Dog training has evolved into science based techniques over the last few years.  Even so, some common behavior myths are still persistent.  We will tackle 5 common myths that many people still believe when it comes to training their pooch.

1. Old dogs can’t learn new tricks. 

False.  Dogs of all ages can learn new
behaviors, especially when being trained through positive reinforcement.  The absolute best opportunity to teach new behaviors is when the dog is very young, under 16 weeks of age.  This is because they are in what’s called an “imprinting stage” and what is taught to them during this time “sticks”.   While you want to focus on proper training while a new puppy is young, all is not lost if you adopt an older dog or delay in getting your dog trained.  Older dogs that were not properly housebroken as puppies can still be trained properly at an older age.  As long as the dog is healthy physically, capable of learning a new behavior and is properly motivated, it is possible to train the dog.  For senior, dogs the only consideration may be the physicality of the behavior.  The dog may not be able to perform agility, or jump up into the back of a truck, but can learn basic obedience commands.

2.  Rub your dog’s nose in the mess when your dog has a potty accident.

False. Dogs don’t make the connection when you rub their nose in their mess after the incident has occurred.  Dogs have about a 2 second window of time to make associations between a behavior and a consequence, whether good or bad.  To rub the dog’s nose in it after the fact means nothing to the dog.  It only teaches them that humans are unpredictable.  Often time dogs start going potty is discreet locations, like behind the couch due to owners using this antiquated training practice.  Instead, consult with a professional dog trainer or visit our website www.itsadogsworld.biz for the proper techniques to housebreak your dog.

3.  A dog shouldn’t sleep with you, or she’ll think she’s the boss and will misbehave.

False (well, at least partly false).   The answer to this really lies in the current relationship that you have with your dog and if you have any other behavioral problems with your dog.  If your dog is obedient and you are not having any major behavioral issues like aggression, then allowing your dog to sleep with you is fine.  However, if your dog is displaying aggression towards you like if your dog growls at you while eating its food or chewing on
a tasty bone then you should hire a professional dog trainer to help you establish good leadership with your dog.  This may mean keeping your dog off furniture and the bed while re-establishing good boundaries.  But, in general, for the average pooch sleeping in bed with their human does not cause
any adverse behavioral effects.

4.  All dogs love being around other dogs.

False.   Not all dogs are social butterflies.  All dogs have different play styles.  Some are very aggressive and rambunctious when they play and others just don’t play
at all.  Its best to learn your dog’s play style and then focus on finding situations that match it.  You can consult with a professional dog trainer like our trainers at It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy, Inc to help you understand what your dog’s play style is like. Set up play dates with select friends whose dogs can play well together.  Breeding can play a big role in their sociability, as well as positive or negative experiences with other dogs can affect their willingness to play with others. Not all dogs enjoy frolicking at the dog park being swarmed by dozens of strange dogs.  Know your dog’s preferences and don’t force him to play with other dogs.  For some dogs just going on a long walk with
their human companion is the best thing in the world to them.

5.  Using treats for training is bribery, and the dog won’t do the behavior later if you don’t give her a treat.

False.  It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy, Inc. has helped thousands of dog owners change their dogs behavior in the long term by using to treats to teach a new behavior.  Just as humans need motivation (like being paid to show up to work every day); dogs need motivation to perform a behavior.  With that being said, there is good and bad ways to train a dog with treats. Using treats to train your dog should be used by a trainer that is well versed in the science in training animals. Ultimately, a dog is weaned off the food reward very quickly (within 50 reps or the dog shows fluency in the behavior) and then only rewarded randomly, or for the very best behaviors.  This
system is like winning the jackpot in a slot machine so they never know when the payout will come.  This system keeps them motivated.

Here are some important things to consider before breeding your dog. Raising a litter of adorable balls of fur sounds easy and fun, but having puppies isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Breeding dogs involves much more work and responsibilities than most people are prepared for. Breeding carries the responsibility to your puppies and their buyers to produce the healthiest and most mentally sound dogs possible.

The first step in deciding to breed your dog is to determine if your dog is breeding quality. If you answer no to any of the following questions get you pet spayed or neutered.

Did you purchase your dog from a reputable breeder?

