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.
________________________
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
Showing posts with label #dogtraining. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #dogtraining. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
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.
_______________________
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
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.
_______________________
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
_______________________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Denver Dog Works in Colorado. He can be reached through his website at www.denverdogworks.com
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
_______________________________
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
__________________
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
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
__________________
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
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
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
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.
____________________
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
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.
____________________
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
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.
____________________
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
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.
____________________
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
Monday, October 19, 2009
Dog Law: Pet Friendly Leases
Dog Law: Negotiating Your Way into a Dog Friendly Lease
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.
Dog Friendly Leases
As all pet-owning tenants know, most standard leases and rental agreements contain no pet clauses. Such provisions are legal everywhere and courts generally enforce them by allowing a landlord to evict a tenant who gets a pet violation of a lease clause and refuses to give up. There are however situations in which a no pet clause may not be enforceable If a tenant and dog are already living in a rental unit and:
1. The tenant can prove that keeping a dog is necessary for security or health reasons (i.e. service dog); or
2. The landlord agreed, no matter what the lease says, that the tenant could have a dog; or
3. The landlord tries to add a no pet clause to a rental agreement, or enforce an existing no pet’s clause after knowing about but not objecting to a tenants dogs for a significant period.
Negotiating a Pet Friendly Lease
Negotiating your way into a dog-friendly rental lease is not always an easy task. Although millions of Americans own pets, a landlord who doesn’t want to assume the risks associated with one may not want to rent to a pet owner. So how do you change his mind? You do it by following a few basic tips. In her article “Negotiate Your Way into a Pet-Friendly Pad during the Dog Days of Summer”, Peggy Abkemeier, president of Rent.com, tells renters how to convince a landlord to accept a pet. They are as follows:
Tip #1 - Do a dog-to-face interview.
Set up a dog-to-face meeting. Allow for basic obedience tests and inspections. Let the landlord see firsthand how well-mannered your pet is. If the meeting goes well, the landlord may be more willing to bend a few rules in order to rent you and your dog a space.
Tip #2 - Show proof of renters insurance.
Reassure the landlord of your good intentions of caring for his property by giving him proof of renters insurance. Be sure the liability limits are high ($100,000 or more). Also, highlight the pet clause in it, so he can clearly see that you are covered for any damage caused by your dog.
Tip #3 - Give a letter of recommendation.
Get a letter of recommendation from your prior landlord and neighbors. It should address the basic behavior of your dog while living in their community. Be sure it touches on subjects like “noise levels” and “over-all friendliness.”
Tip #4 - Validate that your dog has his shots.
Give the landlord a certificate verifying that your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date. It will diffuse any fears he has about the overall health of your dog and safety of other tenants.
Tip #5 - Offer up an obedience-training certificate.
Even if he does not ask, show the landlord a certificate certifying that your dog has obedience training. This will assure him that you’ve gone the extra step to raise a well-behaved dog that won’t run wild on his property or keep the neighbors up at night.
Use these five tips and you’ll increase your chances of negotiating your way into a dog-friendly lease. You will also save yourself time and money because you’ll be prepared for any questions a landlord might have about your dog.
Handling Disputes
Before you run into court to hash out a disagreement with your landlord or tenant, remember that usually, everyone loses when it goes to court, You may lose time, and legal procedures have a way of escalating tension so that even petty differences start looking like life-and-death matters of principle.
The only exception to that dire rule is small claims court, which provides a relatively quick and painless way of resolving disputes over small amounts of money. But I recommend trying alternatives first.
One good alternative is mediation—getting people together with a neutral third person who helps them work out a problem. The mediator does not have the power to impose a settlement, but is trained to help people come up with their own solutions. Meditation is often quick and usually cheap or free.
Many cities have programs specifically designed to mediate landlord-tenant disputes. The mediators are familiar with the common problems that crop up between landlords and tenants—and dogs are certainly one of them.
If you would like to discuss the process of obtaining a mediator to discuss your dispute regarding a pet in a landlord-tenant dispute or if you have any further questions regarding this issue please feel free to call me anytime at 303-522-1727 or email at train@denverdogworks.com
Next week: My Dog is Priceless: How Much Can a Dog Owner Sue For?
___________________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director for Denver Dog Works and The Ineka Project in Colorado. Dr. Forto is a certified canine behaviorist and is often called as an expert witness in issues relating to canines. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com/
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.
Dog Friendly Leases
As all pet-owning tenants know, most standard leases and rental agreements contain no pet clauses. Such provisions are legal everywhere and courts generally enforce them by allowing a landlord to evict a tenant who gets a pet violation of a lease clause and refuses to give up. There are however situations in which a no pet clause may not be enforceable If a tenant and dog are already living in a rental unit and:
1. The tenant can prove that keeping a dog is necessary for security or health reasons (i.e. service dog); or
2. The landlord agreed, no matter what the lease says, that the tenant could have a dog; or
3. The landlord tries to add a no pet clause to a rental agreement, or enforce an existing no pet’s clause after knowing about but not objecting to a tenants dogs for a significant period.
Negotiating a Pet Friendly Lease
Negotiating your way into a dog-friendly rental lease is not always an easy task. Although millions of Americans own pets, a landlord who doesn’t want to assume the risks associated with one may not want to rent to a pet owner. So how do you change his mind? You do it by following a few basic tips. In her article “Negotiate Your Way into a Pet-Friendly Pad during the Dog Days of Summer”, Peggy Abkemeier, president of Rent.com, tells renters how to convince a landlord to accept a pet. They are as follows:
Tip #1 - Do a dog-to-face interview.
Set up a dog-to-face meeting. Allow for basic obedience tests and inspections. Let the landlord see firsthand how well-mannered your pet is. If the meeting goes well, the landlord may be more willing to bend a few rules in order to rent you and your dog a space.
Tip #2 - Show proof of renters insurance.
Reassure the landlord of your good intentions of caring for his property by giving him proof of renters insurance. Be sure the liability limits are high ($100,000 or more). Also, highlight the pet clause in it, so he can clearly see that you are covered for any damage caused by your dog.
Tip #3 - Give a letter of recommendation.
Get a letter of recommendation from your prior landlord and neighbors. It should address the basic behavior of your dog while living in their community. Be sure it touches on subjects like “noise levels” and “over-all friendliness.”
Tip #4 - Validate that your dog has his shots.
Give the landlord a certificate verifying that your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date. It will diffuse any fears he has about the overall health of your dog and safety of other tenants.
Tip #5 - Offer up an obedience-training certificate.
Even if he does not ask, show the landlord a certificate certifying that your dog has obedience training. This will assure him that you’ve gone the extra step to raise a well-behaved dog that won’t run wild on his property or keep the neighbors up at night.
Use these five tips and you’ll increase your chances of negotiating your way into a dog-friendly lease. You will also save yourself time and money because you’ll be prepared for any questions a landlord might have about your dog.
Handling Disputes
Before you run into court to hash out a disagreement with your landlord or tenant, remember that usually, everyone loses when it goes to court, You may lose time, and legal procedures have a way of escalating tension so that even petty differences start looking like life-and-death matters of principle.
The only exception to that dire rule is small claims court, which provides a relatively quick and painless way of resolving disputes over small amounts of money. But I recommend trying alternatives first.
One good alternative is mediation—getting people together with a neutral third person who helps them work out a problem. The mediator does not have the power to impose a settlement, but is trained to help people come up with their own solutions. Meditation is often quick and usually cheap or free.
Many cities have programs specifically designed to mediate landlord-tenant disputes. The mediators are familiar with the common problems that crop up between landlords and tenants—and dogs are certainly one of them.
If you would like to discuss the process of obtaining a mediator to discuss your dispute regarding a pet in a landlord-tenant dispute or if you have any further questions regarding this issue please feel free to call me anytime at 303-522-1727 or email at train@denverdogworks.com
Next week: My Dog is Priceless: How Much Can a Dog Owner Sue For?
___________________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director for Denver Dog Works and The Ineka Project in Colorado. Dr. Forto is a certified canine behaviorist and is often called as an expert witness in issues relating to canines. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com/
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Canine Trainers Forum: Influential People in Learning Theory Part I
Canine Trainers Forum: Influential People in Learning Theory Part I
By Robert Forto, PhD
This is the first in 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 or send us an email at train@denverdogworks.com We look forward to hearing from you!
Influential People in the Development of Learning Theory
Huxley and Darwin
It is unclear when formalized studies of learning actually began, however, Professor Thomas Henry Huxley (1825-1895) birthed the theory of association in the early 1870’s. Professor Huxley stated that “It may be laid down as a rule, that, if any two mental states be called up together, or in succession, with due frequency and vividness, the subsequent production of one of them [mental states] will suffice to call up the other, and that whether we desire it or not.”[i] This observation may very well have laid the groundwork for later studies in respondent and operant conditioning. Huxley was an outspoken advocate of the naturalist Charles Darwin (1809-1882). The professor was so passionate in his defense of Darwin’s theories that he was often referred to as “Darwin’s Bulldog”.
