New Hines Dog Park Opens

Westland, Michigan; Hines Drive New Dog Park Opens:  Beginning April 28, 2010 at 8:00 a.m., the Wayne County Park Office at Nankin Mills Building, 33175 Ann Arbor Trail, Westland, Michigan will begin accepting dog park registrations.  Their office hours are Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  Their office telephone number is (734) 261-1990.

You will need the following items to register:

* $5.00 cash or check

* Dog license from your city/township
* Vaccination records

If you registered (turned in your paperwork) after February 1, 2010, your forms will be at the front desk but you will need to go into the office to pay the $5.00 fee.

The new system for the dog park gate will be a punch code system. You will receive a membership card that you will need to have with you when you are at the dog park. The Wayne County Sheriff Department will be periodically checking to make sure that people at the dog park are registered.

To make your registration process efficient as possible, download a copy of the park rules, waiver of liability and registration form from the county's website.  Fill them out and take them with you with the before mentioned three items:  fee, dog license, and vaccination records.

The above information was provided by Kim Healy of the Wayne County Park Department.

Michael Burkey

Professional Michigan Dog Trainer

MichiganDogTrainer.com

info@MichiganDogTrainer.com

734-634-4152

What does it mean when a dog wags his tail?

It is commonly believed that a dog who wags his tail is happy to see you and is therefore friendly.  However, in many instances this is simply not the case.  A dog who wags his tail means he/she is highly aroused and that arousal state could be good (friendly) or it could be  bad (willing to bite).

Dogs trained in Schutzhund, a German protection sport, commonly wag their tails while anticipating the opportunity to bite a decoy who wears a  burlap arm sleeve. The sleeve is commonly slipped to the dog as a prize for biting the sleeve.  Police and protection dogs also learn to bite the sleeve and other equipment (leg sleeves and bite suits) but they have been conditioned to bite in the real world to stop an assault.  They too will commonly wag their tails while warning a decoy to stay away via barking.  The same can also be seen when two dogs posture toward each other in a threatening manner.  Their tails may be held high and slowly wag prior to engaging each other.

The above examples demonstrate that a wagging tail represents high arousal and not necessarily how friendly they feel toward a person or another dog.  So instead of observing whether the tail is wagging or not,  notice how high the tail is being held compared to the dog's normal tail carry.  Often, a tail held out fairly straight or relaxed from it's body represents a non stressed dog whereas a tucked tail indicates fear or lack of confidence and a high tail may indicate the dog is asserting it's dominance to obtain or retain a resource.  Rather than relying on one body behavior (such as tail carriage) to cue you as to the dog's intent, it is more important to see what the rest of it's body is doing.  Contact Michael Burkey, a Michigan professional dog trainer  to learn how to recognize a dog's stress relieving behaviors and/or signs of a pending bite.   He specializes in working with fearful, reactive and aggressive dogs.




Michael Burkey's Canine Behavioral Training
http://www.MichiganDogTrainer.com
info@MichiganDogTrainer.com
734-634-4152

Michael Burkey's Canine Behavioral Training: Where's Your Dog?

Michael Burkey's Canine Behavioral Training: Where's Your Dog? Michael Burkey's Canine Behavioral Training http://www.MichiganDogTrainer.com info@MichiganDogTrainer.com 734-634-4152

Dog Training in the Real World is an Adventure!

Ann Arbor and Canton, Michigan:  Have you ever wished there was a specialized dog training class in which you could take the skills you learned in a traditional dog training class or add distractions/socialization of other dogs to lessons learned in private in home dog training and apply them to the real world?  Well now there is, it's called "Outdoor Adventures" and it is taught by Michael Burkey, a professional Michigan dog trainer of Michael Burkey's Canine Behavioral Training.

It's purpose is to help dog owners improve their dog walking and dog obedience skills at local nature preserves, parks, and other fun places which offer beautiful scenery as well as real world distractions (wildlife, other dogs, people, various terrains, etc.)  It's a four week class which is held monthly at various locations dependent upon where class participants live.  

