Pet Behavior Associates, Inc.

06/14/2024

Spring/Summer Activities Planned at Pet Behavior Associates

Canine Good Citizen Class - This is a six-week course in which you will train your dog to be a good citizen and model companion.

Out and About Class - This class is one in which we take training to the streets. We will practice advanced obedience exercises at various locations in the area, each offering unique distractions and learning opportunities.

Summer Workshops - These workshops will be held on Saturdays. Each workshop will focus on two commands. By the end of the workshop, you will have a good foundation on the exercises taught in the workshop. (Limited to 4 dogs)
The exercises I have paired are for the workshop are Heeling and Sit/Stays; Recalls and Down/Stay. Each workshop is approximately an hour. The cost is $30.00. Take one workshop or both. (Limited to 4 dogs)

Private sessions: You pick the commands and exercises you want your dog to learn. Each private session is approximately one hour. The times will be arranged according to our schedules. The cost is $50.00.
Email me at [email protected]

06/06/2024

I have room for a couple of dogs in the Monday evening classes that start on June 10th. Email me at [email protected]

06/06/2024

06/05/2024

A six-week behavior training course for dogs and puppies. The dogs will learn how to walk on leash; sit and down stay, to greet people without jumping up or showing shyness or aggression, to come on command and get calm. You will receive an extensive manual that will teach you more about the class and help you to solve common behavior problems. I have 2 spots open!

05/23/2024

Heh, Mom. The cat is home. https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=2112205509137106

05/23/2024

05/23/2024

Shane Doss
Dangers of mud and your dog
Some mud puddles harbor a protozoan parasite called Giardia. When another animal is infected with Giardia, their f***s will contain the cyst form of the parasite. If a dog drinks from a water source contaminated with animal f***s infected with the Giardia cyst, he may develop giardiasis.
The bacteria can enter your dog's body through any mucus membranes. If your dog drinks contaminated water from a puddle, gets contaminated mud in its eye, or sniffs contaminated dirt, it is at risk of contracting leptospirosis.
Leptospira, often called lepto, lives in standing water and mud. Pets can become infected if the bacteria moves from the source to the mucus membranes in a dog's mouth or an open wound, It's then spread through the body via the bloodstream. If your pet shows these signs, take them to the vet.
Mud can be fun for your dog to play in, but be sure to wash it off a quickly as you can to keep bacteria from growing in your pup's fur or on his skin.
1. Giardia in dogs:
- Yellow, loose stools or diarrhea (often foul-smelling)
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Vomiting
2. Leptospirosis in dogs:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Muscle pain or stiffness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lack of appetite
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Increased thirst and urination
It's important to note that these signs and symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the infection and the individual dog's immune response. If you suspect that your dog may have Giardia or leptospirosis, it is important to consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Doss

05/22/2024

🗣️ Playing tug-of-war with puppies can be beneficial when done correctly! Here are some reasons why it’s okay and even advantageous:

1️⃣ Impulse Control: Tug games can help puppies learn impulse control. When they wait to go for the toy or drop it when asked, it reinforces desired behavior.

2️⃣ Confidence Building: Tug can boost a puppy’s confidence. It allows them to focus on you in distracting environments, which is essential for training and socialization.

3️⃣ Bond Strengthening: By playing tug, you nurture a strong rapport with your puppy. Letting them “win” during the game doesn’t mean they dominate you; it shows that engaging with you is fun and rewarding.

4️⃣ Physical Exercise: Tug games provide an excellent outlet for physical activity. Puppies burn energy, strengthen their muscles, and improve coordination while tugging on a toy.

5️⃣ Mental Stimulation: Tug-of-war engages a puppy’s mind. They need to strategize, focus, and react to your movements during the game. This mental stimulation is essential for their overall well-being.

6️⃣ Teething Relief: Puppies go through a teething phase, and tugging on a toy can help soothe their sore gums. Make sure the toy is appropriate for teething and not too hard.

7️⃣ Training Opportunities: Tug can reinforce behaviors like “drop it” or “leave it.” Use the game as a training tool to teach obedience and impulse control.

📣 Remember a few simple rules:

✔️ Use an appropriate toy (not your hands or clothing).

✔️ Maintain light resistance, especially with young puppies or senior dogs—be gentle with tugging. Match your tugging intensity to their size and body

✔️ Always supervise playtime.

Happy Tugging! 🐶🐾

05/07/2024

First week in the Performance class.

05/07/2024

Wildwood Prairie Smoke is a STAR Puppy!

05/06/2024

Looking for in home behavior training for your dog or puppy at an affordable price? I offer four private lessons in your home for $450.00. The program is customizable to your needs. During this in-home course you will learn how to train your dog to follow basic commands, like heeling on a leash and coming when called. The dogs learn a standard greeting procedure so that your dog will not bolt out the door or jump on visitors. You will learn how to use the commands to modify your pet's behavior and to solve common behavioral problems. I am taking reservations for Spring and Summer 2024.

05/06/2024

Looking for in home behavior training for your dog or puppy at an affordable price? I offer four private lessons in your home for $450.00. The program is customizable to your needs. During this in-home course you will learn how to train your dog to follow basic commands, like heeling on a leash and coming when called. The dogs learn a standard greeting procedure so that your dog will not bolt out the door or jump on visitors. You will learn how to use the commands to modify your pet's behavior and to solve common behavioral problems. I am taking reservations for March 2024.

