by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers decided to pick a great theme for the month of January, National Train Your Dog month.  While you should be training and working with your dog all year, this campaign helps raise awareness of the importance of having a well trained dog.  Here on Long Island we are fortunate to have dog trainers offering all kinds of training methods from one end of Long Island to the other.  There really is no excuse to not take a training class, lecture or at least speaking to a trainer on what may best suit your dog and your situation, become a better dog owner and have a happier dog.

Often time’s dog owners have ‘heard’ things about certain training methods, and already have an assumption in their mind, like the prong collar is horrible and mean, or that they would never ever be able to do clicker training with their dog.  But once they are educated how to properly use ANY type of dog training method, you can see the transformation on their face on what they were originally thinking about. (The Human’s face!)

Every month in our Responsible Dog Owner Class (a dog training and education class for humans only) our volunteer dog trainers from Doggie U K9 Academy and Dog Training 101, go over nearly every type of collar, leash, harness, no-pull harness, etc. and talk about how each is meant to work.  Like not pulling or yanking your dog while he is wearing a prong collar, that they are self correcting, or when to ‘click’ that clicker so the dog starts to associate the click with doing the command correctly and getting rewarded.

I have read recently on some blogs dog trainers bashing each other for their various training methods, and I think this negativity doesn’t help the dog training industry.  I have used treats, positive rewards, and evaluate (over days and weeks) what might work best for each dog.  And let me tell you many dogs react, act differently to different training methods.  I have worked with dogs who could care less if you are holding a filet mignon in front of them – if they are aggressive or leash aggressive they don’t give a bleep what food you have.  It’s not always about food reward.  While most dogs are food motivated, not all are.

I have worked with dogs in the past year, that were so highly aggressive towards humans that most behaviorists would suggested they be put to sleep.  One dog who was so aggressive (territorially so) when she in her house, she came very close to attacking me (and viciously) more times than I could count. She was only like this at the door when I arrived at the house to walk her (the owners were not there).  Why go back and work with the dog?  Because I could see how there was an amazing dog in there – she was fantastic with her owner – super smart and very well trained – but at the door it was almost like she was seriously bi-polar and would go off the deep end.  Once out of the house (with TONS of patience on my part), she was just the most fantastic dog, friendly to people – so well trained on and off leash – it was well, insane.  It did take me four months to get a leash on the dog, FOUR months! Did I mention the patience part?  Once she trusted me, she loved going for walks, listened, watched me for commands, and even was very affectionate and sweet.  This same dog that was trying to kill me at the door – the transformation was awesome.  (This dog was abandoned and her owner was the only one that could get near her, and luckily for her he did and was very committed to working with her).  Oddly enough she ended up being one of my favorite dogs to walk and work with because of how she blossomed.  I don’t take credit for her training – I give her owner all the kudos for it, but if I was not patient and gave up on her I would never have seen her wonderful transformation.  She was a dog that was food motivated and the only way to get her out of the house was to bribe her with treats – but on a walk, she wanted your attention and didn’t need the food, verbal praise and petting she adored.  So it was interesting to see a dog you had to use food with in one instance and not in others.

Most dogs want to bond with you, learn from you, some love to have a job to do – and your verbal reward and attention is all they are striving for.  Think about the drug and bomb sniffing dogs, ever watch what the handlers reward them with? It’s usually some sort of toy, tug toy, ball, handmade toy or something along those lines, not food.  It’s still a positive reward, but it’s not food.

To be a dog owner, and want a well trained well mannered dog – you as the dog owner need to do your research.  Find out about different training methods, interview different trainers, get referrals, and if one trainer doesn’t work out – don’t be discouraged, move on to the next trainer.  I have had people hire me after they went through a dog trainer or two – and I asked what did the other trainers tell you – and often times, I would say, well I agree with what they said, you need to do your homework, work with the dog, etc.  So sometimes it’s not that the first and second trainer you met with didn’t work, it’s that the owner didn’t want to follow their instructions or do the work!  A well behaved dog does not happen over night.  I mean do you expect your human kids to learn to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ by telling them only once to do it? I doubt it.

Another piece of advice would be don’t be scared of trying different training methods – you might go through a couple before you get to the one that you see the light bulb over your dog’s head go off!