In Darwin’s The Expression of the Emotion in Man and Animals, Professor Huxley’s influence was evident in Darwin’s observations of the emotions of man and animals. When studying animal expression Darwin was vividly aware of the challenges associated with those observations. He writes, “The study of expression is difficult, owing to the movements being often extremely slight, and of a fleeting nature.” [ii] Nevertheless, Darwin’s careful observations were of immeasurable value to later researchers. Darwin continued where Huxley left off by recognizing that movements, no matter how complex, can be performed with little or no forethought and minimal efforts when they have been performed with enough frequency. This premise was the foundation for Darwin’s Principle of Antithesis, which reasons, that states of mind lead to the performance of “habitual actions”, when a “directly opposite” state of mind occurs, there is a “strong and involuntary” tendency to perform movements and actions of a “directly opposite nature”. This principle is of special interest to observers of canine communication techniques, and can help the astute observer decipher the signal being sent and received by a canine, whether it is intra- or interspecies communication. Darwin states further “that gestures and expressions are to a certain extent mutually intelligible.”[iii]
Darwin speaks of his own dog’s “hot-house” face and reasoned that the opposite expression displayed by his dog was innate and not a deliberate attempt at communicating his desire to not go to the “hot-house.” He further states, “hence for the development of the movements which came under the present head, some other principle, distinct from the will and consciousness, must have intervened.”[iv]
While the vast majority of canine communication is accomplished via body language, there is some evidence that canines posses at least a limited verbal vocabulary. While most canines in the wild do not bark, but howl, this is not the case for the domesticated canine. According to Darwin “…some animals after being domesticated have acquired the habit of uttering sounds which were not natural to them. Thus domesticated dogs, and even tamed jackals have learnt [sic] to bark, which is a noise not proper to any species of the genus with the exception of the Canis latrans of North America, which is said to bark.”[v] In regard to the Principle of Antithesis “…the bark of anger, and that of joy are sounds which by no means stand in opposition to one another;…”[vi] This lack of observable difference between barks is likely the reason that canines rely on body language so extensively. Canine body language has been studied extensively and is well documented. 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.
_______________________
[i] Huxley, Thomas Henry, Elementary Lessons in Physiology Fifth Edition, 1872 pg. 306.
[ii] Darwin, C., The Expressions of the Emotions in Man and Animals. (1872) Web Document. The Complete Works of Charles Darwin. http: //www.darwin-literature.com. Pg. 28
[iii]Darwin, C., The Expressions of the Emotions in Man and Animals. (1872) Web Document. The Complete Works of Charles Darwin. http://www.darwin-literature.com,Pg. 35.
[iv] ____________Pg.38.
[v] Darwin, C., The Expressions of the Emotions in Man and Animals. (1872) Web Document. The Complete Works of Charles Darwin. http://www.darwin-literature.com, Pg.53.
[vi] ____________Pg.56.
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
By Robert Forto, PhD
This is the first in 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 or send us an email at train@denverdogworks.com We look forward to hearing from you!
Influential People in the Development of Learning Theory
Huxley and Darwin
It is unclear when formalized studies of learning actually began, however, Professor Thomas Henry Huxley (1825-1895) birthed the theory of association in the early 1870’s. Professor Huxley stated that “It may be laid down as a rule, that, if any two mental states be called up together, or in succession, with due frequency and vividness, the subsequent production of one of them [mental states] will suffice to call up the other, and that whether we desire it or not.”[i] This observation may very well have laid the groundwork for later studies in respondent and operant conditioning. Huxley was an outspoken advocate of the naturalist Charles Darwin (1809-1882). The professor was so passionate in his defense of Darwin’s theories that he was often referred to as “Darwin’s Bulldog”.
In Darwin’s The Expression of the Emotion in Man and Animals, Professor Huxley’s influence was evident in Darwin’s observations of the emotions of man and animals. When studying animal expression Darwin was vividly aware of the challenges associated with those observations. He writes, “The study of expression is difficult, owing to the movements being often extremely slight, and of a fleeting nature.” [ii] Nevertheless, Darwin’s careful observations were of immeasurable value to later researchers. Darwin continued where Huxley left off by recognizing that movements, no matter how complex, can be performed with little or no forethought and minimal efforts when they have been performed with enough frequency. This premise was the foundation for Darwin’s Principle of Antithesis, which reasons, that states of mind lead to the performance of “habitual actions”, when a “directly opposite” state of mind occurs, there is a “strong and involuntary” tendency to perform movements and actions of a “directly opposite nature”. This principle is of special interest to observers of canine communication techniques, and can help the astute observer decipher the signal being sent and received by a canine, whether it is intra- or interspecies communication. Darwin states further “that gestures and expressions are to a certain extent mutually intelligible.”[iii]
Darwin speaks of his own dog’s “hot-house” face and reasoned that the opposite expression displayed by his dog was innate and not a deliberate attempt at communicating his desire to not go to the “hot-house.” He further states, “hence for the development of the movements which came under the present head, some other principle, distinct from the will and consciousness, must have intervened.”[iv]
While the vast majority of canine communication is accomplished via body language, there is some evidence that canines posses at least a limited verbal vocabulary. While most canines in the wild do not bark, but howl, this is not the case for the domesticated canine. According to Darwin “…some animals after being domesticated have acquired the habit of uttering sounds which were not natural to them. Thus domesticated dogs, and even tamed jackals have learnt [sic] to bark, which is a noise not proper to any species of the genus with the exception of the Canis latrans of North America, which is said to bark.”[v] In regard to the Principle of Antithesis “…the bark of anger, and that of joy are sounds which by no means stand in opposition to one another;…”[vi] This lack of observable difference between barks is likely the reason that canines rely on body language so extensively. Canine body language has been studied extensively and is well documented. 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.
_______________________
[i] Huxley, Thomas Henry, Elementary Lessons in Physiology Fifth Edition, 1872 pg. 306.
[ii] Darwin, C., The Expressions of the Emotions in Man and Animals. (1872) Web Document. The Complete Works of Charles Darwin. http: //www.darwin-literature.com. Pg. 28
[iii]Darwin, C., The Expressions of the Emotions in Man and Animals. (1872) Web Document. The Complete Works of Charles Darwin. http://www.darwin-literature.com,Pg. 35.
[iv] ____________Pg.38.
[v] Darwin, C., The Expressions of the Emotions in Man and Animals. (1872) Web Document. The Complete Works of Charles Darwin. http://www.darwin-literature.com, Pg.53.
[vi] ____________Pg.56.
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
Friday, October 16, 2009
Dog Training Forum: FAQ's Board and Train
Dog Training Forum: FAQ’s for Board and Train
By Robert Forto, PhD
This is the first of a weekly series of articles on dog training. We will post articles every Friday about this subject on our website Denver Dog Works. It is designed to answer some of the frequently asked questions about the dog training world that is a mystery to many. To others they learn about dog training when they watch a show on cable and realize that they are not alone with their dog’s problems.
By Robert Forto, PhD
This is the first of a weekly series of articles on dog training. We will post articles every Friday about this subject on our website Denver Dog Works. It is designed to answer some of the frequently asked questions about the dog training world that is a mystery to many. To others they learn about dog training when they watch a show on cable and realize that they are not alone with their dog’s problems.
At Denver Dog Works we live by our motto every day: We have the Best and Train the Rest. By doing so we hold ourselves at a higher standard. One of the ways that we do so is offer a program called our Works program. We have several levels for both puppies and adult dogs. This type of program is commonly referred to as a Board and Train Program.
There are many important factors to consider in choosing the right training program for your dog with two of those that most people ask when they call are: price and time. This article will answer some of the frequently asked questions by our clients. I encourage you to read though this article and if you still have questions please give us a call at 303-578-9881 or send us an email at train@denverdogworks.com We look forward to hearing from you and help you make your dog achieve your goals and make him be one of the best trained dogs in the world!
Frequently Asked Questions about a Board and Train Program
What is in-board training?
In-board training requires that your dog be left with us at Denver Dog Works for the duration of the training. Our programs enable your dog to learn commands quickly and effectively. Having your dog on site is a key component to the success of our training. With consistent and countless repetition of commands, we accomplish much more than a weekly program.
Why consider in-board-training?
It is the most efficient and effective method of dog training. In a four-week program, your dog will participate in 60 training sessions. It would take 15 months of weekly sessions, and $2,400 to complete the same amount of training, in a private training class. In an eight-week program, your dog will participate in 120 sessions. It would take 30 months, and $4,800 to complete the same amount of training, in a private training class.
How early can I enroll my dog for training?
