Therapy Dog Training Working With Children

I have spent a considerable amount of time and brainpower regarding the problem of youth violence, especially the so-called school shooters. What is going on here and what can be done to prevent these incidents? And can therapy dog teams play an important role?

First, many troubled kids can be identified at a very young age, even before 4 years old. These kids have trouble coping with the obstacles of life and are on a path to becoming outcasts. They are growing up faster, and are experiencing earlier adolescence.  Frustration, depression, rage and anti-social behaviors begin to be seen, even at a very early age. These kids are not resilient and develop disturbing emotional responses, to people and animals.

Next, the school shooting phenomenon is relatively new. Twenty years ago, these incidents were barely on our radar. The social dynamics of family, peer groups, society, and schools have changed in ways that many of us still are having a hard time grasping. One of the common factors is a troubled family, and missed clues which would predict that a child is going to violently explode.

Lastly, it looks to me, these children are disconnected from healthy real world stimuli. Without prosocial purpose and motivation, they find an antisocial purpose and motivation. They are often secretively buried in their own electronic media. It is common for these kids to be consuming and ruminating on violent and seriously inappropriate content, without proper supervision or care, especially from their parents. They are also detached from school, given insufficient input and responses to their difficulties, and not identified and treated as having serious difficulties including having issues regarding harassment and bullying. And schools have not applied sufficient multidisciplinary resources to having a system in place to identify and treat these students long before they develop into violent offenders.

What can be done about all of this?

I believe in this mechanized world we are creating, kids are losing touch with the real world. They are lost souls, looking for answers and a purpose. Instead of finding those answers in all the healthy places where they should be found, they immerse themselves in a fantasy world of anger, revenge and perversions, and they find their final mission in life is to eventually violently tear it all down.

I also believe that you have to intercept these children very early on. If we want to address these horrific outcomes, we have to identify and lead these children towards a different future at a very young age.

In the short run, as we have seen, government will try to do this with rules and legislation, buildings and police and metal detectors. We see schools being redesigned and rebuilt and hardened to confine these murderers on the day of the attack. We see politicians pushing for innocent citizens to give up their civil rights and freedoms. But what we are not seeing is much in the way of getting to the children before they go down this destructive path. Buildings and rules, gun bans and metal detectors and speech codes aren’t going to stop future incidents. New technologies will allow future school murderers to circumvent all of these efforts, and they will still find ways to commit mass murder (I won’t mention what things might be done, but anyone with any sense can figure out what is probably going to be the next generation of violent methods to accomplish these evil deeds).

In the long run, however, we need to get to these kids upstream, and I’m saying at kindergarten age on up. I think the real battleground is in the grade schools. We might not be able to fix what is going on in their families, or outside the schools, but we can influence what is happening to these kids in school. We can do a better job of identifying and intercepting these troubled kids. We can implement systems to track kids that are socially failing. And we can interject healthy stimuli in their lives to help them find ways to not escape into the dark underworld.

A properly designed and implemented school therapy dog program could play an essential role. Dogs are real and have positive real world impacts on children; cell phones and computers and such are just not adequate substitutes. We all know 100 years ago, when kids were raised with intact families, good friends, fresh air, nature and animals, these violent incidents didn’t happen.

I was a co-founder of a therapy dog program for the Chandler School District in Arizona. I implemented a scale-able program to assist teachers, counselors and administrators in finding and working with grade school children. Dog teams were used in all aspects of the curriculum, from the very first moments children arrived on campus the first day of the school year, to motivating classroom behavior and academics, to counseling with students thaving difficulties in life, especially in the school environment, using properly managed and trained therapy dog teams. We are currently seeking to pilot such a program with a local school district.

Should you wish therapy dog consulting, please contact me.

Dog Training Mistakes

Dog Training Mistakes: Everyone makes handler errors. From novice to expert, everyone makes mistakes… (MORE)

The Pit Bull Debate Is Over

The pit bull debate is over. The bans have failed. Pit bulls have proven to be good family dogs. Untold numbers of innocent dogs killed. How could we have ever let that happen? How did the dog haters get so much power? It must never happen again. 

Dog Training And Conscientiousness

What is probably the most important aspect of dog training that I want all my students to understand? Conscientiousness… (MORE)

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter, everyone!

Dog Training, Animal Welfare, And Taking Credit

If you are committed to a noble cause, you dedicate your life to finding solutions. That is the way of life: you see many needs, one in particular gets your attention, you make a decision, and then you act. Animal welfare can be one of those causes... (MORE)

Dogs: The Foxfire Book

“Many had at least one “plantation dog” whose whole job was to keep the hogs and cows out of the corn… Lots of times cows would push over th’ rail fences and turn th’ whole herd into your corn. Or hogs would slip in. Dogs would gram’im, and he’d squeal like he’d not come back for a year after they turned them loose, and then he’d be back th’ next day… Since cows and hogs were grazed on open range, mountain families often trained “ketch dogs” also. Their job was to help round up the stock when the time came to bring it in for slaughter or sale. And then there were hunting dogs – the pride of many families… Blue ticks, black and tans, and redbones, for example, were popular coon dogs. Plots, curs, and Airedales made fine bear dogs. Feists were used by many for both squirrel and deer, bulldogs for boar, treein’ walkers for fox, beagles for rabbit, and so on… The most important rule was to goa with him on a hunt, stay with him, and get what you were after If he got on a track, treed the animal, and couldn’t find where the coon had gone, the hunter / trainer would point up in the tree, show him, and then shoot it out. Once they got one coon, the dog would see what he was after, and he would be a coon dog for life.”

- The Foxfire Book

Can A Dog Be Made Childproof?

Can a dog be trained to be 100% safe around all children, no matter what the child does around or to the dog? I get these inquires in some form or fashion about once a year... (MORE)

Is Your Dog Any Good?

Is your dog any good at...

Coming when called?
Greeting guests?
Meeting strangers and strange dogs?
Not destroying your home?

If not, why not? Yes, I know training takes time. Training takes money. Training takes effort. We all have limited amounts of resources.

What are your priorities? Do you want to solve this stuff, or keep passing the blame onto the dog? People spend stupid amounts of time and money on hobbies, but often don't spend anything on their dogs, but then complain or are rough on their dogs as a result.

Makes no sense to me.

Dog Training The One Thing

What one thing could you do, starting today, to improve your dog’s behavior? Consider this… (MORE)

Dog Training When Teasing Becomes Aggression

It is never a good idea to tease a dog. Teasing is different than play… (MORE)

Dog Training When...

I find that I often am a better trainer / coach when I'm tired. My work is smoother with the dogs and the people. I had a long day yesterday, and today I was tired all day. However, each lesson went well, each dog and owner got a great lesson. Something to think about.

Another thought: I see too many people in animal rescue get too complacent when working with troubled dogs, and eventually get bitten. Maybe the fatigue goes the other way for them, I don't know. You have to keep your wits about you and trust your gut more when dealing with potentially dangerous dogs. Fatigue can result in a trip to the ER. Just sayin'

Dog Training Breaking Points

Every dog has breaking points, physically and mentally. Thus, it is wise to set limits as to what stimuli your dog has to deal with… (MORE)

Dog Training Turning Points

Life has turning points. These are key events, or milestones, in your life that change you forever. Dogs also have turning points. The question is always whether they will turn out for the good or bad… (MORE)

Therapy Dog

Scooter Pie, one of my students, scored 109 percent on his Pet Partners recertification last week!

Maintaining A Proper Mental Attitude During Your Dog Training Lessons

If you don’t learn and practice the proper mental attitude during your dog training lessons, you will not get the most out of the lessons, nor will you be prepared to use the training in real life situations. Similarly, if you don’t help your dog to learn and practice with the proper mental attitude, your dog will not get the most out of the lessons, and will not be prepared to properly respond to real life situations. Dog training is a lot more than teaching Sit, Down, Come and Heel… (MORE)

Help, My Dog Is Broken!

