Dog Training Made Easy | Guest Post

Today we have a guest post from the Dog Daddy at our house.  He has his own method of dog training and shares it below.

Dog training made easy.
We have used this method of dog training for many years and have found it to be easy and very successful. 

There are a few things that you will need that are very important. 

First you need an adult well trained dog. Preferably one that has lived in your household for most of its life. 

Second you will need lots of dog toys. The first dog toy we can remember was a stuffed monkey. So ever since we have referred to dog toys as monkeys. I am talking about all manner of stuffed, soft or hard dog toys.

The third step is to go to an animal shelter or a responsible dog breeder and adopt a puppy. 

So now you will have two dogs. Having had as many as 4 dogs in our family at once I believe the more the merrier. 

But you don’t need 4, you only need the two prior mentioned dogs. An adult and a puppy.

The next step is essential, but easy.  You take the puppy home and love it while not neglecting your adult dog. 

Your adult dog will take it from there. 

Puppies are a lot like children, they look up to their elders and try to act like them. When your older dog goes out to do its business be sure to take your puppy along and it will much more quickly learn to go outside to do its business. 

If your adult dog chews only on monkeys then your puppy will learn to only chew on monkeys. If your adult dog thinks one of its jobs is to protect the family your puppy will learn to protect you. The list goes on and on. 

By now you can see why it is essential that the adult dog is well trained. If it is not your puppy will also pick up on any bad habits.

Those of you who read this blog will remember Tucker; he was head of security at For Love Of A Dog and one of the original talking dogs. We have always had a very large back yard and Tucker was great at patrolling the perimeter. Every time he went out he would run the fence. Since then, all our dogs have patrolled the fence because Tucker taught them to do it.

 Lucy, former design diva at For Love Of A Dog, was Sue's constant companion. Now that Lucy is waiting at the rainbow bridge, Jeffie has taken over that task and is almost always at Sues side because Lucy taught him to do it.

Of course this is not all you need to do. 

You will still need to properly socialize your puppy by taking it for walks, getting the puppy out in the world and around a lot of different people. It is good to do some of this without the adult dog so the puppy will learn some independence since it will likely have to live part of its life without its tutor. 

By that time your puppy will be a grown adult dog who will be ready to teach your next puppy the ropes of life in your household. 

The cycle continues.

Dog Song Saturday: A Doggy Beach Party

It's Saturday, so time for a dog song at Talking Dogs.  Kick off your weekend with a little dog video fun.  Technically, today's selection is not a dog song, however when you watch this video you'll see why we chose to share it.  Walking On Sunshine is performed by Aly and AJ and is background music for a group of friends having some fun at the beach.   However, they're not just any friends, as you'll soon see.

Given that summer is winding down and fall is just around the corner, what better way to celebrate the last gasp of summer than a doggy beach video.  These dogs have been trained in the Mirror Method and you may recognize some of them from their incredible Christmas dog video.

Grab a dog.  Sit. Stay. Relax and enjoy Walking On Sunshine and a doggy beach holiday.  Fetch more dog song videos at Talking Dogs.  Be sure to scroll down below today's video to explore some barking good blogs because today is a Pet Blogger Hop. 

Dog Scouts of America

Photo: Dog Scouts of America

Badges, camp outs, cookie drives, troops.  Sounds like Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, right?  Wrong!  It's the Dog Scouts of America!

Founded in 1995 by Lonnie Olson, the Dog Scouts of America (DSA) is a non-profit organization of people who are dedicated to enriching their own lives and the lives of others with dogs.  

The Dog Scout Owner's Motto:  Our dog's lives are much shorter than ours - let's help them enjoy their time with us as much as we can.


Any dog can become a Dog Scout.  The only requirement is that the dog and owner must be able to pass a test proving the owner is responsible and the dog is well mannered and not a danger toward humans and other dogs.  Members are encouraged to pursue badge activities either within a troop or on their own.  


Some Dog Scouts pursue backpacking and add miles toward their backpacking titles.  Many Dog Scouts become involved in civic activities like waking in charity walk-a-thons, creating fundraising events for charity, and do pet therapy visits.  And, yes, Dog Scouts go camping at their own Dog Scout camp.  

Photo: Dog Scouts of America

Dog Scout Badges can be earned in many different activities including: Trails, Water, Agility, Obedience, Nose Work, Pulling, Community, and more.


Dog Scouts of America have troops in 22 states.  Don't see a troop in your state?  Consider starting one.

Dog Scouts of America - good for dog owners and their dogs.  Fetch membership information now!

