Letter To A New Puppy Owner
By Leah Morse
Dear New Puppy Owner,
Now that you have fallen in love with the perfect little puppy that you have carefully considered breed, pedigree and the best breeder possible, or maybe have spent many hours roaming shelter kennel rows, please consider all that you have done to finally get the new little, furry bundle of joy. Make a commitment to your new charge that you will do all in your power to keep him/her safe from harm, safe from fear, safe from trouble and give him/ her the best home possible.
Learn all you can about puppies breed or combination of breeds before you pick puppy up. Know the hereditary diseases, behavioral tendencies and trainability. Learn any special care your breed might require such as keeping wrinkle folds clean on the bully breeds, grooming techniques for wire haired breeds, sun protection for the hairless breeds etc.
Start by having all you need already waiting for new puppy, set up and ready to go. Don’t skimp on something you think you will pick up the last minute. Have the food that the breeder was feeding and take your time switching him on to the best quality food you can feed, if there is to be a change in food. Have puppies potty area picked out, a crate for sleeping and protection from all that a young puppy can get into, food and water bowls (preferably ceramic or stainless steel for better sanitation), chew toys that can’t be destroyed, a leash and collar and bedding. Take a towel and some toys with to the breeder’s house to let the litter-mates play on and with so that it will pick up the smells of the litter so you can put it in his crate to help his transition. Plan to take a few days off so you can bond with puppy and help him/her acclimate to the new surroundings and get to know you. Plan out a routine for puppy to help with this transition.
See your vet as soon as possible but not later than 48 to 72 hours after receiving puppy. Have all the necessary health records available so that your veterinarian can make the best recommendations as to which vaccinations, de-wormings and other health related suggestions that are necessary for your puppy and your area that you live in. Many health guarantees are void if you don’t.
Don’t allow cute little puppy to do anything that won’t be allowed as an adult dog. Puppies can learn to not get on furniture, not jump or mouth you from day one. Don’t wait, curb these unwanted behaviors early. Potty training will come easier if meals are planned out as 3 or 4 a day as opposed to free feeding. Keep in mind that the toy breeds need to eat frequently as they can have trouble with keeping their blood sugar stable. Be patient and don’t give puppy too much freedom.
Don’t wait, socialize, socialize, socialize and then socialize some more. The best time to socialize your puppy is from 8 to 16 weeks of age, and then again after 5 months. Expose puppy to as many positive experiences as possible. All races, sexes and ages of people including those in uniform, different accessories (ladies with big hats, older people with canes etc) should be included in your process. Think about where you will take your puppy throughout his/her lifetime and expose your puppy to anything that they might come across. This means car rides, bicycles, traffic, parks; big box pet stores are a great place to do this. Remember keep it as positive as possible. If something might be scary or too loud start from a distance and increase your treats and praise as you get closer to the new item or person. If you are going to be around farm animals, include safe exposure of these animals and I do emphasize safety first here as all animals can be unpredictable. Don’t soothe a frightened puppy, act indifferent but praise bravery or curiosity. Soothing and comforting will only re-enforce the puppies fear.
Enroll your puppy in a great puppy class, this way your puppy will have a fun place to learn manners but also have a place to socialize with other puppies. Puppy class and will help to develop puppies communication skills. Even if you are the best dog trainer in the world, a puppy class is a great place for socialization. Check out local doggy daycares. Leaving puppy at a great doggy daycare helps socialize your puppy and renders your puppy tired at the end of the day and less likely to get into trouble.
Crate train your puppy. Don’t think cage, think playpen or crib. No one thinks twice about putting our children in a play pen or crib as these items protect baby from things that could cause harm. A crate, used correctly, helps potty train and also saves the carpet, furniture, your shoes etc. Besides, sometime in puppy’s life he will need to be used to being in a crate, kennel or cage, such as at the groomers or the vet.
Handle your puppy and get him/her used to having teeth, ears and feet handled. You will be cleaning those ears, brushing those teeth and trimming those nails. Get puppy used to this early for later success. Daily gentle handling exercises should be an enjoyable experience for both puppy and owner and will further the bonding process. Start grooming early. Brushes, clippers, scissors and combs can be scary things if you don’t know what they are. Schedule a meet and greet with a groomer you find by referral if puppy will be visiting regularly.
Take puppy to the vet when he or she does not need to go to just get treats, weighed and make friends with the staff. If you only go when puppy is having unpleasant things done, the vet and staff will become scary and a bad place. Most vets will happily participate in this.
Last but not least, please, please train your puppy. Think of your puppy as an ambassador for his/her breed. Prevent dog bites and phobias by socializing as much as safely possible. A trained dog is more of a joy to own and a trained dog enjoys life more as well.
Sincerely
Your Professional Dog Trainer
Caring and Concerned Breeder
Leah Morse www.rmclassiccanine.com
What do you think about a letter like this for future puppy owners? We would like to hear from you at live@dogdoctorradio.com
Tags: Leah Morse | Robert Forto | Michele Forto | Iditarod | Team Ineka | Dog Training Denver | Dog Doctor Radio | Denver Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Duluth Dog Works | Minnesota Dog Works | Rocky Mountain Classic Canine
____________________
Leah Morse is a certified canine trainer and the owner of Rocky Mountain Classic Canine. Leah writes a weekly blog for Denver Dog Works. Leah can also be reached through our website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
Showing posts with label robert forto blogtalk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label robert forto blogtalk. Show all posts
Friday, May 14, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
The Truth about Dogs with Bite Histories
The Truth About Dogs with Bite Histories
By Robert Forto, PhD
It is always something that most dog owners have in the back of their minds – the horror of finding out, either first or secondhand, that your dog has bitten someone. In some cases you know that it is a possibility, in other cases you are completely stunned that your dog could do something like this. While you are reading from the information, trying to decide what to do, here are some things to consider.
How bad was the bite? Dr. Ian Dunbar, a veterinarian and respected dog trainer, grades bites on a level of 1-6:
Did the bite leave no evidence of damage?
Teeth made contact, but no pressure was used.
One to three punctures in a single bite, none deeper than ½ the length of a canine tooth.
One to four punctures, with at least one puncture deeper than ½ the length of a canine tooth. This means that the dog grabbed and shook what was in its mouth.
Multiple level 4 bites.
Death.
Know that dogs do not “accidentally” bite. Puppies spend so much of their time playing, chewing, and putting things in their mouth so that they can learn the extent of their jaw’s capabilities and strengths. If a dog puts teeth on you, but did not actually bite down, it is exactly what he meant to do. If a dog leaves a puncture wound, it was not an accident, he put as much pressure into the bite as he thought he needed to.
A dog that issues a level 1-3 bite is usually considered a good candidate for rehabilitation. Dogs with a history of bites that are level 4 and higher are considered to be a much greater risk and not as likely to be safely rehabilitated.
What provoked the bite? If you know your dog is tense or fearful or protective in certain situations, and the dog was in one of the situations when he bit, you know what probably provoked him. Not all bites are obviously provoked, but many dogs give clear warnings before they bite that we humans never bother to see.
What was the dog’s reaction after the bite? Did the dog bite and go back to sleep, did she bite and then run away, did she bite once and prepare to bite again?
Is this a dog that you will want in your home? If you no longer want the dog in your home, what reason would someone else have for taking this dog into their home?
In many states, a dog must be quarantined for ten days after issuing a bite that is recorded. During that time, the dog cannot be sold, given, returned or otherwise be placed into someone else’s ownership. If proof of current rabies vaccination can be proved, the dog will need to be kenneled at a humane society, shelter, vet’s office, or other place as determined by local laws. Any kenneling fees are the responsibility of the dog owners.
It is becoming increasingly common for dogs with bite histories to cause companies to cancel insurance policies. Some municipalities will register dogs with bite histories as “dangerous dogs” and will impose restrictions on the dog’s owner.
Also keep in mind that some state laws may hold you liable for any further bites that the dog may issue if you re-home the dog, either before or after the required ten day holding period is up. If it can be proved that you knew the dog is a bite risk, even if you chose not to disclose the fact to a new owner, you can still be held accountable.
If you would like to keep your dog in your family, you need to take measures to make sure that the dog is unlikely to bite again. Identify what provoked the bite and what can be done to manage it. This might include crating otherwise confining the dog in a room away from guests, employing muzzles, keeping the dog in the yard unsupervised, working closely with a behaviorist or experienced trainer, or other management techniques that are deemed appropriate for the situation. You and your family must carefully consider whether these management techniques are possible and if so, will they be in place 100% of the time. Working with a trainer is a must in dog bite cases. A canine behaviorist should be the first type of person that you look for. If a qualified canine behaviorist is not available your next person to look for would be a trainer who is not only experienced in dealing with aggressive dogs, but is also comfortable meeting and working out training protocols for aggressive dogs. My suggestion is to find someone who uses positives techniques can be issued by anyone, as opposed to compulsion techniques that use physical corrections, which are only effective if someone is big enough to correct the dog. Also, since many times dogs bite out of fear or stress, physical corrections can do more to worsen a problem than to help resolve it. Regardless of the training methods used, it is imperative that YOU work with the dog and trainer!!! Sending your dog away to be trained by someone else is teaching the dog respond to the trainer and not to you. As the responsibility of this dog will be upon you, you need to be learning training and management techniques with your dog.
A dog that bites is not automatically a bad dog. However, it is a dog that is in need of immediate behavior modification and a full physical and blood work up at the vet’s office. There are many, many reasons that a dog might bite, some obvious, and some not so obvious. Some dogs bite because they are afraid and feel the need to protect themselves. Other dogs bite because they feel that they are in charge and need to keep people in line. Still other dogs bite to protect themselves or what they perceive is theirs. Dogs may bite because of physical pain and it is possible for dogs to bite because of physical problems, like a tumor, or chemical imbalances in the brain.
In some cases the kindest or most responsible thing to do for the dog is to have it humanely euthanized. Dogs in physical pain that cannot be relived are clearly miserable if they are at the point that they bite. Dogs with mental illness or chemical imbalances can be as sick as a dog with cancer or heart disease. As in the case with physical illness, sometimes mental illness cannot be treated and the pain is overwhelming enough that death is the kindest treatment. Some dogs that bite out of fear or protection have this learning, whether self-taught or human trained, and even well-meaning humans can unknowingly teach their dogs that biting is the best option, so well ingrained in their minds that it cannot be trained out. Rather than sending a dog to a shelter or putting it into a home where it might once again make the choice to bite (and bite more severely than before), contacting the vet yourself so that the dog is euthanized in familiar surroundings can be very, very difficult for you, but by far the most loving thing you can do for your dog.
Obviously, the best thing you can do for your dog is to train it to accept all situations. Your dog does not have to love all the situations you put it in, but it does have to be tolerant. Rational, sound people don’t turn on friends and loved ones with knives or fists and inflict damage just because they are asked to do something they don’t care to do. We can and should expect the same courtesy from our canine family and friends. Teaching your dog to accept handling, new and unusual people, and to deal with frustration, as well as picking up some self control skills, is the first step to preventing a dog bite before it can even happen.
Tags: Robert Forto | Michele Forto | Iditarod | Team Ineka | Dog Training Denver | Dog Doctor Radio | Denver Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Duluth Dog Works | Minnesota Dog Works | Animal law | Dog Law
_________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director for Denver Dog Works and the host of The Dog Doctor Radio Show. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
By Robert Forto, PhD
It is always something that most dog owners have in the back of their minds – the horror of finding out, either first or secondhand, that your dog has bitten someone. In some cases you know that it is a possibility, in other cases you are completely stunned that your dog could do something like this. While you are reading from the information, trying to decide what to do, here are some things to consider.
How bad was the bite? Dr. Ian Dunbar, a veterinarian and respected dog trainer, grades bites on a level of 1-6:
Did the bite leave no evidence of damage?
Teeth made contact, but no pressure was used.
One to three punctures in a single bite, none deeper than ½ the length of a canine tooth.
One to four punctures, with at least one puncture deeper than ½ the length of a canine tooth. This means that the dog grabbed and shook what was in its mouth.
Multiple level 4 bites.
Death.
Know that dogs do not “accidentally” bite. Puppies spend so much of their time playing, chewing, and putting things in their mouth so that they can learn the extent of their jaw’s capabilities and strengths. If a dog puts teeth on you, but did not actually bite down, it is exactly what he meant to do. If a dog leaves a puncture wound, it was not an accident, he put as much pressure into the bite as he thought he needed to.
A dog that issues a level 1-3 bite is usually considered a good candidate for rehabilitation. Dogs with a history of bites that are level 4 and higher are considered to be a much greater risk and not as likely to be safely rehabilitated.
What provoked the bite? If you know your dog is tense or fearful or protective in certain situations, and the dog was in one of the situations when he bit, you know what probably provoked him. Not all bites are obviously provoked, but many dogs give clear warnings before they bite that we humans never bother to see.
What was the dog’s reaction after the bite? Did the dog bite and go back to sleep, did she bite and then run away, did she bite once and prepare to bite again?
Is this a dog that you will want in your home? If you no longer want the dog in your home, what reason would someone else have for taking this dog into their home?
In many states, a dog must be quarantined for ten days after issuing a bite that is recorded. During that time, the dog cannot be sold, given, returned or otherwise be placed into someone else’s ownership. If proof of current rabies vaccination can be proved, the dog will need to be kenneled at a humane society, shelter, vet’s office, or other place as determined by local laws. Any kenneling fees are the responsibility of the dog owners.
It is becoming increasingly common for dogs with bite histories to cause companies to cancel insurance policies. Some municipalities will register dogs with bite histories as “dangerous dogs” and will impose restrictions on the dog’s owner.
Also keep in mind that some state laws may hold you liable for any further bites that the dog may issue if you re-home the dog, either before or after the required ten day holding period is up. If it can be proved that you knew the dog is a bite risk, even if you chose not to disclose the fact to a new owner, you can still be held accountable.
If you would like to keep your dog in your family, you need to take measures to make sure that the dog is unlikely to bite again. Identify what provoked the bite and what can be done to manage it. This might include crating otherwise confining the dog in a room away from guests, employing muzzles, keeping the dog in the yard unsupervised, working closely with a behaviorist or experienced trainer, or other management techniques that are deemed appropriate for the situation. You and your family must carefully consider whether these management techniques are possible and if so, will they be in place 100% of the time. Working with a trainer is a must in dog bite cases. A canine behaviorist should be the first type of person that you look for. If a qualified canine behaviorist is not available your next person to look for would be a trainer who is not only experienced in dealing with aggressive dogs, but is also comfortable meeting and working out training protocols for aggressive dogs. My suggestion is to find someone who uses positives techniques can be issued by anyone, as opposed to compulsion techniques that use physical corrections, which are only effective if someone is big enough to correct the dog. Also, since many times dogs bite out of fear or stress, physical corrections can do more to worsen a problem than to help resolve it. Regardless of the training methods used, it is imperative that YOU work with the dog and trainer!!! Sending your dog away to be trained by someone else is teaching the dog respond to the trainer and not to you. As the responsibility of this dog will be upon you, you need to be learning training and management techniques with your dog.
A dog that bites is not automatically a bad dog. However, it is a dog that is in need of immediate behavior modification and a full physical and blood work up at the vet’s office. There are many, many reasons that a dog might bite, some obvious, and some not so obvious. Some dogs bite because they are afraid and feel the need to protect themselves. Other dogs bite because they feel that they are in charge and need to keep people in line. Still other dogs bite to protect themselves or what they perceive is theirs. Dogs may bite because of physical pain and it is possible for dogs to bite because of physical problems, like a tumor, or chemical imbalances in the brain.
In some cases the kindest or most responsible thing to do for the dog is to have it humanely euthanized. Dogs in physical pain that cannot be relived are clearly miserable if they are at the point that they bite. Dogs with mental illness or chemical imbalances can be as sick as a dog with cancer or heart disease. As in the case with physical illness, sometimes mental illness cannot be treated and the pain is overwhelming enough that death is the kindest treatment. Some dogs that bite out of fear or protection have this learning, whether self-taught or human trained, and even well-meaning humans can unknowingly teach their dogs that biting is the best option, so well ingrained in their minds that it cannot be trained out. Rather than sending a dog to a shelter or putting it into a home where it might once again make the choice to bite (and bite more severely than before), contacting the vet yourself so that the dog is euthanized in familiar surroundings can be very, very difficult for you, but by far the most loving thing you can do for your dog.
Obviously, the best thing you can do for your dog is to train it to accept all situations. Your dog does not have to love all the situations you put it in, but it does have to be tolerant. Rational, sound people don’t turn on friends and loved ones with knives or fists and inflict damage just because they are asked to do something they don’t care to do. We can and should expect the same courtesy from our canine family and friends. Teaching your dog to accept handling, new and unusual people, and to deal with frustration, as well as picking up some self control skills, is the first step to preventing a dog bite before it can even happen.
Tags: Robert Forto | Michele Forto | Iditarod | Team Ineka | Dog Training Denver | Dog Doctor Radio | Denver Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Duluth Dog Works | Minnesota Dog Works | Animal law | Dog Law
_________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director for Denver Dog Works and the host of The Dog Doctor Radio Show. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
Sunday, May 2, 2010
K-9 Communication 2 by Al Magaw
K-9 Communication 2
By Al Magaw
I've had so many comments on last week's blog, all positive - I really expected some controversy about animals, and us, to a lesser degree, being able to communicate wordlessly, and without motion, to indicate thoughts - I've received stories that told about dogs being able to inform their owners when there was a sick lamb, stories about dogs that just "know" when there is something that's going to happen that involves them without any obvious indication from the owners, to the story of the siberian husky that wakes it's owners every morning from Monday to Friday so they aren't late for work, but lets them sleep in on Saturday and Sunday - obviously, the siberian can read the calendar? - no, I didn't think so - I'd like to share part of a letter from an old friend that I received a number of years ago - a letter that started me wondering a bit more and observing more closely, how animals communicate without words - In part, the letter reads ----
"Kuma, my Rottie, is an angel in the shape of a dog. He made his way through three bullets to reach my door. He has taught me much about play, about lightening up (in training), and visualization. He has led the way for me (to) learn deep mind/body/spirit communication from him". -------- "Kuma has showed me what my next pathway will be as an animal communicator. I am seriously looking into that field as I would truly like to be able to "speak" with dogs and horses and learn what they really have to say about issues in their lives." She goes on to say, "Rottweilers are pretty intensive dogs, different from any I have owned before. Kuma is teaching me to "send" pictures to him as a way of communicating".
