Why Is Training So Important

Obedience training provides you with the basic foundation for preventing and solving just about any problem your pup may dream up.  Training opens up an effective line of communication between you and your new friend and, if you’re consistent, instills a sense of mutual trust.  Trust is an integral part of training; if your puppy trusts you, he’ll be willing to listen to you.  And if he listens to you, he’ll be easy to control and guide through any situation the two of you may encounter, whether inside or out!  Obedience training is one of the best things you can do for your puppy and yourself!

What Will My Puppy Learn?

• Training will give your puppy clear and concise rules and boundaries that will enhance your standing in his eyes and help him feel secure and “part of the pack.”  Dogs thrive on structure, but left on their own, they invent their own rules!  Obedience training, when practiced consistently, teaches your dog what your rules are so he can relax and just be a dog – not the CEO of your household.

• Training teaches your dog to be polite and exercise self-control.  He’ll learn that in order to get something from you – a greeting, a game of Fetch, a walk, a belly rub, a seat next to you on the sofa – he’s got to say, “Please,” by sitting or lying down.  Jumping, barking, mouthing, and nipping won’t earn him anything at all; in fact, those behaviors will just make you walk away.  In other words, your puppy will learn that all of the things he loves and enjoys can be earned by being obedient.

• Positive training methods teach your puppy that you’re a loving, benevolent leader that’s capable of caring and providing for the entire pack.  It gives your dog every reason to respond willingly to your instructions because he’s learned that he’ll be rewarded for making the right choices.

• It will give him the self-confidence he needs as he explores his world and everything in it because you’ll be right there guiding, directing, and encouraging him every step of the way.  As his confidence increases, so will yours.  Should he ever exhibit any signs of shyness, fearfulness or aggression, you’ll know exactly what to do to prevent it from developing any further.

• He’ll be easier for vets and groomers to handle.  Any good puppy training program is going to include lots of handling exercises along with instructions to practice them with as many different people as possible.  The sooner you start getting him accustomed to being held, petted, gently restrained, and passed around, the better he’ll be when he visits the vet and groomer.

• Obedience training teaches reliability which equals more freedom.  A well-mannered dog is a joy to own because he can go virtually anywhere without being a risk or nuisance to others.  It’s such a pleasure when your dog exhibits appropriate behavior in a crowd, good manners when guests visit your home, is reliable around children, and doesn’t threaten other dogs or people passing by.

• Trained dogs are more likely to keep their homes forever.  Obedience training can ultimately save the lives of many dogs, because far fewer dogs would end up in animal shelters if their owners would simply take the time to train them.  Statistics show that when puppies receive early socialization and obedience training they’re far less likely to end up being destroyed by the time they turn two years of age than those that do not receive this early training.  It doesn’t have to be this way.  Smart Dawgs offers a multitude of training programs; there’s one to fit every lifestyle.

• Training may save your puppy’s life by teaching him how to cope in a human world.  How’s he suppose to know that electrical cords aren’t chew toys, that Kleenex causes untold numbers of puppy deaths annually, or that cars aren’t new friends trying to initiate a game of chase?  As he’s learning which behaviors “pay” and which don’t, he’ll also be learning which ones are safe and which ones aren’t.

• Obedience training builds good two-way communication skills.  Canine communication comes in a variety of forms, but they’re not verbal creatures.  They use movements of their ears, eyes, eyebrows, tongue, mouth, head, tail, and paws, various postures and weight distributions, and vocalizations such as barks, growls, whines, whimpers, and howls.  A good training program will help you identify, define and teach specific words so that you and your puppy will always be able to understand each other’s needs.

What Will My Family Learn?

• Ways to ensure that your pup makes a positive association to all the wonderful new things he’s got to learn about during his all-important socialization period.

• Obedience training will provide you with a better understanding of your dog’s behavior; he’s not being stubborn, spiteful or showing jealousy.

• How to anticipate and prevent problem behaviors before they start, such as jumping up on people, chewing everything within reach, guarding toys or food, or eliminating in the middle of your living room carpet.

• How to use all of your puppy’s favorite things – not just food – as his currency that he can earn through obedience or lose through disobedience!

• How dogs think and learn.  Dr. Phil often refers to babies as, “Blank slates waiting to be written on.”  Just like kids, dogs are learning something from you every second that you’re together.  Working with a trainer will give you the skills necessary to insure that you’re teaching your dog what you think you’re teaching him; not as easy as it may sound!

• Training may save your dog’s life.  Obedience training gives you the verbal and visual control necessary to prevent numerous potential tragedies.  Every dog knows how to Sit, Down, Stay, Heel, and Come, but teaching him to do it on cue, especially around distractions, may someday be the key to saving his life.

