Highland Canine Training, LLC » Dog Behavior http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog Tips and Advice on Dog Training and Behavior Tue, 13 Sep 2011 14:46:07 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Benefits of Dog Training in Your Home http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2010/10/29/benefits-of-dog-training-in-your-home/ http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2010/10/29/benefits-of-dog-training-in-your-home/#comments Fri, 29 Oct 2010 22:02:26 +0000 admin http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/?p=417 Continue reading →]]> Highland Canine offers both private lessons and in-home dog training for the convenience of keeping your dog at home. Clients that sign up for private lessons meet with our trainers once a week for about an hour. During this hour we put together a game plan for developing more structure in your house and each week our dog trainers teach you a new command and work on certain behaviors that may be disrupting your household. You as a client will be responsible for homework between your lessons! Our in-home dog training programs allow our busy clients the satisfaction of knowing their dog is learning in the pleasure of their own home. Even if the dog owner’s are at work or on vacation! This program works much like a pet-sitter, we schedule times and days to come by and work with your dog one on one. You have the flexibility to observe/participate at each lesson or wait towards the end of the training program to see your results and learn how to maintain your training. Our dog trainers make sure that you have all of the tools and knowledge you need to maintain the training of your dog. As with all of our dog training programs we offer free follow up training for the life of the dog, and we give advice by phone or email anytime!

In-kennel dog training is great, but sometimes we just don’t see the behaviors and behavior problems that you may see at home. This offers you and your family a custom training program to work on these behavioral issues. Examples of problem behaviors include: barking and/or lunging at visitors at the front door, nipping at children when they run around the house, fence fighting with the neighbor’s dogs; chewing up furniture/windows, aggression between multiple pets, leash aggression when walking in public or around your neighborhood, potty training/marking issues, moderate to severe shyness with visitors, digging or destroying the yard. These are just a few of the dog problems we see and work with to help you get your household back on track!

Our professional dog trainer’s here at Highland Canine Training have had extensive training and experience in the areas of problem solving and are prepared to handle any breed. We feel that the majority of problems that arise from dogs in their home environment come from an error or lack of communication from the pet owners. It is our job to assist you and get you and your family in the habit of learning to speak dog!

Another benefit of private lessons is that we are actually teaching you how to train your own dog. These dog training techniques can be applied to your next dog or pet, so the investment can last a lifetime! Highland Canine Training currently has trainers located in cities of North Carolina including; Lake Norman, Lake Wiley, Statesville, Troutman, Huntersville, Mooresville, Matthews, Newton, Conover, Lenoir, Granite Falls, and Lake Hickory. We also have contractors that cover areas in and around Atlanta, Georgia including Marietta and in and around Tampa, Florida. Call us today to set up your free evaluation!

]]> http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2010/10/29/benefits-of-dog-training-in-your-home/feed/ 0 Do female dogs make good Police Dogs? http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/09/22/do-female-dogs-make-good-police-dogs/ http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/09/22/do-female-dogs-make-good-police-dogs/#comments Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:31:36 +0000 admin http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/09/22/do-female-dogs-make-good-police-dogs/ Continue reading →]]> We trained a dual purpose police dog that is now working at a department in Alabama. The dog was trained in narcotics detection, police patrol, handler protection, tracking, article searches, agility and obedience. I trained with the dog almost every day for several months before it was eventually sold and went to Alabama. Now this wasn’t your ordinary German Shepherd. This dog was highly intelligent, extremely athletic and super talented (just check out our gallery and see for yourself). The training went something like this; show the dog what you expect one time…and it’s done. Yes, it was that easy.

As I continued to train with the dog, I had several police departments and “master trainers” come to look at it. They were in the market for a dual purpose German Shepherd and wanted to come by and see this one work. So, time after time, I had departments sending people by to watch the dog work. All of them were impressed with what the saw. However, no one was interested in the purchase. The dialogue usually went something like this: “Man that’s a really nice dog, so how old is he?” My reply was always the same “Well, SHE is about 18 months old.” Apparently the name Kira wasn’t feminine enough to clue these guys in. Or apparently they were dazzled by her work ethic and athleticism so much that they didn’t take the time to notice the undercarriage.

Once the cat was out of the bag about her gender, none of these guys were interested in working with her or giving her a second thought. I even had one handler, who stated that he had years of prior experience handling a dual purpose dog, that said “I can’t work with a B!%*h dog”. So I politely walked them back to their patrol cars and haven’t heard from any of them since.

About a month later and officer called and stated that he was in the market for a dual purpose police dog. He stated that he saw some dogs on our website that he wanted to look at. One of the dogs that we spoke about was in fact Kira. Well, I had been through the drill before and explained to him up front that Kira was a female. The last thing that I wanted was for him to drive 600 plus miles to look at her and later find out that he was a she. He stated that he had not preference as to the gender of the dog and that all that he was concerned with was whether or not the dog would work.