My friend goes on to describe how she found Kuma on her porch one morning, badly wounded with three bullet holes in him. She nursed him back to health and on one of the first walks with him.
"He started to chase some deer that went flying off in front of him." "I immediately sent off a picture of him in the stage of a stock horse doing a sliding stop." -- "He looked just like a stock horse as he slid to a stop. He immediately came right to me, the first time he had done so off leash." "I felt like I had just won a championship!" "it was an awesome moment. He is one powerful dog who displayed a fine line between play and aggression when he first came into my life."
The letter goes on to talk about mutual friends and interests --- I've read this letter from my friend many times over the years since I received it and it still sends shivers up my spine, shivers of recognition of what is what is real and possible, if only we could learn.
We would love to hear your comments regarding this article. Please let us know at live@dogdoctorradio.com
Tags: Al Magaw | Robert Forto | Michele Forto | Iditarod | Team Ineka | Dog Training Denver | Dog Doctor Radio | Denver Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Duluth Dog Works | Minnesota Dog Works
____________________
Al Magaw is a musher from Salmo, BC. Al keeps a medium sized kennel of 20 - 45 alaskan huskies as well as several pet dogs of various breeds. Al has been training and racing for the last 33 years. Before becoming involved with sled dogs, Al, along with his family, kept and competed with horses for many years. Al can be reached through his website at http://www.spiritofthenorthkennels.com Al is a guest blogger for Denver Dog Works and can be reached through our website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
By Al Magaw
I've had so many comments on last week's blog, all positive - I really expected some controversy about animals, and us, to a lesser degree, being able to communicate wordlessly, and without motion, to indicate thoughts - I've received stories that told about dogs being able to inform their owners when there was a sick lamb, stories about dogs that just "know" when there is something that's going to happen that involves them without any obvious indication from the owners, to the story of the siberian husky that wakes it's owners every morning from Monday to Friday so they aren't late for work, but lets them sleep in on Saturday and Sunday - obviously, the siberian can read the calendar? - no, I didn't think so - I'd like to share part of a letter from an old friend that I received a number of years ago - a letter that started me wondering a bit more and observing more closely, how animals communicate without words - In part, the letter reads ----
"Kuma, my Rottie, is an angel in the shape of a dog. He made his way through three bullets to reach my door. He has taught me much about play, about lightening up (in training), and visualization. He has led the way for me (to) learn deep mind/body/spirit communication from him". -------- "Kuma has showed me what my next pathway will be as an animal communicator. I am seriously looking into that field as I would truly like to be able to "speak" with dogs and horses and learn what they really have to say about issues in their lives." She goes on to say, "Rottweilers are pretty intensive dogs, different from any I have owned before. Kuma is teaching me to "send" pictures to him as a way of communicating".
My friend goes on to describe how she found Kuma on her porch one morning, badly wounded with three bullet holes in him. She nursed him back to health and on one of the first walks with him.
"He started to chase some deer that went flying off in front of him." "I immediately sent off a picture of him in the stage of a stock horse doing a sliding stop." -- "He looked just like a stock horse as he slid to a stop. He immediately came right to me, the first time he had done so off leash." "I felt like I had just won a championship!" "it was an awesome moment. He is one powerful dog who displayed a fine line between play and aggression when he first came into my life."
The letter goes on to talk about mutual friends and interests --- I've read this letter from my friend many times over the years since I received it and it still sends shivers up my spine, shivers of recognition of what is what is real and possible, if only we could learn.
We would love to hear your comments regarding this article. Please let us know at live@dogdoctorradio.com
Tags: Al Magaw | Robert Forto | Michele Forto | Iditarod | Team Ineka | Dog Training Denver | Dog Doctor Radio | Denver Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Duluth Dog Works | Minnesota Dog Works
____________________
Al Magaw is a musher from Salmo, BC. Al keeps a medium sized kennel of 20 - 45 alaskan huskies as well as several pet dogs of various breeds. Al has been training and racing for the last 33 years. Before becoming involved with sled dogs, Al, along with his family, kept and competed with horses for many years. Al can be reached through his website at http://www.spiritofthenorthkennels.com Al is a guest blogger for Denver Dog Works and can be reached through our website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
Friday, April 9, 2010
True Leadership
True Leadership
Leadership is a buzzword in business. It is what we strive for in our communities and what we teach our children.
Some leaders and politicians use devices that make them appear to be comfortable around all types of people. These leaders use methods to change their appearance and attitudes to fit the situation, placing on the seeming interest they have in a particular culture or the problems facing the group they are addressing, Non-Native cultures call this ability the “common touch.”
Native American Ancestors tested their leaders insisting that their leaders saw themselves as part of the circle instead of being above the people. These leaders served the people through their generosity of spirit and their ability to listen and make wise decisions. These leaders served through the understanding that no person was common--all were extraordinary. Each individual was important and all leaders knew they could not lead through example unless they humbly loved the humanity represented in every human being.
If you have placed yourself above others instead of being an equal part of the circle of life maybe you should readjust your perspective. Leading through example is a road that only the humble can actually master.
Citation: Earth Medicine by Jamie Sams
Tags: Robert Forto | Michele Forto | Iditarod | Team Ineka | Dog Training Denver | Dog Doctor Radio | Denver Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Duluth Dog Works | Minnesota Dog Works
___________________
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
Leadership is a buzzword in business. It is what we strive for in our communities and what we teach our children.
Some leaders and politicians use devices that make them appear to be comfortable around all types of people. These leaders use methods to change their appearance and attitudes to fit the situation, placing on the seeming interest they have in a particular culture or the problems facing the group they are addressing, Non-Native cultures call this ability the “common touch.”
Native American Ancestors tested their leaders insisting that their leaders saw themselves as part of the circle instead of being above the people. These leaders served the people through their generosity of spirit and their ability to listen and make wise decisions. These leaders served through the understanding that no person was common--all were extraordinary. Each individual was important and all leaders knew they could not lead through example unless they humbly loved the humanity represented in every human being.
If you have placed yourself above others instead of being an equal part of the circle of life maybe you should readjust your perspective. Leading through example is a road that only the humble can actually master.
Citation: Earth Medicine by Jamie Sams
Tags: Robert Forto | Michele Forto | Iditarod | Team Ineka | Dog Training Denver | Dog Doctor Radio | Denver Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Duluth Dog Works | Minnesota Dog Works
___________________
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
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Who Are These Dogs That Pull Sleds? The Samoyed
Who are These Dogs That Pull Sleds? The Samoyed
By Robert Forto, PhD
The Dogs
Who are these dogs that pull sleds? Are they purebreds or mongrels? What sets them apart from other dogs and enables them to work with man under brutal weather conditions? What sort of strange dog is it that yammers and yowls to be a part of a team, preferring to work or race than rest in a warm kennel?
Written pedigrees are not required to enter a sled dog race, nor does the dog have to be a northern breed, although a majority of dogs on the racing trail are related to working dogs of the North. These dogs have a strong instinct to pull. These dogs can be everything from an American Kennel Club registered Siberian Husky, a “one-quarter husky” mixed breed, or any variety in between. These dogs can be Irish Setters, Walker Coonhounds or even a Border Collie. In search of an unbeatable dog team, dozens and dozens of cross-breedings, in-breedings and line breedings have been tried. Some breeders work within a recognized breed, seeking to refine that breed’s natural talents; others select the fastest and strongest or whatever dogs come to their attention, caring more about performance than good looks or a fancy pedigree.
The Samoyed
Less evident on the racing trails and the most striking when they are, are the Samoyeds. Pure white with dark eyes and curled, bushy tails, the “Sammy” is similar in size to the Siberian, but gives the impression of more hair per pound than any other sled dog.
Originally bred by the inland Siberian tribe called the Samoyed, the Samoyed dog served as a general-purpose work animal which hunted, drove reindeer herds and pulled loads at such times when reindeer could not be used. The dogs also acted as companions and watchdogs, and were used for both food and clothing. It was said that a good dog was worth more than a wife to a Samoyed herdsman, and when British explorers first came across this amazing white dog it took all their bargaining talents to accomplish a trade. In 1899 the first Samoyed dog was exported to Britain and from there his popularity has grown. Today’s Samoyed closely resembles the original sled dogs, for attempted improvements on such a dog as Moustau of Argenteau, the American Kennel Club’s first registered Samoyed in 1906, could have been to this natural breed’s detriment.
The best racing and working Samoyeds of recent times have been dogs of medium stature and structure, perhaps somewhat taller than the standard, which is 19 to 23 ½ inches at the shoulders but never exceptionally heavy in body or bone. The ideal working Samoyed ranges from 22 to 24 inches and weighs 42 to 55 pounds. Males have more “punch” and are ordinarily a more useful size for work, but smaller, racy females can certainly add to a racing team.
On the average, Samoyeds possess a more concerned personality than other Arctic breeds; they are capable of great loyalty and have a pronounced desire to please. They are somewhat more apt to stand up to pressure that is typical of a natural runner, and they often excel in less-than-perfect conditions, where other dogs lose heart. They have a natural stubbornness and a strong will which once tuned to the driver’s advantage will keep them working hard. Although most Samoyeds are not fast enough to compete in
speed races against Siberians or Alaskans, the Samoyeds heart and loyalty make him an exceptional dog, and drivers of Sam teams will break no despairing comparisons with any other dog team.
Breed clubs, traditionally interested more in show or obedience activities, have begun to recognize racing teams or weight pulling accomplishments of purebred dogs. The Siberian Husky Club of America, The Malamute Club of America, or the Organization for Working Samoyeds, for example, seeks to reward those dogs, which excel at tasks they were originally bred for—pulling sleds.
Next Week: Other Northern Breeds
Tags: Robert Forto | Michele Forto | Iditarod | Team Ineka | Dog Training Denver | Dog Doctor Radio | Denver Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Duluth Dog Works
_______________________
Dr. Robert Forto is training for his first Iditarod under the Team Ineka banner. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.teamineka.com
By Robert Forto, PhD
The Dogs
Who are these dogs that pull sleds? Are they purebreds or mongrels? What sets them apart from other dogs and enables them to work with man under brutal weather conditions? What sort of strange dog is it that yammers and yowls to be a part of a team, preferring to work or race than rest in a warm kennel?
Written pedigrees are not required to enter a sled dog race, nor does the dog have to be a northern breed, although a majority of dogs on the racing trail are related to working dogs of the North. These dogs have a strong instinct to pull. These dogs can be everything from an American Kennel Club registered Siberian Husky, a “one-quarter husky” mixed breed, or any variety in between. These dogs can be Irish Setters, Walker Coonhounds or even a Border Collie. In search of an unbeatable dog team, dozens and dozens of cross-breedings, in-breedings and line breedings have been tried. Some breeders work within a recognized breed, seeking to refine that breed’s natural talents; others select the fastest and strongest or whatever dogs come to their attention, caring more about performance than good looks or a fancy pedigree.
The Samoyed
Less evident on the racing trails and the most striking when they are, are the Samoyeds. Pure white with dark eyes and curled, bushy tails, the “Sammy” is similar in size to the Siberian, but gives the impression of more hair per pound than any other sled dog.
Originally bred by the inland Siberian tribe called the Samoyed, the Samoyed dog served as a general-purpose work animal which hunted, drove reindeer herds and pulled loads at such times when reindeer could not be used. The dogs also acted as companions and watchdogs, and were used for both food and clothing. It was said that a good dog was worth more than a wife to a Samoyed herdsman, and when British explorers first came across this amazing white dog it took all their bargaining talents to accomplish a trade. In 1899 the first Samoyed dog was exported to Britain and from there his popularity has grown. Today’s Samoyed closely resembles the original sled dogs, for attempted improvements on such a dog as Moustau of Argenteau, the American Kennel Club’s first registered Samoyed in 1906, could have been to this natural breed’s detriment.
The best racing and working Samoyeds of recent times have been dogs of medium stature and structure, perhaps somewhat taller than the standard, which is 19 to 23 ½ inches at the shoulders but never exceptionally heavy in body or bone. The ideal working Samoyed ranges from 22 to 24 inches and weighs 42 to 55 pounds. Males have more “punch” and are ordinarily a more useful size for work, but smaller, racy females can certainly add to a racing team.
On the average, Samoyeds possess a more concerned personality than other Arctic breeds; they are capable of great loyalty and have a pronounced desire to please. They are somewhat more apt to stand up to pressure that is typical of a natural runner, and they often excel in less-than-perfect conditions, where other dogs lose heart. They have a natural stubbornness and a strong will which once tuned to the driver’s advantage will keep them working hard. Although most Samoyeds are not fast enough to compete in
speed races against Siberians or Alaskans, the Samoyeds heart and loyalty make him an exceptional dog, and drivers of Sam teams will break no despairing comparisons with any other dog team.
Breed clubs, traditionally interested more in show or obedience activities, have begun to recognize racing teams or weight pulling accomplishments of purebred dogs. The Siberian Husky Club of America, The Malamute Club of America, or the Organization for Working Samoyeds, for example, seeks to reward those dogs, which excel at tasks they were originally bred for—pulling sleds.
Next Week: Other Northern Breeds
Tags: Robert Forto | Michele Forto | Iditarod | Team Ineka | Dog Training Denver | Dog Doctor Radio | Denver Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Duluth Dog Works
_______________________
Dr. Robert Forto is training for his first Iditarod under the Team Ineka banner. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.teamineka.com
Sunday, April 4, 2010
The iPad and How Dog Works Training Center will Utilize It
The iPad and How Dog Works Training Center will Utilize It
By Robert Forto, PhD
It has been close to 12 hours since it’s arrival and I am writing my first blog article on the much anticipated Apple iPad. I am an Apple junkie: I use an iPhone, a MacBook Pro, an iPod Classic, an iPod touch, a Mac Mini and now an iPad. I am always looking for new technology and I guess you could call me a technology geek. I was the first on my block to have Internet access on my Commodore 64, plugged up to my Black and White T.V., and the $700.00 phone bill on my parents account when I was a kid. I had a cell phone, in a bag that you had to carry around, when I was 14, when the service was extremely expensive. I had a Beta 4-head VCR in my bedroom that I bought with my own money cutting lawns and delivering newspapers. And we were the first in the neighborhood to have cable T.V. when you still had to get up and change the channel on the set top box.
I wrote an article about two months ago about how Denver Dog Works/Dog Works Training Center (http://www.dogworkstrainingcenter.com) would utilize the new technology and it was all speculation until today.
The buzz on the Internet is whether this tablet computer will replace the laptop or even the iPhone. In my opinion it depends what type of industry you are in. In our business we embrace new technology to make our daily work easier and streamlined. The iPad will help us do that. No, it will not replace my laptop and of course it will not replace my iphone it will be a nice supplement.
We have just one iPad now and that was intentional. I plan to put it through the test before ordering one for every trainer and every student. In the coming weeks they will release the iPad with 3G access. That is next. Thank goodness for Apple Credit!
Here are just a few of the ways that we plan to use the iPad at Denver Dog Works:
Credit Card Processing
As soon as the iPad was released the much anticipated Square processing system was released. This application and small piece of hardware will allow business owners and individuals process credit cards without the burdens of a merchant account and/or wired terminal. At Denver Dog Works about 85% of our business is credit cards, with the Square app we can effectively accept payments while conducting an interview in the field or at an event without the need for a terminal. Not to mention a huge savings on the processing fees from 2-5% per transaction.
Evaluations
Our most important service that we offer at Denver Dog Works is our initial evaluation. This process involves taking a detailed history by phone, email or phone. With this information we design a training plan for our clients and their dogs. By utilizing the iPad to streamline this process we will be able to conduct our evaluations and share contracts and forms quickly and easily with our clients.
Teaching Tools
We teach a lot of different types of classes at Denver Dog Works. With the iPad we will be able to share training plans, videos, how-to articles, and more with our clients as they learn new exercises and training tasks
Social Media
A key part of our marketing plan is the utilization of social media (ie. Facebook, Twitter, Loopt, etc.) Now we update our status on our fan pages and personal profiles almost exclusively by iPhone. With the larger touch keyboard of iPad it will allow us to update information quicker. We will be able to write quick blog posts using the Wordpress App and publish them on the fly.
Skype
One of the most exciting features of the iPad is the ability to use Skype. Last night Michele and I spoke for an hour and a half over Skype. Me in my hotel room in Minnesota and her at our home in Colorado.
Travel
I travel a lot for my behavioral work and with the iPad I can keep up to date on the latest training articles and journals and maybe even catch a movie or two on the plane or read a book while sitting in the airport. I will be able to book a rental car, check a flight’s status or check into a hotel all by walking through the terminal. You cant do that on an laptop and the screen on my iPhone is just too small.
Canine Career Courses
The most important and exciting use of the iPad in our business will be in our canine career course.
As many of you know we offer a course at Dog Works Training Centers to teach people how to become the best dog trainers in the world. In our course we provide an interactive learning environment that is partnered with cutting edge technology and over nineteen years of living with dogs.
Denver Dog Works and Dog Works Training Centers plans to include an iPad with every course and include it in the student’s enrollment package.
Our next canine trainer career course starts at the end of April and is a 24-week course that consists of three days of training every two weeks on Friday-Sundays. You can find out more information on our canine career courses by visiting our website at http://www.denverdogworks.com and http://www.dogworkstrainingcenter.com
Over the next couple months I will be re-writing our companion course book to include video links, .pdf exams and projects, interactive lessons and more. A perfect partnership of class lectures, our video library, and the iPad technology.
You may think I am crazy to jump on the iPad bandwagon. To the contrary. We have always offered a low-end net-book computer to our canine trainer students but with the release of the iPad it will take our training school to new heights.