April 17, 2010 was the third week of the current monthly series and members visited the Cherry Hill Nature Preserve in between Canton and Ann Arbor, Michigan.  It's a beautiful wooded area with winding and slightly hilly nature trails and has a nice open grassy area as well that can serve as a beautiful scenic picture as seen here.  All of the dog teams have made great improvements in a short time.  Additionally, many of the students have been exposed to beautiful nature areas to walk their dogs which previously they did not know existed.

Register for the next Outdoor Adventure now, as space is limited.  The next four week tour begins on May 1, 2010, Saturdays at 4pm.

Fit Dog, Fit Nation

May 2, 2010 is national "Fit Dog, Fit Nation" day in Northville and Ann Arbor, Michigan.  Come out and celebrate with your dog and other dog lovers.  There will be two locations in the state of Michigan:  Maybury State Park, Northville, Michigan at 10am and Gallup Park, Ann Arbor, Michigan at 4pm.  The local events will be hosted by Michael Burkey, a Michigan professional dog trainer, owner of Michael Burkey's Canine Behavioral Training.

Fit Dog, Fit Nation was created by Jt Clough, a professional dog trainer in San Diego, CA and Liz McDimtt DVM. It's purpose is to highlight the importance of our dog's health and fitness as well as our own.  It's a great way to get started on a walking program with your dog and other dog lovers.    Burkey's meet up group (MichiganDogTrainer.com), meet frequently at various locations with their dogs to enjoy nature, exercise and time with each other.  And, Fit Dog, Fit Nation day is the perfect opportunity for you to embark on a health and fitness program for you and your dog.  More information about Fit Dog, Fit Nation day is outlined below and can be found at:  http://www.dogtrainingsandiego.com/fit-dog-fit-nation/

Fit Dog Fit Nation Day is Sunday, May 2^nd,  2010 .  Celebrate by taking your dog for a walk, a run, or some tail-wagging time in the sun.

Healthy dogs are happy pets and regular exercise is key to every fitness plan. 

Exercise is so important for our four-legged friends that  “Pets and People -- Healthy Together”  is the theme of this year’s National Pet week, May 2-8,  2010, jointly founded  by the American Veterinary Medical Association (Schaumburg, Ill.) and the Auxiliary to the AVMA, to promote responsible pet ownership, celebrate the human-animal bond, and promote public awareness of veterinary medicine.

Dogs are great workout partners.  Studies show that our exercise programs are more successful when we take our dogs along. 

For dogs, more time with you means less time home alone.  Animal behavior experts agree that active dogs are less likely to become behavior problems.

Excess weight is a health hazard for all of us.  Pudgy pets are at increased risk for osteoarthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and dental problems.  They don’t live as long as their lean friends, either.

Fit Dog Fit Nation Day is one day to focus attention on the importance of fitness for our furry friends, but we invite you to put your dog’s health on your calendar every day.   

Check out www.FitForDogs.com (coming May 2nd) for fitness information and daily pawsitive inspiration.  Look up for weekly training plans, dog training tips, health and fitness plans for every effort level at www.DogTrainingSanDiego.com or sign up for a race with www.AllStarDogRun.com! (coming May 2nd)   More information on National Pet Week is available at www.avmaaux.org.

Make tails wag!  Start National Pet Week 2010 with your best paw forward and take your dog for a jog by celebrating Fit Dog Fit Nation Day on Sunday, May 2nd.

Passion for Life

PASSION FOR LIFE RUN:  On March 27, 2010, Sammie, a German Shepherd and Michael Burkey, a professional dog trainer in Michigan, participated in the Passion for Life 5K Run Walk in Walled Lake, Michigan.   Part of the shelter It was a fantastic day!  First off, the weather was beautiful.  Additionally, the walk was well organized, safely supervised by a friendly police force and coordinated by very helpful hosts.  

Upon arrival, Sam and I reported to the Bayside Sports and Bar Grille where we received our race t-shirts.  Sam commented on how beautiful the sports bar and grille was and that he would like to return sometime for dinner.  I had to break it to him that this was a special event for him to be able to enter the restaurant and unfortunately, he wouldn’t be able to accompany me there later for dinner.   He took it in stride and was happy to be so warmly accepted into a restaurant even for a special event.  All the waitresses were happy to confer their verbal praise on him.  After that, it was off to start the race.

