Dog Breeds and Titles

According to Grok, the top 5 AKC breeds that attained the highest level UDX title: 1.) Poodle; 2.) Golden Retriever; 3.) German Shepherd Dog; 4.) Labrador Retriever; 5.) Miniature Schnauzer. 

But wait, that isn’t the only type of title. AKC hunting dog title is Master Hunter (MH): 1.) Labrador Retriever; 2.) Golden Retriever; 3.) Standard Poodle; 4.) German Shorthaired Pointer; 5.) Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

One more: Of the AKC dog breeds, by rank, which have the most AKC scent detection work Detective Class title? 1.) 1.) Golden Retriever; 2.) Labrador Retriever; 3.) Poodle; 4.) German Shepherd Dog; 5.) Shetland Sheepdog.

What about the breeds that have been winning the international titles for IPO (now officially known as IGP, Internationale Gebrauchshundprüfung)? 1.) Belgian Malinois; 2.) German Shepherd Dog; 3.) Dutch Shepherd; 4.) Doberman; 5.) Rottweiler. 

While these lists aren’t a test of every dog breed, and its capability, what defines a “winner” is partly dependent upon which breeds are available to compete, what the competitors like and choose to own, and the standards to which the dogs are held to.

Here’s what I can say about all of that. Some breeds are better at some tasks that other breeds. While the top scent detection breed was the Golden Retriever, is that the breed the professionals typically use when doing their life and death work in, say, Iraq? Is a Golden Retriever going to be better than a Bloodhound at trying to find a lost child in the forest? Are the police currently using a lot of Dobermans? 

Breed does matter, and the breed you choose, and the talents of that dog, will influence what the dog is capable of. Clearly, there are some breeds that are proving themselves capable of doing better work than others. Also, clearly, some breeds are probably too rare to show up in these rankings, even if they would be capable of doing high level work.

I see a lot of dogs. Some are easier to train than others. Some retain the lessons quicker and longer, and some take a lot of work to just do the basics. Sometimes an individual dog is a genius, and unfortunately, some dogs aren’t all that capable. My goal is to always maximize the dog in front of me. We aren’t here to get titles or to compete with another dog. However, whatever you bring me is all I have to work with. I can’t make your dog into something it can never be. I’ll never be an NBA star player, but that doesn’t matter to me.

I've seen individual dogs that typically aren't entered into competition that had the abilities to get advanced titles such as the French Bulldog, Bulldog, Cavalier, Yorkshire Terrier, Cane Corso, Dachshund, Shih Tzu, Boxer, Pembroke Corgi, Havanese.

Make the most of your dog's talent. That is the most valuable goal.

Plan accordingly. 

Enrichment For Senior Dogs

What is the best enrichment for senior dogs? 

We put in a lot of effort with puppies and young dogs to make their lives full, interesting, and productive. But what about senior dogs? Should we be putting as much effort into them as we do with our younger dogs?

Since my work revolves around working with companion dogs, I see things. I see the effects of life on older dogs. Here are some of my observations. 

SOME older dogs can benefit from having a younger, social dog as a companion. I've seen old dogs perk up by having a companion. Some old dogs get sluggish and lay around too much. They don't play much and mostly poke around the home and yard. A companion livens them up and makes life "meaningful" again. The BEST enrichment for an older dog isn't to buy a slew of snuffle mats, agility equipment, enrollment in doggie daycare, enrollment in obedience classes, more exercise, more Fetch and Tug, or more vacations. The BEST is a friendly companion that will play nicely and get along well. 

On the other hand, some dogs are too old to have a lively companion. One of my students has a very old Dachshund. She mostly sleeps in her dog bed, has a hard time moving because of arthritis, and is fine with just being home. That is not a dog where I would introduce another dog. A puppy would pester, and possibly injure, this dog. 

The whole enrichment concept has gone too far. Years ago, I discovered the formal concept for enrichment through my studies. I have tried a lot of these enrichment concepts on a wide variety of dogs to see the effects. I've also watched the effects of enrichment on dogs in shelters (giving them stuffed Kongs, etc.). Guess what makes the most sense and has the most benefit? Happy social interactions with humans and friendly dogs. Dogs in shelters deteriorate, sometimes to the point where they can become dangerously traumatized. It is better to assign a dedicated volunteer to work with that dog every week than to isolate them and give that dog toys or do any of these other enrichment activities. These dogs still deteriorate if they aren't allowed to befriend and bond to a human, and hopefully, to another dog. Senior dogs need YOU and to be at home more than a new series of activities, especially intensive programs that are more about making money for the book author, dog training facility, social media influencer, or dog walker. Should you do what is recommended in that book, for example? Look at your dog, really look at your dog, and maybe ask your veterinarian if that activity is safe. Start there. 

So, I wouldn't waste my time and money on the same kinds of advanced enrichment exposures that can be done with younger dogs. And even with the younger dogs, this advanced enrichment craze is not as important as quality and quantity time with the owner. Latchkey kids suffer from coming home to an empty home as much as a dog that is shuffled off to activities that do not involve working with the owner on a daily basis. 

Dogs are intelligent, social creatures. They will not thrive in a fancy Skinner box. Grandma and Grandpa would rather have you come visit them than be enrolled in a triathlon. Older dogs, especially over 10 years of age, easily break... sprains, strains, joint injuries, etc... be very careful with older dogs.

Plan accordingly. 

How I Train The Owner and the Dog

How to Socialize Your Puppy

Dogs and Crates

I am a definite believer in using dog crates... appropriately. I never teach someone to use them as a punishment, or as a way of neglecting a dog. They are a temporary bed to keep a dog safe when you can't supervise them. That is all. I teach dogs to like their crates. They WANT to get in there, and not because I'm forcing them to go. Crates have a long term usage benefit. 

Many people think too short term... "my dog doesn't need that"... "it is cruel"... "my dog sleeps with me"... and so on. However, if you have been around dogs for as long as I have, you see that one day, maybe years in the future, you might need a crate and a dog that doesn't hate the crate. 

