Dog Off-leash Control

ABC Practical Guide to Dog Training

copyright . 2004 by Wiley Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved Howell Book House

Appelbaum, Steven.

Another challenge with young puppies involves obedience commands and raises a huge question regarding off-leash versus on-leash control. Basically it works like this.

Most people need and want their dog to respond to obedience commands when the dog is not wearing a leash. This is not to say that most owners want their dogs to walk down a busy street off leash. In fact, this can be dangerous no matter how well trained your dog is, and may also violate local leash laws. That being said, your dog doesn’t live on a leash and, as such, has to listen to some commands off the leash. Which commands? The recall (“come”) is critical, as is “stay,” “sit” and probably “down.” Off-leash control needs to be attained, at the very least, around the house, in the yard and possibly in the neighborhood. The big question is, when does obedience training start and how does an owner typically go about getting off-leash control of this type?

The real answer is, obedience training starts from the very second you, the owner, start giving your dog obedience commands. Most owners start giving their dog commands on the very first day.

When should formal training start? The answer varies, because generally your dog will need to have some inoculations before being admitted to a class with other dogs. Speak to your veterinarian about this, but please understand that diseases such as parvovirus and distemper are nothing to ignore. They can be nasty, fatal and can strike puppies who are not inoculated against them. Typically most classes won’t allow young puppies to be enrolled before 14 weeks of age. If you get your dog at 10 weeks of age, this means a month before you start any kind of formal training. It is during this month that most owners start to make mistakes that often make obedience training much more difficult to teach down the road.

Conventional training wisdom goes something like this: When you start formal training, you put the dog on a leash and some form of training collar. For many years the training collar most commonly used was a metal-link slip collar, usually called a choke chain. There are numerous choke chain variations. Some links are bigger, some smaller, some irregularly shaped, some are made of nylon, but all work on the Choke chains.

same noose-type principle. That is, when you pull one end of the collar, it tightens around the dog’s neck. When you release that end, the collar loosens again. Prong collars, sometimes called pinch collars, were once also routinely used. These devices work in a similar fashion to a choke chain, but the prongs pinch the dog’s neck when the collar tightens. It sounds worse than it is, but it is clearly not a device designed to be pleasurable for your dog.

Nowadays—and I think this is a huge improvement—head collars that fit over the dog’s head and muzzle are replacing choke chains as the collar of choice. It’s an improvement (for most dogs) because these collars enable handlers to more easily control the dog’s body with less force by controlling the dog’s head. This is very similar to the way some horses are trained. For a number of years, there was a huge debate in the training world (trainers love to debate) about whether head collars or choke chains worked better and whether choke chains were cruel or inhumane. I believed then, as I do now, that both collars are effective and, when used properly, neither is inhumane. Personally, I believe head harnesses are better in most, but not all, training situations. So, as I started to say, conventional training wisdom has you in class with your dog on a leash and some type of training collar. The objective is to train the dog to listen well enough on the leash that he can be consistently counted on to obey all commands regardless of distractions. When this occurs (and in the best case it can take four to six months), the hope is that you will be able to take the leash off and the dog will still obey you on the first command off leash, initially with no distractions and eventually with them. It makes sense—unless you’ve ever tried it. If you have, then you know what typically happens.

When you take the leash off, the dog is far less inclined to listen. In some instances, the dog doesn’t listen at all! I’ve seen dogs who were absolutely, perfectly obedient on leash completely “forget” their training when the leash came off. Entire training methods have been developed to overcome this problem. These include light lines, where a very light nylon cord or even monofilament is put on the dog’s collar, so that when the leash is taken off the handler can step on the monofilament or grab it (with gloves), thus preventing the dog from escaping and teaching him that you still have control.

Smaller leashes, or gradually cutting a six-foot leash to five feet, four feet, two feet, etc., have also been used. This is because we’ve all seen dogs who listen perfectly on a six-foot leash.
the six-foot leash and walk 10, 20 or 40 feet away and the dog would still listen. If a dog listens on a six-foot leash when you’re 40 feet away, is the leash really necessary? Many people would say no and remove the leash. The problem is, when you take the leash off, the dog often runs away. To overcome this, instead of taking the leash off you start to gradually cut it down. First five feet, then four, until finally the dog is left wearing the metal clip portion of the leash. Many dogs responded to this technique, although some started to run when the leash got shorter than one or two feet. Many trainers still find the challenge of getting dogs to listen off leash among the most difficult they have to deal with.

