Most often when I hear my clients complain about these behaviors I wonder if the dog is truly mentally and physically stimulated at home.  If I was locked in a room with 4 white walls and one sofa with nothing to do for days on end, sooner or later I would shred the sofa too!  You must find ways to entertain your dog’s mind to help him stay well behaved.

A dog’s sense of smell is 2000 greater than that of a human.  I often liken reading a book or watching a movie to a dog following a scent or even digging through layers of ground scents (although we consider this naughty, each layer of ground has a new and different story for your dog’s nose)

A Dog’s Nose Can Find

Your Dog's Most Powerful Sense

• Missing Persons
• Cadavers
• Disease like cancer cells
• Seizures
• Molds
• Insects like termites
• Explosives
• Drugs
• Fruits and Veggies at customs

It is instinctual for dog’s to use their noses, so I like to teach my dog’s how to use them appropriately and how to play games with their noses.  This is also appropriate to do with multiple dogs, as long as it doesn’t get too competitive.

In Nose Work 1,  we will discuss the basics of teaching you dog to use his sense of smell at home, and later I will discuss different ways to teach your dog to use his nose in his outside world and how to teach him scent discrimination.

How To Get Started

1. Air pop some popcorn, do not use microwave popcorn with butter or salt; this is too hard on your dog’s kidneys.  Use plain popcorn for this training because it is easy to see, nonfattening, and easy to smell
2. First I toss some pieces of popcorn on the floor in front of my dogs and say “Find It” .  “Find It” means to use your eyes, nose and ears (if appropriate).
3. Once your dog is adept at looking around and eating the popcorn, hold his collar or avert his eyes as you toss the popcorn so that he will not see it fall, you can use a helper if you need to, then give him the “Find It” command.If he is having trouble finding it, calmly walk toward the popcorn without leaning over or showing him and wait till he finds it, or back up a step in training. When your dog is clearly looking around and you can hear him sniffing he is ready to move on to the next step.
4. Next toss a piece of popcorn clearly out of his range of sight but within easy reach if he wanders around; like behind your chair or sofa or around a corner and give him the command.  Again, he should be clearly using his eyes and his nose to search for the popcorn.
5. Then start hiding the popcorn under things like the table or the edge of the sofa, be careful that he is able to get to the popcorn or he may become frustrated bite the furniture or scratch the carpet.
6. Next hide things at table or sofa level like on the sofa, a chair, or a book shelf (avoid the kitchen table this time ha ha)
7. Now begin hiding things on a higher level above his nose level.  He must be taught that things can be found on all levels of his environment or he will give up if he can’t find it easily

Play this game for several days or even weeks until you are sure your dog has grasped the concept and is actively searching, now using mostly his nose to seek his treat.

The next step is to find a unique smell and attach it to an object that can easily be hidden.  I often chose a large rag and salt.  Salt is very easily detected by the canine nose so I soak a large rag (so that it cannot be swallowed) in water and lightly sprinkle with salt.  Do not use too much salt, only a very light sprinkle is needed, remember your dog’s nose is 2000 times stronger than yours!  Now allow the rag to fully dry.

Let your dog sniff the rag then go back to step one by tossing the rag to the floor and saying “Find It”.  Praise him wildly when he races toward the rag, you can also give him a treat.  Go back to the list and work your way down the steps hiding the rag on all levels of your room.

When he becomes adept at finding the rag, I like to teach my dog to lay down as a passive sign that he has found his scent.  As soon as he finds it, have him lay down and reward him so that he realizes that this is a behavior chain: find the rag, then lay down to alert that the rag has been found, and then wait patiently for the treat.

As you are training, move from room to room and never use a particular pattern of which level it can be found on, when he finds it don’t let him grab it, have him lay down and reward him for a passive alert.  This keeps him from ever snatching things that could possibly be dangerous.

As he learns this game, I begin to change the scent.  Much later we can teach him scent discrimination but in the beginning using a few different scents to hide is enough.