Puppy Imprinting - 10 weeks or olderBoot Camp - 6 months or olderObedience Training - 6 months or olderAdvanced Obedience - 12 months or older
Where will my dog be kept while in training at Denver Dog Works?
Your dog will stay in one of our boarding suites in Aurora, Colorado, with its own private crate or kennel, and between training sessions, have supervised opportunities to socialize and play. Unlike some boarding facilities with potential health risks and the stress of barking dogs, Denver Dog Works is a fenced and gated property, in a country setting. We want our guests to feel at home, while living in an environment conducive to dog obedience training.
If you do the training, will my dog still perform the commands at home?
Yes. just as service dogs are trained and turned over to their handlers, we complete the training and turn your dog over to you. Upon completion of the program, you will receive a DVD demonstration of your dog performing the commands, plus you will receive two follow up handler training lessons.
Will my dog ever misbehave after it graduates?
Dogs will be dogs. No form of dog training can guarantee that your dog will never misbehave again. However our method of training is effective, yet simple and easy for you to follow. We guarantee follow up assistance for the life of your dog. We stand behind our training!
How will I be able to find out about my dog's progress?
We use email as our primary method of communicating with owners. We send weekly updates that include photos, and a short narrative describing how your dog is responding to training.
How would you describe your training methods?
We use a style of training referred to as operant conditioning, and transition the dog through three phases: acquisition, proofing, and generalization. Through hands-on training and experience, we have developed a variety of ways to teach commands to dogs and use their diverse personalities and temperaments.We start by finding out what motivates the dog. Then we create conditions for the dog to be encouraged to follow commands that occur naturally (sit, down, heel). We focus on timing positive reinforcement, with the dog intuitively offering a response to a command.
What is clicker training, how is it different from your training?
Clicker training is a method of marking behavior with a clicker, which is followed by secondary reinforcement (treat). Clicking a clicker or offering a food treat simply will not stop your dog from chasing down a squirrel. We do not use clickers for training. In the early stages of training, we mark proper behavior with release and reward, however as we transition into phase two the dog learns to perform on command. Our training program is effective regardless of clickers or squirrels.
What is needed to confirm my dog's immunizations are current?
We need vet records confirming your dog has received the distemper combination, rabies, and bordetella (kennel cough) shots. If you do not have these records, they can easily be obtained by contacting your vet.
Whay if my dog is not ready to graduate by the end of the four, six or eight week session?
If your dog is not ready to graduate, we will continue dog obedience training at no cost to you. We guarantee our training 100%.
Can I visit my dog during the training process?
It is not recommended. Once your dog is dropped off at our site, it is normal for your dog to go through an adjustment period. Visiting your pet may prolong transitioning and cause further separation anxiety. In order for the program to succeed, we do not schedule visits for you and your dog until graduation or final pick up.
Why Denver Dog Works?
Your dog will be trained one-on-one by a team of certified trainers and under the supervision of Dr. Robert Forto who is a certified canine behaviorist. Each custom-tailored program, whether it is dog obedience, boot camp, positive behavior modification, puppy training, or working/sports training, is centered in repetition, consistency, and reward for dogs of all ages and personalities. We are certain you will bring home a canine obedient to your commands and prepared to participate in your life.
____________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director for Denver Dog Works and The Ineka Project in Colorado. Dr. Forto also 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/
Thursday, October 15, 2009
The Business End of the Leash: Marketing Your Dog Training Business
By Robert Forto, PhD
By Robert Forto, PhD
This is the first in a weekly series of what I call: The Business End of the Leash. It has been said that all it takes to become a dog trainer is a business card, a leash and a smile. It takes much more than that. It takes a savvy business owner, a good business plan and a little bit of luck of course. But being in this business for the past 19 years, I have learned a thing or two about owning a dog training business and that is what this series will hopefully teach you.
My first six months of business were very slow, I expected that, but the time I spent marketing my tail off and all of the sudden I was busy! Then within a month I was swamped with clients! I was so busy that I didn’t follow my own rule about marketing every day. Then after a couple months, my clients all seemed to graduate at the same time and it was dreadfully slow again. The problem was that I had stopped all marketing during that time, I paid the price. If you market your business continually, you won’t run into the marketing mad rush syndrome—you will simply, over time, develop a continual flow of business.
The Four P’s of Marketing
No discussion of marketing would be complete without mentioning the famous four P’s. They are important factors for you to consider as you develop any marketing plan. They include:
1. Product—in our case, our product is our service. The service (product) needs to be useful and beneficial to the marketplace.
2. Place—refers to the location of your business. If you have a physical location or are thinking of getting on, it is important to consider this and whether you will be able to physically get people to come to your office. Is your location convenient, high profile, effective signage, etc. For those of us you don’t have an office or training center, our location is the owner’s homes.
3. Price—for most people price is a definite factor in their decision-making. Most of the time, people cannot see immediately how your expertise can help them, or how your qualifications are outstanding—what they CAN see is price. Sometimes if your services are higher priced than your competitions, people will think you are better. However, some people might be scared away (the bargain hunters). When people are making a decision to buy a service, they will base it on how much they like or trust you in addition to price. The most important thing to consider is that people will buy your services if they feel like the benefits will be worth more to them than the cost.
4. Promotion—has to do with all of the marketing methods you use to get business.
I learned in business school that you are never too busy to market your business. While there are many principles out there in order to accomplish your marketing goals, the best and time tested method is to do a little each day. I was told once that you must market three hours for every new client that you want to gain. So, if you are a dog trainer and you want to teach 10 hours a week, you should plan on spending at least 30 hours a week marketing yourself and your business. Nobody ever said that dog training is a 40 hour a week job! If you want to be successful you will probably work 70 hours a week at first and that is what separates the businesses that fail from those that succeed.
If you have any further questions or would like to talk to me about business coaching for your business please give me a call anytime at 303-522-1727.
________________________
Dr. Robert Forto has an MBA and a doctorate in Communication. Dr. Forto is a certified canine behaviorist and teaches people all over the world how to become certified canine obedience instructors and business owners. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
Monday, October 12, 2009
Dog Law: Traveling with Dogs to Hawaii
Dog Law: Traveling with Dogs to Hawaii
By Robert Forto, PhD
This is the first in a weekly series on dog law. Each week we will 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.
Special Hawaii Rules for Traveling with Dogs
As my good friend and travel agency owner, Ken Preuss of E-travel Unlimited, tells me, the world is on sale right now and one of the popular winter/holiday destinations for Americans is Hawaii. If you are planing a trip to Hawaii and planning on taking your dog, my advice is don’t!
Unless you are crossing national boarders you don’t usually need to worry about special restrictions on taking your dog with you. But if you want to take your pet for a tropical vacation, you need to know that Hawaii quarantines all dogs--including guide and service dogs, unless documentation is present and current--for 120 days when they enter the state. As a result, rabies is non-existent in Hawaii.
Not only do you have to give up your pet for four months, you have to pay for it: the current cost is over three hundred dollars, payable when the dog arrives in Hawaii. Airlines deliver the pets directly to state holding facility, and the state takes them to the quarantine station on the island of Oahu. Dogs are kept in individual outdoor runs. Owners can visit their dogs daily during afternoon visiting hours, but can not takes the dogs out of the kennel.
State officials stress that it is important for owners to arrange, in advance, for a private animal hospital to provide emergency veterinary care. The quarantine center handles minor ailments but does not have facilities for major medical problems. Unless a veterinary hospital has agreed in advance to accept an ill pet, the state will not take the animal to a private hospital.
For more information, please contact:
State of Hawaii
Department of Agriculture
Animal Quarantine Station
99-951 Halawa Valley Street
Aiea, Hawaii 96701-3246
Phone: 808-483-7151
Email: rabiesfree@hawaii.gov
If you have any further questions about traveling with your pet please contact the State of Hawaii or Denver Dog Works, especially if you are traveling with a service dog, at 303-752-2818 for more information.
________________________
Dr. Robert Forto is an certified canine behaviorist and the training director for Denver Dog Works and The Ineka Project. 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
By Robert Forto, PhD
This is the first in a weekly series on dog law. Each week we will 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.
Special Hawaii Rules for Traveling with Dogs
As my good friend and travel agency owner, Ken Preuss of E-travel Unlimited, tells me, the world is on sale right now and one of the popular winter/holiday destinations for Americans is Hawaii. If you are planing a trip to Hawaii and planning on taking your dog, my advice is don’t!
Unless you are crossing national boarders you don’t usually need to worry about special restrictions on taking your dog with you. But if you want to take your pet for a tropical vacation, you need to know that Hawaii quarantines all dogs--including guide and service dogs, unless documentation is present and current--for 120 days when they enter the state. As a result, rabies is non-existent in Hawaii.
