How To Keep Your Dog Calm During Fireworks

Well it's here. The time for fireworks is upon us. I've seen a few posts lately about how to get your dog through fireworks.

Do not. I repeat. Do not, buy a thunder shirt to get your dog through it. This is just like anything else. Make it a positive experience and a calming, soothing experience. Do not praise the dog for being afraid or timid. Instead, keep them calm, without offering any praise. Once your dog settles down, then you can praise and mark that behavior.

Make your dog work through it, without pushing them to their crisis point. Your dog needs to figure out the fireworks, noises and things do not hurt them, and it should be no big deal. If you have a dog which is in "freak out" mode, ease them into it slowly, making it positive.

There is no reason to walk the dog right up to the firework. Instead, start at a distance and work towards getting closer and closer, praising them as long as they are calm.

Thanks everyone.

Happy 4th of July weekend.

Wash The Dane

(photo credit: Kyra Prause Photography)

When Maligator Kennels first opened in November, 2014, we obviously had only a few clients (you could count them on one hand). I got a call from Brian and Heather Allred of Spanish Fork. Briefly, they told me they saw my ad online, and told me about their dog Wash. They both explained Wash was a Great Dane, only a few months old, and he was already over 100 LBS. They explained Wash was a great dog, he was well-mannered and respectful, but he got out of control when he saw another dog. Heather told me it normally wouldn't be as big of a problem, except Wash was a big dog and would drag her around, and she was helpless to stop it. 

I met both Brian and Heather at a park in Spanish Fork, Utah. As a way to assist them with training, I brought my dog, Sumo, along to recreate Wash's excitement when he saw another dog. I saw firsthand that a dog who's that young, getting as excited as he did, could be a problem. I told Heather of a corrective collar I wanted her to try, so we could teach Wash his boundaries, and teach him to be calm and collected around dogs and people. 

After a short few training sessions, we had Wash better behaved and walking with a calm, collected mind. 

Since all this, Brian and Heather have come to countless classes. Brian and Heather always work very hard with their dog, and they follow my and our other trainer's advice. Wash has now become Maligator Kennels' first ever CGC (Canine Good Citizen), and he passed the test flawlessly. I remember Heather telling me one day her goal was to be able to bring Wash to see troubled or sick children, as a source of comfort and entertainment. It's not every day you see a Great Dane, and they are fun to have around. 

Recently, Brian and Heather sent me this picture. They were both at a local car wash and they brought Wash with them. As you can see in the picture, Wash is a perfect gentleman, as this sweet little girl came to see him. This little girl and two of her siblings were feeding Wash popcorn and then the little girl pulled her baby brother's car seat over and introduced her baby brother to Wash. Wash was well behaved, was not rough, and was perfectly obedient.

This is a HUGE success story, and I am owed very little credit. I gave Brian and Heather some guidelines, training tips, and helped them along the way, but they are the ones who worked with Wash and got him to where he is today. Wash brings a lot of joy to my classes and he brought a ton of joy, as you can see, to this little girl. 

Good job, Brian and Heather. You guys represent yourselves well, and you're making a positive impact on the community with Wash. 

Russ

Maligator Kennels

Quick Tip: Patience is Key

A little training tip. Never expect your dog to be a quick fix, or suddenly be a master of obedience. All obedience and behavioral training takes time. Some dogs take longer than others.

I've set up my trainings and my classes to help "reprogram" your dog, for the long haul, not the quick fix.

So as you attend classes, your looking for your dog to make improvement. That's all we ask, is the dog be better when they leave, then they were when they came. We try our very best to make sure dogs leave on a good, positive note, and never a negative one.

Also know, I stick around after classes to answer questions for everyone and to give you my professional opinion on what issues your dog has and what we can do to better the dog.

Thanks everyone

Fostering a Shelter Dog

Alright friends. Maligator Kennels has been given a great opportunity in the community, and we wanted to invite you to help, if it's something that sounds interesting to you.

I was personally contacted by a local animal shelter regarding a dog. I'm not sure how they heard about us, but I'm glad someone spread the word. Thank you for that.

Anyway they have a 2 to 3 year old mix breed, who has been with them for a while. The dog has some severe aggression issues with other dogs.

They put the dog through a tempermant test and she failed. Due to this the next step was to put the dog down. However, they heard about my company and contacted me.

They asked if I would be interested in taking the dog in and working with her to see if I could rehabilitate her. It was no question. My answer was yes.

So I'm taking this dog in, going to be working with her extensively, and trying to get her tempermant suitable for a new shot at life, with a new family.

My hope is that I can get her to where she is ready for a new lease on life. I also hope this forms and fortifies a trusted relationship between the shelter and I so we can give EVERY dog a chance at a new loving home.