If you got your dog from a pet store, animal shelter, or you found him/her chances are your dog is not breeding quality. Although pet stores purchase puppies from USDA registered brokers who must meet the guidelines of the federal Animal Welfare Act, a shortage of inspectors, protection by local authorities, and the difficulty of making a legal case against violators makes adherence to the AWA virtually unenforceable. The brokers sell puppies for profit and chances are that they do not test for genetic diseases, place no limits on puppy registrations, have a marginal health program, know little about the breed standard, and have poor quality breeding stock. If you obtained your pet from an animal shelter or found it your dog is not breeding quality. You have no information about this dog’s history and are therefore unable to predict what kind of puppies he/she will have. Although your dog may be the best pet in the world, without a long history of similar type chances are those characteristics will not show up in the puppies. Reputable breeders are knowledgeable about the breed, screen for health problems, title or show their dogs, and carefully plan breedings.

Do you have a five-generation pedigree?

The pedigree is your dog’s family tree. Again if you do not know your dog’s history you have no indicator of what the puppies will be like.

Does your dog have a stable temperament?

Fearful, aggressive, nervous, vicious, unpredictable, or untrustworthy dogs present a danger to society. Puppies not only learn behaviors from their parents, but also inherit their temperament. Unstable temperaments can be genetically passed onto puppies and is not only difficult to live with, but also dangerous.

Does your dog fit the breed standard?

Each breed has a set of guidelines that describes the ideal specimen of that breed. No dog is perfect but it should fit most of the criteria and have no glaring faults. The breed standard maintains the integrity and uniqueness of the breed.

Is your dog healthy and certified free of genetic diseases?

The best way to determine this isn’t just a typical vet check. Every breed has health issues that it may inherit or develop. It takes experience and knowledge to learn how to recognize these problems. Many inherited defects are “hidden” – although your dog may not seem to have a problem, it could be genetically programmed to pass trouble along to its puppies. Without medical testing and a thorough understanding of genetics and pedigrees, you could easily produce puppies that will be a heartache to their owners or a financial burden to you. Some common problems include hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases, thyroid and hormone trouble, skin problems and allergies, and bleeding disorders.

If you answered yes to all of the previous questions you have a breeding quality dog. Now, your next step is to determine your motivation to breed. Breeding should be done to improve the breed, not for any of the following reasons.

For the kids.

Seeing the miracle of birth isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. It’s messy, bloody and usually happens in the middle of the night. It’s painful for the female and her cries may be more than you or the kids can stand. There are videos and books available to show children what birth is like without the responsibility and expense of raising puppies.

We want another dog just like this one.

The laws of heredity make it impossible for any two to be exactly alike. Many of the qualities of personality that make your dog so adorable to you are developed, not inherited.

We want to keep a puppy.

It is far cheaper and easier to buy a new puppy than to breed one yourself.

All our friends want one.

Almost everyone who saw your dog as a pup will tell you they want one “someday.” That someday is seldom when your puppies are ready for their new homes. You’ll be amazed at how many people suddenly don’t have time for a pup right now or aren’t willing to pay your price. Don’t count on vague promises.

Placing puppies in good homes is easier said than done. Not everyone should own a dog and bad owners aren’t always easy to sort from the good ones. You have to be a good judge of character and willing to spend time getting to know people before you sell them a puppy. Do they have the experience to raise and train your puppy and if not are you willing to teach them? Is this the best possible home for this particular puppy? Do you know how to evaluate puppy potential to match the right dog with the right person? Will you be willing to hang on to each puppy until just the right home comes along?

We want to get back our investment in our dog.

Raising a litter involves a considerable investment in time and money-money that you are not likely to get back in profit. By the time your female is old enough to have puppies, you’ll already have more than $1000 invested in her purchase price, food and upkeep, vaccinations and the medical tests and certification to prove her suitability for breeding. In order to produce quality puppies, you’ll need to use a stud dog that is as good or better than she is. Good stud dogs can require hefty fees ranging from $500 to $1500 and most professional breeders won’t breed their stud dogs to just any female.

There will be pre-whelping exams and x-rays, post-whelping exams and shots, dewclaw removal and/or tail docking (depending on the breed of dog), puppy shots (two to three sets for each puppy before they’re sold), worming medication, food for the dam and puppies, equipment like whelping boxes, heating pads, puppy playpens, crates, etc. Problem pregnancies are also common. A cesarian section can cost up to $500. Birth defects like cleft palettes are also common and treating and saving sick puppies can be expensive and heartbreaking.