Over the next few weeks we will figure out other ways to use this technology and all at Denver Dog Works are eager to embrace it. Sure there will be quirks to work out as an early adopter of this exciting new technology but they said that about the PC and the cell-phone and even the microwave oven.
If you would like to have a career that you love and want to become one of the best canine obedience instructors in the world, give us a call at 303-578-9881 and speak to Robert Forto or Michele Forto anytime.
Tags : iPad | Skype | Robert Forto | Michele Forto | Iditarod | Team Ineka | Dog Training Denver | Dog Doctor Radio | Denver Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Duluth Dog Works | Minnesota Dog Works | Camp Works |
________________________
Dr. Robert Forto, PhD 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
It has been close to 12 hours since it’s arrival and I am writing my first blog article on the much anticipated Apple iPad. I am an Apple junkie: I use an iPhone, a MacBook Pro, an iPod Classic, an iPod touch, a Mac Mini and now an iPad. I am always looking for new technology and I guess you could call me a technology geek. I was the first on my block to have Internet access on my Commodore 64, plugged up to my Black and White T.V., and the $700.00 phone bill on my parents account when I was a kid. I had a cell phone, in a bag that you had to carry around, when I was 14, when the service was extremely expensive. I had a Beta 4-head VCR in my bedroom that I bought with my own money cutting lawns and delivering newspapers. And we were the first in the neighborhood to have cable T.V. when you still had to get up and change the channel on the set top box.
I wrote an article about two months ago about how Denver Dog Works/Dog Works Training Center (http://www.dogworkstrainingcenter.com) would utilize the new technology and it was all speculation until today.
The buzz on the Internet is whether this tablet computer will replace the laptop or even the iPhone. In my opinion it depends what type of industry you are in. In our business we embrace new technology to make our daily work easier and streamlined. The iPad will help us do that. No, it will not replace my laptop and of course it will not replace my iphone it will be a nice supplement.
We have just one iPad now and that was intentional. I plan to put it through the test before ordering one for every trainer and every student. In the coming weeks they will release the iPad with 3G access. That is next. Thank goodness for Apple Credit!
Here are just a few of the ways that we plan to use the iPad at Denver Dog Works:
Credit Card Processing
As soon as the iPad was released the much anticipated Square processing system was released. This application and small piece of hardware will allow business owners and individuals process credit cards without the burdens of a merchant account and/or wired terminal. At Denver Dog Works about 85% of our business is credit cards, with the Square app we can effectively accept payments while conducting an interview in the field or at an event without the need for a terminal. Not to mention a huge savings on the processing fees from 2-5% per transaction.
Evaluations
Our most important service that we offer at Denver Dog Works is our initial evaluation. This process involves taking a detailed history by phone, email or phone. With this information we design a training plan for our clients and their dogs. By utilizing the iPad to streamline this process we will be able to conduct our evaluations and share contracts and forms quickly and easily with our clients.
Teaching Tools
We teach a lot of different types of classes at Denver Dog Works. With the iPad we will be able to share training plans, videos, how-to articles, and more with our clients as they learn new exercises and training tasks
Social Media
A key part of our marketing plan is the utilization of social media (ie. Facebook, Twitter, Loopt, etc.) Now we update our status on our fan pages and personal profiles almost exclusively by iPhone. With the larger touch keyboard of iPad it will allow us to update information quicker. We will be able to write quick blog posts using the Wordpress App and publish them on the fly.
Skype
One of the most exciting features of the iPad is the ability to use Skype. Last night Michele and I spoke for an hour and a half over Skype. Me in my hotel room in Minnesota and her at our home in Colorado.
Travel
I travel a lot for my behavioral work and with the iPad I can keep up to date on the latest training articles and journals and maybe even catch a movie or two on the plane or read a book while sitting in the airport. I will be able to book a rental car, check a flight’s status or check into a hotel all by walking through the terminal. You cant do that on an laptop and the screen on my iPhone is just too small.
Canine Career Courses
The most important and exciting use of the iPad in our business will be in our canine career course.
As many of you know we offer a course at Dog Works Training Centers to teach people how to become the best dog trainers in the world. In our course we provide an interactive learning environment that is partnered with cutting edge technology and over nineteen years of living with dogs.
Denver Dog Works and Dog Works Training Centers plans to include an iPad with every course and include it in the student’s enrollment package.
Our next canine trainer career course starts at the end of April and is a 24-week course that consists of three days of training every two weeks on Friday-Sundays. You can find out more information on our canine career courses by visiting our website at http://www.denverdogworks.com and http://www.dogworkstrainingcenter.com
Over the next couple months I will be re-writing our companion course book to include video links, .pdf exams and projects, interactive lessons and more. A perfect partnership of class lectures, our video library, and the iPad technology.
You may think I am crazy to jump on the iPad bandwagon. To the contrary. We have always offered a low-end net-book computer to our canine trainer students but with the release of the iPad it will take our training school to new heights.
Over the next few weeks we will figure out other ways to use this technology and all at Denver Dog Works are eager to embrace it. Sure there will be quirks to work out as an early adopter of this exciting new technology but they said that about the PC and the cell-phone and even the microwave oven.
If you would like to have a career that you love and want to become one of the best canine obedience instructors in the world, give us a call at 303-578-9881 and speak to Robert Forto or Michele Forto anytime.
Tags : iPad | Skype | Robert Forto | Michele Forto | Iditarod | Team Ineka | Dog Training Denver | Dog Doctor Radio | Denver Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Duluth Dog Works | Minnesota Dog Works | Camp Works |
________________________
Dr. Robert Forto, PhD 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
Friday, April 2, 2010
Ingredients for a Raw Diet for Dogs
Ingredients for a Raw Diet for Dogs
By Leah Morse
What Ingredients and Where to purchase for feeding Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (B.A.R.F)
This is a part of a series of blogs that I want to share my experience with learning to feed raw diet to my dogs. It is a controversial way of providing nutrition for your dogs. I am not suggesting that anyone follow these guidelines that I have chosen to do for my own dogs. I am just simply sharing the information that I have found and where I found it. I am simply sharing my experiences. I am not a veterinarian; I am also not a health care professional. This theory of feeding raw species appropriate diet can have serious health risks associated with incorrect handling, preparing and feeding. NEVER EVER FEED COOKED BONES! Cooking bones changes the molecular structure, they become brittle and may splinter which would injure or kill your dog! Do not feed bones that are frozen either, as they can and will ruin your pet’s teeth. All bones must be thoroughly thawed before feeding as frozen bones can severely damage teeth. Mixing raw meat with cooked meat can cause digestive problems. If feeding raw diet is your goal read as many books and literature as possible. Find people who are already feeding and have experience to have as mentors. Use your own good judgment, when in doubt, don’t do it. The ideas and opinions in this blog are my own and come from feeding my dogs this way since 2008, unless otherwise credited. I am by no means an expert, just sharing my own acquisition of information and observations from my own dogs. Take any ideas that I present here at your own risk and discretion. I, for one, have found it worth it.
I don’t tend to supplement too much with feeding raw diet. The high quality nutrition that comes from feeding raw is more than sufficient. Due to the fact that the protein, minerals and nutrients are in their most natural state, combined with naturally occurring enzymes in the food that help with digestion. However there are a few things that I add as there is a lot of evidence that there is a benefit to do so.
I make a mixture of powdered alfalfa, kelp powder and bee pollen. I keep the majority of it in a clean glass jar but I also put a small amount in a salt shaker (no salt please) to make it easier to sprinkle a small amount on my dogs food. I use a very small amount as much of their nutrition is coming from the variety of veggies and meats and eggs.
Kelp Powder provides essential iodine. The further you live away from the coast the less iodine is present naturally in your environment. We as humans receive it in vitamins or salt that has been fortified with Iodine. Salt is not good for dogs. A great source of iodine is kelp powder a slight amount, a mere dusting is sufficient for a dog. Do your homework and find out what your dog’s needs are by weight to figure out proper amounts. Kelp powder is easily found at one of the many health food stores in the area.
Alfalfa powder is a terrific green food to add to your dog’s food. According to the analysis on the can of alfalfa powder that I purchased at Vitamin cottage, alfalfa is 20% protein and 15% fiber; plus it contains 16 amino acids, 13 trace minerals and 13 vitamins. Again a little goes a long way.
Bee Pollen Granules is also a nutrient rich super food. It supplies vitamins, amino acids; trace minerals and enzymes in a synergistic balance that provides optimum bioavailability, according to the NOW brand Bee Pollen Granules. Bee pollen contains all 22 elements composing the body.
Fish Oil is a good source of Omega 3 Fatty acids. There has been a recent scientific finding that suggests that fish oil aids in preventing cancer.
Vitamin C is a great supplement to use when stress is present. I have also heard veterinarians that have recommended Vitamin C to help prevent urine grass kill. I give the dose recommended for my dog’s weight per the raw diet books I have. Dr. Ian Billinghurst does a very good job at explaining the proper amount to give, in his book “Give Your Dog a Bone.:
Water should not be taken lightly. Filtered water is best, or at least the highest quality water available. The fewer chemicals the better, I say. I give my dogs’ filtered water.
Sunshine is also important as this helps to provide vitamin D, an essential nutrient for proper calcium utilization.
Again, I don’t supplement everyday but I do try to use everything regularly. I have combined all the powders in one big mix as it makes it easier to give. Fish Oil and Vitamin C are also given periodically. There is plenty of information out there as far as how much and how often.
Tags:Leah Morse | Robert Forto | Michele Forto | Iditarod | Team Ineka | Dog Training Denver | Dog Doctor Radio | Denver Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Duluth Dog Works
___________________
Leah Morse is a certified canine trainer and the owner of Rocky Mountain Classic Canine. Leah can be reached through our website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
By Leah Morse
What Ingredients and Where to purchase for feeding Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (B.A.R.F)
This is a part of a series of blogs that I want to share my experience with learning to feed raw diet to my dogs. It is a controversial way of providing nutrition for your dogs. I am not suggesting that anyone follow these guidelines that I have chosen to do for my own dogs. I am just simply sharing the information that I have found and where I found it. I am simply sharing my experiences. I am not a veterinarian; I am also not a health care professional. This theory of feeding raw species appropriate diet can have serious health risks associated with incorrect handling, preparing and feeding. NEVER EVER FEED COOKED BONES! Cooking bones changes the molecular structure, they become brittle and may splinter which would injure or kill your dog! Do not feed bones that are frozen either, as they can and will ruin your pet’s teeth. All bones must be thoroughly thawed before feeding as frozen bones can severely damage teeth. Mixing raw meat with cooked meat can cause digestive problems. If feeding raw diet is your goal read as many books and literature as possible. Find people who are already feeding and have experience to have as mentors. Use your own good judgment, when in doubt, don’t do it. The ideas and opinions in this blog are my own and come from feeding my dogs this way since 2008, unless otherwise credited. I am by no means an expert, just sharing my own acquisition of information and observations from my own dogs. Take any ideas that I present here at your own risk and discretion. I, for one, have found it worth it.
I don’t tend to supplement too much with feeding raw diet. The high quality nutrition that comes from feeding raw is more than sufficient. Due to the fact that the protein, minerals and nutrients are in their most natural state, combined with naturally occurring enzymes in the food that help with digestion. However there are a few things that I add as there is a lot of evidence that there is a benefit to do so.
I make a mixture of powdered alfalfa, kelp powder and bee pollen. I keep the majority of it in a clean glass jar but I also put a small amount in a salt shaker (no salt please) to make it easier to sprinkle a small amount on my dogs food. I use a very small amount as much of their nutrition is coming from the variety of veggies and meats and eggs.
Kelp Powder provides essential iodine. The further you live away from the coast the less iodine is present naturally in your environment. We as humans receive it in vitamins or salt that has been fortified with Iodine. Salt is not good for dogs. A great source of iodine is kelp powder a slight amount, a mere dusting is sufficient for a dog. Do your homework and find out what your dog’s needs are by weight to figure out proper amounts. Kelp powder is easily found at one of the many health food stores in the area.
Alfalfa powder is a terrific green food to add to your dog’s food. According to the analysis on the can of alfalfa powder that I purchased at Vitamin cottage, alfalfa is 20% protein and 15% fiber; plus it contains 16 amino acids, 13 trace minerals and 13 vitamins. Again a little goes a long way.
Bee Pollen Granules is also a nutrient rich super food. It supplies vitamins, amino acids; trace minerals and enzymes in a synergistic balance that provides optimum bioavailability, according to the NOW brand Bee Pollen Granules. Bee pollen contains all 22 elements composing the body.
Fish Oil is a good source of Omega 3 Fatty acids. There has been a recent scientific finding that suggests that fish oil aids in preventing cancer.
Vitamin C is a great supplement to use when stress is present. I have also heard veterinarians that have recommended Vitamin C to help prevent urine grass kill. I give the dose recommended for my dog’s weight per the raw diet books I have. Dr. Ian Billinghurst does a very good job at explaining the proper amount to give, in his book “Give Your Dog a Bone.:
Water should not be taken lightly. Filtered water is best, or at least the highest quality water available. The fewer chemicals the better, I say. I give my dogs’ filtered water.
Sunshine is also important as this helps to provide vitamin D, an essential nutrient for proper calcium utilization.
Again, I don’t supplement everyday but I do try to use everything regularly. I have combined all the powders in one big mix as it makes it easier to give. Fish Oil and Vitamin C are also given periodically. There is plenty of information out there as far as how much and how often.
Tags:Leah Morse | Robert Forto | Michele Forto | Iditarod | Team Ineka | Dog Training Denver | Dog Doctor Radio | Denver Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Duluth Dog Works
___________________
Leah Morse is a certified canine trainer and the owner of Rocky Mountain Classic Canine. Leah can be reached through our website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
Thursday, April 1, 2010
The Sky's the Limit
The Sky’s the Limit
By Robert Forto, PhD
Starting April 1, 2010 Dog Works Training Centers and Denver Dog Works is launching a new service. Dog Works is offering its popular Camp Works training program to dog owners outside of the Denver area. We will be offering ground transportation in our four state service area: Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Utah in our climate controlled van. We are also proud to announce that we are in a location that is serviced by Pet Airways. We have had great success in the past with this “pet-only” airline and cannot praise them enough.
Ground Transportation
In our ground transportation service we will provide door to door service for pickup and delivery of your dog. The way it will work is; you schedule and reserve your Camp Works spot for your dog. We arrange a pick-up date and we keep him for three weeks where he will be trained in basic obedience, manners, leadership, trust and confidence building as well as socialization and short field trips. Then we bring him home and conduct our send home session with you where we will spend three or four hours going over with and teaching you everything that your dog has learned and how to handle your dog in a calm natural way that will give you the ability to be your dogs’ pack leader always.
Pet Airways
We have a link to Pet Airways on our website. I encourage you to visit their website and learn about transportation for your pet. In the past, we have received dogs for our Camp Works program on this company that is truly dedicated to your pet’s welfare. We pick up your pet from the Pet Airways terminal and the training begins immediately. Your dog is then returned to you in the same fashion. The send home process then will include a step-by-step video of how to maintain your dogs training. Pet Airways requires that your dog be sent with a health certificate from your veterinarian, his leash, collar, contact information, as well as a snack. Be sure to check out Pet Airway’s website for information on the travel experience for your pet. You can also download a podcast of an interview we conducted with the founder of PetAirways click here.
We require the same health certificate. We also want to ensure that your dog receives the same food that he was eating at home, a fee for the food for your dogs stay will be assessed and we work with a local pet warehouse that you may be able to order your dog’s food from in advance as well. There is continued support once your dog is returned home, via emails and/or by video chat through Skype, iChat, AIM and others.
We never allow more than four dogs in our Camp Works program at any time. This is why we have a waiting list and we encourage you to preplan your dog’s stay. The ratio is kept at four to ensure the quality of training and allows us to be able to get to know your dog on a more personal level. They are treated and trained as if they are our own dogs. Referrals are available on our lead trainer’s site: http://www.micheleforto.com
If you have tried other training schools in your area and they cannot meet your needs at Dog Works Training Centers we can! What sets us apart from them is we provide quality consistent training in a public and a home setting. Giving you a well rounded training package that has been proven and is effective. Our lead Camp Works trainer and developer Michele Forto, has an extensive background in training therapy and service dogs and she incorporates this style into her Camp Works packages. While you may think that sending your dog away to a training school hundreds or even thousands of miles away is not a good thing, think about the benefits....and become a fan on facebook and check the updates and photos of your dog regularly. One more thing, we promise, your dog will remember you. In fact, they will remember everything about you including what you let them get away with.
If you want to have one of the best trained dogs in the world, give Dog Works Training Centers a call at 1-888-317-3553.
Tags: Robert Forto | Michele Forto | Iditarod | Team Ineka | Dog Training Denver | Dog Doctor Radio | Denver Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Duluth Dog Works | Minnesota Dog Works | Camp Works | Pet Airways
________________
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
Starting April 1, 2010 Dog Works Training Centers and Denver Dog Works is launching a new service. Dog Works is offering its popular Camp Works training program to dog owners outside of the Denver area. We will be offering ground transportation in our four state service area: Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Utah in our climate controlled van. We are also proud to announce that we are in a location that is serviced by Pet Airways. We have had great success in the past with this “pet-only” airline and cannot praise them enough.
Ground Transportation
In our ground transportation service we will provide door to door service for pickup and delivery of your dog. The way it will work is; you schedule and reserve your Camp Works spot for your dog. We arrange a pick-up date and we keep him for three weeks where he will be trained in basic obedience, manners, leadership, trust and confidence building as well as socialization and short field trips. Then we bring him home and conduct our send home session with you where we will spend three or four hours going over with and teaching you everything that your dog has learned and how to handle your dog in a calm natural way that will give you the ability to be your dogs’ pack leader always.