Training will help both of you keep a positive attitude about working together through all of the problems that are bound to pop up as he moves through the various life-stages, from puppyhood to senior citizen.  Like any new skill, obedience training does take time and effort.  However, once you see your dog growing and responding the way you want him to, it can also be very rewarding!  Imagine how proud you’ll be when your pup no longer mugs everyone that walks by on the street but instead “Sits” at your side and turns to you for praise as they approach!  Or when you take him to the dog park to play and he actually runs to you when it’s time to leave. 

With proper guidance from a knowledgeable trainer, obedience training can be fun for everyone and the results should be immediate.  The best programs show you how to train in brief, real-life sessions that seamlessly integrate the training into your everyday life.

So what are you waiting for? The best time to start any training program is today!

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Did you know that in just seven years one canine couple can produce 4,372 dogs?  Or that one kitty couple can produce 420,000 kittens in that same time period?

Did you know that each day 10,000 humans are born in the U.S., versus 70,000 puppies and kittens?  As a result of these birth rates, 4 to 6 million animals are euthanized annually because there simply aren’t enough homes in which to place all of these precious creatures.

It’s a simple fact that spaying and neutering greatly increases the length and quality of our pet’s lives.  Spayed animals no longer feel the need to roam to find a mate.  Since they’re more likely to stay at home, there’s less risk of them being involved in traumatic accidents, such as dog fights or being hit by a car (80% of all dogs hit by cars are intact males!).  They also have fewer opportunities to contract a contagious disease.

Spayed and neutered pets are more affectionate, more responsive, companions.  Their anxiety (or sexual frustration that often manifests itself through aggression, mounting, nervous behavior, incessant crying in female cats, and “flagging” in female dogs) levels are reduced, as is their aggression toward people and other dogs.  Neutered dogs are easier to walk since they no longer need to “mark” everything that’s vertical, spayed females no longer have a heat cycle, and YOU no longer have to deal with the mess.

The benefits for male dogs and cats:

• Reduces roaming
• Reduces the need to fight
• Reduces exposure to contagious diseases
• Reduces “marking”
• Reduces injuries, resulting in lower vet bills
• Decreases the chances of developing prostate cancer
• Eliminates the chances of developing testicular cancer
• Reduces aggression without the loss of watchdog abilities
• Reduces “mounting” behavior

The benefits for female dogs and cats:

• Prevents unwanted litters
• Decreases the incidence of breast cancer
• Eliminates the chance of developing pyometra
• Eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer
• Eliminates the heat cycle and associated mood swings
• Prevents false pregnancies
• Prevents neighborhood males from camping outside your home waiting for the opportunity to mate with your female
• Reduces exposure to contagious diseases

The benefits for everyone:

• Spayed and neutered pets are better, more affectionate, companions
• Neutered cats and dogs are less likely to spray and mark territory
• Spayed and neutered pets are less likely to bite
• Spayed and neutered dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives
• Neutered animals are less likely to roam and fight
• Communities spend millions of dollars controlling/eliminating homeless animals
• Animal shelters are already severely overburdened with surplus animals

The Good News

Every pet owner can make a difference.  By having your dog or cat surgically sterilized, you’ll be doing your part to prevent the birth – and untimely death – of yet another round of unwanted puppies and kittens.

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It goes without saying that the key word here is “preparedness.”  The SPCA and the Southern California Humane Society recommend that we be prepared to care for our companion animals – as well as ourselves – in the event of a disaster such as an earthquake, fire or flood.  Please use the following checklist as a guide in preparing a “Disaster Kit” for your pet(s) before an actual emergency situation arises.

• A current copy of vaccination records.  Most kennels will not accept an animal without proof of vaccines.  For rabies you’ll probably need an actual certificate; for everything else an itemized copy of your vet bill should be sufficient.

• A photo of your pet(s) in case you become separated.

• The telephone number and address of your regular vet as well as your local animal emergency hospital.

• A detailed list – drug name, dose and frequency – of your pet’s current medications.

• A collar, a leash and a carrier to allow for safe transportation.  For large carries, wheels are available and recommended in case a panic sets in and you need to move your pet(s) quickly.  An extra collar and leash will prove helpful if you encounter a lost or stray dog.

• ID tags.  Ideally, your animals should be wearing these at all times, even if they’ve been microchipped, but if you tend to take them off, please make sure that there’s an extra set in your kit.  The risk of becoming separated isn’t over until everyone is back home.

• At a minimum, a one-week supply of all current medications, over-the-counter as well as by prescription.  In the event of a large-scale disaster, medications will be distributed to humans first – please keep this in mind when determining how much you include in your kit.

• At minimum, a three day supply of both food and water.

• Bowls for food and water.

• If necessary, a can opener and utensils.

• A variety of treats.  These will help to relieve stress and may also be used to lure lost or stray animals to safety.

• Toys.  These too will relieve stress and provide comfort/necessary exercise.

• A first aid kit.  This should include an antiseptic, a topical antibiotic ointment, gauze pads, and dressings.

• A soft muzzle (commonly known as a groomer’s muzzle).  If your pet is injured, or you encounter one that is, they might bite out of pain and/or fear.  Therefore, it’s highly recommended that you muzzle any injured animal before handling.

