Dog and Puppy Training Dog Behaviorist Sarasota Florida

Responsible Dog offers the best puppy training available on Florida’s east coast taught be a certified dog behavior specialist and recognized professional dog trainer! Serving the following communities: Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis. Our services include Puppy classes Problem solving behavior classes Specially designed behavior and training programs Dog boarding Dog daycare Behavior Consultations Telephone consultations

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Campaign to ban Cesar Millans The Dog Whisperer from Italian TV

Campaign to ban Cesar Millans The Dog Whisperer from Italian TV

22 October 2009

Members of the APBC have provided information and resources to concerned pet behaviour counsellors in Italy following the broadcast of The Dog Whisperer featuring Cesar Millan on Italian TV.

The Italian pet behaviour counsellor Laura Borromeo contacted members of the APBC after just three episodes of the controversial show were aired. She is developing a campaign that aims to educate the public that there are alternatives to Cesar Millan’s methods.

The Italian ASETRA web site represents the Society for the Ethological Studies of the Relationship between Animals and Humans and it is denouncing Millan’s methods with dogs: http://www.asetra.it/?Comunicati_Asetra

The Italian veterinary web site ANMVI is warning vets and owners about how dangerous and abusive Millan's approach is towards dogs. They announce that they are taking steps to stop the show from being broadcast: http://www.anmvioggi.it/10262/12-10-09/la-veterinaria-disapprova-il-metodo-millan

There has also been coverage in the local Italian newspapers too where the headline message is equally clear; “Stop Millan - the veterinarians say he is educating people in the wrong way.”

Laura Borromeo is taking advice from lawyers so that a strategy can lead to the program being prevented from being broadcast.

Dog owners, dog trainers, pet behaviour counsellors and vets all have a choice in how pets are treated. The APBC believes in promoting the best in pet behaviour and it is clear from experience and research that some of the methods used by Cesar Millan can lead to an increase in dog aggression and behaviour problems. That’s why the APBC chooses to use better ways to train pets. There is a choice.

Graham Thompson

APBC Provisional Member.

http://www.apbc.org.uk/blog/CM_Italy

http://wp.me/poTwS-aM

No Shock Collar Coalition ~ Join for Dogs Sake!

No Shock Collar Coalition ~ Join for Dogs Sake!

The following is from an organization of supporters, received as a member and supporter and being passed on in its entirety to help get the word out. Please take the time to evaluate the efficacy and harmful effects determined by scientific studies and observation and sign up to show and express your support for dogs who can’t speak up for themselves. If you’re not familiar with this information then please ask those who are already members and/or you are welcome to contact me…i have sufficient information for using these devices. Let’s raise happy dogs, not dogs trained using fearful aversive training methods and tools. The dogs will thank and not out of fear of you!

No Shock Collar Coalition

Getting Started

You are receiving this message because you have previously signed up with the No Shock Collar Coalition.

This silent movement began in 2006, as those who love our canine companions and respect them as our brethren objected to the use of electric shock devices being used in the training and containment of dogs. In 2006 we were concerned by the proliferation of these devices, and now, three years later, there appears to be continued focus on shock collars as acceptable tools, not only in the dog trainers' toolbox, but in the hands of the general public.
Since this problem has not abated, we believe it is time to stand up and be counted and make our position on this matter known to those who promote these devices and profit from them. In addition, raising awareness among those well-meaning trainers and owners who use them out of ignorance is also on our agenda!
To this end, we're asking those of you who have previously signed up for the NSCC to consider your commitment to this cause; if you are no longer interested in supporting us, please use the 'opt out' instructions in this email to have your email address removed from our list.

If you have continued commitment to the No Shock Collar movement, please help us by encouraging your like-minded friends, relatives, clients and others to sign up with us and lend their support to our campaign. New members can sign up by visiting http://www.baddogsinc.com/noshockcollars.html.

Over the coming months, we'll be collecting articles and other information about the use of shock collars to help educate users and distributors alike. In addition, we'll be looking for ways to make our position known to those who profit from these devices, either knowingly or unknowingly.

Thank you in advance for your support. Remember that a handful of committed people can make a huge difference for good!
With gratitude to those who honor and respect our canine brethren, I remain

Sincerely,

Barbara Davis

BADDogsInc

Family Dog Training & Behavior

Corona, CA

Thanks
Joyce Kesling, CDBC

Responsible Dog

www.responsibledog.net

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Tug of War with Darwin before breakfast 110409

Warning! Tug of War is a great confidence and bond builder, but is not recommended with already know established aggressors! You must reestablish through training obedience skills using only positive reinforcement first before engaging in this behavior.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3oGZrhBTzk

Does simply being around dogs or owning dogs indicate knowledge of dog behavior? (follow up)

Not Really Funny!

November 4, 2009

Joyce Kesling, CDBC

I’m beginning to read Alexandra Horowitz’s new book “Inside Of A Dog…” including her “prelude” and “prefatory note…” and couldn’t help but be reminded of a earlier blog when I suggested dog owners marginalize dogs, their behavior, and those who study dogs (Does simply being around dogs or owning dogs indicate knowledge of dog behavior? (follow up) http://wp.me/poTwS-aq ). Most specifically those most equipped to help in problem solving. According to Horowitz, the “prevailing view of behavioral scientists” suggested there was no data to be obtained from the study of dogs. Primates remained the species of choice studying animal cognition. She says further “dog owners seemed to have already covered the territory of theorizing about the dog mind…theories generated from anecdotes and misapplied anthropomorphisms.”

Why do we ignore our part when a problem occurs within the human-dog relationship? Why do dog owners continue to ignore how influential a dog behaviorist is, not only preventing problems but also resolving problems without creating more conflict?

I suggested in "Does simply being around dogs or owning dogs indicate knowledge of dog behavior? (follow up)" http://wp.me/poTwS-aq the following could be contributing to the continued neglect and importance placed on resolving dog behavior problems.

Some of the most easily identified, as cause and effect are the following examples.

