Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Holiday Pet Safety

Holiday Pet Safety
By Robert Forto, PhD

My name is Dr. Robert Forto and I am the training director of Denver Dog Works and The Ineka Project in Colorado. I am asked all the time about holiday do’s and don’ts from pet owners. While I always offer an article right around Christmas about training Christmas puppies I thought it would be wise to offer some tips to pet owners on holiday safety before the season’s festivities reaches a crescendo. While most of this is common sense, it is the little things that we overlook during this busy time of the year that can turn a joyous season into a nightmare for your pet if you do not take some steps to ensure their safety.

The holiday season can get pretty hectic, and with the decorations and extra goodies around the house, there is a lot your pet can find to get into. Here are a few safety tips to help keep your pets safe and happy during the festivities:

Christmas trees
Firmly secure the tree in its stand, and consider wire or twine ties attached to the wall to help secure the tree. You’ll want to make sure the tree doesn’t topple over if, or more likely when, kitty tries to climb the tree.

Dogs and cats will often try to drink water from the reservoir in the stand. The sap from the tree itself may irritate your pet's stomach, and preservatives added to the water may be toxic. Devise a cover to fit around the base of the tree—even a towel wrapped around the trunk covering the stand will do.

Research also shows that the chemicals used in producing artificial trees contain chemicals that can be harmful or even fatal if ingested by your pet. While there are many pro’s and con’s to having a natural versus an artificial Christmas tree, this fact alone should make the decision a little easier.

Ornamentation is very attractive, especially to kittens, cats and puppies, but may be deadly. The tinsel, ribbon and glitter can cause intestinal blockages. Protect your pet by placing these items high enough to be out of reach. Packages under the tree may offer the same threat—the ribbons are just too hard to resist, and your pet may end up chewing on them while playing.

Those wonderful goodies
Holidays are the time for lots of baking, and receiving of baked gifts. These items smell just wonderful to your pet. Your dog may help himself to the candy, cookies, or part of the holiday meal if you are not looking. Eating people food may lead to indigestion, diarrhea, or worse. Remember, items containing chocolate can poison a dog, even if it is a small amount.

Remains of the holiday meal left on countertops, tables, and even in the garbage will entice your pets. If there is a way to get to it, be assured your dog will certainly try. Bones from turkey, a roast, or ham may splinter if eaten. Older garbage may even contain enough bacteria to poison a pet. Be careful where the trash is held while waiting to be disposed of.

And of course I don’t need to remind you that begging at that table can cause major behavior problems in the future…

Other Decorations
Plants, especially poinsettias, are often used for decoration in November and December. Some of these plants contain toxins that can irritate your pet’s gastrointestinal tract if chewed on or eaten. Eating enough of some plants may poison your dog or cat. In some cases it may be the leaves, in others the stem, berries, or roots. Your veterinarian or behaviorist can help guide you, or you can do a bit of research at the library or online to see if any of your holiday plants may be harmful to your pets.

Toys
On Christmas morning when all of those toys are being played with (and soon forgotten, I might add) they contain many hazards for pets. Small toys, balls, marbles, board game pieces, BB’s from the Red Rider BB gun with the compass in the stock that your son just had to have!, and electric cords are all dangerous to your cat or dog.

Taking a few minutes to set some family guidelines and spot potential safety hazards could keep this holiday season from having serious consequences for your four-footed family member.

In the coming weeks Dr. Forto will be publishing and article on training Christmas puppies. His position is that you should never give a puppy for a Christmas present but thousands are given as gifts each year. In this article Dr. Forto will discuss when to train your dog, how to properly care for him and who should be in charge. Just remember that shelters are full of dogs that were once bundles of Christmas morning joy that grew up too fast and were not trained. Dr. Forto and his certified trainers at Denver Dog Works are here to help.

This article is provided as a general overview of the topic. Always consult your veterinarian or behaviorist for specific information related to diseases or medical care for pets.
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Dr. Robert Forto is a canine behaviorist and the training director of Denver Dog Works in Colorado. He can be reached through his website at www.denverdogworks.com

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Competition between Dogs

Competition between Dogs
By Robert Forto, PhD

When animals live together in close social groups such as a sled dog kennel, they often compete for limited resources and dominance of the dog pack. These situations create the need for social communication systems. If the dogs in the kennel do not communicate with each other, the competition is unregulated and uncontrolled. If there is no control over the competition the dogs waste time in pointless fighting and the risk of injury is greater for those dogs competing for those resources. One of Robert Forto’s dogs, Muffassa, would constantly be getting into fights over the daily food ration. It came to the point where human intervention was required to save this dog’s life. Communication systems have been developed for regulating such a conflict. Techniques such as threat and submissive displays make fighting less frequent, less disruptive, and less severe. If fighting is a problem in a sled dog kennel, then it will be the musher’s number one priority to find a solution to this problem. If the dogs fight at home, then they will surely fight at a race, which can cause severe consequences to both the musher and the team.

When dogs live in large social groups, such as a sled dog kennel, they can present significant problems to their environment. To prevent such problems, groups develop a territory for themselves and organize their groups with a definite hierarchy. The groups are maintained by a variety of auditory, visual, and olfactory signals.

Establishing a Territory

Wolves in the wild look as if to establish a territory and define an area through urine marking and vocalization. Sled dogs appear do the same thing. As males mature they begin to mark their kennel areas and their places on the dog truck to define their space.

If the wolves detect other wolves intruding on their territory they will threaten or attack the intruder if necessary. Establishing and defending a territory helps wolves to spread themselves over a wider geographical area, thereby preventing over-hunting, which results in a reduction in the number of prey animals.

Competition between individuals in the same group is regulated through the use of threat and submissive displays. The most easily recognized social communication displays are those associated with threat and submission. With sled dogs, threat displays may involve alpha takedowns, growling or snapping, and urinating in the water bowls and other the more subordinate dog’s faces.

Establishing a Dominance Hierarchy

Establishing a territory in the wild puts some distance between groups, which in turn helps to regulate excessive competition and conflict over environmental resources. Establishing a dominance hierarchy within a sled dog kennel will put distance between the individual members in terms of social rank or status. Social harmony between animals living in groups depends on a fine balance between competition and cooperation. Excessive conflict and strife between members of a social group will gradually cause the group to dissolve. Communicating through highly ritualized threat and submissive displays allows competitive animals to interact and cooperate with one another in relative harmony.


Forto, R., Interview by James Myers 16 May 2005. Interview 1.
Forto, R., Interview by James Myers 16 May 2005. Interview 1.

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Dr. Robert Forto is the training director for Dog Works Training Centers and is the host of a weekly radio program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show, every Saturday. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com

Monday, December 7, 2009

Canine C.P.R.

Canine C.P.R.
By Robert Forto, PhD

My name is Dr. Robert Forto and I am the training director of Denver Dog Works and The Ineka Project in Colorado. We specialize in canine sports and working dogs. Our training school is not like any other in the Denver area. We train your dog after he already has manners (well, we train for that too) and provide you and your dog “fun” and “challenging” avenues to build the human-canine bond. It is my opinion that every dog needs a job to do. Whether that job is competing in agility, working as a service dog, hiking in the mountains with you, just being a couch potato, or just fetching the morning paper, they need something to occupy their time. With that, dogs can get themselves into trouble, sometimes life-threatening, and you should know what to do in case of an emergency. Denver Dog Works is one of the only schools in Colorado that teaches a canine first aid and C.P.R. course. It not only teaches you how to respond in an emergency, but certifies you too!

In this article I am going to talk about canine cardio-pulmonary-resuscitation. Knowing this procedure could mean life or death for your best (furry) friend and I will attest I have used it several times on dogs over the years and it does work. I am sure that many of you have been certified from time to time in human C.P.R. at your local Red Cross chapter if you were a life-guard, a boy/girl scout, a babysitter, and myriad other jobs, but did you ever think that your dog may need this life saving procedure too? The steps in canine C.P.R. are very similar to the human counter-part but I do not advise you to expect that the techniques you learned when you were a scout will just magically come back to mind when your dog is in dire distress.

I urge all of you to read this article and sign up for our course in canine first aid and C.P.R. it could be the best decision you ever make for your dog. For more information on upcoming classes check us out at www.denverdogworks.com or give us a call at 303-522-1727 anytime.

