Dr. Robert Forto

Beezer and Boomer

2010-05-17T19:08:00Z

Beezer and Boomer

By Michele Forto

Saturday, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing local, Denver, author Doug Koktavy about his new book: The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer: Lessons on Living and Dying from My Canine Friends (2010 B Brothers Press).

You can listen to the show here:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dogworks/2010/05/14/the-dog-doctor-radio-show

We will include a few questions from the interview:

Who are Beezer and Boomer?

My black Labrador Retriever, Siblings, the “B” Brothers were born March 26, 1996.

Beezer passed May 1, 2005 at age 9

Boomer passed April 23, 2007 at age 11

Why do we need another pet book? Haven’t they all been done? How is this one different?

Many Fun with Fido books exist. A few deal with grieving the death of a pet. My book fills the void between a tough diagnosis at the vet’s office and that hardest goodbye. No other book deals with this difficult emotional period in a pet owner’s life when he questions what he should have done differently--or wonders how he will ever find a happy life without his pet.

What is the book about?

The book is about how I dealt with the fear and guilt during my dogs’ illnesses. Beezer was diagnosed with kidney disease, which initially threw me for a loop when I couldn’t control it or change the outcome. But over the moths as Beezer was dying, I was slowly learning how to cope. After Boomer was diagnosed with bone cancer, I found I could apply Beezer’s lessons on dealing with this grief and at the end find peace. It’s a sad topic but not a sad book. It is actually very uplifting.

What made you decide to write the book?

I went looking for help when my dog, my best friend, was diagnosed with a terminal disease. The help was not for my dog, it was for me. I was angry, frustrated, fearful, unable to cope with my emotions as Beezer got sicker. It was startling for someone who prided himself on control and problem solving. Since then I have learned that many people feel this way.

In the interview we continued to talk to Doug about his inspiration to not only write the book but also to teach others how to deal with this most difficult time in a pet owner’s life. We spoke about what he calls the 3 P’s: Permission, Purpose, and Power.

We also talked about a way that we should all look at life, in that: (1). Fear lives in the future, (2). Guilt lives in the past, (3). My safety zone is today, and (4). Nothing bad ever happens in the moment.

It was great stuff. We have interviewed a lot of authors on the Dog Doctor Radio Show and I can personally say that this one touched my heart. As many of you know, we have a 12 year old Siberian Husky, named, Ineka. We recently found out that he has canine dementia and he is coming close to the Rainbow Bridge. This book allows you to find your own personal strengths and to learn how to face your fears.

Doug said it best in a quote that I will remember for the rest of my life: “pets lead such short lives for a specific reason. It’s to teach us to love unconditionally and let go.”

I encourage all of you to listen to the show and if you get a chance to buy the book as well. You can purchase it right from the show page. This book will change your life.

We welcome your comments, and/or if you have a question for the author please post them and we will forward them to him. Contact us at live@dogdoctorradio.com

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Michele Forto the Denver Dog Training Examiner and is a certified canine trainer and the business manager for Denver Dog Works. Michele can be reached through her website at http://www.denverdogworks.com

Canine Communication Part 1

2010-05-16T16:41:00Z

Canine Communication Part I

By Michele Forto

I have been a dog owner since I was a little girl. I have had lots of animals and I like to say that I am pretty good at understanding what they want and need. I am also a dog trainer and I see the relationship that my clients have with their dogs and it always makes me wonder, what is that relationship really about?

My husband, Dr. Robert Forto, wrote his doctorate dissertation on Human/Canine Communication and as his research assistant I found so many interesting stories about how we communicate with our canine friends and how they communicate with us. I find it fascinating the relationship that we, mortal humans, have attached to another living thing. It is like no other relationship on earth.

My friend, a 70+ year old musher (dog sled racer), Al Magaw has written several stories on human and canine communication for our upcoming journal, The Howler News, and I wanted to share his latest story about his dog, Cylus.