Fearful Dog Seminar with Nicole Wilde

Help for Your Fearful Dog

Presented by Nicole Wilde

Saturday, September 10, 2011

9 AM to 4:30 PM

Humane Society of Missouri, 1201 Macklind Ave, St Louis, MO

$90 per person - CEU's may be awarded or applied for

Anxiety, fearfulness and phobias are some of the most challenging behaviors dog owners, trainer, shelter/rescue workers and other canine professionals are confront with daily,.  Based on her award winning book Help for Your Fearful Dog, this one day workshop uses lecture, photographs and videos to explore ways to effectively, humanely, and safely work with fearful dogs.  Nicole will also overlap into the area of fearful aggression.

Topics will include:

• Causes and prevention
• How fear manifests
• The body language of fear (including common and lesser known stress signals)
• How to live, manage and work safely with fearful dogs in the home
• Information about group classes
• A "Firm Foundation" program on which dogs can build confidence
• Skills owners should know and utilize
• Skills dog should learn and practice
• What training equipment is (and is not) appropriate

 This workshop features interactive exercises.  Audience participation is highly encourage.  Nicole will also discuss how complimentary therapies can make your behavior modification plan even more successful and the importance of making your veterinarian a part of the plan.  No matter your experience level, this workshop will provide a better understanding of shy, anxious, and fearful dogs, and many new techniques and ideas you can apply immediately.

Nicole Wilde, CPDT-KA is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.  She is on the Advisory Board for both the Companion Animal Sciences Institute and the Association of Animal Behavior Professionals.  Read more about Nicole Wilde here, plus you can find Nicole's blog here.

For more information about this Fearful Dog Seminar or to make your reservation, you can call Linda Campbell at 314-951-1510 or visit the Humane Society of Missouri web site.

Missouri Puppies for Parole Dog Training Program

We've barked quite a bit about the Missouri Puppies for Parole program and are pleased that it is now operating in 13 of Missouri's prisons.  It's definitely a winning proposition for everyone involved.  Dogs from animal shelters get another chance for a good home by receiving training which can include house breaking, basic obedience, and some even learn sign language.  Offenders get a chance to contribute to society, engage in something positive and learn a new skill.  And the program doesn't cost taxpayers a dime.  All the pet food and supplies are donated.

To date over 250 dogs have been trained and adopted.  Notable success stories include Sparky, a dachshund that was scheduled for euthanasia because he is deaf.  Missouri prison offenders took the dog and taught him sign language.  They then raised the money to pay for the dog's adoption fee and donated Sparky to the Missouri School for the Deaf.  Students there continue Sparky's lessons.

Another is the case of Knuckles who was returned to animal shelters twice due to behavior problems.  After his Puppies for Parole training, he was placed in a home as a companion for a little girl with Autism.  The little girl bonded with Knuckles immediately and is now able to sleep through the night.

 

Adopt Bailey a Deaf Dalmation Dog: MO Puppies for Parole

Bailey, deaf Dalmation dog at MO Puppies for Parole  

Yes, you read that correctly. Bailey is deaf. And she knows sign language.

Bailey is a female Dalmation dog that is being trained at the Jefferson City Correctional Center through the Missouri Puppies for Parole program. Her parole office is the Jefferson City Animal shelter (which means that is the shelter she came from and from where she may be adopted.

Bailey was pulled from the shelter and placed in the MO Puppies for Parole program when she was only 13 weeks old. Definitely cute and oh, so smart, she immediately stole the hearts of everyone. Her trainers have taught her sign language and she already knows how to sit, stay and roll over.

Puppies for Parole is a unique program made possible through partnerships with animal shelters and animal advocate groups statewide. Selected offenders have the opportunity to become trainers to rescue dogs in the program. Offenders work with the dogs teaching them basic obedience skills and properly socializing the animals, making them more adoptable. Once the dogs have successfully completed the program they will be sent back to their original shelter to be placed up for adoption. Last year in Missouri, more than 46,000 homeless canines were euthanized. Puppies for Parole hopes to reduce that number by producing loving, obedient, adoptable dogs.

Adopt Stripe: Border Collie Mix Dog from MO Puppies for Parole

Border Collie Mix, Stripe - photo Mo Dept of Corrections

Stripe is a female Border Collie mixed breed dog.  She's in the MO Puppies for Parole program at the Farmington Correctional Center.  Right now her trainer is working with Stripe on focus exercises and self confidence because she's timid and afraid of pretty much everything.  Her parole office is Massas Creek (and that's who will supervise her adoption into a forever home.)