I keep my rags in Ziploc bags in the freezer to keep their smell fresh and to keep him from playing this game without me, becoming bored, or associating where I keep these rags with the game.  You need the scent to be as fresh as possible in the beginning.

Have a good time and as he learns and becomes adept at this game make the hiding places more difficult for him to find, this challenges his mind!  This is a great game that can be utilized even when the weather is cold or rainy or you don’t feel like taking him out for physical exercise.  Basic nose games are some of my favorite ways to entertain an active, bored dog that needs a job!

Nose Work 1 an Introduction to Nose Games is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

courtesy of www.thefunnydogs.com

Abandoned as a young whelp, he was taken in and reared by a family of beavers!  They must be so proud…

Beaver Dog is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Avoid these Poisonous Plants for Dogs

findavet.us/blog

Spring is just around the corner. If you’re getting ready to plant a new garden or dogscape your backyard, the ASPCA warns that you should be sure to avoid the following plants that can be highly toxic to dogs.

Sago Palm: Although the entire plant is poisonous, the seeds or “nuts” contain the most toxins. Even if your dog only eats a seed or two, serious effects including vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures and liver failure can occur.

Tulip/Narcissus bulbs: These bulbs contain toxins that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities.

Azalea/Rhododendron: These plants contain grayantoxins, which can produce vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness and depression of the central nervous system in animals. Severe azalea poisoning could ultimately lead to coma and death from cardiovascular collapse.

Oleander: All parts of this plant are considered to be toxic and have the potential to cause

gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia and even death.

Castor Bean: This plant contains ricin, a highly toxic protein that can produce severe abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness and loss of appetite. Severe cases of poisoning can result in dehydration, muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, coma and death.

Cyclamen: The highest concentration of the toxic cyclamine is in the root. If your dog eats it, it can produce significant gastrointestinal irritation, including intense vomiting. Fatalities have also been reported.

Kalanchoe: Ingestion of this plant can result in gastrointestinal irritation, as well as seriously affect heart rhythm and rate.

Yew: This plant contains taxine, which causes central nervous system effects such as trembling, incoordination and difficulty breathing. It can also cause significant gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac failure, which can result in death.

Amaryllis: These flowers, popular around Easter, contain toxins that can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, anorexia and tremors.

Chrysanthemum: This popular flower contains pyrethrins that may produce gastrointestinal upset, including drooling, vomiting and diarrhea. Depression and loss of coordination may also develop if your dog eats a large amount of this plant.

English Ivy: Also called branching ivy, glacier ivy, needlepoint ivy, sweetheart ivy and California ivy, it contains triterpenoid saponins that can result in vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation and diarrhea.

Peace Lily: These flowers contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue.

Pothos: If chewed or ingested, this popular household plant can cause significant irritation and swelling of the oral tissues and parts of the gastrointestinal tract.

Schefflera: This plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue.

PHOTOS: aspca.com

http://findavet.us/blog/

Poisonous Plants to Your Dog is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

courtesy of dogblog.dogster.com, One of the two chewed police cars/chew toys, "Chattanooga Times Free Press"

I’ve heard of dogs that love ‘chasing‘ cars, but  ‘chewing‘ cars!  Check out the bumper on this police car.  Give the poor dog a good chew toy for goodness sake!

Talk About a Dog With a Chewing Problem…

by Maria Goodavage,dogblog.dogster.com

You think your dog’s chewing is destructive?

Don’t talk to Nancy Emerling, of Chattanooga, Tenn. Her bulldog made four cars — as in real-deal automobiles — into chew toys this weekend. And two of the cars happened to be police cars.

This is how the Chattanooga Times Free Press described one of the incidents:

While running radar at 1410 Workman Road, Officer Clayton Holmes reported he felt his car shaking and upon investigating he found the bulldog chewing on his patrol car, said Officer Rebecca Royval, police department spokeswoman. The dog reportedly chewed two tires and the entire front bumper off the car, she said.

Read the rest of Maria’s article.

