New Blog format

All future blog posts will be transferred to wordpress instead of blogger.  Wordpress offers more searchable functions enabling readers to find past blog entries that interest them and I am able to enter the blog onto my website as well.

So please visit me at my new blog site, http://www.michigandogtraining/wordpress.com


Thanks,

Michael



For professional dog training in Michigan, contact Michael Burkey at http://www.MichiganDogTrainer.com, info@MichiganDogTrainer.com, 734-634-4152.

Remote Training Collar - Effective Communication Tool for your Dog

The secret to training dogs is to develop a trusting relationship with your dog.  That is the big picture to success, however, training tools can be extremely helpful to help get you there.  One misunderstood tool, is the remote training collar or as some people refer to it as a “shock collar.”  In truth, it really is not a shock collar when it is used appropriately at a low setting or as Robin MacFarlane of That’s My Dog, Inc. of Dubuque, Wisconsin coins as the “just right setting”.  When used in this manner, it is a very effective and humane communication tool to teach your dog not only “what not to do” but more importantly, “what to do”.

When considering using a remote training collar, people commonly make three mistakes:  1.  They buy an inferior collar that does not offer a wide range of stimulation so you can truly use the lowest setting that gets your dog’s attention, 2.  They do not know how to lay the foundation work so the dog understands how to make the low level stimulation cease, and 3. They purchase the inferior collar unit without professional instruction.

Inferior collars are those that typically have low number of stimulation levels (7-15).  Whereas, the Dogtra remote collars have 100-127 levels.  This doesn’t mean that they are more powerful but instead offer much smaller steps between the levels so you can use the “just right setting” instead of having to go to a higher level too quickly.  With the aid of a  professional dog trainer who is a remote collar specialist; you can quickly learn how to teach your dog the foundation work necessary for your dog to understand the collar system.  Board and Train or  Personal in home instruction is the best way to learn but there are other options too:  Remote Adventures Class in Garden City or at Walled Lake, Michigan or follow along Robin MacFarlane’s excellent “Just Right!” DVD instruction of training.

So if you want your dog to be all that he or she can be, build a trusting relationship with your dog and consider adding a remote training collar to your toolbox of training tools. 

   

For professional dog training in Michigan, contact Michael Burkey at http://www.MichiganDogTrainer.com, info@MichiganDogTrainer.com, 734-634-4152.

New Year Resolutions for You and Your Dog, Part 3

In Part 1 and Part 2 of this training article series, mention was made of resolutions being made for your dog(s) as well as for yourself.  Family pets are very much a part of the family and their needs should be considered as well as how they fit into the family’s lifestyle.  For example, if an active puppy or dog has not been taught good family dog manners, it is likely that he or she will repeatedly jump on guests and counter tops, barge out doorways, pull while on a leash, etc.  Whereas, if a resolution was made to train the family dog to exhibit impulse control and good manners in the home, it would be so much easier to enjoy living with your dog.  And, thus your dog would be able to enjoy more family activities.

The action steps necessary to accomplish this might look like this:  1.  Enroll Fido in a board and train program, hire a professional dog trainer for in-home visits, or participate in a group training class, 2.  Make time to train Fido twice a day for 15 minutes duration, five days per week, and 3.  Adopt an everyday training philosophy of Prevent (don’t put fido in situations he/she is not ready to handle), Manage (fido’s environment), and Teach (alternative behaviors that don’t allow bad manners to be rehearsed and rewarded, e.g. a solid sit stay instead of allowing Fido to jump on people upon greeting them).

Planning and carrying out actions steps are crucial for accomplishing goals.  However, the most important concept the public should understand is that "dogs are living breathing creatures that deserve to be treated with respect" according to Professional Dog Trainer Scott Williams of Beyond the Leash in north eastern Massachusetts.  He elaborates by saying, "Train with kindness and choose your battles. It is infinitely more useful to have your dog do one thing well than  many things without reliability. For example a solid down and stay will solve a thousand perceived problems".

Similarly, Professional Dog Trainer Robin MacFarlane of That's My Dog, Inc., in Dubque, Wisconsin reminds us that "dogs are not humans." She further states, "They don't think or rationalize anything like us. I believe it is a disservice for people to treat them or train them with those thoughts in mind. Dog's have their own motivations and ways of interpreting the world. They are intelligent creatures and amazing to work with, but it is sad when humans don't take the time to really understand more. Too often a dog's only purpose becomes to to fill a void in our own emotional needs.  And when the "treating like human" doesn't yield the ease of relationship the person was expecting...they give up, get rid of the dog or relegate the dog to a very managed, boring lifestyle. The more we actually learn about canine instincts and abilities, the more we can then appreciate them for what they are and the easier it is to train them.  Once people experience this trained relationship, it changes everything for the better."