If you'd like to participate in her rehabilitation, please let me know. My thought is, she could go to a different client as often as available for a day, or a few hours and get to see a ton of new things, and have a lot of new positive experiences. If you're not interested, that's fine. We will still be taking her in, and working with her.

Let me know if you'd like to help with her rehabilitation. If would be a nice thing for all of us to work together.

Russ

SUNDAY TRAINING TIP: Barking

Why does my dog bark? What can I do to stop him/her from barking?

This was the topic I chose to write about today, because it seemed this was what most people wanted to learn about and/or were concerned about. There are plenty of reasons a dog barks. Let's cover them, and learn what we can do as handlers to fix excessive barking.

First let me start with this. No one should expect a dog to NEVER bark. This is a completely unreasonable request. It would be like expecting a child not to talk. Having said that, there are dogs whether by conditioning, or certain breed, which bark excessively. The first step in figuring out how to fix excessive barking, would be to figure out WHY they are barking in the first place. Remember. I personally believe in finding the problem, and fixing it at the root, rather than just dealing with the symptom.

Barking is one of many ways a dog communicates to you. It's one type of vocal communication and it can mean a variety of different things. Here is a list of some reasons dogs bark.

TERRITORIAL/PROTECTIVE: When a person or an animal comes into an area, your dog considers his/her territory, it often triggers excessive barking. As the threat, or stimulation gets closer, the barking can get louder and more frequent. You can tell this type of barking by the dogs body language. They will look alert and aggressive.

FEAR: Some dogs will bark at any noise of object because it catches their attention and startles them. This can happen anywhere, not just in their home territory.

BOREDOM/LONELINESS:

Dogs ARE pack animals, despite what some trainers will tell you. Dogs which are left along for long periods of time, regardless of where, can be come bored, and will bark because they are bored.

PLAY: Dogs often bark when greeting people, and even other animals. It's usually a happy bark, accompanied with tail wagging and the occasional jumping.

SEPARATION ANXIETY: Dogs with separation anxiety are some of the worst excessive barking dogs you will ever find. They simply bark because you are not right next to them, and this is a huge problem. The dog will show sings of depression, destructive behavior and pacing, along with barking excessively to get your attention.

So ask yourself this question, knowing your dog. Why does my dog bark? Is it because my dog has separation anxiety? Are they afraid of something? Are they alerting me to danger? What is the real problem.

Read those descriptions above and try to figure out WHY your dog is barking. Let me cover some of the most common ways to fix them problem.

Lets talk about separation anxiety. This is absolutely crucial to cover because I am seeing this type of barking more and more as the years pass. This probably more than most is what I see.

You need to let your dog be a dog. It's okay for a dog to lay on the carpet or the floor, and not your lap or couch. It's okay to leave your dog outside ALL BY THEMSELVES for hours and hours and hours, provided there is safety and adequate access to water. They will find their own shade.They will be okay. When dealing with this, it's absolutely crucial you NEVER EVER EVER EVER respond to their whining or barking. Don't try avoiding the problem with things like a Thunder Shirt. Those are a waste of time, and a waste of money.

Remember, timing is everything. So, if the dog has been whining or barking for a while, and as soon as they are done, you go and open the door or show them attention, they will thing they have been rewarded for barking and whining. So make them wait for a few minutes. 3 to 5 for their first time. Then let them out. Praise them briefly, but do not be over excited to see them. This will simply create a bigger need to be with you, and a feeling of "you saved me from that horrible experience."

Now lets talk about barking out of fear, or sudden stimulation. Another one of largest excessive barking problems I see. You're sitting out front on your lawn, and as every vehicle passes by, every loud truck, every dog, every sound of an engine starting, ETC. Each time this happens, you notice your dog barks. Maybe once of twice, or maybe they just will not stop.

Some of the ways you can fix this problem is by over exposing your dog to it. So while they eat, when they are really hungry, put a stereo right next to their dish. While they are training, clap your hands frequently, drop your keys, drag your feet. This is a problem of lack of stimulation training. They haven't been exposed to enough noises, and realized it's nothing to bark at or alert you too. Once they are calm, and have been, then reward them. When they are eating, if you need too, make them really really hungry, have the vacuum right next to their head and make them listen to it running, while they eat.

What I've talked about are obviously COERCIVE methods of fixing a few issues. There are compulsive methods as well, but as many of you know personally, if I can fix a problem by the coercive method, I will every time. I only use a compulsive method, if that's the way the dog is going to respond the best. You can, if you wish, always give your dog a verbal correction for barking, but be sure you know why they are barking first. If they are barking because of anxiety, all you've done is in a way, if not done properly, shown them attention, which does not help.

