Canine Connection LLC

26/01/2025

Gracie in a sit/stay in intermediate class this afternoon, smiling for the camera ~~ lol

26/01/2025

Petey on a down/stay in intermediate class this afternoon

25/01/2025

IACP ~ PRONG COLLAR KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT (PCKA)???

Not all dog trainer organizations are on board with the best practice standards adopted by the Association of Professional Dog Trainers International (APDT International), Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior (KPA), and the position statements and recommendations of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) and American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB).

None of the organizations above condone the use of prong collars, and they are banned in many countries. But the IACP (International Association of Canine Professionals) is offering a "knowledge assessment" for the use of these devices. The initials,"PCKA" refers to prong collar knowledge assessment, and trainers who pass the assessment are awarded a certificate of "achievement."

You must find out which organizations a trainer belongs to and what the organizations stand for and promote, as well as about the certifications a trainer holds. It all may sound impressive on the internet, but until you verify, and find out what organizations a trainer belongs to, and what those organizations accept and even promote, you will not know the truth about a trainer's philosophy, knowledge, and skills.

~Cindy

24/01/2025

In celebration of Train Your Dog Month, please share something about what you've trained your dog to do and how that has enriched your dog's life and your own. You may include a photo or video of you and your dog or just your dog, if you like!

Did you know that National Train Your Dog Month was launched by APDT International in 2010, when we were still known as the Association of Pet Dog Trainers? Fast forward to 2025, and we’re proud to elevate this initiative to an international movement! With a fresh logo and a global outreach to APDT members, International Train Your Dog Month celebrates the power of humane, science-based dog training worldwide. Whether you're a first-time pet parent or an experienced dog owner, this movement invites everyone to experience the joy and harmony that come from working with a professional dog trainer and integrating training into everyday life. Let’s unite for a world of better, happier dogs!

🌍🐾 Learn more at trainyourdogmonth.com.

24/01/2025

Shock collars, also known as e-collars or remote training collars, are banned or restricted in many countries ~ the U.S. is not one of them.

Following is a list of countries where shock collars are illegal or heavily regulated:

1. United Kingdom

Shock collars were officially banned in the UK in 2018. Scotland and Wales have similar bans. Scotland banned shock collars in 2018. England and Wales implemented bans in in 2024.

2. Sweden

Sweden banned the use of shock collars on dogs in 1988. The Swedish Animal Welfare Act prohibits the use of any training device that causes harm or distress to animals.

3. Denmark

Denmark banned the use of shock collars in 2018.

4. Norway

Norway outlawed the use of shock collars on dogs in 2010, citing concerns over animal cruelty and stress caused by the collars.

5. Switzerland

Switzerland banned shock collars in 1988.Swiss law prohibits the use of any device that causes pain or discomfort to animals during training, including electronic collars that deliver electric shocks.

6. Germany

Germany banned shock collars in 2018. The ban was implemented through a regulation on animal protection, which prohibits the use of electronic collars that inflict pain or stress on animals. While not all forms of electronic training devices are outright banned in Germany, the use of shock collars, which deliver painful or harmful electric shocks, is prohibited due to concerns about animal welfare.

7. Austria

Austria banned shock collars in 2005. The ban was introduced as part of Austria’s strong animal protection laws under the Austrian Animal Welfare Act, which aims to prevent cruelty and ensure that animals are treated humanely. The use of electric shock collars is considered a form of unnecessary suffering, and their use is prohibited for training purposes.

8. Belgium

In 2018, Belgium passed a ban on the use of electric collars, in line with the European Union’s push for more humane training methods for pets.

9. Australia (specific states)

In some Australian states and territories (such as South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory), shock collars are banned or highly regulated. Laws can vary by region.

10. New Zealand

New Zealand banned shock collars in 2015. The ban was introduced under the Animal Welfare (Electronic Collars) Code of Welfare 2015. This regulation prohibits the use of electronic collars that cause pain or distress to animals, including shock collars, for the training of dogs.