You are making breakfast. Without looking, your sleeve brushes your plate off the edge of the counter, it falls to the floor, and shatters. For some dogs, after being attacked by another dog, being abused, or having to defend themselves against a human, the dog changes. What was once a social dog is now wary or aggressive to other dogs or people. I’ve seen it many times. What should be done? (MORE)

Should I Get A Second Dog?

I am a big believer in having extras... I don’t just buy one tube of toothpaste, I buy 2. Two milks, two pairs of shoes, etc. You will always find things run smoother in your life if you have extras on hand. I also think it is a good idea, for most people, to have two dogs, here is why… (MORE)

What Is The Difference Between Good and Great Dog Training?

I have three levels of dog training classes: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Most students just do Basic, primarily because they feel this program is sufficient for their needs, and also because that is all that their budget will allow. Here’s more on how I see these classes. There are three common elements of each level… (MORE)

Is It OK To Take A Dog Training Break?

I have 4 students taking a dog training “break”? Here is my view on training breaks… (MORE)

Why Do We Train Our Dogs?

Because you and your dog are not going to learn new skills during an emergency. I play a bit of “What If” with all my students so they can translate what we are doing in class to what they are going to potentially face in the real world. What if the leash came off? What if your dog was attacked by a crazy stranger? What if a child comes up to pet your dog without permission? What if your dog escaped the front door and is running down the street? What if your dog gets lost? I start with training in the home... (MORE) 

Dog Training Exercises

When I first started out training dogs professionally, I used the same exercises that I learned from the classes I took. I then added exercises I learned from others, including those I found in books and videos. However, over time, these changed, and what I do today bears little resemblance to what I did years ago… (MORE)

Dog Training: Believe What You See

A major human behavioral error is believing what isn’t true instead of what is true. I regularly see this in dog training. Here is what I mean…

Most dog owners “know” some things about dog training. They’ve taken a few classes, watched a TV show, gotten advice from their best friend, read a post online, heard something from some authority (veterinarian, animal control officer, rescue volunteer, etc.), or they “grew up” around animals. Unfortunately, a lot of information is wrong.

Even when what they are seeing contradicts what they think they know, they will try to fit the dog to what they “know” rather than seeing what is actually happening with their dog, right before their own eyes.

Case in point… I was working a puppy and an adult dog alongside one another. Suddenly, the adult dog shut down in the middle of the lesson. The owner said she was being stubborn, seeking attention, and spiteful.

In fact, the older dog is still not settled with having this new dog in the home. Some adult dogs aren’t comfortable around puppies, and she is that kind of dog. She isn’t being stubborn. She isn’t seeking attention. She isn’t being spiteful. She was in avoidance, seeking to get away from the situation. She wouldn’t take a treat, ran into the home, wouldn’t come near the other dog.

By misreading the situation, the owner could have done something stupid with the adult dog. Instead, I had to help her understand what was happening, and how to relax and encourage the older dog to feel safe again. After a few minutes, I had the older dog working again, and then we ended the lesson. We will have to work on this over the coming weeks to get things to work out.

Most of what the public gets about dog training is both outdated and wrong. Even so, if they put aside what they “know” and really looked at what their dogs were doing, they could get a better result. However, that isn’t typical human behavior. Thus, people need experienced coaches and teachers, who are good at seeing what is actually going on, to lead them to the right answers and solutions. Unfortunately, many professionals are also trapped by what they think they “know” instead of seeing what is going on. The dogs suffer, and wrong solutions are applied.

Dogs need our understanding. Understanding means using comprehension, perception, and kind, approachable methods to train dogs correctly. My advice? Step back, don’t apply a reflexive response to what your dog is doing. Try to see what is actually happening. And if you can’t do that, find someone to help you figure out what’s going on. Then the right solution will develop.

Dog Training: Flustered?

It is normal to feel flustered when learning something new, or when increasing your skills to the next level. It is also normal for your dog… (MORE)

Dog Training: Skin In The Game

I teach and practice that good dog training requires students to have some skin in the game. That means they have to be involved in, and committed to, the training, and the more difficult the issue, the more I need them to invest in the process.

For example, I received a call the other day about an older dog that isn’t good with cats. It hasn’t been good with cats its entire life. The owner has the dog living with relatives right now, has moved in with her boyfriend, they have 2 cats. One of the cats isn’t good with dogs. So, she is shopping around for a trainer to “socialize” her dog. The problem is much more, and much worse, than this.

I first asked a lot of questions regarding the situation. I need to know who is involved, something about the dogs, the living situation, and what kind of time frame we have to work with.

From the nature of the answers, I recommended a solution. Part of that was explaining the time it was going to take, and the risks that might be involved for the dog, the cats and the owners. An aggressive fight can injure everyone. I also quoted the price. It wasn’t going to be cheap. I let her know that this wasn’t going to be one of those things that can be solved in 3 to 5 lessons, the standard answer given by what I sometimes call, “quick fix trainers.”

She thanked me, and moved on. I don’t expect a return call to set up lessons. I just don’t think she wants to put the necessary skin in the game. The dog will probably end up in a bad situation. She only has a few months to work this out before she either decides to keep the dog or give it away to a shelter (and most likely a certain death sentence).

If an owner wants me to put skin in the game, then they also have to put skin in the game.

Dog Training: The Learning Curve

Dog Training: The Learning Curve: The Learning Curve (LC) is a graphical representation of how learning increases over time. As a general rule, the more experience, knowledge and wisdom you have regarding a specific skill or topic, the greater the learning, and the greater the proficiency you develop over time. The vertical axis of the graph is the amount you have learned. The horizontal axis is the time elapsed. The curve starts at the intersection of the vertical and horizontal axes. The slope of the curve varies over time. The assumption is the steeper the slope, the harder the task is to learn, but also the faster the subject is progressing with the learning. I have many thoughts regarding using the LC concept when it comes to dog training. Here are two, of many, that I teach… (MORE)

Dog Training: New Dog, Old Dog

Right now, I'm training a new dog alongside an old dog I trained years ago. The owners are friends, but this is also business, and they get the same level of service as any student. And homework...

The first issue when getting a new dog is getting the right dog. After another of their dogs died of old age recently, we started this discussion. Since I knew that dog, knew the other dog they had, and knew them, I could give good advice. They started looking for a match, and eventually found a good prospect, paid for the dog, and had it transported to the Phoenix area.

I was there within 2 hours after the pup arrived. My first concern was that the dog had a low stress introduction to the new family, and that he did his first potty in the yard instead of the home. I then spent the afternoon with them, helping introduce him to the resident older dog.

The next day, I returned, spent more time there, and before I left, I wrote up a list of observations and training goals. Top priorities were getting the dog to bond to the family, getting the resident older dog to accept him, getting him house trained, and setting a training schedule.

The resident dog didn't like him at first. He is super friendly with dogs, but she wasn't having any of it. She wasn't the type to attack, but she bared her teeth and snapped at him a few times. We got to work on their relationship right off the bat. On the other hand, he had not been heavily socialized with strangers, so he was very tentative in meeting other people (he accepted the new family immediately). So, we implemented a plan for guests. That has worked out well.

We then began my Basic Obedience I program, plus a Tune Up for the older dog. He came as a "blank slate": a good dog, just didn't really know anything. Didn't know how to walk on a leash, any commands, how to get into a car, and so on. The good thing, he is a very adaptable and gentle dog, so he is moving along quite well with the lessons. He now loads up into the SUV perfectly. He is good in his crate. He now is fine on a leash without balking. He has a beginning understanding of Sit, Down, Heel and Come. We are also working on a number of other skills, such as Drop It, and laying a foundation for swim lessons this coming summer.

We are also beginning the Tune Up for the older dog. She has gotten rusty on her commands, and she needs to obey alongside him, as well. She knows a lot, but her response rates aren't up to my standards, so we are going to fix that. You have to keep a dog tuned up over the years, and if you don't regularly practice the obedience, it can get sluggish. That needs fixing now. She is now accepting of the new dog, but they are not yet playing together. No more snarls, no more avoidance, but I'm waiting for the day they start to play. We will get there.

