Mutts 2 Manners back from Afghanistan

Justin Kitts, Head trainer from Mutts to Manners Inc. has safely returned from his 6 month deployment to Afghanistan. Justin and his Military Police Dog Mayo have finished there tour safely and proud. Justin would like to personally thank everyone for all there support while he was gone. For those of you who sent us dog treats and toys Mayo and I would like to thank you. Justin is excited to get back out there and start training dogs.

These protection dogs are trained to only attack on command. If you listen closely you can hear Justin saying trouble. That is the secret word he uses for his dog to attack. These dogs have great temperments and will only attack when told to do so.

Typical costs: Group classes at a local community center, dog daycare or pet store usually cost from $40 to $125 or more for four to eight weekly one-hour sessions. Puppy classes usually cost less than adult dog classes or classes specifically geared toward dogs with behavior issues. Private classes with a trainer, which could be at the client's home or at the trainer's place of business, usually cost from $30 to $100 per hour-long session -- so about $240 to $600 for six sessions. Dog obedience boarding schools usually cost from $950 to $2,500 or more for two to four weeks of board-and-train, where the dog lives at the trainer's home or at a boarding kennel and receives hours of one-on-one attention daily. What should be included: Puppy classes, for dogs about two to five months old, focus on socialization. The classes also cover housebreaking and address chewing, biting, digging and barking. Basic obedience classes, usually for dogs older than five months, repeat training from puppy classes and also cover hand signals and commands. Dogs that graduate should be able to pass the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen test, part of a program that recognizes well-mannered dogs. The trainer might also briefly cover behavior issues, such as housebreaking or inappropriate barking and jumping. Housebreaking -- although usually covered in puppy classes -- is usually done by the owner at home, since it requires almost round-the-clock vigilance for a few weeks. Advanced obedience classes refine the skills learned in basic obedience, practice obedience in complex situations with distractions, and usually include off-leash work, such as coming from a distance when called. Specialized classes also are available for owners who want to train their dog in agility, field work, search and rescue or as a therapy dog. PetEducation.com has a guide to the different levels of classes. The trainer should provide handouts for at-home practice. Many trainers also make themselves available to answer questions by phone or e-mail between classes. Additional costs: A trainer might require the purchase of training aids, such as dog treats, a clicker -- a small noisemaker to get the dog's attention -- a long nylon lead and a short leash, usually for less than $50 total. A dog with a serious behavior problem -- such as aggression -- should be evaluated by a veterinary behaviorist. Veterinary behaviorists usually charge $135 or more per hour, and a typical consultation runs about three hours for a total of $400 or more. The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists provides a list of board-certified veterinary behaviorists. Discounts: Training can be done at home using a book. Amazon.com has a selection of dog training books starting under $10. Some shelters offer low-cost training, starting at about $35 and up for several weeks of classes. The cost is usually lower for a dog adopted from that shelter. Some boarding training programs offer a discount for a second dog from the same household.

