http://animalbehaviorcollege.com/tips.asp?id=4 Weekly tips about dog training. en-us Sat, 03 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700 http://animalbehaviorcollege.com/tips.asp?id=4 http://animalbehaviorcollege.com/tips_details.asp?id=4&tipid=55 The Dachshund

According to the AKC “Dog Registration Statistics,” the Dachshund was the 7th most popular breed in the United States in 2008. The Dachshund comes in two sizes, standard which can weigh 16-32 lbs. and miniature which is 11 lbs. or under. The Dachshund also comes in three different coat varieties. The coat types are smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired. The Dachshund has a multitude of acceptable colors and markings. The Dachshund can have the following types of markings: brindle, dapple, sable, brindle piebald, double dapple, or piebald. The following colors are acceptable for all types of Dachshund’s: black and cream, black and tan, blue and cream, blue and tan, chocolate and cream, chocolate and tan, cream, fawn and cream, fawn and tan, red, Wheaton, wild boar, black, chocolate, and fawn. The Dachshund has a low, long body with short legs which makes him well suited for ground work.

The Dachshund originated in Germany over 300 years ago. You can find this breed in historical documents dating back to the 15th century. Early in the 17th century, the name Dachshund, meaning “badger-dog” became the title of the breed type with longhaired and smooth coats. The wirehaired variety was added in 1890. The Dachshund was originally bred to hunt badgers. The standard Dachshund, which is the larger of the breed, was used for hunting animals like wild boars as well as badgers, whereas the miniature Dachshund was used to hunt smaller game like foxes and rabbits. They excel in both above and below-ground hunting. A dog trainer will tell you that the Dachshund belongs to the Hound Group. As a member of the Hound Group, you will see that your Dachshund is easily distracted by scents and movement. Members of the Hound Group are also bred to work independently. In dog training, you will learn that this means the dog will have a lesser pack drive than most other breeds. Therefore he will not have the desire to please his owner like most other dogs. Therefore, you will need to include a “no free lunch policy” and work with rewards that increase the dog’s natural drives, like a scented ball or a Buster Cube to motivate your Dachshund.

If you are looking for a companion suitable for urban or rural living, the Dachshund is an adaptable pet. He will be happy chasing a ball in your apartment or a rat in the barn. With appropriate supervision he is a playful and friendly companion for your children. He has a friendly and courageous temperament. The Dachshund has moderate exercise needs and, depending on his coat, he may need regular grooming. Keep in mind that regular dog obedience is the key to maintaining a happy, dog-friendly household. The Dachshund has been and will continue to be a popular companion for many individuals.


References:
http://www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats.cfm
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/ ]]> Fri, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0700 http://animalbehaviorcollege.com/tips.asp?id=4 http://animalbehaviorcollege.com/tips_details.asp?id=4&tipid=54 The Bulldog


According to the AKC "Dog Registration Statistics," The Bulldog was the 8th most popular breed of 2008 in the United States. Bulldogs have a gentle and loveable disposition. They tend to form strong bonds with children, making them great family pets. The Bulldog needs minimal exercise and grooming. This dog belongs to the non-sporting group. When you train dogs, you will learn that dogs in this category may be difficult to motivate. This is primarily because dogs in the non-sporting group are bred for companionship as opposed to labor intensive jobs like herding livestock.

The Bulldog can be white, red, fawn, fallow, brindle or piebald in color. The perfect Bulldog should be medium in stature with a smooth coat. Bulldogs have no undercoat allowing only minimal shedding. The dog should have wide shoulders and a low-swung, thick-set body. The males should be 50 pounds and the females 40 pounds. There is no height specification, however when showing, the shorter the bulldog the more prized he will be. Generally the Bulldog will stand anywhere from 12-16 inches in height. The circumference of the dog’s head should measure at least the height of the dog at the withers. You measure the circumference of the skull from in front of the ears. The shoulders should be widespread and muscular. Your Bulldog’s forelegs should be short, stout, and also set wide apart, whereas the hindquarters should be longer, in order to elevate his loin higher than the shoulders. The front feet may be straight or slightly turned outwards and the hind legs must be pointed outward. When getting a Bulldog from a dog rescue, you should be careful in your selection. Because of the brachycephalic also known as short nose, some Bulldogs have breathing problems that may require costly surgeries. There may be some hip or joint problems as well, depending on the breeding of the dog.

The Bulldog originated in the British Isles. Owners would train dogs to guard, control or bait Bulls. During these times, beef that was not baited was thought to be improper for consumption. The name Bulldog comes from the animal’s connection to bull baiting. The original Bulldog needed to be insensitive to pain, with a courageous and ferocious temperament. In 1835, as an Act of Parliament, there was a law put into effect called the Cruelty to Animals Act 1835. This law forbade owners from keeping any house, pit, or other place for fighting or baiting of a bull, bear, dog or other animal. When this happened, Bulldog enthusiasts set out to preserve the breed by removing its fierce characteristics. A few generations later, we have the typical companion Bulldog we all love and know.