You can find many different dog trainers in your area by clicking here.

Winnie & Lucy - Lucy was the dog I was speaking of above. Good Girl Lucy!

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Were you at Meet the Breeds at the Javits Center in New York City recently?  No?? You missed out on a great event-but I have a ton of great pictures below.  I have been to many dog shows and we all know Westminster is the king of dog shows – but Meet the Breeds hosted by the AKC was a entirely different way to meet both dog and cat breeds up close and not feel squished by the large dog show crowds.  And not to mention there were many fabulous vendors selling and some even giving away products – it was a heavy tote bag trip back to Penn Station for me!

Portuguese Pointer

One of the really interesting breeds I came across, and I have been to rare breed dog shows, but have never seen the Portuguese Pointer before.  A very pretty dog and I hate to say it, but kind of a puggle face – but prettier – sorry puggle fans – the Portuguese Pointer was fawn in color with some white blazing on her chest and dates back to the 14th Century, long before a mix of beagle and puggle became so popular.  So if you’re looking for a bigger dog that is a purebred and who’s face kinda sorta resembles the puggle this dog could be for you.  BUT you should always research ANY breed before you decide to adopt from a rescue group or purchase from a reputable breeder.  That’s why Meet the Breeds is such a great event – there are experts in the breeds representing many types of dogs and cats – and these breeder, owner and dog handlers can tell you much about the breeds, their habits, traits, health and much more.  They can even help you in determining if a breed is right for your lifestyle, like if you are an active person, looking for a jogging companion, or just looking for a lap dog.

Barbet - there is a dog under all that fur!

Another breed I never saw in person was the Barbet – a French water dog – most similar to the Portuguese water dog.  The Barbet also dates back to the 14th century.  The there was the Cirneco dell’Etna – which is basically looks exactly like a Pharaoh Hound, just about ½ the size – very unique and pretty looking dog and in existence for 2,500 years having it’s first pictorial reference in Sicily.  The Cirneco, like the Pharaoh hound is both a sight and scent hound.

Bengal

In the cat section, there were so many beautiful cats, I was in cat heaven – and did not have one allergy problem.  The coolest cat I saw, not just because of his beautiful markings but he was so chilled out was the Bengal.  Gorgeous cat – and his owner had a ton of information for the crowd of people asking.  Another cat was the Munchkin, which has legs about ½ the size of a normal cat.  The owner say it doesn’t affect their movement or agility – but I did feel a little bad for the cat – but then thinking about it, I don’t feel bad for their short legged counterparts like a bassett hound!  Another cat you don’t see every day was the American Curls – who have ears that at the tip are curled back a bit – adorable cat – very playful and sweet.  For more information on cat breeds go to The International Cat Association.  Go to Meet the Breeds for more information on next year’s show and see below for more pictures I took from the event.

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Have you heard about the dog Daniel that survived the gas chamber in Animal Control facility in Florence, Alabama?  He was put into the gas chamber with about 8 other dogs to be killed, and when they opened the door after gassing the animals, Daniel walked right out.  It’s an amazing and inspirational story, while it has happened before – it is very rare.  This adorable Beagle Hound mix was dropped off in a ‘drop box’ at the Alabama shelter – a box where people can just anonymously drop a pet off they no longer want (something seriously wrong with this policy).  Daniel was considered a stray and after 7 days, put in the gas chamber.  He now has hundreds and hundreds of adoption applications according to the rescue group, Eleventh Hour Rescue that brought him up to NJ to his now foster home.  And after his appearance on Good Morning America on Saturday, October 29, 2011 – he will surely have thousands of people that want to adopt him.

But what about the dogs and cats that are not labeled as a ‘Miracle’ and have been waiting for months even years in a shelter waiting for a home?  Recently, in the Pet Events Newsletter, I posted an amazing dog in his own right, Cider, who has been at the Town of Islip Animal shelter for ONE YEAR this month.  For whatever reason people over look this very happy, well behaved and handsome dog.  He looks to be part Lab definitely Pit and maybe a sprinkling of another breed.  I met him about two weeks ago, and while many of the dogs in the surrounding shelter cages were barking, as they do, Cider was calm, smiling, and wagging his tail the entire time.  His coloring is beautiful – and the shelter staff said he is such a good dog, and house broken to boot – which is not an easy thing to be, living in a shelter cage for a year.

