The Puppy Whisperer on Blog Talk Radio

Leashed Aggressive Dog? - Here's How To Stop It

2010-12-10T18:27:00.000-05:00

One of the most common times your dog displays aggression towards other dogs is when you are out enjoying your daily walk. Lets have a look at some of the steps you can take to control your dog's on leash frustration.

Once again obedience training is the key. At the first sign of any anxious or aggressive behavior from your dog you can immediately call on an obedience command such as a down-stay to divert his/her attention. You are asking your dog to perform an alternate behavior which takes his focus and attention away from the other dog. It also changes your dogs body language to a passive, non threatening posture.

When you are in the process of eradicating on leash aggression be sure to use a suitable muzzle and do your best to avoid possible confrontations. This won't fix the problem but it's a worthwhile temporary measure.

Always be mindful that your dog is very sensitive to your energy, emotions, breathing and feelings. Therefore if you tense up and grab hold of the leash tightly at the first sign of an approaching dog, your dog will pick up on this and become anxious and stressed. This is a huge factor in most cases of on leash aggression.

You want your dog to believe that other dogs are no big deal rather than something to get worked up about. Another reason to not tighten up the leash is because this changes your dog's body language (makes your dog stand upright and tall). This can be seen by the other dogs as a show of dominance or at the very least threatening.

Teach your dog the obedience "look" command or "focused attention exercise". When taught correctly this exercise can be called upon anytime you require your dog to focus on you and off something else - such as an unfamiliar dog. Follow these steps:

As with teaching any new command start in a familiar environment to your dog, free from any distractions (don't start teaching this attention exercise when you are out and about on your walk).

This exercise is all about getting and holding the attention of your dog, so grab a handful of your dogs favorite treats and lets get started!

Step 1: With your dog on leash say "Fido" (your dogs name) "look", as soon as your dog looks up at you (gaining eye contact) praise him/her and then produce the treat from your pocket and give it. Remember to keep this sequence the same every time "Fido" look!, as soon as you gain eye contact immediately praise your dog "good boy!", then provide the treat.

Step 2 is the foundation of the exercise, get it right and then you just need to build on it and strengthen it. Add some variables to this basic exercise such as saying "Fido look!" then take a couple of steps to one side. When your dog follows you and looks up to make eye contact you praise and produce the yummy treat. Now you can lengthen the amount of time you have your dog's attention by repeating this exercise back to back. It goes like this, say "Fido look!" take a couple of steps to your right, your dog follows you and looks up into your eyes, you praise and then treat. Straight away you repeat this process (step to the left this time) and continue to do it 5 or 6 times.

Keep practicing this exercise over and over and take it to different locations and gradually add some distractions such as the presence of other dogs. This may take a while, take it slow!

When you've built a reliable "look" command in any environment, you can confidently call on it in many situations, including when other dogs are around. Eventually you will be able to fade out the treats and just rely on praise and maybe an occasional treat. In the end you'll find your dog will look to you whenever other dogs are around. Your dog will soon learn that there is no need to be anxious or to fear other dogs. You'll find that eventually your dog will actually learn to associate the presence of other dogs with something positive happening.

Another technique is to play the "find it" game. This redirects your dog's attention, breaks eye contact with any other dogs and produces non threatening body language from your dog. All you need to do is throw a treat on the ground and say "find it". Your dog will pick this game up very quickly and is sure to love it.

Always reward your dog for polite, calm greetings with unfamiliar dogs. Demonstrate to your dog that you are happy with him/her.

No Chocolate for Fido and Hide the Mistletoe!!!

2010-12-08T12:19:00.001-05:00

Chocolate is toxic for doggies and can make them very sick. Another thing that can be bad for our doggies are Poinsettia, holly and mistletoe! Keep those plants high and the chocolate out of sight! Happy Holidays:-) ARF ARF!

"The amount and type of chocolate ingested is also important, as they are the determining factors for the severity of the toxicity. The three types of chocolate that you must be aware of are:

1.Milk Chocolate – Mild signs of toxicity can occur when 0.7 ounces per pound of body weight is ingested; severe toxicity occurs when two ounces per pound of body weight is ingested (or as little as one pound of milk chocolate for a 20-pound dog).

