vote for Cooper

vote for Mitzi

vote for Kaylee

vote for Roscoe

vote for Rudy

vote for Tucker

DOES YOUR DOG HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE AN ACME DOG OF THE MONTH?

From TODAY correspondent Jill Rappaport msnbc

When Luke Robinson’s beloved dog Malcolm died of bone cancer, his world was shattered. He had lost his best friend and didn’t understand why, so he took action. In March 2008, Luke and his two other Great Pyrenees pooches embarked on a walk for life called “2 dogs, 2,000 miles.” They started in Austin, Texas, and are hoping to reach Boston by this spring. Their goal is to raise awareness for animal cancer, and they are hoping to get some answers to this dreadful disease along the way.

Their long journey, complete with backpacks even on the dogs, has been an incredible experience to say the least. And the support from people they have met on the open road has been overwhelming. Having lost my own beautiful beloved German Shepherd Jack to this same disease, I know too well the excruciating pain we as owners and our pets go through when stricken with cancer. We need answers, and a cure for us and our fur angels. With every step they take, Luke Robinson and his dogs feel they are just a little closer to getting some of those answers. We can only hope….  For more on Luke Robinson’s journey, click here.

www.barkbuckleup.com
Bark Buckle UP campaign educates pet parents on how to put on and take off safety pet belts and the importance of securing their pet safely for travel.

While most of us, spurred by safety concerns and government regulations, wear seat belts as a matter of course, we don’t always think about restraining our dogs when they’re our passengers. But going without a restraint poses dangers to dogs and drivers alike. In the event of a sudden stop or accident, a dog can become a flying projectile that can injure you, your passengers or be thrown through the windshield. Accidents do happen everyday.

In an accident, an unrestrained animal is dangerous to the human passengers as well. Even in an accident of only 30 mph, a 15-pound child can cause an impact of more than 675 pounds. A 60-pound dog can cause an impact of 2,700 pounds, slamming into a car seat, a windshield, or another passenger. Even if the animal survives, it can impede the progress of rescue workers for whom every moment is precious.

Unrestrained pets can also distract the driver, and cause an accident. Even pets that are normally well behaved could be frightened by something unusual and dive for the driver’s feet or lap. Following a car accident, an unrestrained pet could escape and be hit by another vehicle or cause another collision. A frightened dog may attack strangers who are trying to help.

By Jonathon Petre

Welcome sign: A wag to the left is friendlier than one to the right

The animal psychologists discovered that when real dogs approached a life-sized black Labrador with a mechanical tail, they were less wary of it when it was wagging its tail on the left side of its body.
When the robot’s tale wagged to the right side, far fewer dogs approached it in a confident manner.

In the experiments, the researchers used a model with black synthetic fur covering a wire-framed body.

A small motor allowed the tail to be manipulated by a hand-held remote control.

More than 500 dogs were filmed as they approached the model in a public park.

In the study, published in the journal Laterality, the researchers looked in particular at whether the dogs were hesitant or not as they walked up to the model, as stopping or pausing can be a sign of lack of confidence, doubt or fear. In the first batch of the experiments, 56 per cent of the animals approached the model without hesitation when the tail was wagged to the left, but only 21 per cent had such a direct approach when it went to the right.

When the researchers excluded incidents where owners were present and may have influenced the behaviour of their pets, the results were similar: 41 per cent of the dogs approached continuously when the tail was wagging to the left, while only 28 per cent did so when it was on the right.
The researchers, from the University of Victoria in Canada, said they did not know whether the dogs’ behaviour was the result of experience or an inherited predisposition.

But they warned that the results suggested that the controversial practice of tail docking in some breeds could disrupt communication between animals.
Animal psychologist Roger Mugford said it added to growing evidence that dogs were even more sophisticated communicators than animals more closely related to man such as monkeys.

He said: ‘It is ground-breaking stuff. We know that dogs, in a sense, have language, but it is more complicated because it is not just them wagging their tails, but also giving out chemical displays.’

