K9 Training Concepts

15/01/2023

Let's Talk About... the Prong Collar. Facts, not emotions:

The prong, or pinch, collar was first patented by Hermann Sprenger in the late 1800s, and the design has evolved over the decades with improved knowledge, experience, and materials. It should be noted that Herm Sprenger (*not* "Springer") are one of only a very small handful of prong collar manufacturers that reputable trainers recommend, and arguably the best.

The collar itself:

The individual prongs themselves are angled in and blunt at the ends, NEVER sharp. They are not designed to stab like a needle, or injure the dog. Due to the mechanical design, pressure is distributed evenly around the neck, and this pressure is felt far more readily than that of a choke/check chain, or flat collar. Ergo, less pressure is required to be used by the handler. This is particularly useful for handlers who have strength or mobility issues, or who have very large dogs. Also important to observe is that there is a martingale chain that connects each side of the collar, which prevents the collar from tightening excessively or dangerously, as can happen with a choke or check chain that is not used appropriately.

The mechanics of the collar, as explained by a mechanical engineer:

F = force applied by the handler.

FA, FB, FC etc = force applied on dog's neck. The tip exerts the force in opposite direction of pull. This is because of the lever effect created by the fulcrum (shown in the red circle).

Now the important part: anatomy, not physics.
A dog’s neck is sensitive at the throat and strong at the side and back. FE is force applied at neck and FB & FC are force applied on side of neck.

Now FA = F cos (angle made by FA and F); similarly, FB, FC etc. If you look at a trigonometry book, the greater the angle between F and the direction of resultant force (FA, FB etc), the lesser is the force. So you can see the force on the neck/throat is almost zero. And the force on the side of neck is almost equal to what you apply.

And finally, please do bear in mind that this post is about the science behind the prong collar - not your *feelings*. If you don't like this particular tool, it's pretty simple: don't use it. But also bear in mind that, if you haven't ever used it, then your opinion of it is based on nothing more than emotion and/or hearsay.

If you are triggered by this post, ask yourself why - based on *fact* :-)

08/07/2022

Copied with permission from a post by Anne Rogers:

"It is perfectly acceptable, normal and ok for a pet owner to want a family dog, who is safe, fun and can be brought places without that requiring military standard operations and arrangements.

It is perfectly acceptable, normal and ok for a pet owner to not want to or need to become a dog trainer or behaviour expert. To just be a dog owner.

It is perfectly acceptable, normal and ok for pet owners to not want project dogs, who take over their lives, require complete changes to their lifestyle, and mean that, for the remainder of their dog's life, everything must be micro-managed because just one human mistake can mean serious compromises to safety and welfare.

Human welfare is important too, not least because that helps to ensure canine welfare too. We need both.

Dogs wouldn't choose this either.

It's not welfare if we are just keeping them alive under conditions that limit that dog's needs being met.

We're not rescuing them if their lives aren't getting better.

Picture of this beach boy because many years ago, an online/social media bullying campaign was instigated against me by, among others, "force-free" or whatever trainers (I have the screen shots, IPs and all sorts of info) because I decided to choose an impeccably produced, reared and cared for dog so that I could have a fun, safe, nutty companion who challenges me in all the right ways, whose needs I can meet pretty easily and whose welfare I can maintain without massive lifestyle overhauls for either of us.

Been there, done that, and will never do it again, and nor will the countless pet owners who didn't know how to make those choices, and are now stuck and overwhelmed with a dog they love but whose needs are so difficult, and sometimes, impossible, to meet.

I'm tired."

[Photo: Ann Rogers]

23/07/2021

Jet (FC Road Warriors Dieter Brock x That's Gonna Take A Tarabyte UD GO VER RA SH MX MXJ ACT1 TKA CGC etc). 7/2/2018 - 7/10/2021.

This is a sad post to write, but important. I'm going to put on my veterinarian hat for a moment. Jet was a promising young hunting and field trial dog with a bright future ahead of him. About July 7th, his owner called me because Jet wasn't doing well and had been diagnosed with severe dilated cardiomyopathy and end-stage heart failure. In spite of excellent treatment (and I did get to talk to his veterinarian), Jet continued to deteriorate and passed away on the morning of the 10th.