2.Semi-Sweet Chocolate – Mild signs of toxicity can occur when 0.3 ounce per pound of body weight is ingested; severe toxicity occurs when one ounce per pound of body weight is ingested (or as little as six ounces of semi-sweet chocolate for a 20-pound dog).

3.Baking Chocolate – This type of chocolate has the highest concentration of caffeine and theobromine. Therefore, as little as two small one-ounce squares of baking chocolate can be toxic to a 20-pound dog (or 0.3 ounce per pound of body weight)."

More on chocolate for dogs

Poisonous Holiday Plants

"We all like making our homes more festive for the holidays. We enjoy the green foliage and colorful flowers of plants. Unfortunately, many of the plants we have in our homes during the holidays can be poisonous to pets. If ingested, holly (leaves and berries) causes stomach upset and can be potentially fatal to both dogs and cats. Mistletoe upsets stomachs and can cause heart collapse, while hibiscus may cause diarrhea. Poinsettias have an irritating sap that can cause blistering in the mouth and stomach upset. So when you brighten up your home, place these plants well out of your dog's reach, or use imitation holiday plants."

More Holiday Safety Tips for Out Pets

How Much is That Doggie in the Window?

2010-12-01T15:45:00.000-05:00

What a great gift to give on Christmas! Locate your animal shelter and adopt a pet for this holiday season. Bring smiles to those little ones with a furry friend;-)

Travelling with an Old Dog..Peeeeeuuuuu!!

2010-11-24T14:42:00.000-05:00

Ever smell the breath of an old dog with rotten teeth? How about those uncontrollable releases out of the basement? If you are going on a trip, be prepared! I pack treats, bones, water and LOTS of air freshener. Old dogs seem to pant more too so the whole truck smells like rotten sewage carnage! YUCK! Don't get me wrong, I love my old boy but that doesn't mean I have to smell him:-p

"Board" er Collies Can Entertain Themselves

2010-11-20T22:50:00.002-05:00

I swear I just love the Border Collie breed. They suit me because I too am a big goofball. Buster is 11 now and Daisy is over a year old. "Gramps" which is what we call Buster now, tolerates Daisy. Anyway, I've noticed how creative they can get when not given attention. When Buster was young, he would chase his tail, bring it to me and run around my leg with his tail in his mouth. It's hard to picture but I have video somewhere. He was on The Planet's Funniest Animals doing it.

The other thing Buster used to do is put his head in the couch. At first I thought he was looking for crumbs or something but after a few minutes of stillness, I realized me enjoyed the laughter and did it for fun. What a retarded dog right? They say Border Collies want to please their masters so in his own way, I guess he was.

Oh, I just remembered the racket ball! Buster would put the ball in his mouth and squeeze it so it would pop out real fast and hit the cabinet. Then he would try to catch it. Over and over again, he would do this and it was hilarious!

Daisy entertains herself with toys. When she goes outside, we see a flash of white run by the door and she is holding the Frisbee, teasing Buster. Too funny.

Daisy's other entertainment is the shower curtain. She bites it and barks at it. Don't ask me..she's just goofy.

My Dog is A Raging Lunatic!

2010-11-16T17:18:00.000-05:00

Poor Buster has been afraid of thunderstorms for years. I have tried everything from comforting him to ignoring him and the only solution is to place him in his kennel. If I leave him out, he will scramble for safety and sometimes that means going behind entertainment centers and behind furniture where he can get hurt. His favorite place is the tub but that is not an option. He digs as if he is reaching out to China so he spends the time in the kennel. Many a sleepless night because of it. Since we started ignoring him altogether when he is frantic, we have noticed a difference. I guess the idea of negative attention creates the frantic dog even more. He used to run away when he heard loud noises but we stopped that too. I used to get scared and freak out, which was causing him to freak out more I guess. Now we just call him to our side softly and give him a short petting, then inside to the kennel as usual. I don't medicate him since it is hard to know when storms come but occasionally I will give him 1/2 a Benadryl which really helps.

When he was a pup I made the mistake of taking him to the fireworks. I believe this is what started the whole nightmare for him. I didn't know nearly as much about dogs then as I do now. I guess that is one of the reasons for all of my research. Daisy is one year old and she thinks it is playtime when it thunders. Again, we did that. I did not want her to end up like Buster. It is so important when they are puppies to know as much as we can in order to have an awesome dog. Dogs can live almost 20 years sometimes so it would be nice to enjoy those years with them.