11. Canada (specific provinces)

In Canada, the use of shock collars is not federally banned, but there are regulations and varying laws at the provincial and territorial levels that address their use. While the Criminal Code of Canada prohibits causing unnecessary harm to animals, there isn't a nationwide ban specifically targeting shock collars. However, certain provinces and territories have taken steps to regulate or restrict their use.

In 2017, Ontario passed a law under the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (OSPCA) that made it illegal to use shock collars for training. The law prohibits devices that cause pain or distress to animals, which includes shock collars.

British Columbia has restrictions on the use of devices like shock collars, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. These laws are focused on ensuring that animals are not subjected to pain or unnecessary stress.

Quebec has been considering tighter regulations on animal welfare and may consider stronger restrictions or bans on shock collars, although as of now, there are no specific laws outright banning them.

12. Finland

Finland banned shock collars in 2001. The ban was introduced as part of Finland's commitment to protecting animal welfare, and it falls under the Animal Welfare Act. The law prohibits the use of devices, including shock collars, that cause pain, fear, or distress to animals. This regulation reflects Finland's strong stance on ensuring that animals are trained and treated in a humane manner, emphasizing positive reinforcement and non-painful methods for training.

Cindy Ludwig, M.A., R.N., KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA
Owner, Canine Connection LLC
Willard, Missouri

24/01/2025

NEW YEAR, NEW PUPPY CHALLENGES?

Or maybe it’s the same old puppy chaos? 🐾

Either way, I’ve got the solution to make puppy raising easier.
The ‘Your Puppy Blueprint’ Summit, hosted by Kelly Fahey, is here to transform your puppy parenting journey.

With 25+ international dog training and behavior experts, this FREE event will give you the confidence, tools, and knowledge you need to raise your puppy right.

✨ Whether you’re dealing with:

Endless chewing and biting
Potty training woes
Sleepless nights or attention-seeking antics
Or just wondering how to decode your puppy’s behavior

We’ve got answers! And guess what?... the advice applies to older dogs, too.

Come. Sit. Stay. Learn from top experts and finally feel in control of your puppy’s training journey.

Let’s turn your puppy’s overzealous nature into zen. 🐶✨ See you there!

📅 Save the date: January 27th

🎟 Register for your FREE spot now: https://conference.puppyblueprint.com/Cindy

24/01/2025

INTERNATIONAL TRAIN YOUR DOG MONTH: HOW TO STAY SAFE AROUND DOGS

Presented by Cindy Ludwig, RN, former licensed paramedic, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Voted Best Springfield, Missouri Dog Trainer ~~ at Mercy Hospital ~~ January 24 ~~ 6 - 7 PM

Do you know that dog bites have increased dramatically in recent years and that most bites are foreseeable and preventable?

Did you know that most bites are inflicted by a dog that belongs to the family of the person bitten, or is known to the person bitten?

Plan to attend this one-hour presentation to learn how to keep your family safe and never be in the position of wishing you had known!

Due to limited seating, preregistration is requested.

24/01/2025

January is Train Your Dog Month 🐾—the perfect time to strengthen your bond with your dog through training! But not all trainers are created equal. Choosing a qualified, humane trainer who understands animal behavior is key to your dog’s success and well-being and the ACVB site has resources to help. 🐶💡

✅ How to Select a Trainer: Whether you’re a pet owner or a veterinarian, these guides help you make informed choices:

How to Select a Trainer - A Guide for Owners
How to Select a Trainer - A Guide for Veterinarians

Find them here: https://www.dacvb.org/page/AnimalOwners

If you need advanced behavior support, consider consulting a Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist. These are veterinarians certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) with extensive training in behavior medicine and modification. Visit the ACVB site for a Diplomate Directory!

Empower your pup and start their training journey with the right resources! 🦴🐕

23/01/2025

IN WHICH COUNTRIES ARE PRONG (AKA PINCH) COLLARS ILLEGAL?