New dogs added to old dogs is a project. Do it thoughtfully, and it is lots of fun. This dog has added new life to their home, and was a good decision. They are retired, and it isn't good to not have new challenges in your life. This dog is going easily because they involved me from the start, and they have trained with me before. We will do Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Obedience with him, and he will be quite the dog in a year. He is stunning to look at (a totally white Standard Poodle), carries himself well, social, confident, mild mannered, and playful. When we combine that with proper training, he is going to be like "power steering"... easy. Very easy to look at and live with.

Dog Training: What Happens In The Home Doesn’t Stay In The Home

I watch a number of reality TV shows… business rescue shows, for example… The Profit, Bar Rescue, Gordon Ramsay’s 24 Hours to Hell and Back. I also watch Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles and New York. Plus, Hell’s Kitchen, Masterchef and Masterchef Junior. There are parallels between what you see in those TV shows and what I see in dog training… (MORE)

Dog Aggression

This morning, my first lesson of the day was continuing work with a female pit bull that wasn't good with other dogs. We are mostly past that problem now, and putting finishing touches on the training.

The current issues are reactions to seeing stray cats (which are many in their neighborhood) and bicycles/ scoooters/ skateboards.

This dog has come a long way. Today, we passed by several dogs, including some idiot with 2 small dogs on retractable leashes who feeds out the line to let his dogs growl and bark, face to face, at every passing dog. Fortunately, no reaction from my student's dog any more.

Next lesson was cancelled. My student is still sick with something like the flu. The other lesson after was rescheduled. Now I'm killing time until my first afternoon lesson, a doodle puppy starting Basic Obedience. And then my last lesson is another pit bull, which is good with other dogs, but not so with strangers.

Happy Training! Get out there, it is a beautiful day

Do Dogs Get PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)?

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychological disorder generally considered a result of real or perceived threat(s) to life, serious bodily injury, witnessed threat to others, destruction or loss of a home or community. Similarly, dogs can develop PTSD from these same situations. I’ve seen dogs after such events. The jolt, the pain, of experiencing one or more traumas were beyond what the dog was capable of handling. There are some very recognizable behaviors in a dog with PTSD. They can be grouped into two categories: fight or flight. Some examples… (HERE)

Dog Training A Cavachon

I am currently training two Cavachons, which are a cross between a Bichon Frise and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Cavachons are one of the newer "designer dogs". Similar crosses are the "doodles"... Goldendoodles, Schauzerdoodles, Labradoodles, Australian Labradoodles, etc.

One of the main reasons people get these dogs is to get a dog that doesn't shed. I understand the urge! There are a lot of breeds that I really like, such as German Shepherd Dogs, Golden Retrievers, etc... but... they shed. A lot.

A dog's coat is selected because of a function. The coat has a purpose for the function. However, for pet dogs, who are mainly for companionship, there is less need for specialized coat types to deal with the elements. In a home, the excess hair, the shedding type of coat, isn't necessary or desired for most people, thus the rise of these designer dogs. People want a pet with many of the desired traits of the traditional pure breds, but the public wants dogs that are easier to care for in the home.

The tradeoff, however, is a dog that requires grooming, which is an expense that not everyone can afford. You might ask why they don't just adopt a short haired dog. It is partly because many people like the look of a fluffy "doodle" type dog. The other is because lifestyles don't always work out for a short haired dog, such as climate. Short haired dogs don't have as much "insulation" as longer haired dogs. I remember years ago... my Doberman shivering in the fall when I lived in Seattle. Winter was a hardship for him. I was assured by the breeder they would be fine in the cool Northwest climate. Not so. I learned, the hard way, that a short haired dog needed more protection than a longer haired dog. Living in the Phoenix area now, a short haired dog is much more feasible, such as getting a pit bull or Chihuahua. But, since I like to hike, I prefer a dog that has a coat for those cold mornings in the mountains, and to protect the dog from the burrs and needles that are part of the Southwest. It is desirable to have a longer coat to protect a dog if you are an outdoors person. You'd much rather have to brush burrs from your dog's coat rather than treating scrapes and cuts on a short haired dog.

So, back to the Cavachons. They are sweet small dogs, having the soft natured traits of their parent breeds. Expect the need to be more diligent in the house training. Be educated in how to work with sensitive dogs, because any training that is harsh will cow these dogs. They need a family life, they are gently social with their family, and are good with the kids. Also, set expectations higher for the amount of obedience training required. Many people never train their small dogs, so they pee and poop everywhere, and won't obey commands if they get loose in public. These are trainable dogs, and to get the most out of them, or any small dog: train them! Train them well, put in the time and investment early, so you get years of enjoyment.

I like these pups. They are very sweet and gentle. We are doing 3 lessons a week, and we started the lessons early on, at 10 weeks of age. I'll see them again on Wednesday, and I'm looking forward to it.

Happy Training!

Don't Quit Dog Training

Are you about to give up on your dog? Why?

Dog training works. Get a good trainer, do your homework, dig in and work it out.

That is today's advice

Friday Humor

Dog Rescue Donations

Over the years, I have regularly donated my services, money and dog supplies to dog rescue efforts. Animal rescue typically operates at a loss, or break even, thus relying on donations to do their services...

Right now, I have a student that has some extra dog food she wants given away. I've located a rescue organization that can use the food, so I'll be picking it up this week and delivering it.

There are many ways you can help out, too. Look around, see what you or your business might donate, and find reputable animal rescue organizations that need help. It's as simple as that!

Dog Training Rescue Friends

Most of my friends are in some capacity involved in dog rescue. Today, I went to breakfast with a long time friend who got me actively involved in dog rescue almost 2 decades ago. She lives in Seattle, and was in Phoenix for a few days, so we were able to spend some time together this morning...

I first met her at the annual Seattle Kennel Club dog show at the Seattle Center. She bred Mastiffs, and as the dog I had then was becoming a senior, I spoke to her about the breed. Her dogs were well mannered, looked great, did well in crowds and around all that chaos.

Later, at some point, I can't remember how, she hired me to train one of her dogs. From there, we became friends, she saw I was interested in rescue, and she was already heavily involved, and things went from there. We rescued a lot of dogs, and we became good friends.

I have met a lot of quality people along the way. Parallel with the dog training I do, I have also donated countless hours working to rescue dogs. My contribution has been to offer my training and behavioral services to them for free.

As I look back on the beginning of all of this, rescue volunteering started with me looking for a new dog. You never know what the future will bring you. You just do life and opportunities to make a difference come along. You also will meet a lot of good people in the journey, and some will be on your same path.

Dog Training Scammers

I've been around dog training for a long time. I've seen a lot of things, met a lot of dogs, trained a lot of people. There is one type of person that I have come to understand very well... the dog training scammer...

These are they types that call me to an appointment, then say that they are not yet ready to start training but have a few more questions. OK...

How would you do this? How would you train my dog to do that? And so on.

They aren't interviewing me, they are looking to get free training. They are scammers. They never end up hiring me.

I think there are people out there that are brought up to be thieves. Somehow in their upbringing, they are taught that it is OK to steal, to scam people. It is actually a very strange phenomenon if you are someone who never steals.

Anyway, no harm no foul. I had one of these a few days ago, spotted it right away, and got out of there after a minimal amount of minutes. In the old days, I would try to get the appointment, thinking they were real students. But, it didn't take long to figure out the game. And it is a game. You can see it in their questions, their faces, everything. It is a scam.

If anything, I feel sorry for the dog that won't get trained. And I am not happy that my time was wasted on them instead of someone who really cared more about their dog than saving a few bucks.

Dog Training And Feelings

I train a lot of dogs. I see a lot of dogs. Every once in a while, however, I come across a dog that I know would be “mine” if I was looking for a new dog…

I think dogs and owners select each other. You somehow connect with a dog, and the dog with you, and it just works. I can’t explain it all that well, but you know what I’m talking about if it has ever happened.

In your gut, you know that would be the perfect dog for you. Of course, when I’m training dogs for my students, I’m not actually looking to take their dog from them. It is just that I get a connection every once in a while with a dog, and I know that dog would be a great dog for me if I was looking to adopt a dog.

