Highland Canine Training, LLC » sc http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog Tips and Advice on Dog Training and Behavior Mon, 07 Jun 2010 21:11:27 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 Do I Need an Autism Assistance Dog? http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2010/06/07/do-i-need-an-autism-assistance-dog/ http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2010/06/07/do-i-need-an-autism-assistance-dog/#comments Mon, 07 Jun 2010 19:22:44 +0000 admin http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/?p=408 Many parents question whether an Austim Assistance Dog would benefit their child and family. Our answer to that, is that it depends on the situation! It’s the old saying of “If you meet a child with autism, then you have met one child with autism” and that is basically why we take each application on a case by case basis.

Many parents that have a child that have just been diagnosed with autism should not just run out and purchase a service dog for their child. Talk with your physician, because there are many changes that are getting ready to happen in your life and the life of your child, so this would not be the best time to introduce a new responsibilty in your life. Your physicians and/or therapists will let you know when you are ready to take this step for your child and your family.

If your child has not been around animals or possibly has a fear to animals or new things. Then I would suggest horse therapy, zoo visits, and to go on short visits where they can meet both large and small dogs. Your child is always welcome to visit our facility and meet all the dogs, cats, sheep, goats, and horses! Please keep in mind the responsiblity of purchasing an autism dog, however these responsibility can help your child grow and cross those bridges into communication and social behaviors. For example we had a child that we trained a dog for that, when going out on errrands, shopping, or visits; you could only stop at two places, three if he was having a great day. One of those places had to be the pet store or the toy store or the result would be severe meltdowns. We personally delivered the dog to the family and worked with them and the child for about five days. On day three we attempted the shopping spree. The child was able to heel the dog around town on his own, and before we knew whe had visited 4 stores, a farmers market around the block and then sat down to eat dinner, without a peep from the child. He was so content with having the responisibilty of the dog he forgot about his normal must have routines, and an added bonus wsa that he wasn’t clinging to mom all day!

Once you and your doctors/therapist decide that an autism assistance dog is the next step for your family then you are ready to fill out an application, we ask you to be as detailed as possible including a doctors presciption so that we can pick the best dog for your family. Once your application is excepted, then we scout for the perfect dog for you and your child. Once we locate a dog or two that could be a good fit we ask you to come out for a visit and meet the dogs.

We have had a few parents ask what if they can not balance dog and child once the dog is placed in the home, do they get a refund? We give our families many opportunities to finalize their decision for a service dog, so once the process is towards the end of training and/or placement then the answer is no, but you are more than welcome to donate the dog to the right family that may not be able to afford one.

We have seen remarkable results from autism assistance dogs and the children, after the bonding time is complete. They talk their world head on hand in hand. Highland Canine Training will do everything we can to make sure these happy endings continue you on for years to come!

If you are interested in learning more about our Autism Assistance Dog Programs or training feel free to call us toll free at 866.200.2207 or visit www.autismassistancedog.com

]]> http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2010/06/07/do-i-need-an-autism-assistance-dog/feed/ 0 What to Do in Case of a Dog Fight http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/12/06/what-to-do-in-case-of-a-dog-fight/ http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/12/06/what-to-do-in-case-of-a-dog-fight/#comments Mon, 07 Dec 2009 01:53:58 +0000 admin http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/?p=281 If you have never seen a dog fight, consider yourself lucky. It is amazing how two otherwise gentle, family pets can explode into raging fury in the blink of an eye. In many cases, there are warning signs, and it is better to be attuned to these cues and prevent escalation of aggression than it is to have to break up a fight. If you walk your dog along a regular route, become familiar with other neighborhood dogs, and if you see any aggressive behavior from either your dog or another dog, it is best to avoid the situation altogether. While you can to a large extent control your dog’s behavior, you can’t predict how another dog will react, so it might be prudent to cross the road, or choose a new route altogether.

However, sometimes a situation unfolds right in front of your eyes before you have a chance to redirect it, and the next thing you know you have a ringside seat to a dog fight. A dog’s teeth are to be respected. They can shred skin and muscle in mere seconds. And if your dog is one of the dogs in the fight, your first instinct is to jump in and save him.