Pet Airways
We have a link to Pet Airways on our website. I encourage you to visit their website and learn about transportation for your pet. In the past, we have received dogs for our Camp Works program on this company that is truly dedicated to your pet’s welfare. We pick up your pet from the Pet Airways terminal and the training begins immediately. Your dog is then returned to you in the same fashion. The send home process then will include a step-by-step video of how to maintain your dogs training. Pet Airways requires that your dog be sent with a health certificate from your veterinarian, his leash, collar, contact information, as well as a snack. Be sure to check out Pet Airway’s website for information on the travel experience for your pet. You can also download a podcast of an interview we conducted with the founder of PetAirways click here.
We require the same health certificate. We also want to ensure that your dog receives the same food that he was eating at home, a fee for the food for your dogs stay will be assessed and we work with a local pet warehouse that you may be able to order your dog’s food from in advance as well. There is continued support once your dog is returned home, via emails and/or by video chat through Skype, iChat, AIM and others.
We never allow more than four dogs in our Camp Works program at any time. This is why we have a waiting list and we encourage you to preplan your dog’s stay. The ratio is kept at four to ensure the quality of training and allows us to be able to get to know your dog on a more personal level. They are treated and trained as if they are our own dogs. Referrals are available on our lead trainer’s site: http://www.micheleforto.com
If you have tried other training schools in your area and they cannot meet your needs at Dog Works Training Centers we can! What sets us apart from them is we provide quality consistent training in a public and a home setting. Giving you a well rounded training package that has been proven and is effective. Our lead Camp Works trainer and developer Michele Forto, has an extensive background in training therapy and service dogs and she incorporates this style into her Camp Works packages. While you may think that sending your dog away to a training school hundreds or even thousands of miles away is not a good thing, think about the benefits....and become a fan on facebook and check the updates and photos of your dog regularly. One more thing, we promise, your dog will remember you. In fact, they will remember everything about you including what you let them get away with.
If you want to have one of the best trained dogs in the world, give Dog Works Training Centers a call at 1-888-317-3553.
Tags: Robert Forto | Michele Forto | Iditarod | Team Ineka | Dog Training Denver | Dog Doctor Radio | Denver Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Duluth Dog Works | Minnesota Dog Works | Camp Works | Pet Airways
________________
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
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Who Are These Dogs That Pull Sleds? The Malamute
Who are These Dogs That Pull Sleds
By Robert Forto, PhD
The Dogs
Who are these dogs that pull sleds? Are they purebreds or mongrels? What sets them apart from other dogs and enables them to work with man under brutal weather conditions? What sort of strange dog is it that yammers and yowls to be a part of a team, preferring to work or race than rest in a warm kennel?
Written pedigrees are not required to enter a sled dog race, nor does the dog have to be a northern breed, although a majority of dogs on the racing trail are related to working dogs of the North. These dogs have a strong instinct to pull. These dogs can be everything from an American Kennel Club registered Siberian Husky, a “one-quarter husky” mixed breed, or any variety in between. These dogs can be Irish Setters, Walker Coonhounds or even a Border Collie. In search of an unbeatable dog team, dozens and dozens of cross-breedings, in-breedings and line breedings have been tried. Some breeders work within a recognized breed, seeking to refine that breed’s natural talents; others select the fastest and strongest or whatever dogs come to their attention, caring more about performance than good looks or a fancy pedigree.
The Alaskan Malamute
The second most popular registered sled dog in North America is the Alaskan Malamute. Superficially the Malamute resembles the Siberian, with pricked ears, facemask, and bushy tail. In fact the Mal, as they are often called, is a larger dog bred for freighting. It averages an inch or two more in height and 15 to 20 pounds heavier than the Siberian. A Malamute’s coat is either black with white markings, like some Sibes, or wolfish gray. It’s eyes, almond shape and set obliquely into its broad head, are dark. As a sled dog, the Malamute is known as the “Workhorse of the North”, and is a superb and dependable animal. In a race he is not as fast as the Siberian, but his power and endurance have kept him as a favorite sled dog.
The Alaskan Malamute is one of five dog breeds that are reputedly native to the Western Hemisphere. A distinct native breed of the Arctic, having evolved from the breeding practices of Eskimos in the far northwest, it is one of the oldest known breeds of sled dog. Russian explorers were among the first white men to record the Malamute’s existence having found the dog among the native Inuit tribe of Kotzebue Sound, a people known then as the Mahlemut or Malemuit, hence the dog’s name.
The Alaskan Malamute sled dog contributed substantially to the rapid exploration and development of Alaska, the Yukon and the Arctic. This dog also “figured importantly in polar expeditions to the far reaches of the planet” and in both World Wars. With the advent of sled dog racing at the turn of the century in Alaska, the breed was threatened by cross-breeding practices of men who were interested in speed. The Mal was called upon to contribute its stamina to a variety of smaller, faster racing dogs. At Chinook Kennels in New Hampshire however, the Seeley’s concentrated on establishing perpetuity for this breed, and succeeded in registering the first one, Rowdy of Nome, in 1935.
Like the Siberian, the Malamute is a highly intelligent, loyal dog, one that loves to work and also loves to lie quietly in his own place. Malamutes are bred for show and racing. Faster members of the breed have helped improve the racing skills of the mixed Alaskan Husky. In the North the Malamute is still used; here and there, for its original purposes of freighting and tending to the trap lines. ( Note: endnotes have been removed for blog posting. If you would like to read article in its entirety please contact me through email at train@denverdogworks.com )
Next Week: The Samoyed
Tags: Robert Forto | Michele Forto | Iditarod | Team Ineka | Dog Training Denver | Dog Doctor Radio | Denver Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Duluth Dog Works
_______________________
Dr. Robert Forto is training for his first Iditarod under the Team Ineka banner. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.teamineka.com
By Robert Forto, PhD
The Dogs
Who are these dogs that pull sleds? Are they purebreds or mongrels? What sets them apart from other dogs and enables them to work with man under brutal weather conditions? What sort of strange dog is it that yammers and yowls to be a part of a team, preferring to work or race than rest in a warm kennel?
Written pedigrees are not required to enter a sled dog race, nor does the dog have to be a northern breed, although a majority of dogs on the racing trail are related to working dogs of the North. These dogs have a strong instinct to pull. These dogs can be everything from an American Kennel Club registered Siberian Husky, a “one-quarter husky” mixed breed, or any variety in between. These dogs can be Irish Setters, Walker Coonhounds or even a Border Collie. In search of an unbeatable dog team, dozens and dozens of cross-breedings, in-breedings and line breedings have been tried. Some breeders work within a recognized breed, seeking to refine that breed’s natural talents; others select the fastest and strongest or whatever dogs come to their attention, caring more about performance than good looks or a fancy pedigree.
The Alaskan Malamute
The second most popular registered sled dog in North America is the Alaskan Malamute. Superficially the Malamute resembles the Siberian, with pricked ears, facemask, and bushy tail. In fact the Mal, as they are often called, is a larger dog bred for freighting. It averages an inch or two more in height and 15 to 20 pounds heavier than the Siberian. A Malamute’s coat is either black with white markings, like some Sibes, or wolfish gray. It’s eyes, almond shape and set obliquely into its broad head, are dark. As a sled dog, the Malamute is known as the “Workhorse of the North”, and is a superb and dependable animal. In a race he is not as fast as the Siberian, but his power and endurance have kept him as a favorite sled dog.
The Alaskan Malamute is one of five dog breeds that are reputedly native to the Western Hemisphere. A distinct native breed of the Arctic, having evolved from the breeding practices of Eskimos in the far northwest, it is one of the oldest known breeds of sled dog. Russian explorers were among the first white men to record the Malamute’s existence having found the dog among the native Inuit tribe of Kotzebue Sound, a people known then as the Mahlemut or Malemuit, hence the dog’s name.
The Alaskan Malamute sled dog contributed substantially to the rapid exploration and development of Alaska, the Yukon and the Arctic. This dog also “figured importantly in polar expeditions to the far reaches of the planet” and in both World Wars. With the advent of sled dog racing at the turn of the century in Alaska, the breed was threatened by cross-breeding practices of men who were interested in speed. The Mal was called upon to contribute its stamina to a variety of smaller, faster racing dogs. At Chinook Kennels in New Hampshire however, the Seeley’s concentrated on establishing perpetuity for this breed, and succeeded in registering the first one, Rowdy of Nome, in 1935.
Like the Siberian, the Malamute is a highly intelligent, loyal dog, one that loves to work and also loves to lie quietly in his own place. Malamutes are bred for show and racing. Faster members of the breed have helped improve the racing skills of the mixed Alaskan Husky. In the North the Malamute is still used; here and there, for its original purposes of freighting and tending to the trap lines. ( Note: endnotes have been removed for blog posting. If you would like to read article in its entirety please contact me through email at train@denverdogworks.com )
Next Week: The Samoyed
Tags: Robert Forto | Michele Forto | Iditarod | Team Ineka | Dog Training Denver | Dog Doctor Radio | Denver Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Duluth Dog Works
_______________________
Dr. Robert Forto is training for his first Iditarod under the Team Ineka banner. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.teamineka.com
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Top Ten Dog Breeds in the United States
Top Ten Dog Breeds in the United States
By Robert Forto, PhD
According to the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) registration records, Americans love their Labrador Retrievers. The popular Golden Retriever held the second spot for years but has been passed over in recent years by the intelligent and always-ready-to-work (and train) German Shepherd.
I am not at all surprised by the Yorkie in the top three. Over the past few years we have seen more and more of these dogs come in to Denver Dog Works for training. Unfortunately these little dogs have been made popular by what I call the accessory dog phase”. I just hope that new owners do their homework before buying this little dog (or any dog for that matter) and learn as much as they can about each breed.
The AKC Top 10 Dog Breeds:
Labrador Retriever
German Shepherd
Yorkshire Terrier
Golden Retriever
Beagle
Boxer
Bulldog
Dachshund
Poodle
Shih Tzu
If you would like assistance in choosing the breed that is right for you and your family give us a call at Denver Dog Works. We routinely do breed referral new pet owners looking to acquire the perfect family pet.
Citation: http://www.akc.org
Tags: Robert Forto | Michele Forto | Iditarod | Team Ineka | Dog Training Denver | Dog Doctor Radio | Denver Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Duluth Dog Works
___________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Denver Dog Works and the host of The Dog Doctor Radio Show. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
By Robert Forto, PhD
According to the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) registration records, Americans love their Labrador Retrievers. The popular Golden Retriever held the second spot for years but has been passed over in recent years by the intelligent and always-ready-to-work (and train) German Shepherd.
I am not at all surprised by the Yorkie in the top three. Over the past few years we have seen more and more of these dogs come in to Denver Dog Works for training. Unfortunately these little dogs have been made popular by what I call the accessory dog phase”. I just hope that new owners do their homework before buying this little dog (or any dog for that matter) and learn as much as they can about each breed.
The AKC Top 10 Dog Breeds:
Labrador Retriever
German Shepherd
Yorkshire Terrier
Golden Retriever
Beagle
Boxer
Bulldog
Dachshund
Poodle
Shih Tzu
If you would like assistance in choosing the breed that is right for you and your family give us a call at Denver Dog Works. We routinely do breed referral new pet owners looking to acquire the perfect family pet.
Citation: http://www.akc.org
Tags: Robert Forto | Michele Forto | Iditarod | Team Ineka | Dog Training Denver | Dog Doctor Radio | Denver Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Duluth Dog Works
___________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Denver Dog Works and the host of The Dog Doctor Radio Show. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Who Are You? Dr. Robert Forto
Who Are You, and What Makes You Special, Anyway? Dr. Robert Forto, PhD
By Michele Forto
We are members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, and they have one of the best dog training journals around, especially for us in the canine training industry, The APDT Chronicle of the Dog. Each month in their highly acclaimed magazine, they have a member profile edited by Nicole Wilde. While we haven't been privy to be showcased in this column yet, I thought it would be appropriate to showcase each one of our trainers over the next few weeks so that you can get to know us and what we are about.
This week I will be interviewing Dr. Robert Forto, PhD....
Lets get to know Dr. Robert Forto, PhD....
Business Name: Denver Dog Works
Location: Denver, Colorado
Phone: 303-578-9881
Email: rforto@denverdogworks.com
Website: www.denverdogworks.com
Years in Business: 3 1/2 in Denver, 19 years as a canine obedience instructor and behaviorist
Personal Training Philosophy: Know Yourself. Know Your Dog.
Our training philosophy at Denver Dog Works is not a procedure but a lifestyle.
I have learned in the nineteen years of literally living with a pack of dogs and on the sled dog trail that it has offered me a unique perspective. There I was forced to examine my attitude about everything including my dogs. I was constantly challenged to become more open to the language dogs use to communicate with us. This experience confirms our deepest intuitions about the relationship of human beings not only with their dog but every aspect of their lives.
I hope to foster my clients with a diverse and varied understanding of the environment for which they live. I hope to foster a more realistic understanding of their dogs and an increased awareness of the benefits of their companionship.
Drawing on my experience as a kennel owner of many Siberian Huskies I will teach my clients how dog training goes far beyond the elementary instruction of basic obedience; as it must encompass a whole new attitude and lifestyle with their dog. It must touch on the levels of a dog’s own life that are often ignored.
I will bring my client into the world of a dog musher, canine behaviorist, and father of three by using my experience as a lens through which they may broaden their understanding of their dog. The stage will then be set for a balanced, lasting relationship between them and their best friend.
How long have you been in business and what types of services do you provide?
I have been training professionally since the summer of 1994 when I attended my first “certification” course. Also in 1994 I started my Siberian Husky sled dog kennel in Duluth, Minnesota on my hobby farm. I began training clients dogs in local parks in a Canine Good Citizen-type training program and offering in-kennel board and train programs for clients. In 2000, I went back to school to earn my doctorate and began research on human-canine communication in the sport of dog sledding and I took a hiatus from dog training for clients. In 2006, my family and I moved to Denver, Colorado and I sought employment as a canine trainer. I sent out three resumes and one person called me back. I interviewed for the job and gave him a stack of certificates and degrees and the owner of the school said, “I don’t care about paper, I want to see how you train dogs.”
I went back into his kennel and got a dog and took it to the training room and showed the owner how I could work the dog through an obedience routine. He hired me the next day and shortly thereafter offered me the training school to lease. In January 2007, we opened Denver Dog Works at that location and have been training in Denver ever since.
How did you get started?
As I stated before, I have been training dogs since the 90’s in competition obedience and conformation with Siberian Huskies, thought by some to be the toughest breed to train, but my work with canines really started to take off when I moved to Minnesota. I literally lived with a pack of 35 sled dogs 24-hours a day. We ran teams all night on the snowmobile trails in the Superior National Forest and then I would come back and take care of the dogs and interact with them and study their behavior. While there is much to be said about pack based training theory today, I learned so much about those dogs that I became an expert in canine body language and communication. In 1997, I was given the opportunity to attend a wolf migration study in Alaska and we conducted research by dog sled and helicopter. That was when they still used radio collars on the wolves and antenna, unlike today where they track them via GPS. I worked on that study for 17 months before returning home to run my sled dog teams for sport. I learned so much about the two species and how to compare and contrast the two. Shortly after my return, I was thirty for knowledge and began to read every book I could get my hands on and took several courses in canine training and behavior. I started to attend seminars and lectures and took exams to become a certified canine trainer.
Are you involved in and dog sports or activities?
I am heavily involved in canine sports. I have several clients that I am working with right now in conformation classes and competition obedience. I am a professional musher and in training for my first Iditarod in 2013. I plan on running a pure-breed Siberian Husky team under the Team Ineka banner.
How do you get business, and what is your relationship like with veterinarians in your community?
Most of our business comes from referrals, our website, Denver Dog Works, and word of mouth. Denver Dog Works is sought after often as a last resort for dog owners who have tried other training schools and failed for one reason or another. There is a veterinary office right next door to our training center and we receive a lot of referrals and “foot traffic” from there. I am sought out often for canine aggression cases and behavior modification. We take full advantage of social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Ustream, YouTube and others. Of course, we do offer a lot of canine sports and working dog programs as well.
Do you belong to a trainer networking group, or otherwise consult with/refer to other trainers in your area?
I belong to several trainer associations and clubs throughout North America. I have found that a lot of trainers in Denver do not refer clients to each other. I don't know why. I speak to a lot of people though networking events at the Chamber of Commerce and I host a weekly radio program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show where we discuss everything that is related to dogs.
What do you believe are the three most important things to teach a dog?
Loose leash walking, Come (recall) and manners. As I tell my clients all the time, a dog that does not know how to walk on a loose leash is the first candidate for a shelter. Why? because if the relationship between owner and dog is strained on walks (pardon the pun), the owner does not want to interact with the dog, hence that equals lack of exercise, which equals destructiveness. In regards to the recall command, I tell my clients, “who cares if your dog will sit and down on command in your living room, if he won’t come to you at the park, you will have a big problem.”
What types of cases do you find the most challenging and why?
I find dispelling the myths that people have about their dogs the most challenging. I routinely talk about canine evolution and anthropomorphism and how proper relationships should be formed with our canine companions.
What advice would you give to other trainers about working with dogs and their owners?
Patience. Just one word, Patience.
Can you offer a specific tip or trick for working with dogs or owners that other trainers might find helpful?
Take the time to listen to your clients and encourage them to think outside the box about their dog and their training goals. Also, turn off the T.V. and get out and do something with your dog and that will teach them more about their canine companions than any book or T.V. dog training show.
What was your scariest moment with a dog (or client)?
I have been known to say that I have been bit by the best and trained the rest. In all honesty I have never had a scary moment with a dog but witnessing my wife being attacked by a Dutch Shepherd that we had in training scared me to death. You can read her story about that by clicking here.
What would you say are the top three things you have personally learned as a trainer?
1. Patience. 2. dogs make better clients than people, 3. and that fear and punishment is the least effective way to get a dog to do what you want.
What was the last training related seminar you attended?
I conducted the last seminar I attended and that was about the misconceptions people have about how dogs behave in dog parks. I was the featured speaker at a conference with several HOA’s and the city of Denver when it was up for debate on whether Denver should add more dog parks.
Are there any specific books, authors, DVDs that have influenced you as a trainer?
