When does a Dog really Graduate?

It's June and that means school is out for the Summer. For many students it means Graduation. From Pre-K to PhDs, students are finishing a chapter in their lives.

Our dogs go to school too. Sometimes they go to a formal class and sometimes they are home schooled. Even though school for our children is over for the summer, we can take the school model and use it everyday to teach our dogs.

I like to ask young children what they do at school. The majority say they "learn stuff" but they like recess and library time the best. I then help them understand how a dog is in school and they can have recess and library time too. This will give parents and all dog owners a way to manage their dog's energy and teach them at the same time. Being outside is like Recess; Our dogs get to run around and play. When recess is over, they come inside for Library time; dogs are to be quiet and calm.

By giving our dogs both Recess and Library time, we can have Happy dogs because they are learning where they are allowed to be active and when to settle down.

Here is what Recess + Library time looks like:


So does a dog ever really Graduate? Maybe not with a "Cap and Gown" but that doesn't mean you can't celebrate with your dog everyday.

Out of the DogHouse LLC website www.ohiodogtrainer.net
Contact Dru Therrian 440.286.9070

Does your Dog Smell like Corn Chips?

Everyone who has owned a dog knows that "Wet Dog " smell! But have you ever thought your dog smelled like Frito Corn Chips or Moldy Bread?  If you have and wondered what that smell was, it is probably a Yeast Infection.

A lot of times, dogs could just have allergies but when that yucky, brown stuff shows up in multiple places; around the eyes, between the toes and in the ears; That means there is an overgrowth of Yeast in their body.

click photo to view larger

Would you like to know the culprit? Food! Particularly, Carbohydrates such as Corn, Wheat, Soy, White Rice and Heaven Forbid! Starches like Tapioca and Potatoes; Both White and Sweet!! 

Here is why these ingredients are a problem for dogs. They all turn into Sugar and that is what grows Yeast. Imagine what happens when we give our dogs Straight Sugar, as in their Treats? Bam!! Yeast Bloom! Check the label on your treat bags. You will see Molasses, Maple Sugar, Corn Starch and everyones' favorite, Peanut Butter.

What's a dog to eat?!! Well, there are a lot of foods available without these ingredients so, again, my spiel is "Be a Label Reader". You will definitely find Grain Free foods and treats. Food without Potato and Treats without Sugar are a little tricky. You may just have to choose one with the least amount of the "Evil" ingredient.  

Is your dog scratching night and day? Itching is another indicator of Yeast.

Here is an article that explains more about Yeast Infections:

http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/05/03/eating-these-foods-can-make-your-dog-itch-like-crazy.aspx

Now your dog maybe able to eat anything without ever having a problem. Great! But if you are see Rusty Red Hair or Yucky Brown Ears.....Changing your dog's diet should be the first thing you can do to help your dog. Remember, we don't want to eliminate all the Yeast just bring it back to a normal, natural balance.

Out of the DogHouse LLC website www.ohiodogtrainer.net
Contact Dru Therrian 440.286.9070

Prevent Food Aggression in the First Place

Many times, I have people calling me to say their dog is food aggressive. I ask how long has this been happening? The reply is usually since their dog was a puppy.

I know folks have been told over and over again that they should be able to take anything away from their dog. From Day One, they have been touching their puppy's food or petting their puppy while she eats only to have the puppy growl and eventually bite them because of what they are doing.

What if I told you there was a better way to teach your puppy? You can prevent food aggression and have your future dog loving it when you feed them, pet them and pick up their bowl at mealtimes or anytime!



Here is a recap:

1. Start with an Empty Bowl.
2. Start out easy by just saying Go and put food in the bowl.
3. Let your dog eat it.
4. Only ask your dog to do what they know.

So from this day forward, teach your puppy or dog not to worry about their food. Let them know they can eat without being harassed, defensive or protective. When you do it this way, by being a Giver not a Taker, you will truly become your dog's Best Friend.

Out of the DogHouse LLC website www.ohiodogtrainer.net
Contact Dru Therrian 440.286.9070