K9 Consultant

2011-11-13T20:13:00.001-08:00

We moved our blog!

For our latest update please visit: http://theprojectdog.blogspot.com/2011/11/prong-collar-is-not-your-last-resort.html.

THANKS!!

We changed our business name and moved our blog

2011-07-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

A business in the same county bluntly copied our logo. To avoid confusion or any association with this business we decided to change our name and our logo. Our new business name is: The Project Dog and you can find us at TheProjectDog.com.

Facebook: Facebook.com/TheProjectDog
Blog: theprojectdog.blogspot.com/
Twitter: twitter.com/theprojectdog

The name change has been positive! We will update our website as soon as possible. Happy Training!

Nathalie & Tammy

Running with my dog

2011-03-28T13:15:00.000-07:00

Running: A healthy and good alternative to walks?

Running with your dog is a great way for both the owner and the dog to get exercise but don’t expect to go out and start a great run with your dog. Running with your dog takes preparation and training.

The following tips may help you decide if you and your dog are fit to go out for a run:

1. Physical capability:

Check with your veterinarian before starting your dog on an exercise program on that level. Running is not for all dogs! Some dog breeds suffer from hip dysplasia or are prone to knee and joint injuries. You really want to make sure your dog is fit and healthy to increase their exercise level and that also counts for you!

Short snouted breeds:

Some breeds are not made to run such as brachycephalic breeds (short snouted dogs such as boxers, bulldogs, pugs, etc). By nature these dogs have a tougher time breathing and because dogs cool off their bodies by panting, these breeds will have a much more difficult time cooling off their bodies and therefore are much more prone to overheating.

Young and old dogs:

Young dogs should not be run. You should wait until their bones are grown and depending on size and breed that may take anywhere between 6 to 18 months. When dogs get older they really don’t need that level of exercise. A hike or long walk should be more than enough. Senior dogs, 6 years or older, should decrease their amount of exercise at that level.

Right dog for running:

Some breeds are made for running if they do not suffer from any medical issues like Dalmations, Vizlas, Weimaraners, Rhodesian Rigdebacks, Jack Russel Terriers, Pit bull Terriers, German Shepherds, Spaniels, Border Collies, Siberian Huskies, Catahoula Leopard Dog, etc. If you are an avid runner and looking for a running companion you may consider one of the typical running breeds.

2. Gearing up:

Once you have your veterinarian’s okay the next step is to gear up. Not only for you but for you dog as well. Here is a list of things you should consider getting:

• Good running shoes

• Comfortable running clothes

• Gear to hold both your and your dog’s water

• Good running gear for your dog: harness and a 6 foot leash

Gearing your dog up with a doggie backpack is not necessary. The increase in exercise is more than enough! A harness is the best for running. A collar or the gentle leader can potentially be dangerous. A well fitted and comfortable harness is the right equipment for running. No pinch, prong or e-collars. Good exercise is the result of a positive experience, not a negative one.

3. Choosing the right surface:

Before you run wisely choose the surface you are planning on running on. You have the option of buying fancy gel filled shoes that absorb the shock of every step you take but dogs do not have that. Their soft pads may get injured fast and in the summer asphalt can burn them. Choose intelligently!

4. Condition your dog:

Like you, your dog needs to build up strength. If you are both starting from scratch make sure you make yourself comfortable in the runner’s world. You are basically becoming your dog’s personal trainer and your goal is to make your dog fit enough to join you. For you to reach that level you need to know about training yourself first! If you are already an avid runner you will have to introduce your dog gradually to the sport. A walk – run –walk is a great way to start. Gradually increase the duration of our running segments by shortening the walking segments of your training before increasing the amount of time you exercise in total. Don’t rush! Your dog needs to build up muscle tissue and strengthen its ligaments. Your dog needs a warm up just like you and as a human do not forget to stretch before and after your run. Like you, your dog may feel stiff and show signs of stiffness after your exercise.

5. Manners while running:

On-leash:

The first time you ever run with your dog you will most likely find yourself in an awkward position. You start your run and most dogs will happily join you by jumping up and down, pulling notoriously in a sled-dog manner and crossing your path every opportunity given. Your dog needs to learn on how to run. Not only condition wise but manner wise too. There is nothing more pleasing for a runner than having your dog graciously run at your side. If your dog already knows how to walk loose leash the step towards running loose leash will not be too problematic. If your dog doesn’t walk loose leash you may consider starting to teach him/her the trick of being by your side.