For example.. have you ever had to deal with a dog that got a serious injury, had surgery, and then had to be confined to prevent injury as the dog healed? What about the dog that has to be confined at the vets office? What about the dog that has to be transported, driven or flown, to another location? What about in some kind of natural or manmade disaster? You NEED to own an adult-sized crate for your dog, and teach them NOW to love it. Just in case. It could mean the difference between life and death. 

They are also useful with young puppies to keep them out of mischief. I don't want a pup to learn to self-reward by chewing on power cords, walls, shoes, carpets, etc. Nor do I want them to wander all around unsupervised in the home when they are not yet house trained. How you train a crate is a completely different article, so I won't go into that here.

For most dogs, I recommend the PetMate Vari Kennels. I like the ones that you assemble with wing nuts. They are sturdier, in my experience. Yes, there are other really heavy duty brands and types of crates (which I have written about earlier on this blog), but the average dog in the average situation will be fine with the Vari Kennel design. Here is what to get, pick a size that is appropriate for the adult dog, even if your dog is still a puppy. 

PetMate Vari Kennel

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Your Dog Should Be Buckled In

UPDATE: My New Online Dog Training Lessons

Online Dog Training Video: 100% Housetrained

It is so frustrating because your dog keeps peeing and pooping in your home… your poor dog still doesn’t understand that pottying in the home is unacceptable.

Yes, I know you’ve tried everything: pee pads, taking your dog outside over and over again, maybe getting angry and scolding your dog and pointing out what is wrong... and maybe you are at the point where you have stopped believing you can have a clean dog and you are about to give up.

But let me tell you a secret: dogs CAN be trained to be clean in the home.

Once you know how, then it all comes together.

No more messes, no more embarrassment, no more frustration.

This is my unique and complete video program to train your dog to be 100% Housetrained. It is over an hour long and is very professional and thorough. So, long as you have a normal and healthy dog, and you will do the homework, this is the right program for you!

Dogs and Reactivity

What is "reactivity"? Is your dog reactive, and what does your trainer say about it? 

Dogs and Smoke Detectors

I've mentioned before that there have been accidents where dogs have caused a home fire. It is a small, but real risk. You are going to be in and out of the home a lot during the holidays. And those Christmas tree lights and other decorations can be a starting point for a home fire if your dog messes with them.

What got me thinking about this was that I turned on the self-clean function of my stove yesterday and it started smoking out the whole house. I had to turn the fan on high and open all the windows. Fortunately, the smoke detectors didn't go off. It also reminded me that it is that time of year to replace all the batteries on the smoke detectors throughout the house. 

One of the best performing batteries, as we all know, the Duracell brand. So, buy a pack today and get it done. 

Duracell - CopperTop 9V Alkaline Batteries 12 Pack

** Amazon affiliate link 

Dogs and Imaginary Problems

There is a problem when new people come into the dog training world... seeing imaginary problems. 

For example, take someone who has come from a child psychology background, but are new to dog training. They will see or expect problems that dogs never display. 

I remember such a case. The owner hired a witch. Yes, a witch. She diagnosed the home as having an evil spirit, so she wanted them to rub ashes all over their million dollar home. Yeah, that wasn't the problem. The dog was a sensitive, unsocialized Dalmatian. 

Another example: people who have read rat studies and then claiming that what rats do is what dogs will do. So, they are preparing for imaginary problems.

There is no substitute for many years of working with real dogs and using actual dog science and proper dog training methods. 

Plan accordingly. 

The Dog Training Disfigurement

There has been a flood of new dog trainers promoting themselves on social media. Nothing wrong with someone wanting to be a dog trainer, it is a great thing to work with dogs and make their lives better. But that isn't what they are promoting. What they are doing is making dogs lives worse.

A simple example: I saw a post yesterday of one of these new trainers who claimed it is harmful to play with your dog, and that only dogs should play with dogs. I think this is an extrapolation of the dog whisperer craze. It started with the mantra of "calm submissive". Thus, dogs no longer could be happy go lucky, they had to show appeasement behaviors and lay around like a carpet. I also saw several other offshoots over the past few days. Old school style training has also come back like a rerun of Friday the 13th... basically breaking dogs down with some kind of force. Most of these people don't even like dogs. They do like your money, however.

None of this is good dog training. None of these people should be listened to, but nowadays, someone with 30 years of respectable training practices can be drowned out by new people who have become visible through social media applications. They purport to be experts, arrogant, proclaiming expertise and experience that they don't have. I saw a trainer claiming that their business had nearly 100 years of experience... but reading their materials they probably have about 2 year of actual experience, and then adding up all their employees up to a figure of 100 years. 

The good trainers are speaking out, but everyone appears to be an expert on social media. And liars will be liars. Social media has this weird effect where an expert can debate a novice, but since they are on the same platform, it appears that they are on the same level. And the novice can fake their experience for the moment in such a confrontation. 

Meanwhile, I feel sorry for all the poor dogs getting this treatment. I heard a couple of years ago that someone was trying to implement, into law, a mandatory dog training union of some sort to regulate dog training. That will doom the dog training industry and harm a lot of dogs, being even worse than what is going on now. Every decision would become politically correct to satisfy whomever is good at getting in control of that organization. Imagine a parents union that was formed to tell you how to raise your kids, with mandatory membership if you were to have a kid and penalties if you didn't conform. Guess how that would work out. Great, a new form of Communism.

I've been encouraging the good dog trainers to speak out. Challenge these nutty ideas and start teaching proper dog training methods. Yes, you will get pushback, but do it anyway. 

I could name names, but that wouldn't br wise. I'll just say that a lot of the more visible social media dog trainers are no good Yankee liars... oops, sorry... I have been thinking about watching the movie Shane, again... they are no good liars. They are uneducated idiots. They don't have their claimed experience and their arrogance is not warranted or appreciated. They are disfiguring an honorable profession in order to get social media clicks. Don't pin your hopes on taking their advice. 

Plan accordingly. 

Dogs and Two of Everything

Here is a good tip for owning a dog: have 2 of everything. 

First, I recommend not just buying one bag of dog food, buy 2. Not just one leash, but have an extra. Same with everything. When you need that extra item, you already have it. 