To be fair, this is less of a problem now than it was 30 years ago. There are several reasons for this, including the fact that most modern training methods are not based on teaching your dog to avoid leash corrections. When compulsion methods of this type were taught, the dog viewed the leash as the tool of correction. The problem was that once the tool was removed, the threat of correction and the ability to correct were also removed. Dogs are not stupid. If they’re trained to avoid punishment, and the instrument of punishment is gone, so is the dog— down the street, with his handler chasing 100 feet behind.

The other reason this is less of a problem today is that training usually starts at a younger age now than it did in decades past. When owners waited until their dogs were six to eight months old before they started formal training, they had been interacting with their pets for months before formal training took place. During this time, they were inadvertently teaching their dogs not to listen. To put it another way, if you only have a month to mess up your dog’s training, you will typically do less damage than if you have five months.

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If You Have a Dog, You Are a Trainer：BASIC TRAINING PRINCIPLES

ABC Practical Guide to Dog Training
Copyright . 2004 by Wiley Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved Howell Book House
Appelbaum, Steven.

Hopefully, you will learn the crucial principles of training, so you can teach your dog what I call “foundation level” off-leash training, and, very importantly, teach this type of training whenever possible before you start on-leash work. how to redirect, focus and reward your dog for correct behavior, rather than just react, yell and give ineffective commands when you’re confronted with unacceptable behavior.

Here are some basic principles that all dog owners need to learn and follow:

1. Be consistent. A behavior is either acceptable or it isn’t. It can’t be acceptable on alternate Tuesdays when you’re in the mood. For example, it can’t be OK to allow your dog to jump all over you on the weekends when you’re in casual clothes, but not during the week when you’re dressed for work. That’s an obvious one, although you’d be amazed how many people I’ve met who do exactly that.

Here’s one that’s less obvious. It can’t be OK for your dog to chew fabric toys but not to chew “inappropriate” fabric items. In other words, if you give your dog an old sock and say, “Here, chew this,” don’t be surprised when she eats your shirt.

Consistency is a bit easier for singles or couples, and toughest for families. The more people who interact with the dog, the greater the likelihood of inconsistency. I strongly recommend that families conduct a few meetings to discuss and agree upon what will be universally unacceptable behavior on the part of the dog.

Everyone needs to clearly understand what the rules will be for a training program to be most successful. That being said, we live in the real world and I recognize how difficult consistency on the part of a six-year-old child will likely be. Parents of younger children will need to practice a fair amount of prevention and understand that the dog’s training process may be a little bit more difficult and prolonged.

2. Be consistent. Yes, I know I already said this, but consistency also extends to obedience commands. If you want your dog to learn to listen to obedience commands the first time they’re given, you need to be prepared to properly teach your dog to obey them the first time. This is most effectively accomplished if the initial foundation-level obedience you teach around the house is done off leash.

I have sometimes run into problems when discussing how important it is for dogs to obey commands consistently. In my opinion, this is an area where attitudes have gone downhill in the last 30 years. Decades ago the idea that a dog needed to obey commands the first time they were given would not have drawn comment. Today, there are many owners who are uncomfortable with the idea that their dog should be trained to respond so predictably.

I’ve had owners object, based on the idea that they did not want their dogs “to become robots.” It is important for these owners to understand that, first of all, if training is primarily done with compassion and reward this will not happen; and second of all, you might not care if your dog listens on the first command until the very first time she runs out into the street. Then, as cars are barreling toward her, you will pray she listens on the first command, because you may never get a second one.

3. Understand why behaviors take place and deal with problems by dealing with the cause. When owners learn to do this, they will not just be reacting to what are often symptoms of an underlying problem.

4. Learn basic training techniques and then follow rules one and two. All owners need to understand the principles of prevention, maintenance, redirection, reward and correction. And they need to use them consistently.

Now that you have an understanding of some of the challenges, let’s discuss a little bit about behavior, so that everyone can be clear what terms such as “prevention,” “maintenance,” “redirection” and “reward” really mean. Once you understand how a dog learns, we can get on to the business of training.

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How old does my dog have to be to start training?

ABC Practical Guide to Dog Training

Copyright . 2004 by Wiley Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved Howell Book House

Appelbaum, Steven.
One of the most common questions I hear is, “How old does my dog have to be to start training?” My answer has always been the same: “From the minute you get your dog home, you are training her. If you have a dog, you are a trainer.” Often this response earns me confused looks. After all, most people have heard things like, “Wait until the dog is six months old before training” or, “Get your dog into puppy classes at twelve to sixteen weeks.”

Thirty years ago, the six-month rule was fairly common. This was due, in part, to the fact that all too often training classes in those days involved strong physical corrections, and a puppy younger than six months might be physically or emotionally damaged if she was trained that way before the six-month mark. As you can well imagine, putting a 12-week-old puppy on a choke chain and administering sharp leash corrections was generally a very harsh way to train, and sometimes caused real problems.

