photo of happy dog
Lucky Dog Sports Club in Jupiter
Positive, rewards-based
dog training
 
December 2009
In My Humble Opinion
What is the "Dog Whisperer" actually saying?
 
I have to ask this. When a trainer uses techniques such as kicking and choking to make a dog submit, is that really whispering? To me, that's a loud, punishing shout.  If you watch his shows closely, these are typical techniques that Cesar Milan uses. He has many followers but, as was discussed in a recent newsletter, punishment is a risky way to train a dog. At best it breeds mistrust, and at the worst it increases aggression. 
 
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior has expressed strong disagreement with Milan's methods and has written about their concern "with the recent reemergence of dominance theory and forcing dogs and other animals into submission as a means of preventing and correcting behaviors." Because people see Milan on television, many will believe that he is an expert and therefore his methods should be copied.
 
He says that he is following wolf pack behavior, but in fact Milan uses old science that was discredited by the very researcher that wrote about it to begin with many years ago (David Mech). According to veterinary behaviorist Sophia Yin, "our understanding of dog behavior in relation to wolves, as well as our understanding of dominance and social hierarchies have advanced. Wolf biologists now rarely use the term alpha when referring to pack leaders in the wild. Ethologists have agreed that dominant wolves do not force subordinates into an alpha roll. And studies on the process of domestication and on canine communication are making it ever more clear that a dog is not wolf."
 
Don't want to perpetuate confrontational, aggressive dog training techniques? Don't watch his show, align yourself with positive techniques, and please educate yourself and others.

Read the article, "Critics Challenge 'Dog Whisperer' Methods".

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Click the link at the top to read this newsletter online.
Featured Article
Feuding Fidos.
What To Do When  Your Dogs Don't Get Along.

By Dr. Sophia Yin (Used with permission) 
 
It sounds like a plot from a cheap made-for-TV movie. Two siblings raised together for years. Competition suddenly drives a deadly rift between them. Trapped together under one roof they're forced to fight it out.

No, it's not ripped from the headlines, it's happening in a home near you. It doesn't involve people rather it's a story about their pooches. These dogs fight primarily in their owner's presence.

While most people hope their dogs will get along like best friends, frequently, these fidos fight like archenemies. The typical scenario is that a pup or younger Fido comes into the home and takes a place as second fiddle. He respects older Rover and gives him preferred access to all resources such as toys, attention and treats. But then as pup reaches adolescence or the older addition feels more at home, he wants to cut to the head of the line. So like serious shoppers at a Macy's 12-hour sale, the two dogs rush to grab the toy or to get attention first instead of politely waiting their turn. When neither backs off an altercation involving teeth and skin can ensue.

Owners often wonder if they should let the dogs duke it out to determine who's the dominant one. In the wild this happens but may involve injuries. And when frequent or severe enough one dog often elects to leave. As humans we theoretically occupy the top spot on the totem pole so it's our job to decree that family members are not allowed to fight. And because we have a more developed brain, we can do this without exerting force or using pain.

Click here to read the rest of the article. 
In This Issue (click the title)
Article: Feuding Fidos
Dog Behavior Seminar
Upcoming Classes: Reactive Dogs, Obedience, Agility & Puppy
Agility Fun Runs- scheduled plus veterinary chiropractic
News You Can Use: Dog Events Around Town
Article: Dog Tricks to Train Calm Behavior
Congrats to Cynthia & Beau!
FAQ
Quick Links
 
Directions to Lucky Dog;
 
 
Articles- Training & Behavior;
 
Membership Info- Join the Club and use Lucky Dog on your schedule;
 
Rent Lucky Dog for your dog event; 
 
 
 
Register for Class (print the forms)
Contact Information:
Mindy Cox, Training Director
Phone: 561-427-6700 
Fax: 561-748-3699 
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.luckydogsportsclub.com
Address:
300 S. Central Blvd., Suite B, Jupiter, FL 33458
 
Any suggestions or comments? Please email. I value your feedback.
 
