Local Trainers

How dogs behave doesn't change. Training methods change, and become more diverse, with more choices in how to obtain the end results. Dog behavior changes based on what they've been taught to do, how they were taught it, and their rank in your "pack". And dogs may have chemical, biological, neurological imbalances that influence their behavior. Patricia McConnell in "For the Love of a Dog, understanding emotions in your dog" states that some dogs can be a quick to anger dog from puppyhood, while others from same litter can be extremely happy dogs. Recognizing the signs of a dominant quick to anger dog/puppy is important when selecting a new puppy or adopting an older dog. It could lead to problems in the home if you choose the most dominant pup. If you gently roll a pup on it's back and it quickly struggles and nips and bites at you, and keeps it up, getting more frustrated..it may be charming and funny in a puppy, but totally unwanted behavior at 6 months, or a year, or adult.

Local resources should start with your vet, or the breeder, or adoption agency. Trust them! All of these resources should have information about dog training and behavior, from handouts to get you started, to lists of dog training clubs, and individuals. Another source is friends and acquaintances who have well trained dogs...they had to learn somewhere..ask questions. There are several local dog training clubs, Ithaca Dog Training Club, Finger Lakes Agility and Obedience Association, InterBark, and individual businesses, such as Pawsitively Fun, Reverence Dog Training (607)387-7034, and K-9 Institute.

Online resources are numerous, from retail to national dog organizations, some with online stores. Some retail are dogwise.com, jandjdog.com, max200.com, petedge.com, amazon.com, and even ebay.
Organizations with extensive web sites are: The American Kennel Club, American Pet Dog Trainers Association, Karen Pryor's clickertraining web site, Brian Kilcommons web site.
One of our local vets has a nice website Briar Patch Veterinary Hospital, the VIN library has answers to many questions, even behavior and training questions. These are some of my favorites. There are many many more web sites devoted to dog training and behavior, it's a personal choice to find the ones you like best.

My hope in sharing these few resources, is that we all become more informed pet owners, with dogs that are more responsive to our leadership.

Have a great day.
Kathy Hildreth