Baby Blues: The LaBarge Case
March 22nd 2014
San Antonio TX
When you find out that you are expecting the pitter-patter of tiny feet, there is the excitement of what is to come, but also the fear of the unknown. One of those questions is, what about the dog or dogs? Can we juggle an infant and the dogs? We'll have to rehome? She's going to be jealous and she already bitten people, probably eat the baby too.
Well, I can tell you that when a new baby is on the way, there's a lot of uncertainty and usually the dog is the one who suffers, but it shouldn't be that way. I have assisted with several cases regarding expecting parents and being able to show them how to focus, handle, practice and learn how to work with educating their dogs. Then returning a month later and seeing the change not only in the dogs, but the owner's as well. Priceless.
This was such a case where I demonstrated to the couple on how to set Rules and Expectations while holding a baby.
The Danes!
Tuesday, May 31st 2022
Alpha Omega D.O.G.S. K9 Rehabilitation Kamp
Atascosa TX
When encountering dogs, it can be a bit intimidating for a lot of people like mail carriers, FedEx, UPS or even someone who is just out for a stroll. German Shepherds, Rottweiler, Doberman, Mastiff, Pitbull all can give an impressive show, but what do you do when you come across a situation where it is coming at you?
Well, it just so happens that there are a pair of Great Danes 2 houses down from Kamp who will charge and pass their gates when someone passes their area.
Down the street there is a meat market, restaurant, a new Dollar General and this makes a great walk for the Pack when we head out, but we have to get pass the Danes which isn't a problem as the Pack knows that they are not to engage and hold their ground. As Alpha, it is my responsibility to protect the Pack and hopefully I will demonstrate that in another post.
I wish I had a someone with me when I shot this, but soon.
Now when the Danes come, I stand firm, stay calm and hold the Alpha Staff long ways, in this position the Alpha Staff reminds me of the horns of a Bull.
Working with dogs, I have learned that when confronting a dog who is challenging you, there is a way to know that you have made your point and that you have won the challenge because a dog will submit by doing 1 of 3 things or even all 3.
They will either Sit, Lay Down or Walk Away without being told.
So before I can continue on my way, I have to wait until the Danes submit, they will try just to test, but they know that The Dog Whisperer isn't a easy pushover.
Remembering the Good Ole Days: Guillermo
Sunday, February 13th 2022
Alpha Omega D.O.G.S K9 Rehabilitation Kamp
Atascosa TX
I came across video footage that I thought I had lost, but when I discovered it, it brought tears because of someone who I had lost a year ago.
Back when I was beginning to learn everything I could to better understand dogs, I was creating a Pack which were my Teachers. Each Pack Member was able to teach me something different and how to handle a situation.
When I received a call from Seagullville, TX about a Pitbull named George who was small animal / dog aggressive and that they were looking for someone who had experience with working with a case like his. I had never owned, seen, worked with the breed and thought it would be a great way to learn how to handle an aggressive case with a bully breed. So Transport was planned and I would spend the next 5 months working with George and this video was near the end of his 5 month Rehabilitation. Once completed, he was known as Guillermo and was my best friend and co-worker.
Miss him, but the work I put into him was worth it.
Trail Riders
Wednesday, February 9th 2022
Alpha Omega D.O.G.S K9 Rehabilitation Kamp
Atascosa TX
You never know when an opportunity will present itself and when they come, I love to use it to teach The Pack what is expected when it does.
It's not uncommon for a Cowboy on a horse to pass in front of Kamp and the elder members are accustomed to seeing this, but the "Little Ones," are still learning about their world and I want to be sure that what they learn from me will help in the future.
The pups will follow the Elder Members example by watching their reactions, but some times one might get a little excited and this is where I will correct them, pup or elders.
Take a look at their behavior.
LIVE: Lunch with The "Little Ones"
1:00 PM Wednesday, January 26th 2022
Alpha Omega D.O.G.S. K9 Rehabilitation Kamp
Atascosa TX
No matter size, age or breed, everyday is a learning experience for every Pack Member Including the youngest. The "Little Ones" are nearing the end of their 3rd month which is their "Kid Phase." Month 4 will be their Adolescence which they will begin challenging each other resulting in fights if not kept in check. There have been a few incidents, but I never let it end as I know how to correct the situation.
Well, after a little fun with the Ball Launcher, its finally lunchtime and here is how we at Alpha Omega D.O.G.S. educate the "Little Ones," on what is expected when fed.
Rocco & Gigi Join Puppy Daycare
LIVE: 4:00pm, Tuesday, December 14th 2021
Alpha Omega D.O.G.S K9 Rehabilitation Kamp
Atascosa TX
One of the concerns that Debbie has is about Daycare, how will they behave around other dogs because of the few incidents at home between Rocco and her Senior Cocker Spaniel, Rowen. Would Rocco do the same thing at Daycare?
Well, that is something that can be evaluated here at Kamp and with the assistance of our youngest Pack Members, we are able to recreate a Puppy Daycare setting to test Rocco and Gigi's behavior. By doing this we can observe their actions and correct any issues, it's not just the Duo that need to learn how to be polite. The "Little Ones" will also be given corrections to learn good social skills. I would rather correct Them myself than have an adult Snap at them.
Lady Boo Boo will be assisting me with this exercise along with Ambassador Ashe and Daniel, who will be first 2 Pack Members the "Little Ones," are introduced to.
** Do Not Attempt this without the assistance of an experienced Handler **
Morning Puppy Chow!!!!!!!