Puppies for Parole is a unique program made possible through partnerships with animal shelters and animal advocate groups statewide. Selected offenders have the opportunity to become trainers to rescue dogs in the program. Offenders work with the dogs teaching them basic obedience skills and properly socializing the animals, making them more adoptable. Once the dogs have successfully completed the program they will be sent back to their original shelter to be placed up for adoption. Last year in Missouri, more than 46,000 homeless canines were euthanized. Puppies for Parole hopes to reduce that number by producing loving, obedient, adoptable dogs.

Soaring Border Collie: Freestyle Flying Disc Purina Incredible Dog Challenge

We all have spring fever at For Love of a Dog.  The past few days have found us outside playing jolly ball and frisbe.  Well, Lucy and Tucker are mostly appreciate spectators.  However, Jeffie is trying hard to teach puppy Rudy how its all done.  If any of us needed some inspiration this video from the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge would do the trick.

This gorgeous Border Collie dog, Sienna, competes in the Freestyle Flying Disc competitions with her partner, Preston Dean.  This young Floridian trained his dog in the sport and they are now nationally ranked champions.  This is a terrific interview with Preston, interlaced with absolutely awesome video footage of he and his dog competing.

None of us will ever be this good...  but its good to have a goal, right?!

Dog IQ Test: How Smart is Your Dog

With the exception of what appears to be senility for Tucker, we happen to think our dogs are pretty darn smart.  Right now I've got Gary watching this video (below) that explains the rules for a dog IQ test.  Pretty simple tasks and, since they all involve treats, we think our dogs should do pretty well.  

We'll let you know how the For Love of a Dog dogs do in a future Talking Dogs blog post.  In the meantime take a look at this competition between a Puggle, an English Bulldog, and a Bernese Mountain Dog.  Though it is a bit of cheat, I have to say that if you're as beautiful as this Berner, who needs smarts?

Watch this battle of the doggie brains video from Purina, jot down the tasks and scoring, put your dogs through their paces and let us know how you do!

Adopt Gizmo: Golden Retriever Corgi Mixed Breed Dog from MO Puppies for Parole

Gizmo, Golden Retriever mixed breed dog at
Missouri Puppies for Parole

Now here's some good news.  Not only is Missouri Puppies for Parole is about to adopt its 200th dog, but this successful private / public partnership program is set to expand into two more prisons this spring.  That will bring the total to 14 of Missouri's state prisons participating. 

Talk about a winning proposition.  Puppies for Parole operates without the use of any taxpayer dollars.  Dogs from animal shelters and animal advocacy groups are trained by prison inmates and then are available for adoption to the public.  Obviously, the dogs and shelters benefit:  these dogs become more adoptable.  However, the inmates involved in the program benefit as well.

Considering adding a new dog to your family?  Just take a look at the sweet face on Gizmo.  He's a young Golden Retriever / Corgi mixed breed dog.  Gizmo is receiving his training at the Western Reception Diagnostic and Correctional Center;  his parole office is the St Joseph Animal Control and Rescue.  According to his trainer, Gizmo is already a nice dog, but they're working on some anxiety issues due to his recent separation from his owners. 

Adopt Bella the Dog - Trained at MO Puppies for Parole Program

Bella, an Adoptable Dog from MO Puppies for Parole

Bella is a young, female, mixed breed dog available for adoption.  Currently enrolled in the Puppies for Parole training program at the Jefferson City Correctional Center, Bella's parole office is the Jefferson City Animal Shelter.

According to her trainer, Bella hates cats.  In fact, chaising cats, especially those easy to catch kittens, is why Bella found herself homeless and at the animal shelter.  Though they have not been able to work on that nasty habit specifically, her trainer assures us that will be consideration for future placement.  Sounds like Bella needs a no-cats home.

Bella is learning basic obedience and housebreaking with positive reinforcement.  She loves to run and play.  If you're looking for a young, energetic canine companion who already is housebroken and knows basic obedience commands, Bella just might be the perfect dog for you.  For more information about Bella and other dogs in the Puppies for Parole program, contact them today.

Puppies for Parole is a unique program made possible through partnerships with animal shelters and animal advocate groups statewide. Selected offenders have the opportunity to become trainers to rescue dogs in the program. Offenders work with the dogs teaching them basic obedience skills and properly socializing the animals, making them more adoptable. Once the dogs have successfully completed the program they will be sent back to their original shelter to be placed up for adoption. Last year in Missouri, more than 46,000 homeless canines were euthanized. Puppies for Parole hopes to reduce that number by producing loving, obedient, adoptable dogs

Adopt Tink: An Adoptable Husky Dog at MO Puppies for Parole Training Program

Tink, Husky mixed breed dog at MO Puppies for Parole

Look at the sweet face on this dog!  Tink, a Husky mixed breed dog, is currently in the Missouri Puppies for Parole training program at the Jefferson City Correctional Center.  Tink's parole office is the Jefferson City Animal Shelter.