1. Too much self-help on the internet – recipes to train and problem solve

2. Dog training and problem solving made easy by TV dog trainers while sitting on one’s couch

3. Shelters, rescues, humane societies offering free telephone call in support

4. Shelters, rescues, humane societies offering free downloaded “recipes” for problem solving

5. Myths and anecdotal information and experience incorrectly interpreted

6. Lack of knowledge and understanding about normal dog behavior

7. Misunderstanding of dog-human relationships

8. Unskilled dog trainers lacking sufficient knowledge in behavior

9. Publics general awareness and importance using credentialed professionals at both levels, dog trainers and behaviorist

10. Misunderstanding dogs in general

Several of these causes suggest a general lack of seriousness by owners, shelters, rescues and some instances the veterinary community. We think so little of our part in the equation; we further fail when we do not acknowledge both physiological and mental health is closely linked.

We further marginalize the process offering solutions to “fix the dog” in the worst way via internet and/or TV dog training programs. In most instances, owners need counseling, offering training solutions, in many instances, choosing painful punishment i.e. e-stimulus (shock collars) collars without first getting a behavior evaluation and history. To do otherwise suggest dogs and cats are automatons and applying fixed general rules and/or training are applicable to all situations, environments, and families/owners. It is simply not that easy. If our current system is working, why do we continue to see millions of dogs and cats relinquished and euthanized because of behavior problems?

Responsible Dog and Cat

Training and Behavior Solutions

Combining Art and Science for Training Animals

Joyce D. Kesling, CDBC

P.O. Box 15992

Sarasota, Florida 34277

941-966-1188

http://responsibledog.net

http://responsibledog.wordpress.com/

http://k9psych.wordpress.com/

http://k9psych.blogspot.com/

http://www.youtube.com/joycekesling

http://vodpod.com/responsibledog

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. Mahatma Gandhi 1869 – 1948

Copyright Responsible Dog & Cat 2009

Monday, September 21, 2009

Dog Training Demonstration by Joyce Kesling, CDBC

Dog Training by Certified Dog Behaviorist Joyce Kesling, CDBC

Using internal drives and motivation when training dogs

The following two youtube videos demonstrate dog training using toys as rewards. When training dogs, I like to think about what dogs do naturally, some more than others. Dogs expressing parts of the prey drive not intended would be considered faults. Border collies for example don’t naturally express “eye” they need the right environment to express that characteristic. Without it, they probably wouldn’t make a good working and/or herding dog.

In this first video, Boudicca is demonstrating learned behavior take and give (release). Training this behavior should be included in all puppy training. Rules are essential to maintain training new behavior during the acquisition phase, but also for maintaining already trained behaviors. Note, how I emphasize my cues, hand signals and body language. When we lack this type of consistency we can expect inconsistent behavior from our dogs.

However, this is not the same quality of precision one attempts to achieve in show obedience trials, however providing clear cues for behavior is essential, otherwise even pet/companion dogs may become anxious and frustrated. Make sure you watch for my mistakes, if I make any ;-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ik_9vaeq-MY

In this second video, Boudicca is demonstrating how we can train dogs using parts of their natural prey drive using an internal reinforcer, rather than external. This would be especially helpful for some dogs who might naturally express that behavior given the right environment.

In the previous video, I used a variety of objects to generalize the behavior. In this second video I get her started with my goal behavior, catch. I then add the distraction, dropping a ball at my side, she should stay focused on me not the other object. I pre-selected a soft bone shaped toy to use as the throwing object, this helps her catch a large object and express the kill bite part of the prey drive.

The purpose for training this type of behavior not only teaches bite inhibition further but includes impulse control and cooperation. When dogs willingly trust us to release objects, from their jaws and teeth and willingly retrieve objects to us, demonstrates very desirable manners and skills every owner should want for their dog.

Note, how I continually use toys as rewards rather than food treats. I use food treats to get a desirable behavior but move away from them to life rewards, especially play behaviors sooner than later! When you consider internal and external motivation and drives, I’ve found incorporating rewards in training that stimulate internal motivations rather than relying on external motivators might be necessary for some breeds. Teaching dogs to rely on food treats for good behavior can be compared to how we sometimes use food to satisfy unmet needs that could lead to eating disorders.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RAQqSv_VWU

Responsible Dog and Cat

Training and Behavior Solutions

Combining Art and Science for Training Animals

Joyce D. Kesling, CDBC

P.O. Box 15992

Sarasota, Florida 34277

941-966-1188

http://responsibledog.net/

http://responsibledog.wordpress.com/

http://k9psych.wordpress.com/

http://k9psych.blogspot.com/

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. Mahatma Gandhi 1869 – 1948

Coyright Responsible Dog & Cat 2009

Monday, August 31, 2009

Responsible Dog Sarasota Florida, your puppy headquarters!

Sarasota Florida Puppy and Dog Training

Welcome to Responsible Dog! Responsible Dog is located in Sarasota FL and provides Florida puppy and adult dog training, dog behavior modification, dog boarding and dog daycare.

Responsible Dog serves the following communities: Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis, Venice

Our training programs are offered at your home or Responsible Dogs training location. Home visits are often helpful for working on specific training needs and during early stages of training.

When deciding on your dog trainer it is important to evaluate the professionals background, education, training methodology, where they received their education in dog training, do they have a working resume, do they have proof of continuing educational units (CEU's).

If you are looking for a behaviorist or behavior specialist, you will want to check that the individual has an appropriate behavioral background specializing in canine and/or feline behavior.

Please take the time to look over my resume, education, and credentials. Read some of my articles, essays, visit my blogs for more information and/or currently published articles. You will not find another dog trainer or certified dog behaviorist in Sarasota or Manatee County with my credentials or education, why not pay for and get the best in the beginning when it matters most.

Do you know how many times I'm contacted by dog owners who have been given poor training and behavior advice, often resorting to using aversive training methods, only to be disappointed and discouraged with their dog? This is because anyone can call themselves a dog trainer, what the public needs to understand is there are differences in educational levels even among dog trainers.

When seeking behavior advice, the choice you makes affects your dogs life, they are dependent on you to make an informed decision.

Read http://responsibledog.wordpress.com/2009/09/05/does-simply-being-around-dogs-or-owning-dogs-indicate-knowledge-of-dog-behavior/

Try the behavior quiz. . You might be surprised how well mannered your dog already is or you may discover a few things that might improve your dog's behavior, improving your relationship, and bond while furthering your dog's welfare and your commitment.