Off-leash:

If your dog has a good recall and the area provides the possibility to run off-leash you are a lucky person. Please ensure that you are in a legal off leash area, there are no immediate dangers to your dog and you and ensure your dog responds immediately when called and is friendly with other dogs. You want to make sure you represent a responsible dog owner and you do not endanger other people, dogs, wildlife etc. We are loosing too many off- leash areas for our dogs as it is. If your dog doesn’t meet above mentioned manner criteria keep your dog on-leash until you have trained him/her properly. Gain respect by giving it!

6. Fun or no fun?

When out on a run you will still have to deal with your dog’s needs to explore its surroundings and to eliminate. With walks or hikes stopping to allow them to do those things is not a big disturbance for you but during a run the continuous stopping would not be pleasurable. However, taking the fun out of running would mean the dog may end up getting stressed and the running becomes an activity the dog may not associate with fun at all. Stop and allow the dog to sniff, explore and eliminate. While building up your running segments you could allow the dog to have its time during the walks. Continue the walks even if your running segments increase in time. Stop and have fun!

7. Water, water and more water:

Always bring water even if there is a water sources close by. Offer your dog water often, preferably every 2 or 3 miles. Your dog may not always want to drink but provide your dog the possibility to do so. Ensure your dog gets water before, during and after your exercise.

8. Overheating and hot weather:

Unlike humans dogs do not cool off their bodies by sweating. They have sweat glands but do not use them as such. Dogs cool off by panting and if the air is too hot, no shade is provided and/or the ground is burning you are setting yourself up for a disaster. Don’t run your dog when it is hot. Overheating is a serious condition and many dogs every year just die of overheating by being outside in the heat without the extra exercise. Watch for excessive panting (the tongue may become incredibly large-like a spoon), an increase in salivation, a drastically increase of the heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness and red gums often go paired with signs of overheating. Stop immediately and cool the dog off. Last year a young pit bull was saved by a Ranger when they met by coincident. The young men running the neighbor’s dog thought she was fit enough to run. The Ranger cooled the dog off by putting her in his truck, turning up the air-conditioning and putting wet towels on her body and ensuring her body temperature would slowly go down. The dog got lucky and survived but a good intent could have turned lethal for this young dog if the Ranger had not shown up. Don’t expect someone to help you. Calling 911 will not bring you help. There are there to help humans, not dogs.

If your dog lies down end your exercise session. Dogs by nature will not show weakness and will continue to run even if they can no more. Watch your dog closely and if they show any signs of being tired or loosing the positive experience of your outing together STOP! Running with your dog is not about you but about your dog! His/her needs come first. You are making the decision to involve your dog into your activity then you have to listen to him/her.

9. Cleaning up after your dog:

Exercise stimulates pooping and in most places the law requires you to pick up after your dog. Ensure you bring bags along to remove your dog’s feces. Bio-bags preferably. Running with a stinky bag may not seem like your ideal outing situation with your four legged companion but picking up after your dog is a normal thing. Plan accordingly and make sure you can find a route that provides trashcans along the way if you don’t like running with a bag in your hand. Take Ziploc bags along if you have a backpack. Sealing off the bags avoids the spread of the smell in your bag.

10. Hiring a professional to run your dog:

A dog running business is a tricky business. The professional needs to be knowledgeable on the field of personal training, human and canine physiology and especially canine behavior. They should at least be up to date in dog cpr and first aid (refresher at least every two years).

Dog running businesses will provide you a training plan tailored to your dog. Your dog should be run alone and not with other dogs. The business should have requirements of their own when your dog joins their fitness program like a veterinary health waiver. Running is about your dog and not about the exercise the human runner gets!

Ensure the business has qualified staff that knows what they are doing. The dog runners should have the ability to read signs of stress, fatigue, tiredness and discomfort. The business should also provide you with a progress report. Businesses that use choke, prong or e-collars should be avoided. Punitive methods will make your dog’s running experience less pleasurable and you really just want your dog to have fun!

In the world of dog walkers ensure that the business you hire is a professional. They need to be licensed with the city, registered with the county if doing business under a fictitious name and have insurance. Make sure the insurance covers dog running as part of their services. If the business doesn’t meet above mentioned requirements stay away. Those are just the legal requirements to run a business. If those are not met you may want to look on!