• A blanket and a towel.  These may be used for carrying injured animals, making bandages or as bedding.  They can also help to relieve stress.

• Dry shampoo.

• A pooper-scooper.

• Cat litter and disposable aluminum foil pans (during a disaster, there’s no telling where you might be staying for a few days).

Hopefully, these kits will sit in our closets and gather dust forever, but just knowing that they’re there and that our pets will be cared for properly if we do have to leave in a hurry, is well worth any minor inconvenience we may face now.

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It’s a little known fact that our dogs are more susceptible to heatstroke than we are.  Unlike humans who sweat, dogs lack the ability to cool themselves efficiently.  Panting is their main means of cooling off, and it does help some, but they can easily – and quickly – become overheated.

If you even suspect that your dog is showing signs of heatstroke, don’t wait!  Get him to the vet or animal ER ASAP!

An animal that’s suffering from heatstroke may display several signs:

• Rapid panting
• Bright red tongue
• Red or pale gums
• Thick, sticky saliva
• Depression
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Vomiting – with or without blood
• Diarrhea
• Shock
• Coma

First Aid

• Remove your dog from the area immediately
• Lower his temperature by wetting him thoroughly with cool – never cold – water (for very small dogs or young puppies, use lukewarm water)
• Allow free access to water, but don’t force it or your dog may choke
• Increase air movement around your dog with a fan
• Check rectal temperature every 5 minutes
• Stop cooling efforts once the body temperature is 103 degrees F (normal is 100.0 – 102.5)
• Thoroughly dry and cover your dog to prevent further heat loss
• TAKE HIM TO HIS VET OR ER – whichever is closest – even if he appears to be recovering

Dogs At Greatest Risk

• Short-muzzled breeds such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Pekingese, and Pugs
• Dogs with heavy or double coats
• Puppies under 6 months of age
• Large dogs over 7 years
• Small dogs over 14 years of age
• Overweight dogs
• Dogs that are ill or on medication
• Dogs with cardiovascular disease and/or poor circulation

Prevention

• If possible, bring your pet inside where it’s cooler. Tile floors and bathtubs are great places for a water bowl and bed.
• Keep pets with health conditions like heart disease, obesity, older age, or breathing problems cool and in the shade.
• Provide access to water at all times.
• Never leave your pet in a parked car – even if you’re in the shade or plan to be gone only a short time. Temperatures inside a car can rise at a rate of 34 degrees per minute!
• Make sure dogs kept outside have access to large shady areas. You may also freeze water in plastic bottles or zip-lock bags and place them in these areas.
• Restrict exercise whenever the temperature exceeds 80 degrees. Too much exercise – even plain walking – when the weather is hot can be dangerous!
• Consider leaving your dog at home if you won’t be able to provide frequent breaks from the heat and humidity.
• Do NOT muzzle your dog.
• Avoid concrete or asphalt areas where heat is reflected and there’s no access to shade. Many a toe and testicle have been burned this way!

Wetting down your dog with cool water or allowing him to swim can help maintain his normal body temperature.  If you don’t have a pool, a child’s plastic wading pool will do just fine!

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“Acquiring a dog may be the only time a person gets to choose a relative.” –Unknown

No one loves dogs more than I do and it’s for this reason that I beg you to spend 10 minutes with The Humane Society Humane Society of the United States and learn how to protect yourself from the needless heartache of owning a puppy mill puppy.  Many people think they’ve done their research, they think they’ve found a reputable breeder or a good pet store.  How can you know for sure?  How can you educate yourself before you put your heart on the line?

Thanks to the HSUS and their brief, yet concise articles, it’s much easier than you might think.

Buying A Puppy
“Please don’t buy from a pet store, and be very wary of websites and newspaper ads. Above all, don’t ever buy a dog if you can’t physically visit every area of the home or breeding facility where the dogs are kept.”

Stop Puppy Mills: The Truth About Commercial Dog Breeding
“Puppy mills sell their “products” to unsuspecting consumers in pet stores, over the internet, and through newspaper classified advertisements.”

How To Choose A Good Breeder
“…offers a checklist that every budding dog owner should read before adopting a puppy.”

Stop Puppy Mills
“These mass dog-breeding operations have been around for decades, but they continue to be a problem because unsuspecting consumers keep buying those adorable puppies in the pet store window.”

What’s A Puppy Mill?
A SHORT VIDEO “Ever wonder where that cute puppy in the pet store window comes from? A puppy mill most likely.”

If you’re looking for a new dog, the local shelters are a great place to start your search!  Most people don’t realize it, but about 25% of the dogs in shelters are pruebred!  And the reason they’re there is usually due to “people problems,” such as allergies, having to relocate, or a new spouse.  As an added plus, adopting from a local shelter carries the extra benefit of allowing you to save a life!  So before you buy a puppy from a pet store or breeder, please take a few minutes to check these informative links – you won’t regret it!

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