You’ll be taking time out of your schedule to whelp the litter and make sure all is well the first few days, especially if this is your female’s first litter. Dog’s don’t always know what to do and can accidentally kill their puppies. A problem during whelping can cost your female her life if you’re not there to tend her. You can depend on a 25% mortality rate for newborn puppies no matter how well you care for them. Then there will be advertising costs to help sell your puppies.

You probably bought your dog for companionship and pleasure. Even if you paid as much as $500 for your dog, that’s only an investment of $50 a year if your dog lives 10 years- less that $1 a week. Aren’t the companionship, pleasure, love and loyalty your dog gives you worth that much?

If you sincerely feel that you have an exceptional dog and are ready for the responsibility of raising a litter your work is just beginning. Contact the kennel club that recognizes your breed (American Kennel Club, Canadian Kennel Club, FCI etc.) for referrals to the national and local clubs for your breed. Join the club to meet and learn from other serious breeders. Subscribe to dog magazines, especially the national magazine for your breed. Read everything you can find pertaining not only to your breed, but all breeds. You’ll need an education in all canine subjects; medical concerns, anatomy and structure, behavior, training and even some psychology for working with the owners of your new puppies. Go to dog shows where you can see and touch other examples of your breed and learn what makes them better than average.

The decision not to breed your pet is one of the most intelligent, educated and loving decisions you can make.

Valentine’s Day is traditionally a day in which lovers express their affection for one another by presenting flowers, cards, and gifts. This Valentine’s Day we wanted to take time out to reflect on the ways humans display acts of kindness for the love of dogs.
These two stories reflect how sometimes we have to give up our time, and even sacrifice financially to give a dog the best chance at life. In both stories, the people felt that just saving even one dog’s life was worth it.
Kristi Schwartz , an original client of It’s A Dog’s World, somewhat accidentally found her way into fostering and re-homing dogs. Through searches on the internet and Facebook, she discovered MANY dogs that needed a home. One day she ran across “Odin” a year old, neutered male Pit Bull mix on Facebook with the announcement that he was to be euthanized by 5 p.m. that day at the Orange County Shelter. She immediately adopted him. Within the first week of owning him, she discovered that while he was loveable and friendly, he was also exuberant and needed obedience training. She felt that she needed to sacrifice financially in order to make him more adoptable and a future success story. With her own money she enrolled him into It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy, Inc. for a 2-week, intensive Board and Train program.
To document his success, she took video of him before entering the training program and again after finishing the program. The difference is remarkable! She says, “He listens a lot better now. I can call him now while he is playing and he responds.” She admits that while the 2-week training was intensive, she still has to do her part in maintaining the training by working with him every day to solidify what he learned. Since rescuing “Odin”, her eyes have opened to the severity of the pet over- population problem and there is no turning back now for her. Due to her love for dogs and her commitment to save even just one dog’s life, she has started a non-profit dog rescue called, “All Paws Rescue” in the hopes of gaining outside donations to continue adopting, then training and eventually re-homing dogs to forever homes. Her main goal is to not only rescue dogs, but to re-habilitate them so that they may become Canine Good Citizens in society and not bounce back into the system.
For more information about adopting “Odin” please contact Kristi Schwartz at kristilex@aol.com.
Answering an ad in the paper, Tonya Pace and Jacque Hicks brought home “Dakota”, a female Shepherd mix, at 10 weeks of age. They simply wanted to add a pup to their family. Their little boy fell in love with “Dakota” immediately. Unfortunately, within a short time they began to see “red flags” of aggression from “Dakota”. First it started with acting aggressively towards friends and family that visited their home. Over time, it eventually escalated to Jacque being bitten by “Dakota”. Knowing they couldn’t conquer this on their own, they began looking at professional dog trainers. They interviewed several before meeting Karen Widaman with It’s A Dog’s World. “Dakota” was only a 4-month old puppy at this point. They all agreed that she needed some serious intervention through intensive obedience and behavior modification training. Tonya and Jacque enrolled “Dakota” in 4 weeks of In Kennel training knowing that in the end they were going to have to re-home her. They knew having an aggressive dog, no matter how much training, just was not conducive to a home environment in which an eight-year old boy brings friends over all the time.
In the end, an Animal Behavior College intern fell in love with “Dakota” while completing his internship at IADW. Tonya and Jacque made a huge sacrifice to allow “Dakota” to go into a home with an owner that knew how to handle her. When they saw the “red flags” and could have washed their hands of her by taking her to the pound, they chose the love for a dog over their own convenience, heart break, and even sacrificed financially to give this dog the best chance to have a good life through proper training.

