Dogs Need Exercise, Play and Mental Stimulation

Exercise means doing things with your dog, not just letting him run around alone in the yard. Dogs are social animals and require interactive play – they must play with you, their owner. Time spent alone running around in the yard will not solve your dog’s behavior problems. In fact, it may lead to more behavior problems, e.g. barking, digging, fence fighting.  It may actually increase, rather than decrease, a dog’s level of frustration.  An active, involved owner with a small back yard is a lot more fun for a dog than a detached, aloof owner who banishes the dog to “go play” in a big back yard. 

 

Steven Lindsay, in The Handbook of Applied Dog Training and Behavior concurs, “Putting a dog outside in a fenced yard is not enough to produce adequate exercise. The owner must become directly involved in the exercise activity, insuring that the exercise is done in a way that produces physiological and psychological benefit.” 

Dog parks and day care are not appropriate for every dog. But luckily, those are not the only ways to exercise your dog. Dogs enjoy fetch, jogging, long walks, swimming and playing games like tug-of-war and flirt pole.  

Tug-of-war is a great game to play with non-aggressive dogs, as long as you follow some basic rules. The owner should be the one to start and end the game, use only one object as the tug toy, put it away when you’re done and  teach the dog to drop the object on command.   

A flirt pole is simply a wooden pole with a length of rope and a toy tied to it.  Dogs with high prey drive love to chase and try to catch the toy. Dogs are not cats though, so be careful not to use the toy to make the dog jump up into the air, or your dog may be injured when he lands. Instead, make the toy “run” along the ground, simulating the movement of a running critter.  

Food games (like food puzzles or balls that dispense treats when hit a certain way by the dog) can be fun for dogs, providing much needed mental stimulation. While mental stimulation is not a substitute for exercise, don’t underestimate its impact on your dog’s overall well-being.  

Occupying your dog’s brain can sometimes be just as tiring as physical exercise. Take your dog with you wherever dogs are welcome.  Invest in a good obedience training program so that your dog will learn to be polite and well-mannered - then he will be welcome in more places. (Plus the training itself is another great way to occupy your dog’s mind.)

By the way, if you’re thinking about getting a second dog to keep the first one company, think again. You just might wind up with 2 bored dogs instead of one. There is no substitute for human attention, love, guidance and companionship.

Want to Become a Professional Dog Trainer?

If you want to know how to become a professional dog trainer, consider this: There are many schools for dog trainers in the U.S., graduating hundreds of new dog trainers each year. But dog trainer schools only teach how to train dogs – not how to earn a living training dogs. In contrast, the best dog training franchises teach people how to become a dog trainer and how to earn a full time living training dogs.  People who are serious about becoming a dog trainer should consider dog training franchise business opportunities instead of schools for dog trainers.

Why Choose A Dog Training Franchise Over A Dog Trainer School?

A recent study by PetMarketWatch.com found that owners of dog training franchisees can earn 3 to 5 times as much as their non-franchised counterparts (dog trainer school graduates and independent dog trainers).

There are many schools for dog trainers that offer good foundational knowledge, but if you’re looking for a small business startup opportunity as a dog trainer, you might want to consider the franchise model. Unlike dog trainer schools, dog training franchises follow a proven, step-by-step system that produces income right away.

There are a few companies who have begun selling dog training franchises regionally, and others have evolved a distribution model. Let’s first take a look at the difference between a  franchise and a distributorship:

• Franchising involves a contractual relationship whereby the franchisor permits a franchisee to use its trade name, marks and brands; exercises continuing control over business operations; provides training and assistance to a franchisee and requires initial and continuing payments to the franchisor.

• Distribution is when a manufacturer or a supplier of goods appoints an independent third party – the distributor – to market its goods.  The independent third party purchases the goods on his own account and trades under his own name as an authorized distributor.  His business name will usually have no connection with the name of the supplier of the goods nor will the supplier regulate the way in which the distributor operates his business other than, perhaps, to oblige the distributor to reach minimum turnover levels.

