What I call "The Invisible Leash" is a key concept of mine. It could be considered one of the truly fundamental aspects of interacting with a dog.
What is "The Invisible Leash"?
It is actually two things:

1- Consider it to be that bond that you have developed with your dog. Think of it as several "invisible" strings that are wrapped around each other forming a rope like construction. These strings are made up of your on-going interactional history with your dog.
Are you a good leader who is fair and consistent?
Are you spending quality time with your dog?
Do you interact with your dog in a positive manner?
What lessons are you teaching your dog?
Does he/she know your expectations/rules?
Does he/she get enough excersise?
Does he/she receive proper nutrition?
Does he/she receive proper medical attention?

An honest evaluation of these questions will give you the relative strength of this "Invisible leash". A dog will be bound to you through this leash and will act accordingly. Remember, you can always strengthen this leash, and like wise it can be damaged.

2- Our system of training utilizes a remote trainer to gain the dogs attention and help them to focus on us. So this too can be considered an invisible leash of a different kind.

I tell my prospective clients, during my initial demonstration- "You have two decisions to make when hiring a trainer. First, do you feel that you can trust them and the style(s) they utilize. Second, can you see not only the benefit in the style they use, but even more importantly- is it something you will use."
My use of the remote trainer supplements and enhances my training and interaction with my dogs. It is not meant to be used in lieu of or a crutch to a poor relationship with your dog. Proper use of the remote trainer in combination with informative education in dog behavior will make your "Invisible Leash" stronger than it is today.

Fleas- The most common parasite. Infested dogs can suffer from blood loss, itchy skin and can contract tapeworms if untreated.
Symptoms include excessive scratching and hair loss. Care should be taken as some flea remedies are highly toxic.

Ticks- A form of external parasite and can cause paralysis, anemia, and serious diseases such as Lyme disease.

Mites- Tiny insects considered to be external parasites.
Infested dogs are said to have mange.

Ear mites live in the ear canal. Infested dogs will vigorously shake their heads and scratch their ears. They will sometimes moan and/or whimper in discomfort while doing so. Dark colored wax may also be visible.

Scabies- A condition caused by microscopic mites burrowing beneath the skin and is considered an external parasite. Symptoms include intense itching and hair loss, especially in the areas of the ears, elbows, legs and face.
Can effect humans also.

Heartworm- An internal parasite caused by the bite of an infected mosquito. They enter the bloodstream and mature in the dog's heart. Can reach 12" in length. Infected dogs tire easily and suffer from chronic coughing and weight loss. Can be life threatening if untreated.

Hookworm, roundworm, tapeworm- Are internal parasites commonly found in puppies, but can occur in dogs of any age.
Can be detected in the dog's stool and can cause weight loss and occasional diarrhea.

 

 

Definition of A Problem Behavior

·A behavior that an owner deems problematic.

-The same behavior deemed problematic by one dog owner may be completely acceptable to another dog owner.

Clear Understanding of training expectations by everyone in the family is imperative

·All members of the household should have the same expectations and be prepared to follow the treatment plan for each behavior that is being addressed.

·This is critical or the dog will have great difficulty interpreting when a behavior is acceptable and when it is not.


Over the Next Issues we will be going over varying issues using a Treatment Plan as our course of action.  This treatment plan will be broken down into these parts:

·Behaviors like; jumping, digging, chewing etc are all normal dog behaviors.

·These are usually self-rewarding behaviors, which means the dog truly enjoys engaging in them.

·The dog must be taught that an alternate behavior is more rewarding than the "problem" behavior or the dog will choose the problem behavior when given the opportunity.

·It is also critical to discover what the trigger for the "problem" behavior is and desensitize the dog to the item or situation while teaching him an acceptable behavior

Key Idea



- Animal Behavior College