What are Normal behaviors for your dog that you may find annoying or out right dangerous?

Biting

Barking

Digging

ChewingRolling in other animals fecal matter

Scent Marking

Humping

Chasing

Heel nipping

Obsessively Sniffing

De-fuzzing Plush Toys

All of the above are normal and natural behaviors of a canine. The question is really what do all these behaviors mean or symbolize and how do we rectify them and re-direct our canine companions?

This is where private in home training comes in. All these behaviors can be replaced by other appropriate behaviors with some training and persistence.  As a human pack leader to our dogs we need to be aware and knowledgeable of what a normal self stimulating behavior may be for our dogs. Once we see that our dogs are not "stupid" and just fulfilling a natural need it is easier to re-direct them to a more desirable behavior.

If your dog is exhibiting any of the behaviors above or below and you need help with them, please give me a call for an appointment today. We can work through these issues together.

Here are some examples:

Maybe instead of chewing  up your carpet or a wall your dogs need an appropriate chew toy or exercise.  Dogs need exercise and to walk or run "DAILY" for at least 45mins. An appropriate chew toy would be a Nylabone. (Hint: Soak Nylabone in simmering chicken or beef stock for 3-5mins to help flavor the Nylabone. When cooled give to your dog to chew.)

Humping can be a dominating gesture or gesture to control a situation. Even female dogs will exhibit this behavior. If your dog humps you, another dog, or a family member, your dog is exhibiting a dominating gesture and it should be re-directed immediately.

Chasing can be an annoying behavior and detrimental to the life of your dog. Especially if your dog is chasing motor vehicles. This behavior needs to worked on with an experienced dog handler or trainer please contact a professional to seek help to re-direct your dogs chasing behavior.

If Digging is super fun for your dog it is best to give the dog an area where digging is appropriate. Never let a digger watch you dig unless it is an area you want them to dig in. A 4x4 sand box area will usually work for your dog. Also keep in mind that dogs can dig out of frustration and need for exercise. If your dog is stuck in the back yard all day with no walk out side; he may be bored and need to get out and travel with his pack. Daily walks outside the back yard usually curb undesired digging.
If it persists please contact a professional.

De-fuzzing of plush toys is a natural behavior for your dog. Of course it is undesirable and a bit messy at times, but it can also be dangerous if your dog ingests the material. This can lead to emergency surgery, a very large vet bill, and even death. Please supervise your dog with a plush toy.
De-fuzzing symbolizes "the Kill" and "disemboweling the Prey" So it is a natural behavior but can be dangerous.

I hope this is helps you understand a little more about your canine companion. If you need help with any of these behaviors please call for a consultation and appointment today.

Happy Training!

-Hera Minkove ABCDT

What your dog eats is very important to it's health. Feeding a quality dog food is important. What is more important is looking at what we feed our dogs outside of their dog food.

Table scraps: "as most dog owners call it" is the waste we wouldn't eat from our plate of food. Feeding table scraps that are unhealthy for  humans, is just as unhealthy for our canine companions. Not only can they become obese from over eating but if fed too much in general or given to much fat they can get pancreatitis and or become diabetic.

Roughage:I have had a few clients that were counseled by their vets or other pet professional to give their dogs green beans to help satisfy hunger. Green beans are great to satisfy hunger and give great fiber. DO NOT give canned green beans. Canned green beans are loaded with sodium and can cause heart problems as well as water retention. If you are going to feed green beans for roughage please get a good quality frozen variety with no salt added. Carrots are also a good treat and source of fiber.

Dog Food: I feed my dogs Natures Variety by a brand called "prairie". It is organic and natural. This food also comes in a variety of  protein types. It is called variety because it is meant to be fed in a variety. Like Venison for breakfast and chicken for lunch. The only differing factors between the bags is the protein.

This also helps to satisfy our feelings as a dog owner that our dogs need variety. It is a more natural way of feeding your dog.

I do not recommend changing diet drastically or feeding a variety of brands to your dog as this could make them ill. Please contact your veterinarian or pet professional before changing your dogs food.

Treats: Remember... your dog doesn't need a full cookie. If you are training your dog only needs a pea sized piece of his treat to know it was a job well done. Keep track of how many treats your dog gets in a day and be sure to change his food ration accordingly.

Serving size: Please feed your dog to the weight the dog is supposed to be! Not the weight your dog is now. If your dog is 75lbs and should be 65lbs feed them to the 65lb serving size. If your dog isn't losing weight, your dog needs more exercise. If your dog is still hungry all the time talk to your vet. You dog may need a weight management food or less caloric food.

Our dogs need us to help them moderate their intake of food and help keep them in shape. Dogs should have a waist line so if your dog is just round... he probably needs more exercise, less food, and moderation of treats.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit in your house without the television, radio, telephone, cell phone, or a book?