There are many ways in which a person who wants to become a dog trainer can achieve their goal including schools for dog trainers, franchises, distributorships and independent study. But the highest paid dog trainers with the most successful track records are  those who have chosen the dog training franchise model.  

Becoming A Dog Trainer: Economic Trends

The demand for dog trainers and dog training remains high, even in today’s economy. Since most dog owners consider their dog to be a part of the family, it would appear that spending money on man’s best friend will remain one of the most recession-resistant segments of consumer spending. 

Are Owners Of Dog Training Franchises Happy?

The Franchise Business Review, a leading market research company, conducted a survey of franchisees in a prominent dog training franchise and found: 

• 93% of all franchisees rated the franchisor as an "above average" business opportunity.
• 93% of franchisees believe that there is "above average" communication and support between franchisees in the system.
• 100% of franchisees said they respected the franchisor as an organization.
• 99% of franchisees stated that their schedules are flexible enough to allow them time off as needed.
• 75% of franchisees joined because they were seeking more control over their finances and their future.

Dog Training Franchises vs. Schools for Dog Trainers: Key Considerations

There are a number of other factors to consider when investigating dog training franchise opportunities. The process of offering franchises for sale in the Unites States is regulated by the Federal Trade Commission.   The FTC provides advice for people considering the purchase of a franchise.  

A sound business model will include a proven system for consistent sales. However, as with any other business opportunity, a prospective dog training franchisee must consider factors such as demographics, competition and median household income within the franchisee territory in determining whether to invest in the business.

The information contained in the franchise disclosure documents should be helpful in this regard, as they will include a list of other franchisees, past and present who can share their opinions as to the effectiveness and viability of the business system, as well as the level of ongoing support provided by the franchisor.

A Quick Review of Some of the Many Available Options: 

Canine Dimensions is a U.S. based company with dog training franchises located throughout the United States. We've been in business since 1997, currently operate in 20 states, and offer franchising opportunities for around $50,000.00 We require financial disclosure and a background check. Not everyone will qualify. Also, the offer and sale of a franchise can only be made through delivery and receipt of a Franchise Disclosure Document (see disclaimer notice below). 

Chain stores train thousands of dogs each year, but work is based upon your ability to sell their training programs for commission (no sales = no pay). Generally, you must have prior sales experience. You will need to be 18 years of age and you will be required to work in other areas of the store as well. 

Fees to attend on-site  dog training schools vary greatly - a quick Google search found a range of roughly $10,000 to $20,000. They require several weeks away from home (necessary to give you the dog handling experience that you'll need to learn their system).  Some of them specialize in e-collar training, so make sure that you're ok with using shock collars to train dogs; a method that, despite advances in technology, remains controversial among some pet owners.

There are many distance learning options as well.  An "online dog training school" is an option that's heavy on theory but light on actual dog handling.  When you contact them you will speak with a "career counselor" - who is essentially a commissioned sales person very skilled at talking up their school's certification program. But not all "certifications" are equal - so check online reviews carefully before you invest.   

Notice: The information contained herein does not constitute the offer or sale of a franchise. There are certain states that require the registration of a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) before the franchisor can advertise or offer the franchise in that state. This franchise may not be registered in all registration states and may not offer franchises to residents of those states or to persons wishing to locate a franchise in those states. The offer and sale of a franchise can only be made through the delivery and receipt of a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

6 Dangerous Games Dog Owners Must Know About

Dogs need exercise, play and mental stimulation. In previous posts I've written about safe, fun ways to keep our dogs active, happy and healthy, but in this post I'd like to warn about some games that we should NEVER play with our dogs:

1) Laser pens. Using a laser pointer to tease your dog might be amusing for you, but it's no fun for your dog. At best, it builds frustration, and at worst, it can create OCD behaviors like chasing reflections, lights and shadows. If your dog has a strong prey drive, teach him to play fetch, or teach him how to play the 2-ball game - not how to chase laser dots.

