Every Dog Has Its Day

Every Dog Has It’s Day

“Every dog has its day dog, when the big dog throws him a bone. One moment in the sunshine, when your ducks line up in a row.” – Toby Keith –

The lyric quoted above fits my next story so fitting its eerie. I am currently training a German Shepherd puppy named Toby.
I received an inquiry about a week ago. I heard desperation on the other end of the line and began to stop what I was doing to listen more attentively. A mother, was looking for help for her adult daughter, who was in need of emotional support, comfort, and stability. “My daughter adopted a puppy about 30 days ago and we found a trainer but she doesn’t certify service dogs, do you do that?”

We spoke for about thirty minutes and agreed to meet so I could evaluate little Toby to be sure he had the right temperament and stamina to go through the training to possibly become a psychiatric service dog.

The morning we were due to meet I received another phone call from the Mother, she was frantic and in tears. Her daughter had a breakdown and decided Toby was too much responsibility for herself and took him back to the Denver Dumb Friends League the night before.

After explaining to the Mother, what my plans were and how I can help, she gave her daughter a call and convinced her to call me. Meanwhile, the Mother followed my advice and contacted the Denver Dumb Friends League and explained the situation and asked that Toby be held. Her daughter did contact me and once I explained that Toby would be staying with me for 12 weeks and doing training through the most difficult times of puppyhood, she agreed to go get Toby and meet with me as scheduled.
They arrived for their appointment, Mother, Daughter, and Toby. I observed body language, interactions, obedience for a 12 week old puppy, and did my standard temperament test. Toby is one of the most stable balanced puppies I’ve ever observed. He has the “gift”. This first week he has proven that he is up for the task. He’s been on a field trip daily since his arrival, is understanding that wearing his training vest means he must act responsibly in his surroundings and when it’s off he understands that he can be a “dog” but still has to behave with dignity and have manners.

Toby has been enrolled into Denver Dog Works psychiatric service dog program, he will undergo 12 weeks of intensive training with my staff and I. Toby will then return home to his handler and participate in weekly training sessions for the next 12 weeks and then begin his public access training and polishing his service commands. Toby will be learning approximately 60 verbal commands of which 20 commands will have had signals.

Follow Toby through his training program, I will be writing this article weekly giving you updates.

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Michele is Denvers Dog Training Examiner, a certified canine trainer at Denver Dog Works and the co-host of the Dog Doctor Radio Show.

Canine Behavior Consultations

Canine Behavior Consultation
By Michele Forto

At Denver Dog Works we are sought after throughout the country as the preeminent expert for canine aggression cases. With that said we also do things a bit differently than most dog trainers for basic obedience. Canine Behavior Modification Sessions are NOT Obedience Sessions. We also charge differently than a dog trainer. Typically dog trainers charge per session or in a block of sessions (ie. eight weeks for $500.00, etc.) A behavioral consultation is much different. We charge by the hour and we require a retainer. The reason we do this is simple: there is a tremendous amount of work involved behind the scenes and with the client in person. We charge just like an attorney would charge you, increments of six minutes. Remember you are hiring an expert not just a dog trainer that trains dogs for fun. Canine Aggression is serious business and you need an expert to help you in this difficult time.

Canine Behavior Consultation

A Canine Behavior Consultation is an in-depth scientific observation of a dog displaying unwanted or unexplained behavior. Dr. Robert Forto, Ph.D. of Denver Dog Works is not only the training director with nearly twenty years of experience in training dogs, but also Denver’s foremost expert on aggression.

A Canine Behavior Consultation often begins unfortunately with an incident where your dog has bitten someone. Very few times, has Dr. Forto been contacted prior to the bite occurring. Usually he is contacted during an owner’s dog being quarantined by the local animal control.

When you contact Dr. Forto regarding canine aggression or behavior modification for your dog he or his staff will ask you a series of questions determining whether or not you are in need of a behaviorist or just a qualified trainer with specific behavior background such as separation anxiety.
When hiring an expert be prepared to pay a retainer and to be billed in hourly increments monthly for their services. This is how Dr. Forto has established his business and reputation. He values your concerns and expects you to value his time and his expertise.
I asked Dr. Forto, what happens during a Behavior Evaluation/Canine Behavior Consultation and this is what he said.
What happens during an Behavioral Evaluation?
 
You will be interviewed and asked questions regarding your dog and the problems you are concerned with:
Your dog’s daily routine and history with you
What your relationship with your dog is like
How your dog behaves in different situations
A description of the problem
When, where and how often the problem happens
What you have done to work with your dog’s behavior
 
We will observe your dog and see how he/she behaves
We do want to see how your dog reacts to us and get a sense of his temperament
We do want to see how your dog reacts to you and get a sense of his temperament
Observing the problem behavior may not be possible, desirable or needed

We will use this information to analyze your dog's problem
Why the problem developed
What’s now motivating the behavior
What needs to be done to change the behavior
 
We will develop and write down a custom behavior modification plan for you
The plan may include changes to your dog’s environment and/or diet
The plan may require structured “training sessions” to bring out the desired behavior
The plan may require changes in how you react to your dog’s behavior
The plan will include tips and remedies
 
We will follow-up with you during the scheduled "training sessions" either in-home or office visits for the number listed on your behavior modification plan:
Answer your questions and observe the dog and his reactions
Make sure you are on the right track
“Fine tune” your custom plan
If your dog is participating in our board and train program you will receive weekly progress reports for the duration of his stay.
 
