Dogs And Exercise Volume

I just saw another ridiculous "dog trainer" claim that you should exercise your dog 1 to 2 hours every day so your dog will be calm the rest of the time. 

What is with these trainers that think that the goal in dog training is a calm dog? 

It is because they don't know how to otherwise deal with nuisance manners problems in the home. So the solution is to exhaust the dog. 

Exercise should either be in the form of fitness work or actual work the dog was bred to do. Fitness programs should be well considered to avoid repetitive injuries, but increase fitness / strength. Actual work should be suited to the ability of the dog. 

... while at the same time, the dog should be able to recover from the exercise. Otherwise you will break the dog down, and injuries or diseases will follow. 

I have experimented with exercise tolerance from a variety of dogs (and never to an extreme that would have harmed the dogs). Most dogs can't do daily 2 hour exercise programs. Do this for a while and all they will do is sleep afterwards, including on subsequent days, almost all day and night long. Some dogs can't take that much exercise because they will overheat. Some dogs are lethargic by nature and to them all that exercise is like a forced march towards a concentration camp. Some breeds start out with physical limitations, almost to the point of deformities, that cannot do any kind of sustained exercise. All I'm seeking for a pet is to improve their health, give them an enjoyable experience, and to let them expend enough nervous energy so that they are comfortable. I want to see that they recover from exercise within a couple of hours as if they hadn't worked out at all that day, otherwise it is too much for that dog.

With working dogs, assuming you really have such a beast, then they might be able to do more work than this. Even so, any dog can be overtrained, just like a human. You need to know your breed and understand the reasonable period and intensity that dog can tolerate, and build up and stay under that threshold so that they recover. Too much work will result in injuries, either now or over the years. I also do not believe in entering dogs into extreme sports, something similar to an Ironman triathlon, just to gain some kind of award. That is pushing a dog too far to get some worthless award. Dogs will be subjected to physical quests that are unnatural. Working dog teams often rotate dogs during deployment to allow one dog to now rest while the other dog takes over. Many hunters, for example, will bring more than one dog along for a trip, starting with one dog, and then putting that dog up, and bringing out a second dog. 

I do not subscribe to exercise rules of thumb, such as saying every dog should be exercised 1 to 2 hours a day, 7 days a week. Figure out your dog... gradually. Do a lot more research into what is reasonable for a dog like yours from those who do that kind of thing for a living. Don't just take some random internet guru's advice just so he can get more clicks on his Instagram account... at your dog's expense. 

Don't use exercise as a substitute for good dog training and behavior modification, either.

Plan accordingly. 

Dogs And First Aid

I recommend, when traveling, long distance hiking, and at home, having a well stocked K9 first aid kit. For obvious reasons...

I like the Adventure Medical Kits Workin' Dog Medical Kit with QuikClot - Canine Field First Aid Kit with Headlamp, Bandages, Cold Pack, Leash, Instruction Manual & More - Compact Dog Emergency Kit

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Dogs And Bad Advice For Sale

There are a lot of new dog trainers who claim and pretend to be master trainers. This has come about recently as a number of online training programs have appeared on social media. 

Most of these programs are being taught by novices who are pretending to be more than they are. So, they use the terminology incorrectly, make incorrect diagnoses, give out harmful and ridiculous advice, and then train others to do the same. I'm seeing the promotion of concepts that were discredited decades ago as if they are now valid and new. Not a big surprise when you learn that a lot of them have less than 5 years of experience and little demonstrated knowledge of the things they say.

Let the buyer beware.

Plan accordingly. 

Are You On The Way To Being A Good Dog Trainer?

“You can get help from teachers, but you are going to have to learn a lot by yourself, sitting alone in a room.”

— Dr. Seuss (1904-1991) U.S. writer and illustrator 

Dogs And Maps

Before hiking with a dog, and I am referring to serious hikes, you should do a detailed investigation of the terrain maps of the area you are going to traverse. I buy these maps, and a magnifying glass, to go over remote country long before heading out to the trailhead. This is especially important to anticipate the challenges your dog will encounter... 

I like the DeLorme Atlas and Gazetteer maps

** Amazon affiliate map

Dogs And Ball Addiction?

The idea of “ball addiction” is bonkers. There is no such a thing.