10:00am, Tuesday December 14th 2021
Alpha Omega D.O.G.S K9 Rehabilitation Kamp
Atascosa TX
Woke up to it raining this morning or drizzling and since it's wet, decided to go ahead and clean up the Den. Started off with releasing the Pack for their morning breaks, while they were doing their Business, I pulled out all their bedding, sanitize, spray for fleas and ticks, then put in fresh Bedding. The "Little Ones" were already up and crying so I put them in their little Puppy Pen inside the Canine Enlcloseure. Scrubbed, sprayed, wipe down inside their crate, change bedding and then gave breakfast. Even Lady Boo Boo stop by to check on everyone.
The Grass is Greener on the Other Side: LIVE
1:00PM, Saturday, December 11th 2021
Alpha Omega D.O.G.S K9 Rehabilitation Kamp
Atascosa TX
Since the little ones were born I have kept them away from grass dirt and even cover the concrete with tarps so that way they would be safe from anything that could make them ill since their little mean systems we're not fully developed. Today with the help of their mother lady boo boo, we are going to introduce the pups to grass for the very first time. I felt so bad not being able to let them play in the grass but until their shots were given I was reluctant to do so. Now that they've been vaccinated and had a day to let it run through their systems, it's time to Release The Hounds.
"Who Let the DogsOut!" Alpha did. LOL
Rub a Dub, Dub 7 Puppies in the Tub
LIVE: 1:00 PM, Saturday, December 4th 2021
Alpha Omega D.O.G.S. K9 Rehabilitation Kamp
Atascosa TX
Rocco's Rehabilitation Boarding Program: LIVE
Wednesday, November 17th 2021
Alpha Omega D.O.G.S. K9 Rehabilitation Kamp
Atascosa TX
Starting a strong healthy relationship with a dog has a formula, just like any other relationship it's based on five things respect, Trust, security, loyalty, love AR the foundation any relationship between two individuals Weatherby Animal Human even plants. Today we are working with bringing Rocco out of his kennel and he did well for his first night besides the howling and crying which is typical for any dog with been separated from their Pack, but as he is in a new and unfamiliar territory he is going to most likely chose me as we have met and I am the only one who he recognizes.
Rocco's First Day at Kamp
4:30pm, Tuesday, November 16th 2021
Alpha Omega D.O.G.S. K9 Rehabilitation Kamp
Atascosa TX
Behavioral Issues: Aggressive Dominant Behavior, has attacked senior dog Rowen, has bitten owner,
Discussing Behavior Topic: Littermate Syndrome
LIVE 12pm Noon Central Time
Thursday, November 11th 2021
Alpha Omega D.O.G.S K9 Rehabilitation Kamp
Atascosa TX
Hosted by: Dog Behaviorist Andres Valdez
Assisted by Butch Sundance, Ambassador Ashe & Lady Boo Boo
I joined a Facebook Group that focuses on Dog Behavior, Training and Tips. Many discuss, share, long ago, suggest or need advice on what to do because their dogs are causing problems or something specific and aren't exactly sure what to do.
There was a discussion about Littermate Syndrome, something that I had never heard of or experienced as an 11 year experienced Dog Behaviorist. Reading the information explaining what it was regarding Littermates and that adopting from the same litter was not recommended because they can develop behavior issues like separation anxiety, aggression, depression, and when 1 passes away the other will live in torment because the the other is longer there.
I have owned dogs all my life and when I decided to follow my dream of working with dogs, I needed to create a Pack to assist with things that I was unable to teach another dog. As Alpha, my job is to maintain order, discipline, structure, ensure that all are Respectful of each other, handle any problems and provide a sense of security. Within the Pack, we have a pair of Littermates 2 brothers (Butch and Sundance) and 2 sisters (Ambassador Ashe & Lady Boo Boo). There was a 3rd sister, Honey, who passed away, but it didn't effect the girls. There is a tradition that A.O.D. follows when a Pack Member passes away, but after the burial, we continue our journey and anything that was learned from the Member is done in honor of them.
Today, we are discussing "Littermate Syndrome" and how it is possible to have Littermates without having issues.
What is Littermate Syndrome?
The term ‘littermate syndrome’ refers to behavioral issues that arise when two or more sibling puppies are raised together. Potential issues include
Raw Feeding with the A.O.D. Pack
Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013
Alpha Omega D.O.G.S. K9 Rehabilitation Kamp
Atascosa TX
In the beginning, A.O.D. was called The 4Horsemen K9 Kamp, but the name was a bit confusing as to what we did. Did we work with Horses or Dogs or Both? So after awhile, I changed the name to Alpha Omega D.O.G.S. (Discipline, Obedience, Guidance, Solutions.
When working with raw meat, the primal instincts of a dog can kick in, but by having Trust, Respect, Security and teaching Patience throughout the Pack, anything is possible.
**Do Not Attempt this type of activity without the assistance of an experienced Handler** If you are interested in speaking with me on this type of exercise with your own dog, please feel free to contact me.
Andres S. Valdez
Owner, Operator, Dog Behaviorist
Alpha Omega D.O.G.S.
Atascosa, TX 78002
Ph# (210) 584-4413 [call or text]
Email: [email protected]
page Link:
https://www.facebook.com/AODTx78002/
Mouthing Sherman
Friday, October 15th 2021
Alpha Omega D.O.G.S. K9 Rehabilitation Kamp
Atascosa TX
Arriving to Kamp for 2 weeks is Mr. Sherman who is a S.N.I.P.S.A. Rescue who was returned to the shelter on an account of being mouthy, so I will be working on that and anything else that I see needs improvement.