You and your dog both need to speak and understand “dog language”

Wrong
There are times when you will need to understand why your dog is whining, or barking, e.g. you need to understand if it’s whining simply because it has missed you, or because it has no water and desperately needs a drink.

You need to determine if it is barking because it is just fed up and wants a bit of attention or because it’s trying to tell you there is someone currently in the process of breaking in through an upstairs window. What you don’t need to do is start barking, growling or whining in order to communicate with your dog.

Now we understand that there is no truth in this particular myth, let’s take a look at the various ways your dog will communicate with you, and which will help you understand it.

Using His Tail to Tell You His Mood:  With its bottom in the air and its tail wagging, your dog is probably trying to let you know that it would love to play with you and have some fun. If his tail is right between his back legs, going under his tummy it probably means that he is scared of something or somebody, and if this is the case, you should do your best to find out what is worrying him.

Tail Wagging: Not always an indication of a dog being happy and playful. It can also mean he is feeling aggressive. Depending on how he is wagging his tail, will help you determine his mood. If his tail is held up high and wagging rapidly, this could indicate that he is feeling aggressive.

Hackles Raised: This is an aggressive stance and indicates that your dog is frightened or is ready to fight whatever has caused this reaction in him.

Rolling Over: In dog terms this is normally a submissive sign that occurs when your dog is amongst other dogs or humans. It can also mean they just want their tummy rubbing!

Other communicating signs from your dog to watch out for include sniffing, crouching, position of ears, eyes wide open or narrowed.

A pronged collar may look cruel or frightening at first glance, but the reality is that they are both effective and humane. Pronged collars are designed to pinch the loose skin around the neck of the dog when pulled tight, or “snapped”. This sensation, while painful, does not injure or harm the dog in any way. In fact, it may even resemble the pinching and nipping that the leaders of packs in the wild naturally use to promote their dominant role. This is a sensation that dogs instinctively expect, and is a far cry from the strange, frightening and stressful sensation created by alternative training tools, such as an electric shock collar.

When using a pronged collar, it is important that guidelines be followed in order to prevent injury to the dog, or breaking of the collar. Firstly, a pronged collar is intended only to be used during training sessions, and should always be removed at the end of a session. Unlike slip collars, or flat collars, a pronged collar should be bought by the required size and strength of the pronged links rather than by length. Pronged collars are intended to be shortened or lengthened to fit snugly around the neck of the dog by adding or removing links. To place a pronged collar on a dog, unhook one of the links and wrap the collar around the neck of the dog. Make sure the collar is placed high on the neck, just behind the ears and under the jaw. Close the collar by reattaching the previously detached link, ensuring a snug fit. If the collar does not stay in place, or falls low on the neck, it is too loose! Rotate the collar so that the rings to attach the leash are on the right side of the neck. To detach the collar, simply unhook one of the links by squeezing together the prongs and gently pulling the links apart.

Many pronged collars come with two rings with which to attach a leash. By using only the outer-most ring, you provide a degree of slack and lessen the impact of the snap. You can remove the slack for a more immediate response by using both rings. In the case of a pronged collar breaking or opening during training, many handlers use a flat collar, or slip collar as a backup to the pronged collar. However, you should ensure that the backup collar does not interfere with the mechanic of the pronged collar.

Adopting a shelter dog is one of the most important decisions a family can make. Sadly, many base their decision on emotional appeal, having little to no knowledge about the dogs breed, temperament or potential behavioral challenges. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) estimates that 3 to 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized in animal shelters every year. One of the major reasons they are taken to shelters is due to untreated behavioral problems, according to organizations such as Pet Finders and the National Council on Pet Population Study Policy (NCPPSP).

October is Adopt a Dog and Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Animal Behavior College (ABC) encourages prospective pet owners to research and understand specific dog breed characteristics before they adopt and to provide appropriate obedience training to their new four-legged friend. This creates a harmonious human-to-canine bond that could potentially reduce the number of unwanted dogs that end up in shelters each year.

Choosing a shelter dog that is compatible with a familys lifestyle and personality is important, said Steven Appelbaum, president and CEO of Animal Behavior College. While initial emotions are good, keep in mind that this new companion will be in your family for a number of years. Unfortunately, many dogs that wind up in shelters have never received training or guidance when in reality their behavioral problems are correctable. Taking time to provide professional training will ensure many long and happy years together.

