Archive for the ‘Dog Training’ Category

Dear Mr. Katz,

I’ve read your book and it’s been interesting as well as helpful – it’s taught me to teach my dog some new behaviors and discipline.

However, I wouldn’t be writing if I still didn’t have a lingering problem.

The water garden is obviously too much fun to ignore. And there’s birds landing in there to take a bath! I’m nearly convinced it’s the birds tempting her, but I could be wrong. I don’t think she really sees the fish.

In any case, I have tried the Snappy Trainers – the devices that work like a mouse trap but just make a big noise when tripped. She does not like them at all. But either I don’t have enough of them or something else is getting her attention to the point that they don’t matter. I have also tried leaving her in the house – that works too, but in the long run, I’d rather have her outdoors. As a side note, my fiancé’s Malamute was here for a week and also thinks the pond is the cat’s meow – and she’s the last dog we thought would venture into that much water. Help.

Thanks,
Sue

Dear Sue:

It’s the same as house-proofing your dog, garden-proofing, etc…

You need to keep the dog confined to a dog run when you cannot supervise him.

Only allow him to run free in the yard when you can spy on him. This may take a couple of months or more, but the benefits will be a lifetime of reliability.

This is really the type of behavior where an electronic collar makes life easy. Instead of running outside to correct the dog, the dog instead things that the correction came from the water garden itself. This makes the training process A LOT FASTER. (Ever notice how quickly dogs learn not to play around in thorny rose bushes???)

If you don’t want to get an e-collar, then leave the training collar on the dog, and do the “No, no, no” routine that I outlined in the book. This will work just the same.

That’s all for now, folks!
Adam

Statistics has it that 4.7 million people get bitten by dogs yearly. These bites range from minor nips to major attacks.
Dog is man’s best friend, not his worst enemy. To make it stay that way, here are some tips for you to stay away from being bitten by a dog.

* How to Avoid being Bitten by A Dog

1. Don’t Approach a Strange Dog.

It is a big no-no to go near just any dog you find adorable, particularly when that dog is tied or placed behind a fence or if it is in a car. A new or strange dog might think that you are threatening him or you are an intruder.

2. Don’t Just Pet A Dog.

It is not advisable for anyone to suddenly just pet a dog, even his or her own dog, without letting him sniff and recognize you first.

3. Don’t Ever Turn Your Back to a Dog Just to Run Away

This animal’s instinct will dictate it chase and catch you. So, running away is not a good option.

4. Don’t Disturb a Dog.

When a dog is sleeping, chewing on anything, caring for her puppies or eating, it is bad idea to shock or disturb it.

* How to Bite-Proof Your Own Dog

1. Neuter or spay your dog to reduce its tendency to roam and fight with other dogs.
2. Make it socialize to lessen its being nervous when a lot of people are around.
3. Train your dog to not chase anyone even when it’s just for fun.
4. License your dog and provide for its regular care and rabies vaccinations.
5. Never let your dog roam alone.

* Things to Do if You are Bitten by A Dog

1. Never Panic.

This will only aggravate the situation. Stay calm and make sure that you make informed decisions.

2. Deal with the Wound Immediately.

Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water. This should be done immediately. Then, contact your physician for more care and advice.

3. Tell the Animal Care and Control Agency in Your Location about the Bite.

Report to the animal control personnel all the information you can supply regarding the dog. If it is a stray dog, describe the dog, where you saw him, whether you are familiar with it and also the direction which he went.