While chilly, it was a beautiful sunny day for a walk with your dog especially around the picturesque Walled Lake.  It was great seeing so many people walking with their dogs for the sake of health and pleasure alongside the racing competitors.  If you would like to start a walking or running fitness program, contact Jt Clough of SitK9Sit, a 9 time Ironman finisher and professional dog trainer.  If you need help training your dog to run with you, contact Michael Burkey, also a professional dog trainer.  It's a great time to get fit with your dog.  Check back for more information about Fido Fit Day in May 2010.

Rocko - Board and Train Update

This is Rocko, a Bernese Mountain Dog and former board and train dog student.  He spent two weeks with me and learned his basic obedience commands such as to walk on a loose leash, come when called, sit, down, stay and to wait at doorways rather than barging out.  He excelled at learning new appropriate manners.

I like to keep in touch with my board and train dogs and their owner's to confirm how they continue to do after training.  This video was shot during one of our follow-up training sessions.  Rocko is doing great as you can see from his updated video.

Training a dog well not only takes a lot of time but also a lot of skill.  To get your dog on the right training track so you can explore more outdoor adventures with your dog, contact Michael Burkey, a Michigan professional dog trainer for assistance.

Where's Your Dog?

To support the idea of getting out with your dog to new and exciting locations, Michael Burkey's Canine Behavioral Training is sponsoring a new monthly contest entitled, "Where's Your Dog?"

Each month as you visit new locations, snap a creative picture of you and your dog and email it to Michael Burkey.  The most creative, beautiful, funny, (or some other criteria) picture will win a prize.   Winners will win a prize and bragging rights for the month.  And, honorable mentions may also be noted on the blog.

This photo of Rocko was taken at Mill Park in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  They have great walking paths for you and your dog.  While Rocko is a beautiful dog model (a pun meaning instead of a beautiful car or sales model) for this location, I'm sure you can come up with more creative poses and/or locations.

CONTEST RULES:

1) You and your dog must be in a lawful location.  This means no sneaking onto private property without permission just for the sake of a picture.  For example, it would be cool to have a picture of your dog on the White House lawn.  But, don't do it!   Not only is it a bad idea but it's illegal.  You would be arrested by the U.S. Secret Service and perhaps as importantly you would be disqualified from winning a prize.    : )

2) Your dog must be safe from potential harm or injury.  This shouldn't have to be said but you know for the sake of legalities and unfortunately some things just  have to be spelled out for some people.  This obviously wasn't written for you though, because you would never risk your dog's safety for the sake of a picture or prize.

While dressing your dog up in funny costumes may be psychologically damaging, they haven't been shown to cause long term harm and therefore are allowed.     : )

3) The picture must have been taken during the month you are competing in.  So if you're competing in say, for the month of June, and there is snow in your picture, you had better be vacationing with your dog in the north or south poles.    : )

4) Other rules  may be made up on the fly without prior notice by Michael Burkey's Canine Behavioral Training.  This is a general catch all phrase meaning we run this fun contest and the rules can change at any time.

5) Decision of winners will be made by Michael Burkey's Canine Behavioral Training and are not subject to discussion.  In other words, I don't want to have to fight over who gets the wonderful prizes and bragging rights.  Afterall, this is a fun contest people and not a cut throat competition!   : )

Prizes may change from month to month and will not be announced until awarded.  These great prizes could range from a bragging right to an all expense paid.......yeah right!    Seriously though, we will try to make the prizes "rememberable."     (wow that leads it wide open to interpretation doesn't it?)            : )

6) Winners must be residents of Wayne County, Eastern Washtenaw or Southern Oakland Counties in the state of Michigan or had been a client of Michael Burkey's Canine Behavioral Training anywhere in the world.  While not eligible for a prize, non clients  may still send in their pictures for the fun of it and perhaps win honorable mention.