And this is just the beginning! According to Dr. Forto, once he receives the initial evaluation from his staff, he then corresponds immediately with the client who has now received a 13-page questionnaire asking specific questions pertaining to their dog’s history. He begins developing a treatment plan and schedules the first visit. Dr. Forto is working with you from the moment he receives your case file and he continues to be available via email, phone, and in person. Behavior modification does not get fixed at the snap of a finger, modifying a dogs behavior can take months just as modifying your behavior can take months. A typical behavior case can last three to nine months. Although, you can see results after just one hour, modifying unwanted behavior and replacing it with wanted behavior takes time. An aggressive dog must have his behavior managed and the treatment plan that Dr. Forto devises for you must be followed correctly in order for the modification to be successful. Once the treatment plan has been developed Dr. Forto then visits you a few times to check on your progress and then develops a maintenance plan. Aggression is never cured it is managed.

Dr. Forto is available for behavior modification, seminars, and workshops addressing aggression (and other canine behavior problems). If you are interested in learning more about aggression or if your dog is in need of behavior modification you can reach Dr. Forto at through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com

Tags: Expert in Canine Aggression | Nationwide Caine Aggression Training | Denver Dog Training Examiner | Robert Forto | Michele Forto | Iditarod | Team Ineka | Dog Training Denver | Dog Doctor Radio | Denver Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Duluth Dog Works | Minnesota Dog Works
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Michele Forto is Denvers Dog Training Examiner and the business manager of Denver Dog Works. Michele can be reached through her website at http://www.denverdogworks.com

Influential People in the Development of Learning Theory Part 3

Influential People in the Development of Learning Theory Part III

By Robert Forto, PhD

Skinner, Keller, and Schoenfeld

B.F. Skinner (1904-1990) continued the work that Thorndike started. He was the leading advocate of a more modern version of Thorndike’s Law of Effect, which states, “The frequency of a behavior increases or decreases according to the result it [the behavior] produces.”

When Skinner was pursuing his doctorate at Harvard University he discovered that he could methodically change the behavior of lab rats by rewarding them with food. This study proceeded in the following stages:

“First, the rat was rewarded simply for facing the correct end of the cage. Next, the rat was rewarded only when it stood next to the lever. Later stages delayed the reward until the rat touched the lever with its body. Eventually the rat learned it had to press the lever to receive a pellet of food.”

Skinner’s viewpoints were unique in that he felt the proper study of behavior should be limited to “observable events” of behavior, and instead of how the subject might think. He consistently argued against making interpretations based on events that could not be observed. Skinner did not discuss intervening variables, such as hunger or thirst, when interpreting behavioral learning.

In 1938, B.F. Skinner published The Behavior of Organisms (New York: D. Appleton-Century Co.). Many consider this milestone work the leading authority on the science of operant conditioning. Today many dog trainers are using clickers for training canines; clickers are conditioned reinforcers that have been used by conditioning experts since the 1940’s. Skinner wrote about clickers, which he called “crickets”, in a paper called How to Teach Animals in 1951.

While on the faculty of the University of Minnesota, Skinner’s study of operant conditioning principles was expanded to include pigeons. He was studying a phenomenon known as extinction when it occurred to him to ask himself, are theories of learning necessary? As previously discussed Skinner felt the study of behavior should be limited to events that were observable and measurable. Skinner maintained that the science of behavior should actually deal with behavior in its relation to variables that could be systematically manipulated.

Skinner was a leading advocate of Expectancy Theory; it was his contention that learning theory was in reality nothing more that expectancy. He wrote, “When we assert that an animal acts in a given way because it expects to receive food [or any reinforcers], then what began as the task of accounting for a learned behavior becomes the task of accounting for expectancy.” Skinner is also partially credited for moving the science of operant conditioning beyond the lab, and towards a viable technology for changing behavior.

Fred S. Keller (1899-1966) is well known for his work on a teaching method known as Personalized System of Instruction (PSI). Keller was a classmate, and lifelong friend of B. F. Skinner. While it is true that Skinner ultimately wound up on the faculty at Harvard, where as Keller taught at Columbia, they remained colleagues throughout their lives.

In 1947, Fred Keller teamed up with William Schoenfeld (1915-1996) at Columbia University and began to teach the first college psychology course employing Skinner’s methods. Undergraduate students taught rats to respond to stimuli in order to obtain reinforcement. Keller and Schoenfeld published the first text in the emerging field of operant conditioning in 1950 entitled Principles of Psychology.

This is will be a multi-week series on the influential people in learning theory and the dawn of modern dog training. You can read about Huxley and Darwin and Pavlov, Thorndike and Watson as well.

If you have any questions or comments we would love to hear from you at live@dogdoctorradio.com

Tags: Learning Theory | Robert Forto | Michele Forto | Iditarod | Team Ineka | Dog Training Denver | Dog Doctor Radio | Denver Dog Works | Mushing Radio | Duluth Dog Works | Minnesota Dog Works

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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

Influential People in the Development of Learning Theory Part 2

Influential People in the Development of Learning Theory Part I
By Robert Forto, PhD

Pavlov, Thorndike, and Watson

Many attribute the beginning point of modern theories of behavior to Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936). A Russian physiologist, and Nobel Prize winner, Pavlov studied digestion in dogs. While conducting this research he observed his canine subjects salivating before the food was presented. Pavlov reasoned that his dogs were displaying this behavior in response to either the presence of his lab assistants, or the sound of the door opening.