I have read so many books on canine training, behavior, evolution and origin that I cant list them all. Some of the most influential have been the books written by the Monks of New Skeete, the book Dogs: A New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior and Evolution. the three book series by (Lindsey) Darwin’s Origin of the Species, Karen Pryor’s Don’t Shoot the Dog, many courses in psychology an learning theory, hundreds of business books and articles, countless hours of research for my dissertation and the thousands of miles on the back of a dog sled and in my kennel have been my greatest teacher.
Anything else you would like to add?
In my opinion,our relationship with our dogs is our greatest gift. I say that not only as a dog trainer and a business owner, but also as a father of three teenagers. Our dogs have taught us so much about life. My work with canines is dedicated to my friends of friends “Ineka and Rutgrr” who have taught me the definition of unconditional love. In addition, to all other sled dog pups that have unselfishly provided comfort, compassion, and unparalleled commitment to humans. This dedication is generally without measure of our right to such gifts or of our own commitment to reciprocate.
It is this affection that has given me the ability to survive, with relative sanity, in an often difficult world. The power of this unconditional love has been the inspiration for this dissertation and the project that produced it. May this project bring power to those who want to chase their dreams. May this project also give us a better appreciation for those creatures with which we share the earth.
_________________
Michele Forto is the business manager and a trainer for Dog Works Training Centers and the co-host of a weekly radio program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show that can be heard every Saturday at 9:30 am in the Rocky Mountain West and downloaded anytime. Michele can be reached through her website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
By Michele Forto
We are members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, and they have one of the best dog training journals around, especially for us in the canine training industry, The APDT Chronicle of the Dog. Each month in their highly acclaimed magazine, they have a member profile edited by Nicole Wilde. While we haven't been privy to be showcased in this column yet, I thought it would be appropriate to showcase each one of our trainers over the next few weeks so that you can get to know us and what we are about.
This week I will be interviewing Dr. Robert Forto, PhD....
Lets get to know Dr. Robert Forto, PhD....
Business Name: Denver Dog Works
Location: Denver, Colorado
Phone: 303-578-9881
Email: rforto@denverdogworks.com
Website: www.denverdogworks.com
Years in Business: 3 1/2 in Denver, 19 years as a canine obedience instructor and behaviorist
Personal Training Philosophy: Know Yourself. Know Your Dog.
Our training philosophy at Denver Dog Works is not a procedure but a lifestyle.
I have learned in the nineteen years of literally living with a pack of dogs and on the sled dog trail that it has offered me a unique perspective. There I was forced to examine my attitude about everything including my dogs. I was constantly challenged to become more open to the language dogs use to communicate with us. This experience confirms our deepest intuitions about the relationship of human beings not only with their dog but every aspect of their lives.
I hope to foster my clients with a diverse and varied understanding of the environment for which they live. I hope to foster a more realistic understanding of their dogs and an increased awareness of the benefits of their companionship.
Drawing on my experience as a kennel owner of many Siberian Huskies I will teach my clients how dog training goes far beyond the elementary instruction of basic obedience; as it must encompass a whole new attitude and lifestyle with their dog. It must touch on the levels of a dog’s own life that are often ignored.
I will bring my client into the world of a dog musher, canine behaviorist, and father of three by using my experience as a lens through which they may broaden their understanding of their dog. The stage will then be set for a balanced, lasting relationship between them and their best friend.
How long have you been in business and what types of services do you provide?
I have been training professionally since the summer of 1994 when I attended my first “certification” course. Also in 1994 I started my Siberian Husky sled dog kennel in Duluth, Minnesota on my hobby farm. I began training clients dogs in local parks in a Canine Good Citizen-type training program and offering in-kennel board and train programs for clients. In 2000, I went back to school to earn my doctorate and began research on human-canine communication in the sport of dog sledding and I took a hiatus from dog training for clients. In 2006, my family and I moved to Denver, Colorado and I sought employment as a canine trainer. I sent out three resumes and one person called me back. I interviewed for the job and gave him a stack of certificates and degrees and the owner of the school said, “I don’t care about paper, I want to see how you train dogs.”
I went back into his kennel and got a dog and took it to the training room and showed the owner how I could work the dog through an obedience routine. He hired me the next day and shortly thereafter offered me the training school to lease. In January 2007, we opened Denver Dog Works at that location and have been training in Denver ever since.
How did you get started?
As I stated before, I have been training dogs since the 90’s in competition obedience and conformation with Siberian Huskies, thought by some to be the toughest breed to train, but my work with canines really started to take off when I moved to Minnesota. I literally lived with a pack of 35 sled dogs 24-hours a day. We ran teams all night on the snowmobile trails in the Superior National Forest and then I would come back and take care of the dogs and interact with them and study their behavior. While there is much to be said about pack based training theory today, I learned so much about those dogs that I became an expert in canine body language and communication. In 1997, I was given the opportunity to attend a wolf migration study in Alaska and we conducted research by dog sled and helicopter. That was when they still used radio collars on the wolves and antenna, unlike today where they track them via GPS. I worked on that study for 17 months before returning home to run my sled dog teams for sport. I learned so much about the two species and how to compare and contrast the two. Shortly after my return, I was thirty for knowledge and began to read every book I could get my hands on and took several courses in canine training and behavior. I started to attend seminars and lectures and took exams to become a certified canine trainer.
Are you involved in and dog sports or activities?
I am heavily involved in canine sports. I have several clients that I am working with right now in conformation classes and competition obedience. I am a professional musher and in training for my first Iditarod in 2013. I plan on running a pure-breed Siberian Husky team under the Team Ineka banner.
How do you get business, and what is your relationship like with veterinarians in your community?
Most of our business comes from referrals, our website, Denver Dog Works, and word of mouth. Denver Dog Works is sought after often as a last resort for dog owners who have tried other training schools and failed for one reason or another. There is a veterinary office right next door to our training center and we receive a lot of referrals and “foot traffic” from there. I am sought out often for canine aggression cases and behavior modification. We take full advantage of social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Ustream, YouTube and others. Of course, we do offer a lot of canine sports and working dog programs as well.
Do you belong to a trainer networking group, or otherwise consult with/refer to other trainers in your area?
I belong to several trainer associations and clubs throughout North America. I have found that a lot of trainers in Denver do not refer clients to each other. I don't know why. I speak to a lot of people though networking events at the Chamber of Commerce and I host a weekly radio program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show where we discuss everything that is related to dogs.
What do you believe are the three most important things to teach a dog?
Loose leash walking, Come (recall) and manners. As I tell my clients all the time, a dog that does not know how to walk on a loose leash is the first candidate for a shelter. Why? because if the relationship between owner and dog is strained on walks (pardon the pun), the owner does not want to interact with the dog, hence that equals lack of exercise, which equals destructiveness. In regards to the recall command, I tell my clients, “who cares if your dog will sit and down on command in your living room, if he won’t come to you at the park, you will have a big problem.”
What types of cases do you find the most challenging and why?
I find dispelling the myths that people have about their dogs the most challenging. I routinely talk about canine evolution and anthropomorphism and how proper relationships should be formed with our canine companions.
What advice would you give to other trainers about working with dogs and their owners?
Patience. Just one word, Patience.
Can you offer a specific tip or trick for working with dogs or owners that other trainers might find helpful?
Take the time to listen to your clients and encourage them to think outside the box about their dog and their training goals. Also, turn off the T.V. and get out and do something with your dog and that will teach them more about their canine companions than any book or T.V. dog training show.
What was your scariest moment with a dog (or client)?
I have been known to say that I have been bit by the best and trained the rest. In all honesty I have never had a scary moment with a dog but witnessing my wife being attacked by a Dutch Shepherd that we had in training scared me to death. You can read her story about that by clicking here.
What would you say are the top three things you have personally learned as a trainer?
1. Patience. 2. dogs make better clients than people, 3. and that fear and punishment is the least effective way to get a dog to do what you want.
What was the last training related seminar you attended?
I conducted the last seminar I attended and that was about the misconceptions people have about how dogs behave in dog parks. I was the featured speaker at a conference with several HOA’s and the city of Denver when it was up for debate on whether Denver should add more dog parks.
Are there any specific books, authors, DVDs that have influenced you as a trainer?
I have read so many books on canine training, behavior, evolution and origin that I cant list them all. Some of the most influential have been the books written by the Monks of New Skeete, the book Dogs: A New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior and Evolution. the three book series by (Lindsey) Darwin’s Origin of the Species, Karen Pryor’s Don’t Shoot the Dog, many courses in psychology an learning theory, hundreds of business books and articles, countless hours of research for my dissertation and the thousands of miles on the back of a dog sled and in my kennel have been my greatest teacher.
Anything else you would like to add?
In my opinion,our relationship with our dogs is our greatest gift. I say that not only as a dog trainer and a business owner, but also as a father of three teenagers. Our dogs have taught us so much about life. My work with canines is dedicated to my friends of friends “Ineka and Rutgrr” who have taught me the definition of unconditional love. In addition, to all other sled dog pups that have unselfishly provided comfort, compassion, and unparalleled commitment to humans. This dedication is generally without measure of our right to such gifts or of our own commitment to reciprocate.
It is this affection that has given me the ability to survive, with relative sanity, in an often difficult world. The power of this unconditional love has been the inspiration for this dissertation and the project that produced it. May this project bring power to those who want to chase their dreams. May this project also give us a better appreciation for those creatures with which we share the earth.
_________________
Michele Forto is the business manager and a trainer for Dog Works Training Centers and the co-host of a weekly radio program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show that can be heard every Saturday at 9:30 am in the Rocky Mountain West and downloaded anytime. Michele can be reached through her website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
Monday, February 8, 2010
Culture of Denver Dog Works: Service Availability and Belief
Culture of Denver Dog Works: Service Availability and Belief
By Robert Forto, PhD
This is the fourth installment in a series on the Culture of Denver Dog Works. I am only only doing this to give our readers an idea of what we are about at Denver Dog Works but also as an exercise for us here at the training center to make sure we are all on the same page and delivering exceptional customer service and training a client's dog to be one of the best trained dogs in the world.
The 10 Elements of Culture as defined by Denver Dog Works are:
Integrity
Professionalism
Development
Service Availability and Belief
Character
Self Development
A Event Culture
Structured Activity
Leadership
Fun
Service Availability and Belief at Denver Dog Works and our Culture:
Along with a strong belief in your own inner voice, you also need laser-like focus combined with unwavering determination. -- Larry Flynt
Yes, I know who Larry Flynt is. That is not up for debate. What I interpret from his quote is that in business you have to belief in yourself in business and if you second guess you will not accomplish your goals.
A lot can be said about the way one business approaches it’s day to day operation over another but you know what? That is what separates the businesses that will succeed and those that will fail.
Service Availability
At Denver Dog Works we designed our business on 40 years of collaborated dog training experience. We pride ourselves on our ability to build you a customized training package with the ability to adjust the program as needed if necessary. Learn how to train your dog with Denver Dog Works and experience the best pet relationship you could ever imagine. At Denver Dog Works you won't feel like your walking through a revolving door. You will feel like your taking your dog to the gym! Our trainers will keep you motivated and wanting to come back. Training is for life! For you and your dog.
Core Beliefs
At Denver Dog Works we truly are a mom and pop business. My wife, Michele, and I work every day to make our business a success and something that we can be proud of. We include our family in our business and if you have stopped in on a Saturday you will see our 12-year old daughter Nicole working right along with us. This is important to us and is what we believe in.
I say that at Denver Dog Works we don’t just train dogs, we change lives. In our work with our service dog training program and our constant reminder of the need for a quick and educated response to canine aggression, we strive to make that our business model. As we have covered in previous articles about our culture; our core beliefs are important to us and they should be important to you.
1.) Integrity: At Denver Dog Works we strive to provide each client with the most up to date thorough training available. We design your training program to fit your needs.
2.) Professionalism: At Denver Dog Works we believe that each client is an individual with individual needs for their dog and their lifestyle. There is no cookie cutter packaging available at Denver Dog Works. Our professional staff takes the time to listen to your goals and concerns during our initial evaluation.
3.) Education: At Denver Dog Works all trainers are certified in canine behavior. All staff members are certified in canine CPR and first aid. We have the best and train the rest! We pride ourselves on continuing our educations and experiences by learning new methods as well as updating old methods. We can teach you how to train your dog for any goal. We specialize in sport training and understand the various methods and tools utilized in sport training.
4.) Quality: At Denver Dog Works we believe in the quality of our training rather than the quantity. There are times when an hour long session isn't going to be enough. In those cases we schedule longer class times to adjust the needs of our clients. We also will address minor behavior issues if they arise in our private lessons and our camp works programs. If it is determined that a larger behavior problem exists we refer you to our canine behaviorist.
Denver Dog Works cares about you and your dog. Our attention to service and customer care gives us the opportunity to expand our availability to you.
I encourage any feedback you may have and of course share the culture of your business as well. I can be reached anytime by email at train@denverdogworks.com
Next Week: Character
__________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Dog Works Training Centers and the host of a weekly radio program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show which can be heard every Saturday at 9:30 am in the Rocky Mountain West or download it anytime. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
By Robert Forto, PhD
This is the fourth installment in a series on the Culture of Denver Dog Works. I am only only doing this to give our readers an idea of what we are about at Denver Dog Works but also as an exercise for us here at the training center to make sure we are all on the same page and delivering exceptional customer service and training a client's dog to be one of the best trained dogs in the world.
The 10 Elements of Culture as defined by Denver Dog Works are:
Integrity
Professionalism
Development
Service Availability and Belief
Character
Self Development
A Event Culture
Structured Activity
Leadership
Fun
Service Availability and Belief at Denver Dog Works and our Culture:
Along with a strong belief in your own inner voice, you also need laser-like focus combined with unwavering determination. -- Larry Flynt
Yes, I know who Larry Flynt is. That is not up for debate. What I interpret from his quote is that in business you have to belief in yourself in business and if you second guess you will not accomplish your goals.
A lot can be said about the way one business approaches it’s day to day operation over another but you know what? That is what separates the businesses that will succeed and those that will fail.
Service Availability
At Denver Dog Works we designed our business on 40 years of collaborated dog training experience. We pride ourselves on our ability to build you a customized training package with the ability to adjust the program as needed if necessary. Learn how to train your dog with Denver Dog Works and experience the best pet relationship you could ever imagine. At Denver Dog Works you won't feel like your walking through a revolving door. You will feel like your taking your dog to the gym! Our trainers will keep you motivated and wanting to come back. Training is for life! For you and your dog.
Core Beliefs
At Denver Dog Works we truly are a mom and pop business. My wife, Michele, and I work every day to make our business a success and something that we can be proud of. We include our family in our business and if you have stopped in on a Saturday you will see our 12-year old daughter Nicole working right along with us. This is important to us and is what we believe in.
I say that at Denver Dog Works we don’t just train dogs, we change lives. In our work with our service dog training program and our constant reminder of the need for a quick and educated response to canine aggression, we strive to make that our business model. As we have covered in previous articles about our culture; our core beliefs are important to us and they should be important to you.
1.) Integrity: At Denver Dog Works we strive to provide each client with the most up to date thorough training available. We design your training program to fit your needs.
2.) Professionalism: At Denver Dog Works we believe that each client is an individual with individual needs for their dog and their lifestyle. There is no cookie cutter packaging available at Denver Dog Works. Our professional staff takes the time to listen to your goals and concerns during our initial evaluation.
3.) Education: At Denver Dog Works all trainers are certified in canine behavior. All staff members are certified in canine CPR and first aid. We have the best and train the rest! We pride ourselves on continuing our educations and experiences by learning new methods as well as updating old methods. We can teach you how to train your dog for any goal. We specialize in sport training and understand the various methods and tools utilized in sport training.
4.) Quality: At Denver Dog Works we believe in the quality of our training rather than the quantity. There are times when an hour long session isn't going to be enough. In those cases we schedule longer class times to adjust the needs of our clients. We also will address minor behavior issues if they arise in our private lessons and our camp works programs. If it is determined that a larger behavior problem exists we refer you to our canine behaviorist.
Denver Dog Works cares about you and your dog. Our attention to service and customer care gives us the opportunity to expand our availability to you.
I encourage any feedback you may have and of course share the culture of your business as well. I can be reached anytime by email at train@denverdogworks.com
Next Week: Character
__________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Dog Works Training Centers and the host of a weekly radio program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show which can be heard every Saturday at 9:30 am in the Rocky Mountain West or download it anytime. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Dog Doctor Radio Show #53
Show Notes: The Dog Doctor Radio Show #53
By Robert Forto, PhD
Week 53 Show
2/06/10
Intro It is a beautiful day here in the Rockies. Its hard to believe that we are heading into February already.
News Notes and Events
Todays Show Pet Airways interview with Founder Dan Weysel
2/13/10 Chris Fuller from Influence Leadership and Mushing in the Olympic Games
2/20/10 Deb Jacobs back on to talk in depth about Animal Hoarding
2/27/10 NO SHOW Topic Yet
3/6/10 Iditarod Special
3/13/10 Dog Doctor Junior Nicole will be back on the air!
3/20/10 Dog Works Training Centers Mushing Recap
5/1/10 Live Remote Broadcast Furry Scurry
6/19/10 Live Remote Broadcast Goose Chase
We update our Blog everyday at http://www.denverdogworks.com
Camp Works Charlie is doing well on his 12 week camp works training program and we are excited to talk to Pet Airways and the trip he took.
Mushing update Starting March 6, 2010 I will be giving daily updates on the Iditarod and I am working out the logistics to be up in Anchorage this year for the start and to attend the Musher’s Ball.
Pet Airways
We introduced Dan Weysel the founder and owner of Pet Airways and how the business was brought about with Dan’s dog Zoe. We spoke about the cities that the airline flies too including Ft. Lauderdale, Denver, Chicago, Omaha, N.Y. City, San Fransico. They are adding new cities each month. We talked about the Pet Lounge and how dogs are dropped off and pick (great customer service!)