Well, it has been a little less than three months since the handler and Kira completed their training here at Highland Canine Training. The handler called me today to tell me that Kira “did it again” last night. He was referring to a successful track of two suspects in several car break-ins. It appears that Kira tracked the individuals for about ¼ mile and ended up at a house where she alerted to a door. After speaking with the occupants of the house, one of the suspects was found hiding in a closet and another was arrested from the home as well. All of the items that they had taken were recovered and at least four car break-ins were cleared. Great Job Kira! This adds to the other 10 successful tracks that Kira and her handler have completed along with the more than fifty…that’s right 50, felony arrests that this team has had in this short period of time.

I have seen plenty of successful police dog teams over the years. Some of the K9 counterparts were male and some were female. If you have a good quality dog, gender doesn’t matter. So the next time you find yourself in the market for a working dog, take a few minutes to look at the girls that may be available.
Report

]]> http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/09/22/do-female-dogs-make-good-police-dogs/feed/ 0 What is a Therapy Dog? http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/08/19/what-is-a-therapy-dog/ http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/08/19/what-is-a-therapy-dog/#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2009 19:49:40 +0000 admin http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/08/19/what-is-a-therapy-dog/ Continue reading →]]> 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.

]]> http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/08/19/what-is-a-therapy-dog/feed/ 0 The Pursuit..Dog Training as a Career! http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/08/17/the-pursuitdog-training-as-a-career/ http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/08/17/the-pursuitdog-training-as-a-career/#comments Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:11:58 +0000 admin http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/08/17/the-pursuitdog-training-as-a-career/ Continue reading →]]> 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!

]]> http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/08/17/the-pursuitdog-training-as-a-career/feed/ 0 Success Program of Shelter dog http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/07/23/success-program-of-shelter-dog/ http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/07/23/success-program-of-shelter-dog/#comments Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:14:36 +0000 admin http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/07/23/success-program-of-shelter-dog/ Continue reading →]]> Highland Canine Training and Forever Home Canine Rescue, teamed up through our Second Chance Program for Shelter/Rescue dogs and found Scout a forever loving home!

Scout is a beautiful full blooded black lab that had issues with manners and mild dog aggression. Scout was rescued by Kelly Ratcliff who volunteers with Forever Home Canine Rescue to find Scout a new home. Kelly worked on basic obedience for Scout and then followed up with an in-kennel stay here at Highland Canine Training to work on the dog aggression issues. Scout made tremendous progress and his new owners are doing a great job maintaining his training and exposing him to new things gradually to keep control of the aggression issues. Here is what Scout’s new family had to say about him!

He is such a great dog! He has just melted right into our family. He is house trained, sleeps all night on his bed. He’s wonderful with my son and the kids in the neighborhood. And we couldn’t believe how fast he is! We took him to Fisher Farm in Davidson, there is about 5 acres of open field there. He can flat out fly after a tennis ball!
He heels off leash with me now (in controlled environment only for now), sits, stays, goes to his place when told, still loves to shake paw. We’ve taught him to sit and wait for the ‘ok’ command before eating, getting into the car or going in/out of the house. We found that he was just so excited that he often knocked into our son but he got the command after the first day of training.
He goes to work with me everyday and has a bed in my office. He is doing great with the socialization training. Rarely now do I have to leash correct him, he seems to respond better to verbal commands now. When he gets “that look” we give him his verbal cue, he relaxes and we praise him for relaxing. Afterwards he seems to be ok. It’s almost like he’s just really insecure and needs to be told that other dogs are ok (after he’s correct for the inappropriate response).
Anyway,,,, probably more than you wanted to know but we are just so happy with him. What a GREAT dog he is!
I’ll attach a couple pictures for you guys.
Thanks again for taking care of him all that time so he could get to us.
-Aimee

We are so excited to hear about the great outcomes of our Second Chance Program through the hard work of our Shelter/Rescue groups…Keep up the good work guys!

]]> http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/07/23/success-program-of-shelter-dog/feed/ 0 What is Rally Obedience? http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/07/10/what-is-rally-obedience/ http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/07/10/what-is-rally-obedience/#comments Fri, 10 Jul 2009 21:50:30 +0000 Ltaylor http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/?p=44 Continue reading →]]> Rally Obedience, known as Rally O is the hot sport for dog owners who enjoy working with their dogs as a team. The dog and handler team navigate a course with numbered signs indicating different exercises to perform. The exercises include sit-down-sit, figure 8, send over a jump, a multitude of right and left turns, as well as serpentines, front finish and of course, heel. The team navigates through the course at a brisk pace without directions from the judge and the handler can talk to the dog or give hand signals for encouragement.

All dogs, mixed breeds, purebred and dogs with disabilities, can participate in Rally O. Because there are three levels of Rally O dogs in all levels of training can participate. Beginners would work on heel positioning, sits, turning paces, sit stay and come. As the dog becomes more proficient he/she can move to level 2 then level 3.

Titles can be earned at each level and teams may earn Championship titles, National Ranking Awards and a special Award of Excellence.