So I ask those hundreds and thousands of people looking to adopt Daniel the miracle dog?  What about a dog or cat just languishing every day in a local shelter?  Most times it can be loud and intimidating to look at a dog at the shelter – but ask the staff or one of the volunteers to take the pet into a viewing room or outside to meet the dog – 90% chance you will see the best side of the dog once taken out of the shelter cage.

While Daniel’s story is amazing, if it helps just one person reading this change their mind and head to their local shelter to adopt – it will make Daniel’s rise to fame even better.

When I adopted my own dog, Max – an American Pit Bull Terrier from Out of the Pits, he was a small puppy about 3.5 months old.  He was scared, and nervous – and the foster and adoption people that were there said, “If you sit on the floor, it will make him less nervous.”  So I sat next Indian style to the person holding him, and Max, named Johnny at the time, looked at me, and as many people who ever adopted a dog, seemed to know I was there for him.  He crawled over to my lap, looked up at me and kissed my cheek and snuggled back down and fell asleep.  The lady fostering him and the other people in the room nearly all cried, saying, “he has never done that to anyone.  He has been so nervous, and really hasn’t gone to anyone.”  Which I found out to be true after bringing Max home and learning how fearful of certain people, noises and now living in a home.  But with a ton of socialization, patience and training – Max has been such a great dog, loves people is good with other dogs once he gets to know them and even got along with the duck that lived in my yard for over a year.  Max, for whatever reason was very easy to train, he was housebroken when I brought him home, was out of his crate at 9 months old, which I don’t always recommend – but he didn’t chew anything, eat things he wasn’t supposed to etc.  He loved and learned a ton from my Doberman and today at 10-years old; people stop me in the street to say hi to him.

So maybe you won’t be able to adopt Daniel, but you may just find your own Max at the local shelter, and help save a life, fall in love with your new best buddy and change the mind of those around you about shelter dogs.

For more information on Cider, go to the Town of Islip Animal Shelter located at 210 South Denver Road, Bay Shore, NY.  For other local Animal Shelter listings, click here.

Daniel & Cider

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Heading to the North Fork with your furkid to go pumpkin picking or hitting the wineries this weekend?  The east end of Long Island is very pet friendly and I have yet to be at a farm stand, pumpkin patch or winery that a well behaved pet was not allowed.  If you are staying the entire weekend and are looking for a place to board or walk your pet while out there, you are in luck as there a few places to choose from:  A1 Critter Sitters, C-Dogs Unlimited LLC, These Dreams Pet Services, Inc. (631-764-9571), some also offer grooming.

If you are bringing your pet with you, be sure to stop at The Country Pet on Love Lane in Mattituck – this quaint pet store carries beautiful pet products as well as top quality pet food and treats.  Want to capture the weekend or maybe have Fluffy’s photo taken by a pro, you will want to schedule an appointment with ThePuparazzi, that’s right (you don’t have to be in the Hamptons to have flash blubs going!).

Or maybe you need some training techniques and tips from an expert dog trainer?  Like how to handle your dog when he sees all those different farm animals at a vineyard or pumpkin patch?  Give the North Fork School of Dogs a call and they can help you.  After a long day of pumpkins and new scents your dog may be wiped out so what about a canine massage or reiki session?  You are in luck as Patty’s Pet Services offers just that.

Autumn on the North Fork is a treasure for LI and a wonderful place to visit with your pet.  Just remember to keep your pet leashed, clean up after him, have fresh water available and respect the areas you visit with him.  Your dog will experience the excitement of a new location, new scents, may see animals he has never seen before – so be sure you know your dog can handle it.  Enjoy the harvest!

Heading out East for the day but don’t have a pet, be sure to stop by Kent Animal Shelter, the North Fork Animal Welfare League or Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation on your way back!

(Recently while apple picking on the North Fork a family had their two dogs with them a large golden doodle and a poodle, the dogs were perfectly mannered and sweet, even took the ‘hay’ ride out to pick apples.  The dogs were so well behaved the entire time with very good owners, I cannot say that for the out of control kids that were throwing mud and apples and screaming the entire time – and their parents didn’t care! Even the dogs were looking at those kids like ‘what the bleep?’ is going on.)

by Nancy E. Hassel

Dog Park Safety

We are lucky to now have more and more dog runs or dog parks if you will here on Long Island.  But there are safety factors that dog owners should follow and be aware of.

