Natural Dog Training Blog

In case you missed the article on the subject of “Negative Reinforcement in Natural Dog Training” - please head over to check out the article and ensuing conversation.  I’m fond of the new terminology suggested by our reader Angelique “Energizer” and “Refocuser” - those seem to capture the spirit of what we’re talking about without the negative connotations of “shock”.  The floor is still open for discussion, though.

Allow me to bring a few other links to your attention.  Many of you might be aware that in my “other” life I’ve been working on music for an album for children.  On my Personal Development Blog I’ve started my Children’s Music Giveaway (in honor of my approaching birthday), so head on over to enter the contest.  Plus there are links to some other giveaways going on right now (ACT FAST!) - so if you have a few minutes to spare, you might want to spend them entering contests for the chance to win some pretty cool things.

On another note, for all of you who have been using Natural Dog Training, I’d love to hear more about how it’s going for you.  Do you have a blog?  Perhaps you’d consider telling your readers about your on-going experiences with natural dog training?  If you do - please let me know, I’d love to watch the story unfold on your blog.

Some more link love

We talk a lot about dog aggression (and how to stop it) here on our site - generally from the dog’s point of view.  On her blog, Karen Shanley has recently written a couple of articles about how to avoid getting bitten by a dog (from the person’s point of view).  Worthwhile tidbits of information for you (or to pass on to people who are concerned about that kind of thing).  The link I provided is to the first article, though make sure you check out the second article as well. 

Also, I often get requests from people who wonder how much training to do with a puppy.  Lee Charles Kelley has written a great article on the importance of play in your puppy’s life.  As we’ve discussed here, many people are a bit overzealous with their puppy’s training regimen (which might make for a disciplined puppy, but actually cause problems later in a dog’s life).  It’s a well-written article with ample evidence to back up the theory.

Finally, I think it’s time for a new edition of our blog carnival.  You can submit an article for the 5th edition of the All About Dog Training blog carnival - and see your article featured here, on the naturaldogblog, on February 11th.  Deadline for submission is Saturday, Feb 9th.  I look forward to your submissions!

Hello everyone.  Well it didn’t quite start out as a “vacation” - but it’s kinda looking that way right now!  After my last post (on creating an eBook) I’ve been giving some time to planning for the Natural Dog Training Blog eBook, and I think I’m going to continue working on that for the next few days, so that I’ll be in good shape to release it sometime in early 2008.  I’ve also been trying to catch up on my e-mails (for those of you who are waiting for a response).  However, I don’t want to leave you totally “empty-handed” for the next few days, so here’s a thought or two regarding dog training and the impending New Year.

Suggestions for dog-related New Year’s resolutions, in no particular order.  While they’d all be nice, of course - if you can commit to ONE you’re doing great:

1. Give your dog a solid 20 minutes of play/training around their mealtimes every day.
2. Take a walk with your dog every day.  The walk is focused on your dog.
3. Choose one day per week where all of the communication between you and your dog will be nonverbal.
4. Read a book about dog nutrition and resolve to implement a healthier diet for your canine companion.
5. Commit to 15 minutes per evening of relaxing massage for your dog.  Then meditate for 15 minutes.  That’s a total of 30 minutes each night of relaxation and renewal for the both of you.
6. Rather than focusing on “progress”, instead choose one training exercise (or play game) and spend 30 days exploring the nuances before moving on to the “next” thing.  Then spend 30 days working on your new endeavor.  And so on.
7. Give yourself the emotional nurturing that you need.  Resolve to NOT make your dog a surrogate for a partner - or for yourself!  That’s too much weight for a pooch to carry.
8. Take a day-long hike with your dog once per month.
9. Go easy on yourself and your dog.  Relax your perfectionism.  Enjoy the time that you spend together, even when you’re “working”.
10. Tell 5 friends about NaturalDogBlog.com

Those are just some ideas.  What’re your thoughts?  Do you make a resolution for the New Year, and do you consider your dog in the equation?  Let us know what you’re thinking! 

It’s been a great year for me - my first year of parenthood (thanks Dash - and Tonya!) has brought with it a wellspring of creativity (and productivity) - this blog being but one of the direct results.  I’ve really enjoyed being able to share my knowledge of Natural Dog Training with you - and your contributions, through commenting, e-mailing, or simply returning for more visits have made it worthwhile.  A special shout-out to those of you who have linked to this site from your own site and helped spread the word about NaturalDogBlog. 

I also am very appreciative of those of you who have been able to support my site, through buying leashes, visiting sponsors, and especially those of you who have chosen to donate directly to the site.  For those of you who were wondering, yes - people do actually contribute to the site!  Every way that you choose to participate helps remind me that it’s worth it, and that I’m able to make a difference through the NaturalDogBlog. 

Happy New Year, and I’ll see you on January 2nd!  In the meantime, if you’re looking for some non-dog-related entertainment, feel free to check out the music I’ve been working on - my other blog has a couple demos of selections for an upcoming children’s music CD.