PUPPY Training Essentials One - For 10-18 week old puppies

Our Puppy Training Essentials puppy courses are taught off lead to maximize dog-dog play (learning bite inhibition) and socialization. Off lead training teaches 1) owners how to be calm (cool, calm and collected) and control their puppies when excited and distracted and 2) the opportunity to play is used as the ultimate reward for each short training session.

Early puppy training is essential to ensure puppies develop bite inhibition, people-friendly, dog-friendly and communication skills with both humans and dogs. Learning bite inhibition and socialization are easy during puppyhood, but extremely developmentally time-sensitive. If your puppy does not acquire reliable bite inhibition during this critical time, he will become potentially dangerous as an adult. If your puppy is not socialized, remedial socialization later can take months (even years); your dog will never be the relaxed confident dog that s/he could have been.

Most of the training essentials are teaching basic manners in distracting environments. We use lure/reward training that is simple, even children can easily learn how to train the puppy. It's effective for training young puppies beginning during your first training session. During the course of training, you learn how to phase out food rewards by replacing good puppy behavior with play and life rewards. Puppy Training Essentials lays the groundwork for reliable verbal, hand signal and off lead control that you and your puppy master in Puppy Training Essentials Two.

We continue to promote the use of food and play rewards forming positive associations (classical conditioning) teaching dogs to thoroughly enjoy being with you, others and dogs. We suggest every visitor to your house reward your puppy with a treat, and encourage anyone asking to pet your puppy on walks to reward your puppy with a treat (encourages your dog to feel comfortable and confident around people).

As part of your enrollment you will be provided with training support to ensure that you learn how to prevent the development of (or resolve) predictable, common, normal puppy and adolescent behavior and temperament problems. We help you resolve preventable behavior problems, such as house-soiling, destructive chewing, excessive barking and separation anxiety and aggression all common illnesses for adolescent dogs - often causing confinement to kennels and/or the yard, basement and finally a cage in an animal shelter.

Puppyhood is the time to rescue through prevention and unwanted adult shelter dogs. Take advantage of all our free educational puppy training handouts and resources to ensure your puppy has the opportunity to live in your home for the rest of their life.

To facilitate learning, owners are provided handouts and training booklets. Requirements: Puppies must be between 10 and 18 weeks of age at the start date of class with 2 DHLPP vaccinations, one of which must have been administered after 8 weeks of age but at least 7 days prior to the first session.

Registration Fee for Six Weeks: $159.00

Our Puppy Essential Courses are taught privately. We feel owners do better and more successful when they begin training young puppies using private instruction first, this prevents the distractions often found in a class environment, encountering reactive dogs, and generally a chaotic environment.

We may charge more, but you are guaranteed your trainer has the highest academic qualifications as a professional dog trainer and certified as a dog behavior specialist.

All puppies currently enrolled in Complete Puppy Essentials One and/or Two are eligible and encouraged to attend free play sessions every Saturday morning to help further their dog social skills. We maintain an exceptionally clean play environment on natural surfaces.

By offering this free puppy and adolescent play you can be assured your dog gets ample socialization not only with young puppies and adolescents but also savvy adult dogs with good bite inhibition and social communication skills that help teach young puppies how to communicate effectively with all types of dogs, both small, medium and large!

This is essential for dogs as part of their ongoing socialization process, otherwise many small dogs grow up fearful of large dogs, and large dogs don't learn how to behave around small dogs, dogs don't learn how to recognize differences in appearance and communication quality.
Additionally, you and your dog have the assurance of supervised play sessions conducted by an educated dog professional.

Dog parks are often risky ventures not only for contraction of disease and parasites but also the risk of unknowledgeable owners and dogs with little or no training and socialization.

Optional - enroll in Complete Puppy Essentials for 12 full weeks of complete puppy training, registration fee $300.00. We offer a mid-term break between classes.

Read more about our services...

Read what her clients say , not enough recommendations here, just ask, I will gladly furnish a list of clients and breeders you can contact for recommendations.

Responsible Dog and Cat
Training and Behavior Solutions
Combining Art and Science for Training Animals
Joyce D. Kesling, CDBC
P.O. Box 15992
Sarasota, Florida 34277
941-966-1188

http://responsibledog.net/
http://responsibledog.wordpress.com/
http://k9psych.wordpress.com/
http://k9psych.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Housetraining ~ Do Dogs Learn to Wait? Wait for What?

August 25, 2009
Joyce Kesling, CDBC

This post is actually a sequel of sorts to Housetraining, using a signal to indicate need to eliminate. The main point is dogs have the cognitive ability using simple associative learning to learn to “hold it” given the opportunity to learn housetraining correctly. Keep in mind, since dogs, owners and environments where they live are not all the same, it may be necessary to adapt these basic ideas, to fit your personal lifestyle, rather than relying on some sort of standard procedure.

The responsibilities for housetraining a dog can be overwhelming…especially when the dog’s owner is clueless or just plain LAZY. In this case, seriously, thinking about owning a dog should be considered, it is a long-term commitment, and the responsibilities of pet ownership should be given the same consideration as having and raising children.

Considerations for owning and raising a new puppy

Occasionally calls to board recently purchased puppies are received. The new owners failed to consider upcoming vacation plans, when they need to be home housetraining! It does not happen often, but it does, and caught off guard, I forget to quote double what I charge for boarding a housetrained dog. Why, I’m going to need to devote twice as much time and energy into taking care of an untrained puppy.

This is just one of many considerations potential pet owners should consider before purchasing puppies. Consider what you and/or your families’ schedules and demands are for the next few weeks or months, before rushing into a decision that you will live with for 10-15 years; if the dog is provided patience and training to prevent them from ending up in a shelter/rescue because you failed to train them properly!

The housetraining process has many variables, sometimes determined by breed, size, and temperament. However, your success depends on your understanding the correct process, your dogs physiological development, cognitive abilities (learning), reasoning for confinement and close supervision, but most of all, how you contribute in teaching your dog to wait for you to provide them opportunities to eliminate in the right location.

Breeders Responsibility – Before you bring your puppy home!

Puppies around 8-12 weeks, generally the time we bring them into our lives are at a critical stage in their development, both physiologically and mentally. Some of your puppies housetraining actually begins at the breeding location. This is why we encourage potential puppy purchasers to look carefully at whom and where they purchase their puppy.