2) "Find the Food." This game involves  hiding food treats around the house and cheering your dog  on as he runs frantically around the house looking for the food - encouraging him to probe between cushions on the couch, crawl under furniture, root around in and under your kid's toys, etc. This game can teach some very bad habits - such as food stealing, tearing up your furniture, becoming possessive of your children's toys, etc. A better idea is to teach your dogs to earn his treats by working with you - learning useful obedience commands like sit, down, come, stay and drop-it.

3) The "muffin pan game" when played with more than 1 dog.  Get a muffin pan, put some kibble in some of the compartments, and cover them with balls. Puppy learns to remove the ball and find the treat. Pretty harmless when played by only one puppy, but when you allow MORE THAN ONE puppy to play the game, you're teaching them to compete over food while in a state of high arousal, in effect teaching them to become resource guarders against other dogs (and possibly even against humans) later on.

4) Flirt pole jumping. A flirt pole can be a great way to exercise your dog. But the right way to do it is to allow the toy to "run" across the ground, NOT to make your dog jump up in the air after it, risking serious leg injuries.

5) Playing tug the wrong way.  Tug of war can be a great game. But there are rules! Playing it the right way builds a strong bond and provides plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Playing it the wrong way creates bad habits. Here's a video showing the right way to play tug:

6) Allowing play among unfamiliar dogs at dog parks. Dog parks can be fun if you know the other dogs and if you supervise the activity. But I do not recommend allowing dogs to play with unfamiliar dogs at dog parks. (In a previous post I warned about the risks involved. Since then, I came across an excellent DVD by Sue Sternberg that I highly recommend if you go to dog parks regularly: "Dog-Dog Engagements Between Unfamiliar Dogs - Why It's So Risky.")

Wolfdogs (Wolf Hybrids) Are Not For Everyone

Courtesy of our friends at Howling Woods Farm. Visit them at www.howlingwoods.org

High content wolfdogs are very strong and difficult to train, require large secure outdoor pens, have special diets, and require a great deal of attention. They are very intelligent and get bored easily. While in some ways the behavior of wolfdogs is not much different than that of the typical canine family pet, certain traits are greatly magnified. For example, wolfdogs:

• react poorly to standard dog training
  
• may dig large holes in their pens or the backyard, especially if bored or tied down
  
• can jump or climb a six-foot high fence
  
• are smart and learn commands easily, but often decide to ignore them
  
• require an enclosure large enough for exercise and play.
  
• will roll over and over again in the most obnoxious smelling substance known to the human nose.
  
• do not respond to discipline the way most dogs do. Training a wolf dog is about as 'easy' as training a house cat.
  
• do not like to be alone (they need a canine or human companion). Providing a companion often negates undesirable behaviors discussed in this section. Remember, wolves are highly developed social animals that normally live in groups; it's not in their nature to be alone. A lone wolf is not a happy wolf.
  
• require a very high protein diet. Most commercial dog foods are difficult for wolf dogs to digest due to their high vegetable/low protein content.
  
• may be very fearful of people outside of the family. Taking them to public places may cause high anxiety and stress.
  
• Require a very high amount of socialization, often and repeatedly, from a very young age through adulthood, if you expect to ever take them to public places (or even for a walk).
  
• are not good off leash; they may run off in pursuit of something interesting and are difficult to call back; or they may find that obnoxious smelly stuff discussed above.
  
• bark very little, but boy do they howl.

Lastly, they bond strongly; should you ever give them up, they could languish. At best, they would not bond as easily with their next human companions as they did with you. A decision to bring a wolfdog into your home is a major lifetime commitment. Giving one up, no matter how good a reason, would likely result in its death; it would most likely never make it out of the shelter.

Wolf dogs are poor watchdogs!

They don't bark and tend to be fearful of strangers.  

