rebecca's dog blog

This Blog has Moved!

2011-06-06T19:01:00.001-07:00

This blog has a new home at dogsbf.net! Please visit our new site so we can keep in touch!

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip ~ Obey Leash Laws!

2011-03-26T01:43:00.000-07:00

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip ~ Obey Leash Laws. There's nothing quite as scary as an off leash dog charging towards you as your walking your rascal. And if you think it's scary for you, imagine how your furry friend must feel. Even if the off leash dog is friendly, it can be terrifying for your rascals to stand by and watch as a Stranger is racing towards them, often times barking and carrying on. The leashed dog's anxiety is amplified not only by the scared human at the other end of the leash, but also by the fact that they cannot run away. They are obeying the law and are leashed up for safety! So please, be respectful to other pups and humans, and keep your dogs leashed. It's the law!

RoveReactive Support Group ~ March 29, 2011

2011-03-24T22:01:00.000-07:00

Designed as a forum to help graduates of RoveReactive Classes/Private Training continue working on their Feisty Fido skills. This group provides support for dog parents, with monthly progress check-ins and problem solving sessions to help deal with issues that may have arisen since the last meeting.

$20 Per Dog.

RSVP @ rebecca@rebeccadogsbestfriend.com by Sunday, March 27th.

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip ~ Wait for the Right time to adopt a furry sibling!

2011-03-22T16:46:00.000-07:00

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip ~ It's never a good idea to adopt a dog in order to solve your current dog's behavioral problems. For instance, if you have a rambunctious puppy, I don't recommend adopting another dog, hoping that the second rascal will curtail the first rascal's energy. Better to train your pup first, get him/her well adjusted and ready for the world, then add a furry sister or brother. Once your pup is ready for a sibling, there's nothing sweeter than adding more fluffy love to your home! (See how Harper cuddles up to older sister, Haley)

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip ~ Don't Get Complacent

2011-03-21T18:35:00.001-07:00

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip ~ Special Equipment, such as Easy Walks and Gentle Leaders, are not meant to be used forever. They are meant to be used as an aid while training your pup, not as a crutch. Be careful not to get complacent and forget to train your dog how to walk nicely. The goal should be to get your dog off equipment and on to walking nicely on a Flat or Martingale Collar. Just like Toby here, who worked very hard to get rid of his Easy Walk. That was a happy day!

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip ~ Teach your Pups to LOVE kids!

2011-03-20T12:09:00.000-07:00

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip ~ Teach your pups that kids are wonderful by giving them a treat EVERY single time they see a child, big or small. It's not just enough to expose them to kids, you also need to make sure their experiences are Positive ones. If your rascal gets something amazingly yummy every time a kid is around, just imagine how great they will think those little two legged rascals are!

Olivia Practices Recall

2011-03-19T00:47:00.000-07:00

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip ~ Praise your Pup!

2011-03-19T00:00:00.001-07:00

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip ~ Praise your Pup! So often we reprimand our dogs for doing the "wrong" thing (just being a pup), when in all honestly, 99.9 percent of the time, they are being P AWESOME. They're laying nicely on their beds, chewing their bones quietly at our feet, or cuddling sweetly in our laps. In these times, we forget to tell our pups how great they're being, and how much we appreciate what good pups they are. So take the time to tell your dog, "good boy," just for being a "good boy." You'll see the appreciation in their eyes!

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip ~ A Short Walk goes a Long Way!

2011-03-17T01:37:00.001-07:00

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip ~ Is your pup laying around, looking bored, and possibly even getting into mischief?! If so, give your dog an extra walk. Short walks, with quick sniffs of the fresh sea air, and fun grassy smells can go a long way. Don't feel like you have to take an hour long walk every outing. Several short walks a day can also be extremely helpful. They give your dog extra stimulation, and break up their routine. The walks can be short, as long as they are sweet. A little walk can go a long way!

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip - Teaching Puppy Kisses

2011-03-16T11:01:00.000-07:00

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip ~ Turn those Puppy Nips into Kisses by teaching KISSES. All you do is rub a bit of yummy peanut butter on your hand, and place it next to your puppy's mouth. As soon as your rascal starts licking, say, "KISSES, KISSES." If the Kiss turns into a nip at any time, move your hand away, saying "OOPS," to let your rascal know she needs to keep her pearly whites off your skin. Try again with the KISSES, and repeat the process until your pup is stuffed. Practice this everyday, and you'll have a puppy that loves to KISS, and what's better than that?! (thanks, Olivia, for demonstrating and to Tamar Gellar for showing us this trick years ago).

Watch Olivia Demonstrate!

Introducing Harper and Haley, Dog's Best Friend's Dogs of the Month ~ March

2011-03-12T21:47:00.000-08:00

Harper and Haley entered our
lives just a few months ago,
bringing their Golden
love to our days.

They've worked so hard, along with their
parents, Rachel and Roman, and have
been such delightful students
and friends.

Harper and Haley
have beautiful, kind souls and
adore people more than anything in the
world. If you look up "Love Bug"
in the dictionary, you're sure to find
photos of these two lovely gals.

When we first met Harper, she was just a
little rascal, happy and enthusiastic
about everything in life, especially treats!
She immediately took to the training
and has been a star student ever since.

Her big sister, Haley, already
knew the ways of the world, but had
greater aspirations. She dreamed of
being a Canine Good Citizen and
set her sites on achieving her lofty goal.

Harper graduated from her In Home
Puppy Program in January, and jumped
right into our Group Class, where she
showed off all her skills and graduated
top of her Class.

Haley achieved her lifetime dream and
became a Canine Good Citizen, and has
convinced her little sister to follow suite.
So Harper will be joining us in our next
Caning Good Citizen Class.
We can't wait!

Congratulations, Harper and Haley,

you are two of our best girlfriends, and
we feel so blessed to have had the
opportunity to spend time with you.

Thank you for being such good girls in
class, and bringing your Golden
sunshine to our lives

We love you,
Dogs of the Month!

"Golden retrievers are not bred to be
guard dogs, and considering the size of
their hearts and their irrepressible joy in
life, they are less likely to bite than to bark,
less likely to bark than to lick a hand in
greeting. In spite of their size, they think
they are lap dogs, and in spite of being
dogs, they think they are also human, and
nearly every human they meet is judged to
have the potential to be a boon companion
who might, at many moment, cry, "Let's go!"
and lead them on a great adventure."

~ Dean Koontz

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip ~ Teaching Trade

2011-03-12T18:03:00.000-08:00

It's extremely important to teach your dog(s) "Trade," or "Drop It," so that you can easily take valued objects from them, when needed. It's best to teach them when they are youngsters (as soon as you adopt your puppy, get to it), but older dogs can learn too (watch Rusty, my senior boy, demonstrate). All you do, is give your dog a yummy bone or toy, then in your hand have an even yummier treat. Hold the treat a few inches from your dog's nose, and as soon as they drop their bone, give them the yummy treat from your hand. As you make the exchange, say "Trade," or "Drop It." This way, they're always learning that something being taken away from them is NOT a bad thing, rather it's awesome, they get something even BETTER:) (do not try this with dogs who already Guard their Resources. Call a professional for help with that).

Watch Rusty Demonstrate!

A Strange Dog Day ~ The Best and Worst of Humans

2011-02-27T13:26:00.000-08:00

My day started out so well today, I was taking a peaceful walk in downtown Hermosa Beach, and passed a lovely young man working with his dog on Pier Avenue. He was so kind and gentle, and when the dog did what he asked, he gave the dog a nice treat and praise. They both looked so happy, and I was so proud to be a human!

Then, as I proceeded down to Starbucks with my rascal, Toby, we approached the very busy coffee shop, where probably a dozen dogs were camped outside with their humans enjoying a morning cup of Joe (the people, that is). There were probably fifty people there (I'm not exaggerating). As we passed two cute, but nervous and fearful, Chihuahuas, all the peace ended. The two little rascals went nuts, barking and growling at Toby (please note, I don't blame the dogs for this, I question their Human's decision to put them in such a circumstance, keep reading). As the dogs were getting upset, their Human (if you can call her that), ran out and SMACKED one of them across the face. SMACKED! The dog cowered and yelped and stopped barking (yeah, I would too, if I knew that was going to happen). I immediately intervened, and said, "Hey, is that necessary, the dog is just scared?" She went on to tell me to mind my own business, blah, blah, blah, adding a "Honey," at the end of her rant. I walked away with my pup, Toby, feeling horrible about those two little guys taking such abuse. At least she stopped hitting the dogs, for the time being. The worst part, next to the actual treatment of the dogs, is that NO ONE, NOT ONE other person said a DANG thing! In fact, I don't think anyone cared. The energy was so complacent, I felt like jumping up and saying, "Hey, what's wrong with you people? She just smacked a poor, innocent, animal. Don't you care?" This BROKE MY HEART. Is this the world we live in? Are people so scared of conflict or embarrassment, or of "not looking nice," that they'll stand idly by and watch something like this happen? Is this the world we live in? I sure hope not! If so, we are all doomed! One thing I cannot stand in the Human Race is lack of Courage. I wish more people had the Courage to stand up against what's wrong, rather than numbly walking through life in a fog of fear.

Sigh...

So for the rest of my day, I will focus on that lovely young man and his happy, well adjusted dog. People like him give me Hope!

(and dogs like my sweethearts, Toby, Spencer and Rusty, shown in photo above)

Walker Walks

2011-02-03T00:16:00.000-08:00

Puppy Party, November 2010

2011-02-01T12:32:00.000-08:00

Butter Learns Touch

2011-02-01T12:12:00.000-08:00

Spencer on the Catwalk

2011-02-01T12:11:00.000-08:00

Rascal Romp, January, 2011

2011-01-24T13:00:00.000-08:00

Check out the photos from our latest Rascal Romp!

I'm very proud of all our wonderful puppies!

Rascal Romp 2011

What Exactly is Positive Reinforcement Dog Training?

2011-01-10T21:18:00.000-08:00

A client of mine recently told me she met someone on the street that said they were a Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainer. However, this statement didn't ring true to my client (coming from this trainer), as the Trainer had a PRONG collar on a 12 week old Golden Retriever.

This got me thinking of the question....

"What EXACTLY is Positive Reinforcement Dog Training?"

This is my answer ~

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training is when we Reward your dog for doing the right thing, by using treats and praise (or whatever pleases your dog). Our goal is to teach your dog to do what you Request because they trust you and KNOW what to do. They understand the world they live in, thanks to our guidance. PR trainers never use force (physical or emotional) to train your dog. That will break down your relationship in a second! If your dog does something "wrong," we do not punish, we redirect your dog, and show them the Correct thing to do. If they have made a mistake, it's simply because we humans have not successfully shown/taught them the correct thing to do. So how unfair is it to punish them?! True PR Dog Trainers never use Prong, Choke or Shock Collars. Never. If they do, they are kicked out of the "Club." The trainer my client was speaking of is NOT a Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainer, no matter what he/she says!

*Can you imagine putting a Prong Collar on sweet Chloe below?

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip ~ January 9, 2011

2011-01-10T11:21:00.001-08:00

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip ~

No more COMMANDS. I've recently dropped the word Command from my vocabulary when it comes to training dogs, and replaced it with the word, CUE. Why have I done such a silly thing? Well, because I don't Command my dogs to do anything. I give them a CUE. I ask and request (not to be confused with beg or plead). In other words, I ask them to sit, they do, and they get a yummy treat or praise. The word Command is just too harsh. It's easy to be "angry" and/or "terse," when you are Commanding a dog (or a person, for that matter) to do something for you, and I never want to be harsh with my dog. I want to stay centered and be the Calm Parent, guiding my dog. Not the harsh Commander ordering my dog around. I am not the Great Santini (the old folks will get that reference). So, I'm giving you the Cue, to give up the word, Command. Please. Your reward will be a dog that trusts you, and is happy to comply with your Request!

A Poem for Cathy

2010-12-30T00:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, we lost our dear, sweet friend, Cathy Rubin, founder of Rover Rescue.

She was a true angel, and a gift to all dogs, and humans alike. Her impact on the world was profound, the love she gave was endless.

We love you, Cathy! The dogs are waiting for you at the gates, tails wagging!

