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MENOMONEE FALLS — Sit, roll-over and speak are typical commands for dog owners. However, one competition in Menomonee Falls takes dog training to the next level through an obstacle course where the team is the dog and its owner. The sport is known as agility training.

“You train your dog how to execute each obstacle independently and then you put it together in sequences anywhere from 16 to 20 obstacles, ” Johanna Ammentorp, the co-chairwoman for the K-9 Obedience Training Club of Menomonee Falls Agility Competition said.

The team consists of one dog and one human. Dogs move on and around various obstacles, and go through tunnels. Just went they get going, their handlers stop them in the middle of the course, and then they are at it once again, jumping over more hurdles. The goal is to finish with the fastest time, without any mistakes. If a dog jumps over a barrier and knocks it over, they are immediately disqualified from the competition.

“The clean is more important and once you get the clean down, you push the dog to go faster,” Loret Bartol, who ran her Australian Shepherd “Willow” in the competition. “Focus because as you see you have to keep up with the dog constantly. You have to know where the dog is and you have to know where you’re going,” Bartol said.

“When your dog gets there they know your movements, your verbal commands and what you’re doing,” Ammentorp said.

It’s a game of patience and most importantly — communication. Even though everyone is competing against each other, dog lovers enter the competition for similar reasons.

“Dogs were really not meant to be couch potatoes. Dogs were meant to do things for us and be with us and doing things with us,” Ammentorp said.

“The companionship, the friendship, the teamwork,” Bartol said.

The competition was open to all breeds of dogs, no matter what size. The competition was put on by the K-9 Obedience Training Club of Menomonee Falls, which is a non-profit organization devoted to training dogs and their owners.

Article source: http://fox6now.com/2012/05/20/obedience-training-club-hosts-dog-agility-training-competition/

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If you’ve taken your dog for training and are still scratching your head as to why your dog still won’t stay, come or heel you might find this interesting.

I was privy to a dialogue between dog trainers where one said that at a recent obedience trial there was a dog attack during the open long sit/down. The trainer went on to say that they had judged obedience for more than a couple of decades and never had a fight in a long sit and down exercise — but those were the days when trainers used reward and consequence to train.

The trainer felt the “new and improved” dog training, also often known as “pure positive” or “clicker” training, has negatively influenced a dog’s ability to do basic obedience. The trainer reported that in his province he could no longer hold outdoor trials because not enough dogs that were trained this way could stand the distractions of the outdoors.

I have to agree. This new trend has not been good for companion dogs and their owners. I keep being told that it has been scientifically proven that dogs don’t need consequence or discipline to learn self control, and using it creates aggression. There isn’t a biologist, ethologist, psychologist, psychiatrist or human mom and dad that isn’t going to ask why it is that there isn’t a single species on the planet that refrains from discipline.

No one is suggesting mindless confrontation. Measured, well-timed consequence is a natural part of life and when combined with love and approval it is humane, produces the most reliable results and does so in far less time. 

If you have three kids under 10 and a puppy that is constantly mouthing their hands and arms and is piercing their clothing, having a trainer tell you to just “ignore the bad behaviour and reward the good behaviour” is not helping. That mom now has limited options. She must either start over by finding a more qualified trainer, return the dog to the breeder, or take it to a shelter.

No mother, not even a dog mother, has the time to ignore bad behaviour. Combine some discipline with that reward and the problem is over in a day. Occasionally impressing upon a dog, “I wasn’t asking you, I was telling you” or “Because I said so!” will not make it aggressive or wreck its self-esteem.

Trainers that fear chastising a dog or using some collar that gives them a physical advantage do so needlessly. I’ve yet to see a tool to be a problem. So far it has turned out to always have been the tool on the end of the tool that’s the real problem.

On a different note, the skunks are out and about again and it’s an awful thing when a dog gets sprayed late at night when the stores are closed. I have a recipe for a great de-skunking concoction made from readily at-hand ingredients. Visit my website to download a handy pdf for your files.

– Askthedogguy.com

Article source: http://lifewise.canoe.ca/Living/PetTalk/2012/05/18/19774211.html

His ancestors were trained to hunt lions, holding them at bay until someone with a gun stepped up to fire the killer shot.

But Ted the Rhodesian Ridgeback has a less brutal, more environmentally friendly task to perform.

The 11-month-old dog is being trained at his home near Fittleworth, to track bumble bees as part of a project by a conservation group and Scotland’s Stirling University.

Ted – who cost £950 and sports the pedigree name of Edward Blacktail – sniffs out the bumble bee nests to help the species survive in a battle against pesticides and intensive farming methods.

Owner Graham Roberts, who runs a wildlife gardening business said: “Ted has a vital role to play because bumble bees are a cornerstone of nature and we are in danger of losing them.

“There are 24 species of bumble bee and they are so important in pollenating things that we take for granted, like broad beans, raspberries and marrows.