I think when you are looking to get a dog, you’ll also get that gut feeling when it is right. When all the traits line up, but also that special feeling inside is there, that is the dog. Get that one. That is the Pearl of Great Price.

Dog Training Enthusiasm

I love seeing motivated students. They get the most out of their dog training lessons: lessons are scheduled; appointments are kept; homework is diligently applied; supplies are obtained; attitude is excellent. Sometimes I see students who try to get ahead of the homework. That is usually a mistake. Proper technique has to go hand-in-hand with enthusiasm to get the best results…

I saw this yesterday. We are early into the lessons. They were trying to do more than we have worked on so far, and it wasn’t working. Fortunately, I don’t teach harsh methods, so the things they tried produced no harm. That could be, however, a disaster if working with a trainer who uses harsh methods. I see this sometimes with people who work with dog trainers who specialize in using electric collars. These homemade approaches make things worse, and we have to fix what they have damaged.

In my lesson yesterday, I showed them the proper techniques, worked on them together, and now the dogs are doing more than they were the previous day… correctly. The owner was surprised how easy it was for me, and when they started doing it correctly, it started working for them, as well.

Enthusiasm is great energy. It just has to be channeled properly.

Dog Training A Chow Chow

I’m currently training a 3 year old rescued male Chow Chow. When I first met him, he first came and checked me out in the yard, no aggression, just sniffed me, and then went away. I then went inside the home and went over his training goal and the dog’s history. We then went to work.

First issue was that the dog was quite dirty. But he didn’t want to be brushed or bathed. Chow Chows will bite people they don’t know and trust. I needed to get the dog to trust and bond to his new owner. Next issue was getting a leash and collar on the dog. He didn’t want that, either.

We are now several lessons into this dog, and things are turning out well. The dog will now allow the owner to brush and handle him. We can get a leash and collar on him. He is a happy dog, smiling all the time, comes up to give you kisses on your hands, and a happy tail when you interact with him. We are also working on Basic Obedience. He has been introduced to Heel, Sit, Down, and Come.

In order to get the best results from a Chow Chow, you have to gain their trust and affection. Everything else flows from there. We are well on our way. I like this dog, and I like the owner. They are a good match. I have a game plan for them, and it is all going quite well. Today we had a great lesson, and I see them again this weekend. I’m looking forward to it!

Happy Training!

Dog Training Husbands and Wives

A few years ago, I was hired to help with a male Vizsla that was fearful of strangers. When I first evaluated the dog, yes, he would react when he saw someone he didn’t know. His defensive zone was approximately 30 yards. Within that zone, he would start barking. The dog was also afraid of the husband, and would bark at him in the home. What was the cause? Let me explain…

Dog Training On Dangerous Turf

I train dogs throughout Maricopa County. I have been in most neighborhoods and train all types of dogs. Yesterday, I had and evaluation and lesson set up for an aggressive pit bull near Sky Harbor airport. Not a safe dog. Not a safe neighborhood. Lots of people wish they had my job, but they are not aware of some of the situations I encounter. In this case, the owner’s mom said she was afraid of her son’s dog, and proceeded to set up an evaluation and lessons...

My Yorkie Needs Training

I have trained many small dogs throughout my career. One of my favorites are the Yorkies. “Yorkies”, or more properly, Yorkshire Terriers, are enjoyable small intelligent companions.

My first impression of a dog is always whether it is fearful or social. Most Yorkies I have encountered have been social, right from the start, especially if I sit down at a sofa. Immediately, they are coming over to me, climbing up on my lap, getting their noses near my face, and boom… I get a few, or a lot of kisses. They will then go about their business, yet come back several times to engage me.

In almost all cases, the first issue that comes up is house training. Most Yorkies are pottying in the home when I meet them. These are smart little doggies that just need some proper guidance, and the owners need a solid potty training program, to sort this out. It takes a bit of effort, but if the owners are diligent in implementing the program I give them, we stop the accidents in the home.

The second issue is, of course, obedience. Surprisingly, most tiny dog owners don’t do a lot of obedience training with their dogs. Yorkies are highly trainable dogs, being able to work up to advanced obedience, if you just put in the time. Some of the problem is that the owners don’t have very high expectations of their dogs. I think they figure obedience is for big dogs, and they expect their little dogs to not listen to them.

A trained dog is a happy dog. A trained dog is a joy to live with. A trained dog is a safe dog, because you can call them back if they get away from you. The owners that decide to finish the training are much better off than the ones that only dabble in the training.

At first, Yorkies are going to be like most terriers, distracted with everything around them… the blowing leaf, that man over there, a dog walking by, scents on the ground, and such. Maybe owners just figure that their dogs are not trainable when they see this, and don’t realize the positive effects that proper obedience training will have on their dogs. With a proper program, and full follow through on the part of the owner, these dogs can be peppy and obedient companions.

I like Yorkies. Super nice dogs. I like training them, and every owner I have met has been a very nice and caring person for their dog. I did a house training lesson for a Yorkie yesterday. We are going to do his first obedience lesson in 2 weeks. I hope we get to finish the entire program together. He is a very funny, intelligent, social dog.

Training Happens

Learning happens all the time. Your body and brain learn every moment you are alive. Every experience modifies us. The same is true of your dog. Learning is much more than Sit, Down, Come and Heel. Your dog’s entire body is learning all the time. Your dog is affected by its sleep, exercise, nutrition, levels of stress, environment, past learning and experiences, lessons, interactions with other animals and people, weather, and so on...

Today’s Project – PATCHES Animal Shelter Proposal

For the past 5 years, I have been working to turn Phoenix, including Maricopa County, into a no kill community. Our town kills thousands of adoptable cats and dogs every year because of our terrible rescue system. I set out to change that in 2013, and continue to pursue change. I started talking about this with rescue friends. Others have had similar ideas, but they needed to be coordinated into a working group.

The first meeting, we were sitting at an outside restaurant table at Tempe Marketplace, discussing this as a concept. That led to numerous private meetings at libraries to dissect the problem and to gather information. Citizens Animal Welfare Society was established in 2015 to attempt to privatize Maricopa County Animal Care and Control. That project has melded into the PATCHES Project, a shared workspace/ shelter project to take in the overflow animals of the County and to support all the good animal rescue organizations in our community.

This afternoon, we have a meeting with our development team. We are preparing to build and operate our own private animal shelter, called PATCHES. You can learn more about it by going to PatchesAZ.org. We have assembled a fine team of professionals. We are here to help. PATCHES is not an adversarial organization. It is here to open several private non-profit shelters throughout Maricopa County.

Many fine people have come and gone along the way. Lives change, people have other ideas, relationships change. What hasn’t changed is that innocent adoptable pets are being killed. That still is my passion, and the passion of our team.

Dog Training vs Practice

Most people don’t know the difference between dog training, and practice. Training is what you do with me, practice is what I want you to work on from that lesson.

Today's Lesson - Separation Anxiety

I'm heading out to do a lesson for a 1 year old pit bull with bad separation anxiety. The family can't leave the dog alone at home, can't leave him in a crate, either. He is destructive, and will chew and destroy his way out of a crate. They have tried CBD oil, but that isn't a solution. He needs behavior modification.

I'm very familiar with this kind of dog issue. Drugs, without behavior work, are a waste. They won't solve the problem. That's where I come in...

Happy New Year!!

I recommend setting training and socialization goals for each of your dogs for 2019.

First, it is time to clean up any behavioral and emotional issues. Afraid of fireworks? Fearful of strangers? Reactive to other dogs? Separation anxiety? Jumping on guests?

Second, if your dog hasn't completed Basic Obedience, then let's get that accomplished in 2019. If you've already done that, then consider Intermediate Obedience. After that, how about Advanced Obedience.

Third, how about other things that can use work... such as... teaching your dog to swim. Getting your dog ready for hiking. Getting your dog ready for your vacation.

Lastly, maybe it is time to consider training your dog to be a therapy dog. Your dog is social with people and other animals? That is the foundation, and we'll work from there.

You can have a lot more enjoyment... and so can your dog... if you plan on it being that way in 2019!

