Training versus management

There is more to dog training than obedience training.  There is also a part that is known as management.  Any one who has raised children is familiar with this although it seems very few people know that we need to use this with our dogs, too.  Right now I have a dog in my kennel, Koda, who was surrendered because he growled at his sister after dinner.  The whole rest of the day the got along.  These people did not believe in obedience training.  They apparently did not believe in crate training either.  This is a management problem and I see it as an easy fix.  I have a newfie puppy who likes to cause trouble.  She is also my best trained dog and does obedience competition.  When she is causing trouble, I tell her "Crate" and she gets in her crate for a time out.  This would work for Koda, too.  We recently had Emma spayed and this upset the pack order and Emma and one of her sisters started fighting.  This called for management, not training.  A week later and the girls are no longer fighting.  Once in a while, they need to be reminded who is really in charge here. 

Emma's first ribbon

Emma went to her second trial yesterday.  I did nothing to disqualify her this time.  She took second place in her class.  I was very surprised, I didn't think they could do as bad as she did and still qualify.  She still needs a lot of work and I need to start putting in the time.

Problem behaviors

At Amsterdam Dog Trainbing, I address problems behaviors as they are brought up in class.  Private lessons are an excellent was of addressing problem behaviors.  What bothers you about your dog may not bother someone else with their dog.  In order to best address problems behaviors, this article contains a list of information to gather that will be helpful to the trainer.

If you've obedience trained your dog, you have a pooch who is a good listener and a savvy learner. But some dog problems and behaviors cannot be solved with the basic commands such as "Sit!" and "Come!" And a dog who follows every command during a training session can still have behavioral problems.
When the peace and quiet of the home hearth is suddenly disrupted by your dog's bad behavior, it's not time to get frustrated and lament how this can be. You may ask why they didn't cover digging in obedience class or excessive barking or shoe chewing. But you can find the answers to these mishaps right here.
The first step is to analyze the destructive behavior by asking yourself a few questions:
What - What exactly is he doing?
When - When did this behavior start? Does this behavior occur at a certain time of day or during the week?
Where - Has there been any change in my dog's environment, big or small? Does it always occur in a certain room or outside or in a new space?
How Often - Is the behavior consistent or does your dog just misbehave when something is different, such as having guests over?
Why - An analysis of these questions will give you a "why."
Consider ruling out an illness before you begin your strategy. Any significant change in a dog's behavior warrants a visit to the vet. Look at the time the behavior started and tie that into any possible change. Change means something big like a newborn or something small like a change in your dog's routine. If the behavior occurs at a specific time each day, consider what goes on during that time - is it when you leave the house or come in? Or is it when the trash truck comes? Also, consider your dog's environment where it occurs - has there been a rearrangement of the furniture in the living room? Or new sod in the backyard?
Keep notes about the time, place, and activity going on when your dog misbehaves and follow these tips to correct the behavior.

Winter exercise

Even though it might be rainy or snowy and cold out, our dogs still need to exercise.  Mental exercise is as important, and as tiring, as physical exercise.  Here are some ways to keep your dog stimulated while keeping yourself warm and dry.

http://www.dogster.com/dog-training/engage-dog-indoors

New puppy

Here is a terrific article for anybody considering getting themselves or someone else a new puppy for Christmas.  Includes many things we don't think of when we are looking at that cute face!
http://www.ehow.com/way_5756110_daily-routine-new-puppy.html

Chance

I took Chance to get weighed today and he has gained another 12 pounds putting him at 94 pounds.  He has gained a total of 33 pounds in 6 weeks.  I'm sure glad I don't gain weight that fast!!

I'm crazy

OK, so people have to watch me because I could easily become a hoarder.  I have volunteered to take in another starved stray.  This one is from KY and looks like a Pyr/Landseer mix, he looks a lot like Emma.  If things work out, I'll probably keep him.  He looks like he is as thin as Chance was.  If they can get him on a transport, he could be here this weekend.  Holy smokes.  Good thing my husband is supportive and loves the dogs as much as I do.