Biting Off More Than You Can Chew… is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

What dog behaviors should I encourage?

by Nicole S. Silvers, March 3, 2010, dogstardaily.com

Behaviors to Encourage is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

courtesy of www.examiner.com

Dogs can easily become bored and may need more to entertain them than just the occasional chew toy or chasing a ball.  Here are some interesting options to help stimulate your dog’s mind and release all that pent-up energy.

Nina Ottoson toys get your dogs brain working

posted by Nicole Martin, 2/22/10, www.examiner.com

Most pet dogs are chronically under-stimulated, especially in the cold winter months when their owners are less active. Food puzzle toys come in all different shapes, sizes and styles but one of the best that I have found is a line of toys made by Nina Ottoson. They are games designed to truly entertain your dogs body and mind. Available in both plastic and wood versions, there is one to suit every dog or owner. Your dog simply moves the parts to reveal his treats. Except, they aren’t quite so easy. You can gradually increase the level of difficulty so that your dog remains engaged. This search for treats or food bits simulates the hunting behaviors that your dog needs to find an outlet for. The wooden versions are definitely recommended for larger dogs or those who can be a little overzealous in their foraging.

When using toys like this, it is important to start slow and go at your pet’s pace. If your dog becomes frustrated he won’t be having very much fun. Playing with Nina Ottoson toys also provides a wonderful opportunity to practice your dog training commands like sit, stay and wait. Always supervise your dog closely while they are playing and put the toy away after use. These toys are great for cats and ferrets too! Check out the video below to see exactly how they work.

Read the rest of Nicole’s article.

Brain Toys for Your Dog is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

www.aplacetolovedogs.com

This poor guy obviously has no clue as to just how precarious his situation is!

On Dangerous Ground is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

A lot of people are feeling the effects of “cabin fever” this winter with all of the snow we’ve had, so imagine how good it feels to finally get out and see new sites, other people, and generally just stimulate our minds with new adventures.  Well, your dog needs new adventures once in awhile, as well.  Read this article explaining why it is important to take your dog on field trips.

Field Trips: why it’s important to get your dog out of the house

by Rachael Pan, February 6, 2010

Examiner.com

Dogs are highly intelligent creatures and as such, can quickly and easily become bored. Stimulation—both physical and mental—is very important to the overall health and well-being of your dog. Taking your dog on a “Field Trip” is a great way to give him some extra stimulation.

A field trip for your dog is going anywhere new, unusual or rarely visited. Your dog may surprise you with how fascinated he is with something as simple as sniffing (or marking) some new trees, nose-to-nosing with new canine friends, or exploring some different territory. Field trips give your dog something to “think about,” and, when used to stimulate a destructive dog before leaving him alone at the house, can contribute to helping him be less inclined to seek and destroy items in your home.

Read the rest of Rachael’s article.

Taking Your Dog on Field Trips is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Are you looking for that special Valentine’s gift for your pooch?  If so, you might check out these treats from Kona’s Chips.

You Are Your Dog’s Valentine…

If your precious pooch could pick a Valentine, it would be you!  Let your dog know how much he is loved with a special V-Day treat from Kona’s Chips!

Great Value! Our Valentine toys are hand-made in America exclusively for Kona’s Chips by an expert dog toy creator.  We received special pricing and have passed along the savings to you!
Beary “Be Mine”
Plus 6 Ounces of Chicken Jerky or Turkey Jerky

Your choice of 6 ounces of Chicken Jerky or Turkey Jerky paired with a snuggly red teddy bear toy marked with a pink heart on his chest.  Beary is backed with soft berber fabric and has a tummy squeaker for fun!  Beary measures approximately 6” x 7½” and is perfect for small to medium dogs.  Hand-made in America exclusively for Kona’s Chips.  Your dog will look at you with hearts in his eyes!  Click to view Beary

See more treats from Kona.

Be My Valentine is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

This may seem cute, but it's actually training this dog to nip

Have you ever heard of the famous Marshmallow test done by Stanford university that suggests that self-control is the number one determining factor to whether our children grow up to be above or below average?