Since dog breeds have different characteristics, it is important to choose a breed that is compatible with the individual or familys activity level. For example, Airedale Terriers are independent, energetic dogs that have a propensity for digging, chasing and barking. Individuals who enjoy quiet evenings at home and little to no outdoor activity or exercise may find Airedales annoying and too energetic.

ABC offers the following 10 tips on choosing a shelter dog:

Decide what kind of dog you want to adopt by visiting your local shelter. With 25 to 30 percent of dogs in shelters being purebreds, there is a high chance that the breed you are seeking is available. To help with your decision, research breeds characteristics to determine if a particular breed is compatible with your lifestyle and personality. After finding a potential adoptee, inquire about his previous living conditions Spend time interacting with the dog in an isolated area or room Observe and note his demeanor around other dogs. Is he aloof? Does he display fear and aggression? Assess the dogs health condition by examining his eyes, teeth, hips, legs, etc. and request access to medical information Learn about ongoing medical concerns and find out if he is taking medication or undergoing treatment Find out how long the dog has been in the shelter and the circumstances for his being there (was he dropped off or abandoned?) Determine necessary follow-up services that may be needed Once you adopt the dog, make arrangements for professional training as soon as possible

Dog obedience training is one of the most important aspects of raising a dog. In fact, some shelters have volunteers from programs such as ABCs Student Saving Lives (SSL) program that provide training to homeless canine companions before they are adopted. SSL volunteers enlist more than 10 hours of training to local shelters, humane societies, or rescue organizations for the purpose of addressing behavioral and socialization concerns, giving canine companions a better opportunity of finding a loving home.

Animal Behavior College offers certifications and continuing education programs. To become a dog trainer, obtain dog-training certification, enroll in the Dog Obedience Program (DOP) or to learn more about the college or the Student Saving Lives program, visit our website http://www.AnimalBehaviorCollege.com/info.

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About Animal Behavior College Animal Behavior College is the premier international vocational school specializing in certified animal career training programs. ABC has created a powerful team of skilled advocates who are devoted to nurturing the human-animal bond The founders of ABC have spent years developing and perfecting affordable career programs, many of which combine home learning with hands-on training externships with professional mentors. To date, more than 28,000 students have enrolled in ABC programs including over 1,900 in ABC’s cat training program.

Pet parents should get ready to sharpen their pencils Americas best-loved pet insurance provider, Petplan, is dishing a textbooks worth of training tips in a new YouTube series premiering September 2. Whether a dog (and trainer!) is just getting started or is ready to learn some new tricks, these school-themed videos offer instruction on mastering good behavior while safeguarding the pets health and safety.

Each video in the series centers on a different scholastic subject everything from Learning the ABCs to Gym Class and features both a veterinarian and a certified professional dog trainer. Petplan Chief Veterinary Medical Officer Dr. Jules Benson introduces each piece with helpful health information, and CPDT Nicole Larocco-Skeehan, founder of Philly Unleashed, demonstrates each tip with a helping paw from her wonderdog, Uluru. By the end of the series, pups will be ready to graduate with top honors for being a paw-fect pupil!

The Back to School Training Series includes:

Training 101 Training is an essential part of pet parenting but how do pet parents get started? This video paw-fect for aspiring and seasoned trainers alike offers a primer on using positive reinforcement for effective training and advice on what to stock in a training toolkit. (Hint: One of them is totally free, and every pet parent already has it!)

Learning the ABCs Before dogs can read, they have to learn the alphabet! The three core commands introduced in this video Sit, Stay and Come are easy for both trainer and dog to master. And its a good thing, too, since these will form the foundation of good behavior and more advanced training commands down the road. Need another reason to practice them? They can literally be lifesaving.

Gym Class Exercise regimens get boring if theyre not fun, so teaching new tricks can be an exciting way to sneak in a workout. These three commands Sit Up, to build core strength; Spin, to stretch lateral muscles; and Take a Bow, to strengthen the spine also build brain power, and (bonus!) double as fun party tricks!

Recess Good behavior is especially important in social settings, where jumping on visitors, stealing food and begging can land furry friends in hot water or worse, the veterinary hospital. But with practice and patience, teaching a few simple commands can turn the class clown into the pride of the picnic, and save that sandwich from getting gobbled!