You can read the story here:

http://teamineka.wordpress.com/2010/05/16/cylus-by-al-magaw/

Let me know what you think about canine communication, or that special relationship that you have with your canine friend: contact us at live@dogdoctorradio.com

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Behind the Breed: The German Shepherd

2010-05-15T15:29:00Z

Behind the Breed: German Shepherd

By Michele Forto

Behind the breed is an ongoing series to assist in you choosing the right breed for yourself and family.

The German Shepherd – Founded by Captain Max von Stephanitz in 1899, and molded by the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (the German Shepherd Dog Club of Germany) is recognized as the breed’s original parent club. From about 1914, the popularity of the German Shepherd Dog spread rapidly throughout the world. Interest in the breed has been fostered worldwide by specialty clubs in many countries, just as it has in the United States by the German Shepherd Dog Club of America.

The most important attribute of the breed is its character. German Shepherd Dogs are distinguished by the loyalty, courage, and ability to assimilate and retain training for an amazing number of specialized services. They should be of even disposition, poised, and unexcitable, with restrained and composed confidence. For typical work as a herding sheepdog, they must not be gun-shy and must have the courage to protect the flock from attacks by other animals or humans. For police work, narcotics detection, or search and rescue, they must have courage and stability coupled with excellent scenting capabilities. As a guide dog for the blind, German Shepherd Dogs must and do exhibit a high order of intelligence and discrimination, as this work requires observation, patience, faithfulness, watchfulness, and good judgment. All this is possible because of the German Shepherd Dog’s natural aptitude for training.

These qualities have endeared German Shepherd Dogs to a wide public in practically every country in the world. They serve as assistants for the disabled, therapy dogs for the infirm, home guardians, and companions and friends to children and families. They are protectors of livestock and partners to police officers and soldiers. German Shepherd Dogs are not pugnacious brawlers but bold and punishing fighters, if the need arises. With humans, they do not give affection lightly. They are dignified and may be indifferent to strangers, but friendship, once given, is for life. (The Complete Dog Book 20^th Ed. AKC)

As an owner, breeder, and trainer of this distinguished breed I am honored to have placed some of my best in service work for the disabled. I find the German Shepherd Dog to be highly trainable and loyal to his handler/owner. I recommend this breed to individuals, families, children, and elderly. Not to be misunderstood, the German Shepherd Dog is a breed that must be respected and who demands respect. Training a German Shepherd Dog is very rewarding and can be multifaceted.

A German Shepherd Dog is not content in just lying around the house when they are young and vibrant, therefore, I recommend getting your pup into training immediately. Speak with your trainer and veterinarian about different jobs your German Shepherd Dog can do. German Shepherd Dogs are great at conformation, obedience, rally, agility, herding, tracking, bikejoring, bladejoring, search and rescue, Schutzhund, therapy, and assistance for the disabled in various disciplines just to name a few of the most popular. German Shepherd Dogs are wonderful companions who with steadfast accuracy will protect you and their home making them great guardians, hence their use in police work.

A few things to note regarding the German Shepherd Dog; they are high energy and need a job. I have recommended and placed German Shepherd Dog’s in homes of all types of lifestyles and capabilities. With the assistance of a good trainer who understands this breed and their ability you will have one of the best dogs of your lifetime.

The German Shepherd Dog can be aloof, loyal, excitable, and face several health issues. Please research your breeder and choose carefully. Getting the advice of your veterinarian and the assistance of a trainer who handles the breed or who performs breed referrals is of utmost importance. The perseverance and quality of the breed standard should be the breeders ultimate goal.

What are your thoughts on the German Shepherd Dog? Send your comments to live@dogdoctorradio.com

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Letter to a New Puppy Owner

2010-05-14T14:47:00Z

Letter To A New Puppy Owner

By Leah Morse

Dear New Puppy Owner,

Now that you have fallen in love with the perfect little puppy that you have carefully considered breed, pedigree and the best breeder possible, or maybe have spent many hours roaming shelter kennel rows, please consider all that you have done to finally get the new little, furry bundle of joy. Make a commitment to your new charge that you will do all in your power to keep him/her safe from harm, safe from fear, safe from trouble and give him/ her the best home possible.