Pavlov then conducted a series of experiments where he rang a bell just prior to feeding his canines. After a number of trials, the ringing of the bell by itself elicited the reflexive salivation of the canines. This phenomenon became known as Pavlovian or classical conditioning. Pavlov had succeeded in taking a reflexive action and putting it on cue, thereby creating a “conditioned reflex”. This new science became known as respondent conditioning, and was an important predecessor to modern operant conditioning. Respondent conditioning and conditioned reflexive responses explain why a dog begins to salivate when its owner begins the feeding ritual. The understanding of this type of conditioning can enhance a trainer’s procedure. Most training procedures are indeed built upon the principles of operant conditioning, which will be discussed in greater depth in a later part of this chapter. Respondent conditioning on the other hand is most useful when trying to change a dog’s behavior. Some examples might be habituation, counter-conditioning, systematic desensitization, and flooding. These principles will also be discussed later in this chapter.

Edward Lee Thorndike (1874-1949) studied the effect different consequences have on behaviors. Thorndike is known for the Law of Effect, which simply states that responses or behaviors that produce pleasant rewards are likely to increase in frequency. This law is the foundation on which operant conditioning is built, and is the predecessor of all the “treat training” now being advocated in modern dog training. Thorndike’s experiments were being conducted in the United States near the time that Pavlov’s dogs were salivating in Russia.

J.B. Watson (1878-1958) has been credited as the father of modern behaviorism. A psychologist who worked at John Hopkins University, as well as, The University of Chicago, Watson emphasized the need to move the study of behavior away from the concentration on thoughts and feelings towards a more scientific, experimental study of behavior. Watson is best known for his “Little Albert” study in which he and his colleague, R. Rayner, conditioned a fear reaction in an eleven-month-old boy named Albert. The study went like this:

“Initially, Albert was allowed to play freely with a white rat. Then, a loud noise was presented whenever Albert reached out and touched the rat. The noise was loud enough to startle Albert. In one week, whenever the rat was presented Albert would cry, even without the noise. He also generalized his fear to other things, including a dog, a rabbit, and a Santa Claus mask. Watson used respondent conditioning (in this case, the startle reflex) to modify Albert’s behavior.”

This is will be a multi-week series on the influential people in learning theory and the dawn of modern dog training.

If you have any questions or comments we would love to hear from you at live@dogdoctorradio.com

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
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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

References Available Upon Request...?

References Available Upon Request….?
By Robert Forto, PhD

My name is Dr. Robert Forto and I am the training director for Denver Dog Works and The Ineka Project in Colorado. I specialize in canine aggression and I have been qualified as an expert in this field. I also fully understand that my training school and I are only as good as our reputation with our clients, past and present, our referral sources such as veterinarians, other canine trainers, groomers and other pet professionals.

Of course, throughout the years Denver Dog Works has had many satisfied clients and several that were not. It is difficult to please everyone, especially when it involves their beloved dogs. If you were to look on any canine trainer’s website almost inevitably you will find a “testimonials” page that list comments from clients past and present about how good a job the trainer did with their dog. What you will often find on this page is a joyful rendition of just how good the trainer was and the results they see. Then you will find at the bottom of the posting a first or last name and an initial (ie. John. D.) Just who exactly is John D.? Could it just so happen to be the infamous John Doe? That is what this article is all about. I am here to warn you that if a training school refuses to give you a reference, walk away.

Be on the lookout of trainers who just REFUSE to give you any references. You can bet your dog's life on it that this is a red flag. Think about it, if they are truly proud of their training method, delivered what they promised, and have the right work ethics with their clients, then they should have no problem giving you a few names. This is even more important if they DO NOT have any classes for you to observe.

At Denver Dog Works and The Ineka Project we offer a highly specialized training service for dogs. While most of our classes are by appointment and we do not have a schedule of weekly classes like the big-box corporate pet store chains with trainers in uniforms and a dry-erase board full of class times, I urge anyone that would like to observe any of our training programs to give us a call and we can let you know what is on the schedule that day. Saturdays are by far our busiest day and the best chance for you to catch a class if you just “drop in”; I always encourage you to call first.

Get at least five references, three recent and two from six months to a year ago. At Denver Dog Works and The Ineka Project we train about 300 dogs a year. That is 300 clients that we should be comfortable in using as a reference for future clients. Do not fall for "client confidentiality bologna." I urge you to push again and say, "Look. I am not asking for their last names, addresses or social security number for crying out loud. I just want the very best for my dog!" I also urge potential clients to ask if a training school is registered with the State and if they are members of the local Chamber of Commerce or the Better Business Bureau or similar agency. Check to see whether they are, and importantly, ARE NOT allowed to train or board dogs. In Colorado the Department of Agriculture overseas all canine training schools and boarding facilities. This also includes private trainers offering in-home classes only. If a school is operating without a license from the Department of Agriculture they can be fined and possibly be shut down. I urge all potential clients to call the State to see if the training school and/or trainer is registered. Wouldn't you want to do business with someone who is professional and legal and legit? Your wallet, your dog, and your precious time are depending on it. No matter how impressive their web sites seem or how convincing they may sound on the phone, do not skip this. You won't regret it. If someone's happy with you, then they won't mind bragging about you. Don't you already do this when it comes to good movies, good books and good restaurants?