Not only do you have to give up your pet for four months, you have to pay for it: the current cost is over three hundred dollars, payable when the dog arrives in Hawaii. Airlines deliver the pets directly to state holding facility, and the state takes them to the quarantine station on the island of Oahu. Dogs are kept in individual outdoor runs. Owners can visit their dogs daily during afternoon visiting hours, but can not takes the dogs out of the kennel.
State officials stress that it is important for owners to arrange, in advance, for a private animal hospital to provide emergency veterinary care. The quarantine center handles minor ailments but does not have facilities for major medical problems. Unless a veterinary hospital has agreed in advance to accept an ill pet, the state will not take the animal to a private hospital.
For more information, please contact:
State of Hawaii
Department of Agriculture
Animal Quarantine Station
99-951 Halawa Valley Street
Aiea, Hawaii 96701-3246
Phone: 808-483-7151
Email: rabiesfree@hawaii.gov
If you have any further questions about traveling with your pet please contact the State of Hawaii or Denver Dog Works, especially if you are traveling with a service dog, at 303-752-2818 for more information.
________________________
Dr. Robert Forto is an certified canine behaviorist and the training director for Denver Dog Works and The Ineka Project. 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
Monday, September 28, 2009
About Professional Musher, Dr. Robert Forto
About Dr. Robert Forto
Robert Forto grew up in a military family. He attended elementary school in North Carolina, attended junior high school in the Washington D.C. suburbs and graduated high school in Virginia. Robert played lacrosse and football and was a very good student. The military brought the family to Oregon in 1989. Robert enrolled in Portland State University to study veterinary medicine where he earned his B.S. degree. Robert is also a gifted musician and played guitar, bass, vocals and drums in a rock band, Rainmaker with his college pals. His band was ready to sign a record deal with a major label but his buddies were not ready to commit. Robert soon bought his first Siberian Husky, Axl, and began competing in obedience and conformation trails. As a college project he conducted a wolf migration study in Alaska. His thirst for adventure encouraged him to strike out, moving to Duluth, Minnesota and opening a 30-dog Siberian Husky racing kennel. Robert raced his sled dogs all over North America and once in Europe before life took yet another turn and he went back to school to earn is Master of Business Administration degree and then on to a doctorate in Communication and completing his dissertation: Chasing the Dream: A Study of the history of Human-Canine Communication in the Sport of Dog Sledding. After completing his dissertation he followed his wife’s paralegal career to Colorado and he opened Denver Dog Works in 2006. Robert’s present occupation is kennel owner and dog racer.
Robert began mushing in 1994 and became interested in long distance racing shortly thereafter, and plans to compete in the Iditarod in 2013.
Robert says, “I have had many successes and disappointments in the past 15+ years but one element has remained consistent, I have always tried to do my best with what I have and have always enjoyed the special bond I have had with my dogs. It has been a privilege to share this wonderful life journey with my dogs, my team mates, my family and my friends.”
Robert is recognized by his peers and has won numerous awards for the training of dogs throughout his career including dog training excellence awards, best new business award, special needs training award, fear rehabilitation award, humane dog trainer award, society education award, and nominated for aggression and behavior therapy awards many times over.
Robert especially enjoys sky diving, mountain biking, kayaking, attending hockey and lacrosse games with his three kids: Kyle, Tyler and Nicole, and recently developed a passion for hiking Colorado’s 14-ers. Robert is married to Michele, who is his partner in business and in life and helps extensively in his training season.
In addition to mushing, Robert trains his German Shepherds to compete in canine sports and service work for children with autism.
While Robert has been off of the dog sledding circuit for the past several years, in 2008 he regained the drive to compete again and soon undertook a comprehensive breeding and training program for his dogs, and a rigorous physical fitness program for himself. By the time Robert and his team undertake the Iditarod for the first time in 2013, they will have logged over 2000 miles of training each year.
Robert is an accomplished writer and has appeared in such publications as Front and Finish, Dog World, The Rocky Mountain News and many newspapers. Robert is currently penning a book profiling his work with dogs from a balanced approach and updates his blog almost daily.
Public Speaking and Involvement
Robert has conducted public appearances and speaking engagements for more than two decades. Among the topics he addressed are team building, dynamic team motivation, developing professional skills to utilize media opportunities when they occur, the value of perseverance, personal motivation, visualizing success, dog care and mushing. Robert is also an advocate for canine law and legislation, and has spoken many times as an expert witness in areas such as breed bans, dog park accessibility, landlord-tenant disputes, disability advocacy and public access for service dogs.
Over the years, Robert has been involved in numerous school appearances, health and wellness seminars, community education, volunteerism, corporate activities, and of course advocating the sport of dog sledding.
The analogy of sled dog racing allows each audience member to personally relate to his experience and visualize their “team” which might include their boss, the office staff, the customer and the client, and numerous other individuals assisting them with surviving their storm making for an entertaining, enlightening and informative seminar.
Roberts personal passion for the culture of dogs and how they have played a critical role in his life allows him to share his dream by educating people how to become certified canine obedience instructors. His school, Canine Communication Studies, not only teaches his student how to become some of the best dog trainers in the world but also competent business owners in their chosen career.
Robert says, “It is all about the culture of this place that I find inspiring. We are like no other training school in the country. We truly do have the best job in the world,” speaking of the culture he has developed around his own business and what makes him so successful. “We do have the best and train the rest,” said Robert.
Currently, Robert is currently working on The Ineka Project, named after his rescued Siberian Husky, Ineka, in providing service dogs for children with autism. He is also the host of a weekly radio show, The Dog Doctor Radio Show where people all over the world call in to make comments and ask questions of Robert and other dog trainers.
Interested in inviting Robert to speak at your event?
Robert is available for speaking engagements, appearances and sponsor opportunities throughout the year.
FOR ALL INQUIRIES REGARDING ROBERT’S SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS, APPEARANCES, AND SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES - PLEASE CONTACT:
Robert by email coach@twinegroup.com
Or
Michele Forto
(303)752-2818 office
Denver Dog Works
1842 S. Parker Rd. #16
Denver, CO 80231
Http://www.denverdogworks.com
Robert Forto grew up in a military family. He attended elementary school in North Carolina, attended junior high school in the Washington D.C. suburbs and graduated high school in Virginia. Robert played lacrosse and football and was a very good student. The military brought the family to Oregon in 1989. Robert enrolled in Portland State University to study veterinary medicine where he earned his B.S. degree. Robert is also a gifted musician and played guitar, bass, vocals and drums in a rock band, Rainmaker with his college pals. His band was ready to sign a record deal with a major label but his buddies were not ready to commit. Robert soon bought his first Siberian Husky, Axl, and began competing in obedience and conformation trails. As a college project he conducted a wolf migration study in Alaska. His thirst for adventure encouraged him to strike out, moving to Duluth, Minnesota and opening a 30-dog Siberian Husky racing kennel. Robert raced his sled dogs all over North America and once in Europe before life took yet another turn and he went back to school to earn is Master of Business Administration degree and then on to a doctorate in Communication and completing his dissertation: Chasing the Dream: A Study of the history of Human-Canine Communication in the Sport of Dog Sledding. After completing his dissertation he followed his wife’s paralegal career to Colorado and he opened Denver Dog Works in 2006. Robert’s present occupation is kennel owner and dog racer.
Robert began mushing in 1994 and became interested in long distance racing shortly thereafter, and plans to compete in the Iditarod in 2013.
Robert says, “I have had many successes and disappointments in the past 15+ years but one element has remained consistent, I have always tried to do my best with what I have and have always enjoyed the special bond I have had with my dogs. It has been a privilege to share this wonderful life journey with my dogs, my team mates, my family and my friends.”
Robert is recognized by his peers and has won numerous awards for the training of dogs throughout his career including dog training excellence awards, best new business award, special needs training award, fear rehabilitation award, humane dog trainer award, society education award, and nominated for aggression and behavior therapy awards many times over.
Robert especially enjoys sky diving, mountain biking, kayaking, attending hockey and lacrosse games with his three kids: Kyle, Tyler and Nicole, and recently developed a passion for hiking Colorado’s 14-ers. Robert is married to Michele, who is his partner in business and in life and helps extensively in his training season.
In addition to mushing, Robert trains his German Shepherds to compete in canine sports and service work for children with autism.
While Robert has been off of the dog sledding circuit for the past several years, in 2008 he regained the drive to compete again and soon undertook a comprehensive breeding and training program for his dogs, and a rigorous physical fitness program for himself. By the time Robert and his team undertake the Iditarod for the first time in 2013, they will have logged over 2000 miles of training each year.
Robert is an accomplished writer and has appeared in such publications as Front and Finish, Dog World, The Rocky Mountain News and many newspapers. Robert is currently penning a book profiling his work with dogs from a balanced approach and updates his blog almost daily.
