Management & Prevention OOPS

A big part of dog training is management and prevention.  I recently came across a picture of something one of my own dogs did when he was a puppy.  Caravaggio suffered from severe separation anxiety as a young puppy and was confined when we left the house.  He actually ended up chewing through his crate, through the carpet, and into the wood floor.  So we decided to try something new.  We began gating him in the kitchen so that he could be with his buddy, Nekita.  This worked much better in the long run.  However, one of us was not practicing proper management one day and left a cabinet door open.  I'm sure Vaggy had the time of his life pulling everything out of the cabinet.  We, on the other hand, did not enjoy cleaning it up.  This picture was actually taken after we already started cleaning.  Naughty puppy!!

Breed of the Month--Miniature Pinscher

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.

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

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.

Did you hear something?

I think I'm seeing double.

Nekita & Vaggy play with a stick

Caught some cute video of my two dogs, Nekita and Caravaggio (Vaggy).  They both enjoy chewing sticks in the yard, and playing together.  Today we have combined stick chewing with some lazy playing...but still so cute.

Napping with pets

Recently I have come across many pictures of my fiancé cuddling with our dogs.  As you can see, Adam enjoys cuddling with our animals, and has done so on many occasions, usually falling asleep with them.  It was just too cute not to share.

Breed of the Month--Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinscher

Color:  Black and brown, black with rust markings, fawn, blue, red with rust.
Height:  Males:  26-28.5 inches/  Females:  24-27 inches
Weight:  Males:  88-99 lbs/  Females:  70.5-77 lbs
Life Span:  10-12 years

Breed Health Concerns:  Cancer, chronic active hepatitis, von Willebrand disease, cervical vertebral instability, hypothyroidism, bloat.

Coat:  Close lying, short, smooth, hard
Country of Origin:  Germany

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

The Doberman Pinscher was created in the late 1860s by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, who was in need of a breed that was a tough, smart, reliable guardian.  The Doberman Pinscher gain traits from many breed including:  the Rottweiler, terriers, shepherds, and the weimaraner.

Today the Doberman Pinscher excels at many activities including:  police work, therapy, search and rescue, and protection.  This breed is very intelligent and graceful, yet intimidating to many.  This is a very powerful breed, and I would not necessarily recommend them for first time dog owners.  Owners of the Doberman Pinscher must do their research and truly understand the needs and strength of the breed.

Exercise:
Good daily walks and playtime everyday is very important for this breed.  The Doberman Pinscher is very intelligent and needs daily mental exercise as well.  This breed benefits greatly from interactive games that also drain energy.

Grooming:
The occasional soft brush or hound glove is sufficient for the Doberman Pinscher's coat.

Training:
This breed is very eager to please his owners and enjoys learning.  He is alert and responsive, and very highly trainable.  Socialization to all animals and people is important.  This breed enjoys being challenged.

Basic Indoor Potty Training Schedule

This is a basic guideline for an indoor toilet training schedule.  When toilet training, the thing to remember is that prevention of accidents is key.

Dog Toilet Training Schedule:

8:30a.m.         Wake up.  Remove dogs from kennel.  Place in confined potty area with breakfast.

9 a.m. Remove food bowls, leave dogs in potty area.  Praise lavishly for using the

        proper potty area.

9:10 a.m. Morning walk.  Praise and special treat for going potty outside.

9:45 a.m. Return from walk, place dogs immediately in potty area.  Praise lavishly 

        for using proper potty area.

10 a.m.        Supervised free time in the house.  Interrupt any mistakes.

11 a.m.        Dogs drink water.  Return to confined potty area and praise for proper

       toilet behavior.  Remove from confinement after proper potty.

12 p.m.        Baby gets ready for a nap.  Put dogs in kennel or confinement area.

1-2 p.m.        Dogs wake up from nap, remove from kennel and place in potty area.

3 p.m. Dog training or short dog walk.

3:45 p.m. After walk/ training/ play time, return dogs to confined potty area.

       Praise and treat for proper toilet behavior.

4 p.m. After dogs have used proper toilet, supervised free time in the house.

5:30-6 p.m. Husband returns home from work, greets dogs warmly for 1-2 minutes,

        then places both dogs in confined potty area.

6:30 p.m. Dinner time.  Dogs are confined to kennel or area while humans eat.

7 p.m. Feed dogs dinner.  Place in confined area with food.

