Dear Abby... dog style!

Here is a snippet of a letter I got asking for advice on some common dog problems and also my response. If you have questions you would like me to answer on my blog please go to badbehaviorgooddog.com and go to "contact me" you can email me your questions and I will reply to and post the most common problems here on my blog. I won't be able to address every question here so please understand you won't get a personal response unless your question is chosen for the blog. Head up your questions by putting "Ask Julie" at the top of your email so I'll know it was intended to be posted. Names will be changed or left off.

This question comes from a couple who recently adopted a 1yr old dog. The dog is neutered.

Q. "He is marking, we tried tying some fabric from an old shirt around him and after 15 mins he tears it off every time. I'm trying to be persistent and put it back on every time he gets it off. He's also getting up on counters, couch and on our bed. We take him to the dog park and play with him, we love how playful he is. The dog park normally wares him out but he still gets kinda rough with our little dog. He doesn't mean to, he just steps on her a lot."

A. The very best way to handle marking is to leash the dog for the first 24-48 hours. It is too late for that but if you leash him up now and keep him with you for a day or 2 you can catch him if he lifts and make a quick loud sound to correct him and get him outside. Also, get him on a schedule so he will know when he is going to be let out. Every 2hrs like clock work. An actual belly band will be less likely to be removed so easily and will be more comfortable so he might leave it alone.

As for getting up on things and being too playful, calming exercise will help. Dog park is really great for fun time but it works them up not calms them down. It's like a birthday party for dogs! (Think about how worked up kids are after an afternoon of partying.) Walking him at a fast pace and a good heel will be the best at calming him down. You can also hide treats outside for him to go search for like a dog Easter egg hunt. I use my dogs food and hide dozens of pieces... it can take them up to an hour to find them all! If he is getting lots of "calming" structured exercise it is not too much to ask him to lay down and stay on his bed when he is annoying the younger dog. Use a leash, take him to his bed, (if he doesn't have one you'll need to get one; it will help with getting on the couch and your bed) put him on it and tell him STAY. Every time he gets off it take his leash lead him back and do it again. Try for short amounts of time at first, 5 mins, then 10 etc...

Now is the time to start spending at least 30 min a day (broken up into 2 sessions) of working on sit, stay, down, come. Even if he can do some or all he needs to be practicing everyday! Try for a schedule like this: 30 mins a day of structured calming exercise (walking, jogging, bike riding) 20 mins a day of "fun" exercise (dog park, ball, find the treats) and two 15 minute sessions of command practice. If you do all that I promise you will see a different dog!

Hope this helped!

Julie Anderson

Black in Style!

Do you own a black dog or know someone who does? You see them all the time at the dog park on the street, and in the parks. But did you know under that shinny black coat is a very sad secret? A secret that SNIP (Spay and Neuter Idaho Pets) is trying to let out of the bag. Black dogs, and mostly black dogs, are often the last to be chosen, or worse yet NEVER chosen for adoption in shelters and rescues.

Shelters are usually crowded places and often have poor lighting. Black dogs don't stand out as much as their lighter canine friends and are easy to walk by without a second look. Also, they are a dime a dozen. Black is one of the most common colors in dogs so people often are looking for something they perceive as fancier or more unique. And if all that wasn't enough to make black dogs last in line for adoption they are also fighting old folks tale's about black dogs being more aggressive!

Anyone who has ever loved a black dog knows they are every bit as loving, playful, loyal and sweet as any other dog, and they'd like your help! Did you know black dogs are the only dogs in Boise who get their own monthly walk to celebrate them? The second Sunday of every month SNIP hosts The Black Dog Walk to raise awareness that thousands of dark dogs are just waiting for you to take a second look at them. There are raffles, music, friends, give a-ways, and I am there every month with training tips and support.

The walk happens along the Boise River and starts and ends in the Ram parking lot. Dogs of all size and color are welcome to come have fun and show support. The walk begins at noon and usually lasts till 1pm. Each walk has a fun theme. To find the schedule visit SNIPS website at http://snipidaho.org/2011/07/black-dog-walk/ and please come help get the secret out...that black dogs are wonderful pets!

