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.

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.

Protective Dog

Bad Owners … Not Bad Dogs

March 5, 2022
Trainer Advice and Comments

 

The Family Dog

There is no such thing as a bad dog … only bad dog owners. Most behaviors a dog possesses, are learned behaviors. So if you never get the dog the right type of training … never spend time with your dog … only have the dog around to yell at or tie to a tree … then you will get what you put into the dog … Nothing! This is what you call a bad dog owner.

Dogs are hardcore energy based creatures who thrive to please. Their only goal in life is to eat and be loved. It is important that you show your dog a balance of Obedience, Discipline and Affection, otherwise you create an imbalance in your dog’s mental stability.

 

Bad Dog Owner

It is sad to drive down the road and see a dog chained to a tree with 3 foot of tangled chain … no water … no food and matted hair. Why own a dog if that is what you are going to do with it. Dogs are meant to be pleasurable … not a pain in the ass. Unfortunately, there are those of you out there that could care less about their dog … it is simply a way to make 50 bucks off of the puppies it spits out. Then, those puppies are passed out to unverified homes, with no vaccinations, no papers and bad advise on how to raise their new puppy.

Take for example, the Pitbull … or Staffordshire Terrier … This breed was once a very powerful breed … a majestic breed, who would die to protect its master. They guarded palaces … ancient cities and fought side by side in battle with their master … all while willing to give up its life for their master. Now … now all we see with this breed is a mess of a dog that is either trying to chew your face off or rolling over on its back, while it pisses itself. Pretty damn sad to see, I might say … and its only mistake in life, was getting an irresponsible, bad dog owner.

 

If You See it, Report It

People … when you see something like this going on in your neighborhood … don’t hesitate to call your local ASPCA and report them.

Lately, fatal dog attacks are on the rise. We know this because we see it on the news and Dayton Dog Trainer is normally the one’s the news agencies come to when there is an attack. We have provided several interviews to local news agencies regarding these attacks and the sad part is … is 100% of those attacks could have been prevented! All it would have took, was a responsible owner. Instead, a man or woman had to lose their life, simply because the owners were not responsible in any manner. Now, a human being lost their life and the dog lost their life as well. Oh … and the worst part … the owner is nowhere to be found … because even after the attack, the bad dog owner refuses to lay claim to the dog … mostly because the bad dog owner is a irresponsible coward.

 

Becoming a Stable Minded Dog

A stable minded dog begins with puppy imprinting. It is important to allow your puppy to be a puppy, for as long as you can stand it. What I mean is … don’t try to start instructing or correcting too early. The biting, nipping, chewing, barking and all those other puppy behaviors, are simply apart of your puppy becoming a dog. The first year of a dog’s life is known as the Imprinting stage. This is where they learn who they’re going to be, How they’re going to be and What they’re going to be! They are learning important motor skills and essential social skills.

 

The Perfect Time

The perfect time to start training is going to depend on each individual dog. Every dog will grow and mature at its own pace. Commonly, 6 months to a year old, is the perfect time to start a training program. If the right type of training can be provided during the imprint stage, then the puppy will have an easier time absorbing the training. We recommend staying away from any type of treat training or clicker training. You will only become a source for treats or pleasure. No real respect will be gained from constant treating. We also highly recommend a Board and Train type of service. This allows for a much more consistent curriculum, as the puppy will be trained in real time. Trying to setup a situation isn’t always practical. Your dog will catch onto to the fake situation real quick and many times just lay down.

For all you responsible dog owners out there … Remember to provide Obedience, Discipline and Affection … Equally. Be sure to exercise your dog and bathe them when its needed. Don’t hesitate to shave your dog down for the summer. They also like to remain cool in the hot summer months. Be sure to keep them hydrated and healthy … Until next time!