Learn all you can about puppies breed or combination of breeds before you pick puppy up. Know the hereditary diseases, behavioral tendencies and trainability. Learn any special care your breed might require such as keeping wrinkle folds clean on the bully breeds, grooming techniques for wire haired breeds, sun protection for the hairless breeds etc.

Start by having all you need already waiting for new puppy, set up and ready to go. Don’t skimp on something you think you will pick up the last minute. Have the food that the breeder was feeding and take your time switching him on to the best quality food you can feed, if there is to be a change in food. Have puppies potty area picked out, a crate for sleeping and protection from all that a young puppy can get into, food and water bowls (preferably ceramic or stainless steel for better sanitation), chew toys that can’t be destroyed, a leash and collar and bedding. Take a towel and some toys with to the breeder’s house to let the litter-mates play on and with so that it will pick up the smells of the litter so you can put it in his crate to help his transition. Plan to take a few days off so you can bond with puppy and help him/her acclimate to the new surroundings and get to know you. Plan out a routine for puppy to help with this transition.

See your vet as soon as possible but not later than 48 to 72 hours after receiving puppy. Have all the necessary health records available so that your veterinarian can make the best recommendations as to which vaccinations, de-wormings and other health related suggestions that are necessary for your puppy and your area that you live in. Many health guarantees are void if you don’t.

Don’t allow cute little puppy to do anything that won’t be allowed as an adult dog. Puppies can learn to not get on furniture, not jump or mouth you from day one. Don’t wait, curb these unwanted behaviors early. Potty training will come easier if meals are planned out as 3 or 4 a day as opposed to free feeding. Keep in mind that the toy breeds need to eat frequently as they can have trouble with keeping their blood sugar stable. Be patient and don’t give puppy too much freedom.

Don’t wait, socialize, socialize, socialize and then socialize some more. The best time to socialize your puppy is from 8 to 16 weeks of age, and then again after 5 months. Expose puppy to as many positive experiences as possible. All races, sexes and ages of people including those in uniform, different accessories (ladies with big hats, older people with canes etc) should be included in your process. Think about where you will take your puppy throughout his/her lifetime and expose your puppy to anything that they might come across. This means car rides, bicycles, traffic, parks; big box pet stores are a great place to do this. Remember keep it as positive as possible. If something might be scary or too loud start from a distance and increase your treats and praise as you get closer to the new item or person. If you are going to be around farm animals, include safe exposure of these animals and I do emphasize safety first here as all animals can be unpredictable. Don’t soothe a frightened puppy, act indifferent but praise bravery or curiosity. Soothing and comforting will only re-enforce the puppies fear.

Enroll your puppy in a great puppy class, this way your puppy will have a fun place to learn manners but also have a place to socialize with other puppies. Puppy class and will help to develop puppies communication skills. Even if you are the best dog trainer in the world, a puppy class is a great place for socialization. Check out local doggy daycares. Leaving puppy at a great doggy daycare helps socialize your puppy and renders your puppy tired at the end of the day and less likely to get into trouble.

Crate train your puppy. Don’t think cage, think playpen or crib. No one thinks twice about putting our children in a play pen or crib as these items protect baby from things that could cause harm. A crate, used correctly, helps potty train and also saves the carpet, furniture, your shoes etc. Besides, sometime in puppy’s life he will need to be used to being in a crate, kennel or cage, such as at the groomers or the vet.

Handle your puppy and get him/her used to having teeth, ears and feet handled. You will be cleaning those ears, brushing those teeth and trimming those nails. Get puppy used to this early for later success. Daily gentle handling exercises should be an enjoyable experience for both puppy and owner and will further the bonding process. Start grooming early. Brushes, clippers, scissors and combs can be scary things if you don’t know what they are. Schedule a meet and greet with a groomer you find by referral if puppy will be visiting regularly.