How to Teach Your Dog to Take Treats Gently, Without Biting Your Fingers

Here's a method you can use to cure "Hard Mouth." Hard mouth refers to a dog who snatches treats fast and hard from your fingers, accidentally making contact.

Hard mouth usually begins in puppyhood, when owners (especially children) pull their hands away at the moment a treat is offered, to avoid contact with the puppy's teeth. This teaches the puppy that he has to lunge forward quickly to get the treat. This bad habit often continues into adulthood, and his bite gets harder and harder.

The following method will train a puppy, and can also be used to retrain an adult dog, to take treats gently:

1) Get some small food treats about the size of popcorn. Have the dog sit. Offer the treat to your dog in a closed fist, start with your hand at your side and slowly swoop your fist up just below his chin.  When the dog gives your fist a gentle nudge with his nose, open your hand, palm up, and let the dog eat the treat from your flat hand.  

2) While the dog remains seated, repeat the presentation of the treats exactly as described above. Do this several times. (If he stands up, tell him to sit again.) When the dog has calmly and gently eaten the food from the palm of your hand several times in a row, move to the next step.

3) Move the hand with the food treat toward the dog exactly the same way (swooping up from your side to just under his chin) except now, instead of holding it in your closed fist, you should be holding it under your thumb, completely hidden under the thumb. Thumb on top, all four fingers together on the bottom. When the dog touches his nose to your fingers, move your thumb out of the way revealing the treat. Do this several times. When the dog has calmly and gently eaten the food from your fingers several times in a row, move to the next step.

4) Continue offering the food as in step 3, only now you can begin to hold the food slightly exposed. Be sure to slowly swoop the hand up under the dog's chin the exact same way as before.
Congratulations, your dog is now taking treats without snapping!

Over the next few days, every time you give your dog a treat, start with step 1 and work toward step 4. Eventually it will take fewer repetitions between steps to achieve the desired result. With practice, the bad habit of snapping at your fingers will completely disappear.

Be careful not to pull your hand away while giving treats, or the bad habit may return.

Dog is Aggressive Upon Waking Up

Some dogs will snarl, snap, growl or bite when they are awakened from sleep. Let’s start by discussing what this behavior is NOT:

It is NOT a dominance issue (i.e. “Hey! Don’t bother me when I’m sleeping!”).

It is NOT idiopathic aggression (also known as “rage syndrome”). A variety of studies and testing over the past 30 years have failed to produce a clear cause for idiopathic aggression. But fortunately, it is extremely rare today.  Idiopathic aggression has basically been bred out of the most susceptible breeds (Springers, Cockers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Dobermans). It is so rare that it is practically unheard of today. And most importantly - idiopathic aggression typically does NOT present as aggression upon waking. 

So now that we’ve established that your dog is not trying to take over your house, and your dog is not crazy, here’s what this specific behavior usually is:  It is an involuntary fear or startle response, completely outside of the dog’s control.  

For clients who have dogs with this particular problem, we suggest the following:

• Crate train the dog and don’t allow him to sleep in places where humans are likely to disturb him (especially not in bed next to you, as the chance of rolling over onto him can trigger a bite).
• Don’t waste time trying to systematically counter-condition or desensitize the behavior. This is not something you can fix with training. The key is management and prevention.
• When you need to wake your dog, do it from across the room, NOT by touching him. Call him in a happy voice, clap your hands, give him time to stand up, walk over to you and be fully awake  before you touch him.
• Instruct all family members (especially children!) to stay away from the dog when she’s sleeping. Again, this is easier to do if you crate train the dog.
• Don't punish the dog for this behavior - it is completely outside of his control.  
• Be aware that certain medications (Benadryl for example) may put the dog into a deeper sleep and may, therefore, intensify the startle response upon waking.

(Note: The above discussion is about dogs who aggress when they are awakened from sleep. This is NOT the same problem as dogs who growl, snap, snarl or bite when approached while they are resting (but wide awake).   That is a different problem - sometimes rooted in dominance, sometimes in fear, and sometimes it’s a form of resource guarding. In those cases you will benefit from the help of an experienced dog trainer to identify the specific cause of the behavior and help you work to correct it.)

