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PAWS ACROSS BORDERS- Dog Rescue

 

"Some Trivia... Curly Howard aka Jerome Horwitz (real life brother to Shemp and Mo) used to rescue dogs.  As he traveled around doing stage shows, he used to rescue homeless dogs, train them, and then would find them a home as he traveled around.  I have a biography of the Stooges (for those "wiki" folks out there, wikipedia just doesn't do them justice) , AND I used to have a life-sized cardboard cut-out of the above picture.  The cut-out used to be in the front window (mind you this was 10 years back) and was excellent theft deterrent with their imposing look.  Magnus took over that role..."

 

June 6, 2010: D-Day.  The hardest part of my job... people training.

Working with dogs has to be one of the most rewarding professions.  YES, I get bit sometimes.  YES, I get pissed on.  YES, I have to sometimes clean diarrhea out of kennels about 2 minutes after I rolled out of bed.  Overall, I enjoy what I do.  The absolute hardest part of what I do, is train people.   Many people get a dog without knowing a single thing about what they got themselves in to, let alone how to obedience train or correct the wide variety of problems that dogs can get.  Anyone that has had me out, knows I repeat things over and over and over again.  I am hoping that some of it will stick.  I always say, "don't repeat yourself to the dog," but I find I repeat myself non-stop to my clients.  Here are some very common owner mistakes (yes, I make mistakes too!):

1.  Don't repeat yourself!  Your dog hears you fine the first time.  He is either ignoring, indifferent, or outright insulted by your "suggestion."  If your dog doesn't listen, physically position him the way you want him, then reward him.  Don't just stand their nagging him like a parent trying to get their video-game playing teenager to clean his room. 

2.  Be Consistent.  If you don't want your dog to jump on you, correct him every time and ignore him until he calms down.  Don't encourage him half the time, and the other try to correct him.  If you want him to heel properly, during the training stage, make him heel EVERY TIME you go out (except for the short pee break)!  And for Pete's sake, stop using those retractable, flexi-leads.  They allow your dog to go this way and that, they are breakable, and they will give you a nasty rope burn.  Teach your dog to walk properly on-lead, and everyone will have an enjoyable walk. 

3.  Get a tone!  Come on folks, be peppy!  Jeebus, you think you were at a funeral.  When your dog does a desirable habit, like peeing outside or walking beside you in a heel, praise him with an excited, and genuinely happy tone.  Dogs can smell a phoney!  Likewise, when you are trying to discipline your dog, don't talk to him like a baby.  Use a sharper, firmer, but not necessarily louder voice.  Your dog should know by your voice that you are serious or disapproving.  And back up your verbal correction with a physical one if necessary.  A quick, jerk and release on the collar isn't going to hurt your dog.  Your dog should respect your voice correction, so teach him what "no," "nah," or "ah," means by using a leash or grabbing the collar and give it a quick jerk.  No means No!  Or is that Moe means No?

"I actually had this as a bumper sticker on my dirtbike when I was a kid."

 

Those are some of the broader issues I see on a daily basis.  A few other things all you dog owners in training need to know:

1.  Buy quality!  I have seen so many cheap plastic collars, leashes, and chokers break.  It is only a few dollars more for the good stuff, and you'll only ever have to buy one.  Remember, try to avoid shopping at the big pet stores.  By buying their products, you are contributing to their business which centers around peddling puppy mill puppies!  All your smaller, local stores out there carry much better quality and don't sell pets!

2.  Exercise your dog!  Almost all behavioural issues are a direct result or are greatly exacerbated by a lack of good exercise.  Walk your dog lots or take him to a fenced in field or park to let him run and play ball.  A bored dog will find something to do with his free time and energy.  Firm and Consistent training are important.  Socialization is important.  Exercise is important.  The three keys, the tri-force of having a good dog...

 

 

 

Website created in December, 2004. Produced and Maintained by Dan Ross - updated January 2010

Previous Blog entries:

#1: Intro/Lupa

#2: Introducing a new dog into the house

#3: Housebreaking

#4: Separation Anxiety

#5: Having a Baby

#6: People Training