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge, there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass. When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water, and warm Spring weather. Those old and frail animals are young again. Those who have been maimed are made whole again. They play all day with each other. But there is only one thing missing. They are not with their special person who loved them on earth. So, each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up. The nose twitches, the ears are up, the eyes are staring, and this one suddenly runs from the group. You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again and again and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated. ~Author Unknown

I imagine there is a lot of kissing going on, just about now...

Happy Holidays from Dog's Best Friend!

2010-12-25T14:51:00.000-08:00

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Happy-Holidays-from-Dog-s-Best-Friend.html?soid=1101840983658&aid=uVrO9pvfxq0

Check out Dog's Best Friend's Holiday Newsletter ~ Happy Howlidays!

2010-12-16T22:02:00.000-08:00

Check out my @constantcontact newsletter

Congratulations, DJ Vegas, Dog's Best Friend's Dog of the Month ~ December

2010-12-13T21:12:00.000-08:00

We met DJ Vegas just a few months
ago, just after he arrived at his new home
with Jennifer, Joe, Joey and Olive.

DJ is the cutest, sweetest Boxer/Great
Dane mix (as you can tell by the photo).

Not only is this guy adorable, he's darn
smart. He's excellent at Going to His
Spot and picks up on new
Cues extra fast!

His smarts are especially represented in
the terrific family he chose. Jennifer and
Joe are tremendously dedicated to this
guy. Not only did Jennifer excel in their
private lessons, but Dad, Joe, was a
terrific handler in our group class last Fall.
Winning the Settle on your Spot
contest. Not bad for a guy
who never had a dog before
he met Jennifer!

DJ's new little two-legged sister and
brother, Olive and Joey, are extra sweet
with him, as well. Not only do they hug and
kiss him endlessly, but they were huge helps
in his training. They were excellent
Assistants, helping DJ learn to Go to his
Spot when they entered the room.

DJ Vegas is a happy boy now that he's
found this amazing forever home, and
we're so thankful that we had the
opportunity to get to know this
special guy, and his family.

Congratulations, DJ Vegas!

You deserve to be our Dog of the Month!

Have a Wonderful Howliday with your new family!

Giving Thanks!

2010-11-25T01:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all my wonderful four-legged friends. You teach me so much everyday and I'm so incredibly thankful that I get to spend each and every day with such amazing animals. Have a wonderful day with your humans. They're pretty special too!

Dog's Best Friend's Turkey Tips

2010-11-25T01:22:00.001-08:00

Dog's Best Friend's Turkey Tips ~
Thanksgiving is here, one of the happiest times of the
year, for humans and pups alike. But
Turkey Day can be stressful and even dangerous for our rascals, if
we're not careful and don't take the appropriate precautions.
With a little bit of smarts and good planning, you can help your pup make
it through the day, happy and safe!

Here are a few Turkey Tips~

Bone Up on your Pups' Obedience Skills –
Take the time to remind your pup of
his/her manners. Practice Sit, Down, Go To Your Spot, Recall and
their Boundaries. Impress your family with a well mannered dog and
keep your dog safe at the same time.

Give Them a Safe/Quiet Place To Hang-out -
Most dogs love the family and friends that visit
during the holidays, but just like children, dogs can become
overwhelmed. Pay close attention to your dogs' behavior and make
sure they have a safe, quiet place to hang-out when it just gets to
be too much. Set up their bed/crate in a comfy, quiet room, soft
music playing, a worn t-shirt of yours for them to snuggle up to and
a yummy bone (something special) for them to gnaw on. Make it
happy! This is not a punishment. This is their special place to
relax. Make sure all the kids in the house know this and ask them
to give their buddy some space for a little while. He can come out and play
later.

Don't overdue the Turkey – It's probably unrealistic to say, “Don't give your dogs turkey.” They love it and what the heck, it's just once a year. But do it in
moderation, just a little bit goes a long way. Make sure it's a lean piece and that there are no bones. Give it to them away from
the table, so they don't learn to beg. Have them sit nicely, then
give them their Thanksgiving treat. *No turkey for pups that are
allergic to poultry though and ask your guests not to feed your dog
from the table. If they really want to join in the giving, have
them ask your dog to sit and give him/her the Turkey away from the
dinner table.

No Sweets -
What is Thanksgiving without Pumpkin Pie and other luscious desserts? Us
humans love 'em, but they can be deadly to dogs. So keep those pies
up and don't feed anything with sugar to your pup. The last thing
you want to be doing is rushing to the ER with a sick pup on
Thanksgiving night.

Assign a Door Cop – One
of the greatest hazards of the holiday season is the possibility of
losing your pup, watching them dash out as the door flies open
because a guest forgets to close it properly. So
assign a responsible adult to keep an eye on the door. Ask
them to let all the guests in/out and to be in charge of
“security,” making sure your pup never has the chance to bolt
out the door. Everyone likes to feel needed, so find a
family/friend who loves to help. Have a little thank you gift ready
for them at the end of the night. People like Rewards too!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Be thankful for those Furry Tails and Fluffy Feet!

They make the Holidays extra special!

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip ~ November 22

2010-11-22T20:59:00.000-08:00

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip

It's not just important to exercise your dog's body, it's also important to
exercise his mind.

Instead of just handing him a bone to keep him busy, consider a
"Thinking Toy." There are several companies that make wonderful toys
that challenge your dog by hiding treats/kibble in alcoves, compartments
and/or crevices. Your dog will have a great time figuring out the toy and digging
out the yummy reward! Premier and Nina Ottosson are some of our favorites
(thanks, Tami Z, for introducing us to Nina toys).

Premier Toys available at www.premier.com. Nina Ottosson available at www.poochieheaven.com.

Order now, and your pups' new toy will arrive in time to give on Hanukkah or
Christmas morning (below Toby plays with his Dog Turbo by Nina Ottosson).

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip ~ November 19

2010-11-22T20:56:00.000-08:00

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip

Don't train the Dog out of your dog! One of my rascals, Toby, who is a dashing nine year old senior, turns into a joyful puppy whenever I say, "Let's get in the car." He dances and prances like a young stallion, full of life and spirit! Some would say, "hey, that's not very ...obedient, why do you let him do that? Train your dog." Well, I could. He knows his manners and I could have him sit nicely and be "proper," before we walk out the door, but here's the thing, why would I want to? Toby is nine years old, and he's not gonna be with me forever. These moments of "puppy" make my day...and his. He's a DOG, not a robot, not a subservient, he's got a soul, he's got LIFE. Embrace and enjoy those moments of "disobedience." When your beloved companion is gone, those are the ones that will live on forever!

Four Ways to Make your Pup's Life More Fun - One for each Paw!

2010-11-08T19:50:00.000-08:00

If we are lucky, we have our pups, 10 maybe 15 years. The truly blessed have their rascals for as many as 16-17 years. Either way, that's not much time to enjoy our furry kids, the rascals that make our lives so much sweeter, and lots more fun.

So let's do our best to make THEIR lives more fun. Here are just a few ways to do it:

1) Make time for Silly Time. Time to wrestle, snuggle, chase, bark, jump, play bow, you name it (well, they name it). Time to just be a dog. No rules. Happy is the name of the game. Let your dog indulge in pure joy!

2) Take them on Special Adventures. For some, it's a trip to the beach, others a ride to a new neighborhood with fun smells, others some off leash time running in an empty field (must know recall first). Whatever it is, schedule some one on one time for them to just let it all out. No cell phones, laptops or work. This time is for them. Let them have a ball!

3) Have a Puppy Party! No, they don't literally have to be a puppy, any age will do. Invite your friends over and make your dog the center of attention. Plan a few games (Hide-n-Seek is fun) and teach them a new trick or two. They'll have a great time learning it, and the attention they get when they show off their new skill will make them oh-so-happy! You'll look good too. Oh, and by the way, a dog is never too old to work on socialization!

4) Schedule snuggle time. Dogs love the one on one attention they get from cuddling with you. Turn off the TV, close the door, and simply focus on them. Give them a belly rub, and relax. Be present and let them enjoy being with you, and for a moment, being the most important thing in the world.

Dogs bring so much to our lives, let's give something back to them, and help make their worlds a better place, they make ours better every single day!

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip ~ October 7th

2010-10-07T09:28:00.000-07:00

Does your dog run away or duck their head when it's time to put on their Easy Walk (even though they don't mind wearing it)? This is very common and very Easy to handle. First, grab a yummy treat. Connect your dog's leash to their Flat Collar. Have them sit nicely. Then, as you are placing the Easy Walk over your dog's head, simultaneously feed them that yummy treat and praise them like crazy. I like to use a nice, meaty treat, so they can nibble it until the Easy Walk is over their head. Once the EW is connected, double the leash with the EW ring and you and your pup are ready for your Easy Walk together (in this photo, Bond is happy in his Easy Walk)!

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip ~ Monday, September 13

2010-09-13T12:12:00.000-07:00

Make Training a Part of your Pups' Everyday Life!

For example, have them sit every time they get a meal or treat, when you're just hanging out and they are in another room, practice recall by calling them to you happily, rewarding them with a treat when they get to you,when you are cuddling, pet their paws, tails (gently), ears, praising them while you do it. Letting them know that petting these sensitive areas is a very good thing (treat them too, if you have one near by).

Keep up on their training, and you'll have a happy, well adjusted dog for the rest of their lives!

*In the photo above, Spencer and Rusty sit before they are served dinner.

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip

2010-09-09T23:52:00.000-07:00

Attention Exercise

Have you ever seen how a really well-trained dog looks at his/her
human? It’s like two people in love, staring each other in the eye
like no one else exists.

This is because they have an extremely strong bond. That dog
will do anything to please their human and not because they’re
scared or intimidated, but because they want to!

Building a bond with your dog is the foundation to a well-
adjusted, well-behaved and happy dog. This simple exercise will
help start the process of building a connection with your canine
companion.

1) Hold a yummy treat up to your nose and call your dog’s name.

2) When she looks you in the eye, immediately give her the treat and
a nice soft “good” or “yes.”

Practice 5-10 Minutes two times per day everyday.

Dog's Best Friend - Voted one of South Bay's Favorites!

2010-08-30T16:14:00.001-07:00

Dog's Best Friend has been named one of the South Bay's Favorite Dog Trainers in this year's Daily Breeze Readers' poll.

Thank you so much for voting for us!!! You're our favorite too!

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip

2010-08-30T10:42:00.000-07:00

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip:

Dogs are always changing and
no matter how sweet your rascals are, there is always potential for new
issues like Resource Guarding to crop up. To ensure that your pups are
always okay with people approaching their food bowls, make a habit of
regularly walking by your dogs' food bowl, while they are eating (just
about a foot way), and throwing in a delicious treat. This will teach
your pups that a person coming close to their bowl is a wonderful thing
and nothing to worry about or guard against (*caveat - never allow
children to approach their dogs' bowl. Do not do this if your dog is already
resource guarding. Consult a professional if that is the case).

My dogs are 6, 7 and 8 and I do this every single day!

What it means to be a Dog Parent?

2010-08-26T10:11:00.000-07:00

A colleague of mine, Gerald Ingram, from Oregon, recently wrote what it means to be a Dog Parent/Guardian. He put it so beautifully, that I just had to share.

Seemed appropriate on National Dog Day.

"I don't like to think of a dog as no more than a couch, car or
pencil. Property is disposable, an animal life is not. ...We have a
greater responsibility to an animal in our care of responsibility
than just ownership. I can reupholster a couch, I can scrap a car or
trade it in, I can break a pencil out of frustration and no one cares
or even should care. I can shoot an old car with guns and set it on
fire, just because I am pissed or just for the fun of it.

Some do treat dogs like human children, bad spoiled brat human
children. If you take the knowledge that we posses in teaching and
caring for dogs and properly apply it to humans, we would have a lot
less trouble in our youth and hence a lot less trouble in our society
as adults. If we provided the the right nutrition, the right
reinforcement and didn't focus on punishing our children, they would
be better off. If we did not appease them with food or freedom just
to get them off our backs, but instead spent quality time and gave
positive feedback, our children would be much better off. Too many
people refer to those who spoil their dogs as treating them like
children. Spoiling is a relative term. I spoil my dogs with proper
care and emotional support. I spoil them with medical attention and
proper training. I only wish I could go back and do better for my
children as I am now doing for my dogs. I didn't do my children
wrong, but if only I had known how to make them believe in themselves
just a little bit more. If I had reinforced them in even better ways,
just how much farther might they have gone."