Surrey-based Dr Mugford said the research reinforced earlier studies suggesting that dogs, like humans, had a left-side bias.

He explained: ‘If you are going to present a signal to a dog, it is sensible to put it on your left-hand side because that is where dogs, unusually among other species of animals, tend to look.

‘It is another example of the similarity between dogs and humans. They are a lot more human than we give them credit for.’

by Allison Takeda

When it comes to getting active, you may be better off investing in a dog than a gym membership.

Researchers in Great Britain recently surveyed 5000 people and found that those with dogs exercised up to six hours more a week than those who worked out at a gym or on their own.

According to the study, the average dog owner walks his pet for less than 30 minutes twice daily and then longer three times a week. Those short spurts add up to more than eight hours of physical activity a week. In contrast, the average gym-goer works out less than two hours a week.

Researchers say the difference can be attributed in part to varying levels of enjoyment. While 86% of dog owners said they enjoy the time with their pets, only 16% of respondents rated going to the gym favorably.

Perhaps that’s also why dog owners are more likely to make physical activity a priority. Nearly two-thirds said they walk their pets even when they’re pressed for time. Compare that with 46% of gym-goers who admitted to often making excuses not to work out. Sound familiar?

Try the dog owner’s secret of breaking up your workout into small bursts of activity. The miles and minutes will add up.

Balance training basically means teaching a behavior using whatever positive reinforcement tools are available (capture, lure, model, shaping).  Once a dog has a clear understanding of the correct response for a cue, then corrections and escape/avoidance are introduced.  The balance lies between positive reinforcement and correction.  Balance training continues on past the point where positive reinforcement trainers stop.  The idea is making the dog accountable and responsible, with increased reliability.  The dog learns consequences of choices, and a solid work ethic.  It is not about making a dog do something they hate, but making a dog take the work seriously.  When

a person’s life can hang in the balance; they cannot truly afford to have a dog who thinks it is perfectly okay to make a choice not to work.  Dogs are not robots/machines obviously.  They are fallible just as humans are.  Still we have a greater compliance if the dog is working for work’s sake instead of for an anticipation of reward.

Drive training comes from Schutzhund training though I think it was first introduced by the Volhards in their motivational method?  It is extremely positive and motivating.  The idea is to put the dog into a certain natural frame of mind where he is very focused and very eager.  A place where he is driven by strong instinctive imperatives.  There are many different drives in dogs.  Pack drive,

prey drive, defense drive, to name just a few.  A strong bond between handler and dog is largely a function of pack drive.  I think drive is easiest to see in a ball-crazy dog.  A dog who will stare intently at a ball, not blinking; with muscles twitching in response to tiny, barely perceptible movements of the ball.  If you step on his tail, he won’t even notice.  If you watch schutzhund dogs work in obedience you’ll see precise work done with a great deal of energy and animation and a HUGE smile on the dog’s face.  Drive dogs work out of love for the work.

Food work is intended to induce the dog to want to do what you want, but does it really do what it is intended?

It is always easier to make a dog do what he wants to do. But, the big down fall with relying primarily on motivating the dog with treats is that the dog is always in charge. In every interaction with the trainer, the dog makes the decision do I want to do this?

Why is that a bad thing? The dog may not be hungry or may prefer to check out a distraction which is greater than his food drive. Their decisions affect the consequences, which makes them in charge. So treat trained dogs have limitations as to their reliability and responsiveness to commands.  Treats are great to teach tricks but for a truly reliable dog I would suggest using the balanced method of training.

One of the biggest problems facing suburban and urban canines is the lack of proper socialization. Behaviorists and trainers have been promoting puppy socialization classes for years, and many people take advantage of those classes where they are offered. It is great that people socialize their puppies, but all too often that is the extent of socialization their dog gets. Sure they may have a few dogs at home, or maybe their dog even gets to play with a couple of neighborhood dogs once in a while, but for the most part, the dog lives in relative isolation from other dogs.