How to choose a dog trainer

Finding a good trainer for your dog or puppy will make a huge difference in how you and your pet relate to each other for the life of your pet. Attend a class or two before you get a puppy and register for class. This allows you the opportunity to see how the instructor teaches. Points to consider when choosing a trainer Reputation: You may find a trainer by asking your veterinarian, humane shelter, family members, or friends whom they recommend. Talk to people who have had their pets in the trainer's classes. Ask the trainer for references. Experience and knowledge Find out how long the person has been training dogs. Is the trainer familiar with the Canine Good Citizen Program and are they qualified as an evaluator? What education and continuing education has the trainer had? Is the trainer affiliated with any dog training or behavior associations? Choose a trainer that has trained dogs that surpasses what you would like to do with your dog. See how the trainer's dogs behave. If the trainer's dogs are not under control, are jumping on people, and are barking, the trainer is not going to be able to show you how to teach your dog to not jump on people or bark. You will need to have an idea of what you want to accomplish with your dog. Do you want a well-mannered housedog, a field dog, a dog you can show in the obedience ring, or a dog with whom you can do search and rescue work? Finding a trainer that trains dogs that meet your expectations will make the training process that much easier. Communication skills Can the trainer communicate well with both the people and the dogs? Does the trainer answer questions in terms you can understand? Does the trainer provide written handouts? Methods: If you are uncomfortable asking questions or do not like the instructor's methods, find another trainer. Training methods vary. Your dog may not respond to one method, but respond very well to another. If your dog does not seem to respond to the method the trainer uses, the trainer should be willing to show other methods for teaching your dog. The trainer should use positive reinforcement for correct behavior. Style: Anyone training dogs needs to have a sense of humor. The people and dogs in the class should be enjoying it. It should be obvious to you that the trainer likes working with people and dogs. Class structure What is the class size? Do people and dogs receive some individual attention? Is there enough room for all the people and dogs to participate in all of the activities? Are all family members encouraged to participate, especially in the puppy classes? Must all dogs have proof of vaccination before starting the class? Common types of dog classes Puppy classes: These classes are for puppies about 2-5 months old. The socialization under controlled situations is the absolute best thing you can do for your puppy. In addition to socialization, topics covered include housebreaking, socializing, chewing, biting, digging, and barking. You are taught how to teach the dog. Walking on a leash without pulling; sitting, and coming are basics that are covered in class. Many people do not think they need to take their puppy to classes because they have other dogs for socialization or they have trained other dogs and feel they know how to train this one. The controlled social situation of classes where the puppy is exposed to new people, dogs, and places while being asked to respond to commands is very difficult to replicate in a home setting. Classes are not just for teaching the puppy to respond to commands but to respond to commands while other dogs and people are trying to distract him. The socialization aspect of classes cannot be replaced especially for the 2 to 4 month-old puppy. This socialization and training is worth the effort. Remember, the most common reason for healthy dogs to be put to sleep or relinquished to the humane societies is poor behavior. Basic obedience classes: These classes are for dogs older than about 5 months of age. They reinforce what was started in puppy classes and continue on to include heel, sit, stay, down, and come. The American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program is a program designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. Dogs that graduate from basic obedience classes should be able to pass the 10-item test. Dogs do not need to be AKC registered to test. Advanced obedience classes: These classes work on response time and finesse. They may be geared to those who wish to show in obedience competitions. Therapy dog training: Therapy Dog International (TDI) is a volunteer group organized to provide qualified handlers and their Therapy Dogs for visitations to institutions, facilities, and any other place where Therapy Dogs are needed. The goal is to provide comfort and companionship by sharing the dog with patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities where the Therapy Dog is needed. Dogs do not need to be AKC registered to participate. Conformation classes: These classes are for those who wish to show in the breed ring where the dog is judged on its looks and the way it moves. Agility classes: These classes are for those who want to have fun with their dog. Dogs are taught how to go over, under, and through various obstacles. It is like taking your dog to a playground. This class can be for fun or to prepare for competition in agility trials. Sporting and field dog classes: Training groups are available in most areas of the country for those who wish to teach their dogs to perform field work. Groups usually focus on one type of field event such as retrieving or pointing. Search and Rescue (SAR): Persons who are interested in training their dogs to do search and rescue often join a SAR group which is a made up of a group of volunteers. The group trains the dogs to search and find missing people who may be dead or alive. The dogs work at various training levels including searching in woods, in the water from a boat, and in buildings damaged from natural disasters such as earthquakes or terrorism. These are just some of the ways you can spend time with your dog. The benefits of attending training classes with your dog include having a well-mannered dog that is invited to come with when you visit family and friends. Other types of classes may be available in your community. Contact several trainers and veterinary clinics for more information. The AKC web site, www.akc.org/index.html, has more information regarding competing with purebred dogs.