Well said. Thank you, Gerald.

Thursday's Training Tip!

2010-08-25T23:27:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest mistakes dog guardians make is that they often bark off (pun intended) commands to their dogs, thinking that their dogs know what they are saying. For instance, I often hear people saying, "Buddy Come, Come. Buddy, Come." But Buddy doesn't Come. Why is this? Is he ignoring them? Is he stubborn? Is he just being a plain old jerk? The answer is NO. Buddy is probably not coming because they never took the time to TEACH Buddy the word. We must SHAPE the command. We must show the dog what COME means, mark it with a treat/praise and practice it over and over again, until he learns what the word means. Remember, dogs don't speak English (as stated by the amazing Ian Dunbar), we've got to teach them our language...and in return, we should learn theirs as well! I think that's only fair, don't you?

Announcing Dog's Best Friend's August Dog of the Month ~ JUSTIN!!!

2010-08-01T13:52:00.000-07:00

Justin is an extremely bright and spirited Entlebucher Mix. He recently adopted Lora, John and Elizabeth and is bringing tons of joy and excitement to their lovely family.

Cathy from Rover Rescue spottedJustin at a local shelter and couldn't resist his soulful glance. Could you?

Justin loves playing in his back yard with his little sister, Elizabeth, and practicing his training with Mom and Dad. This guy is very ambitious, so is currently working towards his Canine Good Citizen Certificate with his Dad, John. We don't want to jinx it, but the likelihood of this smart boy passing, is very high!

Justin is especially grateful to his Mom and Dad, who have dedicated their time and energy to helping him become a nice, well adjusted pup.

Congratulations, Justin.You have worked hard and deserve to be our August Dog of the Month.

"Who can believe that there is no soul behind those luminous eyes!"
~ Theophile Gautier

Happy Birthday to Dog's Best Friend's August Birthday Dogs!

2010-08-01T11:01:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to our August Birthday Pups, Charlie Bonvie, Abby Stamp, Kira Clay, Marley May Salazar, Max Schauer and Chase Mendoza! Check out their photos in their very own Facebook Photo Album. Birthday kisses to the sweet pups.

Facebook/Dog's Best Friend

Puppies! Puppies! Puppies! From July's DBF News

2010-07-20T15:06:00.001-07:00

Puppies! Puppies! Puppies!
What's not to love?
By Rebecca Mandell

Everyone loves puppies! They are absolutely adorable, as sweet as can be and they do the funniest things. They chase their tails, slide across our floors and bounce around joyously! Puppies brighten our day and make us smile!

Puppies are also a lot of work and a huge responsibility. A lot of thought and planning should be done before taking the leap into Puppy Parenthood.

Here are just a few things to consider before adding a furry baby to your family~

Breed. What is the best breed for your family? How do you decide?

First of all, pick up a Breed book from your local bookstore (below are a few book recommendations). Go through the book and pick out your top five breeds, based on whatever you want. Looks, personality, etc. Have fun. There are no limits.

Then make a list of your families' characteristics. For instance, are you active or mellow? Social or quiet? What are your favorite hobbies?

Once you've done that, make a list of the qualities you'd want in your dream dog. A running companion? A cuddle bug? A shopping buddy for the gals?

Now the hard part. Be honest with yourself. Compare the three lists.

If you enjoy spending your weekends lounging quietly in front of the tube, then cross Border Collies off the list. If you love to hike and camp, maybe a Maltese wouldn't work for you (the grooming alone would be a full time job). All dogs are unique, but there are certain qualities that can be universal within the breed, so study the characteristics and choose accordingly.

Please don't forget Mixed Breed dogs. They often have an amazing combination of the characteristics you want and make the most loyal pets ever. There are many wonderful Rescue Groups out there and so many dogs that need homes (Yes, they often have puppies available, you just have to be patient).

It may sound like a lot of work, but it's well worth it. Your dream puppy is out there somewhere just waiting to choose his new family (have no illusions, THEY ultimately do the choosing)!

Financial Commitment. Whether you choose to adopt a puppy from a Rescue Group/Shelter or go to a Reputable Breeder, Puppies are not cheap. Make sure you are ready for the financial obligation of taking care of a little friend. Below are just a few of the expenses you'll incur in the first few weeks/months after you adopt your pup.

Vet Expenses - The second you bring your puppy home, I recommend scheduling your pup's first vet visit. Your pup will need a check-up, shots, a microchip and eventually to be Spayed or Neutered.

Plan on surprise visits to the vet. Puppies often have tummy trouble or ingest things they're not supposed to, so expect the unexpected.

Toys, Beds, Crates - That first trip to the pet store is so much fun, but can be quite expensive. Your pup will need a crate, food bowls, leashes, toys, etc. (see the shopping list below). Your local pet store will become your second home for your pup's first six months, so make sure you're financially prepared.

Dog Care - Young pups cannot be left alone. So if you work out of the home or have an active social life, you'll need a dog sitter/walker to stop in and take your pup out for a safe potty break in their own back yard and give them some fun play time. Prices vary, but the visits can add up, so don't forget this expense.

Training - It is extremely important to get your puppies into training as soon as possible. Teaching them good manners and socialization is imperative to their development and will help build the bond between you and your pup. Most group classes do not allow pups younger than sixteen weeks, so be prepared for In Home Private Lessons, in order to keep your rascal happy and safe while she/he learns.

Before you take that trip to the Adoption Event, go over your budget and make sure you're prepared. Adding a puppy to your family is a financial commitment that should be taken seriously.

Lifestyle Change. If I had to pick the one thing new Pet Parents say to me more than anything when they first adopt a puppy, I would say it is, "I didn't realize a puppy was so much work."

It's true, puppies are A LOT of work. Your life will drastically change for the first six months to a year, depending on your puppy, that you have your pooch.

Here are just a few ways a puppy can affect your lifestyle~

~Puppies need constant attention and monitoring
~For the first few weeks, you will lose sleep. Your puppy will need late night and/or early morning Potty Breaks
~You will not be able to leave the house for more than a few hours at a time (depending on your pup's crate training schedule/age)
~Travel plans should be delayed. Kennels will not take puppies under the age of sixteen weeks. Besides, it can be traumatic for a puppy if his family leaves him in the care of someone else when he is too young and not yet adjusted to his new world
~No matter how hard you work on training, your puppy will have accidents and there will be mistakes. Carpets will need cleaning (another expense)

Those are just a few.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Being a Puppy Parent is one of the most rewarding experiences we can ever experience. There is nothing like the amazing bond that we create with our furry kids when we make the commitment to love and care for them.

But first, take the time to make sure you're ready to be the best Parent you can be. The puppies deserve nothing less than the very, very best we can give.

I can't tell you how many times new Puppy Parents have said to me, "I didn't realize I could love anything so much."

Now THAT is a good reason to bring a puppy into your home!

The Tail End

*To Read More of Dog's Best Friend News, Click on Dog's Best Friend News under our Favorite Links/Blogs

Making the Fourth of July Safe for our Furry Friends

2010-07-03T22:27:00.000-07:00

The Fourth of July is here, a holiday filled with fun, friends and exciting (but scary) fireworks celebrations.

When night falls and the lights in the sky start to fly, be sure to take these precautions to help your pup make it through the night, safe and sound.

Leave Your Pups at Home - The crowds and noises of the fireworks shows can be overwhelming and scary for your rascals. The loud explosions can send them into a panic. Even though you may like the thought of having your pups with you to enjoy the show, play it safe and leave them at home.

Close/Lock all Windows and Doors - Dogs have been known to jump out windows and bolt out doors when the boom of fireworks blasts through the sky. Not only will closing windows reduce the noise, it will also keep your dogs contained in the safety of their own home.

Give Them a Safe/Quiet Place To Hang-Out while you Celebrate the Night's Festivities – The crackles and pops of fireworks can be terrifying to some dogs. If your pup is one of these dogs (or if you don't know whether he is or not), make him a comfortable spot in a quiet room of your home. Play some music or turn on the television (something relaxing), and give him a special/high-value bone or treat to chew on. The bone will keep him busy and give him a place to release his stress, if he should get upset.

With a little thought and care, you can keep your pups safe, calm and happy on this potentially stressful day. Take the time for them, they'll thank you for it with wags and wiggles!

Happy Fourth of July to you and your pups!

*We want your pups to be as relaxed on the 4th as Toby is in the photo above.

Dog's Best Friend's Classes Start July 8th

2010-06-28T02:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Dog-Lovers,

Dog's Best Friend's Group Classes start Thursday, July 8th.

Check out www.rebeccadogsbestfriend.com for registration information.

Rusty Walks

2010-06-07T00:55:00.000-07:00

Dog's Best Friend's Training Tip of the Day

2010-05-31T10:44:00.000-07:00

Dog's Best Friend's Training Tip of the Day:

Does your dog bark at the doorbell, loud noises outside, babies crying? If so, desensitize them to those sounds by playing a Noise CD, that will get them used to those pesky sounds. Remember, it's not enough to just play the CD, you must treat your dog when the sound plays, giving them a positive association with that sound. Just make sure you don't treat them when they bark, we don't want to confuse them and teach them the bark is what we're looking for. Treat them when they're being quiet.

Purchase the Noise CD's at Living with Dogs.

Have fun! Training should be enjoyable for both the dog and the human.

Purchase CD's at Living With Dogs.

A Sad Day! Jake Crosses the Rainbow Bridge!

2010-05-16T14:31:00.000-07:00

A very sad day for our dear client, Michael, who said goodbye to his amazing boy, Jake. Jake died in Michael's arms after suffering a massive seizure. Our heart goes out to Michael and Jake's four-legged brother, Max. We'll miss you, Buddy. We love you dearly!

Jake, the handsome big guy, shown here with his brother, Max.

2010-05-16T14:28:00.001-07:00

Amazing Dog Video! Dogs Travel By Subway! http://ping.fm/HurUs

Introducing Ben and Roxy - Dog's Best Friend's Dogs of the Month - May and June

2010-05-16T14:15:00.001-07:00

Ben and Roxy are two of our dearest Friends.
They are quite a duo with personalities that couldn't
be more different from one another.

Roxy, ever the sweet gal, loves to lounge and cuddle in her Mom's
nice, warm bed. Her lovely white fur, blending in with the white down
comforter, camouflaging her from the rest of the world.
When we arrive to visit, she gracefully greets us,
waiting for soft pets and kisses.
Her tenderness melts our hearts.

Playful Ben, wiggles his way down the stairs, happy to
share his plush toy with us as we leash him up for his
outdoor adventure. The whole world is magnificent to Ben.
He relishes every smell he can take in and lets the world know,
"Ben was here."

These two rascals are such great gifts to us. We've enjoyed the years
that we've spent with them and look forward to many, many more.

Congratulations, Ben and Roxy,
you're our Dogs of the Month for May and June.

We love you, Friends!

Dogs Need Seatbelts Too

2010-04-12T13:52:00.000-07:00

Jazzy Sits Nicely In Her Seatbelt

Automobile accidents are one of the leading causes of death of our canine companions. It is extremely dangerous for dogs to run free in cars. If you slam on the brakes, the dog can go through the windshield, or become a fast moving torpedo and slam right into you, injuring both of you.

Thankfully, there are several styles of Seatbelt on the market today that
will help keep your dog safe, while enjoying a fun ride in his movable den.

Here are a few tips to help acclimate your dog to her new Seatbelt:

Use treats and praise. We want them to associate the seatbelts with something very positive. As you’re strapping them into the seatbelt, feed them treats with your free hand and tell them how great they are being. Praise, praise, praise!
Start young. Pups are less likely to object if they're belted from the get-go.
Take short trips. Start out small with short trips to fun places. Slowly build up to longer and longer trips as they become more adjusted to their seatbelt.
Have fun. Dogs will learn to dislike restraints if every trip ends at the vet, so take him to a park or other places they love to go. If you are going for a vet trip or another place your dog may not enjoy, stop at a fun pet store or park on your way home to give your dog that positive association with riding in the car (in his seatbelt).