Acme Canine is pleased to announce Laura Pakis, CPT and Alice Williamson, CPT recently attended a Pack to Basics workshop in Wickliffe Ohio and are now certified as instructors.   Laura Pakis founded Acme Canine, the Lewis Center dog training facility, in 2004.  Alice Williamson joined the company 5 years ago.

By completing this workshop Acme Canine can provide a comprehensive approach to canine socialization, specifically gear towards dogs with known socialization issues. These Pack to Basics socialization sessions use the dog’s naturally strong social behavior to reduce stress and fear; build confidence and language skills, allowing for many common behavior problems to slip away.  This is an approach like none other!

The importance of socialization remains after the puppy socialization classes have ended. The issue goes deeper than simply learning how to behave around other dogs. Regular socialization gives dogs the opportunity to exist in their most natural state: in the company of other dogs. This is incredibly therapeutic for dogs, lowering their overall stress level as well as lowering stress specifically related to other dogs. In addition it has been proven effective (in conjunction with obedience training) for reducing or eliminating certain types of aggression.

Pack to basics is an advanced socialization process that focuses on the dogs that are typically excluded from doggie day-cares and other socialization venues. Because of this fact, Pack to Basics offers an opportunity to help dogs that otherwise might not be able to ever run with other dogs.

Pack to Basics is unique in many ways, overwhelmingly though the chief advantage is safety.  Unlike dog parks, dogs attending Pack to Basics classes are screened for dangerous behavior.  Dog’s who are determined to be too dangerous are prepared through training to enter classes.

In addition to this screening process, Pack to Basics classes have instructors who are there to prevent problems before they occur.  If the dogs do get into trouble, the instructor is ready to get them out of trouble without making the situation worse.  However, unlike most doggie day care, Pack to Basics allows dogs to non-violently work out their differences letting them learn to trust in their own diplomacy.

The result is an exceptionally well-balanced and confident dog, who can remain calm and attentive even when surrounded by strange dogs.

Getting a new puppy or dog is one of THE most exciting times in a person’s life and the beginning of a lifelong friendship between dog and person… just know that planning and thinking it over thoroughly is very important.   A dog is a lifestyle decision.  A new dog or puppy will need your constant attention, cash and training for the next ten to fifteen years or more.   A new dog or puppy needs to adjust to its environment.  This may be especially difficult to provide when holiday festivities and presents take center stage.

If you’ve already made up your mind about taking on a furry new family member this holiday, rather than wrapping the pup up to place under the tree, consider these alternatives instead: Purchase a leash, a collar, a good book on raising a puppy, a gift certificate for a veterinary checkup, a gift certificate for puppy socialization classes from one of the local obedience instructors, a book or video tape on the topic of how to select the right dog for your family (there are several, including even a computer program that purports to help you do this), or a gift subscription to one of the dog-oriented magazines.

Acme Canine can further assist you with their “I promise you a dog” gift baskets.  Interested Santas can contact Acme Canine to order your gift basket today!  training@acmecanine.com or call (740) 548-1717.

Further information

Acme Canine’s “I promise you a dog” gift baskets.

A puppy gift basket is the perfect way to welcome a new puppy into its new home.  To give a helping hand to the new dog owner, the Acme Canine new arrival basket includes many new puppy essentials which are a must for someone who just got their first puppy.

Puppy gift basket includes: - Puppy blanket

- Preparing for new puppy handout

-$25 Acme Canine gift certificate towards socialization and training services

- Appropriate puppy chew toy

- Picture frame ornament

- And more!  Cost $49.99

For those seeking a little more in a gift for that special new addition to the family, we designed our deluxe edition of the new puppy/dog gift basket. First we’ve included Announcement cards so your friends can tell everyone about the new arrival! We’ve got dog biscuits for treat time. There’s a Kong toy for hours of shared fun together and when they’re tired from their rough and tumble play day, they can sleep on a plush dog blanket.  And of course, we’ve included a $25 Acme Canine gift certificate towards socialization and training services and a few more special items to individualize the gift.