Public Speaking and Involvement
Robert has conducted public appearances and speaking engagements for more than two decades. Among the topics he addressed are team building, dynamic team motivation, developing professional skills to utilize media opportunities when they occur, the value of perseverance, personal motivation, visualizing success, dog care and mushing. Robert is also an advocate for canine law and legislation, and has spoken many times as an expert witness in areas such as breed bans, dog park accessibility, landlord-tenant disputes, disability advocacy and public access for service dogs.
Over the years, Robert has been involved in numerous school appearances, health and wellness seminars, community education, volunteerism, corporate activities, and of course advocating the sport of dog sledding.
The analogy of sled dog racing allows each audience member to personally relate to his experience and visualize their “team” which might include their boss, the office staff, the customer and the client, and numerous other individuals assisting them with surviving their storm making for an entertaining, enlightening and informative seminar.
Roberts personal passion for the culture of dogs and how they have played a critical role in his life allows him to share his dream by educating people how to become certified canine obedience instructors. His school, Canine Communication Studies, not only teaches his student how to become some of the best dog trainers in the world but also competent business owners in their chosen career.
Robert says, “It is all about the culture of this place that I find inspiring. We are like no other training school in the country. We truly do have the best job in the world,” speaking of the culture he has developed around his own business and what makes him so successful. “We do have the best and train the rest,” said Robert.
Currently, Robert is currently working on The Ineka Project, named after his rescued Siberian Husky, Ineka, in providing service dogs for children with autism. He is also the host of a weekly radio show, The Dog Doctor Radio Show where people all over the world call in to make comments and ask questions of Robert and other dog trainers.
Interested in inviting Robert to speak at your event?
Robert is available for speaking engagements, appearances and sponsor opportunities throughout the year.
FOR ALL INQUIRIES REGARDING ROBERT’S SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS, APPEARANCES, AND SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES - PLEASE CONTACT:
Robert by email coach@twinegroup.com
Or
Michele Forto
(303)752-2818 office
Denver Dog Works
1842 S. Parker Rd. #16
Denver, CO 80231
Http://www.denverdogworks.com
Friday, September 18, 2009
Learn from a Dog
LEARN FROM A DOG
A Dog's Purpose, from a 4-year-old...Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for four-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion.
We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.
He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life, like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?"
The four-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.
(Robert Forto) I received this story from a colleague the other day and thought I had to share it. While I will always give credit where credit is due, I do not know who wrote this article so I am posting it anonymously. If you do know who wrote it please have them contact me directly at train@denverdogworks.com.
I struggle with this the context of the story every day. My old dog and my best friend is a 12 year old Siberian Husky named Ineka. It is supposed to mean "rescued friend" in a Northern Canadian language. Anyhow, Ineka has been through thick and thin with not only me, but my family, since we adopted him from a Washington shelter in 2000. They told us he was four at the time but I checked the wear patterns on his teeth and he was closer to two.
I have talked about Ineka a lot over the years in my articles, in my blog posts, and in my canine trainers classes at Denver Dog Works. I even dedicated my doctorate dissertation to him- Chasing the Dream: The History of Human-Canine Communication in the Sport of Dog Sledding (Forto 2005).
I will be sad when his time comes to pass over the rainbow bridge. Who am I kidding, it will devastate me for a long while. But I will pull through and his legacy and what he taught me will live on. As the young boy says in the story, dogs already know how to live the good life, like loving everybody all the time so they don't have to stay long.
Ineka, well all dogs for that matter, share a special place in most people's hearts don't they? They are just the right fix when something is wrong, just the right size to hug when you are feeling blue, listen just long enough when you have a secret, have just enough energy to finish that hike, just enough strength to pull you through the day, just enough courage to keep you motivated, just enough tail wags to make you smile, just enough wisdom to teach the new pup the rules, and just enough love to keep you sane in the worst of time.
So I encourage all of you to get out and do something with your dog today, everyday for the matter. Dogs were put on this earth to teach us something about ourselves. Is that a way to learn or what?
__________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Denver Dog Works and the host of a weekly radio program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Denver Dog Works Helps Owners Live Happily w/Dogs
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Robert Forto, PhD at 303-522-1727
Denver Dog Works Helps Owners Live Happily with their Dogs
Denver dog Works, a Denver based dog training company trains all types of dogs—and their owners—in a variety of classes and programs from the working dog to the family pet.
“I have found the #1 problem people encounter with their dogs is bad manners,” Robert Forto, PhD, owner and training director of the company said, “For that reason, I decided to take my training in step with the typical daily life of the dog—walking on a loose leash, coming when called, and attention—are my primary commands.”
Dr. Forto has trained dogs of all types in both group and kennel settings, but he has found that owners were not getting the full benefit of the training once they left the kennel or the class—with that in mind we offer a lifetime support system for the dog.
Services for dog owners include: Obedience, behavioral consultations, puppy classes, service dog training and placement, protection, boarded training programs, dog trainer career courses, canine good citizen testing, canine athletics, and breeder referrals. All services are done at our school or in the owner’s home, and a free consultation and evaluation is offered for owners who are not sure what their dog needs.
‘I have trained everything from Pomeranians to Great Danes, and always tailor my training program to the needs of the owner and the temperament and personality of the dog,” Forto said. “The most important part of training a dog is to understand the breed characteristics, motivations and drives and to utilize them in the training process. The biggest mistake owners make is to punish without showing the dog what they want. Teaching is multi-faceted—dogs do not learn from correction alone; they must be shown what is wanted, and then praised for it.”
Dr. Forto is a graduate of Canine Communication Studies, where he completed a two-year course in canine training in behavior. He wrote is doctorate dissertation on Human-Canine Communication and is the author/instructor for a canine vocational program. In addition to obedience, Dr. Forto has done all types of training including sled dog training, service dog training, personal protection, conformation (dog shows), agility and more. “Dogs are my passion and it is a joy to teach them how to please their owners,” Forto said.
For additional information on Denver Dog Works, please visit our website at www.DenverDogWorks.com or call: 303-522-1727.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Robert Forto, PhD at 303-522-1727
Denver Dog Works Helps Owners Live Happily with their Dogs
Denver dog Works, a Denver based dog training company trains all types of dogs—and their owners—in a variety of classes and programs from the working dog to the family pet.
“I have found the #1 problem people encounter with their dogs is bad manners,” Robert Forto, PhD, owner and training director of the company said, “For that reason, I decided to take my training in step with the typical daily life of the dog—walking on a loose leash, coming when called, and attention—are my primary commands.”
Dr. Forto has trained dogs of all types in both group and kennel settings, but he has found that owners were not getting the full benefit of the training once they left the kennel or the class—with that in mind we offer a lifetime support system for the dog.
Services for dog owners include: Obedience, behavioral consultations, puppy classes, service dog training and placement, protection, boarded training programs, dog trainer career courses, canine good citizen testing, canine athletics, and breeder referrals. All services are done at our school or in the owner’s home, and a free consultation and evaluation is offered for owners who are not sure what their dog needs.
‘I have trained everything from Pomeranians to Great Danes, and always tailor my training program to the needs of the owner and the temperament and personality of the dog,” Forto said. “The most important part of training a dog is to understand the breed characteristics, motivations and drives and to utilize them in the training process. The biggest mistake owners make is to punish without showing the dog what they want. Teaching is multi-faceted—dogs do not learn from correction alone; they must be shown what is wanted, and then praised for it.”
Dr. Forto is a graduate of Canine Communication Studies, where he completed a two-year course in canine training in behavior. He wrote is doctorate dissertation on Human-Canine Communication and is the author/instructor for a canine vocational program. In addition to obedience, Dr. Forto has done all types of training including sled dog training, service dog training, personal protection, conformation (dog shows), agility and more. “Dogs are my passion and it is a joy to teach them how to please their owners,” Forto said.
For additional information on Denver Dog Works, please visit our website at www.DenverDogWorks.com or call: 303-522-1727.
Monday, September 14, 2009
If a Dog Were a Teacher
If a Dog Were a Teacher
By Robert Forto, PhD
In this day and age where we are running too fast from one appointment to another, from one kids football practice to another's softball. In the constant need to post updates to Facebook and tweets to Twitter, what have you done with your dog lately? Is he stuck at home while you are at the park with your kids? Or worse yet, is he tied up in the backyard while you are at work all day? Why did you buy/adopt/rescue your dog in the first place? Was it for him to be a companion or just something that you pet every now and then?
I am urging you to spend time with your dog. Run with him, take him to the park, and take him with you on that short trip to the grocery store. Believe me, he wants to go too. I look at my old dog, Ineka and he is so excited to go with me to work and when I run errands and I will admit that I don't always oblige. Sometimes it just isn't practical. I often do take him with me in the cooler months to work and he loves that. If I don't take him he bounces around the house like a puppy when we come home. I like that. It makes me feel good that he is glad to see me home. I love my dog. I love my job as a dog trainer and I hope can find the time to include them in your lives if you don't already.