Field Trip Training isnt left at the door when its time for a field trip in fact, it can be more important than ever! By learning to teach four commands Sit, Heel, Leave It and Drop It in places with increasing levels of distraction, pet parents can help furry friends focus, and stay healthy and safe no matter where they go. (Which will come in handy when that pesky squirrel streaks by!)

Tune in to Petplans YouTube channel on September 2 to tap into the curriculum and boost the whole familys training IQ just in time to go to the head of the class!

ABOUT PETPLAN Petplan is more than a pet insurance company. We’re dedicated to providing pet parents with the support, resources and tools they need to keep their pets not just survivingand thrivinginto their old age. Simply put, we aim to be the kind of company that will make our pets proud.

Petplan is the only pet insurance company to have been included on Forbes magazines list of 500 fastest-growing, privately held companies in America for two years in a row. Petplans fully customizable dog insurance and cat insurance policies provide comprehensive coverage for all hereditary and chronic conditions for the life of the pet as standard.

Petplan pet insurance policies are underwritten by AGCS Marine Insurance Company in the U.S. and by Allianz Global Risks US Insurance Company in Canada. The Allianz Group was rated A+ by A.M. Best in 2012. For more information about Petplan pet insurance, visit http://www.gopetplan.com, read the Petplan Vets for Pets blog, or call 1-866-467-3875.

The Do It Yourself Dog Training Guide, is a very good dog obedience training program put together by a very experienced dog health practitioner named Sharda Baker. Sharda, although not a professional dog trainer herself, has produced an excellent resource for dog owners who want an easy to follow common sense approach to teaching their dogs to be well behaved, problem free pets.

Sharda put together her own program after getting spotty results relying on the advice and guidance of many other dog trainers. After realizing that there were many conflicting ideas about what really was the right way to obedience train dogs, Sharda decided to pick out the best aspects of many different trainers, and leave out the ones that weren’t so great.

The techniques that she presents in her program will help you obedience train your dog from his earliest days with you as a new puppy, right on up through all the more advanced training, in an easy to follow systematic step by step program.

Sharda begins helping dog owners before they choose their pet. She provides tips on picking a pet breed that is suitable to your lifestyle and your family. Before bringing home your new pet, you should consider a few things about what dog breed has the characteristics that will make it a great pet for your home. Sharda gives you 4 essential tips about picking the pet that is right for you.

Sharda next teaches you some valuable tips on the easiest way to house train and care for your young puppy, as well as the very beginning steps to take with your young pup’s obedience training. As your dog matures you will learn to teach each following step in a logical and practical order.

Like the other high quality dog training courses, The Do It Yourself Dog Training Guide teaches you about dog psychology. The better understanding you have about how dogs view their world and communicate with each other, the easier it will be for you to always use the right attitude and body language and vocal tones needed to best relate to your dog.

Sharda also devotes a lot of attention to correcting behavior abnormalities. There is a lot of good advice on correcting special problems such as separation anxiety, dog aggression, dogs digging or jumping, and all the rest of the many common dog behavior problems.

Sharda’s experience as a dog health expert also is apparent in her book through the very good advice she gives about caring for your pet’s health-from his earliest days as a puppy to the needs of a dog of senior years.

Included with The Do It Yourself Dog Training Guide are several bonuses. Here is a list of the bonuses provided:

1. Potty Training in 7 Days-eBook and audio

2. The Barking Buster Guide- eBook and audio

3. Vet Health Tips Interview-audio

4. Managing Eating Problems-eBook

5. 101 Healthy Homemade Dogfood recipes-eBook.

6. Free Membership to Forum-get any questions answered by emailing the Forum

I can give The Do It Yourself Dog Training Guide a good recommendation.  Sharda is so sure you will be happy with her program that she has given a complete 2 month money back guarantee. So, if you are not entirely happy with the results you are getting using her program, you can get your money back.

Check out The Do It Yourself Dog Training Guide for everything you will really need to know about everything about being a dog owner, from picking out the right pet for you and your family to obedience training your pet with an easy to use step by step program. Sharda’s book also provides essential information about your dog’s health and how best to care for your doggy to maintain his best possible health throughout his life.

