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Happy Thanksgiving!
Sorry for the delay in sending this out. I want to send 2 a month but this month was a little different. I lost one of my dogs-Oreo. You can read more about him in the article below. It takes some time for things to get back to normal after you lose a pet as many of you know. It is one of the hardest parts of life to lose a beloved pet. But I would do it all over again. They bring so much joy, love and happiness. It is way worth it.
On a happier note, the AKC is introducing a new S.T.A.R. Puppy Canine Good Citizen Award for puppies. I am just now learning all about it. I will give you more info but I can tell you it is exciting and fun.
And on a really happy note, the holiday season is near. Everyone is very busy as the holidays quickly approach. Don't let the holiday busyness get in the way of keeping up with your dog's training. Take some time out each day and walk and practice. Then your dog will have good manners for the holidays. Have a great Turkey Day and remember I'm on vacation Nov 24th thru Nov 30th. Emergency behavior calls will be returned as usual within 24 hours whenever possible.
Sincerely,
Lydia McCarthy
Playful Pooches and Parents dog training
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| Remembering Oreo
My teacher, friend and companion 
Oreo and I go way back from when we first got him and he peed all the time in his crate. We found out that his body grew faster than his plumbing parts. He outgrew that or rather grew into it. He developed some aggressive behavior and our vet told us we needed to do something with him right away or he would hurt someone. That was what started me on my path to training and ultimately being a dog trainer/coach. We did tons of training together including traveling to Virginia to a dog training camp. He was my first clicker trained dog, he knew lots of tricks including sneeze, crawl and turn on a tap light. We also took agility training together if you can imagine that. He was the slowest but had the most fun. We had a morning ritual that included a cheer and a mandatory tummy rub. I really miss him.
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Lead or be led
Do you walk your dog or does he walk you? 
Attain leadership on the walk. How? Never let your dog pull you ever. How? There are many ways but first and foremost-don't let him pull you anywhere. Just stop. Don't move till the leash is loose again. These means at first your walks will be herky-jerky but it will really payoff. You won't cover much ground physically but you will cover a lot of ground mentally as pack leader of the walk. Another good idea-turn the opposite direction as soon as he starts to move ahead of you. Again-not much ground but tons in the way of pack leadership.
What if I can't stop or turn my big 100 lbs of fun? There are many harnesses and leashes that will make it much easier. Stay far away from prong or choke chains Refer to my article in this issue for why.
What if Rover wants to sniff or potty? The pack leader leads 75-80% of the time. Have another command to release him to sniff or potty. Then after about 5 minutes-back to walking by you.
The more you walk your dog, the faster he will get it. The more you let him pull, the harder it will be to change his habit.
(next issue: Who protects the den? Who is in control of the door when people enter? ) |
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My Pet Peeves
My Top Ten Reasons I Really Dislike the
Prong/Choke collars
-Most people use them incorrectly
-Most people use them too long-the dog's whole life
-Used incorrectly they can cause psychological, emotional and physical problems
-Can cause dog or people aggression
-Is very old fashioned as was used to train military dogs many, many years ago, since them much research and study has been done and many better, more successful options exist.
-Dogs can grow accustomed to the pain and the owner feels he has to jerk harder
-Dogs on prong/ choke learn that they walk nice on them but off leash or on a regular collar they don't walk without pulling
-Prong collars have been known to break and if you have depended on it, you have nothing if it breaks
- Because it works quickly, or so you think, most people stop training and just depend on the collar to train the dog.
- You are using pain to train, whereas your dog should not receive pain for something that does not come naturally to a dog-walking on a leash. You should be using positive training to take advantage of what does come naturally for a dog-walking with it's Pack Leader-YOU!
(next Pet Peeve-spoiled dogs. This does not mean we can't spoil them but at the right time. Timing is everything)
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| Congrats are in order!
Who now? Most notable Amy and her dog Jesse. They passed the Canine Good Citizen this past Sunday. Amy was doubtful when first starting class but I knew Jesse could do it. It was just a matter of time. The same for Frankie, Bo, Iris and Harley. Very good trys. Next time it will be your turn to shine. I'm sure.
More graduates: Flash the wonder pup-outstanding. Also Champskee and Penny-the big and small. They did great. And Rudy-the future Therapy dog. Bauer-a beautiful yellow lab graduated also with hopes of being a Therapy dog. I think they can do it. And one more-Frankie! She and Mom have come a long, long way in 20 weeks. Canine Good Citizen is just a step away. I'm sure. Speaking of Therapy dogs, Rex, Phoenix and Bella all got certified as Therapy Dogs. Great work!
If I've forgotten anyone, please email me. It has been a hectic last couple weeks. And I want to be sure to mention your great achievement. |
| Please patronize these great businesses:
Anderson Twp Family Pet Center and Chowder's Legacy Boutique
Lots of gift ideas for your pooch or feline. Still time to reserve holiday boarding and grooming spots. Stop in today to talk to their great staff about all your pets needs. Gift Certificates available.
513-231-7387
6666 Clough Pike
Cincinnati, Ohio 45244
Animal Ark Pet Resort
New Small dog Doggie Day care opening Jan 19. Sign up now. Also new Saturday Doggie Day Care starting Dec 6th. Still time to reserve holiday boarding or grooming spots. Gift Certificates available. Call today.
513-825-7387
2150 Struble Rd
Cincinnati, Ohio 45231
Animal House
Specializes in puppies, kittens, aquatics and exotics.Knowledgeable staff can help with everything from purchase to care and more. Full of great gift ideas for all your family members (human and pet). Gift Certificates available.
513-931-6139
7869 Hamilton Av
Cincinnati, Oh 45231
Playful Pooches and Parents dog training
Gift Certificates available.
Phone: 513-939-dogs Cell: 513-503-9703 | |