For professional dog training in Michigan, contact Michael Burkey at http://www.MichiganDogTrainer.com, info@MichiganDogTrainer.com, 734-634-4152.

New Year Resolutions for You and Your Dog, Part 2

Part 1 of this article discussed how New Years resolutions need to be concrete visions accompanied by actions steps instead of wishful thinking.  So what goals do you have for your dog(s)?  To gather ideas, listen to what two professional dog trainers have in store for their personal dogs this year.  

Robin MacFarlane, Owner and Training Director for That’s My Dog! Inc. in Dubuque, Iowa says:  “My resolution with my personal dogs is to go to more new places for our walks. Getting out to new areas for hikes and exploring makes it more fun for me and it motivates me to go more often.  For the dogs, the benefits are more exercise and more mental stimulation with new things to see and explore.  I also will put a trained retrieve on the newest pup, plus continue to teach her at least 2 new behaviors per month.”  

Scott Williams, Owner and Training Director for Beyond the Leash in Boxford, Massachusetts related the following goals for himself and his dogs:  “There is a French Ring Trial in Montreal Canada in May 2011 that I have put in my calendar and plan to compete with my dog at that trial. I have also just signed up for Flyball classes! I'm excited to learn more about this activity and possibly teach it in the later part of 2011. I will make a point of taking off leash hikes with my dog and just enjoy him for the wonderful creature that he is.”  

Not everyone is interested in entering competitions with their dogs. However, it’s interesting to note that both trainers plan to hike with their dogs at more exciting locations which will provide their dog with physical exercise and mental stimulation.  These are wonderful resolutions that would benefit every dog.  

There are wonderful opportunities in the state of Michigan for you to explore new places with your dog.   The MichiganDogTrainer meet up group is a fun socialization and dog walking group that is free to it’s members.  They meet at various parks and trails to hike with each other throughout the whole year.  It’s free, good exercise and fun times.  If your pooch isn’t ready for group hikes, Michael Burkey’s Canine Behavioral Training offers board and train programs, in-home training, and group classes including a hiking class entitled Outdoor Adventures.  Part 3 of this series, will focus on how to develop the action steps for accomplishing your dog’s New Years resolutions.

For professional dog training in Michigan, contact Michael Burkey at http://www.MichiganDogTrainer.com, info@MichiganDogTrainer.com, 734-634-4152.

New Year Resolutions for You and Your Dog, Part 1

Another year has come and gone.  It’s hard to believe that 2010 went by so quickly.  Did you accomplish all that you wanted to during the past year?  If not, make a resolution that you will start afresh and plan out your 2011 activities and goals, not only for yourself but also for your dog(s).  

Some folks are apprehensive about making resolutions because they failed to keep them in the past.  Did you make resolutions for 2011 but already found it hard to keep them. This is because the resolutions were wishful thoughts instead of concrete visions accompanied by the necessary action steps to stay on task and accomplish the goals. 

When one can create, experience and believe in a vision or goal; it becomes reality rather than wishful thinking.  To make it a reality, one needs to apply the action steps as if they were bricks placed on top of each other until a solid foundation is built.  The wall will not be solid much less take the proper form if the bricks are heaped on top of each other.  Instead, they must be properly laid with the correct mortar ingredients.  And, from time to time, measurements must be taken to be sure the walls are being built at the correct angles much like taking inventory as to whether or not one is still on track with their action steps.

The first step though is to focus on your passions and decide what you want to change or improve in your life.  There are the common lofty resolutions such as losing weight, improving family relationships, earning more money, saving more money, etc.  However, these are not detailed enough by themselves.  If one wants to lose weight, one needs to decide how much weight to lose, by what time period, and how they will accomplish it.  For example, instead of resolving to simply lose weight, a person wanting to lose 50 lbs. overall might state their goal as, “My goal is to lose 50 lbs. within 52 weeks by doing A, B, and C.  Another option would be to break down the goal of losing 50 lbs and determine what needs to be done to lose 25 lbs within six months.  One would also set up checks and balances to ensure the action steps are being completed and to determine if different actions steps need to be put in place dependent upon the current situation.  The same process can be done with developing resolutions and training goals for your pets.  

