November 2015 – Royal Canine Dog Training, LLC

Dogs as Christmas Gifts? DON’T Do It!

November 30, 2015/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by info@royalk9.com

It sounds like a good idea, right? Wait a minute, let’s look at a few things first. Christmas morning is anything but a typical morning in almost any home. Lots of excitement, screaming, loud toys, and shuffling of gifts are just a few thing you can expect. To say the least, it can be a bit overwhelming to any new puppy or dog.

When you decide to introduce a new dog to your home and family the most important thing is that everyone (and everything) should be CALM. First impressions are very important, and having a solid game plan should be a must. You would be very wise to consult a professional dog trainer ahead of time and include some specific “rules” to be followed when introducing your new addition to the household.

Consider wrapping a picture of your soon-to-arrive new addition for your family to open. This is a much better thing to have under the tree than a live animal! Once the holiday excitement dies down you will still have something wonderful to look forward to – that new bundle of joy that will add to your lives forever!

Having a plan set up ahead of time will avoid some disastrous mistakes that could affect your new dog (and his relationship with your family) for the rest of his life!

PLEASE, please, please… before you decide it’s a great idea to give a dog as a gift, remember there are much better options!

XO,

Stacie & Ronan

Safe Turkey Day!

November 23, 2015/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by info@royalk9.com

Thanksgiving is almost here- wahoo! It’s a wonderful time when we get together with family and friends and give thanks for all that we have. It’s also a time where we overdue it a bit – turkey, stuffing, wine, dessert… it’s all so yummy!

But, please do not forget our furry family members! Sometimes while we are busy celebrating, our furry friends get into trouble – the FOOD kind of trouble! Please remember, not all people food is good for our pets.

If you ask your local vet they will probably tell you that their waiting rooms are packed during the holidays because of pets having gotten into things they shouldn’t have. Pay attention to your pets and where and what they might be sniffing. Advise your guests not to give too many treats. No one want to spend a holiday weekend at the vets!

Happy Thanksgiving and be safe!

XO,

Stacie & Ronan

Danger! Pet Poison Safety Tips

November 16, 2015/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by info@royalk9.com

2 year old Luna

Stories like this are heartbreaking: A beloved 2 year old Golden Retriever named Luna, dies after ingesting gum sweetened with Xylitol.

A few hours after rushing Luna to the vets they were told that her blood work wasn’t good and she would have only a 25% chance of surviving the treatment that would cost an estimated $20,000. Her owners did not want her to suffer anymore and chose to have her humanely euthanized. I can’t begin to imagine the pain…

How often do you leave a pocketbook, backpack, or work bag on the floor containing sugarless gums or mints without even thinking about it??? These stories are so tragic I think it’s important to spread the word.

Xylitol has risen in popularity as a sweetener used in many human products labeled “sugar-free”: vitamins, toothpaste, dental floss, candy, gum, baked goods, yogurts, etc. Now there’s a new PEANUT BUTTER that contains xylitol!!! I am not trying to play veterinarian here, just hoping that if a little attention and knowledge could save just one pet it’s worth it. In addition to knowing your veterinarian’s hours and where your closest emergency vet is, all pet owners should have easy access to a pet poison hotline.

Write down the information and keep it handy – time is of the essence when dealing with many poisons. There are a few organizations out there, but one I have used is www.petpoisonhelpline.com. They have a $49 per incidence fee and are available 24/7 (855) 764-7661. They may direct you to your vet or tell YOU what to do if there isn’t enough time. Pet Poison Helpline also has an extensive list of things that are poisonous to dogs and cats.

We love our pets like family. Holidays become times of confusion – we’re rushing around tying to accomplish so much that we often forget details. But everyday life can be hectic as well, and we must be mindful that a random chance meeting with some sugarless gum could end in tragedy for our beloved pets. Spread the word. It can’t be repeated enough.

RIP sweet Luna. Your unfortunate and untimely death was not in vain – it is helping to educate and spare others from a similar tragedy.

Please hugs your dogs after this one!

XO,

Stacie & Ronan

Disclaimer: not intended to treat, diagnose, or offer veterinary advise

What Do You Say? (Part 3)

November 10, 2015/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by info@royalk9.com

Puppy down!

Down? Off? Lay? Rest? Settle? Lie down? Drop? And the list probably continues…

Look at that list. You may wonder why I grouped all of those commands together. The point is, are you being consistent with your commands? What are you trying to convey to your dog?

I use the command “Down” to mean that I want my dog to get into a relaxed down position on one hip. This is useful when about to execute a “Down. Stay” because the dog is in a more settled position – not spring loaded as though he’s anxious to pop up.

I’ve used the command “Drop” to mean collapse quickly into the down position so that the dog is upright like a sphinx. (This is used in

Down stay

advanced obedience when doing a drop on recall. You want your dog to be able to get up quickly when you call him out of that position.)

All dogs down stay

I use “Lie down” when Ronan and I are sheep herding and he is challenged to follow my command immediately because he is afraid his sheep are getting away. The rules about commands in herding are totally different than in obedience. There are very different objectives in herding. In obedience you and your dog are expected to perform commands as accurately as possible and points are lost for not properly executing them. In herding you are really working on controlling the dog so he doesn’t progress further. If the dog doesn’t actually lie down on command you are not penalized! Often in herding things change at a moment’s notice (sheep get away) and it’s all about maintaining control (of the sheep through the dog). A little confusing, I know…)

Down stay

So why did I put “Off” on the list? Because I often see someone trying to correct their dog for jumping using the command “Get Down”. Can you imagine how the dog can be confused if he hears that and “Down” should mean “Lie Down”??? Just some food for thought, as the saying goes!!!

Try to be clear and not confuse your dogs! Dogs can learn so many (hundreds if not thousands) of commands. Remember KISS? (keep it simple, stupid!) Humans are confusing by nature. Let’s help our dogs as best as we can!

Hugs to the pups!

Stacie & Ronan

What do You Say? Part 2

November 3, 2015/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by info@royalk9.com

keep then safe!

The words you use to train your dog are totally up to you. After all, the most important reason for training is to keep our beloved dogs safe. Your dog having an understanding of what you mean (and following through) is all that matters.

For example, what command do you use for the informal recall? Some say “come”, “here”, “now”, etc. No matter what command you use, your dog should run to you urgently, sit, look, and not move until he is released from the exercise.

I like the word “front”. Why, you may ask? It means “front and center”, it’s a strong word, and not many people will be using it when they are speaking with my dog. I can also make the word sound sharp without sounding angry. I believe that training the dog to the tone of the word is as important as training to the word itself, especially with the recall.

I create urgency when teaching the command and I work hard to make sure my dog responds urgently for the rest of his life (sometimes a challenge). Some people say “come”, but I caution against using “come” as your urgent, life-saving command. The reason being, when a friend or family member enters your home and wants to interact with your dog they will say “come” in a happy, singing tone of voice.

Chances are that your dog may respond by sauntering over casually, not sitting, and start to be petted without the ending that you have worked hard to achieve. This will weaken your “come” command, because your dog will learn that responding urgently is not longer important.

Don’t get me wrong, I will still say “come” and similar other similar commands, but I do not expect the urgency, sit look, and waiting to be released. It’s a more casual type of command. Having a special word (that other people won’t mess up) is strongly recommended in order to achieve a reliable recall.

In my opinion, the recall is the MOST important thing you can teach your dog! If you need help teaching your dog a solid, reliable recall, call to set up an appointment. Over the years Royal Canine Dog Training LLC helped thousands achieve their goals!

So I ask, what do you say?

video-Ronan-park

Stacie & Ronan