We Recommend:

Four Paws makes a nice, sturdy, padded harness/seatbelt that
keeps your dog safe, secure and comfy.

*The Premier Sure-Fit Harness and Control Strap is comfortable and secure.
Will ensure your dog ultimate safety.

Enjoy your car trips with your pups, but always be safe. If you
have to wear a seatbelt, why shouldn't they?

*Available at Dog's Best Friend ~ The Store

Introducing Steamboat - Dog's Best Friend's Dog of the Month - April

2010-04-08T13:58:00.001-07:00

Introducing Steamboat...

Steamboat entered our lives six years ago when we had the pleasure of fostering him for the Golden Retriever Club of Greater LA Rescue.

Toby and Steamy were the best of friends, but Steamboat was looking for a special family of his own.

He found his forever home in the Puglisi pack. With little brother, Joe, to wrestle with and love, Steamboat was in heaven. Then, just a little while later he got a another two-legged brother, Johnm giving him one more playmate. He thought that was cool!

Steamy is full of life and incredibly sweet. It’s impossible to look at
him without smiling.

This guy exudes Happy!

We love you, Steamboat and are thankful to have you in our lives!

Dog's Best Friend's Book of the Month - April

2010-04-08T13:26:00.000-07:00

Dog's Best Friend's Book of the Month ~ April...

Animals Make Us Human by Temple Grandin and Catherine Johnson,
authors of the New York Times Bestseller (and DBF favorite), Animals
in Translation.

Available on Amazon. Enjoy...

Introducing Frosty Jones - Dog's Best Friend's Dog of the Month - March

2010-03-18T11:58:00.001-07:00

Frosty is a wonderful, happy Lab
we absolutely adore! .

Lately, we have been very lucky to
have the opportunity to spend
lots of time with this loving boy, who
epitomizes everything you would
want/expect in a Lab…

He loves everyone and everything,
lives for his tennis ball and
can never pass up a tasty treat.

We especially like his HAPPY
GRUNT that he makes when we
arrive at his home, and begin
our fun adventures together.

It’s no accident that Frosty is
especially loving, he has two amazing
parents, Scott and Cathy, and an
extra sweet brother, Cooper.

His family gives him tons of love
and affection and it shows in this
boy’s spirited personality!

We love you, Mr. Frosty.
Congratulations!

The Dangers of Keeping Your Dog Outside by Rebecca Mandell

2010-03-15T11:36:00.001-07:00

Clients often ask me if they should keep their dog in the backyard or give her free access to the backyard through a doggy door. My answer to this is always the same. No! It's simply too dangerous out there and can cause or exacerbate behavioral issues such as barking and/or aggression.

Below are just a few reasons why I feel this way:

1) It's dangerous! All it takes is one mistake or unkind act and you've lost your dog....Forever.

-Escape. No matter how secure you feel your backyard is, dogs often find a way out. They're smart and find places that you didn't even know existed, places to escape into that exciting world outside.

-People are unpredictable. I have seen/heard of strangers simply walking up to gates, opening them and letting the dogs out. Why? We don't really know. Often just because they felt like it.

-Not everyone likes dogs. As hard as this is to believe, it's true. There are many heart breaking stories of dog-haters poisoning dogs by throwing toxic meats, etc. over the fence. The poor pup excitedly engulfs the treat, thinking he has a friend, but ends up sick or worse, betrayed by an unkind human being (well, if you can call them that).

-Theft. There are syndicates all over the country that steal pet dogs and sell them to dog fighters or unethical research labs. Small dogs are the easiest target, but don't be fooled into thinking your Golden Retriever cannot fall victim to this. If the dog is easily accessible, they'll take him, no matter the size.

2) Behavior Issues.

-Backyards have tons of stimulus. Squirrels, birds, cars, sirens, construction. All of these noises can cause stress in your dog and lead him to bark, cry or both. If you are not there to monitor what's going on, you can find yourself with an incessant barker, which the neighbors will not appreciate (nuisance fines can be very steep in the Beach Cities).

-Destruction. It can be very boring laying out there all alone all day long. So what's a dog to do? Digging seems fun. Or maybe tearing up that rose bush, or eating the wooden table. Most backyard destruction is done simply because the dog is bored, lonely and/or stressed. Prevent this by keeping your dog inside with lots of fun bones, toys and, most importantly, interaction with his human family.

-Becoming Territorial. What is a dog to do when other dogs are constantly walking by his home? Of course he has to bark and let them know this is his turf. Can you blame him? The more he's allowed to do this, the better he gets at it. It's also darn fun (taking care of that boredom we were talking about). He barks and the other dog/human goes away. Whoohoo! Success! But this success can lead your dog to becoming territorial/aggressive when he's out in the rest of the world, not just your yard.

3) It's Inhumane. This one is simply my opinion. However, it's based on years of living with dogs and interactions with hundreds of dogs (maybe even thousands now). I have yet to see a dog that would rather be outside than inside with his family, if given the choice. Never!!! That look on their face when their human closes the door and turns off the light, leaving the dog standing at the door, staring into the house, is the most heartbreaking look I've ever seen. It doesn't lie.

Dogs that are kept in the house are simply better adjusted, have better manners and are all around happier dogs. Oh, and did I mention cleaner too?!

So if you're keeping your pup outside, please reconsider. Dogs are social animals and they need to be with you. Be flattered that they love you and want to be close to you, more than anything else in the whole wide world.

*Photo of Toby Mandell, happy and safe, inside his home!

Finding Your Best Friend - A Choice that will last a Lifetime - by Rebecca Mandell

2010-03-08T20:15:00.000-08:00

Choosing your Best Friend is one of the
most important decisions you’ll ever make.
How you make this decision will have a
great impact on your life, and an even
bigger affect on the dog’s. It will
determine the success your Friend will
have in your home, and, like choosing
your life’s partner, it’s not a decision to be
taken lightly and takes careful
thought and consideration.

Whether dreaming of a pure breed
puppy or rescuing a dog from a shelter,
there are many factors to consider. It is
not enough to have an attraction to a
specific breed based on their looks or
perceived personality. They must have
the qualities that fit into your lifestyle.

Too often I have seen energetic Border
Collies adopted by sedentary families,
who are shocked to find that the dog has
endless energy. Dismayed that they can’t
keep up, they are forced to
re-home the poor pup.

Or the young family who purchased a
puppy, thinking it would be great for the
kids to grow up with a pup, but are
stunned by the constant supervision the
pup requires. Poor Mom suddenly
realizing she has a another baby on her
hands. Sleepless nights, included.

With a little education and thought, these
mistakes can be prevented, so before you
adopt the newest member of your family,
consider the following:

-Lifestyle. What is your energy level?
How much time do you have to give to
exercise, grooming, training, etc? What are
your family’s limitations (be honest with
yourself).

-Research breeds. Though all dogs are
individuals, there are some characteristics
that are consistent within the breed. For
instance, Beagles love to sniff (I have yet to
meet one that doesn’t), so if you dream of
brisk walks with few stops, you may want to
consider a different breed.

-Age of the dog. Puppies are tons of fun,
but LOTS of work. Think about whether
you have the time to devote to training a
pup. For the first few months, it’s a full time
job. If you adopt a puppy, you really are
getting a baby. One that nips, chews, has
accidents and doesn’t sleep through the
night. If time is scarce or you are
inexperienced with raising a pup, a mature
dog may be a better choice.

-Budget. Buying or adopting a dog is a
financial commitment, in addition to an
emotional one. You’ll need to have funds
for medical bills, food, grooming, toys, beds
and much, much more. Emergencies
happen and we need to be prepared.

-Research breeders/rescue groups.
Make sure they are reputable and have
high standards for the families that
adopt/purchase their dogs. If they care
where their dogs go to live, that most likely
means the dogs have been in good hands
while in their care (never buy from a pet
store).

When those fireworks go off and you are
In Love, there’s nothing like it. The warm,
fuzzy feeling that you have when you’ve
found the dog of your dreams is truly one
of the greatest joys of life.

Like all Love Affairs, there comes a time
when we must come down to Earth, and
start the work of Being In Love. Your
smart choices will guide you through this
time, so you and your pup will have a
love that lasts Forever!

The Tail End

Dog's Best Friend Thanks Doritos

2010-02-08T14:19:00.001-08:00

Thank you to the executives, decision makers and creative team of Doritos for showing the
cruelty of the use of Shock Collars.

This was the best Super Bowl Commercial of the year.

Dogs, Dog Lovers and Positive Reinforcement Trainers all over the nation Thank You!!!!

Good job!

Click on the link below to watch it again...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyyUuGYr49E

A few Fun ways to become your Dog's Best Friend

2010-02-03T15:49:00.001-08:00

Here are a few fun ways to build your bond with your dog and become his very Best Friend...

The Attention Exercise

Have you ever seen how a really well-trained dog looks at his/her
human? It’s like two people in love, staring each other in the eye like no one else exists.

This is because they have an extremely strong bond. That dog
will do anything to please their human and not because they’re
scared or intimidated, but because they want to!

Building a bond with your dog is the foundation to a well-
adjusted, well-behaved and happy dog. This simple exercise will
help start the process of building a connection with your canine
companion.

1) Hold a yummy treat up to your nose and call your dog’s name.

2) When she looks you in the eye, immediately give her the treat and
a nice soft “good” or “yes.”

Practice 5-10 Minutes two times per day everyday.

Teaching Rover Recall

Teaching your dog to come to you, aka Recall, is the single most important command you can teach your dog. If you can get your pooch to come to you one hundred percent of the time, under all circumstances, you will have a great tool to deal with many different issues.

Here are just a few:

- Barking at outside stimulus (knocks at door, passersby) –
Allow your dog two-three barks, then call him to you. This way he gets to fulfill his doggy instinct of protecting his home, yet he's not driving you and the neighbors crazy.

- Chewing or other types of mischief – If your pup is about to get into something he's not supposed to (or already has), call him to you in a happy voice. This helps change his focus on to something more positive, YOU, rather than chewing up your favorite pair of shoes. When he gets to you, give him something else to do, a toy, game or bone.

-Safety – It can/will save his life. At least once in
your dog's lifetime, they will somehow get out of their house, off-leash. So you'll want them to respond to their name ON A DIME, in order to save them from that speeding car driving down the road. Even the best trained dogs get excited and make mistakes, so drilling Recall is supremely important.

How we teach Recall...

1). With your dog on a 6 foot leash and treats in your hand (something he/she LOVES), throw the treat roughly five feet away
from you and gesture to the dog to go get the treat (make sure he sees it before you throw it). Once his back is turned to you and he's either gotten the treat or is looking for it, call his name in a very excited, happy, upbeat way (he does not need to find the treat before you start calling him). For example, Toby, Toby, Toby, Whoohoo and at the same time jog backwards, so that the dog is forced to jog to you. When he/she gets to you, give him big treats and tons of praise, “HAVE A PARTY.” Your pup's just done the best thing in the whole wide world. Do this over and over and over again. Then over and over and over again.

2). Once your pup is successful on his 6 foot lead, switch to a 15-25 foot long line (no Retractable leashes). Repeat step 1. You'll have to work on your pitching arm, so you can throw the treat farther.

3). Once your dog is coming to you one hundred percent of the time, without hesitation (with distractions), then test him off-leash in a safe, enclosed area (your backyard). Never move to open/unfenced areas until you are absolutely positive that he will come to you. If there's any doubt, do not move to this step! VERY IMPORTANT! All it takes is one mistake to lose your beloved pooch.

A few Notes...

-Why teach your dog Recall on leash? So we can keep them focused and close to us. We don't want your pup running off in the middle of the Recall exercise. Secondly, if he is not responding to your call, you can “reel” him in (not tug, or pull), but simply reel him towards you in that happy voice.

-Why a happy voice? We want your dog coming to you because he/she WANTS to, because you are the BEST thing in the whole wide world. A happy voice is exactly that...it makes them HAPPY, therefore having a positive association with YOU!

-Why do we run backwards? Because Recall should be fast. No lollygagging. When you call your dog they should turn ON A DIME and run back to you. We want them joyously bounding to you.

-Don't we use the word, “Come?” Not yet. Do not add this command until they actually Come To You. Using it before they know it is useless, it'll just be another word.