There would be no way for me to cover each different scenario, or each different type of bark, in a simply Sunday training tip. But I hope for most of you, this gives you some direction on how to help your dog.

Thanks

Russ

Are My Dog's Teeth Clean?

This is something which is of a lot of importance. You should make sure your dog's teeth are clean. Below is a picture of unclean teeth. You can see the residue build up near the gum line. This causes several problems, the main two being gum disease and tooth decay.

Once this happens your dog will be in a lot of pain, and it will end up costing you a lot or unnecessary vet bills. Pulling a canine tooth can be in excess of $100-150 a tooth. I don't know about you, but I'd rather not pay that.

The picture below shows a dog with clean or cleaner teeth. Notice how most of the residue is gone. This is the minimum cleanliness your dog's teeth should be, even as a puppy. You can achieve this in a couple of ways.

Brushing your dog's teeth: If you'd like to take the time and the effort to do this, this is an option. To us, it's entirely unnecessary because it's more of a headache and unless you have a very calm, submissive and mild tempered dog, it will be struggle and you likely will not get all their teeth clean.

The other is to let them chew on something. We like to use size appropriate raw bones for our dogs. The dogs get an excellent source of nutrition, the contents on the bone are obviously not harmful to their health, and they love it. They will chew and grind on these bones, and they will clean their teeth themselves.

You can also allow them to chew on a size appropriate hard dog toy if you'd rather. These don't add the nutritional value, but as far as cleaning, they can accomplish the same thing. Dogs will love doing this as well.

Having a bone or a toy to chew on can also help with destructive behavior as it gives the dog an outlet to chew and satisfy their drive.

Hope this helps, and let's give our dogs a happy, healthy smile.

Maligator Kennels

What Training is Right for My Dog?

SUNDAY TRAINING TIP:

What training is right for my dog?? Does my dog need training??

I wish to address both of these two topics briefly. Lets talk about the first one. What training is right for my dog.

This is an interesting topic because there is no one way to train a dog. Obviously we hope people looking to train their dogs come to us at Maligator Kennels, but in the event you're looking for a trainer, do not be afraid to interview them a little. Find out if they like coercive training vs. compulsion. Do they do clicker training. Do they do treat, toy or praise reward.

If any trainer does only one or two methods, this is a sign of an uneducated and closed-minded trainer, and this is not something you want. A trainer who is worth your time, realizes the importance or applying whatever method is needed to train your particular dog. Each dog is different, and any trainer who is completely against coercive training and will never use it, or doesn't implore any form of corrective collar, EVER, because they are EVIL, is not a quality trainer.

Two examples:

Take Chance, the Corgi owned by Kindra Whiting Skolmoski and Justin. He is a dog, who is highly trainable, highly submissive and eager to please. It is highly likely, if they continue to with his training, Chance will never be a dog who needs compulsive training (do it cause I said or else a correction) training. Justin also implements "clicker" training with Chance, which I don't personally use, but I believe it in and know it works. It's another form of marking desired behavior.

Now take my Malinois, Enzo. Enzo is eager to do anything you ask him for a treat or a toy. He loves to play, he loves to run and is highly trainable. However, Enzo is not a submissive dog, and he is willing to challenge my authority, about every command. This is what I built in him psychologically. So as he grows, he will need a form of coercive (do it because if you do you get a reward) and compulsion, because he is willing to basically tell me "no, I don't feel like it."

It's important to remember your dog is it's own individual personality. We at Maligator Kennels, Russ, Kenna and Whitney, believe in all methods of training, if used with the proper training, knowledge and respect for you and the dog. As an owner and handler, be open to suggestions. If you have heard horror stories about certain collars, or certain ways of training, feel free to ask us about them. Any form of training or equipment in the wrong hands, can be dangerous. Understand we will NEVER do anything here with the intention of hurting your dog intentionally.

If you have something you have personally seen work with your dog, tell the trainers about it, and as long as it is humane, we will help you implement it.

Does my dog need training?

If you are of the mindset your dog is fine, he/she doesn't need any training. My dog gets a long with everyone and everything. I will put in plainly. You are unwise. ALL dogs need training. All dogs need socialization. Even if your dog knows how to sit, and has been sitting for 450 years. Your dog would benefit from a basic sit, down or stay class. The main thing that holds your house up, from sinking into the ground is what? The foundation. Without a strong, well-maintained foundation, your house (training) will sink.

It's okay to do some basics with your dog, even if they are a master at something. NEVER STOP socializing your dog with other dogs and people. This should be a continuous thing for their entire life.

I have spent years training dogs, studying and testing on dog training and psychology. The moment I stop believing, that a first time dog owner/trainer can offer me a tip on how to train better, I'm no longer effective.

