Dog Corrections

I think one of the biggest mistakes dog owners make with their dogs is the way they correct them. Before a human should ever correct a dog there are two important factors that must be met:

1. they must have established a relationship with the dog

2. the must understand how to deliver a proper and fair correction.

Because I find this such an important problem, I've written an article on Correction on the Black Belt Dog Training website. Click here to go to the training articles page.

The concept of correcting a dog is quite foreign to most owners. People see correcting their dogs as mean or unfair. Nothing can be further from the truth. People who understand the right way to correct a dog will create a strong bond with their dog. Those that do not will create a nightmare for both themselves and their dogs.

Enjoy the new article.

Best regards,

Robert Cabral

www.blackbeltdogtraining.com

Choosing a Dog Collar for Your Dog

One of the most common things that I am asked about is what is the best collar to use for your dog. There are so many choices that it can be a daunting task for anyone. I've written and article to shed some light on my opinions. You can read all the articles I've posted at:

http://www.blackbeltdogtraining.com/dogtrainingarticles.html

I address everything from the haltis to harnesses, to choke collars, prongs and remote collars. One of the most important choices that you will make with your dog will be the collar he wears. An important thing to remember is that a collar is a second skin to your dog. I do not recommend using a collar to train the dog and then immediately removing the collar when training is over. Your dog should see you as the correction, not the collar. Collars should be work regularly by the dog before correction are given and should stay on the dog after the training is over.

This article is only scratching the surface on collar choices and theory, but its a good read to get your feet wet. I hope you'll enjoy it.

Best regards,

Robert

Dealing with the 4th of July for the sake of your dog

Dealing with the 4th of July for the sake of your dog.

This is one holiday that is frightening for dogs, and also a holiday that leads to much stress and runaway dogs. Loud sounds are a trigger for dogs to run or panic. Fireworks, screeching, bangs, and other loud noises that are foreign to the dogs understanding elevate your dogs drive and can cause them to panic, run, become highly distressed, wet the floor, tear up things, pant out of control hide as well as other behaviors. Since it is such a sporadic thing there is very little we can do to prepare our dogs for the event but deal with it. Dogs can be trained to deal with it i.e. in police dog training or in training dogs to deal with high stress situations… However, our companion pets will need to deal with it, which means we should be equipped to deal with it for them.

Some things to bear in mind are:

1. If at all possible, do not leave your dog alone, especially outside during these events. If you must leave them alone, leave them inside with a TV or radio playing.
2. If you stay with your dog, don’t coddle them when they are scared. Be strong, talk with a normal voice and be indifferent to the sounds.
3. Have a TV or radio on to buffer the noise.
4. Keep the windows closed to keep the noise down.
5. Don’t take your dog for a walk during the fireworks.
6. Feed your dog long before the events start.
7. Give your dog a toy to play with, a bone or something to keep their mind off of what’s going on outside.
8. If your dog runs to you every time he hears a noise, don’t re-assure him with a soft – sweet voice. Use your normal voice and show him strength. Laugh and be playful. Be indifferent to what’s going on.
9. If you can keep the noise level in the house above the noise level outside, you dog may still hear things, but it will be muted and he may deal with it better.
10. Keep doors closed. This is one of the busiest times at shelters for runaways. Even if your dog has never shown a proclivity to run, this may be the time. Be Aware!
11. Some people like using a holistic nerve drop like Rescue Remedy. If you decide to give this, do so in small amounts and do it at least an hour before any events start.

The key thing to remember is that your dog sees things differently from you. If a dog has fear issues toward something you think is stupid, it’s you who is at fault not your dog. You cannot expect your dog to understand something he has no clue of, it’s not in his mental capacity. Pets are our responsibility. If you can’t step up to take the responsibility, consider a stuffed animal.