05/06/2024

I know several who lost a beloved dog and say I’ll never have another, “(insert name) was my heart dog, I can never have another”, to them, I share this…
Before humans die, they write their last will & testament, give their home and all they have
to those they leave behind. If, with my paws, I could do the same, this is what I'd ask......
To a poor and lonely stray I'd give my happy home;
my bowl and cozy bed; soft pillow and all my toys;
the lap which I loved so much; the hand that
stroked my fur; and the sweet voice that spoke
my name.
I'd will to the sad, scared shelter dog the
place I had in my human's loving heart,
of which there seemed no bounds.
So, when I die, please do not say, "I will never have a pet again, for the loss and pain is more than I can stand."
Instead, go find an unloved dog, one whose life has held
no joy or hope and give my place to him.
This is the only thing I can give....
The love I left behind.
(Copied from a friend)

Healing Paws: Maverick’s Inspiring Story of Love, Resilience, and Community Support 1 Comment / Beautiful Stories / By Kindodds Kalpajith / December 27, 2023 In the depths of a kill shelter, Maverick, a mere spectre of skin and bones, entered the orbit of Joey Maxwell and his wife. Adopted into th...

05/05/2024

I will be offering a STAR Behavior Training class on May 20th (Monday nights at 6 or 7:15). Classes are held at my home in Galena. Dog behavior training is a combined beginners’ course in obedience training and behavioral management. Annette specifically developed the STAR behavior training course for dogs and puppies with the needs of pet owners in mind. It is based upon current knowledge of dog behavior, learning and motivation.

In the behavior training classes you will learn how to properly train your dog or puppy to obey basic commands, like heel, sit, down, come, and stay. Additionally, you will learn how to use these commands in daily situations so that you have better control over your dog. You’ll learn to teach your dog to be calmer and more manageable and to solve problems, like jumping up, running off, destroying property and pulling.

The methods taught in the STAR behavior training classes are designed to modify your dog’s behavior through the use of positive reinforcement.

You will learn how to effectively communicate what you want to your dog and how to motivate him to please you by tapping into his natural desires to play and obtain affection, praise and rewards. Above all training using these methods are FUN and more effective than those relying on correction or intimidation. Enroll by emailing me at [email protected] TODAY to start transforming your dog!

04/29/2024

Looking for something fun to do with your puppy or young dog? I am offering a special 6-week course on Tuesday mornings beginning May 7 at 11:00 AM at my home in Galena. The Performance Puppy Class is a must for those wishing to compete with their dogs in many venues. Puppies will learn how to heel with attention, come when called, perform selected agility obstacles and obedience exercises, climb, stack and gait, and perform a few tricks. Some training will utilize a clicker to shape desired behaviors. Contact me ASAP if you would like to participate. The class is limited to 4. I can also schedule a second class at 12:15. Send me a message email me at [email protected].
PLEASE NOTE: We will not meet on May 14th due to a previous engagement.

04/28/2024

Not all dogs are party animals.

04/25/2024

ADOLESCENCE:
As dogs go through adolescence, it’s safe to say things turn a little topsy-turvy! 🙃

If you’re currently at this stage and feeling like you’ve taken one step forward and two steps back, don’t panic! During this stage of life, there’s a lot going on in their busy little brains.

Here are three facts about the adolescent brain 🧠👇

1. The inhibitory neurons of the amygdala that help to dampen down emotional responses don’t fully mature until the END of adolescence.

2. Communication between the frontal cortex and amygdala, which is essential for skills training, decreases during adolescence.

3. Extinction memory is impaired during adolescence, so if your dog has a bad experience it’s much more likely to lead to a ‘hard wired’ fear memory.

Have patience and compassion as you support and guide your dog through this vulnerable period of brain development.

04/25/2024

04/25/2024

CANINE ENCOUNTERS DISCUSSION GROUP
Shane Doss · 9h ·
This saying is probably the most dangerous and deadly sentence in the dog industry.
"It's all in how you raise them."
It's not all about how you raise them. Genetics matters. This saying makes it easy for people to forget that your dog's genetics matter. And plays a major role in influencing each and every dog. What your dog was bred for matters; all the love you give your dog doesn't change their genetics; all the kisses in the world, and coddles don't change and can't change where they come from.
Let's change this common and overused saying, "It's all in how you raise them." to "how educated you are in what you have. What is your breed bred for? and work from there. Doss

04/16/2024

For the upcoming Saturday, May 11, Pet Partners evaluation, we have 8 teams evaluating. This means a longer day for all of us volunteering - from 8:00 until ~2:15. That said, if you can volunteer but only in the morning (8-11:15) or early afternoon (11-2:15), we are happy to have you participate. Of course, we would be happy to have you the entire time as well!

We need both crowd volunteers and 2 neutral dogs teams (early shift & late shift).

Kindly respond as soon as possible to Harriet & Kim at [email protected]. We'll send out more details the week prior to the evaluation.

If you plan to evaluate in the next few months, consider volunteering at the Team Evaluation. It will give you an in-depth view of the evaluation expectations AND this can lower your stress when it comes to your actual evaluation time.

Thanks in advance for your support. We couldn’t support the Pet Partners Team Evaluations without your assistance.

Janet Newcity, Kelly McFerron, Sharon Groves and Helen Bibler