Dog in Heat???

2010-11-15T19:54:00.000-05:00

What to do what to do! Doggie panties are so expensive but nobody wants little spots all over the house. Go to the local thrift store and buy baby clothes! It is cheap and you can throw them away when your dog is done with her heat:-)

Dog Bloopers

2010-11-10T11:21:00.002-05:00

Puppy Whisperer Training

2010-11-08T15:27:00.000-05:00

I would like to point out that my training starts from day one of getting a puppy and never ends. I am in tune with my animals and stay that way as if I were a mother. I do not have any 2 legged children for reasons only God knows, but I do have 4 legged ones. I listen for the slightest change or movement and can understand exactly what my dogs are doing at any given time. This is unique to what many people have time for. Most families work and have children so cannot find the time to spend with the animals. I, however, have too much time on my hands as some would say. I am a student and a wife and I love learning new things. I have always had a passion for animals and since dogs are trainable pets, I enjoy spending time working with them. I get the occasional outsider who wants special training but it is expensive so most people prefer not to have any training done at all or do it on their own. If you have the time, that's awesome because you can have a good dog or a great dog! Either way you win. The radio show came about because I love talking to the public about animals. I hope that by sharing what I have learned from animals can help others.

SINGLE BLACK FEMALE

2010-11-07T20:36:00.000-05:00

SBF Seeks Male companionship, ethnicity unimportant. I'm a good looking girl who LOVES to play. I love: long walks in the woods, hunting, camping, riding in your pickup truck, fishing trips, cozy winter nights spent lying by the fire. Candlelight dinners will have me eating out of your hand. Rub me the right way and watch me respond. I'll be at the front door when you get home from work, wearing only what nature gave me. Kiss me and I'm yours. Call 555-2121 and ask for Daisy. (The original phone number given was the Humane Society and Daisy was an eight week old black Labrador Retriever.)

Top Ten

2010-11-07T12:31:00.002-05:00

Top Ten Benefits of having a Senior Dog

10. Bath time is no longer a fight to keep them in the tub. I think it’s harder to get them out.

9. They decide to run from you but only make it to the front yard because it’s just too much effort.

8. 17 throws of the ball is now only 1 and they are completely satisfied.

7. Potty time is pretty quick since they go as soon as they hit the grass..and they are done..Back inside to the nice, cozy bed!

6. You say “Go to bed” and they do….for the night.

5. The “stay” command finally works!....and any other command for that matter because they just don’t want to deal with it anymore.

4. Thunderstorm? What thunderstorm? They can’t hear it anymore!

3. No more shedding since they lost most of their hair to old age.

2. They run (well walk) to the window to bark and the only thing you hear is a soft whisper.

And the number 1 benefit of having a senior dog is…

Speaking of bark…Their bark is bigger than there bite even as a whisper…since they no longer have any teeth to bite you with. HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

We've made it through the hard part with our puppy..yippie!!...Wait...More chewing?

2010-11-05T21:53:00.001-04:00

Wellllll now it's teething time! Our little balls of fur have grown up and become wonderful dogs. But now the chewing is back...slippers, couches, table legs and more! Ahhhh! Ok....calm down. Our puppies are teething. They need another dose of fun stimuli to help them along through this time. Teething can be painful as we know and it is the same for dogs. They need something to chew on to help them loosen those baby teeth to bring in the new. Today Miss Daisy was rewarded with a marrow bone. She does not chew on our personal things, but does occasionally tear up a random trash item she reaches out of the garbage. I loaded up on Thrift Store toys again too. For the first time in a long time, she actually tore one up. This tells me I am on the right track. She is teething and she needs help. I would also watch for mood swings and depression. They may need a little more than bones and toys. If they are in pain, check the mouth to be sure there is no swelling or redness. When my other dog grew in his teeth, one did not fall out so it was wedged in with the new tooth. Needless to say, we got it out of there quick since it would have caused infection for sure. Good luck and get out there and buy some chew toys to save your possessions!

Puppy training the first week

2010-11-04T13:31:00.002-04:00

The following information will help start you on your way with your new puppy.

