash.  DEVO has also learned to enjoy car rides and meeting new people and dogs wherever we are.  He is a very social dog.

Grooming:
The Min Pin coat is easily cared for with occasional brushing and rub downs.  Keep the face clean.

DEVO does shed, but brushing does very little to help the process at this point.  This is typically true of most puppies of any breed.  We are currently brushing him to get him used to the process of being groomed so that when the brush will actually do some good, he is already used to it and sits well.

Training:
This little dog is athletic and able; he does not need to be carried around everywhere he goes.  In fact, it is better for the dog to walk alongside his owner than to be carried by him.  Socialization is important and training from puppyhood is key.  Short, reward-based, and motivational training sessions are best.

As is stats above, you should let your puppy walk, not carry them.  This is very important for small dogs.  Many small dogs can easily develop fear or anxious behaviors (its hard to be small and have everyone under the sun come right up to your face).  Dogs must learn how to be without being constantly coddled or protected by their owners.

This Min Pin (right) looks a lot like DEVO.

DEVO is very good in training.  He is very food motivated and will do anything for that reward.  We have kept his training sessions short and sweet, and DEVO has already learned all of Level One dog training items.

Now the other half...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.

DEVO enjoys following us and the other dogs around and loves to play (then take a nap).

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.

DEVO has Chihuahua eyes and we must be sure to keep them clean and free from gunk.  

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.

Although we are doing well with potty training, we have had some set-backs with DEVO.  But we are continuing to be consistent in taking him out and rewarding for proper elimination.  He is doing very well overall and I expect to be fully potty trained very soon.

VIDEO: Jolene trains two young puppies

Here is a video of client Jolene training with her dog, Buttercup, a 9-week-old King Charles Spaniel.

DEVO was also on hand to add some extra training for Jolene.

Jolene did amazing with these two little pups. 

Enjoy the video...

Trainer Tips--A schedule matters

For this month's Trainer Tip, I would like to remind everyone (and myself) that a schedule matters to your dog.

As some of you may have read in a previous post, I recently broke my ankle in the beginning of May this year.  Although I am currently back on my feet and back to work, things have been a little bit chaotic for me getting back into a routine.  Besides running my dog training business, I also switched a part time second job from serving, to becoming shop manager of a tattoo shop.  Obviously, my responsibilities have increased.  Along with all this, we also adopted a new puppy, DEVO.

Because I had been sitting around unable to do anything for TWO months with a broken ankle, I was ready to get moving once I was given the green light from the doctor.  I may have overdone it just a bit.

In the midst of all the chaos and changing schedules for both myself and my husband, I was reminded just how important a schedule is for our dogs...especially a puppy.

Why a Schedule Matters to your dog:

Don't get me wrong, dogs can be fairly flexible, but they do like a basic regular schedule.  A basic schedule for your dog should involve his/her daily walks, feedings, and play times.  Your schedule should also include those extra exercise times as well.  For example maybe every Saturday you go for an hour hike or take your dog to the beach for some swimming.

The reasons dogs like and need a schedule are really quite simple.  Dog have regular needs just as we do.  They need to eat and use the bathroom every day.  Having a regular time when your dog knows when s/he will eat and be able to do his business is important.  As humans we find it unreasonable to work more than 4 or 6 hours without a bathroom break, yet we expect that our dogs can easily hold it for up to 12 hours.  This is not true.  It is possible, but that doesn't mean it is easy for your dog to do that.  So just like us, dogs need to know regular times that they are able to both eat and use the bathroom.

Along with this, dogs also need a regular exercise schedule.  Besides your twice daily walks, your dog should be getting some other regular sort of exercise.  As I said, maybe this is that once a week when you have the time to go on a long hike or to the beach to really wear out your dog.  These exercise days are very important.  Remember, a tired dog is a good dog.  When dogs get bored, they start making trouble.  Even though we have been away all day working very hard and are usually tired when we get home, our dogs have been patiently waiting for us and looking forward to their own exercise time.  Let's not disappoint them.  Dogs need regular daily exercise to stay both physically and mentally healthy and happy.