Sadly and recently a small Yorkie at an off leash park was killed by a larger Lab mix.  It’s a terrible tragedy for the dog and his owner – and since I was not there to witness it, I am not jumping to conclusions – I am sure it has been a devastating time for both parties involved.  My heart really goes out to them.  What I was told is that the larger dog, that was leashed, pulled away from the person walking it and the dog ran over to the smaller dog.  Was it a vicious attack or did the big dog merely not know his size and strength over a 3 or 5lb little dog?  We can speculate – but this very sad loss is not about speculation but teaching dog owners to be more aware your surroundings and where you are brining your dog to socialize, play and take precautions while there to keep him safe.

It’s easy to get into a routine while at a dog park and letting your guard down, especially if you are there everyday and know most of the other dogs.  But if you are going to an enclosed (fenced in) dog run here are a few tips to help keep your dog safe from possible injury:

Most dog runs, the newer ones, have small dog areas and large dog areas.  It’s pretty simple if your dog is small; bring him into the small dog area.  Bringing you tiny dog into the large dog part of the dog run, can cause serious prey drive in the larger breeds and before you know it, you could have 20 large dogs chasing and cornering your tiny dog.  This is not fair to your dog who cannot defend himself, but also not fair to the large dogs as it can spark their natural prey drive.  A dog fight could break out and how are you going to get your 5lb dog away from the 50lb+ dogs?
Its common sense, those dog run rules are there for a reason.  Safety for you and for your dog.

If you want to start going to a dog park with your dog, go their first and observe the owners and their dogs, ask how the park is, etc.  Get a feel for the park before just bringing your dog there and dropping him into an environment that can be scary for some dogs.

Parking:  Parking your car and letting your dog out loose to run across the parking lot, or up the trail to the dog run is another huge safety problem.  The area for your dog to be off leash is within the fenced area.  I have seen this all too often where people get too comfortable, think they own the place and just let their dogs out of the car off leash to run all over the parking lot.  I have also seen dogs almost get hit by cars while running to the dog run.  Keep your dogs leashed until you are in the dog run.

Toys:  Some dogs that go to the dog park daily can become territorial about the location, and bringing toys into the mix is not a great idea.  Many people want to exercise and have their dog play with a ball or Frisbee, it’s understandable.  But if there is a dog there that is possessive or aggressively defends his or her toy – it’s just a dog fight waiting to happen.  Now of course this doesn’t happen every time, but why chance it?

Coffee Clutch:  The dog park is great to socialize your dog and you end socializing as well.  How often are you at a dog park and can remember the dog’s name, but maybe not necessarily the owners?  J  It’s great to meet new friends, other dog owners who are passionate about their dogs at the park, but just be sure while you’re having that coffee clutch of a conversation that you are still paying attention to your dog while in the dog run. Watching your dog to make sure he or she is behaving, not scared or nervous around the other dogs, and not developing a new ‘bad’ doggie habit she just learned from her new four legged buddy.

Acting up: If your dog is having an off day, acting up or bullying other dogs, it’s time for you to take him out of the park.  Maybe do some fun one on one training session with your dog, so while he is in the dog park, you will have better control.

Newbie: If your dog is not used to being around other dogs or your dog is a new to you dog, meaning you may have just adopted him, a dog park may not be the right location for you to start socializing your dog.  If you are not sure how he will react around other dogs, try bringing him around other dogs first so you will get a better understanding of his behavior before just letting him loose in a dog run.

Kids: Kids and the dog park, really not a good match.  I have seen kids get knocked over, go flying when a dog running at full speed and didn’t see the kid and bam! You’re kid is now screaming crying and may become fearful of dogs.  Also keep in mind often dogs are not used to kids or may not be around many kids and now you have loose dogs in a park with, well, loose kids.  May not be a good combo – it’s a dog park not a playground!

Dog owners need to take precautions to be safe at our local dog parks, know your dog, clean up after you dog, know when it’s time to leave, and pay attention to them while you are there.

You can see a list of rules for a great local dog run at Blydenburgh Park here.