Blog – Page 9 – Positive Puppy Dog Training

Why Should I DNA Test My Dog?

Fran Jewell

Today, DNA testing for breed is a common place and easy thing to do. There are many companies that offer testing at very reasonable prices that are more and more correct. I have even DNA tested my pure bred dog for breeding purposes to ensure identity. But, why would I DNA test a mutt or mixed breed dog? Since the beginning of domestication of the wolf to a dog, we humans have sought to breed for certain characteristics from the wolf to help us improve our everyday lives.

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Creating a Dominant or Aggressive Dog

Fran Jewell

Wood River Weekly A-M

Many people don’t even believe in dog “dominance.” It has now become an evil word if you are a modern dog training enthusiast. Merrium-Webster dictionary defines it as “more important, powerful, or successful than most or all others.” I watch dog behavior day after day and see one dog that pushes another around, or one that controls all the interactions. Social hierarchy is EXTREMELY important to dogs even though it might not be how we humans like to view our sweet, adorable companions.

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Socialization – It’s NOT What You Think

Fran Jewell

Wood River Weekly A-M

Years ago, most people never bothered with socializing their dogs. As a kid, we never did and yet our family dog was friendly with people and never ran off to play with other dogs. In fact, we were the only people on our block that had a dog! Now, dog owners have clearly gotten the message that socialization is extremely important to the development of their puppies.

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“Come as the Cure”

Fran Jewell

Wood River Weekly A-M

Most of us realize that teaching our dog to “come” is extremely important, especially in areas where dogs are allowed many times of the year to run free on Forest Service land (except during the summer) and on many trails. Due to an active lifestyle, people take their dogs everywhere. Contrary to popular belief, a dog running free is not a God-given right of every dog. As a responsible dog owner, we need to understand that for the safety of other people and dogs, and the safety of our own dog, he must have a 100% recall. An 80% “come” command is not acceptable if your dog is going to be off-leash.

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Collars and Harnesses

Fran Jewell

Wood River Weekly A-M

I don’t usually write much about equipment for dogs because I have always believed that equipment should be discussed and recommended for the individual dog. I also believe there is a time and place for the use of almost every piece of equipment. However, I recently spent some time with many of my NADOI colleagues. I had a few eye-openers and reinforcements for feelings I have had about some equipment. I am not a veterinarian, but I am confronted with harnesses on a daily basis.

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Collar, Collar, Touch My Collar!

Fran Jewell

Wood River Weekly A-M

I must share a very distressing incident happen this week. I was working with a client in their yard with a very sweet 7 month old puppy. Across the field came a male Akbash limping very badly. He had a collar and name tag on, and was somewhat uncharacteristic of the breed in his friendliness with other dogs, especially considering he was badly injured. He was not just limping, but would not put any weight on his rear leg indicating to me it was VERY painful. Many dogs in pain are not friendly at all! But, this fellow wanted to play with the puppy I was working with.

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The Case for Crates, a Heart Attack Story

Fran Jewell

Wood River Weekly A-M

By now, most of the locals know my recent expedition over Mount Heart Attack. Let me say that the journey there is far beyond any Everest climb! I am here today to tell you this story for several reasons. The first is to pay overwhelming tribute to St. Luke’s ER Doctor Torres and his forthright, honest and hard line that he took with me, someone in total denial of my health condition! The second is that extraordinarily compassionate and capable Life Flight crew that raced me to the Twin Falls Cath Lab to the expert hands of cardiologist, Dr. Hymas. Without all of them and their support teams, I wouldn’t be here to tell you this story.

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Canine Peacemakers

Fran Jewell

Wood River Weekly A-M

Dogs display so many behaviors that are simply enchanting to watch. I spend every day watching dog behavior because it is so fascinating to me. I see their feelings, their hierarchy, and their distinct personalities. As an instructor and trainer, this is critical to helping dog owners to understand their own dogs. I also spend a lot of time photographing these behaviors.

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Canine Identity Crisis

Fran Jewell

Wood River Weekly A-M

I can hear it now, “You have got to be kidding!” I am dead serious! I talk to no end about leadership and how critical it is to dog mental health. Very few dogs these days do not have some sort of anxiety, whether it is separation anxiety, approval anxiety, inability to calm themselves in the house, re-directed aggression, even reactivity to events or other dogs. What is even more unfortunate, is that so many people do not recognize the signs of anxiety and continue to let their dogs live in quiet misery. Our dogs cannot tell us or even talk about how they feel.

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Canine Enrichment

Fran Jewell

Wood River Weekly A-M

Enriching your dog’s life is so much more than walking in the woods, the dog park, or Trail Creek. In fact, many of my clients are overwhelmed by the dogs that mug, jump and aggress their dogs when they try to take their dog for a walk. With the most regretful and saddened heart, I must say that our valley, which used to be dog friendly, is becoming dog unsafe. I am not here to discuss aggression at this moment, but I am here to discuss alternatives to putting your dog in an unsafe environment.

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