Dog Breed Lists

Here are 154 American Kennel Club (AKC) breeds, ordered based on popularity of AKC registrations (2013 - 2015):

1.	Labrador Retriever		78.	Giant Schnauzer
2.	Golden Retriever		79.	Cardigan Welsh Corgi
3.	Yorkshire terrier		80.	Schipperke
4.	German shepherd dog		81.	Basenji
5.	Beagle		82.	Border Terrier
6.	Dachshund		83.	Irish Wolfhound
7.	Boxer		84.	Staffordshire Bull Terrier
8.	Poodle		85.	Bouvier Des Flandres
9.	Shih Tzu		86.	Gordon Setter
10.	Miniature Schnauzer		87.	Belgian Malinois
11.	Chihuahuas		88.	Toy Fox Terrier
12.	Pug		89.	Norwich Terrier
13.	Bull Dog		90.	Welsh Terrier
14.	Pomeranian		91.	Keeshond
15.	Cocker Spaniel(American)		92.	Great Swiss Mountain Dog
16.	Rottweiler		93.	Tibetan Terrier
17.	Boston Terrier		94.	Borzoi
18.	Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie)		95.	Afghan Hound
19.	Maltese		96.	Norwegian Elkhound
20.	German Shorthaired Pointer		97.	English Setter
21.	Doberman Pinscher		98.	Flat Coated Retriever
22.	Miniature Pinscher		99.	Standard Schnauzer
23.	Pembroke Welsh Corgi		100.	Belgian Tervuren
24.	Great Dane		101.	Bearded Collie
25.	Siberian Husky		102.	Tibetan Spaniel
26.	Bichon Frise		103.	Fox Terrier – Smooth
27.	Basset Hound		104.	Manchester Terrier (Standard & Toy)
28.	English Springer Spaniel		105.	Kerry Blue Terrier
29.	Weimaraner		106.	Plott Hound
30.	Brittany		107.	Australian Terrier
31.	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel		108.	American Eskimo
32.	West Highland White Terrier		109.	Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
33.	Mastiff		110.	Pointer
34.	Australian Shepherd		111.	Belgian Sheepdog
35.	Papillion		112.	Norfolk Terrier
36.	Collie (Rough) & (Smooth)		113.	Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
37.	Saint Bernard		114.	Anatolian Sheepdog
38.	French Bulldog		115.	Spinone Italiano
39.	Lhasa Apso		116.	Neopolitan Mastiff
40.	Scottish Terrier		117.	Irish Terrier
41.	Cairn Terrier		118.	Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
42.	Bullmastiff		119.	Saluki
43.	Havanese		120.	Bedlington Terrier
44.	Vizsla		121.	Briard
45.	Chinese Shar Pei		122.	Clumber Spaniel
46.	Newfoundland		123.	English Toy Spaniel
47.	Bernese Mountain Dog		124.	Welsh Springer Spaniel
48.	Pekingese		125.	Affenpinscher
49.	Chesapeake Bay Retriever		126.	Miniature Bull Terrier
50.	Bloodhound		127.	Scottish Deerhound
51.	Akita		128.	American Water Spaniel
52.	Airdale Terrier		129.	Lakeland Terrier
53.	Chinese Crested		130.	Curly Coated Retriever
54.	Rhodesian Ridgeback		131.	Black And Tan Coonhound
55.	Border Collie		132.	Puli
56.	Italian Greyhound		133.	Ibizan Hound
57.	Great Pyrenees		134.	Greyhound
58.	Alaskan Malamute		135.	Field Spaniel
59.	Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier		136.	Irish Water Spaniel
60.	Brussels Griffon		137.	Kuvasz
61.	Whippet		138.	Polish Lowland Sheepdog
62.	Bull Terrier		139.	Lowchen (Little Lion Dog)
63.	American Staffordshire Terrier		140.	Pharaoh Hound
64.	Chow Chow		141.	Black Russian Terrier
65.	Silky Terrier		142.	German Pinscher
66.	Shiba Inu		143.	Sussex Spaniel
67.	Irish Setter		144.	Skye Terrier
68.	Japanese Chin		145.	Komondor
69.	Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail)		146.	Sealyham Terrier
70.	Australian Cattle Dog		147.	Canaan Dog
71.	Portuguese Water Dogs		148.	Finnish Spitz
72.	Parson Russell Terrier		149.	Dandie Dinmont Terrier
73.	German Wirehaired Pointer		150.	Glen Imaal Terrier
74.	Cocker Spaniel (English)		151.	American Foxhound
75.	Samoyed		152.	Otter Hound
76.	Fox Terrier – Wirehair		153.	Harrier
77.	Dalmatian		154.	English Foxhound