Commercial
E-travel Unlimited is our host for studio time. We are proud to be associated with E-travel. They are our travel partner for all of our business and occasional pleasure trips. In fact we are going to be on a cruise booked through E-Travel Unlimited in October. It is a who-done-it-Sleuth Cruise in the Mexican Riviera. If you would like to book this adventure please call Ken or Sandy at 888-770-9225 or visit http://www.etravelunlimited.com
Be sure to fan us on Twitter and Facebook under Denver Dog Works and Team Ineka. and if you like what you hear on the DogDoctor be sure to click that Favorite button on the blog talk site.
Special We are offering and exciting special that just started today. We are offering 15 sessions for $579 that is 38 dollars a session for basic obedience or an intro to a sport such as rally, foundation agility, competition obedience and CGC. We have only a few spots in our schedule for this each day so please call Michele at 303-578-9881. We also have a 99.00 special to introduce you and your dog to training. This is 3 session for this price and are 40 minutes in length and we will work on manners and loose leash walking.
Back to Pet Airways Interview...
We spoke to the founder and owner Dan Wesyel we spoke about plane set up and how the dogs are taken care of as if they were their own by taking the pets out on walks and even allow you to board your pet if there is a delay or flight problems on the “human” end.
Dan talked about the importance of treating our pets as family and not as cargo. It was a great interview! Check out their webpage at http://www.petairways.com and follow them on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/petairways
Canine Sciences and Communication Course info starting in April. As announced this week we are changing the way people become dog trainers. In our next course starting in April we will be offering all students an iPad with their course. We are in the process of re-writting our course book to include interactive video, exams, lessons and projects. This is like no other canine trainer course in the world. If you want to receive a cutting edge education and become one of the best dog trainers in the world give us a call at 303-578-9881.
Iditarod Start
I will be in Anchorage for the Iditarod start and will report nightly on our sister show, Mush! You Huskies http://www.blogtalkradio.com/teamineka I look forward to meeting a lot of new friends and mushers.
Are you ready to change your life? Join us for the Peak Performance Weekend in beautiful Estes Park, CO. Our featured speaker in Traci Brown of http://www.tracibrown.com. Traci Brown is a personal trainer for your mind. Her innovative techniques will change your outlook on life, business, sports, relationships and more. Stay tuned for details!
____________________
Robert Forto is the training director for Denver Dog Works and the host of the Dog Doctor Radio Show which can be heard every Saturday morning at 9:30 am in the Rocky Mountain West or downloaded anytime. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
By Robert Forto, PhD
Week 53 Show
2/06/10
Intro It is a beautiful day here in the Rockies. Its hard to believe that we are heading into February already.
News Notes and Events
Todays Show Pet Airways interview with Founder Dan Weysel
2/13/10 Chris Fuller from Influence Leadership and Mushing in the Olympic Games
2/20/10 Deb Jacobs back on to talk in depth about Animal Hoarding
2/27/10 NO SHOW Topic Yet
3/6/10 Iditarod Special
3/13/10 Dog Doctor Junior Nicole will be back on the air!
3/20/10 Dog Works Training Centers Mushing Recap
5/1/10 Live Remote Broadcast Furry Scurry
6/19/10 Live Remote Broadcast Goose Chase
We update our Blog everyday at http://www.denverdogworks.com
Camp Works Charlie is doing well on his 12 week camp works training program and we are excited to talk to Pet Airways and the trip he took.
Mushing update Starting March 6, 2010 I will be giving daily updates on the Iditarod and I am working out the logistics to be up in Anchorage this year for the start and to attend the Musher’s Ball.
Pet Airways
We introduced Dan Weysel the founder and owner of Pet Airways and how the business was brought about with Dan’s dog Zoe. We spoke about the cities that the airline flies too including Ft. Lauderdale, Denver, Chicago, Omaha, N.Y. City, San Fransico. They are adding new cities each month. We talked about the Pet Lounge and how dogs are dropped off and pick (great customer service!)
Commercial
E-travel Unlimited is our host for studio time. We are proud to be associated with E-travel. They are our travel partner for all of our business and occasional pleasure trips. In fact we are going to be on a cruise booked through E-Travel Unlimited in October. It is a who-done-it-Sleuth Cruise in the Mexican Riviera. If you would like to book this adventure please call Ken or Sandy at 888-770-9225 or visit http://www.etravelunlimited.com
Be sure to fan us on Twitter and Facebook under Denver Dog Works and Team Ineka. and if you like what you hear on the DogDoctor be sure to click that Favorite button on the blog talk site.
Special We are offering and exciting special that just started today. We are offering 15 sessions for $579 that is 38 dollars a session for basic obedience or an intro to a sport such as rally, foundation agility, competition obedience and CGC. We have only a few spots in our schedule for this each day so please call Michele at 303-578-9881. We also have a 99.00 special to introduce you and your dog to training. This is 3 session for this price and are 40 minutes in length and we will work on manners and loose leash walking.
Back to Pet Airways Interview...
We spoke to the founder and owner Dan Wesyel we spoke about plane set up and how the dogs are taken care of as if they were their own by taking the pets out on walks and even allow you to board your pet if there is a delay or flight problems on the “human” end.
Dan talked about the importance of treating our pets as family and not as cargo. It was a great interview! Check out their webpage at http://www.petairways.com and follow them on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/petairways
Canine Sciences and Communication Course info starting in April. As announced this week we are changing the way people become dog trainers. In our next course starting in April we will be offering all students an iPad with their course. We are in the process of re-writting our course book to include interactive video, exams, lessons and projects. This is like no other canine trainer course in the world. If you want to receive a cutting edge education and become one of the best dog trainers in the world give us a call at 303-578-9881.
Iditarod Start
I will be in Anchorage for the Iditarod start and will report nightly on our sister show, Mush! You Huskies http://www.blogtalkradio.com/teamineka I look forward to meeting a lot of new friends and mushers.
Are you ready to change your life? Join us for the Peak Performance Weekend in beautiful Estes Park, CO. Our featured speaker in Traci Brown of http://www.tracibrown.com. Traci Brown is a personal trainer for your mind. Her innovative techniques will change your outlook on life, business, sports, relationships and more. Stay tuned for details!
____________________
Robert Forto is the training director for Denver Dog Works and the host of the Dog Doctor Radio Show which can be heard every Saturday morning at 9:30 am in the Rocky Mountain West or downloaded anytime. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Knowing What You Want
Knowing What You Want
By Robert Forto, PhD
As a practitioner of Neuro-Linguistics (NLP) I am constantly asked, “Dr. Forto, how do I know what I want?” I tell my clients when you set an outcome you are programing your mind to achieve that goal. Consciously or unconsciously, you that to notice opportunities and possibilities around you that can help you reach your goal. So getting the program absolutely right from the very beginning is an important step. Otherwise you do not achieve your outcome--and you may actually get something you don't want.
The starting point for any outcome is to make sure that you express it positively--what do you want to have. Consider the difference between these two outcomes
I do not want to feel trapped in my boring job any longer,
I want to face new challenges in my job every day.
Although the first example does not include any overtly negative words such as no or not, the statement expresses what you don’t want. Even more importantly the first statement does not give any indication of what you need to replace the current situation.
The difficulty with focusing on what you don’t want is that in order to think about not having something, you need to think about that very thing. This puts your attention on what you don’t want rather than what you do want.
Some examples of focus on what they don’t want are below:
I want to stop smoking.
I want to stop being short tempered at work
I want to cut out sweet and fatty foods to lose weight.
To change these desires into positive outcomes you must concentrate on what you want rather than what you need to stop doing and give up. To make the shift ask yourself this instead: What do I want instead?
When you honestly answer this question your outcomes shift to things like this:
I want to live a healthy lifestyle.
I want to be more patient at work.
I want to be slim.
Look over your outcomes and look for words like should, must, and try.
If you would like to be the best at what you do or your want to reach your peak in performance, give me a call and we can talk about it.
_______________
Dr. Robert Forto is a public speaker, business coach and radio show host. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.robertforto.com
By Robert Forto, PhD
As a practitioner of Neuro-Linguistics (NLP) I am constantly asked, “Dr. Forto, how do I know what I want?” I tell my clients when you set an outcome you are programing your mind to achieve that goal. Consciously or unconsciously, you that to notice opportunities and possibilities around you that can help you reach your goal. So getting the program absolutely right from the very beginning is an important step. Otherwise you do not achieve your outcome--and you may actually get something you don't want.
The starting point for any outcome is to make sure that you express it positively--what do you want to have. Consider the difference between these two outcomes
I do not want to feel trapped in my boring job any longer,
I want to face new challenges in my job every day.
Although the first example does not include any overtly negative words such as no or not, the statement expresses what you don’t want. Even more importantly the first statement does not give any indication of what you need to replace the current situation.
The difficulty with focusing on what you don’t want is that in order to think about not having something, you need to think about that very thing. This puts your attention on what you don’t want rather than what you do want.
Some examples of focus on what they don’t want are below:
I want to stop smoking.
I want to stop being short tempered at work
I want to cut out sweet and fatty foods to lose weight.
To change these desires into positive outcomes you must concentrate on what you want rather than what you need to stop doing and give up. To make the shift ask yourself this instead: What do I want instead?
When you honestly answer this question your outcomes shift to things like this:
I want to live a healthy lifestyle.
I want to be more patient at work.
I want to be slim.
Look over your outcomes and look for words like should, must, and try.
If you would like to be the best at what you do or your want to reach your peak in performance, give me a call and we can talk about it.
_______________
Dr. Robert Forto is a public speaker, business coach and radio show host. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.robertforto.com
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Dog Doctor Radio Show #52
Show Notes: The Dog Doctor Radio Show #52
By Robert Forto, PhD
Week 52 Show
You can listen to the show at http://tinyurl.com/dogdoc
1/30/10
Intro It is a beautiful day here in the Rockies. Its hard to believe that we are heading into February already.
News Notes and Events
Todays Show: Unleashed, Anniversary Special
2/6/10 Pet Airways
2/13/10 Chris Fuller from Influence Leadership and Mushing in the Olympic Games
2/20/10 Deb Jacobs back on to talk in depth about Animal Hoarding
2/27/10 NO SHOW Topic Yet
3/6/10 Iditarod Special
3/13/10 Dog Doctor Junior Nicole will be back on the air!
3/20/10 Dog Works Training Centers Mushing Recap
5/1/10 Live Remote Broadcast Furry Scurry
6/19/10 Live Remote Broadcast Goose Chase
We update our Blog everyday at http://www.denverdogworks.com
This is our one year anniversary! Congratulations to all that support this show and everyone behind the scenes, first I want to thank my wife, my cohost, my biggest fan and supporter, Michele, next our producer, Mark Crowley, our generous guest Ken Preuss for the use of studio space at the E-travel Unlimited International Headquarters, David Sandusky at Your Brand Plan and all the guests that have been on this year and made this show a huge success!
Camp Works
Mushing update (Mushing in the Olympic Games Tease, Iditarod updates tease, Team Ineka tease) Starting March 6, 2010 I will be giving daily updates on the Iditarod and I am working out the logistics to be up in Anchorage this year for the start and to attend the Musher’s Ball.
Unleashed Indoor Dog Parks
We spoke to Kelly Acree the co-owner of Unleashed an Indoor Dog Park in Dallas Texas. This is the first of its kind in the nation. It includes a cafe, pet shop, grooming, training, seminars and two seperate play areas for big and little dogs. The place cost 10 million dollars to build and it costs a nominal fee of jus $7.50 per day and that is for a full day so the dog/owner can come and go all during the day. The dog owner can visit a “pet friendly cafe” and use the free wifi. This is the ultimate in pets.
Commercial
Etravel Unlimited is our host for studio time. We are proud to be associated with E-travel. They are our travel partner for all of our business and occasional pleasure trips. In fact we are going to be on a cruise booked through E-Travel Unlimited in October. It is a who-done-it-Sleuth Cruise in the Mexican Riviera. If you would like to book this adventure please call Ken or Sandy at 888-770-9225 or visit etravelunlimited.com
Be sure to fan us on Twitter and Facebook under Denver Dog Works and Team Ineka. and if you like what you hear on the DogDoctor be sure to click that Favorite button on the blog talk site.
Special We are offering and exciting special that just started today. We are offering 15 sessions for $579 that is 38 dollars a session for basic obedience or an intro to a sport such as rally, foundation agility, competition obedience and CGC. We have only a few spots in our schedule for this each day so please call Michele at 303-578-9881. We also have a 99.00 special to introduce you and your dog to training. This is 3 session for this price and are 40 minutes in length and we will work on manners and loose leash walking.
Back to Unleashed Interview....
We continued with the interview with Kelly Acree from Unleashed indoor dog park in Dallas Texas and spoke about seminars being offered at the location and the type of clientelle and staff that they attract. We also talked about a very unique concept in that they offer cage free boarding where one of the dog park staff stays with the pets in an “hotel” type setting and the dogs can come and go as they please during the night. We also talked about the vaccine requirements and the need for an indoor space due to the climate of Texas. We also spoke about the future of the unleashed brand and possible licneseing and franchising. You can contact Kelly through her website and on Facebook and Twitter at @kellyunleashed and @unleasheddfw What a great idea!
Canine Sciences and Communication Course info starting in April. As announced this week we are changing the way people become dog trainers. In our next course starting in April we will be offering all students an iPad with their course. We are in the process of re-writting our course book to include interactive video, exams, lessons and projects. This is like no other canine trainer course in the world. If you want to receive a cutting edge education and become one of the best dog trainers in the world give us a call at 303-578-9881.
Are you ready to change your life? Join us for the Peak Performance Weekend in beautiful Estes Park, CO. Our featured speaker in Traci Brown of http://www.tracibrown.com. Traci Brown is a personal trainer for your mind. Her innovative techniques will change your outlook on life, business, sports, relationships and more. Stay tuned for details!
____________________
Robert Forto is the training director for Denver Dog Works and the host of the Dog Doctor Radio Show which can be heard every Saturday morning at 9:30 am in the Rocky Mountain West or downloaded anytime. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
By Robert Forto, PhD
Week 52 Show
You can listen to the show at http://tinyurl.com/dogdoc
1/30/10
Intro It is a beautiful day here in the Rockies. Its hard to believe that we are heading into February already.
News Notes and Events
Todays Show: Unleashed, Anniversary Special
2/6/10 Pet Airways
2/13/10 Chris Fuller from Influence Leadership and Mushing in the Olympic Games
2/20/10 Deb Jacobs back on to talk in depth about Animal Hoarding
2/27/10 NO SHOW Topic Yet
3/6/10 Iditarod Special
3/13/10 Dog Doctor Junior Nicole will be back on the air!
3/20/10 Dog Works Training Centers Mushing Recap
5/1/10 Live Remote Broadcast Furry Scurry
6/19/10 Live Remote Broadcast Goose Chase
We update our Blog everyday at http://www.denverdogworks.com
This is our one year anniversary! Congratulations to all that support this show and everyone behind the scenes, first I want to thank my wife, my cohost, my biggest fan and supporter, Michele, next our producer, Mark Crowley, our generous guest Ken Preuss for the use of studio space at the E-travel Unlimited International Headquarters, David Sandusky at Your Brand Plan and all the guests that have been on this year and made this show a huge success!
Camp Works
Mushing update (Mushing in the Olympic Games Tease, Iditarod updates tease, Team Ineka tease) Starting March 6, 2010 I will be giving daily updates on the Iditarod and I am working out the logistics to be up in Anchorage this year for the start and to attend the Musher’s Ball.
Unleashed Indoor Dog Parks
We spoke to Kelly Acree the co-owner of Unleashed an Indoor Dog Park in Dallas Texas. This is the first of its kind in the nation. It includes a cafe, pet shop, grooming, training, seminars and two seperate play areas for big and little dogs. The place cost 10 million dollars to build and it costs a nominal fee of jus $7.50 per day and that is for a full day so the dog/owner can come and go all during the day. The dog owner can visit a “pet friendly cafe” and use the free wifi. This is the ultimate in pets.
Commercial
Etravel Unlimited is our host for studio time. We are proud to be associated with E-travel. They are our travel partner for all of our business and occasional pleasure trips. In fact we are going to be on a cruise booked through E-Travel Unlimited in October. It is a who-done-it-Sleuth Cruise in the Mexican Riviera. If you would like to book this adventure please call Ken or Sandy at 888-770-9225 or visit etravelunlimited.com
Be sure to fan us on Twitter and Facebook under Denver Dog Works and Team Ineka. and if you like what you hear on the DogDoctor be sure to click that Favorite button on the blog talk site.
Special We are offering and exciting special that just started today. We are offering 15 sessions for $579 that is 38 dollars a session for basic obedience or an intro to a sport such as rally, foundation agility, competition obedience and CGC. We have only a few spots in our schedule for this each day so please call Michele at 303-578-9881. We also have a 99.00 special to introduce you and your dog to training. This is 3 session for this price and are 40 minutes in length and we will work on manners and loose leash walking.
Back to Unleashed Interview....
We continued with the interview with Kelly Acree from Unleashed indoor dog park in Dallas Texas and spoke about seminars being offered at the location and the type of clientelle and staff that they attract. We also talked about a very unique concept in that they offer cage free boarding where one of the dog park staff stays with the pets in an “hotel” type setting and the dogs can come and go as they please during the night. We also talked about the vaccine requirements and the need for an indoor space due to the climate of Texas. We also spoke about the future of the unleashed brand and possible licneseing and franchising. You can contact Kelly through her website and on Facebook and Twitter at @kellyunleashed and @unleasheddfw What a great idea!
Canine Sciences and Communication Course info starting in April. As announced this week we are changing the way people become dog trainers. In our next course starting in April we will be offering all students an iPad with their course. We are in the process of re-writting our course book to include interactive video, exams, lessons and projects. This is like no other canine trainer course in the world. If you want to receive a cutting edge education and become one of the best dog trainers in the world give us a call at 303-578-9881.
Are you ready to change your life? Join us for the Peak Performance Weekend in beautiful Estes Park, CO. Our featured speaker in Traci Brown of http://www.tracibrown.com. Traci Brown is a personal trainer for your mind. Her innovative techniques will change your outlook on life, business, sports, relationships and more. Stay tuned for details!