Dog Training Tip: Negative Self Talk

I see it all the time. When I coach students, from beginners to advanced, they engage in negative self talk as they work with their dogs. These personal put downs don’t help their training, instead they are roadblocks to better results. In some cases, the negative self talk is an indicator that the student is about to quit the training and to quit on their dog. Dog training isn’t just about training the dogs, it is also about training the people. If the handler’s head isn’t on straight, then the training isn’t going to work out over time...

It’s Not You, It’s The Dog

When you train enough dogs… you learn a lot about human behavior, both bad and good. One interesting phenomenon is the Blame Game. Here’s an example of how that works.

A retired couple decides to get a puppy. They are used to living with adult dogs, and it’s been years since they had a puppy. They are used to the old dogs they had previously puttering around the home, low maintenance, easy affection, low drives, running on automatic. Things have changed in their lives over the years. They also find themselves puttering around the home, living a low maintenance lifestyle, easy affection from family and friends, low drives, running life on automatic.

Now, along comes this energetic puppy. At first, they figure the puppy will just go along and get along. So, no planning went into this adoption or purchase. They didn’t count the cost in advance, didn’t think this through. First problem: peeing and pooping in the home. Next problem: jumping and biting and chewing. Their response often is to react, not train the puppy. I’ve seen a lot of puppies that have been hit by retired folks. Hitting isn’t training, it is abusive. But, they don’t see it that way at this point. They think they are training the puppy, yet behaviors keep getting worse. In some cases, the puppy mouthing becomes true aggression as the owners hit the dog more and more.

Then, they often start arguing among themselves. Maybe the husband wanted the puppy, but the wife didn’t. The Blame Game starts.

They blame the untrained dog for not being trained. They blame each other for the dog situation, and start arguing. The extended family gets involved, and starts blaming the dog, their parents/ grandparents. Hurt feelings begin to develop.

After enough “do it yourself” attempts to train the puppy, they decide to get professional help. This is where I am asked to step in. I’ve seen this situation a million times… “If we can’t get this fixed, then we will have to get rid of the dog”, is the typical thing I’m told.

This is now the fork in the road. Some go one way, others go the other way.

The first way is that they hire me, I start lessons, but I soon find out they are just letting it go in one ear and out the other. Each time I come back, there are excuses for why they didn’t do any of the lessons. Or they have forgotten what I told them, lost their notes, didn’t get the required supplies, and so on. They will start to insinuate that it is now my fault that the dog isn’t getting better. The Blame Game is still going on, but now I’m also one of the the lightning rods. They always find something or someone else to blame. I try to gently but clearly encourage them, at first, to do the lessons, because that will solve the issues. I know, because I do this every day. But, soon, if they aren’t doing anything, just giving lip service to the training, and still blaming the dog and everyone else, I need to ask them if they are truly committed to training the dog. They will, at first, say they are, or will try 40 different ways of avoiding answering the question. I know where this is going, soon I will be told they are giving up on the dog. It is the dog’s fault. And they are too old, too busy, wanted a different lifestyle, the wife didn’t want a dog in the first place, the extended family has talked them out of it, and so on. So they get rid of the dog, now with behavioral problems they created, and I never hear from them again.

The second way is that they hire me, I start lessons, they do the homework, and in a relatively short period of time, the problems melt away. These folks often do full obedience work with the dog. They aren’t any younger than this other couple. Don’t have more time. Don’t have more money. Don’t have fewer age related health issues. They just have one different thing: they don’t do the Blame Game. They don’t blame the dog. They don’t blame me. They made the decision to train the dog, and not fool around. They get in there and do what needs to be done. They keep their scheduled appointments. Pay in advance. Every time I show up, I can tell they have been working with the dog. They take notes. They are ready for the lesson when I arrive. The puppy turns out perfectly into a well behaved adult, and all is well. In this case, they knew it was them, not the dog, that needed help, and that leads to success.

In the other case, it is them, not the dog... they just don't want to admit it.

I see variations of this kind of thing, not just with retired couples. I see this with young folks, who neglect their puppies for the first couple of years, and then the adult dog becomes dangerously aggressive. I’ve seen young folks who got a dog, locked it in their room for 2 years, and then the dog got to the point it wasn’t safe to be around any strangers. They had time to go out with their friends, just no time for the dog. Yet, other young people, college age, don’t neglect their dogs, do socialize them, do the training, and such, and their dogs turn out perfectly. In the first case, it is them, not the dog. In the successful case, they didn’t blame the dog, or do stupid training, they got in there and did what needed to be done. They accepted it was them, not the dog.

So, if you see someone say it isn’t them, it is the dog… you know the real answer. It’s them. Not the dog.

Pets Now Recognized Part Of Family For Domestic Violence Victims

"Last week a federal judge recognized pets as part of the family for domestic violence victims, by passing the Pets and Women Safety Act as a component of the Farm Bill."

This is good news. People often won't leave their abuser if they can't take their pets. The pet is held hostage, abused or killed by the abuser as another way of punishing and controlling the victim. 

Dog Training: Separation Anxiety

Yesterday's interesting lesson was for a lab with separation anxiety. In most of these cases, the dog has other issues that are related. It is a medley of issues all revolving around fear or worry. I go after all of them, because if I only dealt with the separation anxiety, it wouldn't get resolved.

Electric Collar Training On Fearful Dog

I received a call the other day from a rescue volunteer about a fearful dog that was subjected to an electric collar. It didn't work to fix the barking. It didn't work to make the dog not react to strangers.

How can an electric collar make a dog not fearful? It can't. I will volunteer to help this dog once they find a new foster home. But the "training" will have made the situation worse.

Just don't do it again, m'kay?

Today's Lesson

Started the day training a 6 month old Standard Poodle; he arrived here last Sunday. First lesson for him. He's a super smart dog, very calm demeanor, but hasn't had any formal training. First objectives... 1.) Up/ Off... we need to get him to load into a vehicle because he is going to be too big to pick up; 2.) Walking on a Leash... he has no idea what to do when a leash is on, and so to prevent him from panicking, we have to gently get him to understand it; 3.) Kennel Up... he doesn't like his crate, and is displaying a bit of separation anxiety when the owner is gone. Need to get him to like it and be calm. 4.) Need to get him on a feeding schedule. The breeder had him free feeding, but that leads to issues regarding house training; 5.) House Training... no accidents in the home yet. Need to get him on a schedule, and to potty on command. Plus, gave the owners a shopping list of items needed for his training and care. There are other objectives and needs, which will get addressed along the way.

Every lesson is customized. This was what he needed today. I'll see him again on Sunday

Merry Christmas

Dog Returned To Rescue In Horrible Condition

"Dog returned to Denver-area rescue group with ribs showing, hair missing"

I wonder why the dog owner wasn't charged with animal neglect. We don't get enough details in this article to know. I do know that in many communities, animal crimes are swept under the rug... prosecutors won't prosecute.

Monday Humor

Javalina and Dogs

I had a visitor during one of my dog training lessons yesterday. If there is one, there are many nearby. They will attack dogs, they see them as a threat. So, we moved to another location... Note the raised hairs on his neck... he was aware of me (I was about 30 yards away).

Officer Demoted For Dropping K-9 Off At Animal Shelter.

"A Jackson (MS) police officer has been demoted after dropping his K-9 off at a local animal shelter."

I truly think this was a dishonorable and negligent thing to do. I have a great deal of respect for law enforcement. It is one of the toughest jobs out there. One of the difficulties is having to be a role model to the public for lawful, decent, moral behavior. I don't know how anyone could think that abandoning a retired service dog at an animal shelter would be considered a good thing.

As a citizen, I expect more from our police officers.

Animal shelters, at best, are still not a great place for any pet. Often, pets are killed for lack of space. Older dogs are especially vulnerable. This dog didn't deserve a potential death sentence. Even the Jackson Police Department didn't think it was right...

"“The Jackson Police Department respects and holds our canines with high regard just as we do any other officer within our department... They are family, and we do not feel they deserve anything less than a loving home in retirement.” The department has “immediately implemented protocol which requires quarterly welfare checks for all canines, both active duty and retired.”