"When your puppy comes home, it is important
to be prepared for many training opportunities ...

Puppy training basics during the first week the puppy is home is critical. It is obvious that you need certain physical items such as a dog bed or crate, food and water bowls, puppy chow, collar, leash, toys, etc. Equally as important, all family members must decide and agree on routine, responsibility and rules.

The first few days are extremely important. Enthusiasm and emotions are up. Everyone wants to feed the puppy, play with the puppy and hold the puppy. Pre-established rules are easily broken. Everyone agreed that puppy will sleep in her crate but as soon as she's home, someone melts and insists that puppy will sleep in bed. Everyone previously agreed not to let puppy jump up on them, but in the excitement, no one even notices that puppy is jumping up. No one sleeps the first night. Puppy wins and gets to sleep in bed. The next morning we find puppy has eliminated all over the bed. So the following night puppy is banned to her crate and screams all night. No one sleeps tonight either.

Grouchiness sets in; enthusiasm is down. No one wants to get up at the pre-agreed upon early morning feeding time. How are we going to housetrain puppy? How are we going to sleep with her constant whining?

Your new puppy has just been taken away from her mom and littermates. She is vulnerable and impressionable. What she needs now is security and routine. Set up a small room to be her very own special haven for the next couple of months. Paper the entire floor and put her food/water bowls and bed in one corner. Scatter her toys everywhere.

Play with her quietly and gently. Don't flood her with attention and activity. If she looks like she wants to sleep, leave her alone. Puppies need lots of sleep.

Decide who is responsible for feeding and cleaning up after her. Don't deviate from the schedule. Routine is especially important for your puppy. Don't spend all your time with her. If she is going to be alone during the day or night, she needs to start getting used to it now. If she wakes up from a nap and whines, resist the urge to run in and comfort her."

Dog vs. Cat Diaries

2010-11-02T12:20:00.004-04:00

The Dog's Diary:

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!

9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!

9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!

10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!

12:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!

1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!

3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!

5:00 pm - Dinner! My favorite thing!

7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!

8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!

11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

------------------------------------------

The Cat's Diary:

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Jerks!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage. Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now.

About my training...

2010-11-01T11:37:00.004-04:00

I am a Puppy Whisperer. This is different from the famous "Dog Whisperer" and my techniques are unique. Sure, some of the training is similar to the Dog Whisperer and behaviorists, but only because they have done the same research I have.... I study animals everyday. It is something I have always enjoyed and because of it, have learned so much from them. I don't work miracles overnight because frankly, it takes patience and understanding, not some "quick fix" behavioral trick. I always took for granted what I know and the further I research, the further I realize what I have is special and needs to be shared with others. The website is growing and developing each day so watch for updates and thanks for the support! www.puppywhisperer.com

2010-07-25T22:06:00.005-04:00

Listen to internet radio with The Puppy Whisperer on Blog Talk Radio

New pup, Daisy - Week three

2009-08-23T10:17:00.004-04:00

Daisy is doing great! She was successfully potty trained after only 2 weeks! She whines at the door or comes to my husband or I to let her out.

She is fully crate trained! She enjoys her kennel and plays with her toys in her crate and stays completely silent through the night.

Daisy loves boiled chicken! The perfect training tool is a very small piece of chicken as a reward for doing good. She has learned the first jump for agility.

Daisy has learned heel (on my left) with the help of our 10 year old Border Collie. She does great going away from the house, but still gets a little excited going back to the house lol! She's getting it so I am not disappointed.

Daisy has learned to give her paw. She gets confused sometimes but almost has it perfected.

My 10 year old Border Collie getting a beer

2009-08-20T08:12:00.004-04:00

Puppy stimuli - Helps keep pup from chewing expensive things!!

2009-08-15T18:22:00.001-04:00

Puppy stimuli: I have used many things for my pup to keep her stimulated and from chewing everything in site. She has enjoyed an acorn squash (that was her fav for a while), a shoelace with a ball tied to the end, tied to something so she can pull (for her teething), An old pair of socks with one rolled up and shoved inside the other and knotted at the end, a sponge, cheese wrapper (just make sure pup doesn't tear a piece off), cheap doggie toys, rope, blanket and anything to change things up for her continuously. She is great with not chewing on other stuff!!!!! She stays away from our shoes and wires:-)

Simple commands, potty training and crate training

2009-08-12T19:51:00.003-04:00

Sit – With puppy in front of you, put the pup in sit position and say “sit”. Praise and give a small treat or one or the other. Praise seems to work by itself. Repeat several times (like 10 or so). Each day, make the dog sit after going outside, then offer treat.