11. Alternative to running:

If your dog is too young, too old or not made to run or if it is you that doesn’t meet the criteria: No worries! Hiking is a fantastic alternative for your dogs. You can join dog hiking clubs like the K9 Outdoor Adventure Club or hire a professional like The Dog Hikers: TheDogHikers.com, Smilin’ Dogs: Smilindogs.com, Moeller Dog: Moellerdog.com, Yoga Dog: YogaDogWalking.com or See Spot Run (they do offer a running service too!) happyhealthyhounds.blogspot.com, who will guarantee a incredible alternative to dog running around the San Francisco Bay Area.

Happy Running!

Puppy Nipping and Mouthing

2011-02-07T17:39:00.000-08:00

I want to thank Sandi Pensinger for writing a great article on puppy nipping and mouthing. I always appreciate a good, honest and straightforward article by a fellow professional. Sandi is located in Santa Cruz and is owner and training director at Living with Dogs: http://www.livingwithdogs.us/.

Check out her article: Puppy Nipping and Mouthing

A 5-star review

2011-01-01T10:08:00.000-08:00

Any business is incredibly happy when you receive a good review. We have made it our habit not to ask our clients to post a review. Reviews need to be authentic: honest and posted because you have made a difference in a person's life. A bad review is the same way. If you have had a bad experience let the business know first, then post if nothing is done about your complaint. I've done it before and some businesses respond and some don't.

Beyond Companions aka K9 Outdoor Adventure has 6 5-star reviews on Yelp. I don't like Yelp because of their way of doing business. Driven by commercial interest this business has hit the news in not the best way lately. I will not post the link to our review but I allowed myself to copy the review to post it to on our blog.

I want to thank Nikki W. for writing the review. Nikki from here I want to thank you for your review. It was really nice talking to you and I hope both you and your dog the very best. I wish you a Happy 2011!

Nikki's review:
"I emailed Outdoor Adventure (K9Consultant) because I was looking for a trainer to help me potty train an adult dog. It is a busy time of year for Nathalie and she was not able to directly help, but she called me to give me the names of trainers she recommends. She stayed on the phone with me for a long time giving me tips and advice on how to start the training process. I really appreciate the time she took to help out me and the new addition to my family! I hope to someday utilize her hiking service. It sounds like fun for the pups!"

Calming Cap: a fantastic aid or another weird invention?

2010-11-19T08:23:00.000-08:00

What is a calming cap? According to the manufacturer it:

Lessen's anxiety
Lessens stress
Reduces visual stimulus
Filters vision
Easy on/off use

The use is indeed easy and it does work. For us dog walkers and trainers it is another great aid. It was designed by Trish King, CPDT CDBC and director of Behavior & Training at the Marin Humane Society, in collaboration with Lisa Moore, CPDT. The Cap was developed originally to ease hyperactivity in a dog that became agitated while traveling in a car. Now it is used to lessen a dog's anxiety or aggression in high-stress situations. If you ever walk through SF and see a dog walker using these on their dogs than you know it is not dress up time. The dog can walk with the pack without being stressed out or reacting aggressively. A humane behavior management aid!

Price at Amazon.com is $19.

Which dog training method is right for you?

2010-09-14T11:22:00.000-07:00

In dog training school I was exposed to three different training methods: Traditional, Modified Traditional and Clicker training. As every trainer you develop your own style and choose the method that works best for you. Nevertheless, as a dog trainer you also have to be open to other dog training methods.

The traditional dog training method is based on praise and petting. Modified traditional training is based on praise, petting and a treat. So how does that work? It is not that complicated. You say the dog's name (attention), you give a command (verbal/non verbal), you lure or assist the dog to perform the desired behavior and when it does you reward the dog.

Clicker training differs from above methods. You wait for the dog to offer the desired behavior and then you reward it. Clicker training is a fun way to train your dog but most people stay away. They find running around with a clicker ridiculous. Clicker training is time sensitive but when done correctly offers great possibilities to train your dog (and cat!).

We train all three training methods as people differ and so do dogs. If you feel more comfortable training your dog in one way than stay away from the other. The main goal is to start communicating with your dog to show what behaviors you desire and what behaviors you don't. Training is a great step forward to build up a long lasting and happy relationship with your dog.

I personally use the traditional modified training method. Using more body language and luring the dog into a behavior versus physically assisting the dog. My husband uses the traditional training method. There is nothing wrong with using different techniques as long as training is fun for everyone involved and helps build up a relationship with your dog.