Mutts 2 Manners Deployed to Afghanistan

Note from the editor

Mutts 2 Manners Inc. Owner/Head Trainer is currently deployed to Afghanistan. Justin has been tasked to take his Military Police Dog named Mayo with him on a six month deployment. Mayo is a four year old German Sheppard, trained to search for explosives. Mayo and Justin have been working long hard hours the past few months searching for explosives and contraband. Justin would like to ask for everyone’s support and prayers over the next few months. Justin can't wait to get back home and start training dogs again.

Vet Visit

As the summer begins to warm up you probably want to get out and spend more time with your dogs in the sun. I want to educated you on sun and heat related injuries and what to look for as to symptoms. By not keeping a dog cool in the summer you are opening the door for heat-related illnesses and injuries to plague him/her. You may be surprised to know but dogs can get sunburns if they are in the sun for extended amounts of time. White and light colored dogs are more at risk. If a dog undergoes long-term sun exposure they can suffer from skin damage and possibly skin cancer. To prevent this from happening you are going to need to limit the amount of time your dog spends in direct sunlight. You need to consult your veterinarian immediately if you notice any type of discoloration or sore. Common areas that are affected are the nose, ears, and eyelids. Another and more severe type of injury is a heat injury. Heat injury is when your dog's body temperature exceeds its ability to cool itself. Your dog's normal body temperature is between 100 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If your dogs temperature rises above 106 F, its normal cooling mechanisms get overwhelmed which causes a heat stroke which will require medical treatment. Signs of heat prostration are many and varied, and not all may occur simultaneously. Initial signs include rapid breathing or panting, rapid heart and pulse rates, weak pulse, pale or red gums, dry gums, excess salivation, decreased alertness, coma, seizures, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding. Your dog may begin to walk in strange patterns which may be the result of dizziness. At 105 degrees, heatstroke will set in. At this point, the canine may collapse and be unable to get up and may even appear unconscious. Disorientation will set in, the gums will turn to a muddy pink and the ears will appear flushed. At 108 to 110 degrees, the internal organs become affected and cell damage will begin to occur. Heatstroke can lead to organ damage of the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys. Therefore it is essential to take action quickly to reduce your dog's temperature, because death can result in as little as 20 minutes. Here are six important types that could save your dogs life. 1. First, move you’re pet to a cooler environment, if possible. 2. Cool your dog with cool, but not cold water. If your dog has thick fur, continue to apply cool water so that water trapped close to the skin is not warmed by the dog's body. 3. If possible, use fans to blow on the dog. 4. Place ice packs in the groin area, armpits and neck. 5. Get your dog to a veterinarian immediately. 6. Give sips of cool water if the dog will take it. Lastly I would like to talk about snake bites. Snake bites are very common in Arizona so this is great information. Dogs are susceptible to snake bites mostly from May to September. Identify the snake if possible. Restrict movement of the pet. Loosely immobilize the limb in a functional position if bitten on an extremity. DO NOT incise the bite wound to remove the venom and DO NOT apply a tourniquet without veterinary assistance. DO NOT apply ice to the area. Seek veterinary attention. These are just some of the major issues dealing with dogs and the sun/heat. If you have questions or concerns about your dogs health or well being in the sun and heat please consult your vet.

Product Review

This month’s product review is on the FURminator DeShedding Tool. FURminator donated five brushes to him and all the Air Force K9 handlers he is deployed with in Afghanistan. All six handlers were amazed at the ease and the simplicity of the product. All you have to do is take long slow strokes with the brush and WOW look at the hair fall out. It is an amazing tool that takes the undercoat out with out using clippers. With in a five minute session with the Furminator there was a pile of fur that looked like you could fill up a stuffed animal with. Mutts 2 Manners Inc. gives the Furminator an 8 out of 10 score for there product. Pricing is the only issue with the product. They can be quit pricey but just like anything you get what you pay for. Feel free to check out the Furminator in action at http://www.furminator.com

Product of Month

unfortunately the merchandise page is under construction right now. It will be up before you know it and you will have the luxury of purchasing products from our site www.mutts2manners.com at low prices. We will have leashes, collars, toys, treats, training equipment and kennels for sale. Each month we will have a product of the month and it will be discounted from its already cheap price.