7:30 p.m. Remove food bowls.  Release dogs for supervised free time if they have

        used the proper potty area.

9 p.m. Confined potty area.

10 p.m.        Give dogs 10 minutes in confined potty area, then crate for the night.

2 Italian Greyhounds

This client came to me with a rather interesting problem.  She has two Italian Greyhounds, Maggie & Toby.  Their problem is improper toilet use throughout the house.

Italian Greyhounds as a breed tend to be harder to properly potty train, especially for those of us who live in inclement weather.  The two were once successfully potty trained to go in the house in a designated area, but a house move and new baby in the house have thrown them off their routine.

The number one reason most people have problems toilet training is because of the lack of a proper exercise schedule.  All dogs, no matter their size, must be exercised with a proper walk every day.

Below is a basic list to keep in mind.  For this client, the things listed as "basics" are the most important to remember and focus on.

Toilet Training:

BASICS:

Regular exercise including walks

Keep to a schedule

Confinement when unsupervised

Lots of encouragement for proper toilet behavior, excitement and praise!

Immediately take to toilet area after:

*removing from kennel 

*waking up from a nap

*drinking water

*rigorous play time

*excited time (when you come home)

*returning from a walk

*first thing in the morning

*before bed

FEEDING:

Reduce food portion:  feed 1/3 to 1/4 cup twice daily.

Use extra food for training.

ACCIDENTS:

Prevention is key.  When caught in the act, clap hands loudly and say no.  Do NOT yell, scream, or get angry.  Immediately and calmly take dog to the proper toilet area.  Immediately clean up mess with proper enzyme cleaner.

PROPER TOILET USE:

Praise dog lavishly EVERY time they toilet in the proper area.  Give special treat after they have gone potty (these treats are ONLY for going potty in the correct area).

CRATE/ KENNEL:

The dog’s crate/ kennel should never be used as punishment.  This should be seen as a special, safe, comfortable place by the dog.

Toilet Training Action Plan:

*What type of indoor bathroom do you want to use?

-Using an indoor grass/turf bathroom will help with being able to go outside as well.

Products at Pottypark.com

*Where do you want the dog bathroom to go?

-Choose ONE spot for the bathroom to go.  Somewhere that may also be used as a confinement area with only enough room for food and water bowls, bed, and bathroom.

*What phrase to use for the command to go potty?

Since Italian Greyhounds are extremely reluctant to use the bathroom outside in the winter, it is important to give them a proper option inside the house.  In this case I would recommend purchasing an indoor dog bathroom that resembles grass so the dogs will be less reluctant to use the bathroom outside.  This will help ensure that they are able to use their indoor bathroom in a proper manner, but to also be able to go potty outside without hesitation.

Breed of the Month--Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhound


Color:  Black, white, fawn, cream, blue, any of these broken with white (no brindle)
Height:  12.5-15 inches
Weight:  8-11 lbs
Life Span:  12-15 years


Breed Health Concerns:  Autoimmune disease, hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, dental problems, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, epilepsy.


Coat:  soft, fine, glossy, short
Country of Origin:  Italy

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

There is evidence in the tombs of Egypt of this breed on artifacts and relics from 2,000 years ago.  The breed received its name, Italian Greyhound, around the 1500s as their popularity grew across Europe.

Also known as "Iggy," the Italian Greyhound bonds quickly to his family and is very affectionate.  It is recommended that you have more than one Iggy to keep them happy, as their fragile physique is too delicate for most other breeds and small children to play with.  Extra care must be taken when adding this breed to your home.  Potty training this breed can also be a bit of a challenge, especially if you live in area with inclement weather.  The Italian Greyhound may need you to give him a coat in cold weather to keep him warm and healthy.

The Italian Greyhound tends to be a nervous, anxious breed.  It is very important that owners of this breed do not unintentionally encourage this behavior.  Never pet or comfort a dog that is shaking or trembling with fear.  By giving attention at this time, you are communicating to the dog that this anxious behavior is good.  You are telling your dog to continue that behavior, which we do not want.  It is important to have a calm, relaxed demeanor at all times with this breed, and especially during training.

Exercise:
The Italian Greyhound will generally adjust to what the activity level of your household is.  The Iggy gets plenty of exercise with a short walk each day, and following his family around.

