No matter what type of pet dog training you chose, whether it’s in-kennel training, private lessons, in-home training, or even group classes, you have your home work cut out for you! In-kennel clients should understand that just because the dog does all the commands for our dog trainer’s doesn’t mean that will automatically apply to you. Let’s say, for example your dog has had the run of the house the last 2 years, he comes and goes as he pleases, chews up things in your home, lunges at people on a walk, and maybe a little rough when playing with new dogs. You as the pet owner, have allowed that to go on the last 2 years, and that is no big deal, we see it all the time, but when your dog returns home you have to get with the program and apply the rules instantly. This can take several days or even weeks for your dog to realize that “Mom is not putting up with my bad behavior anymore!” And my group class, private lessons, and in-home training clients you are not off the hook either! You will be assigned things to work on between sessions, it’s your job as the pet owner to follow through, and it’s so worth it!

Protection dog clients maybe the worst as far as expectations! They often times purchase a dog that is picked from a vendor in Europe, we ship the dog to our facility, and the owner may or may not even come visit before training begins. We work with the dog for several months in obedience and bite work and deliver the dog to the client’s home. This dog doesn’t know you from Adam; it takes several weeks and sometimes months depending on the dog, for a bond or relationship to take effect. Clients want good social dogs that can do well with kids that perform bite work, then call the first week and say it’s not mean enough! Once the dog understands his home he will guard it to the fullest! This goes back to patience and consistency in training once the dog is in your home! We have a protection dog in the Charlotte area, the owner called after week two and said that his wife has spoiled her so much he didn’t think she would bite a flea! Jason went down to the home did a little decoy work with her and she still had it! Jason explained that she was still settling in to be patient and stick with working obedience daily (this helps with the liability issue that come with a protection dog to work on nice solid obedience). A few weeks later, the owner called and said he had to leave work early and go home, because the cleaning lady had stepped out of the house and their dog would not let her back in! Since then this family has had other positive experiences when the dog performed their job, you just have to give it a chance!

Our Autism Assistance Dog clients probably have the most work do to once the dog arrives. For this simple reason is why we generally stay five days upon delivery of the dog to make sure the transition goes well with the children! Our families already have a tight schedule with school, therapies, and doctor appointments and so on, now they have to learn how to utilize a dog in this chaos! We prepare our clients for the responsibilities that are added with a dog and how they still have to work daily with the child and dog on obedience and structure. Like our protection dog clients we often purchase a dog to fit the family’s needs and they may visit the dog a few times upon delivery, so again it takes a little bit for the dog to settle and bond with your family so be patient it will pay off in the end!

So when asked “What are your expectations of the dogs training?” Your answer should be I understand that your job is to lay the foundation work for my dog, but it’s up to me and my family to properly nurture and mold the finished product with training my dog! Keep expectations realistic, understand that these dogs will not be push button in the beginning, it takes time, with consistency and structure you will get there, and we guarantee it! We are only a phone call away and any of our dog trainer’s will be happy to assist with advice and/or a visit if needed!

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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

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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

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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.

“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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