Here is a list of dog breeds ranked by working/obedience intelligence (i.e. the number of repetitions required for the dog to understand a new command), based on surveys of professional dog trainers. Breeds ranked in the top 10 may learn new commands in as few as 10 repetitions, while breeds in the bottom 10 may require up to 100 repetitions or more to learn a new command.

1.	Border Collie		43.	Saluki
2.	Poodle			Finnish Spitz
3.	German Shepherd			Pointer
4.	Golden Retriever		44.	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
5.	Doberman Pinscher			German Wirehaired Pointer
6.	Shetland Sheepdog			Black & Tan Coonhound
7.	Labrador Retriever			American Water Spaniel
8.	Papillon		45.	Siberian Husky
9.	Rottweiler			Bichon Frise
10.	Australian Cattle Dog			English Toy Spaniel
11.	Pembroke Welsh Corgi		46.	Tibetan Spaniel
12.	Miniature Schnauzer			English Foxhound
13.	English Springer Spaniel			Otterhound
14.	Belgian Tervuren			American Foxhound
15.	Schipperke			Greyhound
	Belgian Sheepdog			Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
16.	Collie		47.	West Highland White Terrier
	Keeshond			Scottish Deerhound
17.	German Shorthaired Pointer		48.	Boxer
18.	Flat-Coated Retriever			Great Dane
	English Cocker Spaniel		49.	Dachshund
	Standard Schnauzer			Stafforshire Bull Terrier
19.	Brittany		50.	Alaskan Malamute
20.	Cocker Spaniel		51.	Whippet
21.	Weimaraner			Chinese Shar-pei
22.	Belgian Malinois			Wire Fox Terrier
	Bernese Mountain Dog		52.	Rhodesian Ridgeback
23.	Pomeranian		53.	Ibizan Hound
24.	Irish Water Spaniel			Welsh Terrier
25.	Vizsla			Irish Terrier
26.	Cardigan Welsh Corgi		54.	Boston Terrier
27.	Chesapeake Bay Retriever			Akita
	Puli		55.	Skye Terrier
	Yorkshire Terrier		56.	Norfolk Terrier
28.	Giant Schnauzer			Sealyham Terrier
29.	Airedale Terrier		57.	Pug
	Bouvier Des Flandres		58.	French Bulldog
30.	Border Terrier		59.	Brussels Griffon
	Briard			Maltese
31.	Welsh Springer Spaniel		60.	Italian Greyhound
32.	Manchester Terrier		61.	Chinese Crested
33.	Samoyed		62.	Dandie Dinmont Terrier
34.	Field Spaniel			Petit Basset Griffon
	Newfoundland			Vendeen
	Australian Terrier			Tibetan Terrier
	American Staffordshire Terrier			Japanese Chin
	Gordon Setter			Lakeland Terrier
	Bearded Collie		63.	Old English Sheepdog
35.	Cairn Terrier		64.	Great Pyrenees
	Kerry Blue Terrier		65.	Scottish Terrier
	Irish Setter			Saint Bernard
36.	Norwegian Elkhound