Rally is an excellent entry level class for Competition Obedience and for Agility. Even though Rally O is a lot of fun, it is a challenging sport that encourages teamwork and develops a bond between the dog and owner. The result will be a well behaved, thinking dog and a very proud owner.

If you think you and your dog would like to try Rally O, or if you just have questions about the sport or the next class schedule, contact Linda Taylor at 704-500-6810 or you may e-mail her at ltaylor@highlandcanine.com.

]]> http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/07/10/what-is-rally-obedience/feed/ 0 That Barking Dog Is Driving Me Crazy http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/07/08/that-barking-dog-is-driving-me-crazy/ http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/07/08/that-barking-dog-is-driving-me-crazy/#comments Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:35:22 +0000 Ltaylor http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/07/08/that-barking-dog-is-driving-me-crazy/ Continue reading →]]> We don’t understand all of the reasons dogs bark, we just know it is irritating and we want them to “BE QUIET.” We get angry and yell at them and sometimes we resort to punishing them. Instead of behaving this way we need to take the time to understand what they are trying to tell us.

Like us, dogs have a language and barking is part of that language. With a little understanding and proper training we can solve the barking problem.

Barking can be classified as follows:
1. Excitement Barking
2. Warning Barking
3. Fear Barking
4. Guard Barking
5. Frustration Barking
6. Learned Barking

We have heard all 6 of these barks, but probably didn’t pay much attention to the differences.

Excitement barking is usually a series of high pitched barks and a lot of body movement. The warning bark is a quick low sounding bark. It sounds like the word “woof.” Fear barking is high pitched and like excitement barking it comes in a long series of barks. Unlike excitement barking which sounds happy, fear barking sounds like the dog is becoming hysterical.

Guard barking is easy to recognize. The dog will growl then bark. The barking may be one or two or even three times followed by another growl. We have all heard frustration barking. That’s the one that drives us crazy. It is the endless bark bark bark bark bark bark that seems to go on forever. And of course, learned barking is the bark that your dog does to get your attention. The dog will bark and then turn to look at you knowing that some type action will take place. Most of us have reinforced that behavior unknowingly.

So the next time you think a barking dog is aggressive, dominant, or is just being a pain in the neck don’t get angry, instead take a moment to listen.

]]> http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/07/08/that-barking-dog-is-driving-me-crazy/feed/ 0 Choosing The Right Breed For You http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/05/11/choosing-the-right-breed-for-you/ http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/05/11/choosing-the-right-breed-for-you/#comments Mon, 11 May 2009 16:49:07 +0000 Ltaylor http://highlandcanine.com/blog/?p=25 Continue reading →]]> Sonny is a beautiful 6 month old Siberian Huskey who came to live with me because his owner said he was too aggressive and dominant (he pulled on the leash, and twisted and nipped when his owner tried to put his collar on).   The owner had made plans to have Sonny put to sleep.  I convinced the owner to surrender Sonny to me.   We talked and I found out  he is not an active person and  taking the dog for a long walk or a jog was out of the question.   He didn’t  want to take the time to correct the pulling,  instead he put a harness on the dog and when that didn’t work he claimed the dog was too strong for the harness and labled this as being dominant.   He did not correct the jumping because he felt the “dog kisses” were cute.  That is until he was “muzzle punched”  instead of “kissed” one day.     He admitted he  knew nothing of the Huskey breed and that he purchased Sonny from a pet store.   He chose Sonny because he was such  pretty puppy.  If he had done his research he would have learned Huskies like to run or walk long distances.  They are extremely playful and mischievous.  Training requires firmness and patience.  Huskies  jump on people,  they roam, they howl and can be destructive when left alone.  Obviously, Sonny was the wrong dog for this particular owner.

 I worked with him for two weeks and found him to be loving, playful and more than ready to work.   He did have  bad habits though.   He did pull on the leash, and yes, he hated to  have his collar put on.  He also liked to jump up and lick my face.  Sonny also howled when he was lonely.    I corrected the pulling and the jumping, and taught him to like his collar.  Spending more time with him  corrected the howling. 

  Choosing a dog is more than falling in love with the cute “take me home” face staring at you behind the glass window.  Before purchasing or adopting a pet an owner to be should take the time to evaluate their lifestyle, personality type, free time, interests and finances.  Is a big dog best, or would a smaller dog fit the bill.  What about children?  Can a puppy be raised with a small child or a baby in the house? 

After answering these questions it time to research the various breeds.  Research the breed’s temperament, likes and dislikes. You will learn which breeds shed a lot, which breeds don’t shed at all, which dogs can co-exist with children and which dogs work best for protection.   

Before you listen to someone who works in a pet store, or fall for a pretty face behind a plate of glass, make sure you have done your homework. 

Oh, I was able to find Sonny a new home on a farm with lots of animals, space and a family that likes to hike and stay active.  If you have any questions regarding particular breeds for your family or lifestyle, please feel free to give us a call or email we will be happy to assist in these big decisions!

 

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