Dog Steps and Ramps

A friend and student asked me recently how she could get her large breed dog up onto a grooming table at home.  PetSmart has several kinds of dog steps available to help dogs (large breed who are too heavy to lift, older dogs, and short legged dogs) walk up to where you want them by themselves (onto grooming tables, bathtubs, beds, etc.) and ramps to walk up into SUV vehicles.  The best part is that they are very reasonably priced.  To see them click the title above or go here:  http://www.petsmart.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2767081&lmdn=Dog&f=Taxonomy%2FPET%2F2767081&fbc=1&fbn=Taxonomy%7CRamps+%26+Steps

Dog behavior quiz

Here is a great dog behavior quiz for dog owners.  It's educational and fun!

http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=108270349476&h=3De7R&u=vCDuM&ref=nf

Dominance Theories Should Not Be Used to Train Dogs

“Sadly, many techniques used to teach a dog that his owner is leader of the pack is counter-productive; you won’t get a better behaved dog, but you will either end up with a dog so fearful it has suppressed all its natural behaviours and will just do nothing, or one so aggressive it’s dangerous to be around.”  To read the whole story on Science Digest, click the above link or go here:  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090521112711.htm

Dominance Controversy

Dr. Sophia Yin does an excellent job explaining how dominance plays into and does not play into dog training.  She also shows video clips from The Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan showing how dogs are not trying to establish leadership or humans as purported by Millan and old style trainers.  http://www.drsophiayin.com/dominance.php

Like Dr. Yin, Michael is a balanced trainer who focuses on rewarding desired behaviors and taking away rewards for undesired behavior to teach desired behaviors.  In some cases, negative reinforcement can be an effective teaching tool.

Punishment in some situations may also be appropriate to stop undesired behavior.  If a form of punishment is necessary, it should be done to stop the undesired behavior and not out of anger or to cause pain to the dog.  It should also be done in consultation with a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant as it can have it's fall outs too.

However, if one focuses on teaching the dog "what to do" instead of "what not to do", the need to use negative reinforcement or punishment remains very low.  To learn more about effective and humane dog training in Michigan, visit Michael Burkey's website at http://www.MichiganDogTrainer.com.

Dogs in Slow Motion

Have you ever wondered why dogs have a hard time drinking water from a hose or water bottle?  From this slow motion video of a dog drinking you'll see why those attachments to water bottles are so helpful to dogs when they drink.  They use their tongue like a cup to lap in the water.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63Ch2pNkZwU&feature=related

Dogs in Slow Motion

Frisbee dogs are fast and cool but have you ever seen them in slow motion?  It's even cooler in slow motion.  Take a look and appreciate the art of dogs jumping in slow motion to catch frisbees in mid air.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQluxk11KME&feature=PlayList&p=gKRws9efA9E