Dog Events in Denver, CO (Week of June 15th)

Dog Events in Denver, CO (Week of June 15th)

Each week on Denvers Dog Training Examiner we bring all of our dog owning friends up to date on the happenings, the goings on, and other events throughout out area. This week is just one event on the calendar and it is something that we train for at Denver Dog Works: Tracking

AKC Tracking Seminar in Fort Collins

Jun 19, 2010 to Jun 20, 2010

8:00 to 4:00

Tracking seminar for beginners and for people interested in judging AKC Tracking. Please see our website for more information.

If you have an event that you would like us to showcase on our weekly message please comment below or send us me an email at live@dogdoctorradio.com

_____________________

Michele Forto is Denvers Dog Training Examiner, a certified canine trainer at Denver Dog Works and the co-host of the Dog Doctor Radio Show.

Where do you Keep Max?

Where do you Keep Max?

When you take a vacation where do you keep Max?  In Denver many of the local doggie day cares are beginning to offer boarding. There are still the old school boarding kennels.  There is also the opportunity to take advantage of board and trains while you’re on vacation.

Still some dogs are left at home with the hopes a family friend or neighbor will stop by and not only feed and water Max but also let him outside to relieve himself.

In Denver, there is a growing trend of pet sitters, dog walkers, and even poop scoopers who offer vacation services.

Being a trainer; I can tell you the countless people who’ve tried board and trains and who use this service repeatedly because it gives Max a sort of vacation too.  While your dog is “vacationing” he is being stimulated while being taught new tricks and by refreshing the old ones.  Board and Trains aren’t just for puppies – older dogs benefit too.  Your dog will receive human contact; dog socialization, walks, and of course training.

I’m sure you’ve done some research on board and trains and yes, while most of them last for 3 weeks; you can ask for the program to be adjusted.  If you’re dog has been trained before it’s a good idea to ask your trainer if they offer what’s called a Board and Work program. This program is not as intensive in training but the benefits are far greater than just playing with other dogs for 8 hours a day at a daycare.  Board and Works usually give you the opportunity to work on a couple problematic commands, two daily walks, socialization, and a field trip or two to the local park.

Whichever you choose; do your research, contact a few local trainers in Denver and get Max into camp while you’re hitting the beach.

________________

Michele Forto is Denvers Dog Training Examiner, a certified canine trainer at Denver Dog Works and the co-host of the Dog Doctor Radio Show

Puppy Wish List: A Trainers Perspective

Puppy Wish List: A Trainers Perspective

By Michele Forto

Yesterday we spoke about a new dog owner’s puppy wish list

From a trainers perspective let’s address the wish list piece by piece.

1. Crate training: is the most effective humane way to potty and house train a puppy and I highly recommend it.  This however does not mean that the puppy should remain in the crate for hours on end.  Scheduled feedings and offerings of water help determine and set a timetable for when it’s time to go potty.
2. Socialization: proper socializing is of utmost importance and shouldn’t be taken lightly.  Be aware of your puppies fear periods and socialize appropriately.  Socialization is not just getting to play with other dogs; it includes visits with people of all types, car rides, exposure to different surfaces, sounds, and smells. Socialization should include night exposure and training.
3. Heel/Loose Leash: this is a life-saving skill to teach to your dog.  Dogs that walk properly on a loose leash are at less of a risk to dart out into traffic or lunge toward a dangerous dog.  Loose leash also teaches your dog how to have manners while in public.
4. Come: another life-saving skill.  Teaching a puppy to come at any distance and through any obstacle or distraction is tough, but with repetition and consistency it will be the command you enjoy watching him do the most.  Dogs are beautiful when they are running towards you.
5. Sit, Down, Come, and Nice: These commands are a great start!  Puppies can learn so much more….sit, down, wait, stand, loose leash walking, auto-sit, leave it, nice, drop it, and fetch! Plus much much more.  Dogs can learn 20 commands with hand signals by the age of six months.
6. Bite Inhibition: bite inhibition is taught to puppies at 12 weeks of age and is worked on for several weeks.  Bite Inhibition teaches a puppy that biting hurts and is unwanted behavior.  This is taught by hand feeding semi-soft treats using the command “nice” or “easy”.

Training a puppy is a huge responsibility and a large undertaking.  If you expect the above for your new puppy I encourage you to seek out the help and guidance of a local trainer.  Denver has over 200 to choose from so there’s a chance you’ll find one that fits your budget, time, and personality.