-NEVER EVER, EVER call your dog to you in frustration or anger.

Again, we want coming to you to be the best thing in the world! If they are in trouble or need something unpleasant done (nail clipping, bath, meds), go to them. Recall should always be positive.

Most importantly, HAVE FUN! Training your dog should be a fun experience, a time to learn from one another and solidify your Human/Canine bond. If they aren't listening to you, it's not because they are bad, or being dominant and are desirous of taking over the household. It's because they simply don't understand you and/or your relationship needs to be strengthened. Training gives you the opportunity to create a wonderful, lasting relationship with your pooch, based on communication, trust and compassion! Enjoy!

Playing Hide-n-Go-Seek

Did you know that playing Hide-N-Go-Seek with your dog (inside the safety of your house) is a great way to teach your dog to come to you? And it’s lots of fun for the whole family too! This is how it works…

1)Have one family member hang out with your pup in a room of your home (on leash), separated from the “hiders.”

2) Arm the “hiders” with lots of fun, healthy dog treats.

3)Have the “hiders” go find a secret place to hide (closets and showers work best).

4)When the “hiders” are good and ready, have them call your pup’s name out loud. Let your pup off leash to go find his family. If he’s having a hard time finding the “hiders,” help him out by calling his name again.

5)When the pup finds you, reward him with lots of praise and treats!

6)Repeat until you and your pooch are pooped!

Practice these three exercises and before you know it your dog will be gazing lovingly into your eyes and never wanting to leave your side.

You will truly be your Dog's Best Friend!

By Rebecca Mandell, Dog's Best Friend
www.rebeccadogsbestfriend.com

Photo of Toby, Rusty and Spencer , my Best Friends

Dog's Best Friend's Classes Start February 20

2010-02-02T11:11:00.001-08:00

Dog's Best Friend's New Sessions of Classes start 2/20.

Check out Facebook/Dog's Best Friend or www.rebeccadogsbestfriend.com for details.

Photo of Gibbs, learning her manners in DBF's Basic Manners Class, 2009.

Dog's Best Friend's Dog of the Month, January

2010-01-25T13:09:00.001-08:00

Introducing Rose Caughey, Dog's Best Friend's Dog of the Month - January

Rose is one of our sweetest
and dearest Friends.

This darling little girl was found wandering a park, all alone and scared until a good Samaritan
opened their heart to her. And before she knew it, she landed in the loving arms of her new
Mom, Jenn.

Jenn has given Rose the most amazing, loving, home and has created a safe
environment for this little girl to blossom into a beautiful Rose.

We love spending time with Rosie, as we often call her (she says it’s okay), and giving her nice, long walks.

Rosie loves riding in the car, playing with her plush toys until they’re
ripped to shreds and getting her post walk treat!

Thank you for giving her such a wonderful home, Jenn. We adore sweet Rose!

Teaching Your Kids to be their Dog's Best Friend

2010-01-06T11:21:00.000-08:00

Introducing Teaching Your Kids to Be Their Dog’s Best Friend ~ A new class by Dog's Best Friend...

In this hour-long class,
kids and parents will
learn to safely approach dogs,
tips to properly care for them
and fun, compassionate and
effective ways to train
their pooch.

Bring the entire family to this
fun and informative class that will help kids
be their Dog's Best Friend. Toby, a
Certified Therapy Dog, will be on hand to
help demonstrate the above mentioned
techniques.

Human family members only.
No food or drink allowed in class.
Pleasebring chairs or blankets to sit on during
class.

*Kids with pet allergies or extreme fear of
dogs should not be in attendance

One Hour Seminar Starts February 20,
2010 from 1:00 - 2:00 pm at
Edith Rodaway Park in Hermosa Beach

Fees: $45 Hermosa Beach residents
$50 for non-residents

Contact rebecca@rebeccadogsbestfriend.com to register...

Dog's Best Friend Gift Certificates Available for the Howlidays!

2009-12-07T09:29:00.001-08:00

Looking for a unique Holiday Gift? Dog's Best Friend Gift Certificates are now available for Dog Training and Care. Happy Howlidays!

Dog's Best Friend's Turkey Tips!

2009-11-23T22:56:00.000-08:00

Dog's Best Friend's

Turkey Tips

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and is one of the happiest times of the year, for humans and pups.

But Turkey Day can be stressful and even dangerous for our rascals, if we're not careful and don't take the appropriate precautions.

With a little bit of smarts and good planning, you can help your pup make it through the day, happy and safe!

Here are a few Turkey Tips...

Bone Up on your Pups' Obedience Skills – In the days before the holiday (and before Christmas and Hannukah too), plan practice sessions everyday to remind your pup of his/her manners. Practice Sit, Down, Go To Your Spot, Recall and their Boundaries. Impress your family with a well mannered dog and keep your dog safe at the same time.
Give Them a Safe/Quiet Place To Hang-out – Most dogs love the the family and friends that come to visit during the holidays, but just like children, dogs can become overwhelmed. Pay close attention to your dogs' behavior and make sure they have a safe, quiet place to hang-out when it just gets to be too much. Set up their bed/crate in a comfy, quiet room, soft music playing, a worn t-shirt of yours for them to snuggle up to and a yummy bone (something special) for them to gnaw on. Make it happy! This is not a punishment. This is their special place to relax. Make sure all the kids in the house know this and ask them to give Buddy space for a little while. He can come out and play later.
Don't overdue the Turkey – It's probably unrealistic to say, “Don't give your dogs turkey.” They love it and what the heck, it's just once a year. But do it in moderation, just a little bit goes a long way. Make sure it's a lean piece and that there are no bones. Give it to them away from the table, so they don't learn to beg. Have them sit nicely, then give them their Thanksgiving treat. *No turkey for pups that are allergic to poultry though and ask your guests not to feed your dog from the table. If they really want to join in the giving, have them ask your dog to sit and give him/her the Turkey away from the dinner table.
No Sweets - What is Thanksgiving without Pumpkin Pie and other luscious desserts? Us humans love 'em, but they can be deadly to dogs. So keep those pies up and don't feed anything with sugar to your pup. The last thing you want to be doing is rushing to the ER with a sick pup on Thanksgiving night.
Assign a Door Cop – One of the greatest hazards of the holiday season is the possibility of losing your pup, watching them dash out as the door flies open because a guest forgets to close it properly. So assign a responsible adult to keep an eye on the door. Ask them to let all the guests in/out and to be in charge of “security,” making sure your pup never has the chance to bolt out the door. Everyone likes to feel needed, so find a family member/friend who loves to help. Have a little thank you gift ready for them at the end of the night. People like Rewards too!

If you have any questions, please feel free to call or e-mail me!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Be thankful for those Furry Tails and Fluffy Feet!

They make the Holidays extra special!

Frankie and Nic, Dog's Best Friend's Dogs of the Month Novemeber and December

2009-11-18T21:46:00.000-08:00

After Data and Bunjee crossed the rainbow bridge, our client Debi, missed the pitter patter of little paws and longed for another Furry Friend. Debi searched the local rescue groups and stumbled upon the adorable, Frankie and Nic.

We don't know their background,but we do know that these two love bugs are super sweet and are just the cutest little rascals you'd ever want to meet. They love their walks and get so excited when they see another canine or human friend. They want to meet everyone and feel it's their duty to say, "hello," and make anyone visiting their neighborhood feel welcome.

These rascals are so lucky to have found Debi and Steve, who give them the warmest, most loving home a pup could ever imagine. You can tell by their wiggles and wags that they are so happy and really adore Debi and Steve.

Welcome to Hermosa Beach, Frankie and Nic. We love spending time with you and look forward to becoming your Best Friends!

"A dog has lots of friends because he wags his tail and not his tongue." ~ Anonymous

Watch Frankie and Nic on You Tube @

www.youtube.com/dogsbestfriendHB

Watch us on You Tube!!!

2009-11-18T19:58:00.001-08:00

Watch our Canine Training Clients on You Tube @

www.youtube.com/dogsbestfriendHB

Dog's Best Friend's Canine Good Citizen - Class of 2009

2009-11-17T11:13:00.000-08:00

Rusty and Enzo practice their Canine Good Citizen Skills.

Watch them now!

Don't Miss "Best Friend Forgotten"...

2009-11-15T09:36:00.001-08:00

Dog's Best Friend recommends "Best Friend Forgotten," a moving documentary about dog/cat overpopulation and shelter dogs. Hosted by David Duchovny. www.givevoicetoanimals.org

Dog Tip of the Day - Hide-N-Go-Seek For Dogs...

2009-11-14T12:34:00.000-08:00

Dog Tip of the Day

Did you know that playing Hide-N-Go-Seek with your dog (inside your house) is a great way to teach your dog to come to you? And it’s lots of fun for the whole family too! This is how it works…

1)Have one family member hang out with your pup in a room of your home (on leash), separated from the "hiders".

2) Arm the “hiders” with lots of fun, healthy dog treats.

3) Have the “hiders” go find a secret place to hide (closets and showers work best).

4) When the “hiders” are good and ready, have them call your pup’s name out loud. If he’s having a hard time finding the “hiders,” help him out by calling his name again.

5) When the pup finds you, reward him with lots of praise and treats!

6) Repeat until you and your pooch are pooped!

If you’d like to receive more tips like this one, please give us your e-mail address and we’ll add you to the list.

Critics Challenge 'Dog Whisperer' Methods By Lynne Peeples, Scienceline

2009-11-13T23:36:00.001-08:00

JonBee jumps up at Cesar Millan, his sharp teeth snapping repeatedly. Millan calmly yanks on the leash and pulls the wolf-like Korean Jindo away. This continues for over a minute, with Millan’s face remaining undisturbed and JonBee’s owners gasping on the other side of the living room. Finally, the dog shows a moment of weakness. Millan quickly pins him to the floor and rolls him onto his side. Millan’s calmness seems to be reflected in the dog now lying frozen in submission.

Every Friday night, troubled American dogs undergo a seemingly miraculous transformation on national television. The magician is Cesar Millan, better known as the “Dog Whisperer.” He is the current face of dog training, and he has brought “dominance theory,” an age-old training technique, back into canine conversation and practice.

To understand how to control a dog’s behavior, according to Millan, one needs to look at the hierarchy of wolf packs. Domestic dogowners must confidently carry the title of “pack leader” and assume power over their pets.

But many dog trainers and behavior experts criticize the show, advocating a gentler approach to training that replaces coercion and physical behavior corrections with food rewards and other forms of positive reinforcement. They point to new studies that have placed the two popular dog-training methods head-to-head and almost universally shown positive training to be more successful than punitive methods in reducing aggression and disobedience.

Millan may have the ratings, they argue, but purely positive trainers have the science.

No more crying wolf

Millan’s concept of dominance is based on an old understanding of the behavior of wolves. In the 1960s, researchers observed that wolves formed large packs in which certain individuals beat out others to earn “top dog” status. These were called “alphas.” Millan contends that a dog displaying aggression is trying to establish dominance and attain alpha status, much like its ancestors. He advises humans to take on this position themselves, forcefully if necessary, to keep the dog in a submissive role.

Dog trainers whose practices are grounded in these concepts, such as the late Bill Koehler and Captain Arthur Haggerty, have dominated the business for most of the past half-century. But as Dave Mech, an expert on wolf behavior at the University of Minnesota, points out, the early wolf research — much of it his own — was done on animals living in captivity.

Mech has been studying wolves for 50 years now, yet only over the past decade has he gotten a clear picture of these animals in their natural habitats. And what he’s found is far from the domineering behavior popularized by Millan. “In the wild it works just like it does in the human family,” says Mech. “They don’t have to fight to get to the top. When they mature and find a mate they are at the top.” In other words, wolves don't need to play the “alpha” game to win.

In the 1980s, around the same time that our understanding of wolves began to change, positive dog-training methods slowly emerged from the fringes and grew in popularity. A tug-of-war continues today between dog trainers practicing predominantly positive reinforcement and those using punishment-based techniques.

Nicholas Dodman, director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at Tufts University, is one of the leading proponents of positive training methods. He believes the source of most bad behavior, especially owner-directed aggression, is mistrust and recommends rebuilding a dog’s trust by “making sure that the dog understands that all good things in life come only and obviously from you.” To get those things — whether food or basic attention — the dog must learn to please you first.

