Sundance Canine Rescue Society

Everyone has questions....especially about there dog.   My dog does talk to me but I have no idea what he is telling me!    Ask away and I shall research the answer for you!

My dog barks....alot,  what can I do?

*I’m going to write a general ‘get rid of barking’ response to cover both these questions. Let me know if you need something more question specific*

There are several behaviors that I like to refer to as ‘chaos behaviors’. Chaos behaviors are behaviors where a dog experiences very little thought process, they are simply reacting instinctively to outside stimuli. I refer to behaviors such as hyperactivity, aggression, and fear as chaos behaviors. I also put excessive barking in this category. When a dog is barking madly there is very little thought process going on, the dog is simply reacting to his environment.

If we can define excessive barking as a chaos behavior it helps to devise the solution. What is the opposite of chaos? The answer is control and structure. In dog-speak this means obedience. Chaos and control are enemies, they can’t co-exist. That means that the more control we achieve through obedience the less chaos, or barking, we will see.

Sometimes as dog owners we tend to focus on the things we don’t like about our dogs. We forget that we should be showing the dog what we would rather see. In the case of barking what would you rather see? If your dog is barking at a dog walking near the house what would you rather see? If your dog barks when someone is at the door what would you rather see her do? If your dog barks at random noises what would be appropriate instead? Don’t just say that you’d rather see your dog not bark like this, you have to be the catalyst that offers the new behavior. In each of these previous scenarios and in all other barking scenarios you can insert an obedience command. If your dog complies with the obedience command that means your dog won’t be barking. Your job is to make sure your dog complies.

So how do you get your dog to comply with a command while he or she is in the throws of a fit? Simple. Keep a leash on your dog. When your dog starts barking like mad oblige him or her sit, lie down, come, whatever. If your dog decides to ignore you use the leash to give a leash correction as you repeat the command. Don’t stop until your dog is obeying the command you have given. Whenever I am working with a client with an excessively barking dog the first thing we do is brainstorm what obedience commands we are going to use to replace the barking. With a doorbell barker we will normally teach the dog to go to a dog bed, pillow, or mat, and stay. With a dog who barks excessively at outside happenings we work hard on coming when called. It is very difficult for a dog to bark through the window if he is running back to your side. Be creative and determine which obedience command is going to best combat the chaos of barking.

Your dog is locked in a pattern that is connected to certain outside distractions. If you can change that pattern from chaos to control you will be able to wean your dog off the leash after a short time and your dog will have learned a new way to deal with the distractions of life.

Ty Brown is an expert dog trainer, author, and speaker who specializes in obedience training, behavior modification, protection dog training, and narcotics dogs. To learn more about Ty and the dog training services he offers, visit www.dogbehavioronline.com  (answer obtained from Dogster.com)

Fostering a Dog:  What to think about.

If you understand dogs and have the time, energy and space, it's a great service to become a dog foster home. Keep in mind that shelter dogs have special needs and you can't always guess how they'll behave.

If you decide not to become a foster provider, sponsoring a dog at a shelter can be a great alternative. Most organizations are really helped by as little as twenty dollars a month and you usually get to follow your dog's progress. But be prepared to sponsor a dog for life - some of the best pooches somehow get passed by.

(as taken from www.dogster.com)

This is ver good!!

Rain or Shine: 10 Ways to Engage Your Dog Indoors

Dogs need exercise, regardless of the weather. In snow or rain, they still need mental and physical stimulation. That said, there are certainly some days where the weather may be too hot, too cold, or the precipitation too blinding to exercise your dog as you might otherwise like. On these days, it's helpful to have on hand a variety of ideas for ways you can provide your dog with boredom relief in the comfort of your own home. Here are a few ideas you may find helpful!

1. Food Dispensing Toys - Food dispensing toys are invaluable boredom busters. While rubber Kongs are classic toys and can be stuffed with a great variety of treats and tasties, in the last few years the food dispensing toy market has greatly expanded and there are lots of new and exciting products available. Nina Ottosson has a fantastic (but pricey) line of durable puzzle toys which are dishwasher safe and feature a number of difficulty levels. A less expensive (and slightly less durable) alternative is the newly available Aikiou toy. Other options include: Kong wobbler, Kibble Nibble, Busy Buddy toys, Orbee Treat Spot toys, Tug-a-Jugs, and Buster Cubes.

2. Kibble Hunt - If you place your dog's kibble in a food bowl, chances are the bowl is empty within 15 seconds and the dog gazes up at you upon finishing as if to say, "is that it?" You can put that food to work for you by making your dog hunt for it with his nose. Instead of dumping the food in his bowl, consider crating him while you hide small piles of food in the house then release him to "kibble hunt." Initially, make the piles very easy to find. As your dog gets better at this game, practice hiding the food in more difficult spots.

3. Tug and Fetch - Tug and fetch are classic dog games that do not require a lot of room. Hallways tend to be great for fetch games, and tug can be played virtually anywhere.

4. Shaping Games - Shaping provides great mental exercise for a dog and a good shaping session can often tire a dog more than a walk that is two or three times as long. Practicing shaping in lots of short sessions will help tire your dog's brain out while relieving stress and boredom. Teaching your dog new behaviors is fantastic for her confidence and will make both of you happy!

5. Learning Games - British trainer Kay Laurence has a fantastic book available called "Learning Games." This fantastic book is chock full of ideas for how to keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated while improving his behavior. For more fun ideas from Kay, check out her youtube channel.

6. Have a Doggie Play Date! - If your dog has a favorite playmate or friend, consider scheduling a rainy day play date. Before your dog's pal arrives, be sure to puppy proof and pick up all breakables and valuables. As you know, dog play can get quite rowdy!

7. Go on a Socialization Outing - If you are unable to take your dog for a walk, consider taking him for a ride and doing a "fun visit" at the vet's office where he just goes to hang out and get some treats and scratches just for being a great dog. This will provide the added benefit of teaching him that vet visits can be a lot of fun!

8. Play Hide and Seek! - Hide and seek is a great way to exercise your dog's mind and body and recall skills. Each family member should stock up on great treats. Family members will take turns hiding throughout the house, calling the dog to them, and rewarding her generously when she arrives. When her treats are finished, say "all done!" which is the cue for the next family member to call him.

9. Nosework - Canine nosework is a great new sport that can be done in your house. All you need to start are some boxes and some great treats! For more information on canine nosework, visit www.funnosework.com.

10. Need even more rainy day suggestions? This article from BadRap has lots of them!

Now you have lots of ideas, and the next time it starts raining, you can start training!

(article courtesy of http://www.dogster.com/articles/Rain-or-Shine-10-Ways-to-Engage-Your-Dog-Indoors-224)

http://www.badrap.org/rescue/rainyday_new1.pdf

This one is a must ready by all-- especially Foster homes!

Pets eat the strangest things!!   Chek out this link and be amazed at the results!!

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pets-eat-the-strangest-things-2010s-60-most-unusual-ingested-objects-111846579.html?cf_token_name=token&cf_provider=facebook&cf_window_close=_syndAuthComplete_0&token=ddc08300-02c3-4a5b-a061-6d5ddfcb1577