How to Deal with a Dog Attack

July 29, 2022
Dayton Dog Trainer News, Dog Attacks

We conducted an interview on this very topic with one of our local news agencies, awhile back. We discussed the reaction of the person coming under attack and how it feeds excitement to the dog, while in an attack state of mind. The worst thing you can do is run, scream, throw your arms everywhere, etc, etc.

What to do when a Dog Attacks

When a dog is coming after you, the best action you can take, is to stand your ground. Most dogs will not bite a stationary target. Not all, but most. Even some of the best trained police dogs find it hard to bite a non moving target. Many are afraid to strike a dog, when under attack because they don’t want to hurt the dog or offend the owner of the dog. You have to let that thought go. A dog intent on biting you isn’t worried about causing physical harm to you, so you shouldn’t be worried while attempting to protect yourself.

Staying calm and giving the dog something to bite, other than you is key to making it out of the situation. Putting a purse in the dogs face or pulling off your shirt to use as a distraction for the dog to bite can bide you time while you throw offensive strikes under to the dogs chin. Just throwing punches or kicks at the dog will only serve to excite the dog. Remember, stay calm, provide distraction, go on the offensive once you have exhausted other means.

Should the dog be dragging a leash behind them, the best way to stop a bite, is to get a hold of that leash and start swinging in circles, as the dogs paws come off the ground. Not only will the dog not be able to come toward you anymore, but you will literally be draining the fight from the dog while restricting air for about 3 spins.

Obviously we hope to never be put in such as situation where we are forced to fight for our lives. But if you find yourself in this very situation … stay calm, don’t be afraid to do anything and everything you have to do to protect yourself and leave the area as soon as possible, without running. Find a barrier or fence. Once you realize the dog cannot reach you, do not yell or provoke in any way.

Training your Dog with an E-Collar

July 23, 2022
Dayton Dog Trainer News, Trainer Advice and Comments

Thousands of E-Collars are sold each year to those looking for a solution to their dog’s bad behavior. In fact, most purchasers of the E-Collar don’t put a lot of thought into the brand or type of collar they buy. Most are just momentarily satisfied with a temporary result. In fact, the E-Collar is a great tool, but so many buyers use the collar incorrectly or for the wrong application. We also hear that many users buy a shock collar, only to use the beep or vibrate function.

I don’t know how many times I have heard a dog owner say “I bought a shock collar, but I only use the beep or vibrate on my dog”. I never understood this. If all your dog is receiving is a beep or vibrate, they will continue to do what they are doing. You may stop them in the moment, but they will continue the bad behavior later, when you aren’t around. If there is never a memorable correction, you are only delaying the unwanted behavior. Dogs communicate correction with pain compliance. When a member of the pack gets out of line, the alpha will normally bite, thrash or pin. Of course, we don’t have to go to that level of correction, but there does need to be a correction the dog will remember or not just brush off.

 

E-Collar Brands and Newer Stimulation Technology

Brand of the E-Collar is also important. There are a lot of collars on the market. Many are using the old type of technology. We have all seen this type. When stimulation is provided, it causes the dog to jerk their neck to the right or left and yelp over and over until stimulation ceases. In my opinion, this type of correction is a bit inhumane. With the newer collars available, the new technology offered by these collars work more on muscle manipulation, rather than pure electrocution. There is no jerking of the neck, normally no yelping in pain, as the dog is receiving a much cleaner type of stimulation.

The difference in technologies is important. Using the wrong type of E-Collar can cause fear, rather than guidance. We do not want the dog to fear or cower because they are being corrected. This doesn’t do anything but cause further issues. We simply correct and move on … same goes for the dog. They should simply absorb the correction and move on, as a lesson learned.

 

Cost of a Good E-Collar

You will pay good money for a good ecollar. Of course you can purchase a shock collar at your local pet store for around $30, but you will get what you pay for. If you are seriously interested in purchasing a good e-collar system, you can expect to pay between $150 to $300. Remember, you get what you pay for.

Before you buy

Before you go spending money on an ecollar, I highly suggest you not only purchase your collar system through an experienced trainer, but also obtain a bit of training on the use of an ecollar. This can not only help you save a few dollars on your purchase but it can also save you a ton of trouble with your dog as well as the dog’s response to using this type of dog training tool.

Dogs and Fireworks

July 2, 2022
Dayton Dog Trainer News

Happy 4th of July! As fun and exciting as the the 4th is, our celebrations can cause our 4 legged friends to go into a different state of mind. Fear, Anxiety and panic are usually what you will see once the fireworks start flying. Many dogs are not comfortable with the loud noise, bright lights or the smell of spent explosives in the air. These things can cause your dog to go into a crazy state of mind.

It is important that we settle our dogs’ in for the night, so that we don’t cause discomfort. It is important to react accordingly when we see that our dog is having a tough time with an excited atmosphere. Keeping your dog inside during our annual celebrations may be the best thing for your dog. Doing so will help them get through the night without coming unglued. It is important that we don’t force our dogs to “tough it out”, as we can cause deep seeded issues in our dog. Just like humans, fireworks can cause post traumatic stress in our dogs.

 

Help your Dog(s) get through the 4th of July Fireworks

  • Be sure to bring your dog inside.
  • Don’t lock your dog in a crate during any fireworks activity. This can cause the to feel trapped or cornered.
  • Be sure to hydrate your dogs throughout the day leading up to the night as stress can cause dehydration.
  • Maybe throw a blanket in the dogs crate to assist in comforting them.
  • Do not baby your dog during any distress. It is okay to comfort … but do not baby them.
  • Try giving your dog a calming supplement
  • Exercise your dog during the day to burn some of their energy. This might cause them to simply sleep through all the excitement.
  • Adjust your dogs feed schedule for the day. Stress on a full stomach can sometimes cause your dog to vomit.
  • Put your dogs crate in a non common area for the day where there isn’t alot of foot traffic.
  • Turn on a radio or TV so as to cover up the sound of the fireworks.

 

These are just a few actions you can take to help your dog get through America’s Birthday. This should be a day of fun and excitement for all, including your dog. It doesn’t have to be a stressful situation for your dog. Be proactive instead of reactive.

Have Fun! Be Safe! Happy Birthday America!

Dog Dehydration

July 2, 2022
Dayton Dog Trainer News, Trainer Advice and Comments

Know the warning signs of dehydration in your dog. Just like you need a cold drink of water in the hot summer months, so do dogs. Remember to change your dogs water out for cold water, should their water bowl sit full for awhile. No one likes to drink hot or warm water.

 

Signs to look for in your dog for dehydration

  • Thick saliva
  • Dry nose
  • Reduced energy levels and lethargy
  • Acting as if they are drunk
  • Actions are in slow motion
  • Unsteady on their feet
  • Loss of skin elasticity
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting with or without diarrhea
  • Panting
  • Sunken, dry-looking eyes
  • Dry, sticky gums

 

Dehydration can be fatal. Dogs do not sweat like humans do. They cool themselves through panting, through their paws and through physical touch of cooler masses. When humans get hot, our cooling system kicks in we begin to sweat. Dogs don’t have sweat glands. It is imperative that dogs have access to cool or cold water, moving air as well as shade. As trainers, we won’t train during the day, simply because it is way too hot for the dogs. Remember, dogs are wearing a fur coat all year long.

 

Supplement for Dogs

There are several products out there that act as Gatorade for dogs. Pedialite is a great supplement for dogs. K9 Bluelite is another great additive for a dogs water. It helps replenish much needed electrolytes in dogs to help them stay hydrated.