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Join Our Mailing List!

Happy Howliday and Fleas Navidad.
Wishing you a very happy and healthy holiday season! May you have warmth, joy, and lots of great tummy rubs!


Santa Pug

Dog Behavior Seminar
Big dog and kitten
 What Is Your Dog Really Saying?
 Learn The "Secret" Language of Dogs. 


Do you think that you know what your dog is saying? Do you think that you are really in tune with your dog? You might be surprised to learn that your dog is communicating information to you about how they are feeling all the time. When you learn what your dog is really saying, you can start to understand her and deepen your relationship like you never thought was possible!

You will learn how to read your dogs body language and interpret common behaviors. In addition, you will learn how to communicate with your dog through the basics of learning theory. The development of unruly behaviors, aggression, fears and phobias will be discussed. The lecture is packed with pictures and videos. The skills learned in this seminar will help you communicate with, understand and teach your dog more effectively leading to a more trusting and deep relationship. dalmatian

This seminar will also help you begin to have the skills necessary to read other dogs that you, your dog, or your children may come in contact with at friend's or relative's homes, in the park, or on walks.

This seminar is for humans only!

SPEAKER: Dr. Lisa Radosta, Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist. She will have lots of photos and videos to enhance the learning experience and help you understand your dog (and others) in different situations. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn what makes your dog tick. Find better ways to communicate in different situations for a more meaningful relationship with your dog. This seminar has enhanced and additional information and videos from the last time it was presented.

DATE & TIME: Friday, January 15, 2010 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The last half hour is set aside for a Q & A session.

FEE: $45 per person.
There is a 20% discount for participants in the upcoming Reactive Dog class.

A note to Reactive Dog class participants:
 It is strongly recommended by Dr. Radosta that you sign up for this important, informative, and educational seminar. It will be of immense help to you with your dog and allow you to get more out of the Reactive Dog class.

SIGN UP NOW!
Class Schedule
SUMMARY OF UPCOMING CLASSES

For detailed info, descriptions, fees, instructors, and to register, click on class name or go to our Schedule Page.
                                     ............................................................................................

Reactive Dog Class
For dogs that bark, lunge, and growl at other dogs or people.Reactive dog

The next Reactive Dog classes will begin
Wednesday, January 27th.

There will be two classes:
The 1st class is from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
The 2nd class is from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The initial class (week one) is for owners only (no dogs) and will begin at 7:00 p.m. for both groups.

Sign up now to reserve your spot. This special class is only given three times a year. It is taught by Dr. Lisa Radosta, board-certified veterinary behaviorist.

Sign up now for Reactive Dog Class

It is strongly recommended that everyone who signs up for the Reactive Dog class also attend the dog body language seminar, Do You Know What Your Dog is Saying? (see above). It is important to understand the nuances of your dog's body language (and that of other dogs) to become really effective at managing your dog's reactivity issues. Here's a great deal! There is a 20% discount for participants in the upcoming Reactive Dog class.

Sign up now for Dog Behavior Seminar

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Focus Foundation
Obedience, Attention, Focus, and Impulse Control
. Kaya on the a-frame
Focus Foundation is also the prerequisite for Intro to Agility.
This popular class fills quickly so sign up today! (Only 3 spots left.)

Upcoming Class:
Tuesday, December 1st at 6 p.m. Ends January 12, 2010. No class December 29th.

Sign Up
   ...............................................................................................

Ideal Puppy I & Ideal Puppy II
This is an important socialization and training class for puppies 9 to 20 weeks of age. Don't miss out on these important behavioral milestones that will help your pup grow into a more confident, well-adjusted dog. Your dog will only be a puppy once!

Ideal Puppy I and II are each 4 weeks long for a full and wonderful
8 weeks of learning and play. pug pup


UPCOMING:
Ideal Puppy I: Begins Thursday, January 7, 2010 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. Ends January 28th.
Ideal Puppy II: Begins Thursday, February 4, 2010. Ends Feb. 25th

Sign Up
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puppy in tunnel
Puppy Agility Fun!
For puppies 5 to 12 months of age. Your energetic puppy will build his conf
idence as he is introduced to agility concepts and exercises. Plus, we keep working on his obedience skills as well. Channel his energy in productive directions.