There is a saying in business called the Rule of 250. It goes something like this: Everyone has a circle of friends. The average person has about 250 people he sees regularly during his life and there is a lot more people that he sees in a week during the ordinary course of his business. I know that I cannot afford to have just one person come to see me and have them leave sore or unsatisfied. Not if that person influences 250 others in the course of his life. And that is a lot of references!

As you know, people talk a lot to other people about what they buy and what they plan to buy whether that is a product, a service, or anything in between. Others are always offering advice about where to buy and how much to pay. That is a big part of the everyday life of ordinary people. I know I can not jeopardize that relationship with any of these people. I know how much my reputation and my business comes from people telling other people about me, my trainers and my training school. It is a powerful force in my professional life and it should be in yours too.

We say at Denver Dog Works that we try to build relationships with our clients, not just one time dog training courses. We do this for a reason. We know that your dog is an important part of your life and you are coming to us for basic manners to make the bond between you and your dog more satisfying or in many cases to rehabilitate a problem that has gotten out of control and sometimes is even dangerous. We would love to have all of our clients talk with joy and admiration, and have their dogs “walking billboards” for our training prowess but is that truly what we are after? No. We want to be on your side when your dog has a problem and we would love to have a referral if we did our job well.

If you do get a reference from a training school or a trainer and they say, "Well. I could give you my best friend or my brother’s number as a reference to trick you." Just say, you will take it. Let's see what your own family and friends say about you first. Do you see where I'm going with this? Once you get a few references, this is where you ask what you like and didn't like about them, their trainers, and whether the dog listens off-leash, without treats, from far away. How about around other dogs, cats, kids and your guests?

While it is true in dog training as well as when you are looking for a job, most references that a person will give you will only be “good ones” I mean would you give a reference of an ex-girlfriend to a potential date if you ended on a sour note? I doubt it. But, if they do give you a name, and more importantly a number that is a start. Do a little detective work on your own and ask questions. Remember that the only dumb question is a questioned not asked. Do your homework and ask the questions you want answered. At Denver Dog Works we want to earn your trust and we want to help you in our time of need with your dog.

Check us out anytime and if us a call. We will give you the references that you desire and we will gladly answer any questions that you may have.

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Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Denver Dog Works and The Ineka Project in Colorado. He can be reached though his website www.denverdogworks.com or by phone at 303-578-9881.

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.

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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

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
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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

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

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

Who Are These Dogs That Pull Sleds?

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 Siberian Husky

The most popular of the registered breeds for sled dog racing is the Siberian Husky. An uncommonly attractive dog, the Siberian evokes for many the call of the wild, the lure of the North. The finely chiseled, fox-like head, the pricked ears, the “mask” markings on the face, and the expressive eyes (often a light, icy blue), seems to personify the romantic image of the North country. In temperament, Sibes, as they are often called, can be affectionate or aloof, playful or serious. They are basically gentle, protective dogs. Stories about their exploits as guardians of children are legend, and a keener companion would be hard to find.

Siberians are bred today for the show ring or for racing, and sometimes for both. The original standard of the breed, accepted by the American Kennel Club in 1930, purposefully described the qualities of the Siberian that made him a fine working animal.The peoples of the Chukchi Peninsula in Siberia had already developed a dog which excelled as a draft animal and companion; in the hands of Alaskan sport racers at the turn of the century the husky from Siberia was selectively bred to improve these desirable traits.

When Leonhard Seppala took some forty-four of these dogs to New England in 1927 and began racing and promoting the breed there, the stage was set for the development of the American Kennel Club registered Siberian Husky. Most of Seppala’s dogs figured significantly in the foundation stocks of such influential eastern kennels as Chinook, Foxstand, and Monadnock (these dogs from Harry Wheeler’s kennel at Gray Rocks carried the suffix “of Seppala”). This researcher even has a spattering of the Seppala lines in his own breeding stock and kennel under the name of Trafalgar. Seven other imported dogs found their way to the kennels of Elizabeth Ricker, in partnership with Seppala, and to Gray Rocks. The two males in Quebec, Kree-Vanka and Tserko, influenced the registered breed tremendously. In 1946, two descendents of these dogs were sent back to Alaska, care of Earl and Natalie Norris’s Anadyr Kennels, and a new generation of racing drivers rekindled the interest of Alaska in Siberian Huskies.

Siberians predominated on the best New England teams in the thirties, forties, and fifties. Roland Lombard drove Siberians when he won the World Championships at The Pas in 1957, and took second at the North American Championship in 1958. His dogs, especially one named Igloo Pak’s Tok, showed excellent Siberian conformation and would have provided tough competition in the show ring. In Alaska in the fifties, Champion Tyndrum’s Oslo, C.D.X. led the team of Charles and Kit MacInnes to dozens of victories. Champion Bonzo of Anadyr, C.D., led Earl and Natalie Norris team in sixteen championship races and was never out of the money.

The suffix of C.D.X. and C.D. are titles given to dogs at an American Kennel Club obedience trial. C.D.X. stands for Companion Dog Excellent and C.D. stands for Companion dog. These are advanced titles for a sled dog to obtain. Most of the time these titles are given to dogs that show promise for service dog work such as guide dogs for the blind or assistance dogs. For a sled dog to obtain these titles shows an excellent temperament and the ability to adapt to training. This in turn shows a strong correlation of the human-canine commination conundrum. Many times pure sled dogs do not do well in the obedience ring due to their innate nature to pull and their desire to roam. In an obedience trial one of the commands that must be mastered is a long down where the handler leaves the sight of the dog for up to five minutes. Typically a sled dog is too anxious to stay in one place for an extended period of time. Therein a sled dog with an advanced title shows the correlation to the sport of dog sledding and the training procedures used to train them.