As I said before, providing C.P.R. to a pet is very much like giving C.P.R. to a human. The same steps are followed:

A. Airway
Is there an open airway from the mouth to the lungs? Can you feel any breath passing in/out of the nose or mouth? Check the mouth by opening the jaws and pulling the tongue forward, and look for any blockages or foreign objects. Remove any foreign objects and check again for breath. If the airway is still blocked, and the pet’s mucous membranes (gums) are blue, then you may need to perform a Heimlich-like action to loosen any object that may be farther back in the throat.

B. Is the animal breathing on its own?
If no objects, food or mucus are obstructing the airway, you may begin artificial respiration. Lay the animal on its side, and gently tilt the head back. Pull the tongue forward. Close your hands around the muzzle to form as airtight a seal as possible, and place your mouth over the nostrils of the pet’s nose. Blow 4-5 breaths rapidly, then check to see if the pet begins to breathe on its own. Smaller pets will need more breaths per minute (20-30) than a large dog that requires only 15-20 breaths per minute.

C. Circulation
Can you feel a heartbeat or pulse? An animal that is alert and responsive, even if it can't get up, will not require compressions. If there is no heartbeat, then you may begin chest compressions. Lay the pet on its right side, find the point of the pet’s elbow and place it against the ribs. This is where your hands need to go. Compress the chest 1/2 to 1 inch (slightly more for a giant breed or really large dog), and provide a breath every 5-6 compressions (have a second person do the breathing if available). Check for a pulse. Repeat the process if no pulse or heartbeat is detected. Transport the pet to a veterinary hospital as soon as possible; if after twenty minutes your efforts are not producing results, then you have done your best under difficult circumstances.

This article is provided as a general overview of the topic and not meant to be used as instructions at the time of an emergency for your dog. If you would like more information on our canine first aid and C.P.R. classes please give us a call. Always consult your veterinarian for specific information related to diseases or medical care for pets.

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Dr. Robert Forto is the training director for Dog Works Training Centers. Dr. Forto hosts a weekly radio program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show, every Saturday at 9:30 am MDT. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com

Monday, November 30, 2009

Winterrize Your Dog

Have You Winterized Your Dog?
By Robert Forto, PhD


Cold weather brings its own safety and health concerns for both people and dogs. As a responsible dog owner, it is important to pay attention to your dog’s well-being during the winter. Remember the following precautions to help keep your pet comfortable, healthy and safe all season.

Provide Plenty of Fresh Water

Your dog is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer. Snow is not a satisfactory substitute for water.

Provide Plenty of Food

Feed your dog additional calories if it spends a lot of time outdoors or is a working animal. It takes more energy in the winter to keep the body temperature regulated, so additional; calories are necessary.

Keep Your Dog’s Paws Dry
Rinse your dog’s feet and dry them completely after a walk. This helps avoid tiny cuts and cracked pads. A little petroleum jelly or bag balm may soften the pads and prevent further cracking. Dog booties also work well.

Groom Your Dog Regularly

Your dog needs a well-groomed coat to keep properly insulated. Towel or blow-dry your dog if it gets wet from rain or snow.

Keep Your Dog Warm, Dry and Away From Drafts

Adequate shelter is a necessity. Tiles and uncarpeted areas may become extremely cold. Place blankets and pads on floors in these areas.

Watch Out for Winter Hazards

Cold: Do not leave your dog outside for long periods of time. Wind-chill makes days colder than actual temperature readings, and dogs are susceptible to frostbite on their ears, tails and feet.

Ice and Snow: Be extra careful when walking or playing with your dog outside. Your dog could slip or jump in a frozen lake, river or pond and get seriously injured. Snow can muffle scents and your dog can easily get lost.

Carbon Monoxide: Do not leave your dog alone in the car. It gets too cold, and carbon monoxide from an engine left running is dangerous.

Antifreeze: Although it smells and tastes good to your dog, antifreeze is highly poisonous and can be lethal.

Winter Sports


There are many winter sports that you and your dog can do together. Hiking, snowshoeing, skijoring, jogging, camping, cross-county skiing, mushing or dog sledding and more. Please make sure that you have your dog checked out by your veterinarian and it has a clean bill of health. It you plan to take part in any winter activity please train your dog accordingly and enjoy the snow! Denver Dog Works specializes in canine sports and we can help you and your dog achieve your goals together.

If you would like to schedule a no-cost evaluation to discuss winter sports with your dog please give us a call at 303-752-2818 or email at train@denverdogworks.com

Citation: www.akc.org
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Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Denver Dog Works in Colorado. He can be reached through his website at www.denverdogworks.com

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

The Power of Your Mind in Dog Training

The Power of Your Mind in Dog Training
By Robert Forto, PhD

Just this past week we had an encore airing of one of most popular shows, Mind-Body Dog Training on the Dog Doctor Radio Show. If you want to change the way your dog performs this is something you will not want to miss.

Think about it, you are about to head into the ring for a big obedience match or a conformation show. Of course you are nervous. You have worked so hard for this big day. Up until now you and your dog have been in perfect synchronicity. Haven't you? You have done your pre-game prep and you are up next.

Then something catches your dogs eye and your whole dog training world comes crumbling down. Your dog gets spooked, you tense up and your dog pulls away. Your run in the ring ends in chaos and you are disqualified. Something you have worked so hard on for the past two years: all of those individual lessons with your private trainer, the perfect pick of the litter puppy, all that money, gone in an instant!

What if you could change that just by harnessing the power of your mind? No, I am not talking about some freakish mind over matter, late night TV infomercial garbage. I am talking about a centuries old process known as Neuro Linguistic Programing (NLP). In a sense it is a model of how we communicate and our personality. While this process has been around for centuries, the NLP model was developed in the 1970’s by Richard Bandler, John Grinder and others. This model explains how we process the information that comes from our outside world. Their belief is “the map is not the territory.” And so the internal representations that we make about an outside event are not necessarily the event itself.

Makes sense doesn't it? Even in dog training we can use this process to make you and your dog the the best team in the world. Even if you don’t compete and just have a “lazy mutt” that likes to play fetch in the back yard.

You see, Dr. Robert Forto is a practitioner of NLP, and his training school, Denver Dog Works has a motto: We have the best and train the best. By employing the processes of NLP in our training programs we too can make your dog one of the best too. This is cutting edge training in the dog training world. Nobody does this and that is why they can not hold claim to our title.

Do you want to see how it works? Here’s how. Typically what happen is that there is an external event (your dog getting spooked in the ring) an we then run that event though our internal processing. We then make an Internal Representation (I/R) of that event. That I/R of the event combines with a physiology and that creates a state. “State” refers to our emotional state--a happy state, a sad state, a motivated state, or in our case with our dog in the ring, and anxious state. Our I/R includes our internal pictures, sounds and dialogue and our feelings (for example, whether we feel anxious and challenged in our dog’s training and performance). A given state is the result of the combination of an internal representations and a physiology. So what happens is that an event comes through our sensory input channels which I can teach you in NLP training and training your dog to be the best.

After the event becomes an I/R it is how our mind processes this information and the outcome that is achieved. We use filters in our mind to accomplish this and this is where the real power of NLP comes into play. For example I am just going to talk about one: Beliefs. Beliefs are generalizations about how our world is. One of the important elements in the NLP model is to find out a persons beliefs about a particular behavior we are trying to model. Richard Bandler says “Beliefs are those things we can’t get around.” Beliefs are the presuppositions that we have about the way of the world us that we either create or deny personal power to us. So beliefs are essentially our on/off switch for our ability to do anything in the world. In our dog training example. Make you and your dog the best dog team ever! Wouldn't that be great? Go into the ring and get a qualifying score every time? Heck yes it would!

So if you would like to find out more about mind-body dog training, I highly encourage you to give us a call. We truly to have the best and train the rest. Do you want to win too? Yes you do!

Citation: The Accelerated NLP Practitioner Certification Training Manual

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Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Denver Dog Works and The Ineka Project. Dr. Forto is also a practitioner of NLP and is the host of a weekly show, The Dog Doctor Radio and can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com

Friday, November 13, 2009

The Business End of the Leash: Dog Works Training Centers

The Business End of the Leash
Welcome to The Dog Works Training Center Business Opportunity
By Robert Forto, PhD

Thinking about a career, maybe you’re thinking about your next career, or just supplementing your income. Look no further. At The Dog Works Training Center – We have the best and train the rest!