Tink is young and nowhere near full grown.  He is a bundle of enthusiasm.  Turned over to the animal shelter because his family could no longer afford to feed him, he'd also never had any veterinary care. 

If you have room in your life for Tink or a dog like him, surf on over to Puppies for Parole.

Puppies for Parole is a unique program made possible through partnerships with animal shelters and animal advocate groups statewide. Selected offenders have the opportunity to become trainers to rescue dogs in the program. Offenders work with the dogs teaching them basic obedience skills and properly socializing the animals, making them more adoptable. Once the dogs have successfully completed the program they will be sent back to their original shelter to be placed up for adoption. Last year in Missouri, more than 46,000 homeless canines were euthanized. Puppies for Parole hopes to reduce that number by producing loving, obedient, adoptable dogs

Adopt Jake: Black Dog from Missouri Puppies for Parole Training Program

Jack, black Lab mixed breed dog at Puppies for Parole

Its past time we featured a black dog!  Jack is a male black Lab mix dog.  He's currently at the Jefferson city Correctional Center for his training.  His trainer describes Jack as you, energetic and very intelligent.

Right now Puppies for Parole is working with Jack on basic obedience training.  Jack is still a puppy right now.  He does have a potential home waiting for him with a man who has Parkinsons Desease.  Puppies for Parole will be working with Jack on companion training.

If you're interested in Jack or a dog like him, contact the Missouri Puppies for Parole Program.

Puppies for Parole is a unique program made possible through their partnerships with animal shelters and animal advocate groups statewide. Selected offenders have the opportunity to become trainers to rescue dogs in the program. Offenders work with the dogs teaching them basic obedience skills and properly socializing the animals, making them more adoptable. Once the dogs have successfully completed the program they will be sent back to their original shelter to be placed up for adoption. Last year in Missouri, more than 46,000 homeless canines were euthanized. Puppies for Parole hopes to reduce that number by producing loving, obedient, adoptable dogs.

Missouri Puppies for Parole Dog Training Program

You've noticed that we've been barking about the Missouri Department of Corrections Puppies for Parole program.  We've encouraged you to explore adopting a dog from this training program because it benefits Missouri animal shelters, but also contributes to the growth and rehabilitation of offenders currently incarcerated in Missouri.  We've explained the program in words, but a video is soooo much better!

Grab a dog.  Sit.  Stay.  Learn how shelter dogs are being saved by Puppies for Parole.

New Pet Boutique in Kansas City - Whiskers and Wags Outfitters at Wayside Waifs

Whiskers and Wags Outfitters at Wayside Waifs
in Kansas City Missouri

If you live in the Kansas City area, you have a new resource for pet food, toys, treats and training materials.  Whiskers and Wags Outfitters is a new boutique inside the Harold and Marilyn Melcher Adoption Center at Wayside Waifs.  All proceeds help homeless animals.

They carry a full line of high quality pet supplies and training items, pet inspired gifts, Wayside Waifs logo apparel and children's books.  They even have their own blend of Roasterie coffee:  The Rescue Me blend.

Shop for pet necessities, and just plain fun dog and cat fun stuff, knowing that you're supporting the largest no-kill animal shelter in Kansas City.  Wayside Waifs places more than 5,000 animals in new homes each year.

Whiskers and Wags Outfitters are located at Wayside Waifs, 3901 Martha Truman Road in Kansas City, MO.  Store hours are:  Wednesday through Friday from 2 to 8 PM;  Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6 PM.  Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

At For Love of a Dog we have a special place in our hearts for Wayside Waifs.  Afterall, that's where we found Sherman who gave us such joy for so many years.

Adopt Dawn an Adoptable Dog Trained by MO Puppies for Parole

Dawn - an adoptable dog from the Missouri
Puppies from Parole program

For Love of a Dog would like to introduce you to Dawn, a Pekingese dog available for adoption.

Dawn is a female Pekingese dog who is receiving her training at the Western Missouri Correctional Center through the Puppies for Parole program. Her parole office is the City of Cameron Animal Control and Shelter. (which means that is the Puppies for Parole shelter / rescue partner for Dawn.)

Dawn was a puppy mill breeding dog.  She's friendly and has become housebroken quickly.  However, her regal nature does not take kindly to being told what to do.  Learning commands is coming slowly.