Purebred Siberian teams abound wherever there is racing, and although they are often eclipsed in speed by the mixed-breed Alaskan Husky, their racing records are solid. Today’s racing Siberian can be a credit to good breeders, for behind the breed statistics (average 22 inches at the shoulders and 45 to 50 pounds), and beneath it’s glossy coat, still stands much of the graceful, intelligent, light footed, speedy husky from Siberia. It seems harder to tell what a blue-eyed dog is thinking than a brown-eyed dog, but when the sporty Siberian is harnessed to a sled, his thoughts are transparent. “He is all go! ( 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 Alaskan Malamute

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

Treat Me Like a Dog

Treat Me Like A Dog
by Robert Forto, PhD

On one of the most historic days in American history, Congress and the Senate agreed what is best for the American people concerning health care, I sit here and wonder. I am thinking first: Is my mom in charge of the Government because it feels like they are telling me what to do regarding my health care just like my mom used to do when I was a kid. And second, how does the Government know what is best for me anyway? Heck, they just sent out a Census form asking who lives in my house. So if they don't know that how do they know that I even want healthcare (tongue in cheek)?

I am perfectly healthy, so are my wife and kids. Yes we have to go to the emergency room from time to time to fix broken bones from a football game or some other “kid” accident. We are also self-employed. I have been my entire working life and I have never had health insurance. I do what is right and pay cash or utilize a health savings account. As a matter of fact, I went to the doctor a couple weeks ago with the complaint of asthma-like symptoms, the remnants of a bout with a nasty bronchitis two years ago. The doctor gave me a 40% discount because I paid cash!

Rarely does a President have so much power with the stroke of his (many) pens than he does when he signs this healthcare reform bill into law in a few days. I don’t know if this is political suicide for “P-BO” or the beginning of socialism in this country but I do think that they should look at what the people of this country really want before taking away our free-market system of healthcare and change the way that we conduct our lives from this day forward.

I, for one, think that they should follow the model used by veterinarians. It seems to be very effective and according to a conference on animal law that I attended a while back, a lot less litigious than our human doctors’ practices.

Think about it; the veterinary practice works. We just took our old guy, Ineka, a 12-year old Siberian, to the vet last week and we were given all kinds of choices.

First, the veterinarians welcome a free market choice. There are vet clinics on every corner. We can pick and chose the one we want to go to, anyway we choose. There is a veterinarian right next door to our training center but we chose not to go there because we liked how the folks at Aurora Animal Hospital treated us the last time we where there.

Second, our choice to use one veterinarian over another is based on the principles of a progressive society: Word of mouth referrals, location, inspection of the offices, prices, past experiences, etc. When we make an appointment at a doctor’s office do we get to make that choice or are we forced to go somewhere based on a referral from another doctor?

Third, we have the choice of what treatments that we want and when. When we take our dogs to the veterinarian they give us a price breakdown right on the spot. We can choose to buy a vaccine now or wait till later. We can choose to have our dog’s teeth cleaned now or later. Rarely is there any pressure.

Fourth, on most occasions the vet is open evenings and weekends and has appointments to fit our timetable. There is no need to wait six weeks for a neuter for our pup. We will just call another vet clinic in the area.

Fifth, in most instances people respect their veterinarian much more than they do their family doctor. Why? Because they are approachable, they talk with us in the office and they call us in the middle of the night if “Max” is not doing well. The same goes for the techs. When was the last time a nurse in your doctor’s office called you to follow up to see if little “Johnny” was taking his medicine okay? Our vet tech did just this morning and this was the second time she called in a week to see how Ineka was responding to his medicine. According to the information at that animal law conference I attended, people trust their veterinarian higher than most other service providers that they deal with. The family doctor was down there with lawyers and car salesmen.

Sixth, we have the right to choose when enough is enough and euthanasia is an option. While I am not suggesting that we put grandma to sleep, at the veterinarian at least we have that option. True, a Living Will should work for us humans but does it really? I have one and it explicitly says that if I am brain-dead to “pull the plug” no if-ands-or-buts about it. I don't want to live as a vegetable. Do you? In our case, when we took Ineka to his appointment, our veterinarian found a lump near his thyroid. She thinks it is “most likely” cancer and she agreed that we should not put him through the pain of radiation and chemotherapy. Most likely it would kill him. We agreed and as long as his quality of life is good we will do nothing. Wouldn’t you like to have that choice in your own healthcare?

Seventh, many people form long lasting relationships with their veterinarian and they make sure they know who we are and that they are thinking of us. Many veterinarians send out appointment cards and birthday wishes for our pets. They know our pets by name. When was the last time your doctor did this for you? Or did they come into the room, spend five minutes with you and kept having to refer to your chart to remember your name?

Lastly, payment is due at the time services are rendered. No questions, no comments, no collecting two hundred dollars as you pass “Go”. Unless you work out a payment plan with your veterinarian you better have your checkbook or a credit card ready to go. This is how human medicine should be paid for as well. As I said earlier, that’s how I did it just a couple weeks ago at my doctor’s office and they gave me a discount of 40%. Sure medical care is expensive, and yes, medical bills have caused many people to go bankrupt but do we really need the government subsidizing our care because “some” people can’t pay?