Beat The Summer Heat!

Summer months can be a lot of fun for dogs and people, but they can also pose some problems for dog owners. In the hottest part of the summer we often can't get out to exercise our dogs during the day like we used to. The sidewalks are too hot for paws and heat exhaustion can set in quickly if you over do it during the heat of the day. But, just because it is harder to find a comfortable time to exercise doesn't mean your dog doesn't need it just as much, it just means you have to get creative. Try playing chase or fetch in a shade spot, or go on a swimming trip. Another great idea is to mentally exercise your dog. Here is a recipe for keeping your dog engaged but cool.

Beef Block:
Crushed beef bullion
Healthy treats (carrots, squash, small bites of chicken or turkey, even a handful of your dogs own food works well)
Long lasting treat (raw hide, or chew stick)
Plastic container with lid

Fill your container with water and mix in a small amount of beef bullion. (It doesn't take much at all)
Put treats inside container and put the lid on
Place in freezer for 24 hours
When it is frozen run the whole thing under warm water and a nice tasty beef block should slide right out. You can give it to your dog to enjoy in the shade and he will be focused and working but not overheating.

Have fun together and enjoy the summer,
Julie Anderson
Bad Behavior/Good Dog

The website is up and running!

Please stop by and visit Bad Behavior Good Dog at.
http://www.badbehaviorgooddog.com/

Lots of good information, local dog businesses and even a kids corner for the youngest dog lovers!

The Avoidance Trap

My Girl when she was 10 months old.

It is very common to make the mistake of avoiding things that your dog may not be great at. For instance someone’s dog does not greet other dogs well they just tend to avoid being around other dogs. This is just the opposite of what should be done. Think of a teacher, if a child has trouble with math the teacher does not give them less math, she gives them more with better instruction. Don’t avoid issues, get help and fix them.

I have had many clients who plan their day around avoiding issues with their dogs. They go out before the sun is up because their dog barks at everyone on a walk. Or, they know that there is one house on the block their dog goes berserk at so they change their walking route to avoid that house. I've even seen people stop having company over because their dogs cause such a fuss at the door!

This is no way to live. Your dog should enrich your life, not complicate it. Do not fall into the avoidance trap. When I first took in a 10 month old Pit Bull/American Bulldog foster puppy (65 lbs puppy!) I took her out for a walk and immediately ran into a stranger. She froze, her hair went up and she went into a barking fit that scarred the heck out of the person. She was insecure and strange people startled her. Well, that same day I realized I had to stop that. I didn't want a dog who was insecure, and I didn't want the neighbors to be afraid when they saw me walking her. I went home and got a noise maker that would be loud enough to distract her when she went into her barking mode and then we headed out again. I spent an hour finding every single person in the neighborhood who was outside of their house so that we could practice. My foster quickly learned that their was no need to be startled by strangers because I was in charge. A year later I have adopted that over grown puppy and now she goes all over with me teaching people about dogs. She never barks anymore, unless she lets a small excitement bark slip because she is so happy to meet new people. Remember, avoidance never solves anything and only makes things worse! Get help and tackle your problems.

Bad Behavior/ Good Dog now has a website! Check it out!

http://www.wix.com/badbehaviorgooddog/homepage

My Favorite breed

I love ALL dogs, but clients often ask what my favorite dog breed is. I have to tell them, hands down, the "Mutt" is my favorite of all dogs! Here is a great article I found on just why they are so great!

(Dolly, is my girl and my favorite breed. All American Mutt. She is smart, athletic, healthy, loving and beautiful.)

The Advantages of Adopting a Mixed Breed Dog Why a Mutt Dog May be the Best Choice of Pet Feb 11, 2010 Kristie Leong

Mutt or purebred- which makes a better pet? Find out why a mutt dog may be the better choice. Dogs provide loyal and loving companionship and are a good source of company that never talks back. No wonder so many people select a dog as a pet! When it’s time to choose a canine companion, some people go to a breeder and buy a purebred, while others head to their local animal shelter and fall in love with a mixed breed dog. For the majority of people, the mixed breed is a wise choice. Adopting a mixed breed dog has significant advantages over buying a purebred. Let’s face it – most people love a mutt – despite the fact that they don’t come with papers or a championship lineage. What are some advantages of having a mutt as a pet?