When humans don't listen

2010-09-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

I had a client that wanted to adopt a dog. She had found a dog that she wanted, a beautiful dog to say the least, a herding dog. The dog came with a few issues but had been approved for adoption as the issues were minor. No cats or other dogs. My client was completely informed on the difficulties and after the rescue visited her house they supported the adoption. My client promised everything they required her to do. It seemed like a good match. On paper!

Four months later she returned the dog. The dog did not receive any exercise nor did she seek more training, more for herself than the dog. The rescue was terribly upset as the behavior of the dog had also deteriorated. My client returned the dog and the same day applied with other rescues, this time wanting two instead of one dog. I strongly advised her to seek out a less energetic dog and to wait with a second dog but my client didn't listen to anything I had to say. She blames the first dog for its issues but she never tried to make it work. It was easier to blame it on the dog and return the dog. Why not? We are a society that expects businesses to take back products that do not fulfill the customer's expectations.

It saddens me to see that humans simply don't listen. I know my client will make the same mistake again at the cost of another innocent dog(s). Remember, these dogs ended up in shelters because humans often implemented certain behavior on them. I'm not sure she will contact me again but I am at the point I don't mind. She needs a cat with what she is able to provide for a dog as they don't bark, dig or need exercise. I found peace by being straightforward and honest. At least I did what I felt was right to do. It was also my learning experience that you cannot make everyone happy!

Domestication

2010-08-20T18:18:00.000-07:00

Humans domesticated dogs to be of service to humans. Dogs were selectively bred to perform a certain type of work that was useful to us. We continue to breed these dogs although many never are given the opportunity to express those natural inclinations. The inevitable result is a host of behavioral problems. Failure to release the excessive energy can result in destruction. The dogs are often simply bored.

Our dogs are not bred to lay back and relax in our home. They are not a plant that needs some nutrition and water. Dogs need to be exercised and mentally stimulated. If your dog shows signs of boredom here are a few awesome dog jobs available to you:

Agility
Assistance
Competitive Obedience
Herding
Police K-9 work
Protection (Golden Retrievers may not do so well in this!)
Schutzhund
Therapy
Tracking
Scent work
SAR

There is an alternative job for every breed if you cannot provide the job they have been bred for. Contact your dog trainer for more information.

Resources: Joy Tiz

Our newest business venture

2010-08-17T10:25:00.000-07:00

Since 2007 K9 Consultant had been in the planning. The rise of The Dog Hikers, PurrfectKiddies and the K9 Outdoor Adventure Club (K9OAC) kept us happy and busy that we put our plans aside. Nathalie's back suddenly went out again. The result from a motorcycle accident in 2003, Nathalie's back ended up in a mess. As life changing as the 2003 accident was in her life, the new flaring up of her back made her decide that running a family and three full time successful businesses is just too much. She decided to concentrate on what she had been doing behind the scences all this time: train dogs to become pleasant and happy companions.
Nathalie will be concentrating on setting up a dog consulting business. Training is just part of that. We are happy to announce the launch of K9 Consultant on September 15, 2010. Although some of our services are already available we will officially publish our website on that day! By the end of the year Djuka will be joining our K9 team as well. She is finishing her theory on dog behavior although her knowledge is extensive as a certified Search and Rescue handler. We will also collaborate with Tammy, who is planning on offering Agility to interested dog owners.

We are really looking forward to building up a unique business by providing information to dog owners and taking dog training to the outdoors versus a classroom. Going back to school has just become a lot more fun. Happy Training!

Your K9 Consultant Team

Dog Star Daily

2009-09-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

Before I even start about dog behavior I would like to refer to an awesome website called: Dog Star Daily: http://www.dogstardaily.com/. Dog Star Daily is a free website for dog lovers that covers everything that has to do with dogs. Based on positive reinforcement you find helpful tips on how to raise your dog, identify certain behavioral issues, etc. A great resource site if you're looking for answers or pure for educational purposes!

As soon as I have some pictures made I will start writing about dog body language and how much you can learn to understand what your dog is communicating. It will not make you an expert but it will help you understand and work with your dog instead of against him/her.

Consider yourself going back to school!

Welcome to K9 Consultant

2009-06-03T12:06:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our BLOG!

Are you ready to learn a new language?

Never considered that being owned by a dog may require a bit more than just a whole lot of loving? Your dog has you figured out but have you figured her/him out?

Learn to read their language and learn to communicate with them.

Step by step we will help you understand dog communication.

You will learn what your dog is telling you and what you have missed all this time.

Dogs don't speak (really, only in the movies!).

Dogs communicate mainly through body language.

A language you are about to learn.