Our founders Dr. Robert Forto, Ph.D. and his wife Michele set out a decade ago to build the best dog training center in Denver, Colorado. Through hard work and perseverance they now can help you Never Forget Your Dreams!

A Dog Works Training Center Business Opportunity not only trains you how to become the best dog trainer you can be but the training program has a key emphasis on training you how to manage and market your new business. Our program is different from the rest. Dr. Forto is an animal behaviorist and holds an M.B.A. with 20 years of dog training and industry experience. He has written and teaches his own canine obedience instructor certification course which is the first step. By ensuring that you learn the business end of the leash not only will you be successful you will see results immediately.

The pet industry is ever-expanding and growing, even in the current economic state. In today’s lifestyle many families are carrying more than one job and in some cases one or more persons is working a second job. Mom is looking for a legitimate work-from-home business are amongst are most interested clientele.

Becoming a certified canine obedience instructor and a business owner of your own dog works training center gives you a sense of worth and gives you opportunities every day to help people and their dogs begin to live the lifestyle that they imagined when they first got their dog. Challenging things happen along the way, that’s where a certified canine obedience instructor is most sought after. Just review some of the statistics. There are more than 75 million pet dogs in the U.S. This year Americans will spend more than $40 billion to keep our pets fed, adorned, amused, and healthy with more owners paying top dollar for elaborate medical treatments to forestall that inevitable last visit to the vet. By the end of the decade, Americans will be spending $50 billion on pet products, according to the APPMA (American Pet Products Manufacturers Association) (2000 – 2001). 47% of owners consider their pets full-fledged family members.

As certified/business, owner/instructor of a Dog Works Training Center in your city, you will be the answer to those dog owners that love their dogs, but just cannot find a way to deal with barking, house breaking, obedience, or other behavioral problems. Every year thousands of dogs unfortunately end of in shelters because owners just cannot find a way to solve their dogs’ behavioral problems. We have many testimonials thanking us teaching families how to maintain the lifestyle with their dogs that they imagined when they picked out their dog that first day.

If you expect the best and want to be the best, then this is the business opportunity you have been looking for.

What could dog training do for me? Becoming a certified canine obedience instructor allows you to set your own schedule, help people to have a more enjoyable relationship with their dog and much more. Dog training allows you to work closely with dogs and if you’re already dabbling in dog training then this is the perfect business opportunity for you.

I am sure there are plenty of dog trainers out there, why would someone pick me? As certified/business, owner/instructor of a Dog Works Training Center in your city you will be the most sought after trainer because you took the time to become certified. You will be trusted and awarded for your efforts in the dog training community.

A Dog Training Career is what you will have when you complete are comprehensive training program.
• Positive reinforcement training;
• The business end of the leash – effectively learn how to promote your new business;
• Continued support from Dog Works Training Center headquarters;
• Business Package includes; correspondence certification course that prepares you to take the National Certification exam, business and sales development training, branding, advertising, website, on-site apprenticeship, life time support, access to our training resources database, Behaviorist Consultations, seminars, conferences, events, and much more.

At The Dog Works Training Center, We have the best and train the rest! We provide you with detailed information and training to get your business of to a great start. Not only are we canine obedience instructors and business savvy, but Dr. Forto has written a course to help you become a certified obedience instructor. The Canine Behavioral Sciences course is what sets The Dog Works Training Center apart from all other franchise opportunities out there. The course can be completed in just 12 weeks, making it the most comprehensive course out there. Not only teaching you how to train but recognize behaviors and certain health conditions contributing to the dogs overall stability.

If you would like to learn more information please contact us by email at info@dogtrainingcenter.com or call anytime at 303-578-9881.

The Dog Works Training Center, LLC will refund 100% of licensing fees you pay us if, at any time during the 12 week training program, it is deemed by the instructors that you will not successfully complete the DW Business Owner Certification. Why do we have such simple, pervasive guarantee and put it in writing? We have a reputation to protect. If you cannot grasp the business from the outset, we’d rather recruit and train another owner in your market right away.

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Dr. Robert Forto is the training director for The Dog Works Training Center, LLC and of several other dog training schools. Dr. Forto hosts a weekly radio show, The Dog Doctor Radio Show, every Saturday. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com

Monday, November 9, 2009

Unleashed Show 1

Unleashed
Show Notes: Show 1
November 9, 2009

Welcome to Unleashed a show about dogs, training, education, business, and dog related subjects.

I’m your host, Michele Forto. I co-own and operate Denver Dog Works a premier training center in Denver, Colorado. In fact, Denver Dog Works is the first Dog Works Training Center.

A Dog Works Training Center is the most comprehensive dog training facility of its kind. Dog Works Training Centers offer; puppy classes, obedience, board and train, group, Canine Good Citizen, competition obedience, rally, agility, skijoring, mushing and many other dog related sports.

Denver Dog Works Training Center also has at our disposal the expertise of our own canine behaviorist, Dr. Robert Forto.

Dr. Forto is the most sought after expert on aggression in the region.
Unleashed in the future shows will be demonstrating training tips and tricks. Be sure to tune in weekly here at http://www.ustream.tv/dogdoctorradio

Since this is our first show I’d like to take the next minute or two and introduce myself.

I have over 15 years of dog training, breeding, and kennel management experience. I work closely with my husband Dr. Forto on a program we developed called Peak Performance. Peak Performance is a specialized training program which encompasses basic obedience or Canine Good Citizen training with an introduction to higher more advanced or specific training such as protection.

I supervise and developed the training program for the service dogs trained through Denver Dog Works. We train for a multitude of ailments; psychiatric, autistic, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, mobility, and medical alert.

Check out my page on our website http://www.denverdogworks.com

You can follow me on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, and U Stream. Become a fan of Denver Dog Works on Facebook for up to date training tips and tricks.
For more in-depth subjects listen to our radio show. The Dog Doctor Radio show at http://dogdoctorradio.com

Or
You can read the many blog posts at http://www.fortoblog.com
Next week’s show: The Difference Between a Therapy Dog and Service Dog.
Thank you watching Unleashed

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Influential People in Learning Theory Part II

Canine Trainers Forum: Influential People in Learning Theory Part II
By Robert Forto, PhD

