Pack structure is not just for a few select breeds of dogs.  Every dog innately lives by pack structure rules.  It is the owners that need to learn and understand what our dogs already know.  If a dog appears to be uncertain of it's rank within the pack, it could be the result of being taken too soon from the litter.  Mama dog has a unique approach of teaching her puppies their roles and rules within the first four weeks.  However, her work is not complete by four weeks.  Eight weeks is a much more beneficial time frame for pups to remain with mama dog unless pups have been abandoned or are in danger.  Even better results can be achieved by allowing the pup to remain until 10 to 12 weeks.  This allows mama dog to socialize her pups to many pack behaviors. These behaviors will later be better understood when a new owner takes over implementing similar rules within the new home environment. Mama dog often easily corrects her pups with a raised lip, a subtle growl, a quick nip, or the carrying away by the scruff.  These are all behaviors she uses to teach her pups about danger or that some behaviors are unacceptable.  Pups learn very quickly in this environment how far they can push buttons before a correction is warranted.  As responsible owners we need to allow this learning of our puppies to take place.  Mom knows best and taking pups too soon can lead to behavior problems down the road.  Be responsible dog owners and make your job easier by allowing mama dog to finish what she has started. 

As a new puppy owner, contact Let's Talk Dogs to begin initiating a clear pack structure within your home.  In the beginning, pups are cute and playful.  However, just like children, they need to have clear defined limits established immediately to curb any unwanted behaviors.  Often owners wait until it is too late and behavior problems such as pulling, biting and barking have already set in.  More severe behaviors usually result as very weak pack leadership in which the dog begins to exhibit control over every aspect of the home owner's life.  Examples would be biting when attempting to lay down or pick up food, biting at an owner's feet when walking through the house, growling or nipping when being removed from the owner's bed, growling or biting when put into a crate or removed from a crate, excessive barking, aggression on the leash toward other people or dogs.  These behaviors are no fun to deal with, especially when your cute puppy is now an adult dog with adult teeth.  The unpredictability of a pet can bring great stress to owner's.  The stress on your dog, as well as yourself, can be greatly reduced by presenting your pet with the confidence of a leader, willing to praise good behaviors and correct undesirable behaviors.  (CORRECTIONS ARE NOT HITTING, BEATING, SMACKING, POKING, PULLING, SCREAMING, THROWING, JERKING or SMEARING NOSES IN FECES OR URINE)  THESE ARE NOT METHODS CONDONED OR USED BY LET'S TALK DOGS).

To Learn More About Effective Methods In Raising Your Dog To Respond To You In A Positive Manner - Call Let's Talk Dogs, LLC at 765-413-5270.

If you are considering training for your pooch or are experiencing behavioral issues, Let's Talk Dogs will address your needs from a holistic perspective.  To begin, you will receive an evaluation from a certified professional trainer with almost 20 years experience in handling a diverse range of breed types.  From small dogs to extra large dogs, all exhibit a universal language based in their understanding of pack structure.  Mike's unique evaluation will help unfold the mystery behind the problems you are experiencing with your pet.  By the time your visit is over, you will have a new understanding of your dog's temperament, breed characteristics, and emotional soundness to help determine a training style best suited to your pet's personality.  If you have a pack of more than one, you will also be informed of the visible rank structure among your pets, especially if you don't already know.  For two parent family's or family's with children, behaviors will be discussed that visibly demonstrate who in the home is a strong pack leader and who is not.  No worries, anyone can learn to be a better pack leader.  It takes consistency and the desire to change.  If you are tired of your pet running the house and demanding attention, a few simple tips can get you well on your way to becoming a respected leader by your pack.  

Following the evaluation, the next step will be to determine what service will best meet your needs.  Let's Talk Dogs offers in home consults, private sessions, group training sessions, problem solving sessions, seminars on a variety of topics, in home puppy parties - your home of course, and occasional pet sitting!  During all of these services we will be asking questions about your dog's lifestyle to help us determine where problems are coming from.  Believe it or not, medical issues can contribute to bad behavior and so can boredom, lack of exercise, lack of attention, stress and being tied up outside for long periods of time.  Last but not least, poor nutrition can also result in behavioral issues because sometimes our pets just don't feel good based on not having their nutritional needs met.  Can you honestly reach maximum health by eating the same food every day?  Well, neither can they!  How do you behave when you don't feel good?  I'm sure most of us can be pretty grouchy when we don't feel good.  Our pets can be grouchy too, only they don't have a way to tell us what hurts.  They can only act more sedate or more hyper, be more irritable or snappy, or maybe even scratch, jump or bite.  Some of this will be the result of poor pack structure, some will be the result of confusion, and some may be the result of the pet not feeling good.  Now you can see why Let's Talk Dogs considers a holistic perspective in considering your pet's many needs in buildling a quality relationship with the person they love the most - YOU!  To schedule an evaluation or to learn more about our individual services please contact me at woof@letstalkdogs.info or 765-413-5270   

     LET'S TALK DOGS is now taking registrations for our... 