Selling puppies before the age of 8 weeks is questionable; some breeders and dog experts suggest 12 weeks might be a more appropriate age to sell puppies. This creates a problem because the socialization period overlaps with the ongoing breeders care and responsibility; so you want to make sure the breeder you select has done some if not all of the following. This will help in housetraining, when you bring your new puppy home.

1. Individual puppies should spend time in a puppy pen with an open crate. This allows the puppy to begin learning where they sleep and where they eliminate.
2. Each puppy should get one-on-one time with as many humans as possible
3. Puppies should be isolated in a kennel for short periods of time (nap time), to prepare them for separation
4. Breeders should begin introducing puppies to desirable substrates for elimination i.e. grass, crushed shell, sand, dirt, clay, concrete, anything but what is found inside a home!

The time between 6-12 weeks is essential in developing a stable emotional temperament and affective tone. This is the period most responsible for the development of social and emotional deficits. This is why it is ill advised to remove puppies from their mother and littermates prematurely.

We have now reached that point, where you have done your homework, you have qualified a good breeder, selected the right puppy and breed for your lifestyle, and he’s now entered your world. It is now completely up to you and/or your family to successfully finish the job of housetraining, teaching your puppy to “learn to wait” for you to provide his/her elimination opportunities!

Physiological Considerations

A little about your dog's physiology

According to Lindsay (2001), "numerous conditioned and unconditioned digestive reflexes are triggered as soon as a bite of food is taken into the mouth." He says, the "internal alimentary reflexes function under the influence of classical conditioning" and external physiological conditions are controlled voluntarily through instrumental conditioning. He further suggests, through proper training and conditioning the ability to control the external muscles associated with elimination are regulated by "cortical inhibition" and "for urination to occur, the external sphincter must be voluntarily relaxed" which can be "strongly influenced by instrumental learning" and why using appropriate training methods are necessary for achieving successful house training.

The following sections will demonstrate “learning to wait” is not simply a stimulus response based on a learned location and/or substrate. It is not the location and/or substrate the dog should ultimately associate with elimination.

Certainly preferred locations and substrates are part of the overall association. However, for the dog to learn effectively and reliably based on a real “need to go” versus an “adventure outside” is an association connection with you and a cue!

If you have not read Housetraining, using a signal to indicate need to eliminate you may not fully understand what is going to be discussing here and its importance to successfully housetrain a new puppy and/or adult dog not reliably housetrained in the first place!

Shortly after writing that article, I read another article on housetraining prompting me to initiate a dialogue with the author. The author suggested the “[s]impliest [simplest] explanation is that they [dogs] are developing surface and location preferences for elimination and as dogs develop better muscle and nervous control over bladder and bowels they can choose when and where to relieve themselves.”

This next section gives a better explanation for how dogs learn the housetraining process, based on simple associations, but include more than simply “surface and location” stimuli to cause elimination to occur.

Elimination Communication (EC)

The earlier paper Housetraining, using a signal to indicate need to eliminate I suggested housetraining dogs required the same kind of attention parents would give to potty training a child. After my dialogue with the other author, I did some research on potty training children, to my surprise, my Google search turned up articles on a fairly new child potty training concept called “natural infant hygiene” or “elimination communication.” The concept was inspired by “traditional practices of diaperless baby care” commonly used in third world countries and some natural based cultures.

The author of a recent blog posting The Evolution of Potty Training uses his recent experience training a new puppy while comparing his current experience using elimination communication training his child.

Elimination communication has four components, timing, signaling and body language, intuition and cueing. All four components can be applied to housetraining dogs, but given some human work requirements and schedules, time allotted away from work for puppy owners versus stay at home parenting and parental leaves certainly raising a puppy will require some adjustments.

Let’s address timing first and similarities

In potty training human babies, mothers learn when their babies need to eliminate based on feeding schedules and activity. Proper housetraining puppies require the same considerations. We learn through observation when puppies are more likely to need opportunities to eliminate. For puppies, elimination is usually necessary first thing in the morning with the last opportunity before kenneling at night. Other frequent times occur after eating and drinking, during playful activities and after napping during the day. Initially new puppies may need to go out during the night, but this subsides as the puppy’s biological clock adjusts according to their physiological development.

Puppies’ development occurs much more rapidly than their human counterpart that may take as long as 2-4 years depending on the individual and method used. So consider yourself lucky if your only responsibility is training a new puppy!

Signaling and body language

An interesting association made concerning human parenting and using elimination communication is those who use this process suggest they become more attune to the needs and associated signals communicated from infants, suggesting this enhances the bonding process between mother and child. To facilitate this type of training mothers must carry their infants around making these associations easier to recognize thus respond.

Training puppies requires we keep constant attention and supervision as well as watching for any signals of elimination behavior. For dogs, this often includes sniffing, circling, whining, facial expressions and in some instances where mistakes have taken place, the dog may move toward those locations.

Contrasting, child elimination communication, we suggest puppy parents use short-term confinement in kennels, exercise pens that may include an open door kennel, naps (down time) scheduled throughout the day (used for impulse control), tethering via a lead to us and/or anchoring puppy to a heavy object but remaining in close proximity to our location. This allows us like humans parenting children to keep a watchful eye on our puppies and getting them outside before they have a chance to eliminate in the wrong location and setting them up to succeed.

Intuition

Mothers using the elimination communication say the “close nurturing relationship” helps them to know when it is necessary to get the child to the potty location. This is simply an unconscious knowing through observation and establishing the bond between mother and child that allows mothers to notice subtle behavioral change that may indicate specific needs.

This is not at all unlike dog owners who have established close attachments and secure bonds with their dogs. However, this does mean we have to be in touch with our dogs and since dogs live in the moment, we need to learn to be especially observant of their behavior.

Cueing

Communication elimination or natural infant hygiene used around the world requires a two-way communication between mother and infant. The communication is formed using classical conditioning. Human mothers having learned to recognize signals from the infant for their need to eliminate, is paired using a verbal sound or cue, generally in human culture “shhh” or “sss” is used, and parents may use different signals for urination and defecation. Other cues may also be associated with the elimination process such as holding the child in specific positions and specific locations. In some instances, the child may eventually learn to signal the parent using the verbal cue.