Fortunately—and this is one of the good things that has happened in the last 10 to 12 years—training methods have become far gentler. It is also pretty much universally understood in the training community that a great deal of effective training can be accomplished with puppies at a very young age. We have many trainers to thank for this, including such visionaries as Dr. Ian Dunbar. Trainers like Dunbar and others, including the ones in my company, have tried to communicate the importance of formal training at a young age.

Formal training—that is, training with a professional instructor in group or private lessons, or even in a kennel—can and does start much earlier now than in the past. However, my “if you have a dog, you are a trainer” answer goes a bit deeper than that. What I would like owners to understand in this chapter is that any time you interact with your dog, you are teaching your dog something. All too often what happens is that owners inadvertently teach their dogs the wrong lessons, without realizing they’re teaching lessons at all. This makes it tougher to train the dogs formally later on.

How does a dog love?

Re-edited according to animals in translation by Temple Grandin and Catherine Johnson

All baby animals make a high-pitched distress call when they are separated from their mothers. Animal babies are totally attached to their mamas, and when they grow up most animals are strongly attached either to a particular friend or to the members of their social group, or both. Animals love other animals.

But on the other hand, domestic dogs don’t behavior like that they are social animals at all. A male dog on the loose will mate any receptive female he finds and then go tearing off to find any other receptive females in the area. We don’t really know what domestic dogs’ social life would be like if they didn’t live with people. Very few pet dogs have the option of mating with another dog for life. Dogs are pack animals. ;)

Like all complex behavior, sexual attraction and mate selection depend on learning. The act itself is a hardwired fixed action pattern, like the rooster’s courtship dance. It’s hardwired into the brain, and an animal is born knowing how to do it. He does not have to be taught. But an animal does have to learn from other animals who he’s supposed to mate with and who he’s not supposed to mate with.

A dog’s oxytocin levels rise when his owner pets him, and petting his god raises the owner’s oxytocin, too. That’s one reason why so many people have dogs in the first place. There is no anyone has researched this yet, but we will find that dogs make humans into nicer people and better parents.

http://www.spike.com/video/when-dog-fall-in/2856050
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070618123456AAPJc2Z

New city leash laws upset dog owners

Leash laws is widely accepted in Europe and America purposed to urge pet owners take care of their pets, avoiding any attacks or hurts from them on people. Dogs without leash are prohibited on most places except dog park without leash or private personal house. Here is another one from Chareleston, SC about four new dog laws.

Ian Silver

Four new dog laws have been proposed to Charleston City Council. Two are already approved, and the other two still under discussion. But things can get pretty controversial when the government tries to tell people what to do with their pets.

City Council already gave initial approval to an ordinance that would force people to have their dogs tied down or in a crate if they ride in the back of a pickup truck.

But it's an ordinance about sterilizing stray dogs that has sparked more controversy. Charlie Karesh with Charleston Animal Society says the current law about spaying and neutering dogs picked up off the street is just fine. "If an animal is at large, which is a violation of the law, before it's returned to the owner to be spayed or neutered."

"We get 12,000 animals a year in our facility and over-population is a problem. These animals at large are a problem. And spay neuter is the only answer to that."

But a proposed ordinance would allow pet owners to pay a $200 fine rather than have their dog fixed. But Karesh says that's not enough to deal with the over-population problem.

The new law on dogs in pickup trucks has already received initial approval and is expected to pass on second and third readings.

The ordinance on sterilization has been deferred until january while city council members negotiate the terms with animal shelter leaders across the city.

Two other dog ordinances also proposed.
The first requires that animals be a leash whenever they're outdoors except on the owner's personal property or at dog parks. That proposal has received initial approval.

The second was an ordinance meant to clarify that city residents can have up to three dogs and three cats over the age of one. That ordinance was deferred.

PUGGA Retractable leash test GG7205R: retraction and extension test of dog leash 15000 times

The dog leash test performed by PUGGA with Model GG7205R, 5m cord leash for 25kgs sizes of dogs. It is retractable dog leashes designed by Richard Herr. To maintain proper service life and high performance, a professional test office from Germany authorized the 15000 times test of retraction and extension of PUGGA retractable leashes in 2007!

Self-Retracting of the whole cord leash Inspection requires pulling out whole length of the leash and self retracted by the retractable dog leashes with certain frequency, totaled 15000 times.

1. Appearance check to find out if the retractable leash has any fault or damage

New retractable leashes must be chosen from product line as random sample, before every use, inspect the unit’s housing for loose fasteners and bent, cracked, distorted, worn, malfunctioning or damaged parts. A proper retractable dog leash bears fine appearance.