I see it as an investment. Spending the money now, when you have it, is better than having to spend money later at a time when you might be tight on cash. I've practiced this for a long time. When I buy hiking boots, I buy an identical extra pair and keep it in the closet. I don't just buy one can of sardines (yes, I like sardines), I buy extra. Extra socks, shoes, laundry detergent, shirts, olive oil, eye glasses, flashlights... you name it. I try to buy an extra. 

Besides, I don't much like shopping, so I would rather have an extra on hand. Some things, obviously, shouldn't be purchased in bulk, such as things that might go stale if you keep them too long. 

I also think it is a good idea to have an extra dog! Once your dog is trained and sorted out, then fold in (and train) a second dog as a companion. I think dogs are happier having another social dog in the home. It isn't that expensive to own a second dog, nor a lot more work. I do it for their enjoyment, and I recommend it for your enjoyment. 

Plan accordingly. 

Dogs And Supplies

It is very helpful when I go to an appointment and my student has all the right supplies. Unfortunately, many students don't have the right things when we start out, from toys to leashes to treats, and so they need to order those things along the way. 

Today, for example. I'm working with a new student, super nice couple. But the leash they were using was all wrong. So, I went to my car and showed them the type of leashes I recommended. Just that one small change made it 100% easier for them to work with their dog. 

My observation is that the leash new students are using is the first problem piece of equipment: wrong size, color, type of clip, width, design and material. Yep, all of that. Next in line are treats, bowls, treat pouches, beds and toys. People spend a lot of money buying all of this stuff, only to find out that it is wrong for their dog and their situation. 

I have been training students and their dogs for nearly 30 years, starting in 1997. I've seen a lot of dogs, people and situations and have had a chance to test out a lot items. 

For example, I'd say 90% of the toys people buy are worthless, dangerous or are now worn out and needing replacement. I do a quick survey along the way and give students ideas of alternatives. Unfortunately, you don't get that kind of advice going into a pet store. The staff don't really know what is good or what will be good for a particular dog. 

It is a good idea to go through all of your dog stuff and see whether it is doing the job you purchased it for. And if not, then it is time to go shopping, and getting some recommendations, on better alternatives. 

Plan accordingly. 

Master Dog Trainer Reading Series: The Encyclopedia of Country Living

A dog is an animal. It isn't a human. It isn't a Disney cartoon character. That may seem obvious, but for those with ears to hear... time to listen.

There is a lot to be learned from those who work the land, raise livestock and grow food. There are many supplementary skills and knowledge gems that these people can teach you. Many of the "off the grid" skills can help you better raise and manage a home with a dog. A good overview book is The Encyclopedia of Country Living. Living in modern society, you miss a lot of the necessary perspectives it takes to be a very good dog owner. You won't learn this in school or by surfing social media after dinner.  

I found The Encyclopedia of Country Living to be a well-written and interesting addition to my book library. It is worth the time and investment.

** Amazon affiliate link 

Dogs and Lotion To Treat And Prevent Dry Hands and Feet

As winter comes, my hands, and the skin on my heels, tend to get dry and crack. Cracked skin hurts: it can make it harder to hold a leash; and sore feet make it harder to walk with a dog. So, I take efforts to keep my hands and feet in good working condition. I spoke to my skin doctor a few years ago, and he recommended CereVe... I use it regularly and have recommended it to family and friends. There are a lot of small details that make it easier to own and manage a dog... 

CereVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion for Dry Skin 

I also like the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

** Amazon affiliate link 

Dogs and Watches

It is wise to have a good wristwatch when in the field with a dog. And I'm referring to something better than, say, an Apple Watch or your cell phone. I prefer something more rugged for the elements... something waterproof, rugged... and looks good when you are just going about town. I don't believe you can't count on electric watches when the going gets rough. 

I like the Luminox G Sea Bass for Men

** Amazon affiliate link 

Dogs and Private Lessons?

Many times, the only way to make the most of your dog, or to solve specific behavioral problems, is to enroll in private lessons. You probably need coaching. Your dog probably needs to be figured out. 

 

Dogs and Ice Scrapers

I grew up in the Chicago suburbs. Winters can be brutally cold and icy. Even in Phoenix, we sometimes get frost on our windows in the mornings. The last thing you need, is to be in a rushed or emergency situation with your dog, and you are stuck there until the ice defrosts off your front windshield. So, I recommend having an Ice Scraper in your car, starting now before the winter begins. This is a necessary emergency supply. I have one.

Ice Scraper

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Dogs In Movies: Hondo

I have a lot of Westerns on DVD. I love the West and love the lore of the old west. I am in no way an expert on the history, but as time goes on, the more I learn the more interesting it all has become. So, along the way I came across the John Wayne movie, Hondo, considered one of the best movies of that genre. 

A small detail that I found interesting is the dog in the movie... LASSIE! Yep, the dog in the movie is Lassie. Lassie has a very interesting history (which I'll leave for you to research). He lived a long time. But, what I find most interesting is his behavior in the movie... his speed, his demeanor, size and such. A very interesting dog indeed! 

As in a lot of movies, someone kills the dog... and of course, that always means the end of that villain before the movie is over. As it should be! 

Get the movie, it is a good one.

Hondo

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Dogs and Mistakes

It is OK for a dog to make mistakes in training. That is where I want a dog to make them, instead of in the real world. It is helpful for dogs to compare what does get paid vs. what doesn't get paid. 

What Is The Biggest Mistake People Make When Choosing A Service Or Therapy Dog?

 I have met many dogs that should have never been chosen to be a service or therapy dog...

Dogs and Fire Extinguishers

I recently saw a video online of a dog that chewed on a lithium battery and started a fire. I know of another dog that jumped up on a stove, turned it on, and set the home on fire. I have also seen dogs that chewed through a power cord and burned themselves. This is why I recommend having fresh fire extinguishers strategically placed around your home and garage. Fire is no joke. 

