11 Common Questions Dog Trainers are Asked

August 19, 2015 by Fanna Easter

From Your Dog’s Perspective: 11 Common Questions

Dog Obedience Class — HighwayStarz/Deposit Photos

As a dog trainer, I’m frequently asked the same questions over and over again during my dog training classes. Hey, it’s OK to ask since you’d never know the answer if you didn’t! Interestingly enough, many of the same questions are usually asked during the first or second class. This is because dog behavior is totally different than human behavior. So check out 11 of the most frequently asked questions below and understand what’s really going on from your dog’s point of view.

1. Why do dogs pull on leash?

Because you follow them. 🙂

2. Do dogs feel guilt?

Nope, they don’t. Instead, they react to your stern body language–basically, you’re scaring them. Please stop all the shaming photos. It sends the general public the wrong message.

3. Why do dogs bark at doorbells?

Someone (or thing) is on the other side and they are alerting you. Teach your dogs to do something else, such as lying on their bed, rather than bark.

4. Why does my dog pee in the formal dining room?

Dogs are smart. Thick carpet and rugs adsorb pee quickly, so they prefer to potty in rooms with that surface. Never punish your dog for peeing. Train your dog to potty in another room or outdoors.

5. Why does my dog walk in front of me and stop?

Dogs have never been taught to not walk in front of you and stop. Dogs are like toddlers. They do the same thing until they’re taught differently. Train your dog to step back or come around by luring a treat into place.

6. Is treat training considered bribery?

Not at all. Lure reward training is a very effective way to teach new behaviors.

7. If my dog doesn’t learn, is he stupid?

Far from it. Dogs are super smart, and it’s our job to figure out how to teach polite behaviors effectively. Take a breather and look at it from your dog’s perspective. He’s probably confused and unsure of what you’re asking. If you’re frustrated, find a positive reinforcement dog trainer.

8. Should I train my dog to protect me?

Oh my gosh, no. Dogs should alert humans about situations, but not attack. Please don’t ever teach your dog to protect you, children or family. This is a dangerous game.

9. Why is my dog hyper?

Because he has never been taught to self-settle. This is a common issue with children too.

10. Will giving my dog people food cause begging?

Nope. The act of giving any type of food from your plate or dinner table causes begging behavior.

11. Should I act as alpha?

This is a myth. Forcing, staring, pushing, pulling and physically correcting dogs is extremely confusing to them. Picture yourself in a foreign country where no one speaks your native language. Now, imagine people trying to communicate with you–yikes! Throw the “alpha status” stuff out the window. It’s old and useless.

Do you have a question? Leave them in the comments section below!

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Best Probiotic for Dogs

August 18, 2015 by Fanna Easter

Finding the Best Probiotic Brand for Dogs

pitrs10/Deposit Photos

Probiotics can help dogs with gurgling stomachs, noxious gas, mucus-filled stools, chronic antibiotic or steroid use, and even pesky skin issues, especially yeast infections.

Now, I’ll be upfront. There’s a 50 percent chance your dog will benefit immediately once live probiotics are added to his diet–they’re the lucky ones. For the remaining 50 percent, it may take a couple of weeks to notice improved results. Usually, the other 50 percent have had long-term issues, which takes longer to bounce back, so be patient.

With all the probiotic brands, it’s tough finding one that works for our dogs. To make it easier on you, I’m going to tell you my favorite brand, which is recommended by many holistic veterinarians and has worked wonderfully for a sensitive tummy Rottweiler and Miniature Bull Terrier with chronic skin issues.

Proviable-DC Digestive Health

When frantically trying to manage our Miniature Bull Terrier Stella’s persistent yeast-invaded ear infections, I felt helpless. We could hold it back, but not kill it. When her ear infections were really bad, she developed discoloration around her feet and genital area, which caused frequent licking and itchy and was impossible to eliminate. Yes, I was pulling my hair out while trying to keep her fur from falling out.

We changed her to a raw diet, which helped, but yeast kept multiplying, albeit at a slower rate. It still remained. After an exam with a holistic veterinarian, she recommended Proviable-DC Digestive Health capsules. Wow, the difference within two weeks was amazing. She glowed with improved health. It’s been over two years since her last ear infection (knock on wood!).

RELATED: Understanding Dog Nutrition

Paste and Capsules

Proviable-DC contains seven different strains of probiotics and two strains of prebiotics tucked into a small capsule. Now, this product is available in a paste form, but taking it from me, it’s incredibly hard to hide in food due to its taste and consistency. Pills are much easier. If your dog refuses to take meds, check out this article and video for tips. Even though my dogs range in size and weight, they both take one capsule daily with their morning meals.