Mutt vs. Purebred: Mutts are Usually Healthier Purebred dogs adopted from breeders are usually extensively inbred which puts them at risk for a number of health problems unique to their particular breed. The majority of purebred dogs are susceptible to some type of health issue that can shorten their life span or lead to hefty veterinary bills. Mixed breed dogs, on the other hand, have the genes of two different dog breeds which make them less prone to breed specific illnesses.

Mutt or Purebred: Who Lives Longer? No one likes to deal with the death of a beloved pet and dogs live relatively short lives as it is. A study done in Denmark showed that mutts generally outlast their purebred counterparts when it comes to longevity. This is because they’re less inbred and have fewer health problems. All in all, mutt dogs live longer because they’re healthier.

Is a Mutt Dog More Intelligent? Researchers at the University of Averdeen in Scotland tested the intelligence of a variety of mixed breed and purebred dogs. They found that mutts were better problem solvers and had greater spatial reasoning ability than purebred dogs. Purebred dogs may have the papers, but mutt dogs are the canine quick thinkers and scholars of the dog world.

Mixed Breed Dogs are One of a Kind In a world of sameness, a mutt dog is truly one of a kind. Mixed breed dogs are so varied in appearance that the same one is never seen twice. This gives them a certain distinction that’s not found with a purebred dog that looks like every other dog of its breed. Their individuality makes mixed breeds truly special.

Mutts are Easy on the Budget Compare the cost of adopting a mixed breed from an animal shelter to buying a purebred dog from a breeder. Add in the additional veterinary costs that a purebred dog will probably need due to health problems - and the mutt is truly a bargain. More importantly, adopting a mixed breed dog means saving a life and giving a dog a second chance. It also helps with the problem of pet overpopulation. Adopting a mutt is a decision to feel good about. References: Preventive Veterinary Medicine. 2003, 58, 53-74. http://www.zootoo.com Read more at Suite101: The Advantages of Adopting a Mixed Breed Dog: Why a Mutt Dog May be the Best Choice of Pet http://www.suite101.com/content/the-advantages-of-adopting-a-mixed-breed-dog-a200922#ixzz1Jk8DolRX

Teach Through Play

Who says training has to be strict and rigid? One of my favorite ways to train a dog is through play! It is fun for you, your dog, and your relationship. All you really need is some imagination and patience.
This woman is teaching her
dog to control his prey drive
with a flirt stick.
Does your dog have trouble respecting your boundaries? Watching you eat or barging through the door ahead of you knocking you over? A fun way to work on this is to pick your dogs favorite toy and play with it with him. Toss it, drag it, kick it... whatever you two like to do with the toy, then after a few minutes of play stop the game and set the toy down on the floor. When your dog goes to get the toy assertively block him and say "eht" or "wait" or any short sound you want. Claim the toy as yours while it's on the floor. Once your dog is no longer trying to get at it and has relaxed he is respecting the boundary you set with the toy. Then you can initiate the game again and allow him to come back and play with it. You have just taught your dog in a fun way that he doesn't actually own anything. The toys are yours and he gets to play with them when you say. Practice doing it in this fun way and when you go to set a boundary at the dinner table or door he'll be much more attentive to your voice.

Do you have a dog with a strong prey drive? One of the best ways I've found for controlling prey drive is to encourage it at the right time. Use a flirt stick (long stick with a string on it and toy attached to the end) to play chase games. I like to hold the flirt stick with the "prey" lying on the ground. At first you can leash the dog to prevent them from immediately going after the toy. I make the dog sit and wait while I start to move the toy with the flirt stick. When I say "get it" the dog can chase and try to grab the toy. I make them keep up a nice good chase but eventually let them catch the toy. Then, after they have played with it for a few minutes I have them drop it and we play again. Now my dog is satisfying his instinct in a safe controlled way and learning to control his drive until I give permission. That way next time we see a cat and I tell him to "leave it" he already has learned through play to not give in to the urge to chase when I say not to.