This is a weekly series of articles on Canine Training. We will post these articles every Saturday. We are going to start by posting articles about the history of human-canine communication and learning theory and why this approach is the de-facto method of training our companion animals. The training methods used by many trainers and training schools simply do not work. They are not based on the principles of how a dog learns. I classify these types of trainers into two groups: Yank and Crank and Wait and See trainers (We will discuss both of these methods in a future article so stay tuned and subscribe to our blog on our website Denver Dog Works). Both of these methods will have a degree of success but not a long term effect on changing your dog's overall behavior. Both of these methods are an "easy way out" for training your dog.
I will be the first to admit that dog training is work. Hard work and it takes a great deal of knowledge, understanding, patience and adaption in order for it to be a success. Do you want to go to a trainer or training school that has a trainer that is still wet-behind-the-ears or is earning minimum wage at a big box store? Or do you want to go to a professional that has literally lived with a pack of sled dogs for the better part of fifteen years and earned his doctorate on the basis of human-canine communication? If you would like to talk about this in more detail, I encourage you to give us a call anytime at 303-578-9881 303-578-9881 or send us an email at train@denverdogworks.com We look forward to hearing from you!
Influential People in the Development of Learning Theory
Pavlov, Thorndike, and Watson
Many attribute the beginning point of modern theories of behavior to Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936).A Russian physiologist, and Nobel Prize winner, Pavlov studied digestion in dogs.While conducting this research he observed his canine subjects salivating before the food was presented.Pavlov reasoned that his dogs were displaying this behavior in response to either the presence of his lab assistants, or the sound of the door opening.
Pavlov then conducted a series of experiments where he rang a bell just prior to feeding his canines.After a number of trials, the ringing of the bell by itself elicited the reflexive salivation of the canines.This phenomenon became known as Pavlovian or classical conditioning.Pavlov had succeeded in taking a reflexive action and putting it on cue, thereby creating a "conditioned reflex".This new science became known as respondent conditioning, and was an important predecessor to modern operant conditioning.Respondent conditioning and conditioned reflexive responses explain why a dog begins to salivate when its owner begins the feeding ritual.The understanding of this type of conditioning can enhance a trainer's procedure.Most training procedures are indeed built upon the principles of operant conditioning, which will be discussed in greater depth in a later part of this chapter.Respondent conditioning on the other hand is most useful when trying to change a dog's behavior.Some examples might be habituation, counter-conditioning, systematic desensitization, and flooding.These principles will also be discussed later in this chapter.
Edward Lee Thorndike (1874-1949) studied the effect different consequences have on behaviors.Thorndike is known for the Law of Effect, which simply states that responses or behaviors that produce pleasant rewards are likely to increase in frequency.This law is the foundation on which operant conditioning is built, and is the predecessor of all the "treat training" now being advocated in modern dog training.Thorndike's experiments were being conducted in the United States near the time that Pavlov's dogs were salivating in Russia.
J.B. Watson (1878-1958) has been credited as the father of modern behaviorism.A psychologist who worked at John Hopkins University, as well as, The University of Chicago, Watson emphasized the need to move the study of behavior away from the concentration on thoughts and feelings towards a more scientific, experimental study of behavior.Watson is best known for his "Little Albert" study in which he and his colleague, R. Rayner, conditioned a fear reaction in an eleven-month-old boy named Albert.The study went like this:
"Initially, Albert was allowed to play freely with a white rat.Then, a loud noise was presented whenever Albert reached out and touched the rat.The noise was loud enough to startle Albert.In one week, whenever the rat was presented Albert would cry, even without the noise.He also generalized his fear to other things, including a dog, a rabbit, and a Santa Claus mask.Watson used respondent conditioning (in this case, the startle reflex) to modify Albert's behavior." [i]
Skinner, Keller, and Schoenfeld
B.F. Skinner (1904-1990) continued the work that Thorndike started.He was the leading advocate of a more modern version of Thorndike's Law of Effect, which states, "The frequency of a behavior increases or decreases according to the result it [the behavior] produces." [ii]
When Skinner was pursuing his doctorate at Harvard University he discovered that he could methodically change the behavior of lab rats by rewarding them with food.This study proceeded in the following stages:
"First, the rat was rewarded simply for facing the correct end of the cage.Next, the rat was rewarded only when it stood next to the lever.Later stages delayed the reward until the rat touched the lever with its body.Eventually the rat learned it had to press the lever to receive a pellet of food." [iii]
Skinner's viewpoints were unique in that he felt the proper study of behavior should be limited to "observable events" of behavior, and instead of how the subject might think.He consistently argued against making interpretations based on events that could not be observed.Skinner did not discuss intervening variables, such as hunger or thirst, when interpreting behavioral learning.
In 1938, B.F. Skinner published The Behavior of Organisms (New York: D. Appleton-Century Co.).Many consider this milestone work the leading authority on the science of operant conditioning.Today many dog trainers are using clickers for training canines; clickers are conditioned reinforcers that have been used by conditioning experts since the 1940's.Skinner wrote about clickers, which he called "crickets", in a paper called How to Teach Animals in 1951.
While on the faculty of the University of Minnesota, Skinner's study of operant conditioning principles was expanded to include pigeons.He was studying a phenomenon known as extinction when it occurred to him to ask himself, are theories of learning necessary?As previously discussed Skinner felt the study of behavior should be limited to events that were observable and measurable.Skinner maintained that the science of behavior should actually deal with behavior in its relation to variables that could be systematically manipulated.
Skinner was a leading advocate of Expectancy Theory; it was his contention that learning theory was in reality nothing more that expectancy.He wrote, "When we assert that an animal acts in a given way because it expects to receive food [or any reinforcers], then what began as the task of accounting for a learned behavior becomes the task of accounting for expectancy." [iv] Skinner is also partially credited for moving the science of operant conditioning beyond the lab, and towards a viable technology for changing behavior.
Fred S. Keller (1899-1966) is well known for his work on a teaching method known as Personalized System of Instruction (PSI).Keller was a classmate, and lifelong friend of B. F. Skinner. While it is true that Skinner ultimately wound up on the faculty at Harvard, where as Keller taught at Columbia, they remained colleagues throughout their lives.
In 1947, Fred Keller teamed up with William Schoenfeld (1915-1996) at Columbia University and began to teach the first college psychology course employing Skinner's methods.Undergraduate students taught rats to respond to stimuli in order to obtain reinforcement.Keller and Schoenfeld published the first text in the emerging field of operant conditioning in 1950 entitled Principles of Psychology.
Breland and Bailey
In 1938, Marian Kruse, a research assistant, was bitten by one of B. F. Skinner's lab rats.On her way to receive medical attention Kruse met Keller Breland, a brilliant and ambitious graduate student in psychology. A professional and personal relationship developed and they were married in 1941; the same year the United States was going to war.
B. F. Skinner was convinced that the science of operant conditioning could be used to effectively help the war effort.Skinner's prior experience with the behavior of pigeons was invaluable to Project Pelican.Keller and Marian Breland trained pigeons to guide bombs for the Navy; fittingly these bombs were called "pelicans".Project Pelican was disbanded in 1943, but Marian Breland carried on by training animals for commercials and animal shows.
The Brelands published Applied Animal Psychology in 1951.This paper described how operant conditioning could be used to teach animals.They are credited by many for ushering in the commercial application of the science of operant conditioning.
With stories in The Wall Street Journal, Time, and even Life; the Brelands were obviously quite popular.With this popularity, Marine Studios in Florida noticed the Brelands and worked with them to develop a dolphin act.The development of this same act led to the publication of the first procedural training manual for dolphin trainers.Operant conditioning and conditioned reinforcers played an enormous role in the training procedures of dolphins due to the distance that the trainer is removed from the subject.
The Brelands' involvement with dolphins brought them, and their teaching methods, to the attention of the Navy yet again.A zoologist from the University of California by the name of Bob Bailey headed up the Navy's Dolphins at Sea program.In 1965 Bailey drew on the extensive experience of the Brelands in respect to the behavior of pigeons. In this with respect, in developing an ambush detection system for the Army.In the same year Keller Breland passed away.Bob Bailey and Marian Breland continued the work that the three of them had started. They were eventually married in 1976.
Bob Bailey also developed the concept of a bridging stimulus, which is a method of using a "bridge of time" between the subject animals' correct response and the delivery of a primary reinforcer.
The value of the contribution that these individuals made to the advancement of learning theory is without measure and cannot be understated.Because of their redundant work the understanding of learning has made important advancements throughout the years. If you would like to read my doctorate dissertation: Chasing the Dream: A History of Human-Canine Communication in the Sport of Dog Sledding in its entirety it can be purchased as a .pdf from for $19.10 please send me an email at train@denverdogworks.com and I will arrange it.


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[i] Burch, M., Ph.D., and Bailey, J. S., Ph.D ., How Dogs Learn. Howell Book House,1999, Pg. 5.
[ii] Plonsky, M., Ph.D., " How Dogs Learn," Thomson Education Direct, Scranton, PA, 2001, Pg. 36.
[iii] Plonsky, M., Ph.D., " How Dogs Learn," Thomson Education Direct, Scranton, PA, 2001, Pg. 36. Pg. 37
[iv] Skinner, B.F., Are Theories of Learning Necessary?, (1950), Web Document: "Classics in the History of Psychology" by Christopher D. Green, http://psychclassics.yorku.ca/Skinner/Theories.
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Dr. Robert Forto is the training director for Denver Dog Works and the Ineka Project in Colorado. Dr. Forto hosts a weekly program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show every Saturday. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Domminance Aggression

Dominance Aggression
By Robert Forto, PhD

Dogs do not see pack members as equals, instead, a hierarchy must be established to show which is of higher and lower rank to keep peace within the pack. Any number of pack members living together, whether dog or human, must have an established hierarchy in the dog’s eyes, in order to get along. This hierarchy, although flexible due to the level of motivation in a particular situation, is established and maintained through a variety of communication signals, through vocalization, body language and mute signaling.
When challenged, a lower ranking pack member must quickly demonstrate deferral or submission to the higher ranking dog, in order to avoid aggressive discipline and enforcement to the higher ranking dog. This aggressive enforcement is instigated by the lower ranking pack member failing to defer quickly enough to the higher ranking dog. This aggressive display is called Dominance Aggression.