If you could only go outside when someone lets you out,  only get out for 5 minute potty breaks -wouldn't you go crazy?

This is what your dog feels like. I challenge all dog owners that are able, to get up from your computer (after reading this of course) and take your dog out for a brisk 30-40 minute walk. Dogs were bred to work for a living, travel tens of miles a day and then be close companions to their humans.

If you hesitate to walk your dog because he pulls, or wants to greet everyone, or urinates on every plant or vertical object; I want you to know we can improve and eliminate these naughty, un-ruley behaviors. All you need to do is give me a call and make an appointment today. Together we can get you walking your dog in a happy, safe, fulfilling manner.

If you and your dog need to lose a few pounds you can do it together. Help each other meet your goals. A new year, a new dream, a new day, and a new you and your dog can happen. A little work will pay off for both of you.

Just one brisk 30-40 minute walk a day can calm your dog down, create a stronger bond, and prevent destructive behaviors.

Happy New Year to all! And Happy Training.
-Hera Minkove ABCDT

Does My Dog Have Separation Anxiety?

General Guidelines

 Dogs that have separation anxiety will usually display these types of behavior:
Anxiety in the home, especially before you leave. Could consist of pacing, whining or whimpering, and even growling as you try to leave.
Destruction of person’s possessions, home, yard, and even self mutilation.
The dog may also display bossy behavior with you when you are home.
Howling, and barking when left alone.
 

Diagnosing Symptoms

The best way to diagnose symptoms is a visit to your home from a professional dog trainer. Some symptoms may not be listed above and the only way to manage separation anxiety is to find out the source of where it stems from. Most dogs do not need any type of medication but do need proper stimulation and leadership exercises.

Management of the Problem

As a certified dog trainer I will help you come up with solutions that you can incorporate into your daily routine to help manage your dog’s separation anxiety and build your dog’s self esteem and confidence.  Separation anxiety is a symptom a dog is displaying not a psychological disorder. It can be managed effectively with the help of a professional so you can learn what it is your dog needs.


Call for an appointment today!

Happy Training,

-Hera Minkove ABCDT

Do you praise your dog when it does what you want?:

Praise is one of the things I see people forgetting to do when their dog is doing what they want them to. The best way to create the environment you are looking for is to "mark"(to reinforce, praise / reward)the behaviors you like when they occur.

 Here are a few examples:
1. Your dog is laying down on the floor while you are eating dinner. He isn't begging! Get up from the dinner table for a minute go over to your dog and say "good dog" and give him a treat for doing what you like make a big deal out of how great this is!

2. Your dog is not sniffing the ground while you are walking him on leash. Look down at your dog and say "good dog" and give him a pat on the side.

3. Your dog is far away from you and just for the heck of it you call his name. HE COMES TO YOU!! Make a huge deal out of this "good dog" with lots of praise and petting.

When you mark the behaviors you want and ignore the behaviors you don't like your dog will over time show you more of the "great rewarded behaviors" and less and less of the ones he gets no praise for.

Happy Training,
-Hera Minkove ABCDT

When a dog fears his name. Has your dog ever refused to come when called upon by his name or the “Come” command? There is a reason for this. How many of us are guilty of using Fido’s name when the dog has done something you didn’t like. Or, how about Fido’s name, followed by a command that doesn’t seem fun or interesting? When we say “Fido, come” and then drag our best friend into the bath tub, the next time Fido hears “Fido, Come” he thinks “Yikes bath!!! Run!!” 

Not only is this frustrating for you, but this can also pose a threat to your dog’s health (horse hooves, cars, and many other hazards await our beloved pets outside the comfort of our homes). The “come” command is one of the most important commands your dog will ever learn and it could save his life.

Getting Fido to come. We can start by using proper training equipment: flat buckle collar or head collar combined with a 6 foot leash. Now the best way to call your dog is to say “Come” and always have something he loves (petting, treats, or his favorite toy) to give to him upon his return. However, before he gets the things he loves he should sit in front of you. Only then he gets his reward. This is what I call the “no free lunch policy”. If Fido has already learned to ignore the “Come” command then you can try the command “Fido, Here”.

One way to practice the come command:

1.     The running “Come” game. Bait your hand with a yummy pea sized treat. While your dog is sitting or standing in front of you, let him sniff your baited hand (don’t give him the treat yet). When your dogs nose is attached your hand start backing up. Encourage your dog to keep up and make it fun. If your dog isn’t keeping up with you slow down if you need to. Say “Come” just before he catches your hand. When he does, praise him and give him the treat.

Happy Training.

Hera

This article was originally published in the horse training newsletter of Bernardine Diers.

I will be using this page to share thoughts and stories related to dog ownership and training. Please feel free to bookmark this page or to sign up for a news feed (RSS) below. Note: You'll need an RSS reader, such as the Google Reader to read a news feed in RSS.