As of January 1, 2012 President and Founder of It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy, Inc. (IADW) Liz Reyes resigned and sold the business to Karen Widaman. Liz Reyes opened IADW in June 2000 after working as a professional dog trainer for eleven years. In 2000, she decided it was time to not only train dogs the way that she envisioned, but also to work with the dog’s owners in a professional manner with care and consideration. Up until that point, Liz had seen too much of the industry fail in regards to professional standards in conducting business. It was common to hear customers say that while training with “such and such” dog trainer, they were berated and belittled, often times in front of entire group of people. In the dog training industry, dogs were mostly treated well, yet the owners of the dogs were treated…well like “dogs”. Before starting her own dog training business, she had spent six years working for a very large dog training facility and basically learned “what not to do” in running a business. She set out to make a difference in the standards of how dog owners were taught to handle their dogs, to create a positive and rewarding work environment for those that worked for her, and most importantly to make a difference in the lives of dogs.

It has now been twenty-three years for Liz in the dog training industry. She has seen the industry grow and change remarkably during this time. She has directly affected that change by not only training thousands of dogs and their guardians, but also by training hundreds of the people that now call themselves professional dog trainers.

She successfully started a pet obedience school, created an amazing partnership with Vinjon’s Kennels and mentored and taught hundreds of up and coming Dog Trainers through her Academy for Dog Trainers and Animal Behavior College.

It was a very difficult decision for Liz and her husband to make when it came to selling the business. Her business was her “first child”. As many of you are aware, Liz and her husband Tony did go on to have four children. This of course started to take more and more of Liz’s time away from the business with most of the year of 2011 spent raising the twin girls that Tony and Liz had at the end of 2010. Fortunately, Liz had promoted Karen Widaman to Manager in 2009 after having worked for IADW for two years. Karen successfully managed IADW for three years, and in the process learned everything there was to know about the business. The qualities that stood out to Liz about Karen was her amazing care and concern over each and every dog and her attention to detail where it concerned the dog’s guardians. Liz decided Karen was the absolute best person to take over IADW, not only because she successfully ran the business for 3 years, but also because she is an extremely caring,  professional and qualified dog trainer. In addition, it has been Karen’s dream to own and operate her own dog training facility. Ever since leaving the corporate world, her dream has been coming to fruition.

Are you tired of giving your dog the typical leash, bone, or toy for their Christmas present? I’m sure your dog is tired of it too! I have composed a Top Ten List for every dog’s “must haves” this year for Christmas. Remember these are great gift ideas not only for your beloved companion, but also for a friend’s dog, relative’s dog, etc. Anyone will appreciate that you love their dog as much as they do.

Top Ten Gift Ideas:

1. Gift Certificate. Give the gift of a well trained dog! What better gift than to give a gift that will either help you or a friend get Fido to stop digging holes in the backyard? Gift Certificate from It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy, Inc. are available for purchase. Call today to order yours! Call 909-548-3150 or email us at thebestdog@verizon.net

2. New Dog Bed. I’m not talking of just any old dog bed! Dog beds now are made of Memory Foam or are heated to provide that extra support and comfort especially for aging dogs or the large breed dogs that need a little TLC. You can either purchase a heated dog bed or a Microwavable Pet Bed Warmer  that you can add to your dog’s bed.  Your dog will be thanking you on those cold nights!

3. Interactive Pet Puzzles. A well behaved dog is a tired dog. Not only do you want to give your dog physical exertion, but mental stimulation is imperative to keeping your dog happy and healthy. These puzzles make dogs exercise their minds in order to figure out how to get the treat that is locked within the puzzle. Find out how smart your dog is and in return your dog will love the challenge!

4. Kong Toys. Kong Toys have continued to offer great toys that are difficult for even the most energetic dog to destroy. There’s nothing more frustrating than buying a toy and having it destroyed within minutes. The classic Kong can be stuffed with peanut butter and your dog’s own kibble. Freeze and it will captivate your dog’s attention for hours, keeping Fido from chewing for favorite plants.

5. FURminator®. Winter shedding is officially here. Help reduce shedding by 90% with a patented Hair deShedding Tool designed to reach deep beneath the long topcoat to gently remove undercoat and loose hair.

