Training & Behavior

How YOU Train Matters

Most people realize that hitting or kicking a dog is abusive and cruel, although sadly some still do it. Yet, there are many types of punishment including but not limited to:

– yelling at your dog

– talking to your dog in a low and gruff voice

– alpha rolling your dog

– using threatening gestures

– pushing or shoving your dog around

– pushing or shoving your dog into positions, such as a sit or down

– isolating your dog in a crate (away from the family or your other other dogs) FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME

– isolating your dog to a solitary life outside and never spending time playing, exercising or interacting with your dog

and/or

– anything else that your dog does not like or that causes it fear or pain

There are a number of trainers locally who may tell you that punishment is not their primary approach; however, using “punishment” to coerce a dog into position, such as a sit or down, is punishment. Following that punishment with “good dog” or a treat when it sits or downs does not make it any less abusive or cruel for the dog.

You have a powerful training tool readily available at all times –your brain. With it, you can always be the “leader”, “master”, “alpha” or whatever else you want to call yourself without ever having to resort to abusive and/or cruel measures to elicit compliance from your dog. An added benefit of positive training is that your dog will respect you more, your dog won’t be afraid of you, and your dog will want to please you.

Sound good? Find a qualified trainer who uses positives and avoid anyone who does anything to your dog that you would not want done to you.

~Donna Malone, Memphis, TN – My Pet Pro, http://www.mypetpro.com/

Donna Malone (Memphis)

My Pet Pro

(901) 354-8795

Professional Member APDT

Member IAABC, IIACAB

  • Behavior counseling
  • Conformation classes
  • Obedience classes
  • Dog Training

Joanna Beth Seere

Animal Communication / Spiritual Healing / Behavioral Counseling

www.spirit-to-spirit.net

  • Sessions are by telephone
  • Understanding your dog through seeing his/her perspective
  • Healing the deeper issues that support problematic behavior
  • Creating balance in the entire family

Knick Knack Patty Whack Pet Services

PattyWhackDogs@gmail.com

Phone: 901-246-4378

  • Dog Training
  • Pet Sitting
  • Pet Taxi Service
  • Enrichment Shop / Training Aids

Anne Marie Easton, Ph.D., CPDT-KA, PMCT (Memphis)

Pawsitive Companionship, LLC

annmarie@pawscompanion.com

(901) 481-4145

HSMSC Volunteer Behavior Consultant

Animal Behavior Mentor

AKC Star Puppy and Canine Good Citizen Evaluator

Professional Member APDT

Member AABP, IAABC

Peaceable Paws Affiliate

  • also teaches CGC prep class

Elta Woodliff  (Memphis)

The Dog Tutor

elta@dogtutoring.com

or www.dogtutoring.com

(901) 529-4362

Elta Woodliff holds a master’s in counseling and is a nationally Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT.)  She has been training dogs for fun and competition for more than 20 years.

Dog/Dog Intros at Home – For the Win! from BADRAP.org on Vimeo.

• Articles of Interest •

Dog Parks Can Be Dangerous

We often recommend not frequenting dog parks. You may be an awesome dog owner…but that doesn’t mean that every dog at the park is as friendly and well trained as your furry family members! Dog parks can be dangerous, and we recommend that you learn a little more before unleashing your dog in one.

How Can You Keep Kids and Dogs Safe and Happy?

Dogs and children can be the best of friends…but how do you handle a dog that may be frightened of kids? How can you help keep both kids and dogs safe and happy? Check out the video below and its companion article to learn some great tips.

Do Dogs Like to Be Hugged?

It’s great to show our four-legged best friends how much we love them, but maybe hugging should be taken off the list. Here’s how to tell if your dog does (or doesn’t) appreciate your squeezes.

 

Aggression can be triggered by many different things – it is NOT a breed specific trait. This simple article explains how and why some aggressive behavior can be triggered, and that positive reinforcement can help prevent bad behavior.

Pit Bull Facts & Myths

Be informed before you make a decision! This infographic shows some statistics that may surprise you.

A Common Sense Approach to Dog Parks   What do Dog Parks Teach Our Dogs? – See more at: http://www.badrap.org/dog-parks#sthash.PNpsbb0m.dpuf

Socializing Your Pit Bull

New pit bull owners often ask, “What is the best way to socialize my pit bull with other dogs?” There are many ways to do so! The age of your dog as well as his/her individual personality will help you determine which methods are appropriate for socializing your dog.- See more at: http://www.pbrc.net/socializing.html