Monthly Archives: August 2009

Considering Dog Breeds

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As you know many dog trainers preach about “how bad dog behavior, in most cases, is the result of human error. “We believe this still holds true, we are seeing dog owners, making mistakes on poor breed choices for their lifestyle. We at Highland Canine simply believe, owner’s are getting too caught up in the moment of bringing that bundle of joy home, and not thinking of the particular breed’s needs for the future. Unfortunately, this result is over population of animals in your local animal shelters, rescue organizations, and strays roaming your neighborhood.

There are many breeds that are conducive to different lifestyles and can adapt to either an active/ or laid back style of life. All dog breeds need attention and companionship, some just require less/more than others. Most of your Poodles, Boston Terriers, Some Labrador retrievers, some Golden Retrievers, Great Danes, Rottweiler’s, Yorkshire Terriers, Bulldogs, Mastiff, Shih Tzu’s, and Bloodhounds, etc. often do well, in homes with less structure and planned activities. These breeds are usually content with a daily walk or play time in the back yard with lots of love. However, you may experience problems with some of these breeds in an apartment type setting where they can’t get outside on a regular basis.

Problems often arise when pet owner’s take in dog breeds that they cannot handle or control. Although most of your terrier breeds (Jack Russell terrier, West Highland Terriers, Scottish Terriers), are small in size, they are highly intelligent with big egos in a lot of cases. If dog owners do not have the time or patience to stimulate these types of dogs, the result is often bad dog behavior (people aggression, dog on dog aggression, resource guarding). Dog breeds such as Border Collies, German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Heelers; some Spaniels, Miniature Pinchers, Dachshunds, American Bull Dogs and Papillion’s require a lot of attention and dedication. These breeds often do well with active pet owners who run, attend dog parks, bike, or participate in group class for agility dog training, therapy dog training, Rally-O, SAR training, or Protection work.

So a word to the wise, evaluate your lifestyle, your free time, your activities and your hobbies to see which breed or breed mix fits into your environment. Who knows maybe your dog can change your lifestyle for you; nothing like getting out and about with your dog and having a little fun at the same time!

2008 Second Chance Dog Training Program Results

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2008 was a very productive year for Highland Canine and our Second Chance Program. For those of you who may not be familiar, our Second Chance Program provides pro-bono work for our local dog rescue groups and humane societies. The dogs we worked with suffered from such behavioral issues as: lack of socialization, fear aggression, dominance aggression, dog on dog aggression, potty training issues, and simply no manners or strucuture at all. Highland Canine worked with 42 different dogs in 2008 from various rescue groups in our area, and we are proud to say the majority of these dogs were adopted out to their forever home with little or no issues.

The way the program works is that our local rescue groups or humane societies contact us and tell us that they want to pull a dog from the pound (or a surrender) but, it has certain behavioral issues. Based on our availability the dog comes to our facility just like our personal in-kennel training and once we feel the behaviors are under control they return to the volunteer foster home, or adopted and picked up from our facility. We also work one-on-one with the new forever family that is adopting the particular dog, so that they understand how the dog was trained and how to handle them if the issues were to return.

I would like to personally think my trainers; Jaime Stuart and Bobbie Ellis for all their hard work with these animals. I must say it is very rewarding to see these dogs placed in a forever home and bypassing a short life through animal control. I feel our program is making a difference and we are excited about our tasks for 2009!

What is a Therapy Dog?

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What is a Therapy Dog?

Therapy dogs function to help people in emotional and physical ways. They do this by using their instincts and social learned skills. Therapy dogs provide affection and comfort to children and adults in mental institutions, hospitals, nursing homes, retirement homes and homes for children with special needs.

Who Benefits From Therapy Dogs?

People with Alzheimer’s disease, learning disabilities, and individuals whose minds wander such as those with ADD/ADHD and dementia can all benefit from interacting with a therapy dog. By providing a focal point to help them focus on the here and now, they can be more productive in any task or activity in which they are involved. Therapy dogs can be used to teach a child’s lesson. Playing with the dog can be a reward for finishing homework or problem solving. The handler and the dog can use retrieving and scent discrimination to help children name colors, add numbers, spell words and work on physical skills.