There are some key differences however between teaching communication elimination between human children and dogs. One of the most distinct differences is that dogs often learn through improper housetraining procedures and unwitting owners to use cues simply to get outside to play! I doubt human parents experience this behavior, but if happens often with dogs, so dog parents need to be savvy enough to out think their dogs behavior. This is where rewards, consequences, and confinement help establish successful housetraining for dog owners.

Finally, the ability to “hold it”

Just like human children, dogs also go through stages of physical development that increases one’s ability to control their bodily functions. This development occurs much faster in dogs and explained previously in “physiological considerations” earlier. The same occurs with human children who learn the “ability to retain” but at a human infant’s developmental pace and consequence of their awareness.

Dogs do possess the cognitive ability to associate and learn to control their sphincter muscles through similar conditioning to human children learning when/where access for elimination is available and by conditioning an associative cue to the process.

Potential problems and why I don’t recommend using doggie doors!

Housetraining issues are common; the second common reason dogs end up in shelters aggressive behavior is number one! Often the client is using doggie doors! Do you really think after all this discussion, your puppy, will actually know to take themselves outside to eliminate, that only outdoors is the acceptable potty area, without your help in the beginning?

Do you understand now how parents successfully use the same strategy to train infant children? Dogs need your help just as much as human children require parents to be there, observing their signals, body language, and teaching cues associated with elimination, how is your puppy going to learn if you’re sitting on the couch assuming they understand what a doggie door means!

A couple of facts

• Female dogs are just as capable of marking as males; an earlier issue of Journal Veterinary Behavior suggested this behavior does exist. Thus, owners must be aware of their dog’s elimination habits through close observation; this means YOU need to be present!
• When owners use doggie doors before their puppies elimination behavior is reliably trained, this can explain why so many owners using doggie doors end up with dogs that never reliably learned where the proper potty areas are located.

My experience

Being a professional dog trainer, certified in dog behavior, and I can reliably say that in all the years prior to becoming a professional in this industry and during the last ten years, I have never relied on dog doors to provide access for elimination purposes. My dogs have always been taken out on lead. I think it is important dogs are supervised and their elimination behavior observed. The only other option is provided in a securely fenced yard under my supervision.

Responsible Dog & Cat
Training and Behavior Solutions
Combining Art and Science for Training Animals
Joyce D. Kesling, CDBC
P.O. Box 15992
Sarasota, Florida 34277
941-966-1188

http://responsibledog.net
http://responsibledog.wordpress.com/
http://k9psych.wordpress.com/
http://k9psych.blogspot.com/

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. Mahatma Gandhi 1869 – 1948
Copyright Responsible Dog & Cat 2009

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Is the study of animal behavior being marginalized when used as a marketing tool?

I found a website yesterday, specializing in dog boarding. What alarmed me was they stated, “our camp counselors” are, “certified in dog behavior.” When I inquired, which I did, I was told they go through an in-house training program lasting a couple of weeks or less!

The problem I see with using the designation “certified in dog behavior” is, it makes the study of animal behavior, appear to be no more than friendly dog advice obtained from anyone, while marginalizing the very individuals who can and are educated to help the most.

This is a disservice to the dog owner and the industry.

This should be a concern for the public, as well as those who are degreed individuals, specializing in animal behavior. Aside from the obvious differences, between those who actually studied behavior at universities, there are some of us who have spent a great deal of time studying on our own, taking courses on-line and/or using qualified mentors, that may include veterinarians who themselves specialize in behavior.

What I’m wondering, is will the careless and continued use, eventually inculcate the public, into thinking that understanding and treating behavior related problems, can be accomplished by anyone referring to themselves as a “behavior expert.” I can see it now; these “camp counselors” will be delivering advice on how to solve anxiety problems and aggression. This marginalizes those of us who are qualified, and it most definitely affects the welfare of dogs. The alternative is referring owners to qualified individuals who really can help

Given the fact that most dogs end up in shelters because of behavior problems I view this as a serious problem for the public. If unqualified individuals continue providing uneducated advice, rather than referring dog owners to someone, who is qualified, through appropriate and acceptable training, we will continue to see more and more dogs in shelters.

The alternative is our communities and dog related businesses, need to seek out qualified individuals and refer pet owners to them. In turn, these professional behavior consultants will utilize dog day cares, dog walkers, and other dog trainers if they fit into the behavior modification program, designed by the behavior consultant, and fitting that individual dogs needs.

The needs of the family and dog must be addressed first; this means the behavior consultant identifies the underlying problem/conflict as defined by the family. This means bringing the family together in agreement how best to solve the problem, then putting together a plan that works for the entire family, to solve the problem and/or conflict, as well as making sure the dogs needs are met as well.

A good place to find qualified behavior experts are these organizations, the International Association of Behavior Consultants www.iaabc.org , the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists www.veterinarybehaviorists.org/ , the Animal Behavior Society www.animalbehavior.org.

When your business uses the right individuals, it creates a win-win situation for everyone, most of all you are ensuring the pet gets the best care possible.

Much of the problem is there are no regulations in the dog training, or dog behavior industry, so businesses are not required to seek out professional behavior consultants. So those of us who specialize in the behavior industry need to educate businesses about these differences, otherwise, the continuing result will be, more and more dogs, will either be given up to shelters or euthanized out of frustration, and potential dog owners , will be less likely to purchase and/or adopt dogs in the future.

In these uncertain economic times, I increasing get frustrated when I see dog organizations including shelters and rescues, dog boutiques, and large box pet stores, dog trainers and veterinarians not specializing in behavior, give little attention where they refer clients.
This has an impact on the welfare of pets, your clients and/or customers. Often owners are so frustrated over the unresolved problem they eventually give up and relinquish their pet.

As a founding member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants www.iaabc.org , it has always been our goal to “assist and educate owners and handlers of companion animals to prevent problems and to interrupt the cycle of inappropriate punishment, rejection, and euthanasia of animals with behavior problems that are resolvable.”

I keep a complete resume posted on my website www.responsibledog.net . It is a chronological compilation www.responsibledog.net/certifications.html of my on-going training and behavior background. I publish and keep it updated so potential clients and/or others interested in my services, am apprised of my education and skill level.