6. Petprojekt™ Toys. Petprojekt™ is the latest company to come out with a wide array of nearly indestructible dog toys. Customer favorites are the Trypod and the DogRing.

7. Fresh Baked Dog Treats. Find unique holiday gifts and stocking stuffers at Three Dog Bakery. Many of the treats are all natural and great for dogs with allergies or special dietary needs. Better yet, if you have the time really show your love by making hand-made dog treats at home. Simply Google dog treat recipes and you can make your own at home!

8. New Sweater. Reknitz Sweaters  is simply, stylish sweaters made in the USA from reclaimed cotton fibers. They are easy to slip and wash and dry.

9. Hydro Bone. Get an early jump on the heat of summer and get your dog a Hydro Bone. Hydro Bone is served frozen to offer cooling refreshment in warm weather. It features a spongy center covered in flexible rubber. The bone releases cold, invigorating water as your pet chews, thanks to small perforations in the rubber that let melted water escape. Promotes hot weather fun and hydration, and it entertains your dog for hours.

10. Donate. Donate in your dog’s name to your local shelter or pet organization like K9 Connection that educates and inspires at-risk teens through bonding with and training homeless shelter dogs. K9connection.org

Dogs love spending time with their owners regardless of the place and activity. Halloween is a great opportunity for pet and owner to incorporate fun and quality time. Ultimately, it’s the pet owner who is in the driver seat to ensure their pet is comfortable with the activities that go along with Halloween. This Halloween, help keep your dog happy, safe, and comfortable with some practical tips for enjoying Halloween with your pet.

Dress Up Time
While some dogs enjoy masquerading as a hot dog, others fare much better with just a simple leash and collar. When dressing up your dog, make sure that the costume doesn’t impede breathing, moving, or the ability to see and hear. Avoid costumes with sequins, bells, or any small parts that can be easily chewed and choked on. Never leave Fido unattended in a costume.
Try the costume several weeks before the big day. Make sure that your dog is comfortable. If your dog is showing signs of discomfort it, take some time to desensitize him to the costume. Try having him wear it for small amounts of time while eating treats. But, if your pet acts agitated or depressed, don’t force the issue. You may be better off finding a cute Halloween themed bandanna.

Keep It Safe
When decorating your home keep Fido in mind. Make sure that what you are displaying are items that your dog will not chew. If your dog is still in the chewing stage, you may want to wait until your dog has had more training and time to mature to display those items next year. Never leave lit pumpkins or luminarias within your dog’s reach.
If your dog is social and well mannered, you can keep your dog on a leash while handing out candy. Or, for those that have learned the “Place” command while in obedience at It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy, Inc., it’s a great opportunity to work on that command while handing candy out. Beware that even the most social of dogs can become territorial when new people come to the door. Keep an eye on your dog and remove him immediately if he shows inappropriate behavior.
Don’t forget to keep the candy you are distributing in a secure container and out of Fido’s reach. Chocolate, xylitol-sweetened candies, and gums are toxic to animals.
Fun, Fun, Fun
Before going trick or treating, consider how comfortable your dog will be in crowded situations with a strange looking crowd. Look for signs of discomfort such as excessive lip licking and drooling, panting harder than normal, stiff body language, excessive yawning, erect and forward ears and tail, or darting away from people. These can all be signs of stress. Go home at the first signs of discomfort.
And don’t forget to share pictures of your dog dressed up with us on Facebook!

4 Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Choosing a Puppy

Have you and your family been thinking about adding a new puppy to your family?  Are you ready to make the leap into the abyss of puppy raising?  Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when selecting a new puppy.

Once you’re sure you’re ready to adopt a puppy, first consider whether to buy a purebred puppy or adopt a mixed puppy.   Adopting a puppy is an honorable way to add a member to your family.  There are many mixed and purebred puppies that are available for adoption.  Take your time and do as much research as you can.  Some good things to know about a new puppy are: how old were they when they were taken from the litter, were they with the entire litter and the mother up until that time, did any traumatic events occur, and were the puppies abandoned or found on the street.  The answers to these questions help determine what the pup’s personality may be like as it matures into an adult dog.  Unfortunately, most shelters do not know much about the dogs that come into their shelter.  It will be up to you and your comfort level as to whether you want to adopt a dog that you know absolutely nothing about.  Being supplied with information is much easier to obtain when buying a purebred puppy from a breeder.  It is much easier to predict the physical characteristics and temperament of an adult dog when buying a purebred puppy from a breeder.                              

