Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Funny Stories About Your Dog

I wanted to add a post about the funny things that our pets do. I am looking for your stories that you would like to share. It can be about how they interact with other pets or about funny things that have happened while training your dog. It be just something about your favorite friend that just makes you smile.

Monday, September 29, 2008

The Dog Training Expert

I couldn’t believe how mad and frustrated I had become. I was getting ready to put our family dog, Jake, in the car and take him to the SPCA. I didn’t want to get rid of him, but he was ruining my life and destroying the peace and happiness in our home. He barked constantly, ran away, and was aggressive towards everyone other than the family. I had never had a dog like this in my whole life. I tried to get him to obey, but nothing I tried worked. I was at the end of my rope.

I had been using the free advice on dog obedience training that was out there. It didn’t work or I couldn’t make it work or something. Frustrating. I had also purchased a book at pet store and worked with Jake. No results and more frustration. What was I doing wrong?

I thought about my little boy and what I was going to tell him. I thought about how I was going to feel if I left Jake at the SPCA. He probably wouldn’t get adopted. It was a death sentence for the dog. I couldn’t do it. Back to square one.

More weeks passed. Then, my wife’s friend, Julie, said that one of her co-workers had had a similar problem with her dog and had found a dog training program that worked great. It used video instruction so it was easier to follow than a book. I was willing to give it a try and checked it out.

The training worked great and almost immediately I saw results. The difference I found was that the instructor, Dove Cresswell, is able to see and hear the techniques she employs in a clear manner. Her philosophy is that the more training and tricks that a dog learns, the better behaved it will be. She only uses positive reinforcement. Her course includes puppy potty training, dog obedience training, crate training and good puppy and dog manners. Check it out yourself, she has free lessons. www.thedogtrainingexpert.com

So, how is Jake? He is still as playful as ever, but now he is a well-behaved member of the household. When we go on walks there is no more pulling and he has stopped being aggressive. He has also stopped running away and returns as soon as he is called. We are so happy.

Jake is a healthy 10-month old Jack Russell terrier.