Long-Term Probiotic Use

Most supplements can safely be used long-term, but always check with your veterinarian first. Proviable-DC is safe for long-term use. However, when I decide to play it safe and give my dog a break from this probiotic for a few weeks, irritable tummy and pesky skin issues pop up. Plus, more is not necessarily better–make sure to follow the recommended dose.

Patience and daily dosing with the right probiotic is key!

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Dog Alert Wallet Cards and Stickers are a Must

August 17, 2015 by Fanna Easter

Why You Need Dog Alert Wallet Cards and Dog Rescue Stickers

Yes, emergencies happen and they’re scary. Personally, it’s my worst nightmare. Take a moment and ensure your pets are taken care of if something should happen to you or your home. By alerting officials with pet alert wallet cards and stickers, you’re ensuring family members and friends are contacted quickly.

ICE (In Case of Emergency): “My Dog Is Home Alone” Wallet Cards

While cruising through Facebook, a fellow dog trainer shared this wonderful idea: it’s a wallet-sized card asking emergency officials to contact family members and friends listed on the back of the card. What a great idea!

You can certainly purchase these cards online, which fit perfectly behind your driver’s license. Also, pre-made options offer laminated bright-colored key tags that alert officials to contact someone to check on your pets.

How to Create a Dog Alert Wallet Card

If you’re crafty and have access to a high quality printer, you can easily create your own. Definitely use bright primary colors to instantly make it clear it’s some type of medical alert card.

Front of Card

Across the front, clearly label “My Dog is Home Alone” in large font and add “If I’m Ill or Injured, Please Contact Someone on Back of Card to Care for My Dog.”

Back of Card

Neatly type at least two to three full names and cell phone numbers of local family and friends who live near your home. This way, it increases the chance of emergency officials speaking to someone. Also, laminating cards and key holders ensure they hold up to everyday life.

Dog Inside Home Stickers

This dog rescue sticker informs emergency responders dogs are in your home and need to be rescued. List the number of dogs you have, so officials can safely rescue them all. It’s best to post these stickers near common entrances (front and back) and on doors and windows. There are many different versions of pet rescue stickers available online.

Make sure you remove the sticker when you move out. If you bring home a new dog or lose one, note that on the sticker immediately. It also doesn’t hurt to replace it often with a current date noted, so first responders are aware the sticker is up-to-date.

How to Create Dog Rescue Stickers

Red and yellow colors are most commonly used to alert officials about immediate medical needs, so I recommend using these easily recognizable colors in your design. Laminating will protect DIY rescue signs from harsh elements and can easily be taped near entrances.

Ounce of Prevention

During fall and spring, it’s best to replace all batteries in smoke detectors. Partner with neighbors to rally for your dogs and insist they’re rescued. Don’t forget to also keep your will updated with plans for your dogs.

Regardless if you create or purchase these dog emergency cards and rescue stickers, take a moment and ensure your pets are safe when you’re not home. With that, I most certainly hope these items are never needed. 🙂

READ NEXT: Pet First Aid Phone App Reviews

How to Talk to Your Dog Through Calming Signals

August 13, 2015 by Fanna Easter

Using Calming Signals to Talk to Your Dog

Do you ever wonder what your dog is trying to say to you?

Well, dogs have a universal language that allows them to communicate with each other as well as humans. Some parts of this language have been understood by people for a long time, such as a dog growling or the positions of their tails and ears.

Other aspects of this canine language are so subtle they’re still being discovered and interpreted today. Some of these subtle body gestures were given the name “calming signals” by Turid Rugaas, a noted author and lecturer on the subject of canine body language. Ms. Rugaas identifies these body gestures in her book “On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals.” In her book, she identifies specific body gestures and behaviors that dogs use to communicate with one another.

Understanding Your Dog’s Calming Signals

Being able to recognize what your dog is trying to communicate to you will create a better relationship between you and your dog. You can do this by learning how to read the signals your dog offers. These calming signals are often given from a dog to calm nervousness and fear when he feels threatened by dogs and/or people, which can easily be overlooked or misinterpreted by humans.

Dogs, by nature, are conflict-solving animals and will usually attempt to defuse conflicts before they become serious. Sometimes, this is facilitated by offering calming signals. For example, when a dog turns his head away from you, it could mean he feels stressed due to the tone of your voice. By looking away, the dog tries to avoid conflict.

Many humans may misinterpret this calming signal and believe the dog is ignoring them, which could actually escalate the situation. If you, the owner, recognize this calming signal and removed the conflict (i.e. changed the tone of your voice), you’ll find your dog looks back.

Some dogs will soften their eyes when a person or another dog tries to engage in a direct stare. This is to let the person, or other dog, know they’re not trying to be offensive or cause a conflict. Some calming signals are much more subtle, such as licking their nose, flicking their tongue, yawning and walking, or moving slowly. You’ll notice that sometimes your dog will walk or move very slowly when you holler at him to come to you. This is to encourage you to calm down unlike the common misconception that the dog is being intentionally disobedient “because he knows he’s in trouble.”