Maintaining good morale in a facility can be difficult. Therapy dogs change this by causing people to gather and concentrate on the dog. The change in the environment brightens everyone’s day. Life in a facility is routine, which can lead to inactivity, depression and boredom. The routine quickly changes when the Therapy dog and Handler come into the facility by providing social stimulation. People begin to talk with the therapy dog handler, to the therapy dog and amongst themselves. Often people who will not come out of their rooms will venture out to visit with the dog and handler. This social stimulation increases as people get to know the dog and soon they anticipate the visit.

People sometimes lose the ability or desire to speak. Therapy dogs can learn to communicate with people that others can’t reach. This communication from the dog can help a person find a bridge back to speech. Some people in care facilities do not have healthy relationships with family or staff. Others may be uncomfortable with hugging or touching strangers or staff. Therapy dogs enjoy the petting and hugging they receive and encourage it. Their enjoyment makes people want to pet and stroke them which meets the need for physical touch.
Children learn much more from a trained therapy dog than from a dog at home no one has the time to train. Through therapy dogs children learn the best of dog behavior.

Everyone benefits from a well trained therapy dog, including the handler. Working with your dog to provide needed benefits in your community through therapy dog visits will keep you upbeat and in touch with those who need you.

What Breeds Are Best Suited for Therapy Work?

There are dogs from every breed and size serving as therapy dogs. Shepherds, Collies, Great Danes, Mastiffs as well as Poodles, Labs and Boxers. The breed does not matter, temperament does. A therapy dog needs to be stable, reliable and controllable. Chihuahuas, Miniature Pinschers, Pomeranians, Bishons, just to name a few small dogs make excellent therapy dogs that can sit on a lap or on a bed. Terriers, because they are lively, can be used in group homes for children. Their playfulness provides exercise, companionship and lots of fun. Male or female, large or small, purebred or mixed breed, providing the dog is well trained with a good disposition, becoming a therapy dog is achievable.

How Can I Find Out If My Dog Can Be A Therapy Dog?

Before attending a therapy dog class your dog should know how to Sit, Down and Stay. Attending an obedience class will help if your dog does not know these commands. You should have your dog evaluated to determine his/her friendliness to all people, friendliness to other dogs and to determine how you and your dog interact.

Should I buy a Puppy or Adopt An Older Dog For Therapy Work?

An important trait in therapy dog work is defensiveness which begins to emerge around the time of puberty. A dog high in defensiveness may be skittish and panic under stress. This type of dog, even with training, may experience more stress around strangers and strange environments. With the right handler, training, and if the dog has a quick recovery time the dog has a better chance to do therapy work. These things can not be evaluated in a very young puppy. Temperament testing for puppies can help a little, but there is always the possibility that the puppy may not be suited for therapy work. If therapy dog work is a priority, you may consider using an adult dog you already own, or you may consider adopting an adult dog. Adult dogs bond with humans as strongly as puppies do.

The Pursuit..Dog Training as a Career!

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There is no time like the present to get started on a new career , start your own business, or simply do what you love everyday. Many people adore our four-legged friends and are intersted in pursuing a career in the dog training industry. My advice, is to go for it, there is plenty of business for everyone!

The first step is to decide which area of dog training is most interesting for you; is simply pet dog training (basic obedience and advanced obedience), behavior modification, agility, rally sports, herding, puppy training, therapy dog training, working dogs (police, detection, protection, Search and Rescue). The second area you should work on is deciding how you want to work your schedule or run your business. If you are the person who wants a little more freedom, then private lessons and group classes would be the area to focus on. However if you want the consistency of an everyday schedule, in-kennel training may be a better choice for you as a dog trainer.

Next you should narrow down a few schools that interest you, and go personally visit the site. You can get more out of personal visit than a telephone call; meeting the people you would be working and learning from can help you decide if you are a good fit for that particular school or environment. After a quick visit you can decide how much time you want to put into your career. For example, you could choose a 6 week program or tough it out and sign up for the 12 week program (which will allow you more experience by putting your hands on different breeds of dogs with different behaviors).

At Highland Canine Training we offer teaching for all the above areas of dog training. Students are able to combine classes and learn as much about as many areas of dog training as they can obsorb. Students who are just starting out,often sign up for obedience courses, but are also interested in protection courses; as a student you are able to take the both courses parallel for the length of time you wish to attend (6-12 weeks). Highland Canine also offers custom classes to fit your lifestyle. Many of our students also work full or part-time, have families, layed-off, or simply live out of state; we are able accomadate their schedules to help them earn the certification they are striving for!