Kidde Multipurpose Fire Extinguisher 

** Amazon affiliate link 

Dogs and Battery Testers

Before I go on a trip, I always test and replace the batteries on my flashlights, smoke detectors and walkie talkies. It is very frustrating, and possibly a serious problem, if your devices won't work because the batteries are no good. This happened to me last year. Fortunately, I caught the problem before I left town. I had purchased a pack of Duracell AAA batteries, and they were all dead. It must have been a pack of about 20 batteries. I just purchased them the day before, and was loading them into my devices and found they didn't work. I went back to the store, got a refund, and went to a different store to get batteries. 

When I got home, I purchased a battery tester. Now I test every battery before using it. Plus the spares I put in my suitcase or backpack. 

I purchased the D-Fantix BT-168. It was inexpensive and has done the job. Imagine that you are in your hotel room and the power goes out, or on a hike and you need your walkie talkie, and... nothing. That is not good. 

Here is the D-Fantix BT-168

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Dogs and Convex Mirrors

Dogs need to be supervised. That is a given. But sometimes you need tools to help you do that. For example, let's say your yard has a blind spot where you can't see what your dog is up to while you are inside. This is when I recommend installing one or more outdoor convex mirrors. You could see if your side gate is closed, if the dog is chewing on that palm tree on the other side of the yard, or if your dog has eliminated behind that bush. They are also useful at the end of your driveway; it can be difficult to navigate pulling out into traffic while at the same time managing a dog in your passenger or back seat. 

I like this Reliancer 18" Convex Security Mirror

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Dog Dander, Hair and Dust Air Purifiers Are A Must

If you have a dog, your home will have more dust, shed hair, and dirt... floating in the air. It is very helpful to have an air purifier in your home. You will find your sinuses thanking you (are you getting a stuffy nose from the dust?), and your home will not be as dusty. Air purifiers will also keep the dog smell down to a minimum (which bothers some people; not an issue for me but I'm a dog person). 

I recommend buying several to place throughout your home. They are rated by the amount of square footage they can filter. They also help remove smoke from the home... so if you smoke cigarettes all that smoke isn't good for your dog. So, an air purifier is good for you and your dog. If you have a cat, then this also helps since many people have allergies to cats. I'm also betting you'll get less smell complaints from your guests (and touchy family members). 

I like the LEVOIT Air Purifiers 

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Master Dog Trainer Reading Series: Principles of Neural Science

Years ago, I purchased this excellent textbook on the functions of the brain. I was seeking to understand the overall architecture of the brain and how the individual parts worked, and then an overview of the entire brain. It's not an easy read: 1,696 pages. 

I found several gold nuggets in this book. But what I got out of it was beyond what, maybe, the authors intended. One gold nugget: with all the research that has been done on the brain, the top scientists in the world admit they really don't understand it. 

So, if they don't understand the brain, shouldn't there be a bit more humility from these online dog training gurus who pretend to understand how dogs think? The latest are these conversations on how they claim their knowledge of how the brain processes reward and punishment. You'll hear about "dopamine", for example. Do you really think these people know anything meaningful about dopamine? No. Or they talk about the biology of stress, SSRI's, or aggression, etc. Do they know the biology of those things? Have they even read the book I'm recommending, by the top experts on the brain? Nope. It's all a marketing gimmick to entice you to spend money on their goofy programs. 

There were other gold nuggets in this textbook, but I'll leave that for you to discover. I'm not the type to read the last chapter of a book instead of reading it from the first page to the last. So, I won't spoil it for you. If you are serious about understanding dog behavior, then you need to study biology. This book should be in your library.

Principles of Neural Science

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RING Indoor Dog Camera

I advocate having an indoor camera to keep an eye on your dog while you are away. Not only can you see that your dog is well, but if your dog is having behavioral issues you can spot them and then hire a behaviorist. In addition, I don't trust hired staff when you are away. Sorry. If they know they are being watched they will be more accountable for what they do or don't do with your dog. That is also true if you are hiring dog sitters and walkers.

There are probably privacy laws that govern where and when you can use indoor cameras, so you should know that in advance. At the very least, I'm guessing you may need to disclose, in writing, that there are cameras in the home, and have guests (gardeners, housekeepers, dog walkers, etc.) sign something acknowledging and agreeing to you recording them. You need to know what is going on with your dog when you are not home, and there are laws governing that, as well. Abuse isn't legal anywhere. 

I recommend the RING Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam

** Amazon affiliate link 

Dogs And Cell Phones

If you work / train dogs a lot in public, you will find that you will drop your phone... a lot. I recommend that students get a hip "holster" for their cell phones to free up their hands. 

Here is the NUVAVO Holster for the iPhone

** Amazon affiliate link 

Dog Tie Out Cable

If you have camped out with dogs, you find that you need to temporarily confine them at times. For example, as you are setting up camp, as you are building up the camp fire, as you are eating and when cleaning up. I learned about this the hard way.

I was camping out in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. My dog was normally good and obedient off leash, so I didn't think much about having her off leash as we set up for dinner. She, however, somehow understood this was our camp, and then took off to confront all the other campers around us. Basically, she was telling them to go away. It's very interesting in a way, since if I had been sitting at a park bench back home, she would hang out and never did do this kind of thing. Also, this was her first overnight camping adventure, so there wasn't any previous experience on her part. 

It reminds me of a story I heard about Lewis and Clark. Their dog, Seaman, would do the same. He would stay up at night, and warn off bears and other animals as L & C would camp in tents at night. Very interesting. 

So, I like using a tie out cable to keep my dog in my camp. You attach one end to a tree and the other end to the dog. I can then keep them out of the fire, from taking off, from knocking over any stoves or chairs, and I can put down some comfortable bedding for them if they want to rest. I can also pick an area in the camp where it is best to lay, instead of getting into tangly or thorny bushes. I would say the maximum length cable should be 25 feet. The reason I use a cable is because sometimes a tethered dog will chew through a typical leash or rope and still take off. While a dog might chew on a cable, it is vinyl covered and you can supervise them to tell them to knock it off. Now, as a warning, I would NEVER tie a dog to a vehicle bumper (remember the movie, Vacation?). That is too much of a risk. I have used them at rest stops on the highway while taking a lunch break. That way they can be standing and moving around while you eat, and thus, they are less restless in the vehicle when you drive. 