Pack Leader Seminar 

Are you struggling with behavior issues with your puppy or adult dog?  Do you feel like your dog does not respect you?  Are you ready to learn how to become the leader of your pack?  This seminar will guide you through simple exercises to teach your dog in a non-confrontational style.  Improve the relationship between you and your dog today.  Unconditional love is a compelling reason to change!

 WHEN: Friday  August 27th                                                                                                                                                                                
WHERE:  Fire Side Room Bethel Christian Life Center.  Reserve your spot today as there will be limited seating. 

COST: $29.00 per household, limit 2. 

Please leave the pups at home as this is for Pack Leaders only.  

Hello Again:

Pictures will be posted soon of Nico and Dainjer.  We have captured a very loving pose with Mike and the two of them.  As I have been thinking about this whole rescue experience, I can't help but wonder about the thousands of pets across the nation waiting for adoption or unknowingly sitting on death row.  At the same time, there continues to be breeding, breeding and more breeding.  It only seems logical to me that when our shelters our full and our euthanasia rates are even greater, we should have enough compassion within ourselves to save the existing animals and stop breeding.  If breeding is only being used as a source for financial gain, it must be recognized, that in the end, it is the animals that suffer.  During a financial crisis like the one we are currently experiencing as a nation, more dogs and cats get taken to shelters or simply dropped on the side of the road than at any other time.  It is especially important during these times that those who can afford a pet and wish their lives to be enriched by the love of a pet, step up to the plate and adopt.  Maybe someone reading this will take it to a higher level to help pursue stronger legislation to strictly regulate breeding.  I think the only breeding that should be allowed at this point is perhaps for law enforcement.  Then again, strong willed dogs in the wrong hands can lead to problems as you well know. 

I have met and heard from many new people this week.  I truly have not been surprised by the mental and emotional drain on animal care providers as they face the politics and red tape surrounding the system of animal rights.  I believe any living breathing creature needs to be protected.  If we don't protect their rights who will?  Understandably, not every human was called to love animals, but I guarantee that every animal  has the potential to fall in love with a human.  It just so happens that Nico and Dainjer have fallen in love with my husband. 

Relationships with pets are amazing.  My dogs move me every day in the way they sleep, eat, seek affection, romp and play.  I love my French Mastiff, Chloe, and I can only laugh when I forget to wipe her mouth after she eats.   She says,  "I can take care of this myself," and quickly finds my bed to wipe off her leftovers.  If that doesn't work, she stands waiting for our pitt puppy, Capi boo to lick her sloppy face clean.  This is truly a sight for sore eyes.  Where else can you enjoy watching one dog lick the sloppy drool of another and only laugh in bewilderment thinking it must be love.  Only in the dog world right?  LOL 

Nico and Dainjer have yet to show anything but thanks to Mike for their rescue from "jail".  It is a shame that so many pets are awaiting a soft bed, plenty of natural sunlight, long walks, good food, treatment of health ailments and snuggle time.  Dogs can sense their owners return up to a mile away from the home.  Yesterday Capi started barking and went to the window.  I looked out and saw nothing.  A moment later my husband pulled into the driveway.  There are hundreds of dogs out their waiting for you.  If you have the potential to adopt by offering a loving home, we can teach you the leadership necessary to build a bond to last a lifetime.  Don't keep your dog at the window awaiting your arrival.

Let's Talk Dogs offers a breed selection service in which we can help you make a good match to meet your family's needs.  Call 765-413-5270 for adoption assistance!

Nico and Dainjer are currently on sabbatical from their training routine do to being spayed.  Nico's eye issues have been addressed and the diagnosis is a tear in the cornea.  Nico will heal from this by giving this eye a well needed break.  I will keep you updated on the recovery. 