Many students ask how they can gain experience after their school is finished and they are building their book of business? The answer is simple, pro-bono work with local shelter and rescue groups is the easiest way to gain experience and give back to your communities and the animals. Now more than ever, family pets are suffering because; people are surrendering their family pets at rescue groups or pounds because they are moving (leaving animals behind), have no time for the dog, or simply don’t like the dogs and will not take the time to place them in a proper home or work on fixing behaivor issues. Rescue groups will return the favor and referr business to you so everyone wins!

Finally, many people want to become dog trainer’s so they don’t have to work with people. That is not the case, the wonderful dogs usually belong to people and you must be able to communicate effectively with the owners to first off, diagnose the problem (if any), then teach dog owner’s how to work with their dogs! At Highland Canine Training we involve our students in the initial drop off of client dogs, what questions to ask the oweners, how to perform at both private lessons and group class settings, and how to teach the pet owner’s to work with their dogs and complete the “Go Home.”

If you think becoming a dog trainer may be in your near future, please give us a call or better yet stop by for a visit ,and we would be happy to introduce you to the wonderful world of dogs!

Benefits of Crate Training

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Den Living

Hey, as your dog I love living with you, but we really need to talk. You know that crate thing that is sitting over in the corner where you put me when you are mad at me? We really need to come to an understanding on how we should use it. I am going to explain it from my point of view.

First of all, I am a wolf at heart. Well, at least a little piece of my heart. Part of me needs a head wolf to take care if issues and make decisions. As a side note, to be quite honest, you have been a little lax there lately and I have had to pick up the slack. But that’s another issue. You are a human and I don’t know how to break this to you, but quite frankly we do not think alike most of the time. For instance, you love the wide open spaces where you can run and play. I like to stay low and watch a lot of the time. Don’t get me wrong. I love to chase the ball and Frisbee and go on walks and stuff. But when it comes to quiet time, I like to hide out. It’s fun. If I had someplace of my own, I could pretend that I am a wolf peering out from my warm cozy den. Which to be quite honest, brings up a couple of points.

That wire crate is really not a den at all. It is open and I feel so exposed. No wonder you think it is a jail – it even looks like one. If you could get one of those plastic solid ones, that would be so cool. Mohawk down the street has one of those and he absolutely loves it. Really. He said his master got it at Wal-Mart and didn’t have to pay that much for it. At least cover up the wire one with a blanket or something. I will try my best not to chew it, but we both know that I am not in a position right now to make any promises in that department.

It shouldn’t be too big, just enough room for me to stand up and turn around. I know that you humans think the bigger the better, but that does not hold true for us wolf types. (By the way that is another example of that thinking differently thing.) We like cozy places that are energy efficient and limit the entrances to something we can watch and control. I can keep it warm all by myself if it isn’t a mansion.

I know that you think of this crate thing like a doggie jail. After all, you put me in it when you are mad at me and that takes all of the fun out of it. All I can think of is that you don’t love me anymore and all I want is to be with you and you will never let me out of it again. And then I get so freaked out, I start yelling for you and asking you to let me out and you get more mad and I get more freaked. We really need to stop this no-win situation. Quite frankly, it is a viscous cycle. If you let me know when you are upset with me, I think that will be good enough. You don’t have to lock me in the crate. Maybe you could after awhile when it really feels like my den or… hey – if you weren’t mad at me, it would be to lock me in it then. I am willing to compromise on this. Just hold off locking me in it to punish me. From my point of view it should be my happy place, kind of like that happy place you go to once in awhile when the kids are screaming and dinner is burning and the phone is ringing. Yes, that’s right – I’ve seen you go there.

And I wouldn’t mind sleeping in it. In fact, I think it would be a good thing. The house is so big it is kind of scary at night. I am not getting much sleep trying to keep track of everything. It is really getting to me. I have a headache until after breakfast most days. But if you were to let me sleep in my den, you could close the door and then I wouldn’t have to worry about what might go bump in the night. Not that I am trying to shirk my duties – I will still listen for strange noises and let you know about them. And in the morning, you could be the head wolf and let me out. Really, between you and me I would rather you had that head wolf job anyway. Like I said it is giving me such a headache. I may complain about being in my den a little at first, but after all, I am a dog. It takes awhile to get used to a new routine. But trust me, it will be OK. I can handle it!