This is a great way to get yourself hurt as well. You are no match for two angry dogs and their teeth. If you pull your dog back while the other dog is still attacking, you are putting your dog at a huge disadvantage. So, it is a good idea to understand what to do in this situation before it ever happens, and with a little luck you will never need to use it.

3 Things to NEVER Do when Breaking Up a Dog Fight
Here are three things that you should NEVER do to break up a dog fight.

Scream – Loud chaotic noise just elevates the energy in an already out of control situation.

Use Your Hands – Trying to stop two fighting dogs by putting yourself, or any part of you, in between them does not stop the fight. It just gets you hurt.

Only Call Off One Dog – There are two dogs fighting. Never pull your dog out of a fight if someone is not pulling the other dog out at the same time. You are just making your dog defenseless, and the other dog can have a free shot at him.

3 Things to ALWAYS Do when Breaking Up a Dog Fight

Now here three things that may HELP break up a dog fight.

Training – If your dog obeys your come, sit, stay command, you may be able to avoid the confrontation altogether. Also, if you can tell your dog to sit and stay during a fight, it means you only have to manage the aggressive behavior of one dog rather than two.

Startle – A loud, piercing noise, a blast of compressed air or a good dousing with water may redirect the dogs’ attention just long enough to pull them apart.

Separate – To separate fighting dogs one person needs to take each dog by the back legs and drag them backwards in a circle. Walking in a circle will put them off balance and they’ll have to think about staying on their feet, rather than their argument. Keep dragging and turning until the dog has calmed down, or you risk him turning and biting you. Get the two dogs far away from each other before releasing your hold and checking for damage.

When checking over your dog for bite wounds, they may not appear large on the outside, but what looks innocent on the outside can mask extensive internal muscle damage. Generally if your dog has any wounds a trip to the vet is prudent, and at the very least you will probably want to administer antibiotics to avoid the onset of infection. He may feel a lot better if he has some pain relief at the same time.

If you are feeling anxious about going for walks after the attack, take a big breath and relax, because your dog will sense that, and feel nervous himself. If your dog is fearful after the attack, use positive reinforcement to redirect his attention and encourage him to come out with you, and again interact with other dogs. Soon enough, the dog fight will be a dim memory, and going for a walk will once again be a treat for both of you.

www.dogfencediy.com

]]> http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/12/06/what-to-do-in-case-of-a-dog-fight/feed/ 0 Auti the German Shepherd Dog http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/09/22/auti-the-german-shepherd-dog/ http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/2009/09/22/auti-the-german-shepherd-dog/#comments Wed, 23 Sep 2009 01:16:51 +0000 admin http://www.highlandcanine.com/blog/?p=67 Over a year ago we were presented with a malnourished, almost hairless, version of a German Shepherd dog named Auti. Notwithstanding her emaciated appearance, hairless back and poor general appearance, she was rather rambunctious and a bit “out of control”. She was placed into our Second Chance Program through Lake Norman Animal Rescue, who had liberated her from a rather objectionable gentleman in South Carolina. She had been starved, along with her siblings because they would not “perform” for this “trainer”.

We began to work with her and soon Auti learned to trust people and began to figure out that she would be fed daily along with human interaction and some much needed playtime. After some time at “finishing school” and some 20 pounds later she was a rather striking and well-behaved dog.

Fortunately for Auti, she was adopted by a loving family who wanted so much to have another dog. And to top it off they lived at the beach. So, Auti has been with her new family at the beach in Hilton Head Island for a little more than a year. Recently, they sent us an update and a photo that I thought that I would like to share.

Auti German Shepherd

“There is nothing but good news to tell about this girl. I have continued the work you all started with her on her basic commands…heel & sit, sit & stay and come when called and she’s done very well. I have been socializing her with other dogs and people since the day we brought her home and she has proven to be totally dependable. She does well in any setting, which is great because HHI is a very dog friendly environment. She is even the “un-official” mascot of the soccer team attending my daughter’s practices three times a week!

To me, the fact that she survived the first year or so of her life speaks to her inner strength. If not for the couple of scars on her muzzle, to see her at work or play today you would never know of her previous neglect and abuse. She is a beautiful dog and with her strong character, it’s obvious she comes from good lines. Thanks to Highland and Lake Norman Rescue for all the good work that you do! Auti is a healthy, happy dog today and I am honored to have her as a companion.”

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