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Playful Pooches and Parents Dog Training
The Place for You and Your Dog to Succeed  |
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Views and Inspirations from the Pack Leader
My Vision and Mission statement: Through my training classes, I will coach dogs and their owners to better live together in harmony and balance. |
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| Hi Everyone!
I had so much fun making the last newsletter and it got great reviews, that I just had to do another. In this issue read about more graduations, awards, pack leader pointers and more. Happy Autumn!
Lydia McCarthy
Owner and Dog Training Coach |
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| Even More Graduations and Awards!
We have more dogs and owners who achieved great levels of accomplishment. From our Puppies class we graduated Tucker the wonder dog, Annie the beautiful black poodle, the ever energetic (just ask his mom) Rocky the husky, and Oscar "the star" chihuahua. From our Adults class we graduated Baxter "the love dog" golden retriever, Cooper his ever busy side kick Westie, Sprinkle (I won't lay down) Boston Terrier, and the ever friendly Bella the pug. All deserve a great round of applause for their great work.
Some went even further and earned their Canine Good Citizen Award. Bella, Baxter, Rex and Phoenix worked tirelessly and passed all ten test items. Others have tried and have come so close:Cooper, Sprinkle, Jed and Frankie. And it wasn't for lack of trying. They tried very hard and only missed one item. I'm sure they will pass very soon. Great work everyone! Bella, Rex and Phoenix are going on to Therapy Dog Certification. Best of luck. I know you will make it.
(If somehow I missed your graduation or award, let me know so we can acknowledge you.)
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| Take Leadership: 4 Key Areas
There are 4 key areas that you, as pack leader, need to be in charge of.
1. Who leads the hunt? (who is in control of the walk)
2. Who protects the den? (who in in control of the door when people enter)
3. Who eats first? (who is in control of the food)
4. Who is pack leader when we all come back after a short separation? (who is in control when you come in the door)
These areas are key and the answer always needs to be you-the pack leader. Dogs need a pack leader. If you are not -they will have to be in a role they may not be equipped to handle. In a dog-human household, it always needs to be the human in charge. Each newsletter I will address one of these areas and give you help with attaining pack leadership in that area. |
Pet Peeve 
Just one of them this time
Here's one of my pet peeves. Do not hit, smack, spank or kick your dog. Guess why? Dogs do not communicate that way and do not understand what you mean by it. Pack leaders rule by a glance, or a growl. They lead by body posture and tone of voice. And by decisiveness. Physical punishment harms the relationship with your dog that must be built on trust and respect. If something is not working with your dog, rethink your training and approach another way. Take a break and come back to it another time. Just don't take your frustration out on your dog. He can only learn what you teach him. Be patient. Be fair. Most of all be calm.
(My Pet Peeve for the next issue will be my Top Ten Reasons I REALLY dislike the prong and choke chain collars. Find out why next time.) |
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He likes your treats better! You have the good treats!
I hear this all the time. And why is this? First because I teach 23 classes a week and I have to have something most dogs love across the board. I can't have a dozen different kinds. Second, you have to have something your dog REALLY loves in order to motivate him. If I told you I'd give you a penny to sit in a chair, you may or may not. Probably not. But if I told you I'd give you $50 to sit in a chair, you probably couldn't get there fast enough.
In the dog world there are gold treats, silver treats and bronze treats. Gold treats are really yummy, really smelly and they would do flips for. Bronze treats are plain old milk bones (or their generic equivalent). Silver treats are somewhere in the middle.
In very high distraction, you need to use high value treats. In low distraction you can get by with low value treats. On walks you better be more exciting than spit on the sidewalk. Think pennies versus $50. Think saltine crackers versus loaded potato skins. Be creative and generous. You will be amazed. |
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Animal Ark Pet Resort and Anderson Twp Family Pet Center
Be sure to patronize these two businesses. They have great products, great boarding, great doggie day care, great grooming staff and great, friendly, knowledgeable staff to help you.
Animal Ark Pet Resort 2150 Struble Rd in Colerain Twp 513-825-7387
Anderson Twp Family Pet Center 6666 Clough Pk in Anderson Twp 513-231-7387
***Special Note****Chowder's Legacy Boutique at the Anderson Twp Family Pet Center has Halloween Costumes on SALE now. $10 for most styles and $12 for extra large. Stop in today and see all the fun costumes and all the great pet gifts she has there. You will love it. I do.
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Playful Pooches and Parents Dog Training 
email: playfulpooches@msn.com
website: playfulpoochesandparents.com
phone: 513-939-dogs (3647) cell: 513-503-9703
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