In the meantime, Nico and Dainjer's love for Mike has continued to grow.  Through him they are starting to understand their role as they meet new care providers.  Yes, it is a must that these dogs interact with people.  How else are they supposed to learn what is acceptable if they are always sheltered from the world.  These dogs simply need to learn what behavior is acceptable and what isn't.  A stern "No" has proven to be successful with stopping any barking during the greeting process.  The barking has not been a sign of aggression.  It has simply been their way of showing their uncertainty in how to greet someone outside their pack.  Dog are very instinctual.  Usually a few introductions and a good dose of repetition is all it takes to teach proper manners.  With dogs that are more dominant, strong leadership skills are absolutely necessary in enforcing rules.  We have to remember that being a strong pack leader, does not mean using abuse to force your dog into submission.  Pack leaders should be fair and consistent.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a strong pack leader, please contact us at woof@letstalkdogs.info or call 765-413-5270 to register for our Pack Leader Seminar.

More updates will be provided on Nico and Dainjer as they recover from their spay and get back into a regular routine.  Continued donations are needed to pay for medical care and food.  Please use the contact information above if you are interested in contributing to their rehabilitation.  We would like to thank Steve and Mary Beaver, T.J and Megan Burns and EddieWilson for their monetary support, as well as Wally Hare for his generous use of a very sturdy enclosure.  People who spend their lives rescuing dogs will tell you they are constantly challenged by balancing a budget to provide for every need animals have.  It is common to live life in the "red".  Your efforts in supporting a good cause helps to give those a voice who have none.

Good News, Good News!  Nico and Dainjer have been removed from the Humane Society.  The event took place yesterday and these "vicious" dogs were ready to go.  My husband received help from an animal lover friend, whose name I will not mention so that she won't be pressed for information.  Nico and Dainjer jumped right into the vehicles and were on their way.  As my husband contacted me during the transport, he discussed Nico's complete enjoyment of the ride and the air conditioning blowing on her sweet muzzle.  I heard Mike thanking her for the many kisses she was giving on her journey to her new home.   Yes, both dogs are together.  I am simply detailing the event of Mike's car ride with Nico.  Both dogs will continue to receive necessary medical treatment for an eye condition and skin allergies.  I met the girls yesterday for the first time and the memories of my rotty girls came rushing back.  Nico and Dainjer did not offer to show any type of aggression toward me, only curiosity.  As dog trainers, we always ere on the side of caution.  Our 12 year old son was with us, who has been raised around dogs his entire life.  Once the dogs were secure in their enclosure, my son was able to take a well deserved peek, especially since he worked so hard at helping his dad transport and put together their new home.  Again, these dogs showed no sign of aggression.  Rottweilers can be excellent family pets and there are many out there who enjoy this very lifestyle.  Responsible pet owners of any breed should use common sense when raising dogs and children.  Both need limits to understand the rules of the home.  Far too often we hear of situations in which a child has been hurt, only to further learn the way in which the child was playing with the dog was inappropriate.  Responsible pet owners are just that - RESPONSIBLE!  If you think you have an unpredictable pet, than by all means, think about prevention and keep your dogs away from situations that could elicit a negative response.   Our job as parents is to teach our dogs about their pack structure, and to teach our kids the rules about pet ownership.  I think this is enough said so I will get off this soap box.

There is much that has not been said here in regard to the politics and red tape that we endured during this whole experience.  In fact, there were several attempts to thwart our efforts in saving these dogs.  Anyone who would have witnessed Mike's interactions with Nico and Dainjer, without knowing their history would have thought, "What nice and well behaved dogs."  It is amazing how our life experiences can lead to the formation of strong opinions about something.  Since Rottweilers have been portrayed in the media as vicious dogs,  we the public, tend to embrace these opinions and honor them as truth.  Where is the media coverage about the good Rottweilers?  Is this not worthy news?  It seems we have become a society that thrives on the drama of negative stories.  I for one am greatly moved by stories that bring warm fuzzy feelings of encouragement.  It makes me hopeful that there are still good people, doing good things to help others.  Frankly, in the world today, who couldn't use a little hope.  My husband is one of those good people and saw an opportunity to do a good thing.  Had these dogs been truly vicious and dangerous to the public, you bet he would have honestly presented the information.