But others see these techniques as little more than pampering borne out of lax and inappropriate attitudes toward pets that have recently come into vogue. “In the last ten to fifteen years it’s become, ‘don’t ever say ‘No’ to your dog; don’t ever punish dogs,’” says Babette Haggerty, who is carrying on her father’s dominance-based teaching at Haggerty’s School for Dogs in Manhattan. “I think people are coddling dogs more than ever before.”

But in 2004, “The Dog Whisperer” — Millan's doggy psych 101 — premiered on the National Geographic Channel, and the momentum mounting in the positive direction was stymied. “In America, we [had begun] using human psychology on dogs,” Millan says in an email. “What was needed was for humans to learn dog psychology.”

Perils of punishment

Many veterinary behaviorists believe punishment-based techniques, like those seen on the show, could come back to bite dog owners. The National Geographic Channel even posts a warning on the screen during each episode: “Do not attempt these techniques yourself without consulting a professional.”

According to a paper in the May 2009 issue of the Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, attempts to assert dominance over a dog can increase a dog’s aggression. Researchers from the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom studied dogs in a shelter for six months, while also reanalyzing data from previous studies of feral dogs. Their findings support those of the Mech at the University of Minnesota: dogs don’t fight to get to the top of a “pack.” Rather, violence appears to be copycat behavior — something borne of nurture, not nature.

In another recent study, around 25 percent of owners using confrontational training techniques reported aggressive responses from their dogs. “The source of dog aggression has nothing to do with social hierarchy, but it does, in fact, have to do with fear,” says Meghan Herron, a veterinarian at The Ohio State University and lead author of the study published in the January 2009 issue of Applied Animal Behavior Science. “These dogs are acting aggressively as a response to fear.”

Dogs react physiologically to stress and fear in the same way people do, with hormones. Two 2008 studies out of Hungary and Japan showed, respectively, that concentrations of the stress hormone cortisol increased in dogs that were strictly disciplined and that levels were linked to elevation of aggressive behavior. What’s more, an Irish study found that physically or verbally reprimanding a dog with a history of biting people was one of the significant predictors of a subsequent bite. The results were published in April 2008 in Applied Animal Behavior Science.

“[All these studies] confirm what many of us have said for a long time,” says Pat Miller, owner of Peaceable Paws dog and puppy training in Hagerstown, Maryland. “If you use aggression in training your dog, you’re likely to elicit aggression back.”

Paybacks of positive reinforcement

Before practicing professionally as a dog trainer, Jolanta Benal of Brooklyn, New York, learned the difference between positive and punitive methods personally.

Her dog, Mugsy, had an attraction to men in uniform. Whether they were wearing UPS brown or U.S. Postal Service blue, Benal's bulldog would lunge at them on the street. So she hired a highly recommended dog trainer to try to correct this behavior.

“He would set Mugsy up to do offending behavior, and then throw a can full of pennies at the dog,” she says. “It was a traditional old school technique. And it worked to suppress the problem behavior — at least in the moment.” Mugsy’s unhealthy obsession with the postal workers, however, did not go away. Even if he didn’t always jump at the UPS guy on a walk-by, says Benal, he wasn’t happy to see him either.

Benal then traded in for a new trainer that brought chicken instead of coins. As the man in uniform approached, Benal was now instructed to distract Mugsy by giving him the treat. And it worked. After several times, the dog would look to her in expectation, rather than towards the uniform-clad men in alarm. “For the last year of his life, he was an angel,” says Benal. “It was amazing the changes it brought.”

Millan argues that using food to coax dogs may be impractical: “It can result in an addiction to treats or an overweight dog,” he says in an email. However, Dodman of Tufts University explains that trainers only give food at the beginning of training. After a period of time, owners should reward intermittently, reinforcing the response. “If every time you played the lottery you won money, then the excitement wouldn’t be there anymore,” says Dodman. “The thrill for the dog is ‘Will I get a treat this time?’” Back-aches from stooping low to feed a dog, or the added cost of extra chicken or doggy treats, he believes, are far less dreadful than the anxiety and altered relationships caused by the punitive alternative.

Dodman has some data to back him up. In February 2004, a paper in Animal Welfare by Elly Hiby and colleagues at the University of Bristol compared the relative effectiveness of the positive and punitive methods for the first time. The dogs became more obedient the more they were trained using rewards. When they were punished, on the other hand, the only significant change was a corresponding rise in the number of bad behaviors.

A series of more recent papers also support Dodman’s theory and Hiby’s results. A study published in the October 2008 issue of Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that positive reinforcement led to the lowest average scores for fear and attention-seeking behaviors, while aggression scores were higher in dogs of owners who used punishment. Another 2008 study, this one published in Applied Animal Behavior Science, found that positive training methods resulted in better performances than punishment for Belgian military dog handlers.

Bridging the differences in dogma

It’s hard to argue that the slow, patient techniques used in positive reinforcement would elicit the same dramatic moments seen on Cesar Millan’s show. “There’s a big difference between looking at behavior as a ‘Stop that’ versus a ‘Here’s what I want,’” says Bruce Blumberg, a professor of dog psychology at the Harvard Extension School. “Positive reinforcement is a different mindset. And it’s one that doesn’t work quite as well on TV.”

Dodman is one of many people who have asked the National Geographic Channel to discontinue “The Dog Whisperer,” consistently one of the highest-rated shows on the network. The American Humane Association issued a press statement in 2006 asking for a cancellation because of what they suggested were abusive techniques used by Millan. More recently, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior issued a position statement in which it expresses concern “with the recent reemergence of dominance theory and forcing dogs and other animals into submission as a means of preventing and correcting behaviors.”

Millan defends his methods, asserting they “use the minimum force necessary to prevent or correct a problem.” According to the dog rehabilitator, he can “redirect the behavior of most of my pack with just my body language, eye contact and energy.” He points to the “thousands upon thousands of letters” he receives from viewers touting “miracles” of restored relationships and saved dogs. “All I want is what is best for the animal,” Millan says.

Despite the controversy, there is a lot that everyone agrees on. Both sides of the training spectrum teach that a lack of discipline or structure is not conducive to a well-behaved dog. “Dogs need direction and boundaries, just like human relationships,” says Haggerty, the trainer from the School for Dogs in Manhattan, which uses dominance theory. “If dogs don’t know what the boundaries are, they will wreak havoc.”

How a dog owner projects those boundaries is also important. “You have to be calm, you have to be clear, you have to be consistent, and you have to make sure you meet your pet’s needs for other things: exercise, play, social interaction,” says Herron of The Ohio State University.

So what does an owner do when a calm and structured environment still breeds a misfit pup like JonBee? Should it be the leash and hand that redirects the dog, or poultry and patience? Current science favors the chicken flavor. But whichever strategy you choose, everyone agrees that the timing must be precise. It is very difficult for a dog to make an appropriate association and learn from the reprimand or reward otherwise.

Of course, if you take Blumberg’s Harvard class, he'll tell you, “If your timing is lousy using positive reinforcement, the worst thing that happens is you get a fat dog.”

This article is provided by Scienceline, a project of New York University's Science, Health and Environmental Reporting Program.

Courtesy of Pat Miller, Peaceable Paws and TrulyDogFriendly

The Cutest Things...

2009-11-13T23:11:00.001-08:00

There's nothing cuter than...a dog picking out his toy from a toy basket, two dogs walking side by side, a dog sleeping peacefully...

Sisters, Lola and Lambchop, walking
side by side

Dog's Best Friend's Quote of the Day

2009-11-13T22:59:00.001-08:00

"The average dog is a nicer person than
the average person."
~ Andrew A. Rooney

Moose Drehs

Dog's Best Friend's Exciting New Classes Coming in February

2009-10-25T13:24:00.000-07:00

Dog's Best Friend has some exciting new classes coming in February....

DBF Basic Manners, Canine Good Citizen, RoveReactive, Teaching Your Kids To Be Their Dog's Best Friend and the brand new Dog's Best Friend's Teen Trainers, for handlers ages 12-19.

We'll keep you posted on the start dates....

Manhattan Sammy Needs a Forever Home!

2009-10-20T20:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Dog Lovers,

I'm repping an 8 year old BEAUTIFUL Golden Retriever named Manhattan Sammy for the Golden Retriever Club of Greater Los Angeles Rescue.

He's a big love bug looking for his forever home! He likes to boss around other dogs, so needs to be placed in a home without any other dogs OR a very easy going dog that doesn't mind taking the back seat to this big lug.

He's currently in a foster home with another dog and they've worked out their differences and are now Best Friends.

He's perfect with humans and longs to be in a home that he can call his
own. If you or anyone you know is interested in adopting this sweet
boy, please give me a bark.

See additional photos and get adoption details at www.grcglarescue.org.

Please Do Not Shock Your Dog!!!!

2009-10-09T09:41:00.001-07:00

Excellent Article on Shock Collars and why they Do Not Work...and are abusive to your dog...http://ping.fm/bxgFN

Courtesy of Frania Shelley-Grielen and The LA Examiner

Debunking the Alpha-Roll Myth

2009-10-09T09:30:00.001-07:00

Debunking the Alpha-Roll Myth
http://ping.fm/jd7ba

Courtesy of The Real Dog Blog

A Meaningful Gift

2009-09-27T09:55:00.000-07:00

Do you have a dog loving friend that has a birthday, anniversary or other celebration coming up? Instead of buying a gift that gets stuck in a drawer somewhere, why not make the world a better place and donate to a local dog rescue? They'll send your friend a nice card and sometimes give them an acknowlegement on their website (with a photo of the dog they've helped save). Give the gift of saving a life. A few wonderful rescue groups are...

Rover Rescue www.roverrescue.com

The Golden Retriever Club of Greater Los Angeles Rescue www.grcglarescue.org

Dog's Best Friend's Book of the Month, September

2009-09-25T23:51:00.001-07:00

Don't miss...

One Nation Under Dog: America's Love Affair with Our Dogs
by Michael Schaffer

Congratulations Burley and Stella, Dog's Best Friend's Dogs of the Month, September and October

2009-09-25T23:37:00.000-07:00

Burley has been one of our friends for awhile now and we're so proud of all he's accomplished.

Saved from the mean streets of LA by his Mom, Jill, he has gone from Street Dog to Canine Good Citizen. He's a happy, well-adjusted guy who loves walks, playing and training with Mom.

But something has been missing in his life. A canine companion that he could wrestle and cuddle with. He loves his Mom, but he missed having a four-legged friend.

Thankfully, just a short time ago, along came adorable Stella. She too was homeless, saved from a local shelter by a good Samaritan, she just wanted a family of her own. With the help of Joni Powell, one Dog's Best Friend's clients, an introduction was made and FIREWORKS. Burley was in love. He'd found his soul mate and guess what, Mom approved.

It's been just a few weeks, but Burley and Stella act like they've been together forever. They play hard all day long, walk perfectly together and cuddle together in their bed. We're so delighted to spend time with this lovely couple. Watching their puppy love bloom right before of our eyes!

Congratulations, Stella and Burley! We love you!

"A dog has lots of friends because he wags his tail and not his tongue. " ~ Anonymous

By Rebecca Mandell

Fun Facts About Pit Bulls

2009-09-25T14:07:00.001-07:00

Did you know Petey from the Little Rascals was a Pit Bull!

So was Buster Brown!

Famous Pit owners include John Stewart, Mark Twain and Mary Tyler Moore.

Courtesy of Wikipedia.

More On Michael Vick

2009-09-25T13:59:00.001-07:00

Of the 49 dogs rescued from his residence...

1 was euthanized for aggressiveness towards humans

1 was euthanized due to illness

22 were too dog-aggressive to be adopted, but will be maintained for the rest of their lives in an animal sanctuary at Mr. Vick's expense

25 passed temperament testing and were deemed adoptable

Courtesy of Wikipedia

After Michael Vick, the Battle to Stop Dog Fighting

2009-09-25T11:19:00.000-07:00

Please take a few minutes to listen to this heartbreaking and disturbing story about Dog Fighting. It's important. Hug your dogs afterwards.

tp://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113158123&sc=emaf

Courtesy of Fresh Air, NPR, WHYY

Dog's Best Friend's own
Burley and Stella
Giving Pit Bulls a New, Friendlier Face

Teaching Rover Recall by Rebecca Mandell

2009-09-21T22:34:00.001-07:00

Rover Recall

Teaching your dog to come to you, aka Recall, is the single most important command you can teach your dog. If you can get your pooch to come to you one hundred percent of the time, under all circumstances, you will have a great tool to deal with many different issues.