Here’s how the theory goes, however. You play fetch with your dog every day. So, whenever your dog is around, your dog now brings you a ball so you will toss it. When you don’t toss the ball, the dog barks, develops anxiety disorders, and OCD. Voilà! Your dog now has a dangerous case of Ball Addiction... (MORE)

Dogs And Satellite Communicators

When you are on a walk or trip with your dog, especially in rural areas that might not have cell phone reception, I recommend having a satellite communication device. 

You CAN get lost. You CAN encounter an emergency. 

I have hiked a lot over the years, with and without a dog. There were times when I knew if an accident happened, I would be in trouble. A lot of that was back when satellite devices didn't exist. I did leave a message with family where I was planning on going and when I was planning on coming back. At least if I didn't return they would have a starting point to begin a search. I also brought a compass, maps, walkie talkies, reflective mirror, lightweight fluorescent orange vest, trail marking tape, etc. But when you need immediate rescue, or you run across someone else that needs help, none of that gear would be sufficient. 

Thus... I recommend buying and carrying one of the new satellite communicators on trips, hikes, and vacations. I think this is essential dog ownership gear... 

I like the Garmin InReach Mini 2

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Should You "Break" A Dog?

I have a new student. Nice pup, but with a few challenges. They signed up for a 2 week "board and train" program, paid the money up front... and decided not to go. They realized the obvious. This program was to "break" the dog... (MORE)

Dogs And Who Is The Problem?

An interesting phenomenon I have noticed for years doing dog training evaluations: 

It isn't unusual that one person in the home is the problem. It isn't the dog, it is that one person stirring up or even unintentionally causing the problem.

There are ways I can test for this, from what people tell me they are doing to “asking” the dog who the problem is. 

Good evaluations are evidence based. I can test assumptions. 

My main webpage photo is of me dressed up as Sherlock Holmes. I am inspired by that fictional character. Here are some of the maxims of Mr. Holmes:

"When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth".

"You see, but you do not observe. The distinction is clear".

"There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact".

"It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important".

"The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes".

"To a great mind, nothing is little".

"It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data".

"I never guess. It is a shocking habit—destructive to the logical faculty".

"You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of trifles".

The problem with a lot of dog trainers is they come in with assumptions about all dogs, and start applying their philosophies on the dog without doing a lot more background work and testing. The dogs get trapped in their remedies and the perps get away with what they have been doing, and the problem will crop up again and again. How many times have I heard someone say that on the first appointment, the dog trainer will show up and start in on correcting the dog right there, leaving the dog trembling and cowering before that first appointment is over... that isn't the way to do it folks. Or the dog is enrolled in their board and train program, not identifying that someone in the home is the problem. Do you want someone to "break" your dog and not address the root causes?

Those poor dogs…

Plan accordingly. 

Dogs And Vlogging

If you plan on doing high quality vlogging with your dog, for social media, you need a very good camera. While you can begin with something as simple as your cell phone, once you decide to go all in, you will need something significantly better.

Sony Alpha FX3 ILME-FX3 | Full-frame Cinema Line Camera

** Amazon affiliate link

Dogs And Shop Vacuums

Having a dog means cleaning up messes, ranging from spot cleaning carpets, to hair (especially after grooming), to spills, to cleaning up broken stuff, and cleaning up messes in your vehicle. I recommend every dog owner have a small shop vacuum with wet and dry pickup abilities. I have always had good results from Craftsman. My current one has to be at least 15 years old, and it is still going strong. 

Here is the vacuum I recommend

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Dog Bites, Who Is At Fault?

There are social media groups dedicated to the idea that all dog bites are the fault of the dog and the owner. Many focus on the breed of dog; guess which ones… 

In other words, the person who was bitten has no responsibility whatsoever in any circumstance. 

More social media garbage that won't prevent more dog bites.

Plan accordingly. 

Dogs And Hiking

I have hiked a LOT with dogs. I have hiked a lot, period. 

I see way too many people on the trails that do not have sufficient water for themselves or their dogs. I have helped hikers with dogs that were in serious distress by giving them some of my water. 

Here is the backpack I recommend for hiking. Always bring more water than you think you might need. Also you need snacks and so does your dog. Some dogs can collapse on a hike (or hunting) when they get low blood sugar or electrolytes. Ask your vet for some recommendations for emergency supplements. 

I like the Camelbak Fourteener

** Amazon affiliate link

Dogs And Emotional Hijacking

Dogs have emotions. So do you. 

When a dog gets upset, or excited, or rude... our interpretation of what is going on can hijack our emotions and cause us to overreact. 

