The Dog Squad Monthly Bark Report

Volume 5 Issue 8

August 2014

Dog Days of Summer

I hope you are all having a great Summer. Stay cool and keep Fido even cooler.

Remember that our dogs are much more susceptible to heat stroke or hyperthermia than humans. And some breeds are more susceptible than others such as short nosed breeds like pugs, boxers and bulldogs. Dogs can only sweat through their paws and and by panting which is not very efficient. So during hot weather we need to take precautions and monitor our dogs for the effects that heat can have on them. Dogs with moderate heat stroke can recover quickly without complication or lasting medical effects but severe heat stroke can cause organ damage and ongoing medical problems for the life of the dog and in severe cases even death.

Read full article on Summer Safety.

Have a safe and wonderful Summer!

Steve Bettcher, IACP Certified Dog Trainer

The Dog Squad

Training Tips Revisited

This is an article I wrote 3 years ago and think it is worth revisiting.

1. It is easier shape good habits than to change bad ones.

Show your dog what you want him to do by providing proper boundaries and structure. We should not give a dog total freedom until we they have earned the trust. Leaving a puppy or new dog alone in the yard or in house is only inviting trouble. Prevent bad things from happening and you will be shaping good behavior.

2. Train in small steps.

Break down training into small steps. Going slow will get you there faster.

3.Every dog learns at it's own pace.

Some dogs learn some tasks or commands faster than others. All dogs are capable of learning basic obedience commands regardless of how intelligent they are. Even the most intelligent of dogs can have problems learning new things based on their ability to focus and control their excitability. We need to gear our lessons to the dog's ability and temperament.

4. Train Anywhere, Anytime and All the Time.

In order to have a dog that will behave when we want and where we take them we need to train them in multiple settings and be aware that we are always in training mode. Reinforce good habits and eliminate bad behaviors 24/7.

5. Be Positive in your approach and use what motivates your dog to teach whenever possible.

Use a combination of rewards such as touch, praise, treats, and toys to reward your dog but as your dog becomes more proficient only reward genuine effort and achievement. Don't praise and reward behavior that your dog does routinely. Save the big rewards for special achievements or when she learns something new.

6. Be patient, take your time, and keep calm.

Training can sometimes be frustrating but getting angry can create bad behaviors in our dog. If you can't stay positive then hang up the leash for awhile and come back when you have a more positive attitude. To be a successful trainer you need to be confident and clear and you can't do this if you are frustrated and angry with your dog.

7. Don't be tempted to "test" your dog in situations he has not yet fully learned.

Make sure that your dog understands and knows a command before putting him in a situation where he will disobey your command otherwise you will be teaching him to not obey you. A good example is taking a leash off too soon and testing your dog's recall before he is ready. All you are teaching is that he does not have to always come when called.

8.Training is exercise.

Training exercises the dog's brain which is equivalent to physical exercise. Training while walking or running will calm and settle your dog. Include some training in your dog's daily exercise routine.

9. Short successful sessions are more effective than long tiring ones.

If you train too much you can reach a point of diminishing returns. If your dog gets bored with a routine she will start to shut down and stop learning. Know when too much is too much. Always quit your training session on a high note and vary your sessions in terms of time and routine. Keep training sessions up beat and fun and you will get much more from your dog.

10.Go back to basics when things go wrong.

Sometimes dogs have bad days or they will exert their personalities and take liberties with you. Sometimes they just refuse to do what we want them to do. Dogs are not robots and do not perform 100% all the time. When this happens stay positive and assertive and go back to the basics before moving on to something new or more complicated.

Article based on "Training Tips" by Martin Deeley, CDT, Executive Director IACP.

New Nosework Classes Starting August 12th

6 Week Class starting Tuesdays at 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

Limit 4 Dogs

Cost: $225 per dog and handler

Location: San Leandro

The class is open to both beginners and intermediate dogs will be geared to getting dogs and handlers ready for Nose Work competition.

The class is structured for pet dogs but is based on the same training techniques and methods used for police and military sniffer dogs.

For more information and sign-up click on this link: Nosework Class

Private Lessons are also available.

Sign-up

Park Class Schedule August 2014

Lake Temescal Class

Sunday August 10th Lake Temescal

Wednesday August 13th San Leandro Marina

Sunday August 17th Lake Temescal

Wednesday August 27th San Leandro Marina

The Walnut Class has be Cancelled due to lack of interest.

Click Here for Calendar

Mobile Access to Dog Squad Calendar
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You can now access the Class schedule from your mobile device by going to www.dogsquad.biz and clicking on the calendar icon in the upper right side column.

New Dog Squad Blog

I have recently started a Blog. I will be posting training articles and tips, dog information and other dog related stories.

Please visit my Blog at http://dogsquad.biz/blog/

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It's a great way to keep in touch with The Dog Squad community, stay informed about local dog-related news, keep up-dated with training tips, events,new products and fun photos.

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Join the Email Alert list to get up to date information about Park Class Cancellations due to Weather. If you are already on this mailing list and are not receiving Email Alerts go to the bottom of this Newsletter and click on the "Update Profile/Email Address" link. When there check the "Email Alert" Box.