Before you get all upset and think that I am crazy remember that there are 77.5 million dogs in this country and many are owned by conscientious pet owners who take their dog to the veterinarian on a regular basis. Do you ever complain about the care they receive? The overwhelming majority would say NO.

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 for Denver Dog Works and the host of The Dog Doctor Radio Show (http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dogworks) Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com

The iPad and How Denver Dog Works will Utilize It

The iPad and How Denver Dog Works will Utilize It
By Robert Forto

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.

With the recent announcement from Apple today and the upcoming March release of the iPad, 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 on April 13th, 2010 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.

Use of the iPad in our every day business operations at Denver Dog Works

We at Denver Dog Works also plan to utilize the iPad in our every day business tasks such as credit card processing through Cynergy Data’s Lucy Gateway and Paypal as well as training contract review with clients, training plan utilization and more.

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.

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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

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

Winterrize Your Dog

Have You Winterized Your Dog?
By Robert Forto, PhD

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

Provide Plenty of Fresh Water

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

Provide Plenty of Food

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

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

Groom Your Dog Regularly

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

Keep Your Dog Warm, Dry and Away From Drafts

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

Watch Out for Winter Hazards

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

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

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

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

Winter Sports

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

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

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

The Power of Your Mind in Dog Training

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Citation: The Accelerated NLP Practitioner Certification Training Manual

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

Domminance Aggression

Dominance Aggression
By Robert Forto, PhD

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

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

A Simple Sit

A Simple Sit
By Robert Forto, PhD

It is a common scenario at Denver Dog Works in Colorado. A frenzied dog owner will call us or come by our school nearly fanatical and begging for our help. The best friend they so desperately endear has become the canine equivalent of the school-yard bully. He pushes the owner around, jumps on the furniture, tears up your favorite pair of shoes or destroys your neighbors' fancy new suit while your dog greets your guest at your door when he arrives at your dinner party.

Whether you are just starting out with a new puppy, an older shelter dog, or realizing that there are some behavioral issues developing with your current dog, dog training can be a valuable asset for both owners and their dogs. There is tremendous value in obedience training. Here are just a few reasons why every dog should know some basic commands:

· Training helps to establish leadership with your dog.

· Training gives your dog a job to do for the things in life he wants which you provide.

· It begins to prepare your dog's mind for immediate responses to commands in social situations where he is required to sit/stay and down/stay.

· The consistency and repetition of simple sits and downs will begin to foster discipline in behavior.

· Training provides you with acceptable alternative behaviors to which you can redirect your dog. If jumping is inappropriate, redirect to sit.

The sit command is the easiest command to teach a dog and yet most people do not teach a well-disciplined sit. Most people teach their dogs to sit as young puppies, so dogs are already very familiar with and comfortable doing it, remembering all positive associations with the sit command-food, treats, praise, etc.

When I think of problem solving behaviors in dogs, you would be surprised how many behaviors you can stop with a well disciplined sit. Jumping, running out the front door, dog aggression, and yes, even barking, just to name a few. Think about it for a moment. If your dog is sitting, he cannot jump. The two behaviors are mutually exclusive. The same goes for aggressing on another dog.

Most people drop the ball in two places: weaning dogs off food treats too soon and distraction training. It really does not matter whether you use compulsion (no treats) or reward based methods to train as long as the dog is obeying without treats when you have the dog on a voice or a hand signal. But here is where the real work begins distraction training. A well disciplined sit means your dog has been "proofed" to sit around all the distractions to which he will be exposed.

Here are some helpful tips:

· Always train your dog on a leash so you will be able to reinforce commands. As your dog becomes more reliable you can move to off leash.

· Remember the 3-D formula for distraction training: duration, distractions and distance. You build time first (three minute sit/stay) then add distractions before you add distance from the dog.

Please remember, because dogs do not generalize well, you must always vary the level of distraction, the locations in which you train and your distance from the dog. Command elements such as tone of voice and different people handling the dog work well too.

While this all sounds like a lot of work, it probably is. But it is all relative to your dog's problems and your willingness to live with these problems or fix them and dramatically improve the relationship with your dog. A simple sit can solve many problems, but successful behavior modification will ultimately always begin and end with 100-percent compliance from you, your dog's owner. Remember that you are the leader in this relationship and what you say must go.

If you are interested in training your dog the natural way give Dr. Robert Forto a call at Denver Dog Works. He is the owner and training director of the school. Dr. Forto can be reached at 303-752-2818 or through his website at www.denverdogworks.com. He has over eighteen years experience working with canines of all breeds. While Dr. Forto specializes in canine aggression he often consults clients on becoming the pack leader in the dynamic relationship we have built with dogs.

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

Dog Law: Pet Friendly Leases

Dog Law: Negotiating Your Way into a Dog Friendly Lease
By Robert Forto, PhD

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

Dog Friendly Leases

As all pet-owning tenants know, most standard leases and rental agreements contain no pet clauses. Such provisions are legal everywhere and courts generally enforce them by allowing a landlord to evict a tenant who gets a pet violation of a lease clause and refuses to give up. There are however situations in which a no pet clause may not be enforceable If a tenant and dog are already living in a rental unit and:

1. The tenant can prove that keeping a dog is necessary for security or health reasons (i.e. service dog); or
2. The landlord agreed, no matter what the lease says, that the tenant could have a dog; or
3. The landlord tries to add a no pet clause to a rental agreement, or enforce an existing no pet’s clause after knowing about but not objecting to a tenants dogs for a significant period.