Not everything I post is written by me and I try my best to give credit where credit is due. I found this article on the Internet a while back and it did not have a name attached to it. If you wrote, or if you know who did, please contact me so I can give proper credit.
If a dog was the teacher you would learn stuff like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.
Be loyal. Never pretend to b e something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!!
"You can't change the world by adopting one animal, but you can change the whole world for that animal."
~~ Unknown
__________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Denver Dog Works and is the host of a weekly radio program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website http://www.denverdogworks.com
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Giving Medications to Pets
Giving Medication to Pets
By Robert Forto, PhD
At Denver Dog Works we teach people how to become the best dog training instructors in the world. One of the chapter’s that is included in this course called medications and vaccinations. We have included this is our course because it is important that dog owners know the proper way to give medications to their pets. This article discusses this in detail. Of course if you have any problems please contact your veterinarian.
Providing medication for your pet may be done for two reasons: as a preventative step (heartworm medication) or to treat disease (anything from an infection to major illness such as cardiac disease). Giving the medication as directed, and making sure the pet takes it are extremely important. Unfortunately, medication doesn't work unless the pet swallows it.
Giving Pills and Tablets
The most effective way to give a pill is to put it into the mouth and make sure it is swallowed. Some pets, especially cats, dislike having their mouths opened or objects placed in them. With practice, giving pills takes place in only a few seconds, and it is over before the pet can put up a fuss.
Place one hand over the pet's head so that the index finger is on one side of the mouth and the thumb is on the other side. Tilt the nose upward. Hold the pill in the other hand between the thumb and forefinger. Using the middle finger, push down on the teeth of the lower jaw while applying slight pressure to the corners of the mouth with the restraining hand.
Drop the pill as far back into the mouth as possible. If plausible, give it a poke onto the back of the tongue with the index finger. Close the pet’s mouth quickly, and stroke the throat to encourage swallowing. Often a quick short breath of air onto the nose of the pet will startle a pet into swallowing quickly.
An alternative- and less invasive - method of giving pills is to put them in food. A "meatball" of canned food, peanut butter, cheese or regular butter will all work - if you have a pet that will gobble up the treat quickly. If your dog or cat likes to take his time licking away at the food gift, the medication may remain on the floor as a leftover. It may also be spit out as soon as your pet can taste it.
Precautions: Some medications may not be broken into pieces because they have a protective coating. This coating dissolves at the appropriate rate for absorption of the medication into the body. Breaking the pill into pieces may alter the absorption. Many pills are made to rapidly dissolve, and will become a mushy pile of medication once placed in the mouth or in food.
Giving Liquids
Administering liquids is generally easier than giving pills. Most liquid medications come with a dropper for measuring the dose, and are commonly used for cats and small dogs.
Hold the pet's head in the same manner, but do not open the mouth. Slide the dropper into the cheek pocket and squirt the medicine between the teeth. It runs between the teeth and to the back of the mouth to be swallowed. Keep the head tilted, but not too high, until the pet swallows. Without swallowing, most of the medication will be spit out when the head is released.
Precautions: Holding the mouth open and squirting the liquid into the back of it may result in gagging. If the sudden squirt of liquid startles the pet, some of the medication may be inhaled (aspirated) into the lungs. Holding the head and giving medication between the teeth will prevent this.
Other Considerations
Some pets, particularly cats, will salivate and drool excessively when given medication. Medications may have a bitter taste, which induces the salivation. Cats must often be restrained by a second person to ensure that medication is given in a quick and efficient manner. Wrapping the cat’s body in a towel helps keep nails from doing damage.
Many pets will learn to recognize the medication bottle and disappear at the sight of it. If giving pills totally eludes the pet owner, talk to the veterinarian to see if the medication comes in a liquid form.
Most animals will tolerate being given medication reasonably well. If a treat follows it, they may even look forward to receiving the pill! Although administering medication is awkward at first, anyone can become proficient at it with practice.
This article is provided as a general overview of the topic. Always consult your veterinarian for specific information related to diseases or medical care for pets. If you have training questions or would like to find our more information on our dog trainer career courses, please contact Denver Dog Works at 303-752-2818.
Citation: ABKA
________________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Denver Dog Works and is the host of a weekly radio program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show. Dr. Forto can be contacted through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
By Robert Forto, PhD
At Denver Dog Works we teach people how to become the best dog training instructors in the world. One of the chapter’s that is included in this course called medications and vaccinations. We have included this is our course because it is important that dog owners know the proper way to give medications to their pets. This article discusses this in detail. Of course if you have any problems please contact your veterinarian.
Providing medication for your pet may be done for two reasons: as a preventative step (heartworm medication) or to treat disease (anything from an infection to major illness such as cardiac disease). Giving the medication as directed, and making sure the pet takes it are extremely important. Unfortunately, medication doesn't work unless the pet swallows it.
Giving Pills and Tablets
The most effective way to give a pill is to put it into the mouth and make sure it is swallowed. Some pets, especially cats, dislike having their mouths opened or objects placed in them. With practice, giving pills takes place in only a few seconds, and it is over before the pet can put up a fuss.
Place one hand over the pet's head so that the index finger is on one side of the mouth and the thumb is on the other side. Tilt the nose upward. Hold the pill in the other hand between the thumb and forefinger. Using the middle finger, push down on the teeth of the lower jaw while applying slight pressure to the corners of the mouth with the restraining hand.
Drop the pill as far back into the mouth as possible. If plausible, give it a poke onto the back of the tongue with the index finger. Close the pet’s mouth quickly, and stroke the throat to encourage swallowing. Often a quick short breath of air onto the nose of the pet will startle a pet into swallowing quickly.
An alternative- and less invasive - method of giving pills is to put them in food. A "meatball" of canned food, peanut butter, cheese or regular butter will all work - if you have a pet that will gobble up the treat quickly. If your dog or cat likes to take his time licking away at the food gift, the medication may remain on the floor as a leftover. It may also be spit out as soon as your pet can taste it.
Precautions: Some medications may not be broken into pieces because they have a protective coating. This coating dissolves at the appropriate rate for absorption of the medication into the body. Breaking the pill into pieces may alter the absorption. Many pills are made to rapidly dissolve, and will become a mushy pile of medication once placed in the mouth or in food.
Giving Liquids
Administering liquids is generally easier than giving pills. Most liquid medications come with a dropper for measuring the dose, and are commonly used for cats and small dogs.
Hold the pet's head in the same manner, but do not open the mouth. Slide the dropper into the cheek pocket and squirt the medicine between the teeth. It runs between the teeth and to the back of the mouth to be swallowed. Keep the head tilted, but not too high, until the pet swallows. Without swallowing, most of the medication will be spit out when the head is released.
Precautions: Holding the mouth open and squirting the liquid into the back of it may result in gagging. If the sudden squirt of liquid startles the pet, some of the medication may be inhaled (aspirated) into the lungs. Holding the head and giving medication between the teeth will prevent this.
Other Considerations
Some pets, particularly cats, will salivate and drool excessively when given medication. Medications may have a bitter taste, which induces the salivation. Cats must often be restrained by a second person to ensure that medication is given in a quick and efficient manner. Wrapping the cat’s body in a towel helps keep nails from doing damage.
Many pets will learn to recognize the medication bottle and disappear at the sight of it. If giving pills totally eludes the pet owner, talk to the veterinarian to see if the medication comes in a liquid form.
Most animals will tolerate being given medication reasonably well. If a treat follows it, they may even look forward to receiving the pill! Although administering medication is awkward at first, anyone can become proficient at it with practice.
This article is provided as a general overview of the topic. Always consult your veterinarian for specific information related to diseases or medical care for pets. If you have training questions or would like to find our more information on our dog trainer career courses, please contact Denver Dog Works at 303-752-2818.
Citation: ABKA
________________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Denver Dog Works and is the host of a weekly radio program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show. Dr. Forto can be contacted through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Household Projects May Pose Danger to Pets
Household Renovation Projects May Pose Danger to Pets
By Robert Forto, PhD
This weekend is the last big three-day weekend before most of the country settles in for winter and bides their time by watching football or attending the kid’s sporting events. Our family vacations are done and we have a “honey-do” list a mile long. So, before embarking on that “do-it-yourself” project, review these helpful hints to keep pets safe from the hazards that common home improvement materials can pose.
Paints - Most water-based latex paints are relatively low in toxicity, but could still produce gastrointestinal upset. Artist’s paints or other specialty paints could contain heavy metals that could potentially be harmful if large enough amounts are ingested. Should your pet get paint on its skin or hair coat, never use paint thinner or similar solvents to remove it—a chemical burn could result. Instead, a mild pet shampoo or liquid hand dishwashing detergent can be used to bathe the skin and fur. If the exposure to the hair coat is extensive, clipping or shaving by a local veterinarian may be required.