Here are just a few:

- Barking at outside stimulus (knocks at door, passersby) –
Allow your dog two-three barks, then call him to you. This way he gets to fulfill his doggy instinct of protecting his home, yet he's not driving you and the neighbors crazy.

- Chewing or other types of mischief – If your pup is about to get into something he's not supposed to (or already has), call him to you in a happy voice. This helps change his focus on to something more positive, YOU, rather than chewing up your favorite pair of shoes. When he gets to you, give him something else to do, a toy, game or bone.

-Safety – It can/will save his life. At least once in
your dog's lifetime, they will somehow get out of their house, off-leash. So you'll want them to respond to their name ON A DIME, in order to save them from that speeding car driving down the road. Even the best trained dogs get excited and make mistakes, so drilling Recall is supremely important.

How we teach Recall...

1). With your dog on a 6 foot leash and treats in your hand (something he/she LOVES), throw the treat roughly five feet away from you and gesture to the dog to go get the treat (make sure he sees it before you throw it). Once his back is turned to you and he's either gotten the treat or is looking for it, call his name in a very excited, happy, upbeat way (he does not need to find the treat before you start calling him). For example, Toby, Toby, Toby, Whoohoo and at the same time jog backwards, so that the dog is forced to jog to you. When he/she gets to you, give him big treats and tons of praise, “HAVE A PARTY.” Your pup's just done the best thing in the whole wide world. Do this over and over and over again. Then over and over and over again.

2). Once your pup is successful on his 6 foot lead, switch to a 15-25 foot long line (no Retractable leashes). Repeat step 1. You'll have to work on your pitching arm, so you can throw the treat farther.

3). Once your dog is coming to you one hundred percent of the time, without hesitation (with distractions), then test him off-leash in a safe, enclosed area (your backyard). Never move to open/unfenced areas until you are absolutely positive that he will come to you. If there's any doubt, do not move to this step! VERY IMPORTANT! All it takes is one mistake to lose your beloved pooch.

A few Notes...

-Why teach your dog Recall on leash? So we can keep them focused and close to us. We don't want your pup running off in the middle of the Recall exercise. Secondly, if he is not responding to your call, you can “reel” him in (not tug, or pull), but simply reel him towards you in that happy voice.

-Why a happy voice? We want your dog coming to you because he/she WANTS to, because you are the BEST thing in the whole wide world. A happy voice is exactly that...it makes them HAPPY,
therefore having a positive association with YOU!

-Why do we run backwards? Because Recall should be fast. No lollygagging. When you call your dog they should turn ON A DIME and run back to you. We want them joyously bounding to you.

-Don't we use the word, “Come?” Not yet. Do not add this command until they actually Come To You. Using it before they know it is useless, it'll just be another word.

-NEVER EVER, EVER call your dog to you in frustration or anger.
Again, we want coming to you to be the best thing in the world! If they are in trouble or need something unpleasant done (nail clipping, bath, meds), go to them. Recall should always be positive.

Most importantly, HAVE FUN! Training your dog should be a fun experience, a time to learn from one another and solidify your Human/Canine bond. If they aren't listening to you, it's not because they are bad, or being dominant and are desirous of taking over the household. It's because they simply don't understand you and/or your relationship needs to be strengthened. Training gives you the opportunity to create a wonderful, lasting relationship with your pooch, based on communication, trust and compassion! Enjoy!

Written by Rebecca Mandell, Dog's Best Friend
Photo of Koal doing Rover Recall

More Classes from Dog's Best Friend...

2009-09-17T22:34:00.001-07:00

Dog's Best Friend's Fall Classes are so popular, we've added two more classes starting October 24th! Holiday Hounds: Preparing your Pup for the Holiday Season and Dog's Best Friend's Canine Good Citizen. More deTails coming soon...

Good Job Dog's Best Friend's Future Canine Good Citizens

2009-09-13T15:26:00.001-07:00

DBF's Future Canine Good Citizens are all amazing. What a great class. Seven awesome dogs with dedicated, loving handlers. What a fun hour we had yesterday!

More Scientific Evidence Backing up Positive Reinforcement Training

2009-09-13T15:13:00.001-07:00

Book Review - 'Inside of a Dog - What Dogs See, Smell, and Know,' by Alexandra Horowitz - Review - N
http://ping.fm/sUa1w

A cognitive scientist leads a tour of the sensations and thought processes of dogs.

Courtesy of the New York Times

Coming Soon from Dog's Best Friend...

2009-08-31T09:25:00.001-07:00

Planning Dog's Best Friend's CGC and Basic Manners Classes. CGC is full, but we still have openings for the Basic Manners class starting Sept. 12. If interested, log on to rebeccadogsbestfriend.com for additional information.

The Term Alpha is Wildly Mis-used Says the Scientist who Termed the Phrase...

2009-08-31T09:15:00.001-07:00

The way the term ‘alpha’ is used by most people today is wildly incorrect. Here’s a statement by the scientist who actually coined the phrase, wolf ethologist David Mech, where he cops to the misuse of the terminology.

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=tNtFgdwTsbU&feature=player_ embedded

And remember that what applies to wolves does not apply to domestic dogs…

Courtesy of Barbara Davis, Baddogs, Inc.

Congratulations Dog's Best Friend's August Dog of the Month

2009-08-16T22:09:00.000-07:00

Dear Dog Lovers,

Congratulations to Rusty Clarke for being crowned Dog's Best Friend's
August Dog of the Month.

Rusty will be featured all month on our Dog of the Month page, will be on the cover of our next newsletter AND will receive a special gift.

To read Rusty's story, please log on to rebeccadogsbestfriend.com.

You can't miss Rusty's adorable photo!

Happy August! A round of apaws for Rusty!

Michael Vick - No Second Chances for Murder

2009-07-29T09:34:00.000-07:00

I understand that Michael Vick supposedly has remorse and people do deserve second chances. However, is murder ever forgivable? I'm sick of hearing, "He made a mistake." Uh, no. A mistake is accidentally putting your colored laundry in with the whites. Methodically killing living creatures is not a mistake.

An Important Lesson from Toby, my Golden Retriever

2009-07-28T14:23:00.000-07:00

Toby LOVES people and wants to say hi to everyone. Usually, they want to say hi back, but every once in awhile, he'll approach someone that ignores him as he bounces up to them, tail wagging. They clearly DON'T return his affection. When this happens, does Toby lower his head and think, "no one likes me, I'm a loser." No way, he holds his head high and moves on to the next human. Tail wagging!
You gotta love 'em.

Dog's Best Friend's - Book of the Month

2009-07-13T14:47:00.000-07:00

Is your dog a little wild and crazy?

If the answer is yes, check out Chill Out Fido! How to Calm Your Dog by Nan Kene' Arthur.

Available at Dogwise. com. You can access Dogwise by going to
Rebeccadogsbestfriend.com, Favortie Links Page.

A Beautiful Story about a Boy and his Dog...

2009-07-11T00:15:00.000-07:00

'Sit! Stay! Snuggle!': An Iraq Vet Finds His Dog Tuesday

Trained for 2 Years, Retriever Helps Mr. Montalvan Get Back on His Feet

By YOCHI J. DREAZEN

NEW YORK -- Like any other golden retriever seeking a treat, Tuesday nudged his owner's hand with his snout one recent morning and waited expectantly.

Luis Carlos Montalvan got up from a chair in his small Brooklyn apartment and walked to the kitchen. Tuesday followed close behind, eyes fixed on a white cabinet. The retriever sat alertly as Mr. Montalvan, an Iraq war veteran with severe post-traumatic stress disorder, reached for a vial of pills, lined a half-dozen on the table and took them one by one.

Tuesday

The dog had gotten what he wanted: When the last pill was swallowed, he got up and followed his master out of the kitchen, tail wagging.

Tuesday is a so-called psychiatric-service dog, a new generation of animals trained to help people whose suffering is not physical, but emotional. They are, effectively, Seeing Eye dogs for the mind.

Tuesday is with Mr. Montalvan at all hours. Taught to recognize changes in a person's breathing, perspiration or scent that can indicate an imminent panic attack, Tuesday can keep Mr. Montalvan buffered from crowds or deliver a calming nuzzle. Other dogs, typically golden retrievers, Labradors or Labrador retriever blends, are trained to wake masters from debilitating nightmares and to help patients differentiate between hallucinations and reality by barking if a real person is nearby.

"Tuesday is just extraordinarily empathetic," said Mr. Montalvan, 36 years old, a retired Army captain who received a Purple Heart for wounds he suffered in Iraq. "In bad moments, he'll lay his head on my leg, and it'll be like he's saying, 'You're OK. You're not alone.'"

Seeing Eye dogs were first systematically trained in Germany during World War I to aid blinded veterans. Today, psychiatric-service dogs are being trained to help veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan battles.

The federal government has given the dogs the same legal protections as other service animals, so Tuesday can ride the subway with Mr. Montalvan and accompany him to restaurants and theaters. But few of the dogs are available to former troops like Mr. Montalvan, one of the estimated 300,000 veterans of the two wars who will ultimately develop PTSD.

Puppies Behind Bars Inc., a New York-based nonprofit that uses prisoners to train animals, has placed psychiatric-service dogs with 11 veterans and hopes to provide 14 more this year. Gloria Gilbert Stoga, the charity's president, said it is difficult to raise the $26,000 needed to train each dog. "We're just scratching the surface," she said.

Tuesday was born on the upstate New York farm of Lu Picard, who runs East Coast Assistance Dogs Inc., a nonprofit that trains dogs to assist masters ranging from mentally handicapped children to stroke victims and quadriplegics.

Tuesday was eight weeks old when he and five siblings were turned over to Puppies Behind Bars, who moved them to New York's Fishkill Correctional Facility. The pup shared a cell with John Pucci, a convicted killer who assumed primary responsibility for molding Tuesday into a service dog.

"No one thought he would make it," said Mr. Pucci, explaining that Tuesday would fall asleep in other prisoners' laps as they watched television and would sometimes hide under Mr. Pucci's bed and refuse to leave the cell. Inmates bet Mr. Pucci some cigarettes that Tuesday was too affectionate to be a service dog.

Mr. Pucci discovered that Tuesday loved the jail's small inflatable pool and would run through commands perfectly if he was in the water. In nine months, Mr. Pucci taught Tuesday to respond to 82 commands geared mainly toward helping the physically disabled -- turning on lights with his nose, retrieving food from shelves, helping load washing machines.

"I got released before I could collect the cigarettes," said Mr. Pucci, 64 years old, who served 29 years and now lives in San Antonio, Texas, where he continues to train dogs.

Tuesday returned to Ms. Picard's farm, where his skills were fine-tuned for another 18 months. Ms. Picard taught him to respond to signs of anxiety and commands tailored to veterans with PTSD: "block," which tells the dog to create space for an owner who fears crowds, "my lap" and "snuggle."

Mr. Montalvan grew up in Potomac, Md., a wealthy suburb of Washington, where he played war games with friends. He enlisted at 17, spent a decade in the Army and enrolled in college to pursue a career as an officer.

In the summer of 2003, newly commissioned as a second lieutenant, he left for Iraq. Photos from the time show a square-jawed man with bulging muscles. Comrades jokingly called him the "Terminator."

Montalvan at a New York bookstore with Tuesday, who goes with him everywhere and is trained to respond to signs of anxiety." vspace="0" width="262" border="0" height="174" hspace="0">

Leslie Granda-Hill

Luis Carlos Montalvan at a New York bookstore with Tuesday, who goes with him everywhere and is trained to respond to signs of anxiety.That changed in December 2003. Mr. Montalvan was walking in a compound on Iraq's border with Syria at around 9:30 p.m. when a man leaped out of the darkness and started slashing at him with a knife.

He pulled out his Beretta and shot the man, wounding him. Another soldier killed the attacker, according to Army records and several soldiers who served in the unit. Mr. Montalvan was thrown into a truck, fracturing three vertebrae.