Need a place where your dog can go and sit while the house is busy so he's not under foot? Teach him "place". Get a mat or an old towel, even a carpet sample and place it some where in the house. Load up your treat bag with something really good like hot dogs. Call your dog over to just a foot or two away from the mat. Say "place" in a fun excited way and hurry over to the mat pointing so your dog knows where to go. When the dog is on it give him the treat. Then call him off and immediately do it again. Play several times in a row making it fun and a rush to get to the mat. Before long your pooch will be running with anticipation when you say "place" to his mat. At that point you can add in the stay command having him stay on for very shorts spells, slowly increasing the time as you go. Now you have a dog who loves to run to his mat when you need him to and can stay on.

None of these games will instantly happen. It takes time and patience to get the results you want, but the great part about play training is that you are both having fun while you are teaching a positive behavior and you are bonding as a team! And with a little imagination you can come up with dozens of fun things to play that will also teach your dog to be a respectful and balanced dog. Get creative and have some fun!

Here is a letter from a client I worked with recently. They have a year old Springer Spaniel that they adopted through Wagg'n Tails Rescue. (dog in photo is not theirs) Good job Hartman family! I love getting feed back from my clients and keep up the great work, and thank you for thinking rescue first!


Hi Julie,

I just had to let you know the suggestions you gave us yesterday are working GREAT! There was absolutely no growling or snarling this morning from Durango. In fact after working with you yesterday he seems more relax(calm might be a better word). Company came over about 4pm yesterday. He barked I gave him the sit and "eht" sound He didn't jump on anyone nor did he piddle on the floor! Thank you so much for seeing us and helping us! You are truly amazing!

This morning breakfast for Durango went off without a growl or grumble. He sat and waited nicely. After three or four bites I stepped in without having an issue. Our home is a much happier place for all of us!

Thank you again!
Marilyn

Get Social!

One of the biggest problems American dogs have is a lack of socialization. It isn't hard to figure out why. My dad tells a story that he always knew where to find his mom after he got home from school by looking for their Boxer. What ever porch the boxer was under he knew he'd find his mom in that house having tea with that neighbor.

In this day of busy schedules, 2 family incomes and garage door openers we, and by default, our dogs don't get out much to greet people. Most of the time we just wave to a neighbor as our car slides into the garage. Think about when the last time your dog went with you somewhere and got to meet someone they didn't know. Even when we walk our dogs we make a circle around the block then back inside. Our dogs see the inside of our houses and the fence in the back yard. As a result, they don't know how to greet strangers.

Some dogs are so happy when they finally meet someone new they trample all over them, others become fearful and hide. Some even get aggressive and assume danger. To fix this problem we need to regress a few decades. Think about your grandpas farm and how the old hound dog went to town 3 times a week with his master. Think back to the times when it was not the least uncommon to see a scruffy mutt waiting outside the hardware store while his owner was shopping.

Fences are a good thing for dogs to keep them safe, but don't let your fence and home become a prison. Introduce your dog from an early age to all the kids on the block. Take them with you to the bank and to pick the kids up from school. Let your dog see that strangers are no big deal. We need to make our dogs not just part of our families, but part of our lives.

Have fun with them and get social!

You Can Teach An Old Dog New Tricks!

NEW YEARS SPECIAL!




Bad Behavior/
Good Dog

Start the New Year off with a well trained pooch! Bad Behavior Good Dog is offering a special package deal. Schedule 3 or more sessions and you get each session at just $30.00. That means you’d get 3 in-home training sessions specific to your dog and your busy schedule for the price of just 2!
(packages must be paid for at initial session)

What you’ll get:
• An evaluation of your dog
• Tips a training that work with your schedule
• The tools you need to get the behavior you want from your pooch
• Lessons in dog behavior and psychology
• Free phone consultations for trouble shooting in between sessions
• AN AMAZING DOG!

Call Julie Anderson 208-340-2824 to schedule