Whether you get a puppy through the shelter or a breeder, here are some common pitfalls to avoid in getting a new puppy:

1. Don’t get one that is too young.  According to Steven R. Lindsay in his book, Handbook of Applied Behavior and Training, says, “Puppies provided with poor socialization or deprived of environmental exposure often develop lifelong deficits and dysfunctional behaviors.” From birth until six  weeks of age, puppies are developing rapidly.  During this period puppies begin to open their eyes, begin to hear, begin to walk, respond to taste and smell, general learning of how to be a dog begins, learns to accept discipline from mother and begins submissive postures, learns to not bite too hard, learns how to interact with litter mates and develops a pack hierarchy through play.  By seven weeks the puppies are completely weaned.  Most breeders place their puppies in “forever” homes by seven weeks of age.  From the seventh to the sixteenth week is when most rapid learning occurs.  This is the time when the greatest impact is made on the pup for future social behaviors.  It is critical to a puppy’s proper development that they are with their litter and mother until six or seven weeks of age.   
2. 2.    Avoid impulse buys.  We have all done it.  You walk into a pet shop and the most adorable ball of fur catches your attention and you’re in love in an instant!  Next thing you know, you are walking out the door with a puppy you know nothing about.  I have heard this story all too many times and the majority of the time the owner brings me a “lemon” dog.  Most pet shops buy from brokers who get their supply of puppies from puppy mills.  Puppy mills are large breeding “factories” in which dogs are bred in huge masses without any attention to the quality of breeding.  Things such as health, temperament, or genetic lines that most professional breeders spend much time agonizing  over before breeding, is not thought of by puppy mill operators.  Pet shops will never admit to purchasing their “inventory” from such a place and will usually claim that they buy puppies from local breeders.  Even if this is true, a local breeder does not mean that they are a good breeder.  Breeding dogs is truly an art and takes time, experience, and is a big investment.  A typical good breeder has a long list of buyers for their pups long before their dog is pregnant.  There is no need for them to sell to a pet shop at a deep discount.  It is questionable at the least when a breeder sells their stock to a local pet shop.  As the consumer, you have no idea where the dog really came from, what the mother and father’s temperament was like, any hereditary genetic health issues that may be present in the dog’s lines, and the quality of time spent with its mother and littermates.  The same applies for the “free” puppies given away in front of retail stores.  A responsible, legitimate breeder would never give their puppies away to random people that walk up to get one.  Bottom line: don’t buy a pup without considerable time spent in research.
3. Don’t choose a puppy because he is cute.  As I have already pointed out, it is crucial to take time to research different breeds of dogs and their temperaments.  Finding the right dog for you is akin to finding a spouse.  You shouldn’t be picking one just because they are “cute”.  Look for temperament and training traits that compliment your lifestyle.  A Scottish Terrier may appeal to you physically but once you learn they were bred to dig you may reconsider bringing one into your beautifully landscaped back yard.   A good book to help you discover various breed’s strengths and weaknesses is Your Purebred Puppy by Michele Welton.  On each breed, she highlights the dog’s trainability, sociability, indoor & outdoor energy level, and more.  You will be much happier ten years from now when you took the time to figure out what breed of dog matches your lifestyle. 
4. 4.    Don’t get more than one puppy at the same time.  It is a huge mistake to acquire more than one puppy at a time.  And I mean HUGE!  Some breeders will attempt to convince well-intentioned, good dog owners with buying two or more of their puppies at the same time.  Don’t do this!  Dogs are pack animals and you are an extension of their pack.  When given the option to develop a primary bond between a human or a fellow dog, their bond will of course will be stronger with a dog.  If you have two puppies at the same time, they will bond very closely to each other.  In fact, often times they will bond so closely to one another that they have difficulty acquiring separate identities apart from one another.  Down the road as they mature and grow into adult dogs, they will have difficulty being separated.  Severe separation anxiety occurs when one is taken away from the other, even for short periods.  Overall their allegiance is first to one another and then secondarily to their human pack.  The best way to assure a proper bond with a pup is to have one at a time.  Spend time socializing, training, and bonding with the new pup for about a year.  This pup will grow into a mature, adult dog with a close bond to its human pack.  After about a year, get a second pup and spend just as much time with your new pup as you did with your first dog.  Avoid allowing the new pup to spend all its time with the now adult dog because you will encounter the initial pitfall of having him bond primarily to the adult dog and then secondarily to the human pack.  Have the pup spend only about twenty percent of his time with your adult dog and eighty percent with you.  This might mean having one dog outside while the other is inside, or taking one for a walk while the other stays at home-giving them turns with one-on-one walks with you.  Don’t neglect your adult dog either during this time.  Make sure to make time with her as you did before the new pup’s arrival.  If you do get two puppies at one time, in order to make the pups grow up into well-balanced, well-adjusted adult dogs, you must give them a great deal of individual time with you and keep them separated seventy to eighty percent of the time.  In either case, as they mature and respond well to training, you may decrease the alone time and increase the together time.