Professional dog trainers are adept at setting new training goals and opportunities for their students and their dogs.  Listen to what two renowned professional dog trainers have in store for their students this year:  Robin MacFarlane, Owner and Training Director for That’s My Dog! Inc. of Dubuque, Iowa states, “For my students I intend to keep offering new classes. We are offering a scent class now and will be adding a problem solving class and more outings. The more I can offer varying opportunities, the more I can address the various interests that people have. This creates a win/win solution to getting people to do more with their dogs and truly discover how amazing the relationship can become.”  And, Scott Williams, Owner and Training Director of Beyond the Leash in Boxford, Massachusetts plans the following, “As for my students, I plan on offering more exciting activities that keep them coming back and having fun. I would like to offer more entertaining activities for dogs and their owners. I will offer Nosework, Flyball and a new class that I am presently developing. My goal for my present and future students is to help them laugh at themselves a little more and enjoy the spirit of the dog”.  Sounds like their students will have lots of fun in the new year.  To locate similar fun classes in the state of Michigan, look for group dog training classes in Ann Arbor and Walled Lake.  Part 2 of this article series will address the goals you have for your personal dog.

For professional dog training in Michigan, contact Michael Burkey at http://www.MichiganDogTrainer.com, info@MichiganDogTrainer.com, 734-634-4152.

3 New Canine Good Citizens

On December 16, 2010  three new Canine Good Citizens and their parents earned the  American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen certificate at the Humane Society of Huron Valley.  Two of the new citizens, STELLA ARTOLIS, a Plott Hound mix, handled by Alison Chester of Ann Arbor, Michigan and SOPHIE, a German Shorthair Pointer, handled by Cathy Pianelli also of Ann Arbor, Michigan earned their certificates after completing Michael Burkey's Canine Behavioral Training's CGC/Intermediate Manners group class.  The third new citizen was a walk in registrant, TURBO CHARGER, a Lab/Shepherd mix handled by Katelin Thomas of Plymouth, Michigan.  Congratulations to all three new citizens!

For professional dog training in Michigan, contact Michael Burkey at http://www.MichiganDogTrainer.com, info@MichiganDogTrainer.com, 734-634-4152.

Easy Walk Harness May Now Be used in CGC Testing

Previously, the American Kennel Club (AKC) did not allow dog teams taking the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test to use a body harness such as the Easy Walk Harness The EW s a body harness in which the leash attaches to a clasp on the dog's chest instead of on top of his back.  Doing so, the strap across his chest tightens slightly if he pulls forward.  This redirects his attention back to you or places him slightly off balance making it easy for the handler to step in front of their dog and walk in the opposite direction.  It will not pinch him nor totally restrict  his movement but he is less likely to continue pulling forward with his shoulders turned sideways.  The EW is sold for a nominal price at the Humane Society of Huron Valley (3100 Cherry Hill Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan).

I always found it puzzling as to why the EW was not previously allowed in the tests but yet a martingale style neck collar, also known as a premier collar, was allowed (also sold at HSHV).  A martingale collar does not restrict forward movement but it does clasp tighter around the dog's neck when he pulls forward without choking him (note, a martingale collar is a very effective tool to ensure a dog does not slip out of a traditional snap together or buckle style collar and is more humane than a chain or sometimes referred to as a choke collar.)  I attributed the reason why the EW was not allowed previously was probably because it was not yet developed or widely used when the test rules were developed.  And, it appears I was correct.

As of November 4, 2010, the AKC changed the CGC test rules to allow the use of a harness such as the EW.  Per the AKC website, "As of November 4, 2010, body harnesses may be used in the CGC test. The evaluator should check to make sure the harness is not of a type that completely restricts the dog's movement such that it could not pull or jump up if it tried."  Thanks go to the AKC for updating their test rules as many owners find the EW to be a wonderful training tool.  It helps manages the dog's pulling behavior (to reduce excessive pulling but it is not  a replacement for professional dog training)  while the owner teaches the dog to walk with them on a loose leash.  It's also a great strength equalizer for many students with large dogs.

If you're interested in training your dog to pass the CGC evaluation, register for the "Canine Good Citizen / Intermediate Manners" group dog class held at the Humane Society of Huron Valley in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  Evaluations are held upon the conclusion of each six week period class.  If you want to see what a CGC test looks like, come observe the next testing scheduled for December 16, 2010 at 6:45pm.








For professional dog training in Michigan, contact Michael Burkey at http://www.MichiganDogTrainer.com, info@MichiganDogTrainer.com, 734-634-4152