Following is a comprehensive list of countries where prong collars (also known as pinch collars) are either banned or highly regulated, along with relevant references:

1. Germany

Ban: Prong collars are banned in Germany under the Animal Protection Act (Tierschutzgesetz). The law prohibits the use of tools that cause unnecessary pain or suffering to animals.
Reference: Animal Protection Act (Tierschutzgesetz)

2. Denmark

Ban: Prong collars are banned in Denmark under the Danish Animal Welfare Act (Dyreværnsloven), which restricts harmful devices for training animals.
Reference: Danish Animal Welfare Act (Dyreværnsloven)

3. Sweden

Ban: Sweden prohibits the use of prong collars through the Swedish Animal Welfare Act (Djurskyddslag), which restricts the use of aversive training tools.
Reference: Swedish Animal Welfare Act (Djurskyddslag)

4. Austria

Ban: In Austria, prong collars are prohibited under the Animal Protection Act (Tierschutzgesetz), which forbids the use of harmful devices for training.
Reference: Austrian Animal Protection Act (Tierschutzgesetz)

5. Switzerland

Ban: Prong collars are banned under the Swiss Federal Act on the Protection of Animals, which prohibits the use of devices that cause pain or distress to animals.
Reference: Swiss Federal Act on the Protection of Animals

6. Norway

Ban: Norway has restrictions on the use of prong collars under the Norwegian Animal Welfare Act, which aims to prevent animal cruelty and unnecessary suffering.
Reference: Norwegian Animal Welfare Act

7. Finland

Ban: Finland bans the use of prong collars as part of its Animal Welfare Act, with guidelines that discourage the use of harmful training tools.
Reference: Finnish Animal Welfare Act

8. United Kingdom

Partial Ban: In the UK, prong collars are not banned nationwide but their use is restricted under the Animal Welfare (Sentencing and Recognition of Sentience) Bill and the Pet Animals Act, which can be interpreted to include prong collars in the category of harmful equipment. Some local authorities impose fines for their use, and there’s a strong public consensus against them.
Reference: UK Animal Welfare Act 2006

9. Netherlands

Ban: Prong collars are banned in the Netherlands under the Dutch Animal Welfare Act, which prohibits any tools that cause physical harm or psychological distress to animals.
Reference: Dutch Animal Welfare Act

10. New Zealand

Ban: Prong collars are prohibited in New Zealand under the Animal Welfare Act, as part of broader legislation against devices that cause pain or suffering to animals.
Reference: New Zealand Animal Welfare Act 1999

11. Australia (Some States and Territories)

Ban: While not a nationwide ban, some Australian states and territories have implemented legislation that bans prong collars, including in Victoria and South Australia. The Australian Capital Territory has also enforced restrictions on their use.
Reference: Australian Animal Welfare Standards

12. Luxembourg

Ban: Luxembourg prohibits the use of prong collars under the Animal Welfare Law, which aligns with European Union animal protection directives.
Reference: Luxembourg Animal Welfare Law

13. Finland

Ban: Finland enforces a ban on prong collars under its Animal Welfare Act to ensure animal welfare and promote humane training practices.
Reference: Finnish Animal Welfare Act

14. Belgium
Ban: Belgium also prohibits prong collars under its Animal Welfare Act, part of the country's broader effort to protect animals from harmful practices.
Reference: Belgian Animal Welfare Act

15. New Zealand
In New Zealand, prong collars are illegal. The Animal Welfare Act 1999 prohibits the use of devices that cause pain or suffering to animals, and prong collars are considered aversive tools that can cause harm.
Reference: Animal Welfare Act 1999 clearly outlines regulations for the welfare of animals, and the use of prong collars would fall under the category of prohibited devices that cause harm.

16. Portugal: No specific ban, but laws align with EU standards discouraging harmful devices.

17. South Africa: Prong collars are not explicitly banned, but could fall under cruelty laws depending on usage.

18. Quebec: Legal, but highly controversial and subject to evolving regulations.

19. Italy: Prong collars are not explicitly banned, but discouraged under EU regulations.

Summary:

These bans typically stem from the belief that prong collars can cause pain, fear, and distress to dogs, and that there are more humane, positive methods for training pets. Many of these countries favor training methods that rely on reward-based systems rather than punitive equipment.