Grooming:
The Italian Greyhound has thin skin that must be kept warm and clean.  This breed's coat is easy to care for with a simple wipe-down every now and then.  The Iggy's face requires extra attention to stay clean and free from infection.

Training:
Socialization is key for this breed, the Iggy is a shy breed and will learn how to cope with all situations if properly socialized.  Train this breed from puppyhood to help encourage lifelong basic manners and good listening.  Proper motivation and quick training sessions are the best way to train your Italian Greyhound.

Common Training Terms

When beginning training your new dog, a LOT of information will be thrown out at you.  Everyone from the person you got your dog from, to the vet, to your next-door neighbor will be willing to offer you advice about how to train your new pet.  My advice?  Find a trainer that uses positive reinforcement methods and that you are comfortable with.  I highly recommend that EVERYONE take a basic manners dog class.  I have had dogs my entire life and had never taken a basic manners dog class until recently.  Even with everything I knew about dogs then, the information I learned in dog class was amazingly helpful.  Below is a helpful list of terms that you will probably come across in your dog training adventure.

Bribe.
Prior to asking your dog to perform a known cue or behavior, you show the dog something he values in an attempt to gain his compliance.

Capturing.
This is basically just waiting for a dog to do something specific, then rewarding him the second he does it.  Capturing training does not cue or prompt the dog in any way.

Lure.
Using a lure is enticing the dog with something he values in order to lure him into a position or cue.  The food lure is used in positive reinforcement training.

Molding.
This is actually physically placing the dog into the position you desire.  This is not generally recommended.

No Reward Marker.
This is a simple sound or phrase like "eh-eh," or "uh-oh" that communicates to the dog that the behavior you just presented me is not what I was looking for.  This is telling the dog, "that's not it, please try something else."

Proofing.
Proofing is the process of testing the dog's knowledge of a known behavior.  By testing where your dog is at with a cue, you can determine what he needs to work on and where to go from here.

Punishment.
A penalty that the dog does not like that will decrease the likelihood the dog will repeat that behavior.  This can be as simple as removal from an area, or as harsh as a physical correction (not recommended).

Reinforcement.
Anything that will increase the likelihood a dog will repeat a behavior.  Reinforcers are different for all dogs but generally include things such as:  treats, toys, attention, eye contact, and talking to a dog.

Reward.
Surprising the dog with something he values after performing the correct cue or behavior.
Example:  you ask a dog to sit, he sits, he take our a hidden food treat and give it to him.

Shaping.
This is rewarding any slow progress the dog makes towards the desired goal.  This is something that is helpful to be used with shy dogs.

Breed of the Month--Boxer

Boxer

Color:  Brindle, fawn shades, white markings, black mask
Height:  Males:  22-25 inches/  Females:  21-23.5 inches
Weight:  Males:  66-70.5 lbs/  Females:  55-62 lbs
Life Span:  11-14 years

Breed Health Concerns:  Allergies, Boxer cardiomyopathy, bloat, ear infections, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, congenital deafness, subaortic stenosis, hypothyroidism.

Coat:  Tight against body, smooth, hard, shiny, short
Country of Origin:  Germany

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

Boxers are descended from the Bullenbeisser, originally bred to pull cars, hunt, and bait bulls.  The Boxer breed itself was refined in the late 1800s in Germany.  After World War I, the boxer was brought over to the United States, and has been a very popular breed ever since.

The boxer is known for his playing move of "put 'em up," as he seems to raise his paws up to play.  Boxers are energetic, curious, high-spirited, and playful.  Amazing with children, the boxer is a loyal family member.  Early socialization is key.

I have met many Boxers and would advise that socialization is the most important thing for a dog of this breed.  If properly socialized early on and throughout life, the Boxer will get along with humans and animals alike.  If this breed is not socialized well, they can become somewhat aggressive towards strangers and other animals.

Exercise:
The Boxer is a very high-energy breed and very athletic.  This breed needs a large amount of exercise each day.  Activities, lots of play time, and long walks every day are important.

Grooming:
The Boxer's short coat is easy to care for, but the folds in the dog's face require extra attention to be kept clean and free of infection.  The shortened muzzle of the dog can contribute to drooling.

Training:
The Boxer needs a fair but firm hand when it comes to training.  This breed's problem-solving ability and intelligence can make him a challenge to manage.  Basic obedience and socialization from puppyhood are very important.