The Bulldog is the perfect dog for you if you desire a dog who is an affectionate companion or if you live in an apartment and require a dog with minimal exercise requirements and good manners. Keep in mind that every dog needs dog training, and the Bulldog is no exception. With their tendency to be stubborn and bull-headed, dog obedience training will keep our pooch eager to please and willing to obey all of your requests. Your local dog trainer can educate you on how to be the leader of your pack in order to maintain an orderly household.


References:
http://www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats.cfm
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/ ]]> Wed, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700 http://animalbehaviorcollege.com/tips.asp?id=4 http://animalbehaviorcollege.com/tips_details.asp?id=4&tipid=53 The Poodle

According to the AKC “Dog Registration Statistics,” the Poodle was the 9th most popular breed in the United States in 2008. The Poodle comes in three size varieties, and a variety of colors, including white, black apricot, and grey but never parti-colored. Poodles are elegant in appearance, very active and intelligent. The Poodle is well-proportioned in its body stature. The sizes of the official AKC recognized Poodle breeds are determined by height, not weight. The Toy Poodle stands at 10 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders, also known as the withers. The Miniature Poodle can stand anywhere over 10 inches and up to 15 inches at the withers. Lastly, the Standard Poodle will stand anywhere over 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulders. The various sizes and colors may be some of the reasons why the Poodle was chosen as one of the most popular breeds in 2008. You can find many colors and sizes of Poodles at a breed-specific dog rescue near you.

Poodles have been known throughout Western Europe over the last 400 years. The origin of the breed has been controversial over the years. According to breed historians the Poodle originated in Germany with some influence from Russia, not France like many believe. Poodles were not recognized by England until 1874, when The Kennel Club of England registered its first Poodle. The Poodle was used as a water retriever by hunters, who were known to train dogs to help them retrieve their game. The "Poodle clip," also known as the “Lion-Style” or the “Continental Clip,” was designed by hunters to help the dogs move more efficiently through the water. The patches of hair left on the body are meant to protect vital organs and joints which are susceptible to cold. The Poodle is one of the only breeds of dog with a hypo-allergenic coat. This makes them very popular for individuals that have an allergy to dogs. When properly clipped in the traditional fashion and carefully groomed, the Poodle has about him an air of distinction and dignity particular to himself.

A professional dog trainer will give you more insight into the breed’s distinctive character and how to properly motivate them. The Poodle belongs to the non-sporting group; breeds in this category are usually hard to motivate. The Poodle also has some common characteristics of the sporting group. This is why it is important to consult a professional when readying your Poodle for dog obedience. Your dog trainer will be able to fully assess and evaluate what drives and motivates your Poodle. Some are very hyper and distractible while others are very calm and docile. If you are looking for a versatile dog with a vast history that is well-suited for both those living in apartments as well as those with acres to spare, the Poodle could be the dog for you. While the Poodle requires frequent grooming, focused dog training, and daily exercise, he has been a popular companion dog for centuries.

References:
http://www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats.cfm
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/ ]]> Sat, 24 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0700 http://animalbehaviorcollege.com/tips.asp?id=4 http://animalbehaviorcollege.com/tips_details.asp?id=4&tipid=51 The Shih Tzu

According to the AKC “Dog Registration Statistics,” the compact-sized Shih Tzu was the 10th most popular dog breed in the United States in 2008. Best recognized by its abundant, flowing, elegant coat comprised of long hair lined with a wool-like undercoat, the Shih Tzu can be of many colors, all of which are accepted by the AKC. However, your dog trainer will tell you that show judges prefer white on the forehead and tip of the tail. The Shih Tzu’s sturdy, upright body posture, with its head held high, eyes wide-set, and its perky tail curled over to its back, gives off an air of conceit and pride that is fitting for a breed whose name translates to “lion” in Chinese Mandarin. Weighing in between 9 and 16 pounds and standing only 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder, this little dog has wiggled its way into the hearts of Americans and other dog lovers all over the world.

The Shih Tzu is of Chinese heritage and is believed to be a descendent of the Lhasa Apso, Tibetan mountain dog and/or Pekingese. During the 16th century Ming Dynasty, the Shih Tzu was a popular and well-respected pet in the Imperial Chinese court. The breed was so highly revered that the Chinese refused to sell or share them, even after they had begun trading with the Western world. It was not until World War II when English soldiers discovered this fluffy companion, and not until 1930 when the first pair was imported to England. The feisty little dog, which belongs to the toy group, was first officially recognized by Britain in 1949 and has been an AKC-recognized breed in the United States since 1969. Their huge personality, gentle nature, and overabundance of character are endearing qualities that have contributed to their popularity. Their particular sensitivity to heat due to their thick coats and their ability to cope within a small housing situation with or without an outdoor area makes them good choices for those living in apartments.