So take a quick look at your schedule...do you have one?  The time of day does not matter.  If you work nights or if you work days, it makes no difference to your dog.  As long as you have a mostly regular schedule you follow, your dog will thrive.  Just don't forget the exercise part of your dog schedule!

What a Basic Schedule should look like:

I will give you an idea of a good basic schedule by sharing my schedule with you.

Monday -- Friday

7:30am   Wake up/ use bathroom

7:35am    Walk dogs

8:15am    Return from walk/ feed dogs

8:20am    Shower/ get ready for day as dogs eat breakfast

8:50am    Put puppy in kennel with plenty of toys and water, go to work

5:00pm    Return home from work.  Set things down/ get dog leashes ready

5:02pm    Walk dogs

6:00pm    Return from walk

6:30pm    Make dinner for humans

7-7:30      Humans eat dinner

8:00pm    Feed dogs dinner

8:30pm    Take puppy out for potty break

8:35pm    Play with puppy/ training with puppy

9:30pm    Take puppy out for last potty before bed

10:00pm   Put puppy in kennel/ get ready for/ go to bed

This is what a weekday basic schedule should look like for you (obviously times may vary).  Since my schedule also varies during the week, anytime I come home, I must immediately let out the puppy for a potty break.  This is because we are still in potty training with our new puppy.  However, this should also be true for any dog.  Be courteous to your dog and let him out to go potty!  I will also throw in a quick game of fetch (10-30 minutes) in the middle of the day if I have time.

Overall, if you meet your dog's needs, you will have a happy and healthy friend that will be with you for a lifetime.

Dog Pairs--Dog Apps/ Game

Dog Pairs

iPhone Apps for Dogs/ Dog Game

Updated:  July 16, 2013

FREE

This game is your basic memory/ matching game, using dog pictures.  The free version of Dog Pairs is a very basic, one board game.  Good for kids maybe, but super boring for the rest of us.

After matching several boards, I was unable to go up in level using only the free version game.  Overall I'd say this game is a waste of time.

Movies with Dogs--MORE Honorable Mentions

In my previous post a wrote about what I consider some of the Best & Worst Movies that have dogs in them.  Keep in mind this is my personal opinions on these movies.  Below are some movies not included in the list that I feel deserved an Honorable Mention.  These movies may not be among my top favorites, but are definitely worth a watch if you love dogs.

Movies with Dogs... Honorable Mentions:


Snow Dogs (2002)
IMDb Description:  "When a Miami dentist inherits a team of sled dogs, he's got to learn the trade or lose his pack to a crusty mountain man."
I remember that I have seen this movie, but honestly can't remember that much about it.  That is one reason it did not make the original list.  From what I remember it is basically a slap-stick comedy with Cuba Gooding Jr. and a pack of snow dogs.  It has some laughs, but overall not super exciting.






The Fox and the Hound (1981)
IMDb Description:  "Two childhood friends find themselves forced to become enemies."
I remember absolutely loving this movie as a child.  With fun adventures and just enough danger, this heart-warming film will give you many smiles.





K-9 (1989)

IMDb Description:  "To stop an elusive criminal, a maverick detective enlists the aid of a police dog who's an unusually intelligent smart Alec."
A buddy cop movie starring James Belushi.  Only his buddy cop isn't an almost retired, cranky guy, it's a beautiful German Shepherd police dog.  The movie over-all is just another 80s buddy-cop movie, but I think this dog makes it worth the watch.  You'll have a few laughs, and if you're anything like me, you will want a German Shepherd for your next dog.






The Adventures of Milo & Otis (1986)
IMDb Description:  "The adventures of a young cat and a dog as they find themselves accidentally separated and each swept into a hazardous trek."
I remember enjoying this film as a young child...definitely family approved.  As an adult, it lacks the excitement that we crave these days.  Worth a watch.





Oliver and Company (1988)

IMDb Description:  "A lost and alone kitten joins a gang of dogs engaged in petty larceny in New York."
I honestly don't remember much about this movie except that I enjoyed it as a child.  Good family watch.






Benji (1974)

IMDb Description:  "A stray dog saves two kidnapped children."
Benji is a dog with a heart of gold.  Helping everyone in need from other animals to humans.  A heart-warming story.





Also see our other Honorable Mentions Movie List.