Full story see Midhurst and Petworth Observer May 17

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Article source: http://www.midhurstandpetworth.co.uk/news/fittleworth-dog-training-to-hunt-bumble-bees-1-3854352

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RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. (KTHV) – They’re an extra set of eyes, ears and noses that help law enforcement when search and rescue cases arise. And this weekend, canines and their handlers from all over the country are training right here in Arkansas.

Old Post Park in Russellville is going to the dogs this weekend; specifically 19 search and rescue from across the country. They’re taking part in drills and exercises to beef up their skills with their handlers.

It starts with a little playing and getting to know the target. Then the target takes off running and Copy Cat’s off to find him.

“Let’s go girl,” her handler Dana Kammerlohr says.

The 18-month old Labrador from Southwest Missouri is new to search and rescue training but she’s making strides.

“Each time she’s growing a little bit,  I don’t think she’ll be an excitable dog but she’ll be very methodical in her trailing,” Kammerlohr said.

Handler Dana Kammerlohr says in-the-field training here and networking are two valuable pieces to grow on. 

“It allows you to talk and share experiences, your trials and tribulations with other handlers, you just don’t get that in a lot of seminars,” Kammerlohr said.    

Rose, from Ohio, is also getting in on the training this weekend with her handler Mike Byrd. Partners for three years now, they’re off to find a boy on a playground after getting a scent of his cap, left by a tree. After a few minutes of running around, Rose narrows in on the boy.

“Good girl,” Byrd said.

“You want them to be able to follow the current and freshest trail to that subject in the quickest manner,” Byrd said.

It’s a mission that Byrd hopes gets stronger for Rose with drills like these. And Byrd himself hopes to better know his partner.

“Being able to read the dogs better, that’s something that just takes a lot of time,” Byrd said.

A mutual education for everyone at this training, from beginners all the way up.

This is the 13th year for this training program in Russellville, which runs through Sunday. There are Arkansas canines who participate as well and volunteers from Arkansas’ Civil Air Patrol.

The program is put on my the Arkansas Alliance of Bloodhound Search Specialists, Pope County K-9 and Piney Creek Kennel.

Article source: http://www.todaysthv.com/news/article/211390/2/13th-annual-Search-Dog-Training-Weekend

To make life easier for you during the rough patches, we have presented a selection of handy and inventive products that will make things run just that little bit smoother.

For instance, when you’re puppy is first starting out on their journey to being a well behaved pooch, the Clix Professional Whistle and the Clix Puppy Training Kit provide invaluable support.

Or to help keep your carpet clean the 8 in 1 Training Pads and the Pennine Industrial Bio Degradable Poop Bags provide a quick and easy way to teach your pet when to do their business, and help you to clean up the mess while they are still learning.

But when training really gets underway it is important to have the right tools, such as the Company of Animals Target Stick.  It can readily be used alongside any one of the exceptionally designed Rosewood Agility Range, to make get your champion pooch ready for their future stardom.

And to make sure that you can work on the basic while your pet is off the lead, you can make use of the Ancol Nylon Tracking Line. This gives your pet the freedom of movement to play and exercise, without the worry of them running off and getting lost.

A great alternative to the tracking line is the Rosewood Hexagon Play Pen. This large and hardwearing play pen is easily folded away, making it perfect for use when travelling to provide your pet with a cosy and secure play area of their very own.

Also, to make any long journeys far more comfortable for your dog, the Rosewood Options Pet Car Seat / Carrier is the perfect solution. Not only does this provide a secure and easy way to transport your pet, but it also comes with built in seat belt loops and a breathable mesh, to make comfort a top priority.

Posted by Sam Bainbridge

Article source: http://www.swellpets.co.uk/news/801331013/which-dog-training-and-travel-accessories-do-i-need

Founding a Father

Jimmy is the father of two girls, one dog, one cat, and, according to his 8 year old, their two fish as well. He plays dad, husband, chaeuffer, soccer coach, beauty shop client, drawing partner, ghost buster, and his family’s biggest cheerleader.

Article source: http://www.berksmontnews.com/articles/2012/05/17/kutztown_area_patriot/news/doc4fb53ff251687577919753.txt

The Insurance Information Institute estimated that nearly $479 million in dog bite claims were paid by all insurance companies in 2011, spokeswoman Loretta Worters said. In 2010, it was $413 million.

It’s no surprise that California — home to more dogs and people than any other state — led the way in 2011.

Martinez says 527 claims were filed in California and victims received $20.3 million, a jump of 31 percent over 2010.

State Farm is still working to determine reasons for the spike, Martinez said.

About 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year and more than half of the victims are children, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. About 800,000 people seek medical attention for the bites. Less than half of those people require treatment and about 16 die, the agency said.

After children ages 5 to 9 years old, the agency said that seniors represent the largest group at risk, followed by letter carriers.

Nationally, about 5,600 U.S. Postal Service letter carriers were attacked by dogs each of the last two years, said Los Angeles spokesman Richard Maher.