Come to think of it, you could even feed me in it – that would be so cool. I could be a wolf that brought my kill home with me. It would make the crate really be all mine. Which you know, would actually help in turn with my housebreaking. I know you think I have accidents in the house just to bug you, but that is not the case. It’s just hard to remember not to go in such a big house. I mean I get to playing and I just don’t think about it. I just do what comes naturally. After all, when ya gotta go, ya gotta go. But I can remember if I am in my den. Who wants to go potty where they eat and sleep? That is really disgusting. I am a dog, not a pig. Plus then you would not have to be upset with me. And if you are not upset with me, we would both be a lot happier.

And think of it. When you need to go somewhere – like on a hunt to get food, I could stay in my den. OK, I admit it. Getting in the trash is downright fun. Plus you can find good things to eat there. I remember the time that old tuna fish made me sooo sick but boy, did it taste good. Anyway, if you would give me a chew toy to have in my den when you go out, that would be almost as good. Not having you be mad at me when you come home would be worth it. And it would help me with that shoe, couch, pillow, remote, chair, kid’s toy, purse, cords, curtains, underwear chewing thing. I admit it, I am not perfect. I have my weaknesses too. But it is really boring when you are gone. I try to be good but then something just snaps in my head. And everything smells like you so it is almost as if you were here. And to be perfectly honest, it is something to do. What would you do if you were here all day without a TV or radio? I get so excited when I hear your footsteps coming home and then to have you grab me and drag me all over the house yelling at me is a real bummer. I think it must be for you too. At least I think that’s what it means when your face gets all red. Just think if when you came home, you could let me out of my den and we could just say hello to each other. It could be a real wolf greeting time. Just me and my head wolf. I know this may be just a dream, but I really think we can make it happen!

Now that we are discussing this, I am thinking of some other things too. This is so cool. We are having one of those brainstorming sessions I hear you talk about. What I mean is – how about the car? I love going with you in the car. But I have always been a little bit concerned. You have seat belts and the baby has a special car seat and I, the dog, have nothing, nadda. What is up with that? What if, God forbid, we got in an accident or you even had to slam on the brakes. I would go flying through the car for crying out loud. I am a dog, not a projectile. Grover said his master was in a really bad accident and Grover got thrown out of the car and it took 3 days for someone to come back and look for him. How do you think that makes a dog feel? I think putting my den in the car is the answer to this situation. I can still see out and be with you, but I don’t have to worry about getting into an accident. I think it would make me a bit calmer. Plus I wouldn’t have to help you drive anymore. You could still give me a french fry or two if you stop for lunch. We don’t need to get crazy here. Better yet, you could go into a restaurant and not have to go in the drive through all of the time. Besides, real restaurants have better treats, not that I am complaining or anything.

Or how about that time we all went on that family vacation and you spent most of the night looking for a hotel where we could all stay? And remember how many hotels you had to go to so you could find one that would let me stay with you? Geez, I can’t count but it seemed like more than the number of toys I have. If my den had been with us, I could have slept in it in the car or better yet, I bet some of those hotels would have been a little more amicable if they knew we had a crate, don’t you think? Then we could all enjoy a nice hotel room instead of that flea bag we had to stay in. Remember the size of that spider? Plus then going somewhere would be better than camping out because I would have MY DEN with me, a little bit of home. Like when you take your pillow with you. Have den will travel – that’s a little dog humor for you.

I could hang out in it when we go to some of those crazy places you take me to, like that dog show. That way you could walk around and look at all of those bizarre dogs, like that one that was so hairy you couldn’t tell which end was which without sniffing. Who could imagine he would be that touchy? Do you think the lady is over her sprained ankle yet? Anyway, back to the subject….

Think of when everyone comes to our house. The food is great and it is just sitting there on the table waiting for someone to eat it. And of course, I am always glad to help you out, but so many people and so much noise and all those little kids make me want to just crawl out of my skin. I know they don’t mean any harm, but I am just not used to it. I am afraid one of them is going to come up and scare the bajeezus out of me and I am going to do the Unthinkable and well, you know, put my teeth on one of them. That is the last thing I want to do and it would be an accident, but I know what happens to dogs that do that and it is driving me out of my mind when they all come over. Quite frankly, being in my den in the quiet bedroom is much more relaxing. Plus you can always fix a plate and bring it in for me. And when things settle down, I could come out and say hello – maybe while the kids are playing outside.