Today was a very busy day!  Mike took the day off from his regular job to follow up with kennel donations to establish a secure enclosure.  A 12 x 12 kennel has been loaned and fencing from Mr. Fence It will hopefully be picked up soon to provide for extra security.  Nico and Dainjer will be moved to their new home tomorrow.  Thank goodness, because otherwise it would be their last day with us.  The public has the perception that Nico and Dainjer are truly vicious dogs.  Thus far, on a scale of one to ten, Mike rates them as a two.  This is not intended to discount the feelings of the families who must be upset that their dog and child were bitten.  However, it must be understood that when you choose to own a breed of dog that is recognized as dangerous, it is the owner's responsibility to protect the public, as well as the dog, from any situations that can bring about accusations. During the time that we owned our four Rottweilers, they were kept in the house when we were not home.  They had a fenced in backyard that consisted of a privacy fence to thwart off any children wanting to poke their fingers in.  Our dogs were never left unattended even in their own back yard.  For eight years, I walked each dog individually around town, always on a leash with a secure collar.  During that 8 years, I was unfortunate enough to be a victim of a dog attack myself.  If it wasn't for my Rott coming to my rescue, I don't know what would have happened.  As a Rottweiler owner, we knew that if our dogs ever did anything wrong or got off leash, that it could pose a threat to our beloved pets.  This is because some people have a fear of dogs and may tend to overreact based on that fear.  A big dog simply running loose can cause a great deal of anxiety to a person with a phobia or fear.  These individuals are doing the right thing by calling to report a loose dog, but hopefully they don't add to the story by overreacting.  We did not want to put ourselves in the position of ever having to defend ourselves from a concerned public so we always focused on prevention.  I would encourage every dog owner to learn from the story of Nico and Dainjer and to focus on prevention.  Be responsible dog owners and make sure fences are secure.  If possible keep your dogs inside or in an outdoor heated or cooled enclosure depending on the weather, when away from home.  Walk larger dogs with a strong leash (we recommend leather) and be sure the collar is tight enough to not slip over the dog's head.  We also encourage a practice of double hooking a dog in case one collar should fail or brake, there is always a back up.  CHILDREN MUST BE SUPERVISED TO NOT LEAVE DOORS OR FENCES OPEN TO ALLOW FOR AN EASY ESCAPE.  Parents must always take full responsibility for their pets.  Children and even teens are often not mature enough to understand the consequences that can result in instances as with Nico and Dainjer.  Nico and Dainjer were filmed on camera with TV 18 yesterday.  Considering the stress they must have felt, they did very well.  We would like to state our heart felt thanks to everyone who has stepped up and offered donations to help make this rehabilitative process a success. 

What does a hero look like?  Is it a person who saves a drowning child, who then meets their own demise?  Is it a person who witnesses a hit and run, only to be in the right place at the right time to get a license plate number?  Is it a person who gives an organ to save another?  Yes, these are all instances in which we can identify a true hero; but everyday I come across regular ordinary people who have the potential to be a Hero.  For animals, their hero is the family at the shelter making the decision to add a new member to their pack.  For animals, their hero is the person who removes them from an abusive situation in which they have come to anticipate harsh and hurtful treatment.  For animals, their hero is the person who steps in to remove them from a situation in which they are starving for food and affection.  

For Nico and Dainjer, their hero has become a trainer that thought enough about life and fairness to perform an evaluation to test their true character and rescue them from death.  

If everyone has the potential to be a hero, what will you choose to do today to make a difference?  Will  you support Nico and Dainjer?  Will you stop by one of the many shelters and offer your time to volunteer?  Will you give a financial or food donation to help support animals that deserve a chance?  Every time we senselessly euthanize an animal, we rob a person from experiencing unconditional love and forgiveness.  Very few in this world today have the opportunity to experience these two fundamental, yet necessary emotions.  If animals are not your thing, don't let this stop you from giving today.  Someone is waiting for a random act of kindness.  Step out and perform the act and walk away with a smile knowing that in the grand scheme of things, you were a hero for a day.  Who knows, you might like being a hero so much so, that you decide to be a hero everyday!   

When it comes to dogs, we have always attempted to give them our best.  This has included a life indoors away from the elements, prompt and preventative medical care, a natural diverse diet and appropriate training in which to thrive.  Dogs give so much to us in the short time they are here.  Please be aware that at this time, we would love an adoptable home to come forward for one or both dogs.  Until this happens, Nico and Dainjer have been blessed to have a Hero from Mr. Fence It, a locally owned small Lafayette business, to donate 6 ft high fencing for a temporary enclosure.  They will have shelter, but until the training is complete the safest place for them is in a secure location.  Thank you to Buckles Feed for being a Hero in supplying Nico and Dainjer with a food donation.  In our world where miracles are possible, we would rather these dogs be indoors away from the heat and mosquitos.  Anyone who has the talents of carpentry and would like to donate their time or materials would be an abundant blessing to our cause.  Please contact us if you are interested in learning more about fostering or adopting these dogs.  They have been misunderstood and have been allowed to roam. Mike has found their personalities to actually be rather sweet.  Please contact Let's Talk Dogs if being a Hero is at the top of your list for the day!    

