This is a video of off leash training being performed by Certified Dog Trainer Mike Dixon at TriState Canine Obedience. [Read more…]
Car Safety Tips
There are many types of car restrain harnesses at your local pet store
Everyone has owned that dog that loves to hang their head out of the window during car rides. You have also probably seen people leaving their dogs in open truck beds. There are many reasons why these situations are not really appropriate conditions for your dog. While your dog probably loves feeling the wind on their face, it can be very dangerous to leave your windows down with your dog in the car. Dust and debris can get into your dogs eyes and ears, and even more dangerous your dog can jump out of the window. At any speed and no matter how small the window is cracked this can present a very real danger to your dog.
If possible you should either crate your dog while they are in the car, and if that is not possible then harness your dog in a safety harness.
Dogs should never be left unattended in the car. Don’t leave your dog in a hot car, or a cold car, either situation can be very dangerous to your dog. If you are taking your dog with you in the car, be prepared to take your dog with you when you leave the car. When the outside temperature is 78°F, a closed car will reach 90°F in 5 minutes, and 110°F in 25 minutes. Even a few minutes in a hot car can kill your dog or cause irreversible damage.
Lastly, not all dogs enjoy car rides. If your dog drools, shakes, or vomits in the car it can be a sign that they are having anxiety about the car ride. So don’t force your dog into the car when they are showing signs of car anxiety.
For more information about car safety and car anxiety contact a Certified Obedience Trainer.
Bailey’s Training
This is a video of off leash training being performed by Certified Dog Trainer Mike Dixon at TriState Canine Obedience. [Read more…]
Cleo in Northern Kentucky
Melody Oswalt's Cleo
We started training our dog, Cleo, with Mike when he was at Pets Mart and followed him to continue her training as a therapy dog. We constantly get comments about how well behaved she is. We walk Cleo at a local park and during warm weather, there is an exercise class conducted outside. Cleo maneuvers around the participants and their belongings without touching or bothering them. The exercisers now know and love Cleo. They have brought their children to meet her and have asked if she can accompany them on runs in the park. Another person that bikes on the walking and bike trail in the park stopped us to tell us how well behaved she is. He said she shares the trail better than most humans. While he generally tries to stay away from dogs on his rides, he is always happy to see Cleo. All of the praise we receive is a direct result of the training Cleo has received from Mike. He truly cares about results and the dogs he trains.
Melody Oswalt (Northern Kentucky)
Preventing Aggression in Dogs
Puppies are within their prime socialization period from 4 to 16 weeks
These are not treatments for aggressive dogs, these are steps that can be taken to avoid aggression in your dog.
-Never take a puppy younger than 8 weeks old from their mother.
– Socialize dogs when they are young. Between the ages of 4 and 16 weeks, puppies are very sensitive to forming important social bonds. You should introduce your puppy to different people, places and animals. This should be done in a gentle way, so your puppy remains happy and unafraid.
– Don’t encourage aggressive behavior. Don’t worry your puppy will grow into a good watchdog for your house. You don’t need to reinforce aggressive behavior to ensure your dog will be protective over your house when they are an adult dog.
– Start obedience training at 8 to 16 weeks, and continue training for the life of your dog.
– Neutering not only decreases a male dog’s likelihood of becoming dominant aggressive; it will also make him less likely to roam, mount, urine-mark, and fight with other male dogs. Although spaying is not likely to decrease aggression in a female, the health benefits and the pet-overpopulation crisis make it worthwhile.
Contact a behavioral trainer to assist in preventing aggression in your dog.
Redirected Aggression
Redirected Aggression can be a sign of deeper-seated Dominance Related Aggression
Has your dog ever turned on you when they are acting threatening to another person or animal, this is redirected aggression? This type of aggression usually occurs when a dog is trying to get to something and cannot, they redirect the aggression from the initial person, animal or object and attack for the closer person, animal or object.
Dominant dogs often redirect onto subordinates, whether animal or human, so if your dog redirects hostility, he may be showing signs of a deeper-seated dominance-aggression problem. Contact a behavioral trainer to assist in diagnosing this form of aggression.
Dominance related aggression
Dominance related aggression should be addressed by a qualified behavioral trainer
Does your dog sometimes act like Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde? Does your dog seem moody at times? In some cases this could point to your dog displaying dominance related aggression.
Dogs are pack animals, and even with domestication there is no denying their natural instincts. In a pack of animals there is a hierarchy, or a canine social order. Often times this hierarchy is established by use of aggression displays. Dominance related aggression can be linked back to this natural canine social order. Dogs view their human family as part of their pack, and thus a hierarchy exists in the dogs mind. While most dogs will act subordinate to humans, some dogs perceive themselves as having a higher rank. This can lead to conflicts with the human pack.
Dominate aggressive dogs can be very friendly, until they feel challenged. While not understanding canine behavior humans who have dominate aggressive dogs can unwittingly challenge their dog. This leads to people believing that an attack is unprovoked. Some examples of situations that may provoke a dominance aggressive dog are:
– Assuming a dominant posture over your dog.
– Approaching or touching a dog while they are eating.
– Touching or pushing a dog that is sleeping (especially in their favorite bed).
– Taking an object away from the dog.
In these cases the dog may become aggressive by growling, snapping or biting. Physical punishment often makes situations worse, and can even exacerbate the aggressive episode.
Contact a behavioral trainer to assist in diagnosing this form of aggression.
Mike made me the Alpha Dog
I contacted Mike Dixon when I was just about at the end of my rope with my two terriers. One of them was attached to me at the hip and had severe separation anxiety and the other was aggressive and had bitten me on several occasions. When Mike stepped into my home, I noticed an immediate submission from my dogs. They respected him at first sight. Within the first 15 minutes of meeting my small aggressive terrier, Mike had already asked enough questions regarding behavior to pinpoint that the aggression was due to a urinary tract infection that my dog had had for quite some time. He suggested a great vet for us to take him to and soon after, Bo was a different dog. He was playing, he wagged his tail, he felt better. In addition, Mike worked with Bo regarding other small issues such as barking and crate issues. The bond between Bo and I is stronger than it has ever been. He’s a happy dog and he knows I am the Alpha between us two. I have had Bo for 6 years and have never seen him as happy as he is now after working with him and Mike.
As far as my terrier with separation anxiety, Mike had given me several rules to follow in order to help my dog become more independent. After following these rules, my dog has finally been able to relax more and think for himself.
I highly recommend Mike as a trainer. He is still there for us any time we have questions.
Sarah Music (Greater Cincinnati, Ohio)
Brady’s Off leash training continues
This is a video of off leash training being performed by Certified Dog Trainer Mike Dixon at TriState Canine Obedience. [Read more…]
Brady’s off leash training
This is a video of off leash training being performed by Certified Dog Trainer Mike Dixon at TriState Canine Obedience. [Read more…]