Take puppy to the vet when he or she does not need to go to just get treats, weighed and make friends with the staff. If you only go when puppy is having unpleasant things done, the vet and staff will become scary and a bad place. Most vets will happily participate in this.

Last but not least, please, please train your puppy. Think of your puppy as an ambassador for his/her breed. Prevent dog bites and phobias by socializing as much as safely possible. A trained dog is more of a joy to own and a trained dog enjoys life more as well.

Sincerely

Your Professional Dog Trainer

Caring and Concerned Breeder

Leah Morse www.rmclassiccanine.com

What do you think about a letter like this for future puppy owners? We would like to hear from you at live@dogdoctorradio.com

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Leah Morse is a certified canine trainer and the owner of Rocky Mountain Classic Canine. Leah writes a weekly blog for Denver Dog Works. Leah can also be reached through our website at http://www.denverdogworks.com

A Friend... By Nicole Forto

2010-05-13T19:14:00Z

A Friend...

By Nicole Forto

(Note: This is a poem by my daughter, Nicole Forto. She was recognized with an award and as a finalist in a writing project called Do the Write Thing, about youth violence and prevention. We are very proud of Nicole and wanted to share it with our readers!)

RING! RING! RING!

The bells rings and chimes

You rush out of your class room

Thinking its going to be a normal day walking home

As you head for your trail to go home

You hear a loud cry

Quietly walking by minding your own business

You walk right by the scene

All you see is blood, pain, and guns

They look up...

You see the hate and rage in their blood shot eyes

The fear they strike into you just makes your feet move

At that point nothing else matters besides running

As you run you hear the hateful laughs...

RING! RING! RING!

The bell rings again it’s the end of another day

As you are walking you fear the hate filled eyes that you saw

You hear the screams again but...

All you see is nothing

But then you understand

The problem starts at home...

Being beat with alcoholic and drug abused parents

Taken over by the pain

Taking it out on your child

Your only joy in life

Hurting them by hurting yourself

RING! RING! RING!

Another day has ended

But today instead of fear you have determination

You devised a plan to help the boy with hatred eyes

As you approach the spot you last saw him

He’s there again but this time instead of hate...

Its care, and sorrow

You approach him and you whisper

All you need is some to care

He looks up and says

What do you care?!?!

You just smile

You tell him that you heard the screams

That you know what he has to live through

You tell him all he needs is someone to talk to

That he doesn’t have to be like his parents

He has a different future than violence

He can really make a difference

All you need is someone to care

A friend that you can talk to about your troubles

Someone who listens and doesn’t argue

A Friend...

RING! RING! RING!

Again you leave school on your path

Your approaching where you talked

He’s not there today and you don’t hear screams

You fear something has happened

But you don’t want to get involved...

So you continue on...

Later that night as you toss and turn

You can’t stop dreaming of his parents finally

Just beating him till he died

All you see is red

Blood fills your vision

You know how ugly it can be

Your friend could be dead

RED all you see is RED!!!

It’s the weekend

All you think about is your friend

You don’t know if he’s alive or dead

All you think about is the weekend to be over

To hopefully see your friend alive

Not in a black bag in a dumpster dead

RING! RING! RING!

The longest day of school finally ends

You rush out on your path to go home

Feeling anxious and worried

As you approach you see something

Your heart skips a beat

As you approach you see his cautious eyes

A row of relief falls over you

You run to him

Asking what happened?!?!

All he says is I need someone to listen

You nod your head as he begins

His story is tragic, he wasn’t there on Friday

Because his parents sent him away

He came back Sunday night fearing what was going to happen next

He found the lights off

He turned one on and his mother lay dead and bleeding

His father shaking a gun in his hand

His father hurts from the tragedy he made happen

He says he is going to change and fix things

Tears are running down his face

All I say is it’s going to change

You have a friend now, I won’t let him hurt you

I won’t let you hurt other people anymore

You are going to change

You won’t be like your parents I promise

You will be great and you will do something

You’re going to know something other than violence

Change is coming

You will be changing

Your dad will change

Like I said, all you need is

A FRIEND...