Today (July 26th) I met with Nico and Dainjer for their second full training session.  It was evident during this time that both dogs have begun to accept me as their new pack leader.  This was indicated by their acknowledgement of me.  They gave me eye contact and looked to me for leadership when walking on the leash.  Instead of them trying to pull me, they were responsive to my control of them.  I was very impressed at their submission to allow me to touch their feet, open their mouths to check their teeth, and I was even able to rub Dainjer's belly.  In the pre-adopt room, the dogs were completely free to roam.  During this time, they came to me and sat at my feet seeking attention while offering me kisses.  Nico and Dainjer filled with excitement when I arrived as they anticipated their freedom from the cage with positive interaction.  During our bonding time, we worked and reviewed the commands sit, down and come.  Tomorrow will be session 3 and we will focus on a release command.  The release command can essentially be used in three instances:  to teach a dog to release whatever they have in their mouth at the time, to prevent a dog from putting something in their mouth by saying the command before they pick something up, and finally a release command can be used during times of play when you want the play to stop.  Stay tuned tomorrow to hear the follow-up as to how Nico and Dainjer perform with their new set of play rules.

On another note, the details of Nico and Dainjer's transition to their new foster home are almost finalized.  The dogs will be moved by Wednesday to Hoofstock Vet in Pine Village for the remainder of their rehabilitation until an adoptive family is identified.  My wife has spent the majority of her time on the phone contacting potential adoption placements and seeking donations for fencing in which to house and maintain the dogs.  So far we have raised $120.00 dollars to support our cause.  Nico and Dainjer have shown great potential!  I am very encouraged by their progress in such a short period of time.  If upon reading this, you find yourself wanting to support this effort through a financial or food donation, please contact Let's Talk Dogs at woof@letstalkdogs.info or call 765-413-5270 for more information.  One of the best services we offer to help clients understand how to begin establishing the foundation of  pack structure is our seminar on this very topic.  Please call to learn more.  

Thanks for visiting our blog.  We want to use this as a public forum to interact with and educate those who are interested in learning more about optimal dog ownership. Whether you are a dog owner or person looking to get a dog we have answers for you in almost every aspect of dog ownership.  In order to do this we feel it is important for you to first learn about our journey that brought us to this place. 

A little bit about Mike
Mike attended West Virginia Canine College with a curriculum that included Animal Behavior, Genetics, Parasitology, canine handling for police patrol, schutzhund, and personal protection.  To acquire his professional certification, 600 hours of prescribed course instruction, plus 60 hours of additional agitation work, was required.

Mike And his wife Rebecca, are the owners of Let’s Talk Dogs, LLC.  This business is geared toward teaching owners the importance of establishing pack structure within their home environment in order to proceed with achieving the greatest results in obedience instruction. 

The Rottweiler has been a favorite breed of his for many years.  He’s owned a pack of four all at once and have found, as with any dog, when raised under the proper leadership, can flourish in any home environment.  Thank you for giving me the opportunity to tell a little about me before reading about Nico and Dainjer!

 

Training info:  For all of you bloggers who are concerned about Nico and Dainjers training.  I worked with both dogs yesterday 7/24/10 from 4pm to about 5:15pm and I can tell you it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I worked with the dogs on sit, down and come just to see their reactions. I was pleased to see that the dogs knew some basic commands and even more impressive, they actually did what I asked. I kept the training simple just to establish my relationship with each dog. Let me make it clear that Rottweilers are not the breed for everyone. I have owned and trained Rotties my entire life and I can say without reservation, they are my favorite breed of dog!!!! I have found a wonderful person to take the dogs in, and I must say that I was beginning to wonder if anyone had a heart to help. I have started pack structure training with the dogs and it went better than I expected. I walked the dogs around outside just to give them the much needed outside time they deserve. The doggie rehab is under way and I will be moving them soon to their new location. Please remember that dogs deserve a chance at a good quality life!!!!!!!!!!! I will update the training after each session with the dogs. The next training session is Monday 7/26/10.