Labradors don't get the genetic form of DCM, like Boxers and Dobermans. In a young Labrador like Jet who had a normal heart echo (ultrasound) at 7 weeks of age, a diagnosis of DCM is 100% nutrition. Jet was fed Acana Red Meat Recipe (grain free) from the time he was picked up at my place at 8 weeks. Unfortunately, although his owner was trying his best to do right by the dog (these boutique companies have some excellent marketing), Acana was the most common food in the initial FDA report of DCM cases.

We (veterinary community) do not entirely understand what is wrong with grain free foods, only that dogs who are fed grain free foods are at risk of developing Nutritional Dilated Cardiomyopathy, and it does not appear to matter if taurine is added to the food or not. Sometimes you get lucky. I do see dogs in the clinic who are on Taste of the Wild, Blue Buffalo, etc without problems. However, my colleagues and I, in a small rural practice, also found 5-6 cases of DCM between December and March from pets on grain free food. One of the vets I work with euthanized a dog with DCM this week, also caused by grain free food. The problem is real.

Reading material for skeptics:
https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/outbreaks-and-advisories/fda-investigation-potential-link-between-certain-diets-and-canine-dilated-cardiomyopathy

https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2018/11/dcm-update/

https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2021-01-01/fda-urges-collaboration-dilated-cardiomyopathy-afflicts-more-dogs

I feed Purina Proplan to my dogs. Yes, it has corn in it! That is why my dogs do not have dilated cardiomyopathy (and I am sure of it, because they all get cardiac echos). I pay quite a bit to Purina for dog food and have never received a check or other "kickbacks" for recommending their food. If you don't like Purina, then try one of the other manufacturers who do feeding trials, have nutritionists on staff, and whose main diets have not been associated with DCM cases. Hills, Royal Canin, Iams, or Eukanuba are also excellent choices.

Feeding a good quality, balanced diet to your dog and keeping them slim will prevent a ton of nutrition related problems. Buying good food is much cheaper than veterinary visits. I wrote an article last winter on how to avoid spending money at your veterinary clinic that covers food as well as many other managment related topics.http://www.clairedvm.com/how_to_avoid_spending_money_at_vet.pdf

RIP Jet. I watched him run a derby last summer and he was a good dog. 💔

Dr Klatt

01/02/2021

I can’t wait until we can do a before and after video on this adorable Frenchie.

This small dog came to us with a big problem! She would try to bite you when you put her collar on, or touch her if she wasn’t in the mood to be touched. 😱

Today we worked off leash, with other dogs playing. As you can see, she loves her belly rubs! Good dog!

28/01/2021

Mahogany Gamble sums it up so beautifully, as usual.

18/01/2021

Before training, Jet was having issues being overly reactive around other dogs. Today, he demonstrates his walking off leash skills in San Francisco.

Well doneJet!

23/10/2020

This video is uneventful. But it’s very important.

These 4 dogs in the video all originally started training with onleash reactivity, leash pulling, leash aggression. The whippets owner said they wanted training, but were realistic that their dog would never be able to be off leash. He said to me “Whippets just love to run, and he’s not motivated by food, and just too aggressive to other dogs to ever be reliably off leash .” To say his owner is pleasantly surprised to be able to have his dog both off leash and obedient is an understatement.

This video was filmed after just finished a nice off leash neighborhood walk. Totally uneventful walk. No fights, no running away, just a nice walk.

All these dogs are trained on an electric collar. These dogs are now able to experience freedom they were never allowed before. Ecollar training made these dogs happier, well trained and emotionally more stable.

I would never suggest anyone except an expert train a dog on an ecollar. What I do ask is keep an open mind about training tools.

Your dog will thank you.

08/10/2020

12/06/2020

A very good video for those looking to learn more about dog training. How would people have reacted if this happened at your local dog park?