• The dog is in the presence of a valued resource such as; the food bowl with or without food, human food, toys, bones, rawhide, garbage, stolen items, the owner, or sleeping place.
• A person attempts to remove a valued resource such as those listed above.
• The dog is approached.
• The dog is spoken to.
• The dog is verbally or physically reprimanded.
• The dog is petted or handled or examined.
• The dog’s nails are being trimmed.
• The dog is picked up.
• The dog is restrained.
• The dog is disturbed while sitting or sleeping.
• The dog is lying on an area perceived as a bed or den such as; couch, chair, owner’s bed, dog’s bed, blanket, under a table, etc.
• A family member is approached, touched or spoken to by an outsider or other family member.
• Human postures or communication perceived as controlling or challenging such as; direct eye contact, reaching or leaning over top of the dog, approaching or, speaking to the dog, verbally or physically punishing the dog, etc.
How Dominant Dogs Control Their Owners
• Demanding food or attention.
• Demanding to be picked up or put down.
• Demanding play.
• Being aloof when the owner offers attention.
• Blocking the owner’s movements with her body.
• Shoulder and hip slams.
• Mouthing and biting.
• Resisting commands.
• Resisting discipline.
• Resisting handling.
• Protecting valued resources.
• Growling, snarling.
• Staring.
• Mounting and pelvic thrusts.
• Rarely exhibiting submissive body signals such as; lowering the body, looking away, rolling over.
How Owners Contribute to Dominance
• Games without rules.
• Allowing the dog to direct human behavior.
• Rewarding demands for food or attention.
• Allowing the dog on the furniture.
• Inconsistency in training.
• Lack of training.
• Backing down from challenges.
• Excessive attention and/or petting
• Allowing the dog to invade their personal space uninvited.
When Is Dominance Aggression Most Likely to Occur
• In dogs over one year of age.
• In dogs bred from one or both dominant or dominant aggressive parents.
• In intact, purebred dogs.
• In confident, assertive, excitable dogs.
• In breeds more prone to dominance ie; spaniels, terriers, toy breeds.
• In dogs with a history of skin disorders or illness early in life.
Treatment for Dominance Aggression
The Re-Ranking Program
• Ignore ALL demands. It is the job of the top ranking dog to make the decisions and direct the behavior of the rest of the pack. By responding to the dog’s demands, no matter how subtle or insignificant, you are allowing the dog to perceive himself as a strong leader.
• No freebees! The dog must earn absolutely everything of value from a drink of water to a car ride, by performing a previously taught command.
• Remove all valued resources that elicit an aggressive response.
• Follow the desensitization program for possessive aggression to prevent or cure possessive aggression.
• Put the dog on a natural, non-performance diet.
• Put the dog on a feeding schedule to make treats a more effective training tool.
• All treats must be earned and used for training and rehabilitation only; it increases their value to the dog.
• Never feed the dog while preparing or eating food. In the wild, alpha eats first and can take food from anyone, by giving the dog your food, you are giving she alpha position.
• Teach food bowl exercises to prevent or cure food bowl aggression.
• Take back some territory in the home by not allowing the dog access, MINE! The dog must not have access when the owner is away. When the owner is home the barrier is removed and a leash is put on the dog. If the dog approaches the barrier the owner will growl a warning, “OUT”. If the dog crosses the barrier the owner walks the dog back out with the leash.
• Less petting and attention will make the dog earn what she gets.
• Ration games and only play them WITH RULES.
• Make the dog hold a short down stay before allowing freedom in a fenced yard.
• Leave a twenty to forty foot lunge line on the dog while enjoying free time in the yard, occasionally pick up the end of the lunge line and complete a recall. When the dog comes in, reward and release.
• Do not allow the dog on the furniture. A ten foot leash can be used for removal if she gets up with an “off” command (DO NOT grab her collar to for this correction.
• Practice placement commands. Hold the ten foot leash, move away from the dog, give the command “come”, when she comes to you, reward and repeat three times. Release with an “all done” at the end of the exercise.
• Desensitize the dog to handling and restraint.
• Teach the dog to “watch me” on command and to hold the eye contact for up to 30 seconds in the presence of major distractions, with the handler establishing and breaking the eye contact.
• Begin a complete training program using positive reinforcement methods only to increase handler control over and respect from the dog.
• Always reward good behavior and quick correct responses with something of value to the dog i.e.; treats, toy, game, walk, etc.
• Teach the dog to “place” and “down stay” for up to thirty minutes, then release.
• A gentle leader will increase handler control helping the dog to remain calm and focused. It can be left on the dog indoors until control is established.
• Use a ten foot indoor lead to increase handler control when necessary.
• Begin training with the most dominant member of the family and gradually work your way down to the least.
• List all the triggers for aggression.
• Systematically desensitize the dog to each aggression trigger.
• Use counter conditioning to replace unwanted aggressive behavior with a behavior that is incompatible.
• Use creative avoidance to prevent aggressive episodes.
• Use environmental management to ensure that the dog’s environment works for, not against, your rehabilitation program.
• Never leave the dog unsupervised in the presence of anyone who is not a trained part of your rehabilitation program, especially children.
• Once an obvious new hierarchy has been established you can relax with some of these rules, but if the dog begins to challenge again, even in subtle ways, take control back IMMEDIATELY.
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Dr. Robert Forto is the training director for Denver Dog Works and The Ineka Project in Colorado. Dr. Forto hosts a weekly program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show every Saturday. Dr. Forto can be reached though his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com

Monday, November 2, 2009

Dog Law: Expert Witness for Canine Aggression Litigation

By: Robert Forto, PhD


Dog Law is a weekly series in which I explore a different topic regarding canine law, legislation and procedures related to the legal side of owning our canine companions. I have been involved as an expert witness in many cases over the years, testifying on everything from breed bans, landlord-tenant disputes, aggressive dogs, dog bites and more. I am also a canine behaviorist and paralegal. If you have any questions regarding dogs and the law I would be happy to help. While I am not an attorney and I encourage you to seek out competent legal assistance should it come to that, I can be retained in most cases by both plaintiff and defense counsel to assist in your case as an expert witness.

Expert Witness for Canine Aggression Litigation


Attorneys may be uncertain about the benefits of retaining an expert in animal behavior in dog bites cases, or how such an expert can help. This is understandable: In Colorado, and in many other states, the law specifies strict liability for injuries caused by a dog bite. Thus, when only damages are contested, the animal behavior expert's role may be limited. However, if liability is contested, then having an animal behavior expert on your side may mean the difference between winning and losing.

Ten areas in which the opinions of an animal behavior expert can help the dog bite attorney:

1. Whether provocation was a factor in causing the dog to bite;

2. Breed identification and behavioral proclivities of different breeds;

3. The side effects of drugs and how they impact aggressive responding and the safety and reliability of dog training equipment;

4. The behavioral capabilities of the dog at the time the incident happened;

5. The dangerous or vicious nature of the dog in question;

6. The care and maintenance of a dog and how these factors influence behavior;

7. Was the incident foreseeable to the dog owner, or a landlord?

8. How alleged gross misconduct of an owner impacts a dog's behavior.

9. Identification of the dog which did the biting when multiple dogs are involved in an incident;

10. Reconstruct how the incident must have happened for the purposes of discounting or supporting testimony in the case.

Dr. Robert Forto is a qualified expert for both plaintiff and defense counsel in canine behavior, aggression, bites and other pet related attacks. Dr. Forto has over 19 years direct hands-on experience as a canine behaviorist and trainer, lecture, columnist and educator.

Dr. Forto has conducted numerous seminars on the evaluation, assessment and investigation of pet related injuries for attorneys, in-house training programs, home owners associations and city councils. Dr. Forto is available to lecture to consumer attorney organizations, insurance firms, trial lawyers and city governments, municipalities, shelter organizations, non-profits, among others. Dr. Forto has developed a course on the subject and his articles have been published in numerous publications nationally and internationally.

You can follow Dr. Forto on Twitter and Facebook and listen to a weekly radio show, The Dog Doctor Radio Show.

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If you would like to have Dr. Forto speak with your group concerning pet related injuries or aggression please contact him though his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com

Thursday, October 29, 2009

We Have the Best and Train the Rest

We have the Best and Train the Rest
By Robert Forto, PhD

A lot is said about a training philosophy of a dog training school. Many times it is the first question that is asked when someone calls inquiring about bringing their dog to training. Philosophy means different things to different trainers but I assure you that if you don’t have a clear understanding of what yours is, you will lose customers.