I don't get the coiled up type, by the way. Nor the ones with a recoil spring. I want a bright color. I could type a lot more about that, but I'll leave it at that. I think these are a must for road trips and camping. 

Here is the type of Tie-Out Cable for Dogs that I prefer to use. 

** Amazon affiliate link 

Dog Dead From Ingesting Meth At Oceanside Beach

I produced an Instagram post about "Dogs and Trash" the other day. In that post, I mentioned how a past student's dog ingested meth on the Seattle waterfront. And here we are, a similar case from California. A dog is now dead, and another ill, from ingesting meth from the beach. 

In today's world, you can't be oblivious to what your dog is investigating on a walk.

Plan accordingly. 

Stainless Steel Bathing And Grooming Stations For Dogs

I am a big advocate of purchasing and using professional grade tools. Because they don't know, many pet owners use low grade equipment when working with their dogs whereas the professionals use much better equipment that is easier to use, safer, and better for them and the dogs they work with. 

I want my students to think outside the box. To lift their expectations and do better. I understand when money and space are limited, so you do the best you can. But when I see $5000 TV sets on the walls and $150K trucks in the driveway, it is clear where the priorities are. They have the money and a large home, they just don't know that they should be spending more on their dogs. Thus, I recommend installing a stainless steel grooming table in your home. Especially if you have a large dog. It is safer, easier to use, easier to clean up, and tidier than bathing and grooming your dog in your hall bathroom. 

Raise your expectations.

Here is what I recommend: A Stainless Steel Dog Bathing Station

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Dogs And Planting The Seeds Of Destruction

I was watching another one of those dog training videos that pop up in my social media feed. In this case, it was of a well-known dog trainer being rough with a puppy... (MORE)

Dogs And Bug Out Kits

We just experienced major flooding in Arizona. Now, there is a storm watch for California, and the weather service is predicting tornadoes! If you had to leave your home, right away, would you be prepared to go? I highly recommend having a bug out kit for you, and making up one for your dog. Here is the human version, and there are parallel supplies that would be needed for your dog to survive. 

72 Hour Survival Kit

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How To Train A French Bulldog

I have trained a lot of French Bulldogs. I think the first one I trained would have been about 25 years ago. I was hired to give them a housetraining lesson. About 10 to 15 minutes in, I stopped the lesson. Something was wrong. The dog kept pacing and panting looking very upset. I started asking some questions about what had happened that day. She worked at doing some kind of artwork, using paint and other craft supplies. I told them to immediately get the dog to the veterinarian. I believed the dog had somehow been poisoned (not intentionally) by consuming something... (MORE)

Silicone Dog Treat Pouch

I recommend a variety of dog treat pouches to students, depending upon the application. One type is the silicone dog treat pouch that attaches to your waist. It also has a magnetic "latch", for lack of a better description. Size and even color selection matters, depending upon the application. 

For example, I sometimes have students use a carpenter's canvas nail apron. Those are useful for some applications. In other situations, I recommend these silicone type. If you aren't sure which one to use, we can do lessons and I can recommend which one to use at any particular point in the process. 

Here is the silicone type I recommend. It has many uses.

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Dogs And Basic 4 Ft X 5/8 Leash

I prefer most students use a basic, flat, 4 ft X 5/8 in nylon leash to train their dogs. I also prefer bright colors. 

In the old days, the standard leash was leather, 6 feet long by 5/8 inches, and a brass snap. I found them to be too long, slippery when wet, expensive to replace (and yes, you will lose leashes over time), and easy for a dog to chew through. I typically encourage my students to purchase several leashes. One for the dog, another as a backup in the car, another as a backup in the home, and another as a spare in case you need to replace a frayed leash. 

My first leash, for my first dog, was a leather leash as I described above, It lasted the life of my dog. So, when I started training dogs for students, I had them get 6 foot leather leashes. But, as time went on, I found that they were not as useful as I figured they would be. For me, I can easily adapt to using just about any leash. All leashes are pretty much effortless for me to use. That isn't true for the average person. 

I am almost 6 ft, 1 inch tall. So, at my height, hand size, and strength, I can use a 6 foot leash. But, the average man in the US is 5'9" and the average woman is 5'3.5"; they have smaller hands, shorter arms, aren't as strong or fast as I am, and all that extra length is more of a hassle than a shorter leash. Plus, new people tend to wear out, or lose, their leashes. So, I switched to recommending inexpensive, brightly colored (not as easily lost at a park or at home), flat nylon leashes with the old fashioned clips. 

Proper leash work is a skill. It is more than just holding on. I teach proper grip, handling, usage from a wide range of angles. I also sometimes recommend speed-building exercises since most people, after 30 years of age, tend to lose their quick reflexes. I can flick a wrist or arm very quickly. I can easily work a dog from my left or right sides. I have to rebuild student's coordination to become proficient. Many students aren't getting the most out of their training in the beginning because of their rigid, weak, slow movements. Fast dogs can get ahead of slow people. Slow footwork is just as much of a problem as slow leash work. A shorter leash gives them an advantage as they build up their ability to respond and control.

Here is the type of leash I recommend. If you are a student reading this, I recommend getting at least 4 leashes. I would shop for several different colors, but get the bright ones. Black, dark green, and brown leashes are too easy to lose, so I recommend not getting those colors. 

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Master Dog Trainer Reading Series: Grizimek's Animal Encyclopedias

Yesterday, a student asked me how I knew so much. I explained that I do a lot of study. Sometimes a small detail, a small gold nugget, I found doing research helps me explain a problem and give an appropriate solution. 

Here is a gold mine: In order to have a good grasp of dog behavior, I highly recommend having a good grasp of the full spectrum of animal behaviors... mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, insects, and so on. Not only will you and your dog encounter many other species in the real world and it is important to understand how they will react to your dog and vice versa, it is important to compare and contrast how dogs are different than other species to really get a good handle on what makes a dog different. 

A good place to start is to purchase the entire series of Grizimek's Animal Life Encyclopedias, starting with Mammals. I have this volume, for example, and have studied it from cover to cover. I have more of his books in this series. But this is a good jumping off spot. By following the link, you will find other books in this series that you should also purchase. 