Awh heck, one exception will be made...if you live in a beautiful foreign place and want to hire Michael Burkey to train your dog in your home with all travel and training expenses paid up front,  well you just might win the prize automatically.   Yes, I can be sure of that, just don't tell anyone.     : )

7) Pictures submitted to Michael Burkey's Canine Behavioral Training become the property of Michael Burkey's Canine Behavioral Services and may be used on the blog, website or other mediums as desired by Michael Burkey's Canine Behavioral Services.  This means you send it, it's ours.  : )


8)  Pictures including family members, friends, and/or strangers are assumed to have given you permission to send their likeness to this contest and Michael Burkey's Canine Behavioral Training will not pay any royalties or other compensation to "stand-ins."     : )


9) Michael Burkey's Canine Behavioral Training dogs are not eligible to to be prize winners.  Yes, Simone (Michael's dog), this includes you.  In fact, this rule was written especially for you seeing how you like to hoard all the other dogs' toys in the Burkey household.  Sorry girl.     : )

10) And, the best rule of all, you must get out and have fun with your dog!    : )

Be sure to email your photo prior to the end of each month.  Winners will be announced on/near the first week of the following month.

One additional rule:  You cannot win the prize two months in a row.  In other words, you can't be like Simone and hoard all the prizes for yourself.    : )       Although, honorable mentions are not subject to this rule.

Oh Those Dreaded Dog Baths

Spring time brings spring showers.  And, with that comes dogs who love to frolic in mud holes.  So how do you rectify a dirty dog but with a bath of course.  Oh but you say your dog doesn’t like baths.  No time like the present to desensitize and condition your dog to cope with bath time.  

To do this, familiarize your dog with the bath tub by feeding your dog his/her meal while standing in the tub (with no water running).  It’s an odd place for a dog to sit and stand.  So get your dog accustomed to this strange surrounding before turning the water on.  

Once your dog is comfortable eating his/her meal in the tub then start to hand feed your dog while he/she is in the tub and turn the water on slowly around his/her feet.  With repeated positive exposures, gradually apply the water higher up on your dog’s legs and later on his/her body while he/she receives tasty treats.  It is important to do this gradual association so that puppies and dogs come to view bath time as a pleasant experience.  And, if you choose to have a groomer wash your dog for you, your dog and groomer will thank you for having positively conditioned your dog to bath times.

http://www.MichiganDogTrainer.com 

info@MichiganDogTrainer.com

734-634-4152

Outdoor Adventure Class is a Hit!

MichiganDogTrainer.com’s Outdoor Adventure dog walking class made an impressive debut on Saturday April 3, 2010.   Six dogs and their owners meet at Rotary Park in Livonia, Michigan to refine their obedience and walking skills in the real world.  First the dogs had the opportunity to meet and socialize with each other with the assistance of Michael Burkey, a professional dog trainer in Michigan.  Then they walked together around the park’s large paved road and through the park’s wooded trails.  As the students met unknown dog teams in the park, they had the opportunity to practice their sit/stay skills, allowing the unknown dog teams to pass by on the narrow pathways.  During the walks, Burkey provided hands on personal instruction and offered dog management tips for walking dogs in public places.

All of the dogs knew their basic obedience commands which were learned in a previous group class or private training.  However, all of them have the tendency to become easily stimulated (overly friendly and energized) or to be somewhat fear reactive toward other dogs.  Therefore, the Outdoor Adventure class gave them the opportunity to socialize with each other and practice good manners in public places.  And, just as important, it provided the owners with confidence that they can teach their dog to walk nicely on a loose leash amongst real world distractions.  All of the dog teams made wonderful progress in just the first session.

One student commented, “this was such a good idea!”.....”we plan to graduate from this class (Outdoor Adventure) so we can participate in the (MichiganDogTrainer.com) Meet Up Group activities.”  The “MichiganDogTrainer.com meet up group” offers dog lovers, with “green light dogs” (friendly with dogs and people), the opportunity to socialize together at various parks and activities.  It’s a meet up group, not a training class.  Participation in the Outdoor Adventure class will help dog teams prepare for the free meet up group activities also organized by Burkey.

During the coming weeks, the Outdoor Adventure class will meet at three other public parks.  A new class series will commence monthly.  It is only $90.00 for four weekly sessions and it fills up quickly.  So don’t delay, register for the next class now.

http://www.MichiganDogTrainer.com 

info@MichiganDogTrainer.com

734-634-4152