You have a choice in the matter. Humans can control their emotions and responses in ways that dogs can never do. You don't have to let the tachometer go into the red zone. Taking all that out on your dog isn't dog training, and is probably going to result in abuse. Flipping out in a rage or panic isn't dog training. 

Make a note of what is happening, and then afterwards come up with a plan to help your dog the next time. 

Plan accordingly. 

Dog Training Multi-Tool For Field Repairs

Real dog training is more than teaching a dog to Sit for a treat. 

 

Real dog training is a craft. Real dog handling is also a craft. You will find that toys, leashes, collars, crates, cages, and other equipment will require maintenance, modifications and repair in the field.

 

Sometimes a collar needs another hole poked in the leather or webbing to make it fit the dog better. Sometimes a wire cage needs to be bent back into shape. Toys need maintenance to cut off ragged parts. And I can think of many other things I’ve had to do in the field. 

 

That is why I carry a multi-tool when doing outdoors training, and even when hiking with a dog. Sometimes field repairs are a necessity, and you have to make do with what supplies you have. Sometimes you need to address a problem with your dog, such as removing cactus spines or wood splinters from your dog’s foot. You might even need to repair your stuff, such as your backpack. I use my tools all the time.

 

This is the type of Multi-tool I recommend

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Dogs And Calm Submissive Philosophy

As a result of the “dog whisperer” phenomenon, there has been the coalescence of a few online trainers preaching a calm-submissive philosophy of dog training. They might not all use that terminology, but that is how I would describe it.

The essence of the approach is ... (MORE)

Dogs And Grooming Tables

My first dog, Kate, was a Bouvier des Flandres. I learned a lot...

One of the lessons I learned by owning a dog that required very consistent grooming was that it was miserable to brush and comb out the daily mats in the hair of a Bouvier. Nail clipping was also a pain. So was the small scissoring needed to maintain a functional coat between overall grooming by a professional groomer. Sitting on the floor takes forever, is uncomfortable, and the dog comes to hate the entire experience.

I swore I would get a good grooming table if I ever got another dog that required extensive grooming. I want to be able to stand the dog and secure them from jumping off. Just like a pro. I also want to either be able to stand or sit while I am doing the grooming. I want the grooming to be fast and efficient. Like a pro. I want good footing for the dog so they don't slip. I want places to hang brushes, spray bottles, blowing driers, combs, clippers, nail clippers, etc. 

Yeah, I want all of that. I still recommend using professional groomers, but a lot needs to be done between appointments. You will pay a LOT more for a dog that has a coat that is full of burrs and hair knots. If you live far away from a local groomer, then you are the groomer. Learn how to do it correctly for your dog and get all the things. Dogs are not as happy (seriously) when they aren't clean and well groomed. Some long haired dogs suffer when the hair covers their eyes... they become sluggish and you can think they are disobeying when instead they can't see. You need to keep the eyes clear of hair (which isn't always what the dog will look like in photos of show dogs... many show dog cuts are not practical or humane). 

Many of the tables in the lower price range are too unsteady and flimsy. Yes, the heavier ones cost more, but they will be more stable and safer for you and your dog. The better tables are essential for the bigger breeds, but also small dogs will be easier to groom. 

Here is the type I recommend: A Heavy Duty, Hydraulic Pet Grooming Table with the Tool Organizer. 

** Amazon affiliate link

Dogs And Stress Inoculation

The latest fad is the promotion of the idea that you should engage in dosing dogs with stress, and then letting them recover from that stress, and the belief that the relief felt afterwards is beneficial. The assumption is that you can inoculate dogs to be able to handle more and more stress over time. 

The studies being used are rat and mouse studies. Rats and mice are not dogs, and have limited emotional processing compared to higher mammals, such as dogs. Dogs also can't practice the human version of Stoicism, deciding how they are going to view being in stressful or harsh conditions. It is never a good idea to extrapolate from one species to another as if you will get the same results, or that you understand what you are actually saying doing things this way. When I read a rat study, for example, I look for clues that might be useful. But it doesn't give me license to then try that thing on a dog. Further, most scientists know little to nothing about dog behavior, and they don't even try to know. They aren't dog trainers, and don't have the years of experience working with dogs of all ages, types, breed and mixes, and various environments and tasks.

I would not be surprised that one of the justifications will be the citing of the swimming rat studies, where the rats were left to swim for their lives for hours until given a chance to escape. The evaluation of stress wasn't the purpose of the study and wasn't assessed.

Traumatizing a dog in the hopes that it will recover is abusive. Not understanding why some dogs, based upon the 4 classical categories of temperament (choleric, sanguine, melancholic, and phlegmatic) confuses those trying to pick apart the results of over a century of animal experiments. Some are better able to recover vs. others, and it has nothing to do with such stress inoculation attempts. 

Your dog is not an experiment. To do otherwise is unethical. 

Plan accordingly. 

Bulldogs Are Territorial

We rely on the territoriality of our dog breeds. It is what causes your Golden Retriever to bark in the middle of the night when it hears someone prowling around the back yard, and causes the same dog to go and greet your guests when they come in the front door, or to run out an open door to say Hello to the neighbor across the street. Flock guards protect the sheep on the ranch. German Shepherds keep out intruders. Dachshunds warn of all strangers. And Bulldogs guard property against stray dogs. All of that is great when the territoriality fits our expectations and laws. It isn't great when any of the above happens outside out expectations and control. 

Bulldogs are territorial. There are many dog breeds and mixes that are considered bull breeds, or had bulldog as part of their creation. It is important to know the propensities of a breed in order to properly train and manage them. Pit bulls are one of many bulldog breed variants. 

A pit bull, whether pure bred, or a mixed bred version, is going to be territorial regarding other dogs. You need good fences, door protocols, early socialization, and obedience control to do a good job of owning them. If you don't have that in place, then bad things can happen, such as this story from Streamwood, Illinois... allegedly two pit bulls got loose from the owner's property and killed a couple of small neighborhood dogs and injured their owner... 

Mistakes happen. I get that. But even knowing that won't make things better if your dog has hurt other animals or people, being territorial in ways that are not acceptable to society or the law. 

Whatever breed or mix you have, educate yourself about their true tendencies and plan accordingly. 

Dogs And Monsoons

I tend to warn students when I know an Arizona Monsoon is on the way. Many dogs escape the property during monsoons and are never recovered. The dust kicked up, prior to the torrential rains and lightning, carries Valley Fever spores, which are also dangerous to dogs. Lightning is dangerous here, too. I encourage my students to watch the weather radar and to get their dogs outside to potty in advance of their arrival. 

I also cancel lessons when a bad storm arrives. 

Years ago, when I lived in the Seattle area, I had a morning appointment in Newport Hills. It was snowing, but I had made that appointment and I was determined to follow through. Well, as I got closer, the snowfall picked up. I then exited the 405 and headed uphill. More and more snow. Now it was getting dangerous. I didn't think I could make it to their house, and I wasn't sure I could drive back down the hill without sliding off the road into a ravine filled with very big pine trees. 

I called them and cancelled the lesson. I continued up the hill and figured out a set of sideways routes to get out of there and back home. 

After that, I decided to never endanger myself again with bad weather. 

Fast forward about 10 years. I was here in Phoenix, heading east from an appointment in the Surprise, AZ area. The sky behind me, on the 101, was black. In the middle of the day. The sky ahead also looked stormy. Well, I decided to head south on the 51 to cut down to I-10, then past the airport, and then to go home. I was looking at the clouds above me, and they were swirling in a big circle. I had never seen something like that before. There was a motorcycle ahead of me. When I drove into the rain, it came down so hard I couldn't see more than about a car length ahead of me. That was just the beginning.

Then it got worse. It was the heaviest storm I had ever been in. The winds were blowing so hard that the rain was going sideways, and tree branches and everything else was flying past my car. The highway was now inches deep in rainfall. The sound was like nothing I have ever heard before. Was this a tornado? I called a family member, told them what was going on. I wasn't sure I should exit the highway since I didn't know what I would encounter at the bottom of the exit. 

By the time I got to I-10, the ferocity of the storm had lessened considerably. And I got ahead of the storm the further I headed east. 

The next day, there were all the damage reports in the news. People who lived along the 51 had their entire roofs blown off in the storm. Micobursts. 

Monsoons are nothing to mess with here. You see them, hear about them, get your dog inside and wait it out. If there is covered parking, like a cement parking garage, maybe that is a good option if you can't get home with your dog in the car with you. 

Here is what I saw last night. It was a doozy. 

That lower part is the dust cloud; it looked like a giant fist. The clouds above were very turbulent. One minute it was just wind, then I drove into that cloud and everything changed. 

I heard some dogs howling during the storm, probably left outside. Another reason I don't believe in leaving dogs outside in Arizona.