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Coyote Pack Kills Leashed Dog, Injure Woman

SOLANA BEACH, Calif. (KSWB) – Neighbors in a California neighborhood are concerned over coyotes in their area after an 82-year-old woman was injured and her dog was killed when a pack attacked.

For many years, I have warned dog owners to carry some kind of defense with them when walking their dogs. Here is another good example. No one is coming to save you, or your dog.

Plan accordingly.

Dogs and Riots

Should you leave your dog in the yard to guard your home during social unrest? 

No.

A thousand times no. 

Bad people can harm your dog or even use your dog as hostage to lure you out into the turmoil.

Plan accordingly. 

Dogs and Fanny Packs

I own several fanny packs, each put together for different uses. Fanny packs are not out of style when it comes to proper dog management. I think when you are out and about with your dog, you should have a fanny pack on you. You can carry several useful tools and supplies that you and your dog might need: a multitool, extra leash and martingale collar, collapsible dog bowl, whistle, treats, squeaker toy, extra keys, extra cell phone battery, Apple air tag, a bit of cash and change, etc. 

I like the Eberlestock Bando bag

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Dogs And Pet Grooming Hair Dryer

If you've been reading my posts, I have been consistent over the years that owners purchase and learn how to use professional quality grooming tools. They are more efficient, last longer, and are purpose made. Let's say you own a breed that requires regular professional grooming, you should maintain your dog's coat in between professional grooming appointments. 

Why? Because if you do the maintenance: 1.) your dog will be more comfortable; dogs feel better when properly groomed and clean; 2.) you can prevent painful mats; 3.) you can closely inspect your dog's coat for tangles, burrs, injuries, and parasites; 4.) your dog can become more amenable to regular grooming and the tools that will be used... so long as you are patient and kind to your dog; 5.) You can keep your dog's nails from getting too long; 6.) You can do regular teeth cleaning; 7.) If you know what you are doing, you can express your dog's anal glands when necessary; 8.) You can clip back facial hair so it doesn't interfere with your dog's binocular vision; and 9.) Your groomer won't have to charge you as much since you're making their job easier. 

In this post, I'm recommending that you get a High Velocity Pet Grooming Hair Dryer. Human dryers are to hot and can burn your dog. The professional ones won't. Plus the long hose is to distance the machine from the dog so that it is less stressful for your dog. Plus, it is easier to regularly blow out the undercoat so that you have fewer dust bunnies floating around the house.

I like the Shernbao SDH-2600P

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Dogs And Calmness

I do not preach that one of your main training goals is to make dogs calm.

I think it is counterproductive to keep trying to make dogs calm and often backfires. It is, for lack of a better description, unnatural to keep trying to suppress excitement in a dog.

All the “calmness” strategies I see are mainly a way for inexperienced dog trainers to shut down dogs because they don’t have good solutions for behavioral and training issues. The focus on calmness is a tell that reveals the inadequacy of the trainer. Even worse, are trainers who force dogs to stay for long periods on a dog bed or cot, sometimes for hours... (MORE)

Dog At Home Emergency Card For Your Wallet

In the event of an emergency, first responders will go through your purse or wallet for emergency contact information. Just like people have cards that notify EMTs that you might have a special health condition, you can have an additional card to alert them that you have a pet at home that will need care if you are incapacitated. You don't want your pet to starve or otherwise be harmed because you can't go home. Get them today!

Here is a set of dog emergency wallet cards and keychain tags 

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Dogs And Peanuts Cartoons For The Holidays

Part of raising kids right is to help them develop a love for dogs. I think it is a good idea (age appropriately) to get kids stuffed animals, play pet friendly shows, go to dog events, and have them do some limited dog rescue volunteering that is safe for kids. 

I think your kids (and probably you too, if you'd admit it) would love to get the Peanuts Holiday Collection.  What do you get kids that have everything already? You develop family holiday traditions that everyone can do together. These memories will be more lasting than that new toy or outfit you were contemplating. 

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Dogs And Robot Vacuums

In our increasingly busy world, I think it is worth investing in some labor saving devices. One such device is a robot vacuum and mop system. I've increasingly seen these in student's homes over the past couple of years, and haven't heard of any bad outcomes. 

With pets, it is a good idea to keep down the dust and dirt that invariably builds up throughout your home. I think you need a device for your first floor and your second floor. You know you need to clean house when your nose gets stuffy, you don't have a cold, and you find yourself waking up at night having to blow your nose. You know you are building up too much dust and allergens when you replace your furnace filter and it is very clogged. 

Here is the iRobot Roomba Plus 405

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Dogs And Fingerless Gloves

I keep some fingerless workout gloves in my vehicle for working with strong dogs in tough terrain. So, here is what I mean. 

I was hiking with a big dog, my dog, in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. He was a very strong dog, and the trail was crisscrossed with blackberry vines. The challenge: managing him on steep grades, having to reach out and pull the thorny vines out of the way without getting the thorns in my knuckles or palms, and then wanting to keep my dexterity with my fingertips (to manipulate water bottles, snacks, gear, etc.). 

I find the best option is to use workout gloves. They are tough enough to do all of the above and because they are not insulated, they don't increase your body temperature. And if a dog pulls hard, the leash doesn't cut up your hands.

Fingerless Weight Lifting Gym Gloves

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Dogs And Kids: Saying "No"

Kids need boundaries with dogs. I have encountered numerous situations where the parents either refuse to say No, or never enforce No. And the dogs suffer and sometimes the kids are bitten.

What the heck are you doing by not teaching kids the real meaning of "No"? Do you think that is going to work out in the real world? When "No" is ignored in the real world... guess what happens? 

Emmy, a kindergarten teacher, had this message for parents on TikTok: “Tell your kid ‘no.’ OK, tell your child ‘no.’ Tell them ‘no’ as a complete sentence, and do not teach them that telling them ‘no’ invites them to argue with you, OK? Because if I can’t tell your child no as an adult, and they don’t respect the no, they’re basically unteachable.”