Puppies for Parole is a program of the Missouri Department of Corrections made possible through partnerships with animal shelters and animal advocate groups statewide. Selected offenders have the opportunity to become trainers to rescue dogs in the program. Offenders work with the dogs teaching them basic obedience skills and properly socializing the animals, making them more adoptable. Once the dogs have successfully completed the program they are sent back to their original shelter to be placed up for adoption. Last year in Missouri, more than 46,000 homeless canines were euthanized. Puppies for Parole hopes to reduce that number by producing loving, obedient, adoptable dogs.

Dog Song: Life's a Game

It's Saturday.  At For Love of a Dog that means we need a dog song.   This one is so catchy.  We're all swaying to the music and singing along.  Fun video of dogs tells the message that in dog training it should be fun.  Here are the lyrics to get you in the mood:  Teach me the game called Sit & Stay,I'll teach you to chase your blues away. I can learn anything that you want, as long as you make it game...."

"Life's a Game" is one of 11 songs on the CD "Dog Tracks - Songs by Dogs". In addition to "Life's a Game" there's also:

Mama Was a Mutt,  Wishin' You Were Here,  I Gotta Go O-U-T,  Two-Way Street,  Time Goes By,  All-American Dogs,  Hobo'n Dog,  Please Come Home, 
I Wish I Was a Cat,  Take Me Home.

Grab a dog.  Sit.  Stay.  Relax and enjoy today's dog song and video:  Life's a Game.

Life. Unleashed. Canine Companions for Independence

You don't even have to be a softie like me for your heart to be grabbed and squeezed but good by the mere thought of this organization.  Canine Companions for Independence® provides highly-trained assistance dogs for children and adults with disabilities, free of charge. The most advanced technology capable of transforming the lives of people with disabilities has a cold nose and a warm heart.

Founded in 1975 in Santa Rosa, California, 2010 marks the 35th anniversary of this amazing organization.  In 1976 they placed their very first Canine Companions.  Today they have over 3,000 volunteers, have placed almost 3,500 Canine Companions and five regional offices.

CCI trains four types of assistance dogs:

• Service Teams - assist adults with physical disabilities by performing daily tasks.
• Hearing Teams - alert the deaf and hard of hearing to important sounds.
• Skilled Companion Teams - enhance independence for children and adults with physical, cognitive and developmental disabilities.
• Facility Teams - work with a professional in a visitation, education or healthcare setting.

 There is no charge for a Canine Companions assistance dog. Individual participants in our program are not responsible for any of the substantial costs involved in the lengthy process of breeding, raising, and training each Canine Companions assistance dog.  A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Canine Companions is funded by private contributions from individuals; gifts from businesses, civic groups, and service clubs; grants from corporations and foundations; and ongoing fundraising activities such as special events and mailings.

People with physical or developmental disabilities who can demonstrate that a Canine Companions assistance dog will enhance their independence or their quality of life are qualified to apply. Also eligible are professionals working for organizations that provide physical or mental health care to clients who will benefit from interaction with a facility dog.  CCI can only accept a limited number of applications per year. Although many individuals with disabilities are eligible and in need of an assistance dog, CCI will determine and select those individuals where the tasks provided by CCI's highly trained dogs will be of the greatest benefit.

For more information about Canine Companions for Indepedence visit them on the web. You'll find more information about their intensive training program, as well as how to apply for a Canine Companion.

Adopt a Dog from Missouri Puppies for Parole

Humphrey, a Beagle mix
Photo courtesy of
MO Dept of Corrections
Puppies for Parole

Adopt a Shelter Dog Month is almost over, though any time is a good time to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or rescue.  You might want to consider adopting a dog that has completed one of the programs at your state's correctional facilities.  Yup, you read that right.  Many have wonderal training programs that benefit both the dog and the offender.

Here in Missouri, we have the Puppies for Parole program.  The MO Department of Corrections is partnering with animal shelters and animal advocate groups statewide. Selected offenders have the opportunity to become trainers to rescue dogs in the program. Offenders work with the dogs teaching them basic obedience skills and properly socializing the animals, making them more adoptable. Once the dogs have successfully completed the program they are be sent back to their original shelter to be placed up for adoption.

The Puppies for Parole program web site has photographs and information about each dog that is available for adoption.  The information includes the dog's breed, sex, the institution where the dog completed the program, the animal shelter partner, and a progress report of the dog's training.

Last year in Missouri, more than 46,000 homeless canines were euthanized. Puppies for Parole hopes to reduce that number by producing loving, obedient, adoptable dogs.  Visit the Puppies fr Parole program on the web to select your new best furry friend.