Negotiating a Pet Friendly Lease

Negotiating your way into a dog-friendly rental lease is not always an easy task. Although millions of Americans own pets, a landlord who doesn’t want to assume the risks associated with one may not want to rent to a pet owner. So how do you change his mind? You do it by following a few basic tips. In her article “Negotiate Your Way into a Pet-Friendly Pad during the Dog Days of Summer”, Peggy Abkemeier, president of Rent.com, tells renters how to convince a landlord to accept a pet. They are as follows:

Tip #1 - Do a dog-to-face interview.

Set up a dog-to-face meeting. Allow for basic obedience tests and inspections. Let the landlord see firsthand how well-mannered your pet is. If the meeting goes well, the landlord may be more willing to bend a few rules in order to rent you and your dog a space.

Tip #2 - Show proof of renters insurance.

Reassure the landlord of your good intentions of caring for his property by giving him proof of renters insurance. Be sure the liability limits are high ($100,000 or more). Also, highlight the pet clause in it, so he can clearly see that you are covered for any damage caused by your dog.

Tip #3 - Give a letter of recommendation.
Get a letter of recommendation from your prior landlord and neighbors. It should address the basic behavior of your dog while living in their community. Be sure it touches on subjects like “noise levels” and “over-all friendliness.”

Tip #4 - Validate that your dog has his shots.
Give the landlord a certificate verifying that your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date. It will diffuse any fears he has about the overall health of your dog and safety of other tenants.

Tip #5 - Offer up an obedience-training certificate.
Even if he does not ask, show the landlord a certificate certifying that your dog has obedience training. This will assure him that you’ve gone the extra step to raise a well-behaved dog that won’t run wild on his property or keep the neighbors up at night.

Use these five tips and you’ll increase your chances of negotiating your way into a dog-friendly lease. You will also save yourself time and money because you’ll be prepared for any questions a landlord might have about your dog.

Handling Disputes

Before you run into court to hash out a disagreement with your landlord or tenant, remember that usually, everyone loses when it goes to court, You may lose time, and legal procedures have a way of escalating tension so that even petty differences start looking like life-and-death matters of principle.

The only exception to that dire rule is small claims court, which provides a relatively quick and painless way of resolving disputes over small amounts of money. But I recommend trying alternatives first.

One good alternative is mediation—getting people together with a neutral third person who helps them work out a problem. The mediator does not have the power to impose a settlement, but is trained to help people come up with their own solutions. Meditation is often quick and usually cheap or free.

Many cities have programs specifically designed to mediate landlord-tenant disputes. The mediators are familiar with the common problems that crop up between landlords and tenants—and dogs are certainly one of them.

If you would like to discuss the process of obtaining a mediator to discuss your dispute regarding a pet in a landlord-tenant dispute or if you have any further questions regarding this issue please feel free to call me anytime at 303-522-1727 or email at train@denverdogworks.com

Next week: My Dog is Priceless: How Much Can a Dog Owner Sue For?
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Dr. Robert Forto is the training director for Denver Dog Works and The Ineka Project in Colorado. Dr. Forto is a certified canine behaviorist and is often called as an expert witness in issues relating to canines. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com/

Dog Training Forum: FAQ's Board and Train

Dog Training Forum: FAQ’s for Board and Train
By Robert Forto, PhD

This is the first of a weekly series of articles on dog training. We will post articles every Friday about this subject on our website Denver Dog Works. It is designed to answer some of the frequently asked questions about the dog training world that is a mystery to many. To others they learn about dog training when they watch a show on cable and realize that they are not alone with their dog’s problems.

At Denver Dog Works we live by our motto every day: We have the Best and Train the Rest. By doing so we hold ourselves at a higher standard. One of the ways that we do so is offer a program called our Works program. We have several levels for both puppies and adult dogs. This type of program is commonly referred to as a Board and Train Program.

There are many important factors to consider in choosing the right training program for your dog with two of those that most people ask when they call are: price and time. This article will answer some of the frequently asked questions by our clients. I encourage you to read though this article and if you still have questions please give us a call at 303-578-9881 or send us an email at train@denverdogworks.com We look forward to hearing from you and help you make your dog achieve your goals and make him be one of the best trained dogs in the world!

Frequently Asked Questions about a Board and Train Program

What is in-board training?

In-board training requires that your dog be left with us at Denver Dog Works for the duration of the training. Our programs enable your dog to learn commands quickly and effectively. Having your dog on site is a key component to the success of our training. With consistent and countless repetition of commands, we accomplish much more than a weekly program.

Why consider in-board-training?

It is the most efficient and effective method of dog training. In a four-week program, your dog will participate in 60 training sessions. It would take 15 months of weekly sessions, and $2,400 to complete the same amount of training, in a private training class. In an eight-week program, your dog will participate in 120 sessions. It would take 30 months, and $4,800 to complete the same amount of training, in a private training class.

How early can I enroll my dog for training?

Puppy Imprinting - 10 weeks or olderBoot Camp - 6 months or olderObedience Training - 6 months or olderAdvanced Obedience - 12 months or older

Where will my dog be kept while in training at Denver Dog Works?

Your dog will stay in one of our boarding suites in Aurora, Colorado, with its own private crate or kennel, and between training sessions, have supervised opportunities to socialize and play. Unlike some boarding facilities with potential health risks and the stress of barking dogs, Denver Dog Works is a fenced and gated property, in a country setting. We want our guests to feel at home, while living in an environment conducive to dog obedience training.