Tall with long hair and broad shoulders, Mr. Montalvan now walks with a cane. But his biggest problems, he says, are emotional. "Sometimes my mind goes jumbled," he said one afternoon as he struggled to remember which subway line to take home. "Everything just gets kind of cloudy."

His marriage fell apart in late 2005. He left the Army two years later and severed many friendships. He began to fear crowds and drink himself to sleep. He regularly considered suicide, he says. A local Veterans Affairs medical facility has prescribed painkillers for his back, migraine pills for brain injury, and drugs for anxiety and depression.

By last summer, Mr. Montalvan was living alone in a small apartment in Brooklyn. He was surfing the Web in July when he saw a mass email about free trained service dogs for veterans with physical or psychological wounds -- the "Dog Tags" program of Puppies Behind Bars.

He submitted a formal application. By early November, he joined a group of veterans at Ms. Picard's farm in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., for two weeks of training with their new dogs.

Mr. Montalvan says he initially didn't feel much of a connection to Tuesday. The dog licked other people's faces, but not his. For the first four months they lived together in Brooklyn, Tuesday was obedient but not particularly affectionate.

"I guess it just took us a while to adjust to each other," he says.

They did. Tuesday, now 3 years old, listens to the daily alarm on Mr. Montalvan's wristwatch, his cue to make sure he takes his pills. Wearing the red harness of a work dog, he accompanies Mr. Montalvan to Dunkin' Donuts and the movie theater, to Veterans Administration group counseling sessions in Manhattan, and to Columbia University, where Mr. Montalvan is studying journalism and communication.

At Mr. Montalvan's apartment -- decorated with his Purple Heart and Bronze Star certificates, and pictures and paintings of Tuesday -- they sleep in the same wooden sleigh bed.

On a recent afternoon, Mr. Montalvan and Tuesday walked to a nearby subway station. The platform was crowded. Mr. Montalvan began to look agitated. Tuesday, who had been lying at his feet, jumped up and stood between his master and the nearest cluster of people, creating a buffer. Mr. Montalvan's breathing noticeably stabilized.

The train approached. Mr. Montalvan bent down to tie his Army combat boots, scratched Tuesday behind the ears, and they made their way aboard.

*Originally Published in The Wallstreet Journal

How could you do that to your dog?

2009-06-29T17:18:00.001-07:00

Below is a horrendous story from an associate of mine.

This really happened. Very sad.

The Story...

I just need to vent about what I witnessed last night. I think what was
more shocking (literally) to me was the fact that the owners truly felt
nothing was wrong. They just said "huh, that's weird" but weren't willing
to do anything about it.

So, I went to the home of a family with three young kids and an 8th month
old Pembroke corgi. (obviously they didn't get my input into which breed of
dog to pick!) their complaints were typical of young kids and herding dogs
- he was nipping at them and was jumping, etc.

When I pulled up everyone was outside in the front yard. They use a shock
fence in the front yard and have a huge nicely fenced back yard. They use
the shock fence because they have three young kids and don't want the dog to
run away or run after people/other dogs. They bought a Petsafe fence from
Petsmart - it's the kind that is movable and sends out a signal in a
circular area. Anyway, when I got out of the car the dog came running over
to me and then fell down on the ground writhing like he was having a
seizure. I asked the mother what was going on and she said "I think he's
getting shocked." I asked her why it didn't beep and she said she didn't
know. Anyway, the poor dog was getting shocked and didn't know how to avoid
it....The mother said that it had happened before - she looked outside and
he was just sitting there looking like he was having a seizure. They had
the boundaries all "f'd" up. They didn't even know where the shock line
was. And, the battery in the collar was probably too low to give a decent
audible beep. I took the collar off the dog immediately and threw it on the
ground saying it was junk and they should get their money back. I made the
mother walk around the perimeter to find the line and she couldn't find it
and it didn't always beep. I said "if you can't figure out where the line
is, how the heck can the dog?" And, then I asked how they trained him and
they put him on leash, walked him up to the flags (they only kept the flags
up for one week) and yanked him back. So, I took her arm and yanked her and
said "what did you just learn?" And, she said "nothing." Then, the collar
they had on him was too big so, he'd just run right through the shock
line...Ugh.. ..I explained to them that they didn't train the dog
appropriately on the fence and that if this continued they'd be euthanizing
him for aggression to strangers. As it was this was the nicest and smartest
corgi (with the exception of my parent's corgi) that I had ever met. I
could not believe that these people did not realize what they were doing to
their dog was just wrong...They saw nothing wrong with him laying there
getting continually shocked. I'd be surprised if he didn't have serious
brain damage by this time.

Unbelieveable. ..

__._,_.___

What is Positive Reinforcement?

2009-06-22T15:33:00.000-07:00

What exactly is Positive Reinforcement Dog Training?

It's simply rewarding your dog for doing the right thing rather than punishing them for doing the wrong thing. In which case, she probably doesn't even know that she's doing the wrong thing. It's up to us to teach him this. Through rewards and praise.

Think of it like this....would you punish an 8 year old for not knowing how to do Geometry? Of course not, he hasn't learned it. So that would be cruel wouldn't it?

Unfortunately I see this cruelty inflicted upon dogs every single day. Humans get frustrated with their dogs for not sitting or coming to them or not walking nicely on leash, but it's the HUMANS fault. They haven't taught the dogs how to carry out these tasks. Or they've taught them, but the relationship is not intact because the dog learned these things through coercion (punishment), so the dog has no positive motivation to listen to their human...who is now somewhat of an enemy to him.

I have learned through my work with hundreds (maybe even thousands now) of dogs that they are most responsive...and the happiest, when they are rewarded for what they've done. You can see it in their bright eyes, wagging tails and proud stances....and sometimes even their smiles.

What's Not Positive?

If any one of the tools or technique below are used, your training/trainer is not positive.

Rather than helping your dog, you are hurting them and destroying the bond between you and your Best Friend...

1) Prong collars are not positive.
2) Choke collars are not positive.
3) Shock collars are not positive.
4) Citronella Spray is not positive.
5) Leash corrections - when the handler yanks up on the collar to "correct" the dog.
6) Alpha Rolls - when the handler forces the dog into a down position...usually on the dogs back until the dog "submits."
7) Shaking the dog at the scruff of the neck is not positive.
8) Hitting, kicking, slamming doors on the dog, throwing shoes, yelling. All of these are not positive.

A Truly Positive Trainer will only use praise and treats, will never yell, lose their temper or use physical force to train the dog.

To find a Truly Positive Trainer in your area, click on TrulyDogFriendly.com.

Remember, training is not an excuse to abuse!

Happy Father's Day from Toby Mandell

2009-06-21T09:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day!

Hi Fellow Human- Lovers,

Here's five things you can do today to let your dad know you love him on his special day.

1) Take him on an extra long walk.
2) Retrieve the ball for him when he accidentally drops it 20 feet away.
3) Humor him and sit when he asks you to.
4) Take him to a park and sit with him while he reads his favorite book.
5) Give him lots of wet, sloppy kisses.

Have a pawfect day!

Making the World a Better Place, One Dog at a Time...

2009-06-17T15:17:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Rebecca's Dog Blog....where Dogs are what it's all about....

Let's talk Dog...

rebecca's dog blog

This Blog has Moved!

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip ~ Obey Leash Laws!

RoveReactive Support Group ~ March 29, 2011

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip ~ Wait for the Right time to adopt a furry sibling!

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip ~ Don't Get Complacent

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip ~ Teach your Pups to LOVE kids!

Olivia Practices Recall

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip ~ Praise your Pup!

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip ~ A Short Walk goes a Long Way!

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip - Teaching Puppy Kisses

Introducing Harper and Haley, Dog's Best Friend's Dogs of the Month ~ March

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip ~ Teaching Trade

A Strange Dog Day ~ The Best and Worst of Humans

Sigh...

So for the rest of my day, I will focus on that lovely young man and his happy, well adjusted dog. People like him give me Hope!(and dogs like my sweethearts, Toby, Spencer and Rusty, shown in photo above)

Walker Walks

Puppy Party, November 2010

Butter Learns Touch

Spencer on the Catwalk

Rascal Romp, January, 2011

What Exactly is Positive Reinforcement Dog Training?

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip ~ January 9, 2011

A Poem for Cathy

Happy Holidays from Dog's Best Friend!

Check out Dog's Best Friend's Holiday Newsletter ~ Happy Howlidays!

Congratulations, DJ Vegas, Dog's Best Friend's Dog of the Month ~ December

Giving Thanks!

Dog's Best Friend's Turkey Tips

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip ~ November 22

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip ~ November 19

Four Ways to Make your Pup's Life More Fun - One for each Paw!

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip ~ October 7th

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip ~ Monday, September 13

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip

Dog's Best Friend - Voted one of South Bay's Favorites!

Dog's Best Friend's Daily Training Tip

What it means to be a Dog Parent?

Thursday's Training Tip!

Announcing Dog's Best Friend's August Dog of the Month ~ JUSTIN!!!

Happy Birthday to Dog's Best Friend's August Birthday Dogs!

Puppies! Puppies! Puppies! From July's DBF News

Making the Fourth of July Safe for our Furry Friends

Dog's Best Friend's Classes Start July 8th

Rusty Walks

Dog's Best Friend's Training Tip of the Day

A Sad Day! Jake Crosses the Rainbow Bridge!

Introducing Ben and Roxy - Dog's Best Friend's Dogs of the Month - May and June

Dogs Need Seatbelts Too

Introducing Steamboat - Dog's Best Friend's Dog of the Month - April

Dog's Best Friend's Book of the Month - April

Dog's Best Friend's Book of the Month ~ April...

Animals Make Us Human by Temple Grandin and Catherine Johnson,authors of the New York Times Bestseller (and DBF favorite), Animalsin Translation.

Available on Amazon. Enjoy...

Introducing Frosty Jones - Dog's Best Friend's Dog of the Month - March

The Dangers of Keeping Your Dog Outside by Rebecca Mandell

Finding Your Best Friend - A Choice that will last a Lifetime - by Rebecca Mandell

Dog's Best Friend Thanks Doritos

A few Fun ways to become your Dog's Best Friend

Dog's Best Friend's Classes Start February 20

Dog's Best Friend's Dog of the Month, January

Teaching Your Kids to be their Dog's Best Friend

Dog's Best Friend Gift Certificates Available for the Howlidays!

Dog's Best Friend's Turkey Tips!

Frankie and Nic, Dog's Best Friend's Dogs of the Month Novemeber and December

www.youtube.com/dogsbestfriendHB

Watch us on You Tube!!!

Dog's Best Friend's Canine Good Citizen - Class of 2009

Don't Miss "Best Friend Forgotten"...

Dog Tip of the Day - Hide-N-Go-Seek For Dogs...

Critics Challenge 'Dog Whisperer' Methods By Lynne Peeples, Scienceline

The Cutest Things...

Dog's Best Friend's Quote of the Day

Dog's Best Friend's Exciting New Classes Coming in February

Manhattan Sammy Needs a Forever Home!

Dear Dog Lovers,

I'm repping an 8 year old BEAUTIFUL Golden Retriever named Manhattan Sammy for the Golden Retriever Club of Greater Los Angeles Rescue.

He's a big love bug looking for his forever home! He likes to boss around other dogs, so needs to be placed in a home without any other dogs OR a very easy going dog that doesn't mind taking the back seat to this big lug.

He's currently in a foster home with another dog and they've worked out their differences and are now Best Friends.He's perfect with humans and longs to be in a home that he can call hisown. If you or anyone you know is interested in adopting this sweetboy, please give me a bark.

See additional photos and get adoption details at www.grcglarescue.org.

So for the rest of my day, I will focus on that lovely young man and his happy, well adjusted dog. People like him give me Hope!

(and dogs like my sweethearts, Toby, Spencer and Rusty, shown in photo above)

Animals Make Us Human by Temple Grandin and Catherine Johnson,
authors of the New York Times Bestseller (and DBF favorite), Animals
in Translation.

He's currently in a foster home with another dog and they've worked out their differences and are now Best Friends.

He's perfect with humans and longs to be in a home that he can call his
own. If you or anyone you know is interested in adopting this sweet
boy, please give me a bark.