19/05/2020

Gilmore showing off his off-leash obedience skills.

Great work Jackie!

30/03/2020

Stop training for so long!

Sometimes I see people do 15 and 20 minute long training sessions! eek!

This training session is under two minutes. Lots of energy, and the dog went away wanting even more.

When you finish the training session does your dog just wanna go lay on the couch and have a nap or are they excited to go out and do it again?

My only advice to the dog trainer in this video, our very own Jackie, is that she should take a few more steps backwards on the recall so the dog has a little more cushion before she has to slam on the breaks.

But overall I’m very happy to see how much the dog is enjoying the training.

28/03/2020

How to give a treat.

We are providing virtual lessons during this time of quarantine. Let us know if you have a dog and need some training tips!

23/03/2020

First full day of our distance dog training program. 4 dogs trained online during our shelter in place today!

Our 3 week youth “trick training” program starts this week. We still have one opening!

we also have 5 individuals lesson packages (buy 4 lessons get the 5th free)

Programs currently offering are:
Welcome home puppy
Problem solving
Basic obedience

Email for more info!

[email protected]

21/03/2020

Has all this extra time with your dog been wonderful?

Or perhaps you wish he was just a little more obedient? Maybe a nice "place" command while you are working in the office? or maybe your social distancing walk around the block with your dog could be more relaxing, with less pulling on the leash.

Our 4-6 week board and train program can help solve all these problems. Yes, we are accepting new clients even during this shelter in place.

Our program does include weekly follow up lessons that can be done at your home, shelter in place permitting.

Reach out for more details.

[email protected]

17/03/2020

"Tricks are for Kids"

Online course for kids from 1st-5th grade for teaching basic tricks to their dog.

About the class:
A 3 week course of progressive skills to teach dogs basic to advanced tricks. Week 3 will cumulate with a “final” of chaining all tricks together.
Student videos will be reviewed and given feedback by our instructor team.
Facebook "secret" group will be used for teaching. Parent supervision is required.

Class dates: March 23 - April 12

Participation:
Limited to 10 students

Payment: $125 for 3 weeks

Email [email protected] for a copy of class curriculum and registration information.

11/03/2020

Be well!

10/03/2020

02/03/2020

Iggy, a K9TC fully trained adult dog (we call then InstaDogs!) went home today to his new family in SF!

We will continue with our weekly training sessions in Iggys new home for the rest of the month to make sure the transition continues to move forward smoothly.

07/02/2020

If the New York post says it, maybe people will listen? We always say, a dog park is similar to dropping your kids off at San Quentin for a little play time.

Dog parks may seem like great additions to the community, but they’re rife with problems — for you, and for your dog. Here’s what to know before you go.

24/01/2020

The Monkey Tail Ranch, in Hollister CA, is proud to host hosting a rattlesnake aversion class on Monday March 30th in Hollister CA. This is a great class, and have on more than one occasion saved our dogs from potential harmful snakes.

We will be having dogs participate in 1/2 hour blocks starting at 10:00a - 5:30p no sessions from 1:00-2:00. $75/dog. Please send me your 1st - 3rd time picks. A confirmed schedule will be sent out the week of March 20th.

Please keep in mind that the trainers generally recommend dogs be at least 6 months old so that they are developmentally mature enough to make the correct association during the training. That being said, some dogs mature faster or slower than others so we are happy to do a quick puppy evaluation for all pups 5-8 months old on the day. If they don't feel the pup is ready to train, the owners will not be charged.

All owners should bring their dogs on leash. If an individual has a dog that is exceptionally dog or person aggressive we suggest they hang out a bit away from the general gathering area or at their vehicle after checking in with you and when it's their turn, our trainer can come over to them. We will spend as much time with each dog as needed to make sure they are in a correct frame of mind for the training. This may include the trainer taking a short walk or sit down with an particularly fearful or anxious dog. This occasionally backs up our schedule a bit but then later works itself out with other, very quick-learning dogs. We ask that owners waiting be patient and remind them that we'd like to take the same one-on-one consideration with their own dog

For more information, review the trainers website:

https://socalrattlesnakeavoidancetraining.com/home.php

29/12/2019

'It's not going away': Vets still seeing cases of dog heart problems linked to grain-free food

We feed our clients Purina Pro Plan or Royal Canin. Please make sure you educate yourself on your dog food.