Common dog calming signals include:

• Head turning
• Softening of the eyes
• Licking the nose
• Flicking of the tongue
• Freezing
• Walking or moving slowly
• Yawning
• Sniffing
• Curving when walking
• Lying down

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Guidelines When Using Calming Signals

You, as the owner, can use these signals to communicate to your dog just as he is using them to communicate with you. For instance, if your dog makes direct eye contact with you in a not-so-happy fashion, you can turn your head away to show your dog no immediate threat, as we don’t want to escalate the situation.

When your dog jumps on you, simply turn your back to let him know this behavior is not welcomed. If you’re dealing with a fearful dog, walk and move slowly to let the dog know you mean no harm. You’re really just talking to your dog with body language, which speaks louder than most words to him.

Conclusion

To become more fluent with calming signals, I invite you to read the book mentioned above written by Turid Rugaas as well as begin observing your dog as he interacts with other dogs and in different situations.

Rescue Dog Training Tips: Let Their Past Go

August 12, 2015 by Fanna Easter

You Can Train Rescue Dogs

Assuming all rescued dogs are unable to learn is hogwash. Recently, a friend asked if a rescue dog with a history I cannot disclose is easier to adopt. Hmm good question. Before I could chime in, I was alarmed at many misguided recommendations by well meaning individuals.

Then I became angry. What about all the wonderful dogs found wandering the streets? They have no known history, so are they not adoptable? Plus, many dog owners limit their rescue dog’s abilities and talents due to their dog’s past.

Whoa, let’s chat about this very emotional topic. As always, I have an opinion.

Can Your Dog’s Past Haunt Him?

Yes, I believe it can.

During dog training class, many of my dog training clients brokenheartedly shared: “My rescue dog was severely mistreated, so he’s unable to (fill in the blank).” My eyes widened every time and then I replied as delicately as possible, “Don’t allow your dog’s past to haunt him. He can learn anything. It just takes some skill from me and you.”

Dogs are extraordinary creatures–so complex and so forgiving. They’ve proven time after time–even after living in deplorable conditions–they bloom into darling companions when placed in a safe, trusting and rewarding environment.

Many years ago, I was part of a rescue effort to remove a Rottweiler that had been tied to a tree all his life surrounded by dead and decaying goats as his only food source. This dog had every excuse to hate mankind. He was treated horribly. But as we approached, I could see his face softening and kindness pouring from behind his eyes. Once cleaned and fattened up, he was adopted by a lovely couple that immediately began teaching him polite manners, and eventually became a therapy dog. Yup, if someone judged his past, he would’ve never left the shelter.

Now, past bite histories can linger and some should. Before condemning a dog, experts need more information before assuming anything. Who did he bite, where and why? Many times, a dog’s past is so diluted. These answers are essentially worthless. They should never be discarded, but investigated.

RELATED: Adopting a Rescue Dog

What is the Dog Saying?

Instead of listening only to a dog’s past, it’s important to look at the dog’s current behavior in his new environment. What is his body language saying? Experts will expose him to different situations and watch his reactions and choices. This is the real test. Decisions are made after evaluations by experts.

Now, dear reader, I won’t fool you with promises of fairytale endings and pots of gold, as some dogs reveal themselves during evaluations and it’s not all roses and sunshine. When dangerous behaviors rear their ugly heads, it’s up to rescue experts to decide if these behaviors can be modified and if the dog can be safely placed in a home. Sometimes, hard decisions are made for the safety of people, dogs, communities and other pets (yes, mother nature can be cruel).

Back to my point: I think it’s unfair to deem dogs with unknown histories unadoptable. Always evaluate the dog first, and then make a decision.

Let It Go, Shake It Off

Recently, I saw a Saturday Night Live skit floating through several online communities and I’ll admit, I laughed. Dog owners were discussing their rescue dogs and trying to outdo each other’s rescue story. Trust me, I’m not giggling at the terrible situations dogs had to endure, but I am chuckling at dog owners claiming to have the worst rescue story. Why did this strike a cord, you may ask?

Because it happens every day. Someone is always trying to prove her dog was neglected more than another person’s dog. At first, when I heard this badge-of-honor banter, I was horrified and truly offended, but now I know. After many years of experience, it’s human nature. I just shake it off and listen to the true meaning that is they’ve opened their hearts to a dog in need.

This, my friends, is how a dog’s history can circle around and haunt him again. Don’t hold on to your dog’s painful past. Let it go and move forward by teaching your dog fun and new behaviors–the sky is the limit. Next time a friend says, “My rescue dog can’t do (fill in the blank) because he’s a rescue,” ask her to shake it off . 🙂

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