____________________
Robert Forto is the training director for Denver Dog Works and the host of the Dog Doctor Radio Show which can be heard every Saturday morning at 9:30 am in the Rocky Mountain West or downloaded anytime. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
Friday, January 29, 2010
Timing is Everything
Timing Is Everything
By Michele Forto
Timing is everything! In dog training timing is of the essence. Whether you are praising, redirecting a drive, or correcting your dog. The timing involved is of the utmost importance. This is particularly the case when you are treat or clicker training. If your timing is off by just a second you may end up praising your dog for performing the wrong action. Or praising them for doing the wrong action because you were to slow in praising what you liked.
Taking on training on your own is quite a feat and you should get a pat on the back for this undertaking. Having a trainer can help immensely with timing alone. Your trainer is able to see where your timing is off and then make adjustments in your ability to react and viola you and your dog are communicating in sync and everything you have been working towards falls in to place.
I have observed too many times that handlers have a tendency to be compulsive in their training. Letting their frustrations lead their training sessions instead of giving their training session forethought and guidelines to follow. I have found that my clients who are compulsive do best by keeping a training journal and writing down how the dog performed as well as how they were feeling throughout the course of the training session. It shows them when their optimum training times are; for you it may be in the morning versus the afternoon or evening. Mornings just may be better for you and your dog. If working your dog at your optimum training time doesn’t work then I suggest breaking up the training routine to shorter sessions throughout the day so frustration does not build within you or your dog.
That being said, take one day off from training during your week and take a different day and throw out your training routine. Do something completely different and work in your training commands. For example, take your dog to the backyard turn on some music, get your dog’s ball and dance with your dog by luring him with his ball into moving around and performing basic commands like sit and down. Send him to fetch his ball, return into the “dance” routine. Do this for four songs or approximately 15 minutes – what a workout! You and your dog will have fun and build your bond and viola training success.
Talk with your trainer about your day off from training and how your dog behaved. Also talk with your trainer about your fun day and how your dog responded. This will help your trainer adjust your training routine for optimum progress and success. Even in basic obedience I will incorporate training styles from sport and service training to keep the routine fresh and fun for both my client and their dog.
Remember in training that giving a treat or clicking that clicker are just two ways of training and the most difficult when it comes to timing. Praising your dog with “good dog” or petting on the head can also have timing consequences. Keep your eye on your dog while training as this will help you develop better timing. Trainers make it look so easy; watch us, we rarely take our eyes off your dog when we make it look like magic!
______________________
Michele Forto is the business manager and a certified canine trainer at Denver Dog Works. Michele can be reached through her website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
By Michele Forto
Timing is everything! In dog training timing is of the essence. Whether you are praising, redirecting a drive, or correcting your dog. The timing involved is of the utmost importance. This is particularly the case when you are treat or clicker training. If your timing is off by just a second you may end up praising your dog for performing the wrong action. Or praising them for doing the wrong action because you were to slow in praising what you liked.
Taking on training on your own is quite a feat and you should get a pat on the back for this undertaking. Having a trainer can help immensely with timing alone. Your trainer is able to see where your timing is off and then make adjustments in your ability to react and viola you and your dog are communicating in sync and everything you have been working towards falls in to place.
I have observed too many times that handlers have a tendency to be compulsive in their training. Letting their frustrations lead their training sessions instead of giving their training session forethought and guidelines to follow. I have found that my clients who are compulsive do best by keeping a training journal and writing down how the dog performed as well as how they were feeling throughout the course of the training session. It shows them when their optimum training times are; for you it may be in the morning versus the afternoon or evening. Mornings just may be better for you and your dog. If working your dog at your optimum training time doesn’t work then I suggest breaking up the training routine to shorter sessions throughout the day so frustration does not build within you or your dog.
That being said, take one day off from training during your week and take a different day and throw out your training routine. Do something completely different and work in your training commands. For example, take your dog to the backyard turn on some music, get your dog’s ball and dance with your dog by luring him with his ball into moving around and performing basic commands like sit and down. Send him to fetch his ball, return into the “dance” routine. Do this for four songs or approximately 15 minutes – what a workout! You and your dog will have fun and build your bond and viola training success.
Talk with your trainer about your day off from training and how your dog behaved. Also talk with your trainer about your fun day and how your dog responded. This will help your trainer adjust your training routine for optimum progress and success. Even in basic obedience I will incorporate training styles from sport and service training to keep the routine fresh and fun for both my client and their dog.
Remember in training that giving a treat or clicking that clicker are just two ways of training and the most difficult when it comes to timing. Praising your dog with “good dog” or petting on the head can also have timing consequences. Keep your eye on your dog while training as this will help you develop better timing. Trainers make it look so easy; watch us, we rarely take our eyes off your dog when we make it look like magic!
______________________
Michele Forto is the business manager and a certified canine trainer at Denver Dog Works. Michele can be reached through her website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Haiti Emergency vs. American Emergency
Haitian Emergency vs. American Emergency
By Michele Forto
Let me start off by making sure everyone understands that I believe in helping EVERYONE in need. This is not pointed in the direction against helping Haiti or any country and its people.
In this economy, we are all challenged to make ends meet. Any emergency can put us into bankruptcy or foreclosure. Growing up in California I have experienced earthquakes and living in Oklahoma I experienced tornados these natural disasters can ruin individuals, neighbors, towns, counties, and in some instances countries. None of us can fathom the horrors that the people of Haiti are experiencing at this very moment just as none of us could fathom the horrors that the people of New Orleans went through after Hurricane Katrina.
I read just last week that “we” Americans have raised 100 million dollars to aid the people of Haiti. That is extraordinary. The very next day, I was watching the local news, something I rarely have time to do. They reported about a 7 year old little boy and how he goes to school every day and gets good grades and does what little boys do, while his dad spends his day looking for a job and a place for them to live. You see, he’s homeless. What I’m having trouble gripping is that in this roller coaster economy “we” have stopped shaking hands with our neighbors, we have stopped looking at what’s going on on our own street.
“We” hide in our homes surfing the internet, playing games on facebook, and watching American Idol and Biggest Loser. What happened to getting to know our neighbors and lending a helping hand? When you take your child to the bus stop in the morning have you noticed one of the kids isn’t wearing a coat? You shrug it off as maybe he forgot it, but you notice that he never wears one. You are planning to give $40.00 to help the International Red Cross and hope your money goes to aid someone in need in Haiti. What stops you from taking that same $40 and buying that little boy a coat? Judgment. Judgment is what keeps us from helping each other and what keeps us from asking our neighbors for help. You worry that IF you buy this boy a coat that his parents will feel insulted and even angered by your gesture. Or maybe your overstepping and he really does have one. You can always return it!
“We” can’t agree on how to fix our economy, “we” can’t agree on how we can have healthcare for everyone. But, “we” rally in the face of tragedy – this is what America is about! Let’s rally for our neighbors first, for our cities, our states, our country and when that is strong and restored and “we” are able to care for ourselves then “we” can care for others and then “we” do what America does best – strengthen the world.
This evening I gave a woman the only dollar in cash I had on me at the time and as I handed it to her I said I’m sorry this is all I can offer to help you as I have to feed my children too. I don’t give money to homeless people or pan handlers I gave to her because I chose to listen to my own morals and values and help my neighbor – right or wrong we have been taught that being needy is an ugly unwanted place to be. In realty, none of us should be in this position. Not everyone makes the choice to be homeless or needy. Why do “we” judge our neighbors but not other countries when they are faced with tragedy.
______________________
Michele Forto is an entrepreneur of several businesses in the Denver area. She can be reached through her website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
By Michele Forto
Let me start off by making sure everyone understands that I believe in helping EVERYONE in need. This is not pointed in the direction against helping Haiti or any country and its people.
In this economy, we are all challenged to make ends meet. Any emergency can put us into bankruptcy or foreclosure. Growing up in California I have experienced earthquakes and living in Oklahoma I experienced tornados these natural disasters can ruin individuals, neighbors, towns, counties, and in some instances countries. None of us can fathom the horrors that the people of Haiti are experiencing at this very moment just as none of us could fathom the horrors that the people of New Orleans went through after Hurricane Katrina.
I read just last week that “we” Americans have raised 100 million dollars to aid the people of Haiti. That is extraordinary. The very next day, I was watching the local news, something I rarely have time to do. They reported about a 7 year old little boy and how he goes to school every day and gets good grades and does what little boys do, while his dad spends his day looking for a job and a place for them to live. You see, he’s homeless. What I’m having trouble gripping is that in this roller coaster economy “we” have stopped shaking hands with our neighbors, we have stopped looking at what’s going on on our own street.
“We” hide in our homes surfing the internet, playing games on facebook, and watching American Idol and Biggest Loser. What happened to getting to know our neighbors and lending a helping hand? When you take your child to the bus stop in the morning have you noticed one of the kids isn’t wearing a coat? You shrug it off as maybe he forgot it, but you notice that he never wears one. You are planning to give $40.00 to help the International Red Cross and hope your money goes to aid someone in need in Haiti. What stops you from taking that same $40 and buying that little boy a coat? Judgment. Judgment is what keeps us from helping each other and what keeps us from asking our neighbors for help. You worry that IF you buy this boy a coat that his parents will feel insulted and even angered by your gesture. Or maybe your overstepping and he really does have one. You can always return it!
“We” can’t agree on how to fix our economy, “we” can’t agree on how we can have healthcare for everyone. But, “we” rally in the face of tragedy – this is what America is about! Let’s rally for our neighbors first, for our cities, our states, our country and when that is strong and restored and “we” are able to care for ourselves then “we” can care for others and then “we” do what America does best – strengthen the world.
This evening I gave a woman the only dollar in cash I had on me at the time and as I handed it to her I said I’m sorry this is all I can offer to help you as I have to feed my children too. I don’t give money to homeless people or pan handlers I gave to her because I chose to listen to my own morals and values and help my neighbor – right or wrong we have been taught that being needy is an ugly unwanted place to be. In realty, none of us should be in this position. Not everyone makes the choice to be homeless or needy. Why do “we” judge our neighbors but not other countries when they are faced with tragedy.
______________________
Michele Forto is an entrepreneur of several businesses in the Denver area. She can be reached through her website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Leonhard Seppala
Leonhard Seppala
By Robert Forto, PhD
No dog driver has the status, the renown and the respect of his colleagues as does Leonhard Seppala. His fame has lasted far beyond his brief national acclaim following the race to Nome against an epidemic. His greatness has long outlasted his success as a racer. Before his death in 1967 at the age of ninety, Seppala had been made an honorary member of four prestigious organizations: The Siberian Husky Club of America, The International Siberian Husky Club (which was originally chartered as the Seppala Siberian Husky Club), The New England Sled Dog Club and The Norwegian Sled Dog Club.
The longest sled dog race in North America was named for Seppala. When thirty four dog teams left the starting line in Anchorage on March 3, 1973 bound for Nome, in the first thousand-mile Seppala Memorial Iditarod Trail Race, no driver wore Number One. Starting position Number One had been reserved in memory of the most distinguished dog driver of all time.
In 1961, at a testimonial banquet at the Alaska Press Club, Lowe Thomas introduced the 84-year-old musher with sparkling blue eyes as “the greatest dog team driver that ever lived.” For Seppala was an original, an innovator, and a pioneer. There was no aspect of dog driving he left untouched. Even today, over one hundred years after his birth, many Siberian Huskies that race today are descended from Seppala’s Siberians.
At the turn of the century young Seppala left his native Norway, his father’s fishing boat and his apprenticeship with a blacksmith, to join the hundreds of new explorers seeking their fortune in the gold fields of Alaska. He soon discovered that a steady, if less spectacular, way to make money was to have a dog team and to freight supplies to the miners. Within a few years Seppala had the reputation as one of the best dog punchers in the new territory.
His life swerved onto a new trail when inspired by the excitement of the new sled dog races in Nome, he entered and won his first race at age thirty-six. The next year, 1914, he entered the All Alaska Sweepstakes with a team of young Siberian dogs he had been training for the explorer Roald Amundsen. After losing the trail and injuring his dogs, Seppala finished last. He started that race with a leader named Suggen, and he was hooked on sled dog racing.1 Seppala trained hard and in secret, far away from town and returned to win the race by over an hour in 1915. He repeated this feat in 1916, and 1917, winning both Sweepstakes by large margins. Seppala was to obtain permanent possession of the Siberians when Amundsen’s North Pole trip was cancelled. Seppala’s appreciation of the imported huskies was immediately apparent and years later he wrote, “Once more the little Siberians had proved their superiority over the other dogs and I was proud to have been their driver and to have brought them in such good condition.”2
Seppala’s continuing success put him on “top of the list when the chairman of Nome’s Board of Health was looking for fast teams to go for the diphtheria serum being relayed in from Anchorage.”3 Seppala’s leader by then was Togo, a son of Suggen. Togo, destined to be a hero as the result of his valiant leadership across the trackless treachery of Norton Sound, began life as a spoiled, hard to handle pup. He was the offspring of some of Fox Ramsay’s Siberian imports. Part of his early training including running free beside the big team, which he loved, but one day he ran into a team of tough Malamutes and was badly chewed up. Perhaps this is one of the ways a future lead dog learns part of his lessons, for Togo became the best passer Seppala ever had. Togo was a master at leading his team well out of reach of any other dogs on the trail.
After the successful life-saving race to Nome, Seppala toured the East Coast of the United States. In 1927 he took his whole team to New England and proceeded to win race after race. He won New England Sled Dog Club races in Maine and New Hampshire; he won Eastern International Dog Derby’s in Quebec; he raced in Lake Placid, although Canada’s great Emile St. Godard did beat him for first place in the Olympic Games exhibition race. Everywhere he went, if he was not actually racing, he was “talking dogs.” Many future dog drivers learned the basics, the fun and the dangers of driving sled dogs by listening whenever “Sepp” was around.
Eastern mushers became just as enamored of the Siberian Huskies as was Seppala and, with his help, selective breeding programs were started at several kennels. Seppala was looking for a slightly larger dog without diminishing alertness, grace and the lightness of foot had contributed to this natural breed’s success in racing. These new kennels provided this by mixing their bloodlines with his.
In addition to the dogs, Seppala introduced to the East at least two innovations to the sport of dog sled racing. To New Englander’s familiar with the single file freight hitch brought from Alaska by Arthur Walden, Seppala’s method of hooking the dogs in pairs with a single leader looked strange. Nothing bodes better for an innovation than success however, and this double tandem hitch, with occasional slight modifications, is standard in races today. The other novelty presented by Seppala was the driver’s more active participation in the race. Although dog punchers and long-distance racers usually ran beside their sleds, the sprint racers would stand on the runners of their lighter sleds, jumping off only to run uphill. Seppala broke through this prevailing concept by introducing a pedaling motion. With one leg, as though on a scooter, timing his push with the dogs’ strides to keep the sled moving at an even rate.
Seppala and his wife returned to Alaska in the mid-thirties, and then after retirement moved to Seattle, Washington. In 1960 the chipper little man flew to Laconia to serve as honorary judge at the World Championships Sled Dog Derby. He was eighty-three years young and still delighted with the sled dogs. He reflected on his forty-five years of dog driving, his quarter of a million miles by dog team, his ninety-three silver cups and eight gold medals. The people of Laconia knew they were witnessing a giant in the sport.
Beyond the trophies, the Seppala-strain sled dogs, the inspired dog drivers, the innovations and contributions to the sport, lies the quality of the man. In a sport where handling dogs well is a necessity, the best still pay tribute to Seppala’s skillful relationship with his dogs. In a sport where some try to win with pressure and punishment, Seppala’s unequalled triumphs were achieved with kindness and encouragement. A driver could be running a good race, but he knew if Seppala was in it, chances were good that the little Siberian team would go flying past, almost soundless. Many mushers would say that Seppala would just cluck them every now and then, and the dogs would lay into their harnesses harder than they have ever seen before. One competitor said, “Something came out of him and went into those dogs with that clucking sound. He passed me every day of the race and I wasn’t loafing any.”4
After a long day Seppala would reach for his parka and cap and go out to his dogs one more time before retiring for the night to check on their comfort. Out would go that little weather-beaten Alaskan, a man who pinned his faith and his life on the good health, endurance and loyalty of his dogs.
_______________________
Dr. Robert Forto is a professional musher and the training director for Denver Dog Works. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.teamineka.com
By Robert Forto, PhD
No dog driver has the status, the renown and the respect of his colleagues as does Leonhard Seppala. His fame has lasted far beyond his brief national acclaim following the race to Nome against an epidemic. His greatness has long outlasted his success as a racer. Before his death in 1967 at the age of ninety, Seppala had been made an honorary member of four prestigious organizations: The Siberian Husky Club of America, The International Siberian Husky Club (which was originally chartered as the Seppala Siberian Husky Club), The New England Sled Dog Club and The Norwegian Sled Dog Club.
The longest sled dog race in North America was named for Seppala. When thirty four dog teams left the starting line in Anchorage on March 3, 1973 bound for Nome, in the first thousand-mile Seppala Memorial Iditarod Trail Race, no driver wore Number One. Starting position Number One had been reserved in memory of the most distinguished dog driver of all time.
In 1961, at a testimonial banquet at the Alaska Press Club, Lowe Thomas introduced the 84-year-old musher with sparkling blue eyes as “the greatest dog team driver that ever lived.” For Seppala was an original, an innovator, and a pioneer. There was no aspect of dog driving he left untouched. Even today, over one hundred years after his birth, many Siberian Huskies that race today are descended from Seppala’s Siberians.
At the turn of the century young Seppala left his native Norway, his father’s fishing boat and his apprenticeship with a blacksmith, to join the hundreds of new explorers seeking their fortune in the gold fields of Alaska. He soon discovered that a steady, if less spectacular, way to make money was to have a dog team and to freight supplies to the miners. Within a few years Seppala had the reputation as one of the best dog punchers in the new territory.