Many of the seminars, workshops, conferences and private/semi-private mentoring sessions I attend, commonly referred to, in all teaching environments, are continuing educational units (CEU’s). I am meeting minimum standards suggested by the Journal Veterinary Behavior (2006, 1, 47-52) for dog trainers.

So, if someone calling themselves a behavior specialist/behaviorist is unable to provide up to date certificates of continuing education, related to the field of behavior, then you should look elsewhere, not only for your own sake, but also for the pet you care so much about.

Responsible Dog & Cat
Training and Behavior Solutions
Combining Art and Science for Training Animals

Joyce D. Kesling, CDBC
P.O. Box 15992
Sarasota, Florida 34277
941-966-1188 ~ 941-587-2049
http://responsibledog.net
http://responsibledog.wordpress.com/
http://k9psych.wordpress.com/
http://k9psych.blogspot.com/

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Are Dog Trainers and Behavior Specialists all the Same? Is it important the public be informed about differences?

“Good trainers How to identify one and why this is important to your practice of veterinary medicine”

The proceeding quote was the title for an article published in a peer-reviewed journal (JVB, 2006, 1, 47-52) in 2006, I wonder how many veterinarians, with practices centered on treating medical problems read the article. My point here is not to disparage veterinarians who practice medicine, but rather I am concerned that very few veterinarians understand a dog’s behavioral health is as important as their physical wellness.

However, the purpose for this paper is to clarify some of the glaring differences between dog trainers and those who specialize in behavior. For example, there are behaviorists who belong to the Animal Behavior Society, and similar organizations, and board certified veterinary behaviorists who are not only veterinarians but have additional credentials in behavioral studies. Then we have certified specialists in behavior, like me who belong to the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants www.iaabc.org certified through the organization. We are required to meet five core areas of expertise put together by committee, with input and participation by a board certified veterinary member. IAABC is devoted to providing outstanding specialists, who can fill in the gaps since so few of these more credentialed individuals are not available in many regions and communities.

The article referenced above outlined recommended criteria for veterinarians to look for when referring clients from their practice to dog trainers, however in most if not all instances, the referral is for behavior problems, not training. Dog trainers are often not skilled in treating an actual behavior problem. Behavior problems are complex, i.e. a jumping dog does not necessarily indicate a lack of training; it could indicate other more complex issues. Therefore, it is important for veterinarians, and the public to recognize there are differences, this will not only reflect on their practice, but dogs may not get the right help they really need.

Dog trainers have traditionally been just that, running classes, teaching owners, and their dog basic and/or advanced obedience. The most basic trained skills often mean teaching dogs to sit, down, stay, wait, look at me, and recall training. In some instances, dog trainers are especially skilled in certain dog sports like agility, fly ball, hunting, SAR, therapy and service work. A few years ago, Rally classes were introduced; offering a more relaxed training process, and more recently the AKC is allowing mutts to participate in obedience but not with the purebreds!

For those of you who fit this next category, there is some dog trainers, I will refer to as cross-trained, or perhaps for a better use of words they are further educated in behavior, in addition to having dog training skills. I am emphasizing this point because problem solving requires a completely different skill set and base of knowledge, than just training dogs. I guarantee the dog trainer you would encounter at a retail dog store teaching lessons will likely not possess these same skill sets.

There are also two schools of thought within the behavioral sciences and sometimes they are interconnected. The traditional behaviorist uses a more mechanistic approach to problem solving, and those schooled more in ethology look for underlying causes for behavior. I actually utilize both approaches but with an emphasis more on ethology, I want to identify the source of the dogs problem, as defined by the owner, and identify any anxiety and deal with that first, then we move on to how we can change the dog’s environment, so we remove the stress.

Referring back to the original published article on how to identify a good dog trainer, the first thing scientists suggest is look for is what type of continuing education (CEU’s) does the trainer engage in and how often does he or she do so? This can be tricky because the industry is not regulated, and just about, anyone can print up business cards and call themselves a dog trainer. However, if veterinarians and dog owners ask to see certificates (CEU’s) of completion, and took the time to look them over, that is a starting point in your qualification process. If a person cannot provide proof of continuing education, then you should be wary to engage in hiring that individual, and continue to look for and/or ask for a referral from a trusted source. You want to know that the trainer, you are considering hiring is actually educated even as a dog trainer!

Some dog trainers belong to organizations like the APDT www.apdt.com , but with thousands of members, lacking strict accountability, you will need to do your homework in finding the right dog trainer. The organization does emphasize using positive reinforcement, but with a mixed bag of training philosophies and methods, experience and knowledge, you need to be careful in evaluating anyone recommended by this organization. There are other organizations i.e. NADOI and big box pet stores e.g. Pets Mart that offer in-house dog training programs but these programs are designed for the beginning dog trainer. That is where I got started nine years ago. Wow how time flies, but this limits the reliability for behavioral advice and training you and your dog receive. This could be an instance; you get what you pay for!

If you carefully screen dog trainers under consideration, you will likely find one that does not use punishment-training methods, and excludes the use of shock collars (e-stimulus devices – very limited effective use), choke collars, and prong collars, according to research studies these tools actually “increase fear and anxiety.”

What often occurs, owners may interrupt, and/or it may appear, they are extinguishing an undesirable behavior. However, the dog may turn to a completely new behavior, sometimes referred to as displacement or appeasement behavior in its place and/or you will notice signs of stress, when you are around your pet. Unless, you are skilled in recognizing stress related behavior you may think your dog has now developed a new problem.

This is WHY it is so important to identify the source/motivation for the undesirable behavior, and then you need to change the environment, relieving any stress associated with the problem behavior. Read Why consider the use of Shock Collars (E-Stimulus Devices) carefully for a more in-depth explanation before you make the mistake of using these devices in the wrong context/environment and for the wrong reason.

The difference between a certified dog behavior consultant and professional dog trainer, and member of IAABC www.iaabc.org , is we are required to maintain 30 CEU’s every two years, the courses must be preapproved, and the amount of credited CEU’s is based on the level of material covered. The courses approved, could be those required to fulfill an application for certification and/or continuing education for certified members, in a specialty field. For example, I recently attended a two-day seminar, taught by Dr. Myrna Milani, MS, DVM www.mmilani.com covering ethology and received 13 CEU’s.