Many people searching for dog training fall into four categories and we will discuss those with regards to your training philosophy and see if you and your training school are positioned correctly to meet the needs of your clients and their dog.

Three Types of Clients

The first type of client is the most common. It is the client whose dog has just destroyed the three thousand dollar leather couch and this is the last straw. They have put up with their dog’s “bad behavior” for too long and need help.

The second type is what I call the “big-box-store-rejects”. These are the clients that have attended a training class at a big box corporate training center and they just didn’t get their needs met. Think about it. Would you go to a doctor at a Wal-Mart? No. These training classes are great for socialization and basic manners but they are not equipped to fix behavioral problems.

The third type is “As Seen on TV” clients. These clients watch a dog training show on cable and realize that their dog has the “exact” same problem as the dog on the show. They may try a couple of the techniques (and with little success), and then call a dog training school and enter into training. The only problem with this is you will often hear them say: “It’s going to cost how much? And take how long? I just saw John (T.V. trainer’s name changed to protect the innocent) do it in 15 minutes on T.V.!”

The fourth type is the client that enjoys working with their dog. They have lived through the puppy stage, the adolescence stage, and the problem stage and now they are ready to have fun! These clients are ready to take sports classes like flyball, agility or Rally, working classes like therapy dog training or Canine Good Citizen testing, and the like.

There is nothing wrong with any of these four types of clients. These are the clients that keep you in business. These are the clients that are calling you because they need help. These are the clients that can bring you endless repeat business and referrals. But you have to meet their expectations and their training goals and this is where your training philosophy is so important.

Training Philosophy of Denver Dog Works in Bullet Points


• Know Yourself, Know Your Dog.

• A balanced dog is in a state of harmony with Mother Nature—as a calm submissive pack follower who is fulfilled physically with exercise, psychologically with rules and boundaries and limitations and emotionally with affection from his owner.

• Teach my clients the highest level of connection between two species.

• In terms of philosophy, teach my clients to choose a dog that is appropriate for them and their family.

• Teach my clients to acknowledge some deeper reasons for getting a dog: are you imposing your own emotional needs on the dog—and missing what your dog actually needs as a result?

• Teach my client the difference between discipline and punishment and how to set rules and boundaries and limitations on their dog.

• Teach my client what goes on in the canine mind and develop a stronger, more fulfilling relationship with their best friend and give back to their dog just a fraction of the many gifts he has given to you.

We Have the Best and Train the Rest

Our training philosophy at Denver Dog Works is not only a procedure but a lifestyle.
I have learned in the nineteen years of literally living with a pack of dogs and on the sled dog trail that it has offered me a unique perspective. There I was forced to examine my attitude about everything including my dogs. I was constantly challenged to become more open to the language dogs use to communicate with us. This experience confirms our deepest intuitions about the relationship of human beings not only with their dog but every aspect of their lives.
I hope to foster my clients with a diverse and varied understanding of the environment for which they live. I hope to foster a more realistic understanding of their dogs and an increased awareness of the benefits of their companionship.

Drawing on my experience as a kennel owner of 50 Siberian Huskies I will teach my clients how dog training goes far beyond the elementary instruction of basic obedience; as it must encompass a whole new attitude and lifestyle with their dog. It must touch on the levels of a dog’s own life that are often ignored.

In conclusion, I will bring my client into the world of a dog musher, canine behaviorist, and father of three by using my experience as a lens through which they may broaden their understanding of their dog. The stage will then be set for a balanced, lasting relationship between them and their best friend.

If you have any questions or if you would like to have your dog be one of the best trained dogs in the world please give us a call at 303-578-9881 or contact us through our website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
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Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Denver Dog Works and The Ineka Project in Colorado. Dr. Forto hosts a weekly radio program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show, every Saturday. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Understanding Drive Behavior

Understanding Drive Behavior

By Robert Forto, PhD

Understanding Drive Behavior in Dogs

Instinctive behaviors, those our dogs have inherited from their ancestors and that are useful in the training process, can be grouped into three categories-Prey, Pack and Defense-collectively called Drives. Each one of these is governed by a basic trait. Every dog is an individual who comes into the world with a specific grouping of genetically inherited, predetermined behaviors. How those behaviors are arranged, their intensity and how many component parts of each drive the dog has will determine temperament, personality, suitability for the task required and how the dog perceives the world.

Behaviors in Each Drive

Prey Drive includes those inherited behaviors associated with hunting, killing and feeding on prey. It is activated by motion, sound and smell. Behaviors associated with prey drive are seeing, hearing, scenting, tracking, stalking, chasing, pouncing, high-pitched barking, jumping up, biting, killing, pulling down, shaking, tearing and ripping apart, carrying, eating, digging and burying.

You see these behaviors when a dog is chasing a cat or gets excited and barks in a high-pitched tone as the cat runs up a tree. Your dog may also shake and rip apart soft toys and bury dog biscuits in the couch.

Pack Drive consists of behaviors associated with being part of a pack, including reproduction. Our dogs are social animals that evolved from the wolf. To hunt prey mostly larger than themselves, wolves have to live in a pack, which means adhering to a social hierarchy governed by strict rules of behavior to assure order. An ability to be part of a group and fit in is important, and in the dog translates itself into a willingness to work with humans as part of a team.

Pack Drive is stimulated by rank order in the social hierarchy. Physical contact, playing and behaviors associated with social interaction with another dog, such as reading body language, and reproductive behaviors such as licking, mounting, washing ears and all courting gestures are part of pack drive. The ability to breed and to be a good parent is also part of the pack drive.

A dog with many of these behaviors is one that follows you around the house, is happiest with you, loves to be petted and groomed and likes to work with you. The dog may be unhappy when left alone, which can express itself as separation anxiety.

Defense Drive is governed by survival and self-preservation and consists of both Fight and Flight behaviors. It is more complex because the same stimulus that can make a dog aggressive (Fight) can also elicit avoidance (Flight) behaviors, especially in the young dog.

Fight behaviors tend to not be fully developed until the dog is over two years of age, although tendencies toward these behaviors will be seen at an earlier age. They can be observed in Bully, the dog that “stands tall,” stares at other dogs and likes to “strut his stuff.” Bully will stand his ground or go toward unfamiliar things, guard his food, toys or territory from other dogs or people and make dislike being petted or groomed. Bully is the one that will lie in front of doorways or cupboards, and his owner walks around Bully because he would not move on his own. These are all Defense Drive (Fight) behaviors.

Flight behaviors demonstrate that the dog is unsure. Hackles that go up the full length of the body-not just the neck-hiding or running away from a new situation, a dislike of being touched by strangers or general lack of confidence are all Flight behaviors. Freezing (not going forward or backward) can be interpreted as inhibited Flight behavior.

Personality Profile for Dogs

To help us understand how to approach each individual dog’s training, we cataloged ten behaviors in each Drive that influences the dog’s responses useful to us in training, and created the Personality Profile. The ten behaviors chosen are those that most closely represent the strengths of the dog in each of the Drives. The Profile does not pretend to include all behaviors seen in a dog nor the complexity of their interaction.

The results of the profile, will tell you about your dogs drives, this will in turn give you a good starting point for tailoring a training program to your dog’s needs. You can then make the use of the dog’s strengths, avoiding needless confusion and greatly reduce the time it takes to train the dog.

Evaluating the Profile

When completing the profile, keep in mind that it was devised from a house dog or pet with an enriched environment, perhaps even a little training, and not a dog tied out in the back yard, or kept solely in a kennel. Such dogs have fewer opportunities to express as many behaviors as a house dog.

Answers should indicate those behaviors your dog would exhibit if he had not already been trained to do otherwise. For example, did he jump on people or the counter to steal food before he was trained not to do so? Other behaviors are, in turn, only seen in a training context (for example during distraction training).

The Fight part of the Defense Drive does not fully express itself until the dog is mature, around two to four years of age, depending on the breed, although tendencies toward those behaviors may be seen earlier. Young dogs tend to exhibit more Flight behaviors than older dogs.