Whether you adopt a puppy from the shelter or buy a purebred pup from a professional breeder, avoiding these common mistakes will give you a leg up on successfully raising a good canine citizen.  Look for part II of this article next month to learn how to pick the right puppy out of a litter.

Dog Days of Summer

As the “Dog Days” of summer come to a close, are you looking for some last minute, fun, summertime activities to enjoy with your children and your pet?  There are plenty of ways to let your child have a play-date with your family dog.  Please remember, though, that no matter how much you trust your four-legged friend, we always recommend adult supervision when children and dogs interact. 

We give “two paws up” to the following activities that your child and pet can do together!

New Trick- Have your child teach Spot a new trick through hand targeting.  Have your child hold her hand out, palm up.  When Spot touches his nose to her palm, he wins a treat.  Once he has it down with her, the whole family can stand in a circle and take turns.  From there, your child can help Spot learn tricks by moving her hand in the direction she wants Spot to go.  For instance, she can teach Spot rollover by first having Spot do a down command then place her hand in front of his nose. Next move her hand up and over the dog’s head causing the dog to twist onto his back to follow her hand.  Continue moving your hand around until the dog completes the roll over.  Finally, give the treat.  Keep in mind not all dogs feel comfortable on their back and may not take to learning this trick easily.  And, please don’t try this trick if your dog is dominant.  Dominant dogs do not like being placed on their back.  Make learning tricks fun and enjoyable for everyone and only work on it a few minutes at a time, everyday.

Double Duty- If your dog is too big for your child to walk, get a double-handled leash.  This way, you can give your kid an extra hand.  Gentle Leaders® work well on some dogs as well.  They are like having power steering on a car.  It will make it much easier for your child to control your dog.  Or, if you have a small dog and a child that is still in a stroller, give the leash to your child.  We own a Chihuahua and would always hand off the leash to our child riding in the stroller.  They love to feel like they are helping!  Of course, it is important for your dog to already have good leash manners.  If your dog is lacking in this skill, enroll him or her in one of our amazing courses at www.itsadogsworld.biz!  If you need help sizing or training your dog to wear a Gentle Leader®, we are here to help.  Please call our office at (909) 548-3150 to schedule time with a trainer.

Puppy Parade- For the next play-date, invite over neighborhood kids who have pets.  Have them make fun signs, and have a “puppy parade” down the block.  Everyone including  the parents, will have a blast!  Be sure to take pictures and share with us on Facebook!

Don’t Bite the Hand That Feeds You

Over the course of my 23 years of dog training experience, I have encountered many dog owners inquiring how to correct food aggression in their beloved companion.  Time and again I hear the same story.  In an effort to keep food aggression from developing in a new puppy, dog owners always tell me how they start early with their pup in the hopes of keeping the dog from ever getting aggressive over its food.  They do this by putting their hands in the bowl while the pup is eating, removing the bowl from the pup while eating, then putting it back again.  Then they have their children do the same, petting the dog while eating…you get the idea.

It is my belief that by trying to keep the dog from developing food aggression issues by desensitizing the pup to a hand being near the bowl, these well meaning dog owners did just the opposite and created the food aggression!

Think about it.  How would you feel if every time you sat down to eat a meal someone put their hand in your plate, handled your food, took your plate away then put it back again,  or patted your head while you ate?  I know I wouldn’t like it!  While dogs are not human, I can only assume that they would feel the same way we might if that was being done to us.  It may cause some level of stress and anxiety in the dog and as a result when the dog is 2 years of age we see the dog snapping, growling, or even biting when someone approaches while it is eating.  It may be the dog’s way of saying, “Leave me alone while I am eating!”

So this leads to the question, “Well how do I desensitize my pup to my presence around the food bowl and set the stage to prevent food aggression?”  The answer is quite simple!