If you live in one of these countries and have any updates to the information above, please reply in the comments below.

Thank you,

Cindy Ludwig, M.A., B.S., R.N., KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA
Owner, Canine Connection LLC
Willard, Missouri

23/01/2025

POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT IS MORE EFFECTIVE THAN TRAINING WITH AN E-COLLAR

"Our results demonstrate through direct evidence from real life situations, that the reward-focused training was, indeed, more efficient than methods which included potentially aversive stimuli such as electric stimuli or excessive lead pressure. Whilst our results may reflect general differences in training style of the trainer groups involved in the study rather than use of E-collar per se, we would argue that because the trainers who used E-collars were put forward by industry representatives as exemplars of best practice; their data (at least in relation to E-collar use) should be taken to represent a best case scenario for professional E-collar training. It is likely that less experienced trainers and owners would be less skilled and thus less effective in their use of the device."

We assessed the efficacy of dog training with and without remote electronic collars compared to training with positive reinforcement. A total of 63 dogs with...

23/01/2025

INTL ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINERS STANDARDS

"The use of aversive tools such as choke collars, prong collars, shock collars (including “stim-collars” and “e-collars”), bonkers, shaker-cans, citronella spray, water spray, leash-pop/leash-corrections (with any type of collar/harness), yelling, or any other technique designed to intentionally cause fear, pain, or startle in the dog, are not practices that fall within APDT Standards or our core values as an organization. All Members agree to abide by APDT Standards in the practice of training and behavior consultation for as long as their membership remains active. "

The APDT is the leading organization for professional dog trainers, providing resources, education, and certification worldwide.

23/01/2025

23/01/2025

FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (Preregistration required) Do you know that dog bites have increased dramatically in recent years and that most bites are foreseeable and preventable? Did you know that most bites are inflicted by a dog that belongs to the family of the person bitten, or is known to the person bitten? Plan to attend this one-hour presentation to learn how to keep your family safe and never be in the position of wishing you had known!

Cindy Ludwig, M.A., R.N., Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Owner, Canine Connection LLC
Willard, Missouri

23/01/2025

BARK AIR ~~ no joke! I'm a little late in finding out about this.....who knew? I hope they have a trainer/behavior consultant on board these flights!

A new airline specially designed for dogs, and sometimes even their "human companions," is now operating flights out of Chicago, the company announced.

21/01/2025

Why doesn’t my puppy listen… no matter how many times I say “NO”?! 🐶❌

Sound familiar? If you’ve ever thought this once or twice (or multiple times each day), then it’s time to try a new approach. 🐾✨

Join me at the ‘Your Puppy Blueprint’ Summit – the ultimate event for raising a well-behaved, happy puppy (and keeping your sanity intact!). 🧘‍♀️🐕

My colleague, Kelly Fahey, a trusted puppy specialist, has brought together 25+ top trainers and behavior experts to answer your questions, provide clear guidance, and help you tackle all your puppy predicaments. 🐾🎓

What’s even better? It’s FREE! 🎉 And the tips don’t just apply to puppies – unruly dogs can benefit too! 🐕💡

🐾 Why you’ll love this event:

✅ Learn how to stop saying "NO" and start seeing results
✅ Get expert insight to improve your training skills and build a stronger connection with your puppy 🤝🐶
✅ Understand your puppy’s behavior better to get the training results you want 🐕✨
✅ Finally enjoy the calm, happy puppyhood you imagined 🌟🐾

I’m excited to be speaking about Raising Safe and Social Pups: Recognizing and Avoiding Bites, and I can’t wait to share what I know to help you and your puppy thrive! 🐾💬

You don’t have to figure it out alone – let’s do this together! 🤗🐾

📅 The fun begins January 27th!
🎟 Reserve your spot here: https://conference.puppyblueprint.com/Cindy

21/01/2025

OPAL'S CHOICE..................I shoveled half of the deck and Opal chose to lie down on the half that wasn't shoveled. She was always a hotdog!