Keep in mind these suggested guidelines are suggestions; however, I do agree with the outlined criteria, for identifying a good trainer, but think not enough is being done to delineate the differences between dog trainers and those specializing in behavior.

Source and produced by the Advanced Behavior Course at the North American Veterinary Conference, Post Graduate Institute (NAVC PGI), 2004¹.

Responsible Dog & Cat
Training and Behavior Solutions
Combining Art and Science for Training Animals
Joyce D. Kesling, CDBC
P.O. Box 15992
Sarasota, Florida 34277
941-966-1188 ~ 941-587-2049

http://responsibledog.net
http://responsibledog.wordpress.com/
http://k9psych.wordpress.com/
http://k9psych.blogspot.com/
The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. Mahatma Gandhi 1869 – 1948
Copyright Responsible Dog & Cat 2009

Friday, August 7, 2009

Florida, Sarasota, Dog Boarding, Kenneling, Dog Sitting Services

Boarding, Kenneling, Dog Sitting Services

How does one choose the right service and what considerations should be evaluated?

With all the choices available for boarding, kenneling, dog sitting, some even coming with fancy names like bed and breakfasts, doggie spas, motels and hotels, it might seem like an overwhelming choice for the average owner in selecting the proper boarding facility. However, in spite of luxurious claims compared to a bare bones facility, the most important consideration should be providing a safe, secure, predictable environment, with friendly and competently trained staff.

Before you make your decision, you should visit the facility; your visit should be welcome if not encouraged by management and staff. I consider it an important part of the decision making process. This provides the owner a visual representation where their pet will be kept and viewing outdoor areas used for potty and play.

Any questions and concerns should be answered to your satisfaction; because it is important while you are away that you feel comfortable, knowing your pet is being cared for properly.

Depending on the specific environment you choose, it should be a priority to evaluate the kennel staff experience and expertise in normal dog behavior, training, and general knowledge concerning dogs and cats. Ask how much training the staff has received, where and for how long. Beware of franchise establishments their staff has little to no experience believe me, I inquired!

If you choose to board in a facility-offering dog daycare or interactive activities including other dogs, it’s even more important the staff is sufficiently educated in normal dog behavior, dog communication, recognizing behavior problems and emphasis on aggression.

What are bare bone considerations when selecting a kennel?

Cleanliness is the most important feature you should consider. This should include proper sanitation procedures preventing spread of contagious disease. See important information concerning fecal matter below.
All accommodations including kennels, crates, outdoor-indoor runs or private rooms should be clean and odor free and pets should appear clean and well cared for.
Check designated potty areas and outdoor play areas. These areas should be free from accumulated fecal matter and depending on substrate routinely cleaned.
Ask how fecal matter is disposed of. Kennel facilities should take responsibility how fecal material is treated and disposed. See important information concerning fecal matter below.
Exercise should be a concern, ask how often it’s provided. Some kennels offer extra exercise opportunities at additional costs.
Ask to see the outdoor toilet areas your dog will be using, how often access is provided. Normal
dogs need toilet breaks at least every 6 hours, the only exception during normal sleeping hours.
Providing natural daylight is a plus, good air circulation and proper ventilation decreases risk of spreading disease.
Consider the number of staff compared to number of animals. A greater number of staff versus animals may indicate more individual attention. This depends on the environment provided, dogs kept in outdoor-indoor kennels, runs, or cages don’t usually get much attention.
Ask about veterinary care procedures in case of an emergency. Personal preferences should be discussed with the kennel owner.
If your pet requires medication or other treatments, make sure the kennel staff can accommodate your pet needs.
Grooming services are often required in kennels. Sending pets home clean or freshly groomed is a plus. You want to make sure the groomer is sufficiently trained in proper grooming procedures. Providing dogs with baths and grooming requires two completely different amounts of skill.
Make sure someone lives on the premises; fires or other natural disasters do occur. Kennels often do not provide this protection.
Ask if the owner carries liability insurance, especially for this type of business
Make sure you include emergency information or instructions; this should be included on the boarding intake form.

What you should know and consider when boarding, using a pet sitter or swanky spa!

When boarding includes socialization privileges

A well-socialized dog could be characterized by how readily it interacts and plays with other dogs. However, dogs will be dogs! In most cases, if there are altercations, they are often minor, but one cannot be careful enough when allowing a group of dogs to interact. If you decide to board your pet in this type of environment, make sure the staff have good working knowledge how dogs communicate, meaning they can read dogs well and have the ability to handle multiple dogs while keeping every one safe.

Often these kinds of businesses include behavior assessments, however, future behavior is not always predictable and there is always a chance that dogs may not get along with specific dogs. It’s best in these environments that numbers be limited by the effectiveness of staff, and sometimes alternating dogs in smaller groups, giving consideration to size, breed and personality can help provide safety while still providing interaction and socialization opportunity.

It’s your responsibility to make sure your dog is safe so your decision should include evaluating the level of expertise concerning animal behavior when boarding your pet in these types of environments. If the staff is not sufficiently educated in normal dog or cat behavior, and specifically aggression, how to manage it, recognize it and modify it, then you should be concerned about your dog’s welfare.

When boarding you don’t want your dog learning bad habits, proactive owners are concerned in preventing behavior problems and it’s not uncommon when dogs return from kennels poor habits have developed resulting from insufficient housing, management, exposure to dogs with bad habits and generally poor care.

Is stress a consideration during boarding?

“Stress occurs when any demand is placed upon a dog that requires the dog to change or adjust” (Lindsay, 2000). For stress to occur events or situations do not have to be unpleasant, rather any biological or psychological demand placed on an animal is capable of producing stress. There are certain amounts of healthy stress animals are capable of adapting to, however chronic stress may lead to stress-related medical conditions.

This is an important consideration when making your decision on how, where and under what conditions you board your animals. Stress-related hormonal changes occur during separation in a number of species. Tuber and colleagues (1996) studied dogs and found a “differential glucocorticoid (cortisol and corticosterone) response” occurs during five conditions of separation.

1. Alone in a novel environment2. With a conspecific (another dog) in a novel environment3. Alone in a familiar environment4. With a human in a novel environment5. With a conspecific (another dog) in a familiar environment.