People also don't teach boundaries to their dogs. There is this RIDICULOUS notion that dogs should be asked to consent for everything. That might work with a Chihuahua (not really)... but when you are dealing with big dogs, you are a dummy for not teaching and enforcing rules. And you are also a dummy if you don't teach and enforce rules with your kids with regards to how the dog is to be treated. I have spoken to quite a few parents that thought their precious child should be able to do whatever they wanted to the dog and the dog was supposed to take it. Guess what the dog did in response.

Plan accordingly. 

Dogs And Shoe Scrubbers/ Scrapers

One of the priorities when owning a dog is to keep the inside of your home clean. Not only do dogs track in dirt, so do the people. When you go out into the yard with your dog, you will track dirt when you come back inside. 

I am a big believer in using labor saving devices, to make dog ownership easier. Thus, I recommend installing human shoe scrubbers/ scrapers at the entrances doors of your home. Yes, they are kind of old fashioned, but what was once a more normal thing is still a good thing. These are especially good during wet seasons and after storms.

Shoe/ Boot Scrubber

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Dog On Premises Sign

I believe it is a good idea to let people know that you have a dog, and that trespassing isn't welcome. I then believe you should instruct gardeners, pool techs, pest control, etc. to call you before entering your property. Then you can put your dog away before the gates are opened to prevent an escape. Many dogs have been lost or perished because someone left open a gate. I also recommend locks on all gates. Here is an example of such a sign

Dog On Premises/ Do Not Trespass

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Dog Training Treats

I have used a wide variety of dog training treats, ranging from dog kibble to special foods. There are various types of dog treats to use for various purposes. Generally a smelly, soft treat is my first choice. Sometimes that is the wrong choice, and I want a low scent treat. Sometimes I recommend that owners make their own treats. And some dogs have allergies that require special ingredient treats. 

Food plays a very important role in dog training. It is a myth that if you train with treats the dog will then only obey for treats. If that is the result you are getting then you are doing it wrong. If that is what your trainer claims, I recommend finding someone with more experience. 

A fairly standard choice, especially when I am in a hurry and need something are the Bil-Jac treats. I prefer the Little Jacs since I don't want the dog to become satiated too quickly. Here is an example... 

Bil-Jac Little Jacs

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Old vs New Dog Training

I get repeat students. I might have trained a dog for them more than a decade ago, then that dog passes away, and they schedule lessons with the new puppy. They like how the first dog turned out, so they want a good result for the next dog.

I think they are sometimes surprised that the way I train today is different than the way we trained back then. I have to start them from scratch with the new methods.

It reminds me of a story I heard about Benny Goodman, the clarinet player. He was at the peak of his career, but he wanted to learn from another player (I think it was Reginald Kell). The person he wanted to learn from kept turning him away. The reason given? Because he would have to start him all over again from scratch and he wasn't sure that Benny Goodman would want to do that. Eventually, he agreed to work with Benny Goodman. 

In 1949 he studied with clarinetist Reginald Kell, requiring a change in technique: "instead of holding the mouthpiece between his front teeth and lower lip, as he had done since he first took a clarinet in hand 30 years earlier, Goodman learned to adjust his embouchure to the use of both lips and even to use new fingering techniques. He had his old finger calluses removed and started to learn how to play his clarinet again—almost from scratch."

Think of that. Here Benny Goodman is considered one of the finest swing clarinet players in the world, and he was willing to start all over again because he saw the benefits. Not everyone is willing to take chances like that with their careers. 

I have taken leaps like that in my profession. When I started out, I was a traditional dog trainer. That was how I was introduced to dog training, so that is what I did. I eventually found a mentor, and that changed everything. I continued to study after that. But, especially in the past 3 years or so, I started attending more seminars from my mentor, and that changed me again. Not only had he more fully developed what he had been doing, and that was obvious in the high quality of what he was teaching, but it took me to another level. I purchased a ton of textbooks and studies, and got to work. (Try reading every day until you are so full that you can't look at a book any more, but then you pick it up the next day and do it again... day after day for months, moving from one expert to the next). I developed new ways of doing things, and created new methods for myself, and what I do now isn't the same as what I did a decade ago. I can train dogs faster, and with better and smarter results. 

It isn't good to get stuck in your ways. 

Have you ever read that study on the 10,000 hours to become an expert? Well, I did. It wasn't the 10,000 hours that made people better. 10,000 hours of doing the same thing over and over again doesn't magically make you better. What impressed me was that all these experts had, on average, at least 4 mentors along the way. Often these mentors never got the fame of the experts we now are so aware of, in fields as far apart as physics and music. The study confirmed my observations that experts, such as Albert Einstein, didn't just one day, out of thin air, become experts. They had help along the way, and they wanted that help. 

What is one clue that you need to find a mentor and do more study? Those feelings of Impostor Syndrome. Everyone has felt that going up the ladder. But it also means that whatever you know isn't "yours" yet, and you know you aren't keeping up with what you know you need to know.

So, think of it this way. Your current ways are now the old ways. How are you going to get to the next level?

Plan accordingly. 

Collapsible Dog Bowls

Most of my students use collapsible dog bowls when we are training in public. They work well, don't weigh much, and are very convenient. If I see any downsides, they are a.) some dogs will flip the bowls over, or pick them up to play with them; and b.) many owners get bowls that are too small for their particular dog. A Chihuahua-sized bowl isn't so great for a German Shepherd-sized dog. Here is a good example

Collapsible Dog Bowls

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Assessing Your Dog’s Level Of Training

When training a dog, it is a good idea to categorize the level of training the dog has completed. I use the similar terminology that hunting dog trainers use. I see people ask novice dogs to do advanced skills and get upset because they think the dog is “disobeying”. If you know the level, then your immediate expectations will determine what is probable and what is impossible... (MORE)

Dogs And Surviving Disaster

We are living in strange times. You already know that. But are you prepared for strange events? 

I could dream up a lot of disaster scenarios. I'm sure you could, too. Especially some of the natural disaster risks where you live... California? Wildfires. Earthquakes. Florida? Hurricanes. Then there are the manmade disasters... 9/11 was just a preview of what could be done. Western governments have foiled criminal attacks that we will probably never hear about that were supposed to be worse than that. 