Cost $69.95

Asking when you can allow your dog to be off leash is not a whole lot different from the question, “When will you be able to let your son or daughter take your Porsche or Mercedes out for a spin with his buddies or her friends?” The answer can range from now to never. Different circumstances would dictate different answers as well.

Most adults would go by this rule of thumb: When the individual is responsible and trustworthy enough for you to have the confidence that he or she will not bring harm to him or herself; others and of course the car. You can apply this same principle to your dog.

Is your dog socialized enough that he or she will not be fearful of or aggressive towards other people and dogs. Can you trust your dog not to jump on people (especially children), chase joggers, fight with other dogs, pick up garbage, invade picnic lunches and so forth? Unsocialized and skittish dogs will often bolt if something frightens them.

Can you control your dog off the leash? Will your dog reliably come when called and stop on a dime from a full run when told to stay? These commands are essential for your dog’s safety. Some dogs when let off leash will simply run away. Other dogs will chase a tennis ball or cat right into the street.

If you are willing to risk the safety of the public, the safety of your dog and the security of your finances (paying your own or someone else’s medical or veterinary bill, facing a lawsuit, etc) then you’ll let your dog off-leash before someone who is not willing to take the risks.

Off leash is a state of mind to Spike

If you are unwilling to take the risk, only let your dog off-leash in areas where the above mentioned risks do not exist. A fenced-in dog park is ideal. Tennis courts are usually completely enclosed. Your dog may not come when called but at least you can just go and get him or her when it’s time to leave. If your own yard is not large enough, find a friend or neighbor with a yard where their dog and yours can get together to run and play.

Use a long leash on outings to give your dog some freedom but still allow you to maintain control.

Train, practice and be patient. Obedient, trustworthy dogs are a product of a lot of dedication and commitment.

If you are like most dog owners, your house is littered with any number of dog toys. But you can’t figure out why, with so many toys of his own, Fido doesn’t really seem interested in them. It is because they have very little value to him. In reality, your dog doesn’t need more than a few toys to be fulfilled…you just need to know how to make them valuable and fun for him.

Dog toys range from balls to fleecy/plush animals to squeakers to interactive toys (I.T.). They are a necessary component to a good relationship with a dog. What your dog will ultimately play with depends on his tastes and what you allow him to have, and what you have given value to. His tastes may change periodically, which is fine. Experts agree that rotating toys keeps the games fresh and fun–which keep your dog more interested.

What toys are best?

Toys are a necessary part of dog care

I recommend that dogs have toys appropriate to their size and temperament–  Toys that encourage cooperation between pet and handler are the best (fetch can be played with almost anything).

Knotted rope bones which are safe for playing fetch, and can be used for teething puppies. If you give your dog a rope bone, however, you must be mindful that some dogs actually chew and swallow the fabric. This habit can be deadly!  There are alternatives such as the nuts for knots which doesn’t have the fringe for dogs to chew on. 

A Kong© type rubber toy, which doubles as a pacifier and interactive toy. Planet Dog has a rubber Christmas light which is perfect for the holidays

Food Dispensing Toys If your dog is home alone for extended periods interactive toys that your dog can play with alone are great to occupy the day.  An example is the Buster Cube, in which you place a portion of kibble and the dog releases it by turning the cube every which way. These types of toys stimulate the dog’s desire and need to learn.  Another is the Intellicube which has the dog learn how to remove fabric squeak toys from a fabric cube.