If you’ve never read up on that study, it’s fascinating and can teach you a LOT about what it takes to teach puppies to stop nipping and control their emotional urges.

In their study, Stanford university took children into a room and asked a child to sit in a chair with a Marshmallow in front of them.  The instructor then told the children that if they waited for him to run an errand, they could have two Marshamallows when he came back.

But if they ate the one in front of them they would NOT get the second Marshmallow.

Whether or not the children were able to resist the inner urge to just gobble up the Marshmallow or not, was an incedible predictor of how successful those children’s lives would be, how much money they would earn, and how happy their marriage would be.

The reason this experiment was such a big predictor of these childrens’ future success, is because there is one trait that all successful people have in common… the ability to delay immediate gratification because they realize it earns them long term gains.

Well guess what, this applies to dog’s as well!

The better your dog is at remembering to keep his emotions in check, and realizing that waiting can get him BIGGER rewards, the happier and easier your life with him will be.

Luckily for us, we can build delayed gratification, or what i call, “Urge Control” into our daily training excercises.

Build Urge Control Into every Day
Activities With Your Dog

When we weave the concept of Urge Control into all of our puppies training drills, the result is a dog who remains much more calm and emotionally stable in situations like:

• Staying calm when the doorbell rings
• Not rushing to gobble up food dropped on the floor
• Staying off counter tops
• Not nipping during a game of tug a war
• Being less aggressive on a leash towards other dogs
• Remaining indifferent when children accidentally irritate them
• and a host of other situations

One of the simplest ways I recomend people teach their dog’s Urge Control is when they first get their puppy and are working on how to stop his nipping.

Understanding Why Your Puppy is Nipping

The thing you need to determine when teaching a puppy how to stop nipping, is the main driving factor for why the puppy is nipping in the first place.

In most cases a puppy is nipping for one of two reasons.

1. He is teething and finds relief from nipping and chewing on items.  In this case, I recommend using a technique that I call, Cataloging Chewables which is all about how to stop destructive puppy chewing.
2. He still thinks nipping is a fun way to play with you just like he did with his litter mates.

With puppies that are nipping because they think it’s a fun way to interact with you, we need to set up an environment where we take what the puppy wants (interaction with us) and hold it hostage against them.

This means that we set up a new rule for our puppy that he can fully understand.

The New Rule = “Playtime STOPS when you nip”

This means that you can play with your puppy all you want, but the second he nips you, or mouths you harder then you are comfortable with, simply stand up, and ignore your puppy.

It is not necessary to yell, swat or say no.  The fact that you’ve given him the cold shoulder is sending him the strongest signal possible.  Nothing else could be communicating your new “rules of engagement” better then by taking the thing he wants more then anything else in the world, (YOU) away from him when he nips.

Now Here’s What I
Want You To Do Next

Because this Urge Control drill is so effective, I want you to go practice it on your puppy right now.

Most clients of mine see a dramatic change in their dogs behavior within a matter of minutes.

After a handful of times of getting up and abruptly ending playtime with your puppy when he nips, you’ll see the little wheels start turning in his head as he realizes that you only stop playing with him when he nips.

Try to ignore your puppy for about 15-20 seconds after he nips before you resume playing with him.

If you’ll go spend some time today practicing this drill you should see nearly instant results.

But Your Work is NOT Done!

Urge Control is something that needs to be built into all aspects of your dogs life.  Urge Control needs to be a rule your dog lives by, not just something to stop only nipping.

Sure it can be used for just that, but it can be something so much more when applied to all areas of your dog’s life.

So after you go try out this Urge Control technique on your dog, and see for yourself how effective it is, I want you to come back and sign up to receive a copy of my Hands Off Dog Training program that can show you how to finish up the other areas of your puppies training that need work.

You can pick up a copy of my Hands Off Dog Training program here.

How To Stop Puppy Nipping Using "Urge-Control" is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog