Thursday, December 17, 2009

Neb. Police: Dogs Fed on Owner's Body After His Suicide

Neb. Police: Dogs Fed on Owner's Body After His Suicide
The Nebraska Humane Society is seeking a new home for two small dogs that police say fed on their owner's body after he killed himself.
Source: feeds.foxnews.com

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Doorbell Desensitization Ding, Dong! Are you and your

Doorbell Desensitization Ding, Dong! Are you and your dog ready for the trickiness of Trick or Treating this year? If your dog barks and runs at the door every time the doorbell rings, then this article on noise desensitization is for you. First, what is the barking all about? Doorbells signal change, and the introduction of an outsider to your environment. Barking can be a sign of excitement or anxiety related to these events. They may be guarding your home, or they may be welcoming your guests. In either case, you need to help your dog to relax. To do this you will need a clicker. If you do not have one, they are available at the register at most pet stores or through your trainer. If you have not used one of these during your training, a clicker is a small device with a button that you press to make a consistent noise. This noise will signify when your dog does something correctly. Prior to training, you must charge the clicker, or give it significance to your canine, by clicking the clicker and giving your dog a small, favorite, tasty treat several times in a row without training. Click! Treat. Click! Treat. You will notice that soon your dog will look your way as soon as you click because they understand that a treat is on its way. Second, you will need to create situations that simulate the doorbell environment that you want to change. You will need to have set-up doorbell ringing situations where you are prepared to train your dog. If guests and family members call ahead and are willing to ring the bell for you when they arrive, this is an easy way to naturally create this environment. Otherwise, you will need to employ volunteers to ring the doorbell for you. Have the person ring the bell, then click and treat the dog BEFORE it barks. Have the person repeat their ring several times at 30-60 second intervals. Each time, the dog gets rewarded for being attentive but not barking. Do not open the door every time. This will signal to the dog that just because the door is ringing, there is not necessarily someone waiting to come into their territory. Make sure to have your dog on a leash so that they cannot run to the door. Instead, guide them to come to you when the ring sounds for their click and reward. As your dog clues in to your training and becomes more relaxed at the bell, introduce verbal praise and wait longer and longer after the bell to click and reward the dog. Eventually, the doorbell will signal the need for calm energy to receive their reward, rather than a time to become excited and charge the door. Thirdly, now that you understand the basic premise, here is the doorbell workup routine to prepare yourself for the big day provided by watchandtrain.com: Have your dog on-leash. The time that your dog spends running towards the door barking can feed into his behavior and cause it to continue. Warm him up initially at the beginning of sessions, then do "cold trials". Warm up - one ring, one treat with your dog right near the door, maybe even having him see you press the bell. You can say "Ready?" to give him even more of a hint that you are about to start "the game". Harder - you are farther away from the front door. Even harder - farther still where you try for two or three rings between treats. Say "Good Boy" after each bell and only click and treat (C/T) after the second or third ring. Ready for an even larger challenge? Train your dog to go to another room when the doorbell rings by having your click and treat supplies in another room. When the bell rings, call them to you. Guide them with the leash to your location, if necessary. When they arrive, award them with a click and treat. This will defuse the door-rushing behavior that can sometimes add excitement to the doorbell situation. During these exercises, if your dog shows signs of anxiety (heavy panting, pacing, shaking, etc) or does not seem to be progressing, then you are moving too quickly. Remember, the idea is to reduce stress on your dog. You will need to do many repetitions of each step to fully desensitize your dog. If you would like a one-on-one demonstration of these exercises, please give us a call. We will be happy to help you.
Dog Boarding Matthews,NC

Friday, December 11, 2009

Watchdogs Cry Foul Over Thousands of Earmarks in Spending Bill

Watchdogs Cry Foul Over Thousands of Earmarks in Spending Bill

Republicans and taxpayer watchdogs are railing against the thousands of earmarks included in the omnibus spending bill that passed the House Thursday and is awaiting a vote in the Senate. 


Source: feeds.foxnews.com

Begging 101 Begging is defined in my mind

Begging 101 Begging is defined in my mind by any eye contact or starring at the food any closer to the owners or their guest form closer then 6 feet. First and foremost you need to have the owners be sure to stop feeding from the table or their hands when are they are eating or snacking. Some owners may not be feeding the dog from the table but the dog still hopes and give the eyes. I like to use a water bottle for begging. This is great if the dog does not like the water bottle. I like the fact that to correction can be done from the other side of the room and the dog sees you administer the correct from the direction that the begging occurs. 1. Start with the water bottle primed in the sink and tune the stream to a thin stream line. Then while eating at the table the owner has the bottle ready and give the dog a squirt in the forehead for coming and closer to the table then 6 feet and or starring at the plates. 2. If the water bottle does not work then you can use a shake can or put the dog into a down stay or place command. Please add your comments.... Mark Thompson
Dog Boarding Matthews,NC

Thursday, December 10, 2009

(NewsChannel 36) A 17-year-old has been arrested and


(NewsChannel 36) A 17-year-old has been arrested and charged with creating homemade bombs after a dispute over a dog, investigators say.

Ronnie Caleb McAbee is charged with possession of a weapon of mass destruction after several explosives were found over the weekend.
Source: www.charlotteobserver.com

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Alaska Sled-Dog Race Canceled Due to Lack of Snow

Alaska Sled-Dog Race Canceled Due to Lack of Snow
The first major Alaska sled-dog race has been cancelled due to a lack of snow, The Anchorage Daily News reported.
Source: feeds.foxnews.com

Alaska Sled-Dog Race Canceled Due to Lack of Snow

Alaska Sled-Dog Race Canceled Due to Lack of Snow
The first major Alaska sled-dog race has been cancelled due to a lack of snow, The Anchorage Daily News reported.
Source: feeds.foxnews.com

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Somalia Blames Al Qaeda Militants for Homicide Bombing

Somalia Blames Al Qaeda Militants for Homicide Bombing
A nuclear official said Friday Iran will not answer to the U.N. nuclear watchdog about its plans to build 10 new uranium enrichment sites beyond the barest minimum required under the international nonproliferation treaty.
Source: feeds.foxnews.com

Iran: We Will Not Answer to U.N. Watchdog on Nuke Plans
A nuclear official said Friday Iran will not answer to the U.N. nuclear watchdog about its plans to build 10 new uranium enrichment sites beyond the barest minimum required under the international nonproliferation treaty.
Source: feeds.foxnews.com

5 New Years Resolutions for your Dog 1.

5 New Years Resolutions for your Dog 1. Walk Your Dog - Making a goal to walk your dog everyday will help you and your pet get into better shape. By using a control walk, you will be reinforcing your dog's place in the family. 2. Obedience Training - You know what to do, but are you being consistent? Resolve to spend 5-10 minutes every other day brushing up on your dog's obedience skills. While you are at it, come to a few tune-up classes and really flex your alpha muscles. 3. Annual Exam - Just like people, dogs need to have an annual check-up to make sure that everything is working properly and that there is nothing going on beneath the surface. Since symptoms can go unnoticed, a visit to your veterinarian's office might be the key to catching something early. If your pet has not seen a veterinarian in the last year consider making an appointment for its physical exam. 4. Socialization - If your dog isn't given the opportunity to be around other dogs, then problems can arise. You might notice barking when you are out for a walk when they see another dog. This can escalate into something more, so it's always a good idea to allow your dog to socialize with other pets as much as possible. 5. Helping a Rescue Organization- What a great New Years Resolution! Rescue organizations are always in need of volunteers, food and blankets, or monetary contributions. You can celebrate your dog by giving to an animal welfare organization.
Charleston Dog Training

Allison Allen
Dog Training In Your Home

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Michael Vick Returns to Atlanta for 1st Time After Prison

Michael Vick Returns to Atlanta for 1st Time After Prison
No one is quite sure what kind of reception Michael Vick will get when he returns to Atlanta for the first time since going to prison for dogfighting.
Source: feeds.foxnews.com

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

How to break your dog's bad habits

How to break your dog's bad habits
Read full story for latest details.

Source: rss.cnn.com

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

When Your Dog Loves You Too Much... Separation

When Your Dog Loves You Too Much... Separation Anxiety is often misdiagnosed in the canine world. Sometimes it is really just boredom or the dog becoming adventurous when given the opportunity. If your dog seems to follow you and stick to you like glue, and/or if destruction is happening within the first 20 minutes you are away, then you are probably dealing with some form of separation anxiety. Here are some things that you can do to help: - Keep your comings and goings neutral! Don't make a big fuss at either time. - Practice leaving with your normal cues (pick up your keys, grab your purse, put on your work shoes, etc.), then don't leave. This will help desensitize your dog to your departures. - Give your dog a hobby while you are gone. Stuff a Kong, leave treats around the house, utilize a feeding tube, or anything that will get your dog up, moving and eating. A dog that is eating is not a stressed dog. - Leave your dog with an article of clothing that smells like you, such as an old t-shirt that you recently slept in. - A good dog is a tired dog! Try to exercise your dog more both mentally and physically.
Dog Training Charlotte,NC

How to break your dog's bad habits

How to break your dog's bad habits
Read full story for latest details.

Source: rss.cnn.com

Boy, 4, Mauled to Death by Pet Dog in U.K.

Boy, 4, Mauled to Death by Pet Dog in U.K.
A four-year-old boy was mauled to death Monday by a dog in Liverpool, U.K., the Times of London reported.
Source: feeds.foxnews.com

Iran: U.N. Criticism Prompted New Nuclear Plans
Iran had no intention of building 10 new nuclear facilities until it was strongly rebuked by the U.N. nuclear watchdog over its nuclear activities, the country's nuclear chief said Monday.
Source: feeds.foxnews.com

EXCLUSIVE: U.N.'s Environmental Power Grab
Environmentalism should be regarded on the same level with religion 'as the only compelling, value-based narrative available to humanity,' according to a paper written to influence the future strategy of UNEP, the world's would-be environmental watchdog.
Source: feeds.foxnews.com

Monday, November 30, 2009

EXCLUSIVE: U.N.'s Environmental Power Grab

EXCLUSIVE: U.N.'s Environmental Power Grab
Environmentalism should be regarded on the same level with religion 'as the only compelling, value-based narrative available to humanity,' according to a paper written to influence the future strategy of UNEP, the world's would-be environmental watchdog.
Source: feeds.foxnews.com

Iran: U.N. Criticism Prompted New Nuclear Plans

Iran: U.N. Criticism Prompted New Nuclear Plans
Iran had no intention of building 10 new nuclear facilities until it was strongly rebuked by the U.N. nuclear watchdog over its nuclear activities, the country's nuclear chief said Monday.
Source: feeds.foxnews.com

How to break your dog's bad habits

How to break your dog's bad habits
Read full story for latest details.

Source: rss.cnn.com

Friday, November 27, 2009

DIGGING CAN BE DANGEROUS Ruined landscaping, escape attempts,

DIGGING CAN BE DANGEROUS Ruined landscaping, escape attempts, and dirty dogs: Digging can be a very destructive and expensive adventure for your dog to embark upon. First, you need to question why your dog is digging in the first place. Is it bored? We already spoke to the resolution of that issue in the above article. Second, do they dig and lay in the holes? Then your dog may be hot or cold and looking for some relief. Train your dog where to lay his head by finding a more suitable bed that satisfies their warmth or cooling requirements. Third and most tricky, is your dog trying to leave your yard by digging under a fence? To reverse this one, you will need to attach a long line to their collar and watch them. When you catch them in the act of digging, you need to correct them, while saying "NO!", and then replace their behavior with an obedience command. When you find holes, it is important to immediately refill them. Check to be sure that the dog has not buried anything in the hole to prevent them from re-digging the hole to retrieve their items. Do not allow your dog to take food, treats, or rawhides outside because this often can lead to an instinctive burying behavior to protect their leftovers. If the behaviors continue after consistent observing and training on your own, make sure to call us so that the behaviors do not become a solidified habit.
Dog Training Royal Oak

Thursday, November 26, 2009

How to break your dog's bad habits

How to break your dog's bad habits
Read full story for latest details.

Source: rss.cnn.com

Raunchy Performance at AMAs Has Adam Lambert On Defense

Raunchy Performance at AMAs Has Adam Lambert On Defense

Adam Lambert's performance at AMAs blasted by viewers, watchdog group.


Source: feeds.foxnews.com

Girl, 12, May Lose Arm After Own Dog Attacks Her

Girl, 12, May Lose Arm After Own Dog Attacks Her
An Australian girl could lose her arm after she was savaged by her family's pet dog when it mistook her for an intruder in her rural Darwin home.
Source: feeds.foxnews.com

California Man Fatally Shot After Dog Sniffs Gunman's Leg
Police say a Hayward man walking his dogs with his 13-year-old daughter was fatally shot after one of the dogs sniffed the gunman's leg.
Source: feeds.foxnews.com

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Girl, 12, May Lose Arm After Own Dog Attacks Her

Girl, 12, May Lose Arm After Own Dog Attacks Her
An Australian girl could lose her arm after she was savaged by her family's pet dog when it mistook her for an intruder in her rural Darwin home.
Source: feeds.foxnews.com

New Iran atom site sparks mistrust: ElBaradei
VIENNA (Reuters) - U.N. inspectors have no proof of more covert nuclear sites in Iran but a newly revealed plant makes no sense for civilian or military ends by itself and mistrust has arisen, the U.N. atomic watchdog chief said on Wednesday.

Source: feeds.reuters.com

Kangaroo Tries to Drown Man, Dog

Kangaroo Tries to Drown Man, Dog
An Australian man was almost drowned by a kangaroo after he dived into his farm dam to save his pet dog.
Source: feeds.foxnews.com

Big powers draft resolution to press Iran at IAEA

Big powers draft resolution to press Iran at IAEA
VIENNA (Reuters) - Six world powers have drafted a resolution at the UN nuclear watchdog urging Iran to clarify the purpose of its previously secret uranium enrichment site and confirm it has no more hidden atomic work, diplomats said.

Source: feeds.reuters.com

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Integrating Practice into Everyday Life In our training,

Integrating Practice into Everyday Life In our training, we often hear that people simply do not have time to practice with their dogs. While setting aside time to spend one on one with your dog is ideal, and should be pursued whenever possible, we understand that sometimes life can be busy. We are, after all, human. Even though life is busy, your dog still needs repetition and consistency in order to develop the habits that you desire. Often people do not realize that the time spent with your dog, whether set aside or not, is time spent training. Why not integrate your practice into your daily routines so that you can make the most of your time and bond with your dog? There are lots of ways to do it. Here are just a few: SIT and DOWN: Sit and down commands should be practiced whenever you need your dog to stop moving and freeze into position. While challenging your dog to a long stay session during a set-aside practice time is one way to do it, another is having him or her practice her down and/or sit stays while you answer the door, read a magazine, or brush your teeth. Whenever your dog is moving around and you would rather them not be, replace the negative behavior with a positive one. PLACE: Working on Place can be easily accomplished while you watch television or check your email! Start with short place challenges during commercial breaks and then when your dog gets better at it, extend out to actual show segments. Put them on place while you start reading your email, see how many you can get through before your dog tries to get up! While snuggling with your dog during your downtime is often a relaxing time for many owners, this is a way to get in your practice so that when guests come, they can be just as relaxed. Don't forget, if you don't practice, your dog is not going to remember what to do when you need it to. WAITING : Even the simple acts of going through a doorway to take your dog out or feeding them are great opportunities for integrated practice. Have your dog do a sit/stay or a down/stay and wait at doorways. You should always go through first. Have them sit/stay or down/stay while you put down their food. Release them from their stays with a "you're through". This way they understand that you own the food and they are motivated to listen!
Charleston Dog Training

Allison Allen
Dog Training In Your Home

Friday, November 13, 2009

Capture Desired Behavior Capturing a desired behavior: This

Capture Desired Behavior Capturing a desired behavior: This is a great way to help an owner gain some progress between practing commands formally. I use this with a dog that is especially difficult on Down for instance, like the 7 year old Sharpei I trained that was extremely resistant with the owner. We used the Down with Chair method, which is a form of capturing the behavior...and this method combined. Most of us know about Capturing Behavior. The main reason for adding this page is to remind you to inform the clien'ts to use it. We use it often for a dog that is housebreaking, but it can be helpful for other things as well. So, whenever a dog does a desired command such as the Down, say "Good Down" while showing the hand signal if the dog will not be aggressive to the hand signal. I know some dogs can get aggressive when they see or hear the command. If the dog gets stiff / looks aggressive when you give the command verbally, try using the hand signal only. You can click and treat a dog when capturing behavior. Advantages: This can be done even when the dog is just about to lie down in it's bed or crate and from a distance if necessary. Repetition of this is key, as with all commands. Christina Russell
dog-training-charlotte.com

Deaf Dog Remote Vibrating Collar Deaf Dog Remote

Deaf Dog Remote Vibrating Collar Deaf Dog Remote Vibrating Collar - I have used a remote collar that vibrates when you press the transmit button on the remote. I have used the vibration as the dogs name and or as the marking of a behavior. However there are some problems with using these collars. Some dogs are very scared of the collar. They have never felt something like it before. So I like to hold the remote collar in my hand and lightly hold the collar against the dog and activate the collar when the dog feels the vibration give the dog a treat. After doing this until the dog starts to expect the treat ..then and only then put the collar on the dog. Then start to use the collar then treat...collar then treat...collar then treat. Then start using the collar to mark behavior I like to start with the look command. When the dog looks at your face remote and treat. The remote I like is the 175ncp dogtra collar http://betterdog.com/Products/dogtra.htm Are about 175.00 and work well...
Charleston Dog Training

Allison Allen
Dog Training In Your Home

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Begging 101 Begging is defined in my mind

Begging 101 Begging is defined in my mind by any eye contact or starring at the food any closer to the owners or their guest form closer then 6 feet. First and foremost you need to have the owners be sure to stop feeding from the table or their hands when are they are eating or snacking. Some owners may not be feeding the dog from the table but the dog still hopes and give the eyes. I like to use a water bottle for begging. This is great if the dog does not like the water bottle. I like the fact that to correction can be done from the other side of the room and the dog sees you administer the correct from the direction that the begging occurs. 1. Start with the water bottle primed in the sink and tune the stream to a thin stream line. Then while eating at the table the owner has the bottle ready and give the dog a squirt in the forehead for coming and closer to the table then 6 feet and or starring at the plates. 2. If the water bottle does not work then you can use a shake can or put the dog into a down stay or place command. Please add your comments.... Mark Thompson
Dog Training Charlotte,NC

HEEL COMMAND c Begin with your dog in

HEEL COMMAND c Begin with your dog in a SIT/STAY on your left side, both of you facing forward. Step forward with your left foot, as you say “_________, HEEL.” (command tone) Patting your left hip while praising will encourage your dog to remain at your side. c Continue walking at a moderate pace. As your dog moves out of the HEEL position, use a quick SNAP AND RELEASE in the opposite direction, as you say “NO!” (correction tone) Repeat the HEEL command (command tone) as you encourage your dog with praise. c Make it a challenge for your dog to stay by your side by changing directions rapidly without warning, and by changing your speed from very slow to a brisk walk. c When practicing the HEEL command, always begin and end with your dog in a SIT/STAY position at your left side. . c The HEEL command is one of the most difficult for your dog to master. For this reason, it is crucial that you practice every day. However, limit your practice sessions to 2 minute spurts for the first week, gradually increasing the time to 8-10 minutes. Here’s a tip for practice: try point-to-point heeling. Pick an object, like a mailbox or fire hydrant. Walk your dog in HEEL directly toward that object. Then turn about-face, and repeat the procedure with a different object. This will help you teach him to move forward in a straight line, without veering or pulling. As always, remember to praise your dog -- and make it fun! TRAINING GOAL:________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ c Remember: If you have any questions, please call our office Monday-Friday, 8:30 am -5:00 pm c (704) 573-3647
Chattanooga Dog Training

Dee Bass
Dog Training In Your Home

Army Dog Found After 14 Months Lost in Afghanistan

Army Dog Found After 14 Months Lost in Afghanistan
A bomb-sniffing dog that disappeared during a fierce battle in Afghanistan between Australian troops and militant fighters has been found and returned to its unit after more than a year.