Man Shoots Dog As He Hops Fences Running From Police

I have said this numerous times... a guard dog is now obsolete. We don't know if the dog in this yard was guarding the owner's property, but it was no defense against an armed attacker.

"When officers got to the area of Comanche and San Mateo, they say the suspect ran off into the nearby neighborhood and that the suspect began hopping fences into the backyards of multiple homes. APD says as officers were setting up a perimeter to contain the suspect, officers heard the sound of gunshots. Police say the first shots came from the suspect as he shot and killed a dog in someone's backyard."

My heart aches for the dog and its owner. So very sad

You Reap What You Sow

If you allow your children to tease and threaten your dog, your dog will eventually attack your children. You will then get what you deserve... and the victims will be the children and your dog.

How many child dog bite cases are a result of this kind of behavior? We will never know. But it is probably a lot more than we will ever find out.

Man Shoots Dog For Peeing In His Yard

Today, we see a horrific story of a dog that was shot and killed for peeing in someone's yard.

First, let's talk about using a gun to shoot a dog in a circumstance like this. Your only legal way of using a gun is to first, do it legally. As a general rule, you can only use a gun to defend your life. You can't use it to defend property, such as your lawn.

I recommend watching this legal opinion: THE GUN LAWYER: Defending your Pets with a Gun (VIDEO)

Reading the article... what do we see here?

He shot and killed a Chihuahua with a rifle. What has he been charged with? "Deputies searched Ramos' home and found AR-15 and AK-47 rifles that are banned in California. Ramos also faces charges of possession of banned assault weapons and negligent discharge of a firearm."

What should be the punishment? Love to hear your suggestions

New Puppies

It's that time of the year. I have friends getting a puppy in a week. I have numerous students getting puppies over the next few weeks.

I got a Christmas puppy once. The experience was a total joy for me... and the entire family. Plus, we all had time to get to know him.

Some say that we shouldn't promote puppy adoptions right now. However, many great dogs get overlooked at the shelters and are put down because of overcrowding. This is EXACTLY the time to consider getting a puppy! Go do it. Adopt, save a life, make a home!

Visualization For Successful Dog Ownership

In order to have the best outcome for your dog's training, I recommend setting some future goals and creating some mental imagery of what that future will look like. Without a dream, then how can that dream come true?

Three years ago, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. These days, my health isn't the same as it used to be. I'm more tired. My feet hurt all the time. I get weird autonomic reflexes from time to time, and phantom pains. Contrast this to the way I was most of my life... I was someone who hadn't seen a doctor since I was in my mid teens. I could work all day and into the night, day after day. I felt great all the time, in shape, no injuries, great cardio, strong... you name it. This new situation has developed into a journey, a quest, to get back to what I know is my normal healthy self. I have goals of how I would like to feel, things I would like to do again, places I would like to visit, shoes I would like to wear, and a sense of inner peace about my health.

The visualization, that mental imagery, came in handy on Friday at the gym. I go to work out, but also it is ongoing physical therapy. But, I didn't feel like it that day. I was tired, a bit cranky.

I went anyway. I did every repetition, every minute, full intensity. I never let myself quit (if the instructor says 100 repetitions, I would never do 99... doing that would make me a quitter, and once you quit, it is easier to quit a second time, and a third, and so on). I'm there to get well and to stay as healthy as possible. My goals are stronger than my current situation. My doctor likes me as a patient... I do it all, he knows my goal is to be healed, not just to tolerate this mess.

Responsible dog ownership, and having a well trained dog, work the same way. I recommend first getting a vision of how you'd like your dog ownership experience to develop and turn out. Find meaningful life goals. What are your days and nights going to be like? Is your dog going to be fit and healthy? Plan on taking your dog to work? Plan on taking your dog on vacations? How about doing therapy dog work, or is this dog going to be your emotional support dog? What is this dog going to be like with strangers, friends, family, other pets, and other animals? What are the minimum standards you want in terms of obedience? I think it is very important to set these goals.

Those goals, visualizations, that imagery will cause you to not quit on your dog. It will give you that energy to see through all the training to have a well mannered, safe, controllable, obedient, and loving dog.

I have seen, and worked with, some people who put in a half baked effort training and living with their dogs. It's kind of like eating lukewarm soup, stale bread, or wilted vegetables. Not so great. It's like taking something that should have been wonderful, and then neglecting it, and then settling for less. I just don't see the point. You know, puppies start out has happy fun loving bundles of fur. Then, either the people build on that, or they wreck their dogs. Shelters are fed up with neglectful dog owners who dump their dogs because they were quitters, losers. The happy dog might instead now be a bag of ribs, maybe have some scars, have some emotional traumas, very little training... and someone has to come in and save that pup and try to patch up these emotional, training and health wounds.

Successful dog owners start with a vision of successful dog ownership. I ask new puppy owners what they envision, and the good ones already have an idea of what they want. That's why they have already hired me, are ready to write the check, and have their calendars open so we can schedule the lessons out into the coming weeks. I know pretty quickly, from the first appointment, the dogs that are going to turn out the best. It is always with these types of visionary people. They get it. They love dogs and they love their new dog.

This is also true when dealing with dogs with, sometimes severe, behavioral issues. I'm thinking right now of a couple of dog aggressive pit bulls I'm working with. The owners are motivated, we are almost to the end of the programs they signed up for, and these dogs are no longer reacting to strange dogs in public. The owners knew what they wanted, visualized the end they wanted, and it made them dig in and do all the homework. Visualization is one of the secret tools for turning around difficult dog problems. Just having a set of exercises, or enrolling in some program, isn't enough. There has to be the follow through, especially when you start out with a dog with a lot of problems.

So, your homework, today, is to set those goals, visualize the future you want for your dog. Then, if we work together, let's set a plan to get there. It might not happen tomorrow, and for severe cases, might not happen for months or even over a year, but most likely you will get there. That's what I want for you, what I visualize for you and your dog.

"See" you soon!

Christmas Dog Training

I had this thought today: How many dog owners need some quick training tips to deal with Christmas, which is only a couple of weeks away?

First, there are the Christmas puppy tips. Lots of people get puppies at this time of the year. I have friends that just informed me yesterday, that a new puppy is on the way! That was quite unexpected. And I have a new student which will begin lessons in a week, in anticipation of a new puppy which will arrive on January 3rd. Getting on the training early is a good idea. Often, new pets get a lot of personal time with their families these next couple of weeks, before everything gets back to normal after New Years. Proper training, invested now, pays off when things get busy and everyone gets back to work and school. This is especially true regarding puppy training, such as house training.

Second, we have the issue of people coming over to visit, and the potential for misbehavior, or even aggression, if the visitors do something inappropriate with the dog. There is still time to deal with these things. We can get on the jumping, running out the door, dropping things on command, house training, and so forth.

Christmas dog training is a good idea for a lot of dogs. It is a good investment, and the timing is often perfect to address many issues.

If you are interested, then obviously, call or text me to set up a time and date.

Dog Behavior Expert Witness

I recently testified in a dog bite case as a dog behaviorist expert witness. This case culminated in a 3 hour deposition and 3 hours of videotaped testimony for the jury. I don’t know yet the outcome of the case. So, here are a few thoughts regarding what it is like and why I did it.

Is It Necessary For Dog Owners To Know Behavioral Terminology?

How important is it for the average pet owner to understand the science (and controversies) regarding animal behavior? Let’s start with this excerpt from a textbook…

“Operant conditioning is an experimental science of behavior. Strictly speaking, the term operant conditioning refers to a process in which the frequency of occurrence of a bit of behavior is modified by the consequences of the behavior. Over the years, however, operant conditioning has come to refer to an entire approach to psychological science. This approach is characterized in general by a deterministic and experimental analysis of behavior. It is also characterized by a concentration on the study of operant or instrumental behavior, although not to the exclusion of the study of instinctive and reflexive behavior. As an approach to the study of behavior, operant conditioning consists of a series of assumptions about behavior and its environment; a set of definitions which can be used in the objective, scientific description of behavior and its environment; a group of techniques and procedures for the experimental study of behavior in the laboratory; and a large body of facts and principles which have been demonstrated by experiment. Operant conditioning is concerned with the relationship between the behavior of organisms and their environment.” [Introduction To Experimental Analysis Of Behavior]

Now, do you know how to get your dog to stop barking at the mailman? To not fight with the dog next door? To not drool and pace when left alone? To Come when called, off leash, and in public? Or to get the kids to not run around teasing the dog? I really don’t think so. I figure it is my job to dig through all of this theory and then show you how to train your dog and fix behavioral issues. Obedience and behavior classes shouldn’t be like a college PhD class on biology, ecology, ethology, sociology, and psychology...

Kids And Dogs, Teaching And Supervising Boundaries

Parents need to supervise and instruct their kids, and visiting kids and parents, regarding activities they can, and should not, do with the family dog. Unfortunately, most people leave all this up to chance instead of purposely teaching and enforcing appropriate boundaries. That’s why a lot of kids end up injured. Furthermore, many parents wait until it is too late, after the child has been bitten to address the dog’s behavior and obedience issues... (More)

Police: 19-year-old shoots, kills puppy during walk

Why would anyone do this kind of thing?

 You really have to wonder what kind of spiritual and psychological emptiness drives someone to shoot and kill a puppy... Concepcion De La Ros was standing on the second-floor balcony of an apartment building when police said he shot the dog, named Princess. The puppy had been walking with its owners, who didn’t realize what happened until Princess began to bleed from the mouth.

Deputy wants to adopt ‘Bud,’ the puppy he rescued in a drug bust

Cops are good guys... wants to adopt this pup... "So, it only takes 28 seconds to fall in love with an animal, and this particular deputy fell very hard for the puppy when he rescued him," Silva said.

What Should I Do Regarding Dogs and Coyotes?

I get occasional questions regarding coyotes. It isn’t unusual to have dog and coyote encounters in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Many of the urban coyotes in Phoenix are unafraid of dogs or humans, and it isn’t unusual to hear stories of coyotes killing or attempting to kill pets, including dogs and cats. They are definitely a danger to runaway or stray dogs. They will also hop over the typical block walls in suburban areas to snatch a dog, or to dig under a fence. It isn’t unusual to find coyote scat in your backyard if you have a seasonal home. I have heard that in north Scottsdale, there have been incidents where the coyotes have been bold enough to try and grab dogs that are being walked on a leash. Lastly, some coyotes act in ways that are abnormally threatening. The question becomes what to do. Unfortunately, the answers are often not what people want to hear.

Stressed people are likely to have the most ill-behaved pets

According to a new study, happy owners tend to have the happiest dogs. Scientists say the inverse is also true — with stressed owners less likely to spend time with their animal companions, causing them anxiety and stress. These pets are also likely to be the most ill-behaved because stressed owners react badly to their dogs misdeeds and do not have the time needed to train them.

FDA Links Popular Flea, Tick Medications To Neurological Problems In Dogs, Cats

Some flea and tick medications can cause adverse reactions in dogs and cats, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned Thursday. Some animals receiving drugs in the isoxazoline class, including products sold under the brand names Bravecto, Nexgard and Simparica, have experienced adverse events such as muscle tremors, ataxia and seizures, the FDA says.

Best Scottsdale AZ Dog Trainer, Dog Training, Behaviorist

I am a premier Scottsdale dog trainer and behaviorist. I am a well known and respected  dog trainer and behaviorist for the entire metropolitan area. You can see, by searching the internet, I am asked by the local TV media about dog issues. I am well known in the animal rescue world, and am the Founder of Citizens Animal Welfare Society. I am co-founder of PATCHES, a project to build and operate a privately run animal shelter to supplement what the County does. I do expert witness work for attorneys. I have a partner in another business where we offer specialized therapy dog training and support to various organizations. I don’t use harsh training methods. I’ve trained all ages and a wide variety of breeds in all parts of town. This is a central business area for me, and I’m in the vicinity of your place almost every day. Setting up lessons is as simple as letting me know what you are dealing with, and then arranging an evaluation or lessons, from puppy lessons, to obedience, to behavior modification. I can do lessons at most times of the day, and sessions will be scheduled in relation to where my other appointments are each day (because I have to plan a weekly route, and I HATE being late).

Situational Awareness Training For Pet And Therapy Dogs

I teach Situational Awareness in my Dog Obedience classes, starting with Basic Obedience all the way through Advanced Obedience. Situational awareness is being able to clearly see and perceive what is happening, or could happen, when you are with your dog. It is a risk management strategy, to prevent you, your dog, and innocent others from being harmed. No, I’m not a police officer, professional guard dog trainer, or martial artist. But, I’ve been in enough situations with dogs over the years to have developed sufficient street smarts to incorporate citizen dog handler situational awareness skills into my dog training programs.

You Can’t Outsmart Your Training

You can’t outsmart your training. In other words, in an emergency situation, you and your dog will only respond as well as the level of your training.

Man Falls 500 Feet To His Death Rescuing His Dog from Seaside Cliff

I have hiked thousands of miles, often with one of my dogs. I've had a few close calls in which my off leash dog could have died falling off a cliff or doing some other dangerous thing. Fortunately, all my dogs were well trained, and I was able to save them.

Anyone who hikes has to be prepared for this kind of emergency. But the same is true in the city. Dogs can get away from us. Unless you have trained for emergencies, however, your dog might die... and you might die. This is why I always train dogs in public locations, for the sake of the dog, but to also prepare the owners for emergencies. I'm always stressing safe practices and situational awareness.

A good Sit or Down command is essential, for example. Freezing a dog in place so you can get to them. So are directional commands at a distance, much like what is done with hunting dogs.

Unfortunately, sometimes training fails, or an owner gets past the limits of safety in trying to rescue their dog... something bad happened here, all we know so far is the following:

In this case, a tragedy occurred... "DALY CITY (KPIX) – A heartbreaking recovery unfolded at Thornton State Beach Monday after a 67-year-old man fell down a 500-foot cliff while he was trying to rescue his dog. The Golden Gate National Park ranger said the man’s dog got away from him, and when he tried to go after it he slipped to his death"

You have to assume something like this could happen to YOU AND YOUR DOG. You must have a plan, train for it, and be careful of the risks. This sad outcome could come your way, so what are you doing now to prevent it?

It's official: Pets benefit our mental health

"A new meta-analysis of 17 academic papers finds evidence that having a pet benefits people with mental health problems. The research also reviews the pet owners' testimonials, laying out the various ways that pets offer them much-needed solace."

I have trained a number of emotional support dogs. They provide necessary emotional support and allow mobility for people who would otherwise, in many cases, end up as shut in's. Now... if we can only get the public and regulators to recognize this...

Citizens Animal Welfare Society

I am the founder and CEO of Citizens Animal Welfare Society. Approximately 4 1/2 years ago, I became so concerned about the massive number of innocent and adoptable animals being killed by Maricopa Animal Care And Control, the second largest shelter system in the US, I began private meetings to develop a plan to reform animal control.

Today, we are seeking to build our own animal shelter, and to continue to pursue a public / private partnership with Maricopa County, such as was done with Austin Pets Alive! and the KC Pet Project in Kansas City.

While there have been significant improvements over the past year, as a result of community outrage at what has happened here in the Phoenix, AZ, metropolitan area, the goal of turning Maricopa into a "no kill" county will not happen without private animal rescue support.

Learn more about our efforts at our Citizens Animal Welfare Society Facebook page

MY CURRENT MENTOR

Here's a secret. Prospective students want to know some things about my background before hiring me to train their dogs. That is normal. I expect that and can give references.

Which leads me to the thought... who is my current mentor? Every good trainer has people they learned from, mentors. My best mentors for the past decade have been... YOU AND YOUR DOGS. I have learned more from you than any other source during that time. You have made me better, made me strive for higher heights, to study and work harder every year.

Is A Dog The Best Self Protection?