_________________

This poem was written by Nicole Forto a seventh grader at Prairie Middle School. Nicole participated in the 2010 Do The Write Thing writing project about gang violence. Nicole was a finalist and received and award, along with other middle school students throughout metro Denver, CO.

The Do the Write Thing Challenge Program (DtWT)

The DtWT program is a national initiative sponsored by the National Campaign to Stop Violence that specially targets middle school students, challenging them to critically think about the topic of youth violence, and more importantly, youth violence prevention. The DtWT program encourages teachers to facilitate discussions in their classroom on the topic of youth violence and youth violence prevention, and then give the “challenge,” which is a voluntary writing assignment where the students answer three questions” (1) How has violence affected by life?; (2) What are the causes of youth violence?; and (3) What can I do about youth violence?

Since the 1999-2000 school year, Gibson Dunn has been involved in developing the Colorado effort and making the program available to middle school students in the Denver metro area. This year nearly 900 students participated in the challenge.

Based on past history, and recent events, it is imperative to get our young students to start critically thinking not only about how youth violence takes many forms (physical, mental, verbal, etc.), but also about how our youth can take individual stands not to be a part of the cycle of violence.

References Available Upon Request...?

2010-05-13T18:14:00Z

References Available Upon Request….?

By Robert Forto, PhD

My name is Dr. Robert Forto and I am the training director for Denver Dog Works and The Ineka Project in Colorado. I specialize in canine aggression and I have been qualified as an expert in this field. I also fully understand that my training school and I are only as good as our reputation with our clients, past and present, our referral sources such as veterinarians, other canine trainers, groomers and other pet professionals.

Of course, throughout the years Denver Dog Works has had many satisfied clients and several that were not. It is difficult to please everyone, especially when it involves their beloved dogs. If you were to look on any canine trainer’s website almost inevitably you will find a “testimonials” page that list comments from clients past and present about how good a job the trainer did with their dog. What you will often find on this page is a joyful rendition of just how good the trainer was and the results they see. Then you will find at the bottom of the posting a first or last name and an initial (ie. John. D.) Just who exactly is John D.? Could it just so happen to be the infamous John Doe? That is what this article is all about. I am here to warn you that if a training school refuses to give you a reference, walk away.

Be on the lookout of trainers who just REFUSE to give you any references. You can bet your dog's life on it that this is a red flag. Think about it, if they are truly proud of their training method, delivered what they promised, and have the right work ethics with their clients, then they should have no problem giving you a few names. This is even more important if they DO NOT have any classes for you to observe.

At Denver Dog Works and The Ineka Project we offer a highly specialized training service for dogs. While most of our classes are by appointment and we do not have a schedule of weekly classes like the big-box corporate pet store chains with trainers in uniforms and a dry-erase board full of class times, I urge anyone that would like to observe any of our training programs to give us a call and we can let you know what is on the schedule that day. Saturdays are by far our busiest day and the best chance for you to catch a class if you just “drop in”; I always encourage you to call first.

Get at least five references, three recent and two from six months to a year ago. At Denver Dog Works and The Ineka Project we train about 300 dogs a year. That is 300 clients that we should be comfortable in using as a reference for future clients. Do not fall for "client confidentiality bologna." I urge you to push again and say, "Look. I am not asking for their last names, addresses or social security number for crying out loud. I just want the very best for my dog!" I also urge potential clients to ask if a training school is registered with the State and if they are members of the local Chamber of Commerce or the Better Business Bureau or similar agency. Check to see whether they are, and importantly, ARE NOT allowed to train or board dogs. In Colorado the Department of Agriculture overseas all canine training schools and boarding facilities. This also includes private trainers offering in-home classes only. If a school is operating without a license from the Department of Agriculture they can be fined and possibly be shut down. I urge all potential clients to call the State to see if the training school and/or trainer is registered. Wouldn't you want to do business with someone who is professional and legal and legit? Your wallet, your dog, and your precious time are depending on it. No matter how impressive their web sites seem or how convincing they may sound on the phone, do not skip this. You won't regret it. If someone's happy with you, then they won't mind bragging about you. Don't you already do this when it comes to good movies, good books and good restaurants?