Of course this is just an introduction to the subject of Drive behaviors in dogs. At Denver Dog Works we use a balanced/natural approach to dog training. This is different than most of the big-box-corporate –store-training schools that so many are used to. In the balanced/natural method we spend a lot of time with the client and their dog before we even start training. We conduct a complete evaluation of the dog. In this evaluation we compile a complete history, give the dog the temperament/personality profile, figure out what the training goals are for the handler/owner and write down (realistic) expectations. We then tailor a training program to the individual dog, not some cookie cutter training program where every dog is trained the same way. We are so confident in our evaluation process that it is considered “intellectual property” by the State of Colorado.

If you would like to have your dog one of the best trained dogs in the world or if you would just like to talk about any of our programs please give Denver Dog Works a call at 303-578-9881 or send us an email at train@denverdogworks.com

Citation: Jack Volhard’s Personality Profile for Dogs

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Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Denver Dog Works and The Ineka Project. Dr. Forto is the host of a weekly program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show, every Saturday. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com

Monday, October 26, 2009

Evicted: Pets and the Foreclosure Crisis

Evicted: Pets and the Foreclosure Crisis
By Robert Forto, PhD


Dog Law is a weekly series in which I explore a different topic regarding canine law, legislation and procedures related to the legal side of owning our canine companions. I have been involved as an expert witness in many cases over the years, testifying on everything from breed bans, landlord-tenant disputes, aggressive dogs, dog bites and more. I am also a canine behaviorist and paralegal. If you have any questions regarding dogs and the law I would be happy to help. While I am not an attorney and I encourage you to seek out competent legal assistance should it come to that, I can be retained in most cases by both plaintiff and defense counsel to assist in your case as an expert witness.

Pets and Foreclosure

This is a re-print of an article that I posted some time ago. I thought it would be timely to re-post as there is recent news that the foreclosure crisis is not behind us. Many of us still face mounting debt and many Americans are forced to move out of their homes and leave their pets behind.

Just last week a county shelter in Washington State, enacted a policy stating that they would not allow any more “unwanted pets” in their facilities. These pets are often turned in as result of their owner’s dire financial straits. Please read the following article and post you comments and opinions. I look forward to hearing from you.

The house was ravaged — its floors ripped, walls busted and lights smashed by owners who trashed their home before a bank foreclosed on it. Hidden in the wreckage was an abandoned member of the family: a starving pit bull-- this was the image of a home in suburban California.The dog was too far gone to save — another example of how pets are becoming the newest victims of the nation’s mortgage crisis as homeowners leave animals behind when they can no longer afford their property.Pets “are getting dumped all over,” said Traci Jennings, president of the Humane Society of Stanislaus County in northern California. “Farmers are finding dogs dumped on their grazing grounds, while house cats are showing up in wild cat colonies.”

The abandoned pets are overwhelming animal shelters and drawing fury from bloggers, trainers, activists and rescue groups, especially as photos of emaciated animals circulate on the Internet.

Denver Dog Works in Colorado has seen an influx of shelter-saved dogs at the training center in recent months. All of the new owners say the same thing: “I don’t know the dog’s history we just wanted to save his life,” as quoted verbatim from more than one client. While this is admirable at best, and a challenge none-the-least when it comes to training the dog to accept a new home and new owners are facing an up-hill battle.

The first people to enter an abandoned house, such as property inspectors and real estate brokers, have discovered dogs tied to trees in backyards, cats in garages, and turtles, rabbits and lizards in children’s bedrooms.

No one keeps track of the numbers of abandoned pets, but anecdotal evidence suggests that forsaken animals are becoming a problem wherever foreclosures are climbing. Denver is reported to have the highest number of foreclosures per capita. Colorado also has some of the highest number of dogs per household. The two combined equal a disaster on an epidemic scale for wayward pets.

Despite months of warning before a foreclosure, many desperate homeowners run out the clock hoping to forestall an eviction. Then they panic, particularly if they are moving to a home where pets are not permitted.

Many of these people have no money, their credit mess and they cannot afford to move into an apartment and pay the extra fee for a security deposit for the pet, which is often hundreds of dollars.The situation has become so widespread that the Humane Society urges home owners faced with foreclosure to take their animals to a shelter. Many shelters even have a no-questions-asked policy.

In most cases, a pet owner is not required to give details about the reasons for them turning over the animal. Some organizations even have drop off boxes where an owner can take a pet anonymously.

Shelters are trying to keep up, but the spike in abandoned pets comes at a time when fewer people are adopting animals. Home sales are plunging to their lowest level in decades, and new homeowners are often the most likely to seek a pet.

Even people who are buying homes are not adopting pets.“People are not bringing home puppies because times are tough, and animals cost money,” says Dr. Robert Forto, training director for Denver Dog Works. “It is a sad fact that dogs in this country are disposable. That is uncalled for,” Dr. Forto says.

The mortgage crisis shows few signs of easing. Many real estate tracking companies announce that countless homeowners started to fall behind on mortgage payments in the past six months, setting the stage for record-number foreclosures this year. While the government and even our President have adopted programs for people in trouble, many do not meet the stringent qualification procedures.

For others, it is already too late.Shelters all over the Denver area are fielding more desperate calls from animal owners about to be evicted. Many call as a last resort after being turned down by various rescue groups with no room for more animals.“They’re usually breaking down on the phone,” said a shelter dispatcher recently quoted on a blog on the Internet. “I’m quite direct with them that there’s a 50-50 chance the animals might be put down.”

Still, shelter operators say, half a chance is better than none.“They may be euthanized at a shelter,” said Stephanie Shain of the Humane Society of the United States. “But they’ll be fed and have water and have a humane euthanasia, as opposed to spending the last days of their lives eating carpet or wallboard.”

Canine Behaviorists and trainers like Dr. Forto are furious with the “foreclosure pet” phenomenon, especially after seeing photos of emaciated animals on the Internet and those arriving at his training center in near feral condition.

Some critics say the pet owners have already proved they are irresponsible by buying houses they could not afford or mortgages they did not bother to understand.

The problem is exacerbated because most people grappling with foreclosure are returning to rental housing or moving in with relatives — two situations where it can be difficult or impossible to bring pets.

What we’ve always known is that when times are hard for people, they’re hard for their pets as well.

Abandoning animals is illegal in most states under anti-cruelty laws, but the laws are not rigidly enforced. In most cases it is just a fine of a few hundred dollars or the prospect of a misdemeanor on your record.

A relatively small price to pay when you are facing homelessness.Occasionally, albeit rarely, a family with will be reunited with the pet that they had left behind in their foreclosed house. In one case, a family was staying in a homeless shelter, and their dogs were being cared for by neighbors at the family’s behest. The family was able to find housing suitable for themselves and their dogs.

But happy endings elude a majority of foreclosure animals.“Their best shot is for the owners to plan ahead some,” Dr. Forto said. “But they did not plan when they bought their house. I do not see that happening anytime soon.”

Dr. Robert Forto, training director of Denver Dog Works, often trains many pets that are adopted from local shelters and offers discounts to those who call us and say they read this article. If you would like to schedule an evaluation with your dog please give us a call anytime at 303-578-9881 or via email at train@denverdogworks.com

Citation: American Humane Society website
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Dr. Robert Forto is the training director for Denver Dog Works and The Ineka Project in Colorado. Dr. Forto hosts a weekly radio program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show every Saturday. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com

Friday, October 23, 2009

The Business End of the Leash: Media Relations

The Business End of the Leash: Media Relations in the Dog Training World
By Robert Forto, PhD



In Denver, Colorado I have high aspirations. I want to be the go-to-guy on every media outlet when they have a question about anything dogs. While this is a lofty goal, it is something that I have been working on for the past few months and it is paying off.

I have developed a great media list and have aligned myself (with a little help from Facebook and Twitter of course) with some local reporters and media personalities.

Media Relations

Developing a relationship with your local media is definitely worth the effort and can provide you with some of the bets advertising for your business and in most cases it is absolutely free! When I have worked with non-profits in the past, training a dog for a shelter or a rescue, getting publicity was relatively easy because it was a non-profit organization that was well known and respected. Denver Dog Works was mentioned favorably in the local media and we were published in the newspaper or on the Internet.

Our main goal was to train the dog well for the organization of course, but our secondary goal was to get mentioned in the media as often as possible in order to get maximum publicity as the de-facto dog training experts in the area. As with any for-profit business, we as dog training professionals have a goal of making money and getting clients. And I must say it, having worked in both non-profit and for-profit businesses; it is easy to get media coverage when you are promoting a non-profit service.