2. Roller motor machine performed the inspection on retractable leash

Normally there is a lock brake system in a retractable leash. Loose the said braking mechanism before the test begins. Test the retraction and tension by pulling out whole length of the retractable leash and allow it to retract back into the unit. Due to the spring inside of the retractable dog leash, there is always a light tension on the cord leash as it retracts.

The sample GG7205R retractable leash should pull out freely and retract all the way back into the unit. The dog leash must be checked regularly for signs of damage. Inspect for cuts, burns, corrosion, kinks, frays or worn areas. Inspect any sewing (web all belt leash) for loose, broken or damaged stitching, as well as the test finished, 15000 times of retraction established.

3. 15000 times retraction test demo of PUGGA retractable leash

Please use Microsoft media player to play the video and be patent while loading.

http://pugga.net/retraction-extension-test-retractable-leash%2015000%20times.htm

What are Dangers to Your Older Dogs?

by EzThaibiz

As you could imagine according to our humans, older dogs, like elderly people, while a dog ages, his eyesight fails along with his mind and energy. Things that were easy for him to navigate when they were young, such as the edge of a hill or a walk through the woods are now extremely difficult for them.

He can’t always see the edge of a pool or cliff, his joints won’t allow him to recover from a misstep as easily as when he was a young pup. Here are a few reminders of what are dangers to your older pet and some ideas on how to keep them safe.

Daily walk safety with a quality retractable leash

Retractable leashes are great to let your dog run a bit without getting away from you. Many older dogs get a little "puppy" in them and they will take-off running only to get into trouble because they can no longer see you very well or hear your commands. Some older dogs also develop dementia and cannot sense danger. They need to be kept from wandering too far. A retractable leash will keep you in control but allow your dog the ability to roam.

Flashing safety leashes or bright safety ID tags are also a great way to keep your dog visible to you and others. The tags can be seen up to one mile away and the flashing tape of retractable leashes are reflective. If your dog does wander off during his nighttime business, your dog will be less likely to be hit by a car and he will be easier for you to locate.

Drowning or cataract at water side safety

Accidental drowning is a major problem for older dogs. Many older dogs develop cataracts because they are no longer able to determine the edge of the pool. Once in the pool, they often do not have the energy to swim long enough to be noticed, nor the strength and agility to jump out. There are several options to keep your dog safe. There are pool alarms designed to float on the water and react to motion in the water. Another alarm attaches to your dogs collar and sounds if they fall in to the water. There are also life vests for dogs which are great for boating or when your dog is around a lake or river.

Keep off extreme temperatures

No dog is comfortable in extremely hot or cold weather but again, just as elderly adults are more vulnerable to the excessive temperatures, it can also be deadly for your dog. Keep them in air conditioning as much as possible on extremely warm days. Make certain that they have access to plenty of water. Avoid taking your dog in the car with you if you cannot bring him inside at your destination. If your dog is long-haired or tends to be easily overheated, consider a cooling bed or collar.

In the extreme cold, make the outdoor visits as brief as possible. Remember, dogs can get frostbite on their paws and noses. Outdoor dogs need to be brought in from the cold when the temperatures are significantly below zero.

Car rides with a seat belt harness

Your dog might still love to ride with you in the car but now his safety is more important than ever. Getting your beloved pooch into the car can be a challenge. Arthritis can mean his jumping-in-to-the-backseat days are over! Ramps are available to help your dog into his co-pilot chair. There is also a lifting aid that will wrap comfortably around his middle to give you a way to assist him into the car. Remember, his balance is not as good as when he was younger so consider a seat belt harness to keep him from falling off the seat.

Household accidental poison or treatment dangers

It is as important as ever to keep your dog away from any plants, foods, or poisons that are toxic to canines. As dogs age, their systems won’t be able to tolerate the damage from the poison or the treatment.

ASPCA is warning dog owners the newly discovered danger posed by is grapes and raisins. These fruits have been used as a training treat for dogs, but have been recently found to cause renal failure if eaten in large doses. If your older pet was trained using grapes and raisins or you have used these fruits as treats for your dog, he may have developed a taste for them. You will need to store grapes and raisins where your dog cannot get into them. Of the 10 dogs that were reported poisoned by overeating grapes/raisins, only 5 survived. And that was with early, aggressive treatment. An older dog would not have much of a chance of survival from an accidental poisoning. Please visit the ASCPA Animal Poison Control Center Website, www.napcc.aspca.org for addition information.

http://pets-2004.blogspot.com/2008/11/keeping-your-older-dog-safe.html