There is a saying in business called the Rule of 250. It goes something like this: Everyone has a circle of friends. The average person has about 250 people he sees regularly during his life and there is a lot more people that he sees in a week during the ordinary course of his business. I know that I cannot afford to have just one person come to see me and have them leave sore or unsatisfied. Not if that person influences 250 others in the course of his life. And that is a lot of references!

As you know, people talk a lot to other people about what they buy and what they plan to buy whether that is a product, a service, or anything in between. Others are always offering advice about where to buy and how much to pay. That is a big part of the everyday life of ordinary people. I know I can not jeopardize that relationship with any of these people. I know how much my reputation and my business comes from people telling other people about me, my trainers and my training school. It is a powerful force in my professional life and it should be in yours too.

We say at Denver Dog Works that we try to build relationships with our clients, not just one time dog training courses. We do this for a reason. We know that your dog is an important part of your life and you are coming to us for basic manners to make the bond between you and your dog more satisfying or in many cases to rehabilitate a problem that has gotten out of control and sometimes is even dangerous. We would love to have all of our clients talk with joy and admiration, and have their dogs “walking billboards” for our training prowess but is that truly what we are after? No. We want to be on your side when your dog has a problem and we would love to have a referral if we did our job well.

If you do get a reference from a training school or a trainer and they say, "Well. I could give you my best friend or my brother’s number as a reference to trick you." Just say, you will take it. Let's see what your own family and friends say about you first. Do you see where I'm going with this? Once you get a few references, this is where you ask what you like and didn't like about them, their trainers, and whether the dog listens off-leash, without treats, from far away. How about around other dogs, cats, kids and your guests?

While it is true in dog training as well as when you are looking for a job, most references that a person will give you will only be “good ones” I mean would you give a reference of an ex-girlfriend to a potential date if you ended on a sour note? I doubt it. But, if they do give you a name, and more importantly a number that is a start. Do a little detective work on your own and ask questions. Remember that the only dumb question is a questioned not asked. Do your homework and ask the questions you want answered. At Denver Dog Works we want to earn your trust and we want to help you in our time of need with your dog.

Check us out anytime and if us a call. We will give you the references that you desire and we will gladly answer any questions that you may have.

_______________________

Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Denver Dog Works and The Ineka Project in Colorado. He can be reached though his website www.denverdogworks.com or by phone at 303-578-9881.

Influential People in the Development of Learning Theory Part I

2010-05-11T15:56:00Z

Influential People in the Development of Learning Theory Part I

By Robert Forto, PhD

Huxley and Darwin

It is unclear when formalized studies of learning actually began, however, Professor Thomas Henry Huxley (1825-1895) birthed the theory of association in the early 1870’s. Professor Huxley stated that “It may be laid down as a rule, that, if any two mental states be called up together, or in succession, with due frequency and vividness, the subsequent production of one of them [mental states] will suffice to call up the other, and that whether we desire it or not.” This observation may very well have laid the groundwork for later studies in respondent and operant conditioning. Huxley was an outspoken advocate of the naturalist Charles Darwin (1809-1882). The professor was so passionate in his defense of Darwin’s theories that he was often referred to as “Darwin’s Bulldog”.