The results of their study showed dogs left alone in novel environments had the highest level of cortisol output with the lowest level occurring in home kennels with a familiar conspecific. However, dogs tested in novel environments with a human companion had significantly lower cortisol levels when compared to dogs kept in the novel environment with a conspecific. These results lend support when considering your decision concerning your dog’s welfare when kenneling or boarding.

What exactly does Your dog prefer?

According to these studies, dogs prefer the company of humans even in novel (unfamiliar) environments compared to dogs kept/left in home environments even with a familiar dog! This means, you need to consider your dogs stress levels when using a pet sitter who drops by on occasion sometimes no longer than 30 minutes. Compared to a kennel alternative that meets your dogs needs for socialization as well as human contact, it’s almost a no brainer.

Things you might want to include for your pets comfort

• A favorite bed, blanket, toy may help your pet feel at home. Other dogs can destroy these items, unless provided under privately managed housing.
• Send your own food – pets can get stressed away from home, abrupt changes in diet can cause gastrointestinal upset that may include vomiting and diarrhea, you don’t want to stress your pet more than she/he needs to be.
• You may want to include any special treats or chew items, make sure the kennel accepts these as part of their overall care.

Why is disposing fecal matter so important?

If fecal matter is not removed regularly (immediately), dogs will not continue to potty in designated areas. During housetraining, teaching the dog proper locations should be of utmost priority. Dogs will not continue to use designated potty areas contaminated with fecal matter, instead moving to other locations within the yard. When we remove feces, our dogs will continue to use designated areas, providing ideal housetraining.

Additionally, feces should be removed because it creates a foul odor, is unsightly to humans, and presents a public health hazard. The public hazard comes in the form of Toxocara canis, which is larvae deposited in dog stools that become mature and infective after two to three days. During the summer months, it is even more hazardous when the sun dries the fecal matter allowing wind to carry it, contaminating everything in the area.

Additionally, feces provides an excellent breeding place for flies, according to Dunbar (1986) “a single dog fecal deposit” provides for the proliferation of up to 588 flies! (Yuk) These mature flies then spread not only the toxocara larvae but also other infectious disease. These flies find their way into our homes, carrying these infectious agents. The best prevention is clean up fecal matter before flies have the opportunity to lay eggs. For owners, this is easily done using plastic bags, tying them up and disposing of them. When considering a boarding facility, you should ask how this material is being processed. You want to ask, because you don’t want to expose your pet to unnecessary illness or disease.

Lastly, this a responsible dog owner’s duty, not only does ignoring this responsibility cause potential public health problems, it does not promote good pet management and consideration of neighbors!

Health and Vaccination Requirements

All dogs and cats should be healthy and free of disease contagious to other animals. Pet owners who have pets with medical problems and currently being treated and stable should advise the kennel owner or staff prior to boarding to ensure the kennel staff could accommodate your pets’ needs.

Many products are available for treating fleas, ticks or other external or internal parasite, your pet should be treated prior to any scheduled boarding. Some kennels will treat dogs or cats if any external parasites are noticed and charge you for the treatment.

Some kennels may require health certificates or proof of vaccinations from your veterinarian. Because some veterinarians do not routinely vaccinate every year for DHLPP (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza and parvovirus), your dog may not have all the vaccinations a kennel or boarding facility may require. It’s best to ask what an individual kennels policy is concerning vaccinations because “there is no generally accepted rule regarding vaccinations in dogs.”

FYI – Information concerning vaccination protocols

Among the veterinary community there is developing a “diversity of opinion” concerning which vaccines should be administered, frequency and safety of administering vaccines as well as their protective value.

The veterinary community attempting to individualize immunization programs has divided vaccine protocols into Core and Non-Core groups. Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs, Non-Core are recommended for dogs at risk, due to lifestyle, or exposure to infectious disease. Core vaccines are determined by infectious ability and transference to other dogs and humans.
Due to vaccine safety risks, this debate is of concern, the benefits of vaccination are well recognized, there are reports of “injection-site tumors in cats, vaccine associated autoimmune disease in dogs” and vaccine reactions occurring after booster administration. This causes concern whether or not vaccines should be administered to all dogs and if annual booster administration is necessary for continued protection.

Recent publications suggest current vaccination schedules do not address effectiveness of vaccines protective immunity, saying, “depending on the infectious agent… protective immune response may persist for years” after vaccination questioning the continuance of boosters. However, no published data substantiates any “uniform standard” concerning the duration of any vaccine-induced immunity with the exception of rabies.

Finally, Non-Core vaccines should be considered based on risk assessment for individual dogs, taking into consideration the dog’s history, environment and infectious agent of concern. Some Non-Core vaccines include Canine Bordetella, parinfluenza, Leptospira, coronavirus, Giardia, and Borrelia (Lyme disease). It is suggested vaccines that do not present risk to a dog be excluded from any vaccination protocol; clients should rely on their veterinarian to guide their choices, what is best for their individual pet.

References

Dunbar, Ian & Bohnenkamp, Gwen. Behavior Booklets – Housetraining Supplement.CA: James & Kenneth. 1986.

Mansfield, Philip, DVM. (2000). Vaccination Issues of Concern to Dog Owners.Retrieved from: http://www.scwtca.org/pdf/bmarch/28.2Mansfield.pdf#search=’philip%20D.%20Mansfield%2C%20D.V.M

Responsible Dog & CatDog Training and Dog Behavior Solutions

Joyce D. Kesling, CDBC

Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Profesional Dog Trainer

Sarasota, Florida 34277

941-966-1188

http://responsibledog.net
http://responsibledog.wordpress.com/

http://k9psych.wordpress.com/

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. Mahatma Gandhi 1869 – 1948

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Responsible Dog & Cat, located in Sarasota Florida is simply the best dog and puppy training available on Florida’s east coast!

Responsible Dog & Cat located in Sarasota FL provides the best Florida adult dog and puppy training instruction and classes available. We are a full service business offering Florida dog boarding and dog daycare. Responsible Dog & Cat serves the following communities: Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Osprey, Nokomis, and Venice.

Our service options meet all your dogs’ needs:

Puppy classes ~ Private and Group
Problem solving behavior classes
Specially designed behavior and training programs
Dog boarding
Dog daycare
Telephone consultations

Warning about using pet sitters read Pet Sitting Personal Attention or Madame Running Prostitution Business! It was shocking to find out how impersonal and problematic this pet business could be for your pets.