Adhesives/Glues - Depending on the type of adhesive involved, a variety of clinical effects are possible following ingestion. Certain construction glues may produce only mild gastrointestinal upset, while others can cause more significant irritation. Additionally, some expanding glue products can result in a potentially life-threatening gastrointestinal obstruction if ingested.
Solvents - Paint thinners, mineral spirits and other solvents can result in severe irritation or chemical burns to the skin and mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth and gastrointestinal tract. In addition, ingestion could produce central nervous system depression, and inhalation of these substances could lead to aspiration pneumonia.
Lead - Some older homes, particularly those built prior to 1978, may contain surfaces that have been painted with lead-based paints. Lead exposure can occur from eating paint chips or by inhaling paint dust from sanded/scraped surfaces. Other potential sources of lead can include drapery weights, plumbing parts, putty, rug pads and linoleum. Lead exposure can produce gastrointestinal, behavioral or neurologic effects, as well as clinical symptoms from anemia. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is one source of information to help determine if your home could pose a lead threat. Information can be found at www.epa.gov/lead.
Mold - Mold can be found in many parts of the home, including under carpeting, behind walls, or in heating/cooling ducts. Certain species of mold can produce mycotoxins, which can produce gastrointestinal, cardiac and/or neurologic effects such as tremors and seizures. While most problematic mold exposures in pets involve the ingestion of spoiled foods, if mold is discovered in the home pet owners should contact the EPA at www.epa.gov/mold for information on mold hazards, including safe cleaning and removal in order to avoid the potential for problems.
Physical Hazards - Pets could be at risk from a wide variety of physical hazards in homes that are being renovated, including nails, tacks, staples, screws, insulation, electrical cords on power tools, and many others. Ingestion of nails and other small hardware fasteners can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract and could result in an obstruction as well. Pets chewing on plugged in electrical cords could become electrocuted and/or suffer electrical burns to the mouth.
As prevention is the key to avoiding problems from accidental exposures, pet owners should keep pets completely out of areas where renovation or other home improvement projects are occurring, and should always read and follow label directions for safe use and storage. In certain situations, it may be advisable to board pets in a kennel or daycare facility to eliminate the potential for exposure to hazardous substances. If an accidental exposure should occur, owners should seek veterinary assistance promptly by calling their local veterinarian or an animal poison hotline. Additionally, owners should have the product container or packaging available for reference, as critical ingredient information or instructions on how to manage accidental exposures may be on the label.
At Denver Dog Works we offer many classes and programs to help pet owners better understand the relationship they have with their companions. If you would like to consult with one of our trainers please contact us anytime at 303-752-2818.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, 1-888-426-4435
The Animal Poison Hotline, 888-232-8870 sponsored by North Shore Animal League America and PROSAR International Animal Poison Center (IAPC).
Citation: ABKA
__________________________
Dr. Robert Forto is a canine behaviorist and the training director of Denver Dog Works. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
By Robert Forto, PhD
This weekend is the last big three-day weekend before most of the country settles in for winter and bides their time by watching football or attending the kid’s sporting events. Our family vacations are done and we have a “honey-do” list a mile long. So, before embarking on that “do-it-yourself” project, review these helpful hints to keep pets safe from the hazards that common home improvement materials can pose.
Paints - Most water-based latex paints are relatively low in toxicity, but could still produce gastrointestinal upset. Artist’s paints or other specialty paints could contain heavy metals that could potentially be harmful if large enough amounts are ingested. Should your pet get paint on its skin or hair coat, never use paint thinner or similar solvents to remove it—a chemical burn could result. Instead, a mild pet shampoo or liquid hand dishwashing detergent can be used to bathe the skin and fur. If the exposure to the hair coat is extensive, clipping or shaving by a local veterinarian may be required.
Adhesives/Glues - Depending on the type of adhesive involved, a variety of clinical effects are possible following ingestion. Certain construction glues may produce only mild gastrointestinal upset, while others can cause more significant irritation. Additionally, some expanding glue products can result in a potentially life-threatening gastrointestinal obstruction if ingested.
Solvents - Paint thinners, mineral spirits and other solvents can result in severe irritation or chemical burns to the skin and mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth and gastrointestinal tract. In addition, ingestion could produce central nervous system depression, and inhalation of these substances could lead to aspiration pneumonia.
Lead - Some older homes, particularly those built prior to 1978, may contain surfaces that have been painted with lead-based paints. Lead exposure can occur from eating paint chips or by inhaling paint dust from sanded/scraped surfaces. Other potential sources of lead can include drapery weights, plumbing parts, putty, rug pads and linoleum. Lead exposure can produce gastrointestinal, behavioral or neurologic effects, as well as clinical symptoms from anemia. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is one source of information to help determine if your home could pose a lead threat. Information can be found at www.epa.gov/lead.
Mold - Mold can be found in many parts of the home, including under carpeting, behind walls, or in heating/cooling ducts. Certain species of mold can produce mycotoxins, which can produce gastrointestinal, cardiac and/or neurologic effects such as tremors and seizures. While most problematic mold exposures in pets involve the ingestion of spoiled foods, if mold is discovered in the home pet owners should contact the EPA at www.epa.gov/mold for information on mold hazards, including safe cleaning and removal in order to avoid the potential for problems.
Physical Hazards - Pets could be at risk from a wide variety of physical hazards in homes that are being renovated, including nails, tacks, staples, screws, insulation, electrical cords on power tools, and many others. Ingestion of nails and other small hardware fasteners can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract and could result in an obstruction as well. Pets chewing on plugged in electrical cords could become electrocuted and/or suffer electrical burns to the mouth.
As prevention is the key to avoiding problems from accidental exposures, pet owners should keep pets completely out of areas where renovation or other home improvement projects are occurring, and should always read and follow label directions for safe use and storage. In certain situations, it may be advisable to board pets in a kennel or daycare facility to eliminate the potential for exposure to hazardous substances. If an accidental exposure should occur, owners should seek veterinary assistance promptly by calling their local veterinarian or an animal poison hotline. Additionally, owners should have the product container or packaging available for reference, as critical ingredient information or instructions on how to manage accidental exposures may be on the label.
At Denver Dog Works we offer many classes and programs to help pet owners better understand the relationship they have with their companions. If you would like to consult with one of our trainers please contact us anytime at 303-752-2818.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, 1-888-426-4435
The Animal Poison Hotline, 888-232-8870 sponsored by North Shore Animal League America and PROSAR International Animal Poison Center (IAPC).
Citation: ABKA
__________________________
Dr. Robert Forto is a canine behaviorist and the training director of Denver Dog Works. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
So You Have a New Pet
So You Have a New Pet
By Robert Forto, PhD
Congratulations on adding a new family member. We like to see happy, well-adjusted puppies added to a family, so here are some tips for introducing a new pet.
New puppies go through developmental stages early in life. Between 3-16 weeks of age they learn to accept and trust (or mistrust) humans, acceptable dog behavior, and specialized breed behavior (sheep herding instincts in Border Collies for example). During this critical period the temperament and basic behavior patterns of your new pet will be formed. It is important to socialize the puppy to people, introducing them not only to family members but also to strangers.
It is also important to teach the young pet what you expect. Now is the time to handle feet and toes so they are not afraid of having the feet handled, to look into ears and open the mouth. If the pet resists, speak in a calm, quiet voice and repeat the act whenever possible. Make a practice of touching the pet all over its body during play or at rest.
If you have adopted an older pet, then most of its behavior patterns will already be formed. This pet will need time to adjust to new surroundings and people, and its true personality may not be apparent for a few days or several weeks. Issue a gentle correction for undesirable behavior. Attending basic obedience classes with a new dog will help establish the owner's dominance as head of the household, and aid in creating a bond between pet and owner.
In general, new pets should not be left alone with unrestricted space in the house. Crate training puppies helps with house training, and gives the pup a safe haven to crawl into.
Adopted older pets should be supervised with children and other pets until the pet owner is sure that safety is not an issue.
This article is provided as a general overview of the topic. Always consult a certified canine trainer or your veterinarian for more information. If you would like to speak with us concerning our puppy classes, our basic obedience programs or our breed referral service please contact us any time at 303-752-2818 or by email at train@denverdogworks.com
Citation: ABKA
____________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Denver Dog Works and the host of a weekly radio program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
By Robert Forto, PhD
Congratulations on adding a new family member. We like to see happy, well-adjusted puppies added to a family, so here are some tips for introducing a new pet.