Pet dog enthusiasts like you are surely encountering the difficulty of educating a cat. While there are lots of verified techniques as well as viewpoints on just how you can train your pet dog, there are still usual concepts that can be considered. Before you begin your training, one point you need to not forget is the fact that your pet dog knows his position in your residence as well as in your family members. If you train it well, you will be a winner in the cat’s eyes as well as it will end up being a delighted, loyal dog.

Educating methods instructing your canine to connect socially and also to communicate well with you and also with people. That’s why it is a good idea to establish a leader-follower partnership with your animal. If you assume management, your pet will certainly see the have to submit to your commands. If you are now encouraged on the relevance of pet dog training, then you much better begin acquainting on your own with the easy ways on how you can train a dog.

Amongst the simple ways to instruct your cat is to get the solutions of an expert cat trainer that will deal with you and also your dog in a one on one setting. It will, of course, cost you cash, however this is an easy pet training option that will swiftly bring result. The fitness instructor will certainly instructor your pet on ways to appropriately act when you are out for a walk and when you are asking him to do something. The instructor is likewise able to educate your canine on how to respond in complex situations.

And if your cat locates it hard to act well in a group atmosphere, or if it appears hostile or uncontrollable, the easy means to train it is to obtain an expert in pet behavior or an expert dog whisperer. This is a quite gentle approach that will certainly aid remedy the cat’s behavior. It will certainly likewise help with the way you interact with your dog. The moment your cat becomes interested in interacting with you, that’s a sign that you could now begin training him. So if you are among those which are on the look-out for means on how you can train a cat the very easy method, much better keep these points in thoughts. However mind you, you will go a long method if you use these pointers in your cat training.

A student practices the Heimlich Maneuver on a Hank Heimlich training doll. (L.E. Witcher Photography)

Cincinnati Reds fans can help the Heimlich Heroes program celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Heimlich Maneuver Reds home baseball games on June 7 and 8.

The Heimlich Heroes program teaches children ages seven and up how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver in order to save a person from choking to death.

Thoracic surgeon Dr. Henry Heimlich, 94, developed the maneuver in 1974, while he was director of surgery at Cincinnatis Jewish Hospital. The maneuver has saved countless thousands of people from choking deaths since then.

You can find us in the Fan Zone before and during the game both days. We are excited to host a table set up to inform baseball fans about the Heimlich Maneuver and the Heimlich Heroes program, said program manager Terri Huntington. We encourage fans to use the drop box which will be set up so we can hear your story. Dr. Heimlich is planning to make an appearance and well also have Hank and Heidi our specially designed training dolls on hand so visitors to the table can actually practice the maneuver and learn how to save a life. Practicing the maneuver on a doll helps people gain confidence to act if they should encounter this situation in real life.”

The June 7 and 8 Cincinnati Reds weekend is the perfect time to remind families nationwide of the importance of learning the Heimlich Maneuver and acting quickly in order to save a life. Reds third baseman Todd Frazier was recognized as a Heimlich Hero for administering the Heimlich Maneuver to a man choking on a piece of steak at a Pittsburgh restaurant two years ago.

About 5,000 people die from choking each year because those around them do not know what to do, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Summer time is picnic time, and the chance of choking on a piece of food when talking, laughing or playing is increased, said Huntington. Hot dogs and pieces of hard candy are common choking hazards. This is the simplest first aid action proven to prevent a choking death and this teaching is critical to young and old alike. Four minutes is all you have before lack of oxygen to the brain causes permanent injury or death.

Heimlich Heroes is expanding rapidly throughout the country in school systems, national youth clubs, and other health-conscious organizations.

In the past few months alone, the program has trained more than 1,100 children ages seven through 18 in nine different states. For more information about the Heimlich Heroes program, visit the website at: http://www.heimlichheroes.com

Dr. Heimlich’s memoir, Heimlich’s Maneuvers: My Seventy Years of Lifesaving Innovation (Prometheus Books, 2014) describes how he came up with the Heimlich Maneuver and many other lifesaving innovations. It is available in bookstores and online.

Contact: Terri Huntington Email: thuntington(at)deaconess-cinti(dot)com Phone: (513) 559-2468

The Heimlich Heroes program is a Deaconess Associations, Inc. and Heimlich Institute initiative that teaches children ages seven and up how to become super heroes by learning to perform the Heimlich Maneuver correctly in order to save a life.