Or what if someone comes to visit with an obnoxious dog, one quite unlike myself? Say for instance that yappy little Pomeranian down the street that always gets in my face. What, may I ask you, am I supposed to do when a dog gets in my face in my own house – just sit, stay and take it?? I think not! But if I had a den where I could go, I would not have to put the little rug rat in his place. Plus he would be so jealous – he only has a pillow to sleep on, not a real den. Again a win win situation for the both of us. (By the way, please don’t invite him to my birthday party again. That was such a waste of birthday cake when I knocked it on the floor reminding him of proper manners).

Come to think of it, if I ever get sick – and who doesn’t now and then – it would be a guiet place for me to rest and recover and to be quite frank – it will confine any mishaps I might have. Of course you will need to clean it out, but better my den than your carpet – right? And if I ever got really sick or, God forbid, hit by a car or something and had to go to the vets, you could carry me in my den and I wouldn’t have to climb in and out of the car. That could be quite painful for the dog.

And to be quite honest, even us dogs need a little alone time, no offense. Sometimes a guy just wants a little quiet time to think, chew a rawhide in private or just catch a few ZZs. After all, as I’m sure you know, humans can be very demanding and time consuming. My den could be that kind of place for me.

That is about all I can think of – let us review.

Make my den a safe and happy place for me.
Let me sleep in my den – I love it.
Feed me in my den – I love it.
It will help me remember housebreaking
It will help me remember about chewing.
It is someplace to be while you are gone.
It is someplace to be if we have a big party with a lot of people.
It is someplace to be when obnoxious dogs come over.
It is a safe place in the car for me.
It is a safe place when you take me to crazy places.
It will make traveling with me easier.
It will give me a safe place just to get away and rest.
It can be an emergency stretcher.
I can have howling good time in it. Sorry – couldn’t resist.

Now it doesn’t seem so bad when you think of it like that, does it. Can you get me a blue one if possible? Mohawk will be so jealous. His is just yucky gray. And you thought dogs were colorblind.

Becoming A Dog Trainer

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Ten months ago Highland Canine Training, LLC gave me an opportunity to try my hand at dog training. With little experience in dog training (training my German Shepherd and a rescue dog with obedience), Jason and Erin taught me and continues to teach me the ins and outs of dog training. Every day I learn something new whether it’s a different way to train dogs; a tract of a specific dog breed; understanding dog behavior; running a business; customer service; puppy development; sheering sheep (Yes, that’s right – sheering sheep), and the list goes on. It has been a great place to learn about something I love and then putting it to practice.

Highland Canine Training, LLC is also a great place for people who want a career in dog training or just want to learn more. The Dog Trainer School offers courses in Obedience and Behavior Modification, and Working Dog Programs. This is the place to get a lot of hands on experience. There is classroom lectures and instruction but the majority of the time you are handling dogs. Our Training Director, Jason Purgason, is a very good teacher and instructor. His lectures are detailed, clear and practical. Also he enjoys teaching and engaging with students. One of the philosophies of the school “is the more dogs you put your hands on the better dog trainer you will become”. Students get that opportunity here to handle all kinds of dogs and the more successful students are the students that are motivated to do just that. Here are the TOP TEN reason I think you should attend Highland Canine Training, LLC:

10. Wonderful Learning Environment

9. 70 % Hands on experience

8. Affordable Rates

7. Experienced Trainers

6. Small Class Sizes

5. Opportunity to work with different types of Dogs

4. Customized training needs

3. Opportunity to attend group classes and private lessons

2. No Cleaning Kennels

1. Learn Everything to Jump Start your Dog Training Career!!

Up-coming Dog Training Group Classes for 2009

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Matthews, NC
Therapy Dog Class Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.
Basic Obedience Class Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.
Advanced Obedience Thursday, August 27, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.
Agility for Fun Friday, August 28, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.

Mooresville, NC
S.T.A.R Puppy Class Saturday, August 29, 2009 at 11:30 a.m.
Agility Class Saturday, August 29, 2009 at 12:45 p.m.
Dog Tricks Class Saturday, August 29, 2009 at 2:00 p.m.
Therapy Dog Class Saturday, August 29, 2009 at 3:15 p.m.

Statesville, NC
S.T.A.R Puppy Class Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 6:00 p.m.
Basic Obedience Class Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.