If you do the training, will my dog still perform the commands at home?

Yes. just as service dogs are trained and turned over to their handlers, we complete the training and turn your dog over to you. Upon completion of the program, you will receive a DVD demonstration of your dog performing the commands, plus you will receive two follow up handler training lessons.

Will my dog ever misbehave after it graduates?

Dogs will be dogs. No form of dog training can guarantee that your dog will never misbehave again. However our method of training is effective, yet simple and easy for you to follow. We guarantee follow up assistance for the life of your dog. We stand behind our training!

How will I be able to find out about my dog's progress?

We use email as our primary method of communicating with owners. We send weekly updates that include photos, and a short narrative describing how your dog is responding to training.

How would you describe your training methods?

We use a style of training referred to as operant conditioning, and transition the dog through three phases: acquisition, proofing, and generalization. Through hands-on training and experience, we have developed a variety of ways to teach commands to dogs and use their diverse personalities and temperaments.We start by finding out what motivates the dog. Then we create conditions for the dog to be encouraged to follow commands that occur naturally (sit, down, heel). We focus on timing positive reinforcement, with the dog intuitively offering a response to a command.

What is clicker training, how is it different from your training?

Clicker training is a method of marking behavior with a clicker, which is followed by secondary reinforcement (treat). Clicking a clicker or offering a food treat simply will not stop your dog from chasing down a squirrel. We do not use clickers for training. In the early stages of training, we mark proper behavior with release and reward, however as we transition into phase two the dog learns to perform on command. Our training program is effective regardless of clickers or squirrels.

What is needed to confirm my dog's immunizations are current?

We need vet records confirming your dog has received the distemper combination, rabies, and bordetella (kennel cough) shots. If you do not have these records, they can easily be obtained by contacting your vet.

Whay if my dog is not ready to graduate by the end of the four, six or eight week session?

If your dog is not ready to graduate, we will continue dog obedience training at no cost to you. We guarantee our training 100%.

Can I visit my dog during the training process?

It is not recommended. Once your dog is dropped off at our site, it is normal for your dog to go through an adjustment period. Visiting your pet may prolong transitioning and cause further separation anxiety. In order for the program to succeed, we do not schedule visits for you and your dog until graduation or final pick up.

Why Denver Dog Works?

Your dog will be trained one-on-one by a team of certified trainers and under the supervision of Dr. Robert Forto who is a certified canine behaviorist. Each custom-tailored program, whether it is dog obedience, boot camp, positive behavior modification, puppy training, or working/sports training, is centered in repetition, consistency, and reward for dogs of all ages and personalities. We are certain you will bring home a canine obedient to your commands and prepared to participate in your life.

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

The Business End of the Leash: Marketing Your Dog Training Business
By Robert Forto, PhD

This is the first in a weekly series of what I call: The Business End of the Leash. It has been said that all it takes to become a dog trainer is a business card, a leash and a smile. It takes much more than that. It takes a savvy business owner, a good business plan and a little bit of luck of course. But being in this business for the past 19 years, I have learned a thing or two about owning a dog training business and that is what this series will hopefully teach you.

My first six months of business were very slow, I expected that, but the time I spent marketing my tail off and all of the sudden I was busy! Then within a month I was swamped with clients! I was so busy that I didn’t follow my own rule about marketing every day. Then after a couple months, my clients all seemed to graduate at the same time and it was dreadfully slow again. The problem was that I had stopped all marketing during that time, I paid the price. If you market your business continually, you won’t run into the marketing mad rush syndrome—you will simply, over time, develop a continual flow of business.

The Four P’s of Marketing

No discussion of marketing would be complete without mentioning the famous four P’s. They are important factors for you to consider as you develop any marketing plan. They include:

1. Product—in our case, our product is our service. The service (product) needs to be useful and beneficial to the marketplace.

2. Place—refers to the location of your business. If you have a physical location or are thinking of getting on, it is important to consider this and whether you will be able to physically get people to come to your office. Is your location convenient, high profile, effective signage, etc. For those of us you don’t have an office or training center, our location is the owner’s homes.

3. Price—for most people price is a definite factor in their decision-making. Most of the time, people cannot see immediately how your expertise can help them, or how your qualifications are outstanding—what they CAN see is price. Sometimes if your services are higher priced than your competitions, people will think you are better. However, some people might be scared away (the bargain hunters). When people are making a decision to buy a service, they will base it on how much they like or trust you in addition to price. The most important thing to consider is that people will buy your services if they feel like the benefits will be worth more to them than the cost.

4. Promotion—has to do with all of the marketing methods you use to get business.

I learned in business school that you are never too busy to market your business. While there are many principles out there in order to accomplish your marketing goals, the best and time tested method is to do a little each day. I was told once that you must market three hours for every new client that you want to gain. So, if you are a dog trainer and you want to teach 10 hours a week, you should plan on spending at least 30 hours a week marketing yourself and your business. Nobody ever said that dog training is a 40 hour a week job! If you want to be successful you will probably work 70 hours a week at first and that is what separates the businesses that fail from those that succeed.

If you have any further questions or would like to talk to me about business coaching for your business please give me a call anytime at 303-522-1727.
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Dr. Robert Forto has an MBA and a doctorate in Communication. Dr. Forto is a certified canine behaviorist and teaches people all over the world how to become certified canine obedience instructors and business owners. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com