In Darwin’s The Expression of the Emotion in Man and Animals, Professor Huxley’s influence was evident in Darwin’s observations of the emotions of man and animals. When studying animal expression Darwin was vividly aware of the challenges associated with those observations. He writes, “The study of expression is difficult, owing to the movements being often extremely slight, and of a fleeting nature.”Nevertheless, Darwin’s careful observations were of immeasurable value to later researchers. Darwin continued where Huxley left off by recognizing that movements, no matter how complex, can be performed with little or no forethought and minimal efforts when they have been performed with enough frequency. This premise was the foundation for Darwin’s Principle of Antithesis, which reasons, that states of mind lead to the performance of “habitual actions”, when a “directly opposite” state of mind occurs, there is a “strong and involuntary” tendency to perform movements and actions of a “directly opposite nature”. This principle is of special interest to observers of canine communication techniques, and can help the astute observer decipher the signal being sent and received by a canine, whether it is intra- or interspecies communication. Darwin states further “that gestures and expressions are to a certain extent mutually intelligible.”

Darwin speaks of his own dog’s “hot-house” face and reasoned that the opposite expression displayed by his dog was innate and not a deliberate attempt at communicating his desire to not go to the “hot-house.” He further states, “hence for the development of the movements which came under the present head, some other principle, distinct from the will and consciousness, must have intervened.”

While the vast majority of canine communication is accomplished via body language, there is some evidence that canines posses at least a limited verbal vocabulary. While most canines in the wild do not bark, but howl, this is not the case for the domesticated canine. According to Darwin “…some animals after being domesticated have acquired the habit of uttering sounds which were not natural to them. Thus domesticated dogs, and even tamed jackals have learnt [sic] to bark, which is a noise not proper to any species of the genus with the exception of the Canis latrans of North America, which is said to bark.” In regard to the Principle of Antithesis “…the bark of anger, and that of joy are sounds which by no means stand in opposition to one another;…” This lack of observable difference between barks is likely the reason that canines rely on body language so extensively. Canine body language has been studied extensively and is well documented. These postures or lack of them have been discussed in-depth in chapter three.

This is will be a multi-week series on the influential people in learning theory and the dawn of modern dog training.

If you have any questions or comments we would love to hear from you at live@dogdoctorradio.com

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Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Denver Dog Works and the host of the Dog Doctor Radio Show. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com

Good Breeding Practices That Prepare a Litter for a New Home

2010-05-10T18:55:00Z

Good Breeding Practices That Prepare a Litter for a New Home

By Leah Morse

When considering a good breeder choice it is important to consider not only the health testing and pedigree but also what is being done to prepare the litter for their forever homes. More can be done besides breeding two quality animals and then nutritionally supporting them until the time comes to let them go to their new homes.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. As a dog trainer I see many problems that stem from lack of socialization, handling and exposure to the world that we live in.

Early Neurological Stimulation is a set of exercises done with the puppies very early on. The series consists of securely but gently holding a puppy head down, then holding head up, then “supine” position or on their backs, tickle the toes of one foot with a Q-tip then on placed on a damp cool towel and returned to the mom. Each exercise is only done for 3-5 seconds but if done daily during the first few weeks of life (3 days old to 16 days old) have been shown, by studies, to help develop healthier more stable puppies. Specifically these studies showed.

Improved cardiovascular performance (heart rate)
Stronger heart beats
Stronger adrenal glands
More tolerance to stress
Greater resistance to disease

A great example of this is shown with the following link.

http://www.howcast.com/videos/210187-Creating-Super-Puppies-Early-Neurological-Stimulation

Another good practice is the Rule of 7s (by Patricia Hastings, AKC Judge and Author of the Puppy Puzzle)

By the time a puppy is seven weeks old he/she should have:
Been on 7 different types of surfaces: carpet, concrete, wood, vinyl, grass, dirt, gravel, wood chips
Played with 7 different types of objects: big balls, small balls, soft fabric toys, fuzzy toys, squeaky toys, paper of cardboard items, metal items, sticks or hose pieces
Been in 7 different locations: front yard, back yard, basement, kitchen, car, garage, laundry room, bathroom
Met and played with 7 new people: include children and older adults, someone walking with a cane or stick, someone in a wheelchair or walker
Been exposed to 7 challenges: climb on a box, climb off a box, go through a tunnel, climb steps, go down steps, climb over obstacles, play hide and seek, in and out of a doorway with a step up or down, run around a fence
Eaten from 7 different containers; metal, plastic, cardboard, paper, china, pie plate, frying pan
Eaten in 7 different locations: crate, yard, kitchen, basement, laundry room, living room, bathroom