How to give your dog toys Now how do I add value? Keep this maxim in mind: “Anything we get in excess, we value less.” Here is a simple regimen that is nearly foolproof, if you follow it to the letter: 1.) Put ALL the dog’s toys away for at least 24 hours. 2-3 days is best. Make sure they are out of sight. (NOTE: the dog should have at least one chewing device available at all times–chewing devices are NOT considered toys for this purpose.) 2.) After the restriction period is over, bring out one of the toys when your dog is not completely distracted by something else–we want to make him inquisitive! 3.) Ignore dog. Exclaim to the world in general (not looking at dog) how wonderful the toy is, toss it in the air, wave it around, giggle, talk silly to it, make yummy noises as you pretend to eat it, & whoop it up big time. Run all over the house with it, dog jumping in excitement and you completely ignoring him–and DO NOT allow the dog to have it!! This is important! 4.) After a few minutes of this crazy fun, put the item away again while the dog watches. 5.) Switch yourself “off” and go do something else. 6.) REPEAT the above 5 steps twice a day (once in a.m., once in p.m.) for 3 days. 7.) On the 4th day, “accidentally” allow the dog to “get” the toy as you are making a fuss over it. Play with him with it for a couple of minutes, and then put it away again. 8.) Repeat step 7, gradually drawing out the play sessions up to 5 minutes or so. Keep them fun! 9.) Continue to put the toy away after each session–this is the only way it will remain valuable! 10.) Rotate “valuable” toys occasionally just to keep Fido interested.

A Better Lifelong Bond

While enjoying my usual summer morning routine of sitting on the porch sipping my coffee while Woofie and Spike laid peacefully on the driveway watching the world pass by, it became clear to me how to explain what we mean when we say “a better lifelong bond with your dog”.  Woofie and Spike were exemplifying it. 

While lying in the morning sun they would turn their heads and acknowledge my presence.  Then go back to chewing on the nylabone they had picked up when we came outside. 

I am not afraid they will take off running after a squirrel and not respond to my request to return to me.  Nor do I think them too stubborn or too dumb to handle commands or requests that I give them.  Our bond is strong enough that they want to know where I am no matter how intriguing their surroundings are.  And because of this bond we have I am not frustrated with them.   I can communicate to them what I want from them and they respond because we have a mutual respect for each other.

I’m not a dog whisperer but I have establish a bond with my dogs.

In my next blog I will explain how to develop this bond with your dog.

If you liked this article, please share it on del.icio.us, StumbleUpon or Twitter. I’d appreciate it.

We are hosting a dog toy test night and were hoping you might suggest some of your favorite toys for dogs and why you feel they are. From the list we obtain through your submissions the toys will be tested for size of dog, durability, enjoyability and duration of play using a 4 paws method. The results will be posted in our monthly e-newsletter which reaches nearly 800 subscribers as well as on Twitter and Spike’s Blog.

Please send your submissions by Friday, September 4 so that we may purchase the toys for testing. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

All the best,

Laura Pakis, CPT
Owner, Acme Canine
we teach dog owners new tricks
1385 Franklin Street
Lewis Center OH 43035
NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER: 740.548.1717
www.acmecanine.com

DOG TOY Test Night Wednesday September 9 from 7pm to 8pm Join us this evening to discover what playthings your dog enjoys and some tricks to increase the fun for both you and your dog.

Join CHA animal shelter Thursday, July 2nd from 6-9pm at Westerville Graeter’s www.graeters.com/columbus  

please download flyer from www.chaanimalshelter.org  to give 20% of your purchase to this organization

As construction season gets underway, it seems like everywhere you go there are orange cones and construction projects – none of them fun for motorists. Lewis Center is no exception.
Lewis Center Road at the intersection of Old State Road will be closed for road construction during the month of July. Access to Acme Canine will be best achieved by turning onto Lewis Center Road from State Route 23 and heading East, then turning right on Center Street and left on Franklin Street. Our parking area is located on Franklin Street. Please allow ample time to navigate around construction areas.

If you have trouble finding us, give us a call at 740.548.1717 and we’ll get you here.

So many people watch dog shows on tv or read a book on dog training and then get discouraged when their dog doesn’t respond as it “should.”  Dog training is similar to dealing with people.  You need to have a fairly good idea of what motivates the dog but even more importantly you need to be very clear in what you want to accomplish.