UPCOMING:
Tuesday, December 8th at 8:30 p.m. Sign up now if you want this wonderful class to be held. We need a minimum of 5 participants.
 
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Introduction to Agility
Prerequisite- Focus Foundation, similar obedience class, or instructor okay. You know you've always been interested in this super fun sport. Now's  your chance to give it a try.

UPCOMING
Thursday, December 3-17 and January 14-28 at 7:30 p.m. (no class on December 24, 31, and January 7 due to holidays and vacation). There are a few spots left. Hurry.  Class starts soon.

Sign Up

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Advanced/Masters Agility Handling & Skills
For advanced agility dogs that are competing or skilled enough to do so and have graduatedracing out of the tunnel from Intermediate Agility or similar class. Must be proficient in all of the equipment.

UPCOMING CLASS:

Monday, December 21st through January 25, 2010.
6:00 p.m., 7:15 & 8:30 p.m.

Drop ins are accepted into the current class. Please call or email if you are interested in dropping in to participate in class.

Sign Up
Agility Special Events
weaving 
Get in on the action and have some fun!
Sign up now. Send your name, your dog's name,
jump height and breed.
 
2009 DATES
Sunday, November 29th
Sunday, December 20th.
2010 DATES
Sunday, January 17th
Sunday, February 7th
Sunday, March 7th
Sunday, April 4th
(These dates subject to change.)

(These dates subject to change.)
 
TIME: Gates open at 5:00 p.m. and first dog will be ready to run by 5:45 p.m.

CRATING: is indoors in climate-controlled comfort (or outdoors if you prefer).

EXPERIENCE: All levels (novice level class students and up) are welcome to practice this nested course (novice/open and excellent). After everyone runs the first course we will reverse it and run again after walking the new course. The lighting and footing are great. Toys and treats are welcome and encouraged to reward your dog.
 
REGISTRATION: To sign up, email us your name, and your pet's name, breed, jump height, and level (novice or excellent). You must sign up in advance.
More info

Veterinary Chiropractic for your dog
Schedule an appointment for November 29th

Are you interested in setting up an appointment with Dr. Michelle Jobert for a chiropractic exam and adjustment at a Fun Run at Lucky Dog? She is a veterinarian certified in chiropractic and acupuncture. She is scheduled to be at the Fun Run on November 29th. You do not have to sign up to run in order to use her services, but you do have to schedule a treatment in advance. Let me know of your interest and I will set it up for you. Find out more about her practice and what animal chiropractic can do to help your dog.
News You Can Use
 
Bark in the Park
A special event for all dog lovers. Come join the fun! Demonstrations, dog events, children's activities, pet photographs, silent auction, vendor and exhibit area, music.
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
10900 Jack Nicklaus Drive (A1A), North Palm Beach, FL 33408
Sunday, December 6 from noon to 4pm 
Free with Park admission
Lucky Dog will be there with a table and a clicker demo. Come by to say hello!
 
Disc Dogging
The Florida Disc Dog Club is devoted to dog sport enthusiasts and anyone in South Florida who wants to enhance their relationship with their dog through positive training and play.  Freestyle, Canine Disc, Dog Frisbee...whatever you call it...we throw them and they catch them - or at least that's the idea.  Sounds like fun! Check out their website for more information on this Palm Beach County group.

Attention Dog Lovers
AKC is excited to announce the launch of its new mixed breed program - AKC Canine Partners! Mixed-breed owners can now begin enrolling their dogs to receiving special benefits from AKC. More info.

Therapeutic Dog Massage
Certified massage therapist, Stevi Quick, is making appointments to work on your dog. She is located in Jupiter and can help your dog in many ways. Email her.