New puppies go through developmental stages early in life. Between 3-16 weeks of age they learn to accept and trust (or mistrust) humans, acceptable dog behavior, and specialized breed behavior (sheep herding instincts in Border Collies for example). During this critical period the temperament and basic behavior patterns of your new pet will be formed. It is important to socialize the puppy to people, introducing them not only to family members but also to strangers.
It is also important to teach the young pet what you expect. Now is the time to handle feet and toes so they are not afraid of having the feet handled, to look into ears and open the mouth. If the pet resists, speak in a calm, quiet voice and repeat the act whenever possible. Make a practice of touching the pet all over its body during play or at rest.
If you have adopted an older pet, then most of its behavior patterns will already be formed. This pet will need time to adjust to new surroundings and people, and its true personality may not be apparent for a few days or several weeks. Issue a gentle correction for undesirable behavior. Attending basic obedience classes with a new dog will help establish the owner's dominance as head of the household, and aid in creating a bond between pet and owner.
In general, new pets should not be left alone with unrestricted space in the house. Crate training puppies helps with house training, and gives the pup a safe haven to crawl into.
Adopted older pets should be supervised with children and other pets until the pet owner is sure that safety is not an issue.
This article is provided as a general overview of the topic. Always consult a certified canine trainer or your veterinarian for more information. If you would like to speak with us concerning our puppy classes, our basic obedience programs or our breed referral service please contact us any time at 303-752-2818 or by email at train@denverdogworks.com
Citation: ABKA
____________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Denver Dog Works and the host of a weekly radio program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Our Dog, Our Best Friend
Our Dog, Our Best Friend
By Robert Forto, PhD
It's amazing what dogs bring into your life. Today I was looking at my Siberian Husky, Ineka, who is well beyond the decade mark and thought about all the good things that have happened to me since he came into my life. It's funny how a dog can be such a catalyst in one's life. When we are kids they are the constant companions that we tell our deepest secrets to. When we are adults they give us hope and determination. In old age they bring a sparkle to our eyes and a smile to our faces. Their eyes are truly a mirror into our soul.
It is also hard when dogs get old and begin the daily struggles with life that we once took for granted. Days when they ran around the house with such vigor and joy. If you haven’t gotten the chance I highly recommend that you read a novel by Garth Stein called The Art of Racing in the Rain. It is a book that is told from a dog’s eye view of the world. Enzo, a senior-citizen Labrador Retriever/Terrier tells the story of his owner’s life and how the dog teaches his owner many life lessons.
I will admit, the book was a tear-jerker for me and while it was difficult to put down, I was leery with every turn of the page because I could see my old dog, Ineka, telling the story about my life and how he perceives it. You see, Ineka and I have been pals for a long time, the better part of 10 years now. He has been my source of inspiration and passion. He has led me through life’s struggles and my sled dog teams on the path home. I will be sad when his time comes and that brings me to my interview with Sid Korpi on The Dog Doctor Radio Show.
Sid Korpi is the author of a new book: Good Grief: Finding Peace after Pet Loss. In her book she melds personal perspectives and astonishing stories with those of professionals, such as veterinarians, animal communicators and religious leaders and other animal lovers the world over to help you make your pet-grieving process as positive as possible.
In our interview on The Dog Doctor Radio Show we will talk in-depth on how to emotionally prepare for a pet’s euthanasia and understanding when it is the right time. I struggle with this as every pet owner does. If you saw the movie Marley and Me you can understand a person’s emotional turmoil as this day approaches. It is something that no pet owner wants to go through but we all know that day will come. How do you (or did you) prepare for that day?
We will also talk about how to view the death of your pet not as ending but (as animals see it) a natural transformation. It is called crossing the Rainbow Bridge and as Enzo said it in the book, The Art of Racing in the Rain, he will come back in his next life as a human.
Mrs. Korpi and I will speak about how to memorialize and celebrate your pet’s life; and how to move on after your loss and love a pet again. You see readers, I am a fortunate man. I have only had one person pass away in my lifetime in which I attended the funeral. It was my grandfather. He was my mentor and the strongest influence in my life and when he passed away I was awe-struck at the amount of pain that I went through after his passing. I had no idea that death could come so sudden and without warning. While I am not equating a pet’s death with the same regard as to a human’s what I am saying is grief is just the same. People love their pets as if they are family. Of course I do, I have literally lived with a pack of dogs for the better part of my life.
I have not prepared, I will admit that, for the passing of Ineka. It is going to be unbearably hard on me and my family. I recall one day last summer when Ineka was having a particularly hard time and my wife, Michele and I were texting back-and-forth about coming to grips with his health problems and the prospect of Ineka not pulling through. I will tell you I have never cried so hard in my life that day, texting back and forth, me sitting in my truck at 24-hour fitness trying to figure out what is next. Of course he pulled through and is still with us. He is as healthy as a 12-year old Siberian can be. He still bounds around the house on his good days and we share pizza and cheese some nights after work. But I also know that a time will come in the future (distant I hope) when he will need to cross the Rainbow Bridge. I just hope I am ready.
Please listen to The Dog Doctor Radio Show this weekend (August 1, 2009 at 9:30 am MDT) or download the show anytime at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dogdoctor and let us know what you have done to prepare for your pets loss. We are interested to know.
_________________________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Denver Dog Works and is the host of weekly program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
By Robert Forto, PhD
It's amazing what dogs bring into your life. Today I was looking at my Siberian Husky, Ineka, who is well beyond the decade mark and thought about all the good things that have happened to me since he came into my life. It's funny how a dog can be such a catalyst in one's life. When we are kids they are the constant companions that we tell our deepest secrets to. When we are adults they give us hope and determination. In old age they bring a sparkle to our eyes and a smile to our faces. Their eyes are truly a mirror into our soul.
It is also hard when dogs get old and begin the daily struggles with life that we once took for granted. Days when they ran around the house with such vigor and joy. If you haven’t gotten the chance I highly recommend that you read a novel by Garth Stein called The Art of Racing in the Rain. It is a book that is told from a dog’s eye view of the world. Enzo, a senior-citizen Labrador Retriever/Terrier tells the story of his owner’s life and how the dog teaches his owner many life lessons.
I will admit, the book was a tear-jerker for me and while it was difficult to put down, I was leery with every turn of the page because I could see my old dog, Ineka, telling the story about my life and how he perceives it. You see, Ineka and I have been pals for a long time, the better part of 10 years now. He has been my source of inspiration and passion. He has led me through life’s struggles and my sled dog teams on the path home. I will be sad when his time comes and that brings me to my interview with Sid Korpi on The Dog Doctor Radio Show.
Sid Korpi is the author of a new book: Good Grief: Finding Peace after Pet Loss. In her book she melds personal perspectives and astonishing stories with those of professionals, such as veterinarians, animal communicators and religious leaders and other animal lovers the world over to help you make your pet-grieving process as positive as possible.
In our interview on The Dog Doctor Radio Show we will talk in-depth on how to emotionally prepare for a pet’s euthanasia and understanding when it is the right time. I struggle with this as every pet owner does. If you saw the movie Marley and Me you can understand a person’s emotional turmoil as this day approaches. It is something that no pet owner wants to go through but we all know that day will come. How do you (or did you) prepare for that day?
We will also talk about how to view the death of your pet not as ending but (as animals see it) a natural transformation. It is called crossing the Rainbow Bridge and as Enzo said it in the book, The Art of Racing in the Rain, he will come back in his next life as a human.
Mrs. Korpi and I will speak about how to memorialize and celebrate your pet’s life; and how to move on after your loss and love a pet again. You see readers, I am a fortunate man. I have only had one person pass away in my lifetime in which I attended the funeral. It was my grandfather. He was my mentor and the strongest influence in my life and when he passed away I was awe-struck at the amount of pain that I went through after his passing. I had no idea that death could come so sudden and without warning. While I am not equating a pet’s death with the same regard as to a human’s what I am saying is grief is just the same. People love their pets as if they are family. Of course I do, I have literally lived with a pack of dogs for the better part of my life.
I have not prepared, I will admit that, for the passing of Ineka. It is going to be unbearably hard on me and my family. I recall one day last summer when Ineka was having a particularly hard time and my wife, Michele and I were texting back-and-forth about coming to grips with his health problems and the prospect of Ineka not pulling through. I will tell you I have never cried so hard in my life that day, texting back and forth, me sitting in my truck at 24-hour fitness trying to figure out what is next. Of course he pulled through and is still with us. He is as healthy as a 12-year old Siberian can be. He still bounds around the house on his good days and we share pizza and cheese some nights after work. But I also know that a time will come in the future (distant I hope) when he will need to cross the Rainbow Bridge. I just hope I am ready.
Please listen to The Dog Doctor Radio Show this weekend (August 1, 2009 at 9:30 am MDT) or download the show anytime at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dogdoctor and let us know what you have done to prepare for your pets loss. We are interested to know.
_________________________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Denver Dog Works and is the host of weekly program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
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