Patience is an important factor in dog training.  It takes time and repetition to transfer human words to dog actions.  Don’t expect perfection but work on improvement over time.  Even clever dogs can encounter difficulties.  And here is where most dog owners fail.  They are too proud to go back a few steps when they encounter difficulties.

A good rule of thumb

All dogs are different and learn at differing rates.  Knowing this, take training in small steps at the pace of your dog.  Watch for signs from your dog that he understands what you want.  Guide and show your dog what you want.  Don’t be tempted to “test” your dog on situations he has not yet learned…even when encouraged by friends.  Dogs want to please you so when set up for failure they loose their respect for you as a leader.

Be fair with your dog, be firm with what is expected but always have fun!

Client Profile:  Jiggs

When using a “prong” or “pinch” collar it is important to also have your dog’s leash attached to a chain collar. Sometimes one of the small links allows the flat end piece to slip through and the “prong” collar falls apart. Having the leash also attached to a chain collar on the dog’s neck serves as a backup collar.

Dog Training is constantly evolving. There is both an “ART” and a “SCIENCE” of training. The ‘art’ component evolves from the ability to communicate effectively to both the same species (the owners) and the foreign one (the dog). It looks a bit like magic when you see it transform a dog from an obnoxious liability to a calm, controllable and loving companion. The competent trainer’s ability to get his ‘information’ across to the dog is the ‘magic’ part. Transforming that information into a salient image for the owners requires knowledge and skill. This is difficult to accomplish in a group class setting.

The Dog Dance
To an un-trained eye, dog training looks easy when they watch the ‘dance’ between handler and animal. What it actually is portraying is the skill and knowledge amassed over many years and many dogs. Not just the puppies, but the adults too. The dangerous ones and the easy ones. Each dog is an equal contributor to a professional trainers’ skills and education. There have been many new things learned about animal behavior, dogs in particular. Why do dogs do what they do? A Certified Professional Trainer not only understands why, but is intuitive to the necessary changes that need to occur in order to intervene, avert and ultimately eliminate inappropriate behaviors.

A professional trainer has a genuine interest and concern for the improvement of the mental and physical well-being of dogs. One of the most valuable skills a professional trainer has is their ability to utilize their techniques specific for the dog they are training. Training techniques should be based on evaluating the personality of the dog and the needs of its owner. From this a trainer can offer direction on raising that type, breed and temperament of puppy and later formulate an appropriate training program to successfully train the dog and educate it’s owners in handling and modifying their dog’s behavior.

It is probably a safe assumption that for anyone taking the time from their busy schedule to read this; your dog matters to you. Very few dog owners realize the importance of obedience and how it helps prevent behavior problems. It is also important to understand that dog training is not simply a “dollars and cents” formula, but rather a combination of money, time, energy and ability.

Know what is required prior to training

To get the true value of a canine training service, one has to have a clear idea of what is required. For each person, how their dog is now and how it will be once trained, offers a unique understanding of “training.” Once you as the dog owner begin the training process, the outcome you seek may change or grow but every goal has to begin with a vision of something.

Training packages are not all the same

Look for training packages designed to teach owners and their dogs at different levels. You want a trainer who will help you with your dog’s bond and behaviors through all life-stages of their canine relationship, from potential ownership to throughout the dog’s life. This includes behavior modification, training and coaching to facilitate better communication and a strong life-long bond.

Training a dog requires a team and homework

In order for any program to be successful, it is imperative for you to work at home to change patterns and behaviors as instructed by the trainer. Your willingness and ability to follow your trainer’s instructions is essential for success. You must be motivated and consistent in working with your dog for our program to be effective. Practicing daily a minimum of 15 minutes at home as well as utilizing the commands included in our program in everyday living is crucial in achieving complete on and off-leash control.

The time and energy you invest will determine how much you and your dog are able to accomplish —-a small outlay to reap benefits and rewards for many years.