IN THIS ISSUE

Dog Trainer or Behavior Consultant?

On Air With Dan Rea 

How long does it take to train a dog? It depends as much on the dog as it does the owner(s). One thing's for sure, every dog needs more than just puppy socialization classes. For a complete education, check out my lineup of classes...

Puppy Foundation 

Adolescent Dog

Good Dog

Rowdy Rovers

Nose Work

 In Memory 

Daisy ~ My Bassett Hound Dog Girl  

Irie ~ My Chocky Dog Girl

I loved you both very much and will miss you forever.

Thank you for all you taught me.

Good Bye Old Friends

Recommended Businesses!

No Bones About It Dog Grooming and Daycare in Brookline, MA

Cause To Paws Pet Boutique in Brookline, MA

Happy Dog Day Care in Natick, MA

JP Animal Clinic in Jamaica Plain, MA

Pets In Motion Veterinary Rehab Center in Natick, MA

Flow Dog Canine Aquatic Fitness in Waltham, MA

Sterling Canine Rehab Center in Walpole, MA

First, you need to know what the difference is between a dog trainer and a dog behavior consultant. Much can be lost if you hire the wrong person to help you with your dog's particular issue(s). Dog training is not a regulated industry and dog behavior consulting is a relatively new industry.

Dog trainers focus on teaching people to train dogs to perform specific behaviors such as sit, down, stand, stay, come when called, drop things on cue, walk at your side and much more. An experienced, well-rounded trainer will use a variety of methods and tools to accomplish these tasks and will emphasize the need to apply what you teach to your daily interactions with your dog. To locate a professional dog trainer, visit the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT).

Most dog behavior consultants are also dog trainers. Dog behavior consultants look at the big picture* -- not just the dog and owner(s), but also the overall environment and life of the dog.

Dog behavior consultants consider how dogs perceive the world in every day interactions with people, dogs and other animals and observe the dog's behavior relative to the sights, sounds and more both indoors and out. Dog behavior consultants also understand how to adjust the use of tools and methodology to assure the success of a behavior modification plan.

Many dog behavior consultants work closely with general practice veterinarians and also refer cases directly to veterinary behaviorists. Professional dog behavior consultants do not advise clients in areas not in their field of expertise--such as diet and nutrition, vaccination protocols and whether to spay or neuter.

So, if your dog does not sit or lie down when asked or walk 'without trying to pull your arm off', this is the result of an incomplete education-- ie, your dog needs more training. On the other hand, if your dog gets into fights at the dog park and/or challenges every dog s/he meets on the street;  or you get a chill down your spine when confronted with your dog with a bone or other object in her mouth... you should speak with your veterinarian or look for a dog behavior consultant.  To locate a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), visit the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).

There's one more definition I must clarify. To refer to oneself as a behaviorist or dog behaviorist is only accurate IF the individual has an advanced degree such as a masters or doctorate. There are very few behaviorists in the United States who work with dogs. Many practice veterinarians advise on pet behavior problems and may refer to board certified veterinary behaviorists.

As to my qualifications-- I am a long time professional member of APDT, a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and a certified member of the IAABC. I also serve as the IAABC Dog Division Chair and Co-Chair of the IAABC Review Panel Committee.

*I must give credit to Ken McCort in clarifying my working definition of the difference between dog trainers and dog behavior consultants.

NightSide with Dan Rea

On Tuesday, July 20th, I sat in the WBZ NewsRadio 1030AM studio with Dan Rea to answer dog training and behavior calls from NightSide Nation's pet owners. I fielded a variety of questions including one on a cat behavior issue. Here's a few details of the calls and advice I gave:

Caller: An older Golden Retriever that has had thunderstorm issues for many years has recently begun to pee right where she is at the sound of thunder. The owner has been giving her Rescue Remedy in hopes that it will alleviate some of her dog's stress.

My advice: Since the problem is long standing, I suggested she talk with her veterinarian about a prescription medication rather than Rescue Remedy. I also noted that her veterinarian could seek advice on her behalf from a veterinary behaviorist at no cost to her. Behavior modification will likely not be able to touch this without taking the edge off her anxiety first. Medications have been studied whereas herbal remedies often have not-- which is why the FDA does not give them the stamp of approval.

Caller: A Wheaton Terrier who is fine when given treats from your hand but very scary when you walk by her when she is eating from her dog bowl. 

My advice: Being that this is very dangerous behavior, I could not ethically offer suggestions on air and instead, recommeded that she seek professional help as soon as possible.

Caller: A family with two dogs, a labrador and an Old English Bulldog, take the dogs with them to the lake. The Labrador jumps right in but the Bulldog cannot and so, s/he joins in the fun by taking up station at the end of the dock... nipping swimmers as they go by. The owner does not want the bulldog to feel left out.

My advice: Allowing the dog to continue the behavior will not change the behavior but will make it stronger. Bring him back off the dock and set up an alternative to lunging... Sit and stay out of reach for sliced hot dogs or another meaty enticement may give him a very different view of time spent at the lake. Most importantly, however, is that people are safe.

There were many other calls... too many to share here. Perhaps you'll call when I'm back on the show again. I'll post the date on my homepage!

Oh, and the cat behavior question... A young cat who loves to play also loves to bite the hands and legs of the owner. I suggested that very clear signals be given at the start of and end of a play session. When the cat is out of sight, pick up a toy - preferably a fishing pole thing on a string type toy to allow distance between cat and human-- and go to find him to invite him to play. At the end of the two or three minutes of vigorous interaction, end the game by consistently throwing the toy UP onto a vertical cat scratch post (cats need something in the home to climb up on and scratch). Resume whatever it was you were doing before you initiated play.

Dog Training Tune-Ups 

Before we know it, summer will be over.  Take advantage of more daylight to do more with your dog! You'll be amazed at the difference that just three one-hour sessions can make in your dog's responses to your requests. Sign up today!

In Dogs,
Vera

Vera E. Wilkinson CDBC, CPDT-KA
The Cooperative Dog