"The lieutenant reminded people to be careful of their surroundings while out walking dogs. He said if you have a permit, carry your gun"

I get frequent inquiries about using dogs for self defense. In this instance, the alleged attackers threatened the dog owner with a gun. There is no dog that can defend against a gun. Even the police are recommending people in his neighborhood, if they have a permit, to carry a gun. These days, dogs are PETS, not for self defense.

Learn to protect YOURSELF. Learn martial arts. Get a gun, and take several professional training courses. Carry a weapon when you are qualified. Install security alarms and cameras. Don’t advertise to criminals that you’d make a good victim. Move to a safer town, don't think you can be Charles Bronson and be a vigilante. Get a better job that pays more money and find a safer life. Stay away from dangerous places and dangerous people, winning is surviving instead of facing off a bad guy and being killed. A dog can’t do any of this for you.

Dogs Allowed At Ball Stadiums?

"Kicking back and watching sport is something best done with your mates. Now, rugby fans have the chance to take their four-legged best friends to Westpac Stadium to support the Wellington Lions as they take on Canterbury in Sunday's Mitre 10 Cup duel. Two aisles will be designated "dog friendly" in the first Bark in the Park event, which will convert a section of the Cake Tin into a Dog Bowl."

I have said there are MANY public places that should allow dogs. Here is another good example. If they can do this in New Zealand, we can do this here. The more we get our dogs out and about, the fewer dog behavior problems at home in in our neighborhoods.

Don't Abandon Your Pets During A Disaster

"Florida authorities may file felony charges against residents who abandoned their pets during Irma

What I can’t understand is why any of those degenerates would tether their pet to something with widespread flooding and 120-mph winds descending. If you’re going to abandon your dog or cat to its fate, let it roam free so that it has a fighting chance to find a safe place to hide. Leaving it out in the elements to wonder where its family went as it’s sheared to pieces by the wind and rain is the cruelest thing you could do."

Yep, there really is no excuse for this kind of thing. People have choices, pets don't.

4-Year-Old Girl Attacked by Dog at Restaurant

"A woman sitting near the family asked if their two daughters would like to pet her dog. The owner walked off, leaving the dog with the girls.The dog then bit four-year-old Lacey Burke on the face. “My daughter was on her knees, petting the dog’s head like the owner had showed, and the dog went at her face”

My personal opinion is that your dog doesn't need to be petted by the kids of strangers. Yes, there is a place for socializing puppies, but after that, it is just a risk that isn't worth taking. Tell your kid to leave the dog alone, and tell strangers that you'd rather not have their kid pet your dog.

Some Theories: My suspicion of what happened... it was a restaurant. Possibly the dog was guarding a piece of food on the ground. Another theory, the dog is in a strange place, and the kid got in the dog's face or touched the dog in a way the dog was uncomfortable with. Not all dogs are as comfortable outside the home as they are at home. You have to supervise all interactions between unknown kids and dogs to monitor the body language and interactions.

Can You Shoot A Dog?

"He said the park does require dogs to be leashed. The gunman's dog was not on a leash, while the pit bulls were both on leashes."

"The gunman had been playing in the park with his own dog, which was off-leash, when the owner of the two pit bulls walked by, said Logan Police Capt. Tyson Budge. It was unclear how the fight between the dogs began, Budge said, but the man tried to stop the attack by pulling out a gun and firing a pair of warning shots into the ground, hoping to scare the pit bulls away. Undeterred by the gunfire, the pit bulls apparently continued to attack and the man then shot one of the pit bulls, the captain said."

As a general rule, if your dog is off leash, and the other dog is on leash, if a fight happens, it is going to be your dog's fault. However, we don't know enough about this story to know what the prosecutor is going to do.

Animal Cruelty Investigation: 50 pets tethered to trees in Florida as Irma approaches

Hurricane is coming... “Even a tiny bit of sand can hurt an animal when it’s traveling through 100-plus mph winds,” Sauve said.

These animals were tied out and abandoned, according to the article... Imagine 100 mph winds, plus 10 feet of flooding.

If what is alleged is true, I'm guessing someone is going to jail...

If You Are In The Dog World, You Should Do Rescue

New Stuff

It's been a couple of years since I blogged. It was time to get some new perspective on the dog world, so I could come back with fresh content. It is about growing.

Blogging is difficult work, to do it year after year. Since we last talked a lot has happened!

2013: I founded Citizens Animal Welfare Society (see and "Like" our Facebook page). The idea was to turn Maricopa into a no kill county.
2015: Citizens Animal Welfare Society bid to privatize MCACC, to turn it into an open admission, no kill shelter. See our CAWS Facebook page.
2016: CAWS held its first public meeting in Tempe, AZ
2016: Our bid for takeover was not accepted, however, we did not give up. After meeting with County officials, we were invited to do demonstration projects for the County to show the way towards a new shelter system. CAWS is now a well respected member of the local animal rescue community. Sam Basso is CEO of CAWS, and has an entire team of professionals working to turn Maricopa into a no kill community. You can search the local media to see some of the things we have been involved with. This is still a very active project.
2017: CAWS continues to be an animal rescue leader in the Phoenix metropolitan area. We have numerous projects and initiatives running. Watch our Facebook page for the latest updates.

I have learned a considerable amount about animal rescue, from the bottom to the top. I'll be posting more of this topic.

It is good to be back

Sam

Recommended Gifts Gadget Toys For Dogs

There are a LOT of ways to make dog ownership easier. Oftentimes I find students using the wrong equipment, or not having any proper equipment or toys. Here is a list of products I recommend for dog owners.

Steroids And Treadmills For Pit Fighting Dogs

Pit dog fighting is a crime. It is cruel, and serves no good purpose. All you need to see is a picture of a dog, that has been chopped up all over its face from fighting another dog to understand it. Or the pictures of the dogs that were further tortured and killed because they didn't win. People who fight dogs should serve harsh and long prison terms, and be fined so much that they are totally broke. They should lose custody of their kids, lose their jobs, and end up living under a bridge for the rest of their lives. And maybe they should get what rapists get from the other prisoners they meet in prison. Yes, I feel that strongly against pit fighting.

"The Keep:" Here is the story of a man who has been arrested for pumping up his dogs with steroids, and forcing them to exercise on treadmills, in order to prepare them to fight. 

This isn't unusual. This same kind of thing was uncovered in Phoenix, AZ by Maricopa County police just yesterday: "They also found steroids and chains hanging from trees, reportedly used to train those animals." 

Labrador Retriever Is The Most Popular Breed In The US

I am a big fan of Labrador Retrievers. I've trained many of them, and you can't get a finer family dog. Social, highly trainable, fun, short coat, moderate exercise demands, and a great reputation (which helps when renting an apartment). They also alert you to strangers at the door, so they make a good watchdog, as well.

Here are the current rankings of most popular breeds in the US

Lost Police Dog Is Found

I have advised a number of dog rescue volunteers to assist them in finding and capturing strays. So, I understand some part of what this lost and found police dog went through. Thankfully, the dog was found and captured.

"Wilmington Police: After missing for nearly 2 months, K-9 Karson found safe"

Using Dogs To Find Agriculture Insect Pests

"The California Department of Food and Agriculture has 13 dog teams checking for illegally shipped agricultural material" such as illegal fruits and vegetables, insect pests, illegal and endangered animals and plants, snakes, and the location of endangered species.

This is a fantastic use of dogs for good purposes.

Why Do Pit Bulls Attack?

Here is my interview on Channel 12, Phoenix AZ, on why pit bulls attack

Dr Sophia Yin's Death

I am sorry to post that Dr. Sophia Yin has passed away. I have followed her work for quite a while and was a quiet fan. Her work was excellent.

Her family has asked for some privacy, which is understandable. Like myself, a lot of people must be asking, "What happened?" Well, we'll find out over time. It really doesn't matter. She helped a lot of people, and did a lot of great work for animals, and she will be remembered fondly by those who followed her.

Save Mickey

If you haven't been following the story of Mickey the pit bull, you should. Bottom line: supervise kids and dogs. Now a kid has had his face mauled terribly, and a dog may be killed for being a dog. In my opinion, both the child and the dog are the victims here.