New Dog Training Website Provides a Wealth of Free Advice to Owners- Users ... - Emailwire (press release)

(EMAILWIRE.COM, July 12, 2011 ) Los Angeles, Ca -- TheDogTrainingClub.com recently launched its website to bring dog owners all of the information they need to make dog training and care easy. With hundreds of helpful tips and articles, the site covers a wide range of topics including: breed specific training techniques, dog problem-solvers, general training, house training and dog breed information.

In the breed specific training techniques section, dog owners can browse through an alphabetized list of dog breeds to learn the proper methods specific to their pet.

Suzanne Dale with TheDogTrainingClub.com says when training a dog it is important to take into account their breed as all dogs do not respond to the same things.

?Many people approach dog training in a generic way,? said Dale. ?They believe the same training techniques will work for any dog. This is not the case.? She adds, ?All breeds have different characteristics and personality traits so you need to adapt and change your training style and methods to match.?

TheDogTrainingClub.com aims to help owners with their dog issues in the dog problem-solvers section. Here, owners can read extensive articles regarding common problems when training their puppy. Dog training tips include: separation anxiety causes and solutions, how to stop dogs from jumping up, how to overcome chewing issues, ways to cut back on barking, as well as helpful hints on putting an end to biting.

Besides covering common dog problems, TheDogTrainingClub.com offers insight into a vast array of additional dog training questions in its general training section. Topics addressed in this section include: obedience training tips, dog tricks, dog agility, how to be more in tune with a dog?s emotions, common training mistakes and more. The site even provides information regarding dog food, grooming and health.

To get more specific, TheDogTrainingClub.com recognizes house training as an imperative part of owning a dog and focuses directly on topics relating to this in its house training section. Dog owners can learn about crate training, housebreaking dos and don?ts and more.

In addition to providing dog training online, the new site offers standard information about a range of dog breeds to help current and potential dog owners learn more about their new best friend. This data gives a snapshot about the breed; typical size, lifespan and breed-specific needs; a brief history of the breed; caring requirements; health information; and how to tell what breed is right for the owner.

Suzanne Dale points out that if a breed is not currently listed on the site, visitors should check back as the site is updated regularly.

For more information or to learn how to make dog training and care easy, visit: http://thedogtrainingclub.com.

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Dogs hung from leashes during stay with Oshawa dog trainer: owners - Toronto Star

2011/06/15 17:53:00

An Oshawa dog trainer faces additional charges of animal cruelty for the mistreatment of dogs in his care.

Durham police first charged Craig Wright, 42, in May with four counts of cruelty to animals. As a result of the same investigation, Wright now faces 19 more criminal charges, bringing the total to 23.

Wright is the owner of FACW K-9 Training and Rehabilitation Centre, at 199 Waterloo St. in Oshawa. In May, several pet owners came forward to police with complaints about the treatment of their dogs.

Owners of at least two dogs, including a miniature dachshund and a bulldog-Boston terrier, claimed their pets died after being in Wright’s care.

In May, the terrier’s owner told the Toronto Star that Wright claimed her dog had been hit by a car. Two other pet owners allege their dogs were never returned to them after staying in Wright’s facility.

Police have accused Wright of kicking the dogs, hanging them from their leases and allowing them to fight. The OSPCA removed several dogs from the training centre over safety concerns.

The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Animals has also laid three charges against Wright this spring. If convicted, the OSPCA charges carry a maximum penalty of two years in prison, a lifetime ban on caring for animals and $50,000 in fines.

Wright has been detained by police pending a bail hearing.

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Phoenix hoping to squash conflict between dog owners at park - Arizona Republic

by Connie Cone Sexton - Jan. 26, 2011 10:40 AM
The Arizona Republic

City officials are hoping to squash squabbles between dog owners at Los Olivos Park in central Phoenix.

There is a growing conflict between dog owners with leashed animals and those without, said Ken Vonderscher, a Phoenix deputy parks director. A city ordinance has allowed for off-leash sport dog training at non-dog parks such as Los Olivos, 2802 E. Devonshire Ave., near Indian School Road. But not everyone at the park has heeded ordinance requirements.

Dog owners who want to have their pet off-leash at a non-dog park must show a certificate of title and a certificate of graduation from a "nationally recognized obedience training organization." Dogs also must show the ability to come back to their owner on command.

Vonderscher said police have responded to problems at the park, but he doesn't know of any citations. He said there have been problems at some other city parks, as well.

On Thursday, the Phoenix Parks and Recreation board is expected to consider a six-month "leash-only" period for all dogs at Los Olivos to allow time to educate people about the ordinance. The board meets at 5 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 200 W. Jefferson St.

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Dogs, owners enjoy obedience show with Longs Peak Dog Training Club - Greeley Tribune

Camber, a Bernese mountain dog, looked in agonizing temptation at the silver bowl that Alice Gordon, her owner, carried in front of her. Inside was a cold slice of pizza meant to distract Camber from listening to Gordon's commands.

If she broke her stay, Camber would lose her chance at placing in the great beginnings course of the Longs Peak Dog Training Club's obedience and rally show Saturday at Island Grove Regional Park. The annual exhibition licensed by the American Kennel Club concludes Monday.