The trainers at Maligator Kennels are not always right. We make mistakes, and we mess up. But you can be sure, we have your best interest in mind, and we will work with you as long as you permit us. We will only offer you top quality care and training.

I hope these two tips help you out. Hopefully its a good Sunday read.

Russ

Maligator Kennels.

Should I feed my dog a raw diet?

Hey everyone. I was recently asked by a close client of mine about a "raw meat" diet for dogs. I decided to post it here on the wall, rather than in the comments, so others could find it as well, on the off chance you have been considering it.

Raw meat diets are controversial, as are most things these days. There are advocates on both sides of the argument, and both have really good points. To explain simply, a raw diet includes things like raw meat, bones, fruits and vegetables.

An Australian Vet, Ian Billinghurst, suggested feeding older dogs a raw meat diet would help the animals thrive, because it brought them back to what they ate before they were domesticated. He contended that grain-based, commercial pet foods were harmful to your dogs’ health.

These days, many mainstream vets disagree, as does the FDA.

Here are a few of the potential benefits to feeding your dog a raw meat diet:

• Shinier Coats
• Healthier skin
• Cleaner teeth
• Higher energy levels
• Smaller stools

There are risks as well, such as:

• Threats to human and dog health from bacteria in raw meat
• An unbalanced diet that may damage the health of the dogs if given for an extended period of time
• Potential for bones to be swallowed, causing the animal to choke, break teeth or cause some internal puncture.

So here's my take. I'm on either side in certain categories. I chose a good, cost effective for dog food with high protein.

If you are on a commercial dog food, like what you buy in the bag at the store, I recommend you don't buy anything under 21% protein. The first ingredient, if not the first two or three ingredients, should be a meat product, NOT CORN OR WHEAT. I understand for some, myself included, budgets can be tough; however, there are good quality foods out there for decent prices.

I recommend shopping and looking at food on the website www.dogfoodadvisor.com. I like to stay 4 star or above on my food, but if your budget wont allow, I would never go below a 3 star food.

Now, let’s talk about raw-meat diets. I like them personally, provided you know what you’re doing, you are safe, and you do it the correct way. But, I also like commercial diets, again as long as it's done the proper way.

Before feeding any of my dogs raw meat, they ARE ALWAYS completely dewormed for the year. This is a no-tolerance policy for my dogs. Raw meat WILL give your dogs worms, if they are not properly treated for worms for the year. Anytime you are feeding raw meat, you need to watch their belly and make check for worms. Watch their eating. If they are eating a ton, and are losing weight, they have worms.

Raw meat can give your dogs a nice shiny coat, and good health. This is due to extra fat in raw meat that is not in commercial bags.

Raw meat can be expensive, but choose a good type of meat to give to your dog. Don't pick pork and plan to simply feed your dog pork. Pork is heavy in fats. Beef is a little better, but still contains a good amount of fat; however, some dogs might need this.

I like chicken, fish and elk meat or deer meat. I used to buy my dogs elk-meat when they were young pups. I would mix it in, with some regular store bought Science Diet food at the time. NO MORE SCIENCE DIET.

The big thing with a raw meat diet, especially in puppies because they are growing and developing their muscle structure and their skeletal structure, is proper balance nutrition. You've got to make sure they are getting the proper protein, fats, carbs, calcium ETC.

One thing to consider for your puppy is a puppy powder supplement, like Puppy Gold. I have and currently use it for my puppies, whether they are on a raw diet or commercial diet. It's LOADED with good stuff. LOADED.

Remember, your dog is still a considered a puppy until they are basically 2 years old (in human years. No cheating here). This means your dogs is growing, developing and designing its body for the rest of its life.

I try during this crucial time to give my dogs all the best stuff I can give them.

If you have an older dog, and you'd like to add some protein to a commercial or raw meat diet, try HARD DOG and a powder supplement. I have success in multiple ways. I'm not telling you which way to go, cause it's about your financial situation, your time, your knowledge and what YOU are most comfortable with. Again, I could make a great argument either way on the food.

As far as bones. I NEVER EVER EVER EVER buy cooked, boiled or baked bones. EVER. They are a huge choking hazard for your dog. Buy only raw, which we do sell. We sell them because we believe in them, and we like the convenience for our clients.

Make sure you buy size appropriate bones as well. Don't give your Jack Russell Terrier a bone from a dinosaur. On the other side, don't give your Mastiff a beef tendon. That's just not going to work. The bone should be big enough they can't swallow the whole thing. That's it.
Let me know if there are any questions or concerns. I hope you enjoy this information and find it useful.

Thanks Maligators

Russ
Maligator Kennels