Come – Use this word constantly when trying to lure the pup. Every time it listens, praise! If the pup does not respond, do nothing. Do not pet, do not yell, just go get the pup and try again. Patience!! LOTS and LOTS!

Down (or Lay) – Some people use Lay down but I strongly believe in “one word” commands. When offering a treat, bring it to the floor until the pup lays flat, then give treat and praise. Again, repeat every time the pup comes in from being outside.

Stay – Place your hand in front of the dogs face (as if to say “talk to the hand” lol) and say “Stay”. Only step back once. Then give treat and praise. Slowly step further and further back. Do not rush it or the pup will come running every time. Just stick with one step for a couple days or so. This teaches the pup the command either way. Eventually, you can move far back from the dog and the pup will stay.

Inside – Say this after the pup goes potty until they get into the house. They will eventually learn that it means go in without having you with them.

Potty – Repeat every time you take the pup out and praise when they actually go potty. This will teach the dog what you want them to do and make it easier on you later when you want them out and in the house pretty quick. (Late for work, etc.)

Poop – If you are really gung ho…by all means, do the same when they are pooping. Say “poop” over and over again and eventually, they will also learn what you want them to do. My 10 year old Border Collie poops on command even if he does not have to go. He actually fakes it! Too funny.

Kisses – Every time the pup licks your face say “kisses” and praise. This is just a nice loving trick, not important.

Kennel – Every time you put the pup in the kennel, say the word. They will eventually go in when you say it as the pup gets older.

Crate training in the kennel – Just be patient first okay? This is the biggest challenge to me. (Besides potty training of course) You have to let the pup cry. Do nothing!!!!! Do not pay any attention to the pup. The first day or so will be tough on the little pup because of separation from the mother so try and crate as little as possible the first 2 days. Let the pup bond with you first!! Then you are alpha dog and training gets easier. Day 3 put her in the crate and stay where the pup can see you but do not acknowledge the pup at ALL!!! Once the pup quiets down, give it 5 minutes, then let it out. Do not praise, pet or give treats, just let the pup out. You don’t want the pup to suffer any anxiety or be expectant of you giving treats or praise. The pup may turn that into more whining in order to get the treatJ Slowly add more time to the crate training and eventually, you will have a silent pup in the crate. Oh, the smaller the space, the better and you may want to put their food in with them so they do not go potty in the crate. Just make sure you take them out enough so they do not have to hold it or have an accident. Then you have another challenge…the pup may begin to think that is where it is supposed to potty if they have an accident. You can’t yell at the pup for going in the kennel. Heck the pup will not understand what you mean if you did not even see them go. Make their kennel comfortable for them. Put some of their toys in there. You can widen out the kennel after the pup realizes it is not the place to go potty. I had a divider in the kennel first, then removed it later. I like the pup to grow up in the kennel they will always use. It will eventually become a safe zone for the dog. It’s like a den would be in the wild. I strongly believe in the kennel because it removes stress for you and the dog. If you have things to do and you can’t watch your pup, put the dog up! That makes life much easier.

Potty training – Okay, be prepared for a week of non-stop watching your pup!!! NO JOKE!! (Do not get distracted talking on the phone, watching TV, reading, etc.) If you want a pup that is potty trained fast…this is the way, the only way. Otherwise, you are looking at a looong road;-) If you can make the time….I suggest you do it. You will thank me in the long run. Plus, you will not have a million stains everywhere in your home. It is best to catch your pup EVERY time they look like they are squatting. If you know they are trying to go potty in the house, yell “No” and pick up the pup right away and take them out until they go. (It may be too late in some cases) If the pup has an accident, clean the area with something strong so you eliminate leftover smell to make the pup think they can go there again. I don’t believe in rubbing their nose in it. I just don’t think it works. You can show it to them if you catch them in the act and say “No”, but other than that it won’t do much good.