However, just because we are in the profit-making business does not mean we can get media attention—we just have to be more creative in our approach.

If we are to get publicity for our business through the media, we need to think like a journalist. Since my graduate degree is in Communication and I sat through my fair share of journalism and public relations classes, I can share with you some preliminary tips on how journalists think and what they are looking for in prospective stories.

Journalism 101

· There is editorial (subjective) and there is news reporting (objective)
· A feature story is simply a subjective story on a person or business that is unique.
· The journalist is always looking for a unique story angle.
· Who, What, When, Why and How are a journalist’s framework.
· A good photo opportunity is worth its weight in gold.
· The journalist is always on a deadline.
· Timeliness of the news is everything to the journalist.

It is important to keep the above in mind when you embark on your publicity plan. If your respect the journalist’s plight you will increase your chances tremendously of getting publicity and of being viewed favorably by your local media outlets.

Facebook and Publicity

I have been an active Facebook, Twitter and social media user for about a year and I update my profile everyday in regards to the goings-on of Denver Dog Works. While this has been a tremendous boon for my business, it should not be the only way that you update your customers and promote yourself. There are many people out there that do not use social media or are even still afraid of its implications.

My advice to you is to start a Facebook account for yourself and in turn start a Page for your business. There is a three-pronged approach to this. First Business Pages are indexed in Google and other search engines where personal pages are not. Secondly, it is against Facebook’s policies to promote your business on your personal page. If Facebook finds out you are doing this they can, and will, shut your account down. And third, by having a Business Page along with a Personal Page I have found that it lends to a bit of personality and realism to the Business Page. On my Personal Page I update things about my family and friends, my likes and dislikes and my infatuation with hockey and my kid’s sports. On my Business Page I keep it strictly business in regards to Denver Dog Works and I share stories, training updates and news and events.

A word of caution: Spending too much time on social media is obviously going to cost you and your business in terms of productivity. So limit yourself to a set number of posts or “tweets” a day. I update almost always from my iPhone and I will be remiss to admit most of the time it is while I am stuck in traffic or at a stop light. While I would not recommend you “tweet” while you are driving, and it is not only dangerous but illegal in many places, keep in mind you goals and develop a clear public relations plan.

If you would like to find our how you can become one of the best dog trainers in the world give us a call at 303-578-9881 or contact us through our website at http://www.denverdogworks.com

Next Week: 3 ways to get publicity through the media.
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Dr. Robert Forto is the training director for Denver Dog Works and is the host of a weekly radio program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show, every Saturday. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com

Thursday, October 22, 2009

More Than a Trainer...A Career

More than a Dog Trainer…A Career
By Robert Forto, PhD

A lot is said about culture in business. I have been working these past few months with a very dear friend of mine, a business genius and branding guru, David Sandusky. David owns a company called Your Brand and he hosts a forum that every business owner should subscribe to http://www.yourbrandplan.com. David and I have been working on the culture of Denver Dog Works and our affiliate businesses and we have come up with some great processes that are changing not only how we run our business but how our customers and clients perceive it as well.

According to a post on the Your Brand Plan forum culture is described as: “Individual brands make up the internal and external experience - or culture brand. Understanding your culture brand is critical to your success. What do you see happening that deserves discussion and what do you need? What are you doing to shape and communicate your real and changing culture.” This is critical to our success and yours if you own and operate your own business.

More than a Dog Trainer…A Career

Canine Communication Studies provides its students with more than an education in canine training; our students are offered the knowledge, skills and culture provided for professional dog trainers to become successful business owners. The broad scope of Canine Communication Studies’ courses immediately prepares the student to begin a full time or part time career training dogs upon completion of the course.

Those interested individuals come to our school from throughout the United States and come from all walks of life; including recent high school graduates, health care workers, police officers, graduate students, sales people, artists, teachers and more. No matter what their background and where they are from, they all have one common goal—to become the best dog trainers in the world and have a fulfilling career and/or business they enjoy.

Professional canine training is a profitable and very rewarding occupation as a main career or as a supplemental income. Our courses specialize in teaching the students obedience training, canine psychology and behavior, kennel design, nutrition, canine first aid and CPR, drive theory, canine sports, breeding, canine health, medications and vaccinations, client relations, business development, dog law, marketing your dog training business, ethics in dog training, and much more. We also offer apprenticeship programs in service dogs, protection training, canine sports, working dogs and kennel management as well as valuable insight into establishing a successful small business practice.

Over 80 percent take our 12-week canine obedience instructor/trainer course; however if you are unable to attend our school or cannot dedicate the time to become a full-time student, you can begin you career by taking our correspondence course and complete the remainder of the canine obedience instructor/trainer course at a later date. We do recommend taking the 12-week course if you intend to make dog training a full-time career and especially if you plan to open a dog training school of your own.

Upon completion of our courses, our graduates may pursue a multitude of options in the field of canine training and behavior. While most graduates establish their own full time or part time businesses, others work with established training centers, veterinary offices or boarding/day care facilities. Canine Communication Studies also offers graduates upon successful completion of the coursework a contract trainer position.

As a contract trainer you can become immersed in the culture of our business, Denver Dog Works. Denver Dog Works is involved in everything canine. We are a sled dog racing kennel with sights on the Iditarod in 2013, a service dog training school to provide canines for children with autism, executive protection training for high-end personal protection dogs, and of course obedience and behavior problems taught by some of the foremost canine experts in the field.
Our History

Canine Communication Studies and Canine Behavior Services of Colorado is the result of several endeavors. Dr. Forto developed and taught the first canine sciences course as a vocational certificate program to a service dog training program while he completed his doctorate dissertation in human-canine communication. This course formed the basis for Dr. Forto’s curriculum training dog trainers and obedience instructors around North America.

Dr. Forto continued to offer the Canine Sciences courses to meet the needs of his expanding dog training school which soon relocated from Minnesota to Colorado and became known as Denver Dog Works.

In 2006 with the opening of Denver Dog Works at 1842 S. Parker Rd. #16 in Denver, Colorado, Dr. Forto consolidated his training programs and dog trainer courses to one full-time location with several other “Dog Works” locations planned for the future. As his reputation grew from being a professional dog musher and as a certified canine behaviorist, Dr. Forto repeatedly receives requests from trainers wanting to learn more about canine aggression and other aspects of training that is quite a bit different than what they were taught as canine trainers—many of them professionals who want to incorporate science into their dog training classes, private training businesses and club programs.

Our Philosophy

Canine Communications Studies was founded to educate those who have a genuine interest and concern for dogs and to help establish a life-long bond with their owners in a balanced, natural approach. In addition, Canine Communication Studies prepares individuals for successful careers in canine instruction and behavior modification. Our experienced instructors instill their high standards of dog training skills and knowledge, as well as business cumin in developing an atmosphere to enhance these relationships with the students that is like family, not a college classroom with 30 students and an instructor at a lectern. All subject matter offered, both in the classroom and in practical application, is conducive to success of our graduates.

Canine Communication Studies is dedicated in advance the field of canine training, sports and working dogs, and the profession of dog training. We encourage all of our potential students to approach dog training as you would any educational endeavor. Our courses are college-level material and based on nineteen years experience literally living with, and working around dogs every day. If you start by having pre-conceived notions about canine training from what you see on television or read in books, there is a possibility that you will not be able to broaden your knowledge base.

At Canine Communication Studies we believe that effective communication is the key to improving and enhancing the relationship between dogs and people. We also believe that the education of each dog owner must be approached on an individual basis and not in a cookie-cutter-one-size-fits-all fashion. Each dog’s training should be based on the drive and temperament of the dog and this can only be achieved after a complete understanding of canine behavior and an initial evaluation. In our courses we address the varied approaches and methods to training dogs, which allows our graduates to have the ability to modify their approach based on the dog and the problem not the cost of the class or the availability.

At Canine Communication Studies we have the best and train the rest. This applies to both people and dogs. We have spent our lives working with dogs and educating owners. Training people who are interested in becoming the best dog trainers in the world is our primary goal.

If you are interested in a career in canine training or have ever dreamed of working with dogs every day. This is your calling! Give us a call anytime at 303-578-9881 or contact us through our website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
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Dr. Robert Forto is the training director for Denver Dog Works in Colorado. Dr. Forto hosts a weekly radio program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show every Saturday. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com