Throughout the weekend, roughly 125 dogs compete each day in exercises ranging from simple heeling techniques — walking beside their owner — to extended stay commands and jumps.

No request, however, was as agonizing as the one that Camber endured as she anticipated the release word that would allow her to run for the pizza — a command that she was one of the first dogs to hear.

The great beginnings course was created by show judge Carole Evans, a seasoned dog trainer from Franktown, who wanted to create a course that was practical and challenging. What evolved from her idea was a course made up of heeling, retrieving and a grand finale: the delivery of pizza.

“Your dog should be able to stay while you do something that you would normally do in the house,” Evans said. For example, keep its nose out of the oven while dinner is cooking.

Gordon, of Fort Collins, said she tries to spend five to 10 minutes every day working with each of her two dogs. The other is another Bernese named Dash. Regardless of their performance, she is a ready recipient of a few slobbery kisses and prepared in turn to give some tummy rubs at the end of the course. Gordon said the most satisfaction in dog training comes from the bond created with her pets.

“When your dog learns something new, it's a big high,” Gordon said. “It still blows my mind that dogs can do some of these things.”

In a different, intermediate-level course, which also tested the dogs' patience, 13 dogs sat in a row as their owners told them to stay. The owners then turned to leave the course, disappearing behind a curtained corner and waited for five minutes before approaching their dogs again. Every dog managed to keep its paws in line, but with the release command their tails wagged fiercely with the rest of their bodies, smacking into human legs and crashing playfully into other competitors.

Susan Yonemura said she came with her poodle, Layla, for the competition and for the camaraderie she finds with other dog trainers and owners.

“It's an incredibly supportive community,” Yonemura said. She recalled an obedience show in which she and Layla had finally passed on to the next level.

“There was a breakout of applause and hugs,” Yonemura said with a tear in her eye. “I never really expected it.” The show will continue through Monday at Island Grove Regional Park, 14th Avenue and A Street, from 8:30 a.m. until about 2 p.m. Each day, about 100 dogs and owners will participate, with most hailing from the northern Colorado area, said Judy Jaspers, who volunteers with the Longs Peak Dog Training Club to organize the event.
The event is free and open to the public.

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Dangerous dog owners offered training by expert - Uxbridge Gazette

Jan 10 2011 By Dan Coombs

Dog trainers Graham Popham and Linzi Follett, with one of their charges

IN RECENT months the Gazette has reported on a series of dog attacks around Hayes, Hillingdon, West Drayton and Ruislip, with fellow dogs killed and owners taken to hospital.

With the debate raging whether it is the pets themselves or their owners who should be made responsible, DAN COOMBS met up with Graham Popham, a dog behaviour trainer, who has set up classes in response to the attacks...

FOR many it is their worst fear, taking their dog out for a walk only to see it attacked and destroyed in front of their eyes, by a more aggressive and vicious breed.

This was exactly what happened to two women walking in Court Park in Hillingdon in October, while in November in Eastcote a greyhound was killed by a Japanese Akita off its lead while in the street.

Graham Popham, of Iver Lane, Cowley, has over 27 years experience working with dogs and their owners, and is keen to pass on his knowledge to new owners.

"It is all about ignorance, and I want to put a dent in this. It is about teaching the owner to be responsible and to spend time with their dogs from an early age. I have seen dogs destroy families, and even cause break-ups. Each dog has a character, you have to find that and bring it out."

Graham's business, Acot Dog Training, has operated for the past few years offering just one to one classes. Since the spate of dog attacks he has been inspired to set up 'puppy socialisation' classes, beginning this January, allowing dedicated time for them to interact with other dogs and their owners in a safe environment at a young age.

The classes will be held at St Laurence Church Hall, in Church Road, Cowley, with the help of his dog training colleague Linzi Follett.

"Of late there have been real problems, one of our friends dogs was attacked and it was a really horrible thing to happen, the dogs and owner responsible just walked off and were never caught. People buy dogs for status. Wouldn't they rather train it and show off how well behaved it is?

"I would encourage people to call me and I will offer advice, I have learnt how to read dogs and it is not an easy art to learn. The first 24 weeks are very important in a dogs life, they are very much a blank canvas and you have a chance to mould them. But there is no short term fix, bonding and learning with your dog is a long term experience.

"Dogs are so much more hyperactive now, they get such good food, filled with nutrition, and so much protein, you rarely see a sick dog. Children also need to be taught how to act around dogs, if I was young and the dog bit me I'd get a clip round the ear because it would mean obviously I had done something wrong to upset it."

To tackle the issues of youths owning dogs for status, Graham says he would like to see opportunities set up with the police to teach them how to be responsible.

"If the police wanted me to, I would take on the challenge. I expect there are many other trainers who feel the same way."

Linzi Follett, a trainer who works with Graham, has a campaign website called 'Be Puppy Farm Aware' and is keen to push the message out that puppy farms are cruel in the way they rear the dogs, and do lasting damage, meaning they can find it difficult to settle into a normal home.

Graham said: "Whatever you do you must go to a reputable breeder, puppy farm dogs are allowed to run riot, and some of these do not lose the traits they pick up. They are often more aggressive and more nervous."

Graham's puppy socialisation classes begin on January 17. To find out more call 01895465368 or visit www.acotdogtraining.co.uk

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