The US Government (if you live in the US), and in most other countries, have developed disaster checklists. Here is one of the US ones. Do you have all that stuff? You should, and you should know how to use it. I bet, since the Covid quarantines are over, that you have let your stocks of supplies get low. Yes, it is a pain to have extra stuff, but it is wise to continue to do so. Plus, if you hike, it is good to have a sample of this stuff in your backpack, and some basic survival knowledge in your head.

When disaster hits, you will also have to take care of your animals. Your dog, for example. But, if you can't care for yourself and your family, you definitely won't be able to also take care of your dog. So, you need a holistic approach. 

I used to regularly watch Dual Survival. Loved that show. Cody Lundin... the guy who walked barefoot was one of the hosts. Loved his stuff. I have one or two of his books in my library. One of his big ideas is that survival depends upon maintaining your body temperature. Body temperature is a simple indicator of your condition, thus he uses that simple metric for giving you ideas about survival. So, here is a cool book of his, and I recommend that you get it.

98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive

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Separation Anxiety And Leaving Dogs Home So You Can Go To Work

“According to survey data, 67 percent of pet owners say they’d rather quit their job than comply with a return-to-office policy and leave their pets at home. And since 71 percent of American households now own pets, the group argues this could devastate companies demanding people show up to work again.”

I get the idea that you want the best for your dog. But your dog needs you to get a job and pay the bills. Sorry, that is life. Imagine we go back in time…

Little House On The Prairie… Pa stays home with the kids and the wife, doesn’t plow the fields or do other work… because he wants to be home. In North Dakota. Guess how that would have worked out. They would have all turned into popsicles during the winter, Laura Ingalls Wilder would have never written her book, we would never have seen the TV series, and all those cereal companies would have spent their advertising on other TV shows.

I did a Zoom lesson for a student in Chicago the other day. One of her dogs barks and whines continually whenever she leaves the house. More an issue of the dog not liking being left along than pure Separation Anxiety. She needs to go into the office 2 times a week and can’t risk getting a noise citation, nor does she want her dog to be that unhappy. There are training solutions for this kind of thing. 

It is unreasonable to not build your career and to not fully support your family, including your dogs. Even wolves leave the pack from time to time to go hunting. Either they do that, or they would all starve. The remainers aren’t falling apart just because the hunting party took off. If wolves can go off hunting to support the pack, then you can do likewise and support your family. 

Plan accordingly. 

Dogs And Karens

If you train dogs in public, you will eventually encounter a Karen. You know, a Karen... a busybody who butts into things that are none of their business, in situations where you are doing nothing wrong, driven by puffing up their facade of superiority and a need to control others to protect their insecurities, and then seeking to somehow punish you (even calling the authorities) to force you to live in their bubble-wrapped and paranoid world. 

I remember when I first started training dogs, that my students encountered Karens while doing their homework at a park. I had a student with a new puppy, and she was using treats and luring to teach her dog how to Sit, Come, Down, and Heel. A Karen saw her training her dog, parked her car, and went over and accused my student: "You're turning that dog into a robot!" My student called me in tears, wondering what she had done wrong. I told her, absolutely nothing. I've had similar experiences over the years, and so have my students. 

I can't imagine what it must be like to live in Great Britain right now. I think they should rename the country to be Great Karen. Have you seen the videos of the police showing up at someone's home, to then haul them away on unannounced charges, with the basis that the accused has somehow hurt someone's feelings, free speech be damned. It would be very difficult to properly train a dog in Great Karen. They are already meddling with how to train and breed dogs, and it is only going to get worse. The same is going on in the European Union, which should also be renamed to be the Karen Union. I follow a number of dog trainers in Great Karen and the Karen Union, spouting every politically correct trope about dog training. Whereas here in the US, we have people that shouldn't be training dogs, and doing and promoting absurd and harsh methods, in the Karens, they have just the opposite. Yes, there are some Karens here, too, but fortunately they haven't gained political and police powers. Whether you are stuck in a ditch on the left or right side of the road, you are still stuck. And the dogs and owner suffer. 

In the Karen countries, the good trainers just have to go underground, or get the training they need by going outside the country to finish what needs to be done. In the US, we fortunately have a mostly free press and have the free speech to call out either side. But you can easily end up in a ditch here because novice dog owners often don't know how to separate fact from fiction (slick marketing)... easily solved by getting references. I think the Karens are worse, however, since they get the backing of the authorities to enforce their delusions. There are attempts by Karens in the US to make us like Great Karen.

Keep and eye out for the Karens. Don't give up your liberties to satisfy those with this personality disorder. 

Plan accordingly. 

Master Dog Trainer Reading Series: The Lab Rat Chronicles

If you are serious about becoming a master dog trainer, then you are going to have to read a lot of research on animal behavior beyond just dogs. A great deal of what is recited, and what we think we know about behavior, even by dog trainers, comes from studies of rats. 

Now, I must caution you: dogs are not rats. Just because a rat does something in an experiment doesn't mean a dog would respond the same way. That doesn't invalidate reading the rat studies, but it does mean that you can get too far out on a limb if you base what you believe about dogs on what happens with rats. I view the rat studies as potential clues to dog behavior, but not definitive. It gives me things to ponder and to further research. 

Thus, for you, I pulled one of my textbooks out of my library for you to read. I found it fascinating, And I think you will, too. Even if you never intend upon being a professional dog trainer or handler. I underline what I find important, take notes with a pen and yellow pad, and then study the cited studies in the books. I study as if I'm trying to get a college degree and wanting to get a top grade in the class.

The Lab Rat Chronicles

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Working With Giant Dog Breeds

It is common practice to use long lines when training dogs. Most trainers will have the standard 20 or 30 foot cotton long line in their training supplies. However, these are not sufficiently strong and easy to use when dealing with very big dogs that are over 120 lbs.: Mastiff, Dogue de Bordeaux, Neapolitan Mastiff, Bullmastiff, Boerboel, Caucasian Ovcharka, St Bernard, etc. I've trained many very big dogs, so for them, I use a horse lunge line. It is easier on the hands and less likely to break if the dog pulls hard. Here is an example of what I have:

A 32 foot/ 10 meter horse lunge line

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