The Shih Tzu certainly lives up to the “small dog, big attitude” quality that is common to dogs of small stature. Because of this, your dog trainer will advise you to set clear boundaries and limitations regarding leadership and house rules in order to establish yourself as the pack leader of your household. In regards to the Shih Tzu’s personality, you and your dog trainer will find their apt intelligence, eagerness to please, playfulness, liveliness, energetic nature, alertness, courageousness, and friendly attitude to be helpful characteristics. However, depending on their level of dog training, the Shih Tzu can easily become aggressive, biting, growling, snapping, and excessively barking at anybody they lack respect for or in an attempt to gain what they want. Separation anxiety is also a common trait of this cute canine, as with many dogs in the toy group. They can also be difficult during housebreaking and are sometimes poor choices for children’s dogs due to the level of leadership they require. All of these undesirable traits can be prevented via consistent, focused dog training from a professional animal trainer, as long as the dog’s owner is consistent with all dog training instructions. A consistent exercise routine including daily walks to burn their mental and physical energy is highly recommended.

If you’re looking for a cute, cuddly companion with the bravery and personality of a much larger dog, the Shih Tzu is for you. Always consult your animal trainer prior to adopting or purchasing a dog of any breed to ensure that you know what’s in store.

References:
http://www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats.cfm
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/shihtzu.htm]]> Thu, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0700 http://animalbehaviorcollege.com/tips.asp?id=4 http://animalbehaviorcollege.com/tips_details.asp?id=4&tipid=48 train dogs, spending your work days romping around with cuddly canines instead of sitting behind a desk, staring at a computer screen? If you, like countless other animal lovers across the world, desire to re-assess your current career choice and embark into an exciting and fulfilling career such as dog training, kennel management, veterinary assisting, etc., you should put serious thought and consideration into your search for your new career. Here, we will discuss some career options.

In Louise Miller’s informative book, Careers for Animal Lovers and Other Zoological Types, she poses the following questions regarding choosing an animal career. According to Miller, if you can answer “yes” to all or most of these questions, then you have the necessary qualities to succeed.

• Do I genuinely care about the welfare of animals?

• Am I willing to work long hours doing stressful work?

• Will I be happy living on a modest income?

• Can I show empathy with people in times of grief?

• Do I have physical and mental strength and energy?

• Can I exercise good judgement and solve problems under difficult circumstances?

• Am I reliable and compassionate?


Now we will explore just a few of the many options available to animal lovers.

• Animal Trainer – A certified trainer has a myriad of career options open to him or her. These professionals have the unique option of being an entrepreneur and servicing private clients. A dog trainer can be employed with major pet stores or county programs; he or she can collaborate with shelters and/or rescues to provide training programs at their facilities. An individual who desires this type of training career does not necessarily need to attend a vocational program or pursue certification; however, it is highly recommended. ABC offers a Dog Obedience Instructor Certification program, certifying dog trainers across the United States and in Canada.

• Pet Care Specialist – The pet care specialist can perform many different duties. Pet care specialists can seek employment at specialty and major pet supply stores, grooming salons, dog walking businesses, doggie daycares, pet hotels, and more. A pet care specialist may also choose to continue his or her education to become a dog trainer.

• Kennel Attendant – A kennel attendant may be employed with a veterinary hospital, boarding kennel, pet hotel, or any place where animals are boarded. The duties of the kennel attendant usually involve maintaining cleanliness within the facility. He/she may also be tasked to groom, feed, and care for patients, and he/she may even get the opportunity to train dogs. It is the kennel attendant’s responsibility to optimize each animal’s comfort and care.

• Doggie Daycare or Pet Hotel Operator/Attendant – Doggie daycares and pet hotels are meant to serve pet owners with busy lives who do not want to leave their dogs/pets alone at home. In a career as a doggie daycare owner or operator, you would take care of owners’ dogs while they were at work or away from home (depending on whether you or your facility offers overnight boarding). A doggie daycare attendant walks, exercises, feeds, medicates, and plays with pets, and may even provide dog training (if he or she is certified).

• Animal Shelter or Animal Rescue Worker – There are thousands of animal shelters and rescues in existence that serve the purpose of temporarily housing homeless animals until they can be placed with new owners. Rescues also accommodate homeless dogs, and are usually non-profit organizations. Both shelters and rescues are always seeking assistance from both paid staff and volunteers. An individual who has knowledge and experience in animal training is an asset to a shelter or rescue. This career can be both emotionally difficult and immensely rewarding.

• Veterinary Assistant – The primary job of the veterinary assistant is to assist the veterinarian and veterinary technician(s) in completing vital tasks. While this position does not necessarily require certification, completing a vocational veterinary assistant program can provide immensely helpful training and preparation for this dynamic animal career. The veterinary assistant is an essential part of the veterinary team. If you are interested in becoming a Certified Veterinary Assistant, learn more about ABC’s Certified Veterinary Assistant program at www.BecomeAVetAssistant.com.

These are only a few of the numerous career options available to you as an animal lover. With dedication, persistence, and creativity, you could very possibly have a career that you truly love. Whether you want to train dogs or just play with them, there is a job out there perfectly suited for you. Simply be proactive and do your research, and consider completing a certification program such as ABC’s Certified Dog Obedience Instructor Training and Certified Veterinary Assistant programs. Remember that certification gets you noticed. Good luck! ]]> Wed, 17 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0700