In California, a carrier was attacked in March and died of complications four days later after she suffered a stroke likely caused by trauma, Maher said.

Los Angeles carriers recorded the most bites with 83; San Diego was second with 68; followed by Houston at 47; and Cleveland at 44.

Medical expenses from dog attacks cost the Postal Service just over $1 million last year, officials said.

The third full week each May is National Dog Bite Prevention Week and State Farm, the U.S. Postal Service, the American Veterinary Medical Association and CDCP release dog bite statistics and launch campaigns to promote dog safety.

Despite the large number of attacks on letter carriers, the Postal Service decided to focus on children for their campaign because a child is 900 times more likely to be attacked than a letter carrier, Maher said.

Heredity, training, socialization, health, and the behavior of humans around it can all contribute to a dog’s tendency to bite, Martinez said.

The ASPCA predicts half of all children in the United States will be bitten by a dog before 12. The majority of bites will be from the family dog or the dog of a neighbor or friend.

People across the country own about 78.2 million dogs, according to the American Pet Products Association.

State Farm’s figures listed the top 10 states by number of claims, claims paid and claim average.

California was tops in the first two categories, then came Illinois, 309 claims, $10 million; Texas, 219 claims, $5.1 million; and Ohio, 215, $5.4 million.

At the bottom of the claims per state list were Maine, New Mexico, Montana, Hawaii and South Dakota, Martinez said.

The average cost per claim nationally in 2011 was $28,799, Martinez said.

California had a per-claim average of $38,500 but New York came in first because the company paid an average of $45,900 per claim there. Michigan was second with an average $38,700 per claim.

In 2010, California led the way with 369 claims and total payouts of $11.3 million. But the average cost per claim in the state was $30,000, placing it second behind Florida, where the average cost per dog bite claim was $38,400. Florida had 146 claims for a total of $5.6 million.

There are ways to help a child avoid dog bites, the ASPCA says.

A youngster should never stare into a dog’s eyes, tease a dog, approach a chained dog, touch an off-leash dog, run or scream if approached by a loose dog, play with a dog while it is eating or touch a dog while it is sleeping. If a loose dog comes close, children should stand very still and be very quiet. Always ask a dog’s owner for permission to pet it and let the dog sniff your closed hand before you start touching it.

Article source: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-05-17/dog-bite-insurance-claims/55037444/1

Published Tuesday, May 15th, 2012

Drug Dog Training

 Yakima Police Officer Stacey Andrews and her K-9 partner Flash are searching an empty house for narcotics.
A partnership that is only successful when both of them are on the same page.

“If im having a bad day it will travel straight down the leash to my dog, if I am mad my dog will know I’m mad so you actually have to make sure that if I’m having a bad day I need to leave it in the car for when we do a search,” says Officer Stacey Andrews.

 This week, police K-9s and their handlers, are training to find drugs in just about any location imaginable.

 ”These dogs are invaluable, with the sophistication we are seeing now with drug trafficking organizations, for instance drugs being transported along the interstate high ways, we are seeing very sophisticated compartments and a lot of times with out the dogs we wouldn’t even know that,” says Oregon State Police Sergeant David Beck,

 The dogs are trained to search for an odor, when they alert their handler of the drugs, they are rewarded with a toy.

The Yakima Police Department has 2 drug dogs, it uses them sometimes more than once a day.

“You would be surprised they get called out, lots of different things from suspicious things that come up during traffic stops to search warrants, to all sorts of things, anywhere that we think there may be narcotics hidden, these dogs are a great tool,” says Sgt Tony Bennet.

   Officer Andrews and Flash are together nearly 24 hours a day, but she says Flash isn’t her pet,  shes her partner on the job.

” I get paid ten hours a day to do the job that I love which is police work and also get to work with an animal, and I have a passion for animals, so for me thats the best of both worlds right there.”

Article source: http://www.kapptv.com/article/2012/may/15/drug-dog-training/

According to investigators, the child was playing outside when she was grabbed by an American Staffordshire Terrier.

Police were called but Director of Animal and Bylaw Services Bill Bruce says it’s his understanding the owner fled before help could arrive.

Officers apprehended the dog, who is now in custody of the city.

“We’ll have a look at the dog and try to assess it in terms of behavour,” he says. “And then potentially proceed with a dangerous dog care and see if this animal needs conditions put on it.”

After three dog bites in the last week, he tells 660News owners have to be vigilant when it comes to controlling their animals.

“May is the highest dog bite month, typically in Calgary,” Bruce says. “And I think with the nice whether we’re going to be out more and it’s incumbent upon us to remember it is our responsibility to control our dogs.”

The victim had to have stitches and Bruce adds the owner could be facing charges.

Investigators plan on speaking with her and her family later in the day.

Article source: http://www.660news.com/news/local/article/363372--dover-dog-bite-victim-recovers