Exotic ingredients and boutique brands may also be linked to the health issues.

01/12/2019

Teddy completed his month long board and train with us. Teddy is now back home working weekly with our trainers on everything he learned while at the ranch.

30/11/2019

Let’s talk about potty training. With the puppies we breed, we start puppy potty training at 3 weeks old.

By 8 weeks old the puppies are indicating to go outside by ringing the bell.

Most of the time if I see people struggling with potty training it usually stems from too much unsupervised freedom in the house.

Does your dog still struggle with potty training? What helped you get through this part of training?

15/11/2019

Group classes with some off leash heeling with distractions. Great work Teddy!

12/10/2019

Love it when we have a training session, and we run into other people in our program! Here is Joe the Shephard and Ike the lab.

12/09/2019

My Water Quality: California Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)

Blue-green algae poisonings are on the rise. We recommend not letting your dog go into any lakes or ponds, regardless of whether they appear on this map. Keep your dog safe! Its just not worth it!

https://mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/where/freshwater_events.html

Where are freshwater harmful algal blooms occurring in California

31/08/2019

I’m not sure I even know what to caption this photo. Any ideas?

Joe (GSD) and Murphy (Lab) are both in our board and train program. Both dogs are in the off leash part of their training and getting ready to go home to start our weekly lessons with their families!

Thanks for trusting us with your best friend!

01/08/2019

Got to see this handsome fellow in San Francisco today. Great catching up with Farley! Farley needed some tips on heeling in high stress/high distraction areas.

04/07/2019

It is the 4th of July. Let's talk fireworks.

If your dog is reactive to fireworks, you have a few options. The most common fireworks reaction I see is that people go on social media and scream to everyone that the fireworks are scaring their dog. Perhaps there is something else you can do to help your dog? I like the training option.

1. Crate train your dog. This is a must. If you can’t do this, don’t read anymore. I can’t help you.

Crate train and keep the crate in your house, especially the month prior to the 4th. Your dog should want to go into their crate voluntarily. The crate should be secure, chew proof. Travel crates are best for highly reactive dogs.

2. On the night of the 4th put him in his crate, cover it, turn the TV on. For highly reactive dogs, a sedative from the vet may be a good step.

3. Leave your dog alone. Yes, don’t pester him. Don’t open the crate, don’t pet or try to calm your dog. Turn the TV on, have friends over, act normal.

4. If you have anxiety, staying away from your dog is imperative. Service Dogs (well, real Service Dogs, but I digress) have been vetted to not be reactive to fireworks. If you need your dog to help you deal with your anxiety, and your dog is not equipped to handle the stress of the fireworks, then please find a good friend, weighted blanket, or another coping method for the night. Please don't put the added stress of fireworks and your firework anxiety on the dog. It is just not fair.

I know how hard it is to be scared, and want to be with our dog, but if your dog is scared, you need to be able to step up and show strength and confidence. If you can’t be strong, if your heart is breaking at your dogs anxiety, you shouldn’t be near them. The dog will pick up on your fear and stress and double their own stress.

Think of kids. When a child gets hurt. What do we tell parents to do? Act strong, don’t look worried, convince your child everything Is OK. Same goes with your dog.

If you take a scared dog from a place of comfort, their crate, the chances that your dog may bolt, jump from a window, slip a collar, or run into a dangerous scenario increases.

I end this post again, with a reminder I find myself often saying, preaching, begging. Crate train your dog.

Wags and smiles
Team K9TC

28/06/2019

Your dog may be at risk for developing heart disease based on their food, FDA says

Your dog may be at risk for developing heart disease based on their food, FDA says

The FDA is continuing to investigate a potential connection between certain diets and cases of canine heart disease. Could your dog be affected?