Florida Agility Trial Schedule
Thanks to Tracey Hanna, here is a comprehensive trial listing, whether you want to compete, watch, or cheer your friends on. Click here.
 
Article
Here's a snippet of another fun article by expert Sophia Yin. 
 
Dog Tricks to Train Calm Behavior
 
You know your dog is the coolest canine on the block. Want your friends and family members to know too? Whether your pooch is 7 weeks or 17 years old, has competition obedience titles or has never had any training at all, he can learn cool tricks and enjoy performing them too. He'll love the structured, fun interaction with you and will get both mental and physical exercise, which can help him behave better overall.
 
Bang! (Lie on your side)
Start with Fido lying down with his belly on the floor. The trick to this trick is training him to turn his head to the side so that he will shift his weight onto one hip. Traditionally people try to put the treat in front of the dogs nose and get him to follow it until he's lying on his side, but many dogs won't follow the lure. So, instead, we just place the treat to the side of his nose just enough so he'll turn his head a little. Once you give him the first treat, see if you can follow with several more before he moves his head back to a different location. This may require holding several treats in the treat hand. Do this 5-10x and then next time hold the treat further to his side so that he turns his head more. With each step, turn his head more. When he's able to turn his hip so that he can lie on his side, then give the treat low enough so that he lays on his side. Give a sequence of treats to keep him on his side. AT first have the
sequence of treats come frequently, then increase the interval between treats so that he learns to stay in that position for longer amounts of time for the same amount of treats.
 
When you get to the point that it's easy to present a treat and have him immediately lie on his side, where he stays, you can start pointing you hand like it's a gun if you're going to make the trick "bang." Next add the cue word. Say "bang" and the immediately follow by forming a gun with your hand and give him the treats once he lies on his side. Once he's on his side give a sequence of treats spaced out as much as you can.
 
To read the entire article, please go to our website.
Brags
 
Kaya on the a-frame Beau earned his ADCh (Agility Dog Champion) title in USDAA on Friday November 20th at Dog On It in Orlando with a pairs leg run with Karen Holik for a first place. He also earned 6 more first places and two seconds and a third place as well. "We are proud and thrilled to be owned by this wonderful sheltie" says Cynthia Kean.  We are proud to have Cynthia as an instructor at Lucky Dog. What a wonderful job by a delightful pair! Congratulations!
 
Please send us brags about your special dog.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
 
Q: Do you have an at-a-glance way to see classes and events?
 
A: You betcha! Our class calendar is now better than ever. If you are a Lucky Dog member organizing your practice times, you can now tell if a class is inside or outside. It is color coded by type of class (such as agility, obedience, puppy). The first class will have START to indicate the beginning. 
 
Q: How do I register for a class or event?

A: Find the class you want on the Schedule page. For events, go to the Events page.
Click the Sign Up button beneath the class description and fill out the registration form.  Or you can call 561-427-6700 and I will sign you up over the phone.

Payment can be cash, check, or credit card.

You can mail your form, email it, drop it off in our secure drop box to the left of our front door, fax it, or you can sign up by phone. Go to our Contact page to find all this info (or find the info in this newsletter in the above right column.
 
Q: What training philosophy do you use?
 
A: We only use positive, reward-based, dog-friendly training methods at Lucky Dog. No jerking, pulling, ear pinching or other aversive methods are used. We introduce the training clicker into many of the classes so your dog has a  quicker and clearer understanding of what you are teaching.
 
Q: Do I need a club membership to take a class?

A: No. Becoming a club member and taking a class are two separate things. But as a member you have access to Lucky Dog and can practice whenever you want (when there is no class scheduled).
 
Q: What are Lucky Dog's hours?
 
A: At this time there are no regular hours when you can drop by, but if you'd like a tour just give us a call and we are happy to accommodate you. Someone is always there when a class or event is scheduled.
 
Q: Do you only do group classes or can I schedule a private lesson?
 
A: We are happy to schedule a private lesson at Lucky Dog. We offer obedience and agility private lessons.