His life swerved onto a new trail when inspired by the excitement of the new sled dog races in Nome, he entered and won his first race at age thirty-six. The next year, 1914, he entered the All Alaska Sweepstakes with a team of young Siberian dogs he had been training for the explorer Roald Amundsen. After losing the trail and injuring his dogs, Seppala finished last. He started that race with a leader named Suggen, and he was hooked on sled dog racing.1 Seppala trained hard and in secret, far away from town and returned to win the race by over an hour in 1915. He repeated this feat in 1916, and 1917, winning both Sweepstakes by large margins. Seppala was to obtain permanent possession of the Siberians when Amundsen’s North Pole trip was cancelled. Seppala’s appreciation of the imported huskies was immediately apparent and years later he wrote, “Once more the little Siberians had proved their superiority over the other dogs and I was proud to have been their driver and to have brought them in such good condition.”2
Seppala’s continuing success put him on “top of the list when the chairman of Nome’s Board of Health was looking for fast teams to go for the diphtheria serum being relayed in from Anchorage.”3 Seppala’s leader by then was Togo, a son of Suggen. Togo, destined to be a hero as the result of his valiant leadership across the trackless treachery of Norton Sound, began life as a spoiled, hard to handle pup. He was the offspring of some of Fox Ramsay’s Siberian imports. Part of his early training including running free beside the big team, which he loved, but one day he ran into a team of tough Malamutes and was badly chewed up. Perhaps this is one of the ways a future lead dog learns part of his lessons, for Togo became the best passer Seppala ever had. Togo was a master at leading his team well out of reach of any other dogs on the trail.
After the successful life-saving race to Nome, Seppala toured the East Coast of the United States. In 1927 he took his whole team to New England and proceeded to win race after race. He won New England Sled Dog Club races in Maine and New Hampshire; he won Eastern International Dog Derby’s in Quebec; he raced in Lake Placid, although Canada’s great Emile St. Godard did beat him for first place in the Olympic Games exhibition race. Everywhere he went, if he was not actually racing, he was “talking dogs.” Many future dog drivers learned the basics, the fun and the dangers of driving sled dogs by listening whenever “Sepp” was around.
Eastern mushers became just as enamored of the Siberian Huskies as was Seppala and, with his help, selective breeding programs were started at several kennels. Seppala was looking for a slightly larger dog without diminishing alertness, grace and the lightness of foot had contributed to this natural breed’s success in racing. These new kennels provided this by mixing their bloodlines with his.
In addition to the dogs, Seppala introduced to the East at least two innovations to the sport of dog sled racing. To New Englander’s familiar with the single file freight hitch brought from Alaska by Arthur Walden, Seppala’s method of hooking the dogs in pairs with a single leader looked strange. Nothing bodes better for an innovation than success however, and this double tandem hitch, with occasional slight modifications, is standard in races today. The other novelty presented by Seppala was the driver’s more active participation in the race. Although dog punchers and long-distance racers usually ran beside their sleds, the sprint racers would stand on the runners of their lighter sleds, jumping off only to run uphill. Seppala broke through this prevailing concept by introducing a pedaling motion. With one leg, as though on a scooter, timing his push with the dogs’ strides to keep the sled moving at an even rate.
Seppala and his wife returned to Alaska in the mid-thirties, and then after retirement moved to Seattle, Washington. In 1960 the chipper little man flew to Laconia to serve as honorary judge at the World Championships Sled Dog Derby. He was eighty-three years young and still delighted with the sled dogs. He reflected on his forty-five years of dog driving, his quarter of a million miles by dog team, his ninety-three silver cups and eight gold medals. The people of Laconia knew they were witnessing a giant in the sport.
Beyond the trophies, the Seppala-strain sled dogs, the inspired dog drivers, the innovations and contributions to the sport, lies the quality of the man. In a sport where handling dogs well is a necessity, the best still pay tribute to Seppala’s skillful relationship with his dogs. In a sport where some try to win with pressure and punishment, Seppala’s unequalled triumphs were achieved with kindness and encouragement. A driver could be running a good race, but he knew if Seppala was in it, chances were good that the little Siberian team would go flying past, almost soundless. Many mushers would say that Seppala would just cluck them every now and then, and the dogs would lay into their harnesses harder than they have ever seen before. One competitor said, “Something came out of him and went into those dogs with that clucking sound. He passed me every day of the race and I wasn’t loafing any.”4
After a long day Seppala would reach for his parka and cap and go out to his dogs one more time before retiring for the night to check on their comfort. Out would go that little weather-beaten Alaskan, a man who pinned his faith and his life on the good health, endurance and loyalty of his dogs.
_______________________
Dr. Robert Forto is a professional musher and the training director for Denver Dog Works. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.teamineka.com
Saturday, January 23, 2010
H1N1, Captain Trips and the Swine Flu
H1N1, Captain Trips and the Swine Flu
Hello All,
As a frequent reader of my posts you will know that I have been highly suspect of the media fueled swine flu epidemic and have written about it on my blog a few times. My most recent is: http://fortoblog.com/2009/04/30/the-...swine-flu.aspx
On Monday, I thought how could I go wrong: go to Walgreens and pay 18 bucks for the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine. 18 bucks is a lot better than missing countless days at work if and when I come down with the dreaded flu right?
How wrong could I have been? I have been laying in bed since Monday night with the worst case of the flu that I have ever seen. It hit me like a brick wall at 8:15 pm and I haven't been the same since. Let me put it this way, have you ever seen the Dumb and Dumber movie when Harry has to use the restroom in the fancy bathroom in Aspen.... I know that analogy was not politically correct but neither is the government saying that "systemic side-effects" rarely occur.
For this 18 dollar vaccine that I thought would keep me from getting the flu has now cost me at least three days of productive work and countless contacts with my clients. I guess you could look at it this way, just how bad would have the flu really been if I hadn't gotten the vaccine in the first place? I guess thats why 16,000 people have died from it already.
Your thoughts on what you think of the swine flu and its vaccine? Lets keep the discussion alive!
Regards,
Robert Forto, PhD
Denver Dog Works
http://www.robertforto.com
Hello All,
As a frequent reader of my posts you will know that I have been highly suspect of the media fueled swine flu epidemic and have written about it on my blog a few times. My most recent is: http://fortoblog.com/2009/04/30/the-...swine-flu.aspx
On Monday, I thought how could I go wrong: go to Walgreens and pay 18 bucks for the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine. 18 bucks is a lot better than missing countless days at work if and when I come down with the dreaded flu right?
How wrong could I have been? I have been laying in bed since Monday night with the worst case of the flu that I have ever seen. It hit me like a brick wall at 8:15 pm and I haven't been the same since. Let me put it this way, have you ever seen the Dumb and Dumber movie when Harry has to use the restroom in the fancy bathroom in Aspen.... I know that analogy was not politically correct but neither is the government saying that "systemic side-effects" rarely occur.
For this 18 dollar vaccine that I thought would keep me from getting the flu has now cost me at least three days of productive work and countless contacts with my clients. I guess you could look at it this way, just how bad would have the flu really been if I hadn't gotten the vaccine in the first place? I guess thats why 16,000 people have died from it already.
Your thoughts on what you think of the swine flu and its vaccine? Lets keep the discussion alive!
Regards,
Robert Forto, PhD
Denver Dog Works
http://www.robertforto.com
Culture of Denver Dog Works: Integrity
Culture of Denver Dog Works: Integrity
By Robert Forto, PhD
Last week I introduced a series of articles that I am going to post each week about the culture of Denver Dog Works. I am only only doing this to give our readers an idea of what we are about at Denver Dog Works but also as an exercise for us here at the training center to make sure we are all on the same page and delivering exceptional customer service and training a client's dog to be one of the best trained dogs in the world.
The 10 Elements of Culture as defined by Denver Dog Works are:
Integrity
Professionalism
Development
Service Availability and Belief
Character
Self Development
A Event Culture
Structured Activity
Leadership
Fun
Integrity of Denver Dog Works and our Culture
If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters. -- Alan K. Simpson
The Wild West was full of them and they are the actors of legend along the carnival midway and the performers of modern day late night infomercials. His line was superficial and his promises great. he had the cure for diseases and could wow you with his magic cloth that soaked up a can of soda with little effort.
Modern medical licensing has done much to amend quackery in medicine but in the spirit of the snake oil salesmen or the the late night pitch-man they will always find a new outlet, and professional dog training is a prime example.
As I tell my students studying to be professional dog trainers all the time, all it takes to be a dog trainer is a business card, a leash and a smile. Anyone can rent out a storefront, put a sign on their car, take an out an ad in the local newspaper, start a website and call themselves a professional dog trainer. If you work out of your home, a couple hundred bucks can be enough to say you are in business! These same people say they can offer obedience training, solve problems and turn your dog into service dog just because you want a constant companion with you while you ride the bus to work in the morning.
Often there is a certificate saying Master Trainer, possibly indicating the completion of a correspondence course without ever having to demonstrated how to properly work a dog in a training routine. It is against the law in all states, I assume to set up shop and offer medical advice, or legal counsel or even plumbing services without a license. Not so in the dog training world. There are no legal requirements or even standards in the way that a dog should be trained.
What truly separates the men from the boys, so to speak, in the dog training world is just one word: Integrity.
If I were to ask what the most important and influential aspect of a business is I would have to say integrity. Without integrity at the forefront of a business’ culture a business is usually doomed to fail. In fact, when integrity is part of the business culture is becomes the heart and soul of the company and can mean the difference between a company that succeeds and one that fails.
In recent times, with the media fueled recession, and business people having a hard time making ends meet often a business’ core values are overlooked in order to salvage a struggling business or to meet the basic needs of a company such as payroll and paying vendors. But, if a business does not take the time to examine it core values and continually live by them, even in the rough times, the business is not operating with an ethical commitment to those that truly have a say in whether they will succeed or fail, and that is it’s customers and clients.
At Denver Dog Works Integrity is so ingrained in our culture that it we strive to continually live by it in our day to day business operation in that we see that we are above and beyond the quacks that give our industry such a bad name. We strive to do this but applying seven basic principles of integrity within our company:
Principle #1 At Denver Dog Works we recognize that our clients want to do business with a company they can trust; when trust is at the core of a company, it is easy to recognize. Trust defined is assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of a business. Dog training is a capricious business. You are dealing with a member of a client’s family and you must remember to treat this relationship as such.
Principle #2 At Denver Dog Works we strive for continuous improvement of our company, and as the leader in an industry we must be willing to open up to ideas for betterment. We ask for opinions and feedback from both clients and team members and by doing so our company will continue to grow.
Principle #3 At Denver Dog Works, regardless of the circumstances, we do everything in our power to gain the trust of our past customer's and clients, particularly if something has gone awry. We strive to do what you can to reclaim any lost business by honoring all commitments and obligations. Yes it is true you can never please everyone. In the dog training world we often dealing with relationship problems, financial constraints and a theory of absolutes (fix my dog or else...). We often deal with unhappy clients because of unrealistic expectations and we must meet them in the middle in order to accomplish a common goal and that is to better the relationship between their dog and the family.
Principle #4 At Denver Dog Works we continually re-evaluate all print/media materials including our small business advertising, brochures and other business documents making sure they are clear, precise and professional; most important we make sure they do not misrepresent or misinterpret our business. This is what I was talking about above. Anyone can say they have the best and train the rest but can they live up to their own motto?
Principle #5 At Denver Dog Works we remain involved in community-related issues and activities thereby demonstrating that our business is a responsible community contributor. In other words, we stay involved. We are actively involved in two local chamber of commerces and attend and host many events where we give back to the local community. In business it should never be just about making money. At Denver Dog Works we don’t just train dogs, we change lives.
Principle #6 At Denver Dog Works we take a hands-on approach in regard to accounting and record keeping, not only as a means of gaining a better feel for the progress of our company, but as a resource for any "questionable " activities; gaining control of accounting and record keeping allows you to end any dubious activities promptly. Even in a difficult economy where every small business owner is pinching every penny and saving every dime they can, a business must have integrity in regards to the day to day operation of their business. I will admit, this past year was a struggle for us and we seemed to have pulled through and weathered the storm but that did not mean neglecting our vendors or our businesses associates.
Principle #7 At Denver Dog Works we strive to treat others with the utmost of respect. Regardless of differences, positions, titles, ages, or other types of distinctions, we always strive treat others with professional respect and courtesy. This principle is not just in place in the back-room of our training center but to our clients as well. A client should never be seen as a meal ticket or a a way to pay the light bill, but as a relationship that is forged with mutual respect and understanding.
I encourage any feedback you may have and of course share the culture of your business as well. I can be reached anytime by email at train@denverdogworks.com
Posted: http://www.robertforto.com
__________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Dog Works Training Centers and the host of a weekly radio program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show which can be heard every Saturday at 9:30 am in the Rocky Mountain West or download it anytime. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
By Robert Forto, PhD
Last week I introduced a series of articles that I am going to post each week about the culture of Denver Dog Works. I am only only doing this to give our readers an idea of what we are about at Denver Dog Works but also as an exercise for us here at the training center to make sure we are all on the same page and delivering exceptional customer service and training a client's dog to be one of the best trained dogs in the world.
The 10 Elements of Culture as defined by Denver Dog Works are:
Integrity
Professionalism
Development
Service Availability and Belief
Character
Self Development
A Event Culture
Structured Activity
Leadership
Fun
Integrity of Denver Dog Works and our Culture
If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters. -- Alan K. Simpson
The Wild West was full of them and they are the actors of legend along the carnival midway and the performers of modern day late night infomercials. His line was superficial and his promises great. he had the cure for diseases and could wow you with his magic cloth that soaked up a can of soda with little effort.
Modern medical licensing has done much to amend quackery in medicine but in the spirit of the snake oil salesmen or the the late night pitch-man they will always find a new outlet, and professional dog training is a prime example.
As I tell my students studying to be professional dog trainers all the time, all it takes to be a dog trainer is a business card, a leash and a smile. Anyone can rent out a storefront, put a sign on their car, take an out an ad in the local newspaper, start a website and call themselves a professional dog trainer. If you work out of your home, a couple hundred bucks can be enough to say you are in business! These same people say they can offer obedience training, solve problems and turn your dog into service dog just because you want a constant companion with you while you ride the bus to work in the morning.
Often there is a certificate saying Master Trainer, possibly indicating the completion of a correspondence course without ever having to demonstrated how to properly work a dog in a training routine. It is against the law in all states, I assume to set up shop and offer medical advice, or legal counsel or even plumbing services without a license. Not so in the dog training world. There are no legal requirements or even standards in the way that a dog should be trained.
What truly separates the men from the boys, so to speak, in the dog training world is just one word: Integrity.
If I were to ask what the most important and influential aspect of a business is I would have to say integrity. Without integrity at the forefront of a business’ culture a business is usually doomed to fail. In fact, when integrity is part of the business culture is becomes the heart and soul of the company and can mean the difference between a company that succeeds and one that fails.
In recent times, with the media fueled recession, and business people having a hard time making ends meet often a business’ core values are overlooked in order to salvage a struggling business or to meet the basic needs of a company such as payroll and paying vendors. But, if a business does not take the time to examine it core values and continually live by them, even in the rough times, the business is not operating with an ethical commitment to those that truly have a say in whether they will succeed or fail, and that is it’s customers and clients.
At Denver Dog Works Integrity is so ingrained in our culture that it we strive to continually live by it in our day to day business operation in that we see that we are above and beyond the quacks that give our industry such a bad name. We strive to do this but applying seven basic principles of integrity within our company:
Principle #1 At Denver Dog Works we recognize that our clients want to do business with a company they can trust; when trust is at the core of a company, it is easy to recognize. Trust defined is assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of a business. Dog training is a capricious business. You are dealing with a member of a client’s family and you must remember to treat this relationship as such.
Principle #2 At Denver Dog Works we strive for continuous improvement of our company, and as the leader in an industry we must be willing to open up to ideas for betterment. We ask for opinions and feedback from both clients and team members and by doing so our company will continue to grow.
Principle #3 At Denver Dog Works, regardless of the circumstances, we do everything in our power to gain the trust of our past customer's and clients, particularly if something has gone awry. We strive to do what you can to reclaim any lost business by honoring all commitments and obligations. Yes it is true you can never please everyone. In the dog training world we often dealing with relationship problems, financial constraints and a theory of absolutes (fix my dog or else...). We often deal with unhappy clients because of unrealistic expectations and we must meet them in the middle in order to accomplish a common goal and that is to better the relationship between their dog and the family.
Principle #4 At Denver Dog Works we continually re-evaluate all print/media materials including our small business advertising, brochures and other business documents making sure they are clear, precise and professional; most important we make sure they do not misrepresent or misinterpret our business. This is what I was talking about above. Anyone can say they have the best and train the rest but can they live up to their own motto?
Principle #5 At Denver Dog Works we remain involved in community-related issues and activities thereby demonstrating that our business is a responsible community contributor. In other words, we stay involved. We are actively involved in two local chamber of commerces and attend and host many events where we give back to the local community. In business it should never be just about making money. At Denver Dog Works we don’t just train dogs, we change lives.
Principle #6 At Denver Dog Works we take a hands-on approach in regard to accounting and record keeping, not only as a means of gaining a better feel for the progress of our company, but as a resource for any "questionable " activities; gaining control of accounting and record keeping allows you to end any dubious activities promptly. Even in a difficult economy where every small business owner is pinching every penny and saving every dime they can, a business must have integrity in regards to the day to day operation of their business. I will admit, this past year was a struggle for us and we seemed to have pulled through and weathered the storm but that did not mean neglecting our vendors or our businesses associates.
Principle #7 At Denver Dog Works we strive to treat others with the utmost of respect. Regardless of differences, positions, titles, ages, or other types of distinctions, we always strive treat others with professional respect and courtesy. This principle is not just in place in the back-room of our training center but to our clients as well. A client should never be seen as a meal ticket or a a way to pay the light bill, but as a relationship that is forged with mutual respect and understanding.
I encourage any feedback you may have and of course share the culture of your business as well. I can be reached anytime by email at train@denverdogworks.com
Posted: http://www.robertforto.com
__________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Dog Works Training Centers and the host of a weekly radio program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show which can be heard every Saturday at 9:30 am in the Rocky Mountain West or download it anytime. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com
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