The state of Colorado has a law that states that puppies should be left with their mothers until they are 8 weeks old. This is so important as they learn many valuable lessons in canine communication and discipline. This extra time (past 6weeks) is beneficial as it sets up the puppy for accepting rules and discipline from their owners. Puppies teach each other bite inhibition as they play together and this also can be carried over with proper training in their new homes. When puppies are playing and one bites another too hard, the recipient of the bite yelps and then stops playing. This is effective as play is a very valuable commodity for puppies. The loss of play is a good lesson that helps the pup to play more gently in the future. We can effectively teach young puppies to not put their teeth on us by yelping loudly even at the slightest contact with puppy teeth and then ending the play by ignoring the puppy.

Throughout the entire time a breeder has a litter of puppies they should be getting them used to being handled, cuddled, having their toes touched (as prep for nail trimming) introduction to crate training is also very beneficial so that there is less stress when they go home and are put in a crate.

Taking these preventative measures helps to ensure a better training experience for the new owner, but should not be seen as a replacement for the socialization process to be carried on through the first year of life. Training should also be done through at least the first year of life. Breeders should be willing to educate new owners of the training process and how to properly socialize these puppies that have had such valuable preparation for their new homes.

Committing yourself as a breeder to being responsible for creating potential ambassadors for your breed and carefully screening your puppy buyers will again help to prevent shelter admission or troubled owner dog relationships. I know that when I put my heart and soul into a project such as this I am very particular about who gets my puppies as I don’t want them to become a public or even just a family nuisance as even the most well bred well prepared puppies can become in the wrong hands.

We would like to hear your comments on this article. Please send them to live@dogdoctorradio.com

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Leah Morse is the owner of Rocky Mountain Classic Canine and a certified canine trainer. Leah writes a weekly blog for Denver Dog Works.

Fox and Goose

2010-05-08T21:37:00Z

Fox and Goose

By Al Magaw

One winter evening, my family and I watched seven, four-month old puppies play under the yard light in the snowy field in front of our house. The seven puppies followed each other around in a circle making a packed trail about 60 feet in diameter. Then they followed one another, single file, to make several paths that intersected the circle. The pattern made in the snow was indistinguishable from the circle that children make when they play the game, “Fox and Goose”. We were all crowded at the window, the lights in the house turned off so we could see better. We watched, at first in amazed silence, then with peals of laughter, and finally with disbelief of what we were seeing.

One puppy would take his place at the intersection of the crossed trails and the other six puppies evenly spaced themselves around the circumference of the circle. As if at a signal, the puppy in the centre dashed out the spoke of the wheel, turned onto the circle and grabbed a madly fleeing puppy by the tail. After a brief scuffle, the puppy that had been caught went to the centre of the circle. All of the puppies on the circle sat down facing the pup in the middle. They waited until the pup in the centre bolted to the outside circle. Again there was a mad dash around the circumference until another pup was caught. To our amazement, they played this game for about 3/4 hour, sticking rigidly to their self-imposed rules. I had never seen or heard of such behavior at the time we watched the puppies play Fox and Goose, but a few years laterI read in the National Geographic Magazine of a scientist observing the same behavior in a group of wolf pups.

We would love to hear your comments regarding this article. Please let us know at live@dogdoctorradio.com

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Al Magaw is a musher from Salmo, BC. Al keeps a medium sized kennel of 20 - 45 alaskan huskies as well as several pet dogs of various breeds. Al has been training and racing for the last 33 years. Before becoming involved with sled dogs, Al, along with his family, kept and competed with horses for many years. Al can be reached through his website at http://www.spiritofthenorthkennels.com Al is a guest blogger for Denver Dog Works and can be reached through our website at http://www.denverdogworks.com