Here are the steps to follow when feeding your puppy:

1. First take time to teach the sit with food lure (outside of the feeding times).*
2. When feeding your puppy, direct your dog to sit BEFORE placing the bowl down.  Don’t set the bowl down in front of your puppy unless he is sitting.  If needed have a leash on and tied to a heavy object to keep the overly excited pups from jumping into their food bowl while you work on this.  Also, you can take a kibble from the bowl to lure the pup into a sit if needed.  There is no need to “man-handle” your pup during this process; this will only lead to more anxiety in relation to eating.
3. Once you set the bowl down, let your pup eat without hovering over your pup, petting him, etc.
4. Here’s the GOLDEN EGG: Once in a while, walk up while your pup is eating and add a delicious bit of food to the bowl, i.e. chicken, hot dog, your left over steak.  Then walk away!

By adding a delicious treat to your dog’s bowl, your pup will WELCOME your presence while eating!  Think about, wouldn’t you love it if someone added a filet mignon (that you never ordered or expected) to your plate of boring salad?

Do you have a dog that is already showing food aggression?  First, consult with a professional dog trainer-behaviorist.  You can find your local dog trainers through APDT.com or consult with one of our Certified Dog Trainers here at It’s A Dog’s World K-9 Academy, Inc. by calling (866)324-3647. Second, you can follow the above steps.  However, for a dog with a history of biting, I would recommend making sure you put a leash on your dog that is tied to a sturdy object and start by throwing the delicious food near the dog without putting yourself in jeopardy of being bit.

Bottom line: keep feeding times as stress free and calm as possible.  Do you have young children or a busy household?  Find a quiet spot for your dog to eat in such as the laundry room, in the crate or even outside in the dog run.  And, don’t forget to randomly add a delicious treat to your dog’s bowl.  Your dog will thank you for it!

*To teach sit start with placing a treat between your thumb and forefinger and place treat on your dogs.  Lure the treat up the nose, between the eyes while saying “sit”.  Your dog will follow the treat and as the head goes up, the bottom naturally goes down into sitting position.  As soon as your dog sits say, “yes” and give the treat!

Pet Cancer Awareness Month

Dog owners think of their pets as family members.  This is why it is devastating to hear about one of our four legged friends getting cancer.  Dogs and cats get cancer at approximately the same rate people do.  This disease is the #1 health problem.  Yet, 80% of dog and cat owners know little or even nothing about this disease.  This is why it is so important to learn as much as you can.  According to petcancerawareness.org there are some facts and early warning signs that we all should be aware of.

Pet Cancer Awareness Facts:

1. It accounts for nearly 50% for all disease related pet deaths each year.
2. Is the #1 natural cause of death in older pets.
3. Dogs get it at nearly the same rate as humans.
4. One in 4 dogs die of this disease.
5. Over 50 % of dogs over the age of 10 years will die of it.
6. Just like in humans, it can occur in any part of your dog’s body.
7. Approximately 1 in 4 dogs develops a tumor of some kind during his lifetime.
8. The cause of cancer in pets, just like in humans is largely unknown.
9. Common risks of obesity in pets include many forms of cancer.

Early Pet Cancer Warning Signs, As Identified By The Veterinary Cancer Society.

1. Persistent, abnormal swelling
2. Sores that do not heal
3. Loss of weight
4. Loss of appetite
5. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
6. Offensive odor
7. Difficulty eating or swallowing
8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
9. Persistent lameness or stiffness
10. Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating

What causes Pet Cancer?

Genetics

Certain breeds of dogs are more prone to this disease.  These breeds are Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Rottweilers, Bernese Mountain Dogs and Boxers.  When purchasing a pure bred puppy, question the breeder about the incidence of canine cancer in their line.

Over Vaccination

It has been clinically proven the over-vaccination can weaken your dog’s immune system.  While following a regular vaccination schedule for your  puppy is very important, speak to your vet about their recommendations for a vaccine schedule on older dogs.

Environmental & Food Toxins

Exposure to chemicals and preservatives in their environment over time can become carcinogenic.  It is important to take a look at the products that you have around the house and try to find ways to substitute for safer, non-toxic ones.  Lawn fertilizers, detergents and cleaners all have warning labels in regards to children and pets.  For example a safer alternative to cleaning with a main brand cleaning products can be to simply switch to vinegar and water (and it’s cheaper too!)