Invisible fences can be a spectacular option for some families, increasing dogs' freedoms and training opportunities.  With the right training, socialization & structure, invisible fencing can be a dream come true.  (Without those things, it can also be disastrous, but for the purposes of this article, we are going to assume those things will be in place!)


How much does it cost to install an invisible dog fence?

For dogs who love to roam, a fence is usually necessary to ensure they stay in the safety of their yard. An invisible dog fence is one option, and there are many reasons why you might consider one. If want to save money, a DIY invisible dog fence is the best way to do it. Installing a traditional fence in an average-sized backyard can cost more than $2,500. The total DIY invisible fence cost can be as little as $300, depending on your needs. Let’s take a look what you can expect to spend on an invisible dog fence.

What is the cost of purchasing the system?

A. Most basic dog fence systems include the following: a transmitter box, 500 feet of boundary wire, and one standard e-collar. These start up kits can cost less than $300 total. After that, all you’ll need to do is install the system yourself, which can be done as a weekend project, with no prior skills or experience necessary. If you want an even easier setup, you can purchase a wireless dog fence system, which can cost anywhere from $260 to $800.

Careful research and reading of invisible fence reviews will help you choose the basic system you need. This PetSafe Yard Max dog fence review, for example, gives you all the information you need to determine if it’s the right one for you. The size of your yard is one important factor, because while some systems can contain up to 100 acres of land, others have much smaller ranges. There are several other features that invisible dog fences may or may not have, so you’ll have to decide which ones you want and choose your system accordingly. Here are some examples:

Battery Backup 

This feature will ensure that your electronic dog fence continues working even if there is a power outage. If you live in an area with frequent outages, you may want to get this feature.

Correction Levels
If you have several different types of dogs, you may want a system that allows you to adjust the correction levels of the e-collars. Larger or more stubborn dogs, for example, may require a higher correction level.

Remote Training
Some invisible dog fences have a remote training feature, too, which you may want if your dogs have issues with barking or digging, for example.

Extra Accessory Costs
If you need to enclose a perimeter that’s longer than 500 feet total, you’ll need to purchase additional boundary wire for your electric dog fence. Depending on the wire you need to get, it may cost $22-$150 for every additional 500 feet. Over very large areas, this extra cost is still much less than if you needed to purchase additional sections of a traditional fence.

It may also be necessary to purchase additional e-collars if you have more than one dog, and they typically cost between $60 and $100 each. Sometimes the standard e-collar that comes with the basic electric dog fence system won’t work for your dog, and you may need to purchase one that better suits their size, such as an e-collar specially designed for very small dogs.

Some e-collars have rechargeable batteries, and if this is the case with your system, there are no additional e-collar costs to consider. If your e-collars have replaceable batteries, however, you can expect to spend up to $40 per year on extra batteries for one e-collar.

What are the installation & maintenance costs like?

With a DIY electric fence, you’ll save the $1,200+ installation fee that most professional companies charge. If you have a large yard to enclose, you may want to rent a trencher to help you with digging the bury the wire, and that typically costs $50 per day from your local home improvement store. Installing your own dog fence will also give you the knowledge required to perform any necessary repairs throughout the years without spending money on a technician’s visit. However, electronic dog fences are quite reliable and not exposed to the elements, so breaks are rare. As for running the system, you can expect your electric bill to increase only about $1-$2 per month.

The reliability of an invisible dog fence - with the right training, coupled with the big savings of installing it yourself, make it an excellent option for just about any yard or dog.  It’s incredibly important to remember, however, that the most important aspect of installing an invisible dog fence is training your dogs on it.  Proper, consistent training will ensure that your dogs are safe and happy in the yard.  It's also important to remember that invisible fencing does not keep intruders out of your yard/property.  There are many worthwhile dog trainers who routinely offer invisible fence training services as well - this can be an extremely efficient tool in your toolbox.  

Weigh all of these factors properly when making your decisions and you'll have a good experience. 

For more information about dog fences please visit our educational partner www.dogfencediy.com. We encourage you to share your experiences with a variety of dog containment systems in the comments section. Comment-ers and those who share the post in social media qualify for a drawing of a $25 Amazon gift card!

Here are some of my go-to tips that I share with all my clients:

1.  NEVER put the dog in the crate when you are mad at the dog…even if you ARE mad at the dog….do it nicely and calmly and do not shove the dog in.

2.  Cute and funny pic to the left - but NEVER 2 dogs in the same crate! 

3.  Teach a verbal command for the dog to crate-up.  I use “time for bed” with my dogs after getting a cookie from the cookie jar.  They run into their respected positions and get their reward after they go in on their own.  

4.  Use the crate for a “time-out” spot when the dog is over stimulated, getting into trouble, acting naughty, etc.  Think of it as a nap time and a place to calm.  It works… Perfect spot for busy families with kids during the time at night that can often be hectic when getting the kids ready for bed.  

5.  To start off re-introducing the crate, use it for naps when you ARE home – and continue with naps in the crate on the weekends when you aren’t at work.  This will dissociate the crate with you leaving and then it won’t mean that you necessarily aren’t home.  

6. My Rocco still NEEDS at least 3 naps a day in the crate when we ARE home.  If we didn't do this - I can NOT imagine the a$$ he would be on a daily basis.  He sometimes even needs a few minutes in there before we allow him to sleep in our bed...which is his reward for having a good day.  He knows that at around 10 PM, Greg and I decide if he is allowed in the bed based on his actions.  Sometimes he is just too wired for words and can't settle his mind.  So...he sleeps in the crate.  We honestly say to him at this time of night when he can start acting up... "ROCCO - MAKE A GOOD CHOICE."  Sometimes he does and grabs a bone and lays down nicely on our bed....and sometimes he just can't...and he lowers his head and will go in his crate.  HAHA - it is quite hysterical to see him contemplate "how bad" he wants to be naughty...and by naughty I am speaking of "zoomies" and just chaotic play that he can't settle down from.  
I need to video tape it one of these nights for you all to see.

7.  When you get home from work, or errands, NEVER acknowledge the dog/s until they are calm/quiet and then wait 3 minutes.  You are then eliminating the over-excited state of mind for the dog for each time you come home.  Your dog knows it is you – not an intruder.  So don’t make a fuss when you get home – this will help to alleviate separation anxiety.  If you want calm – GIVE CALM.  

8.   Have a special high reward item that is for crate time only.  Perhaps a Kong with frozen peanut butter or sweet potatoes inside.  Special safe toy.  

9.  Position the crate either towards the back of your house or in a quiet room - NOT at the front of the house under your big bay window so he/she can look outside and stress about every thing that happens in your neighborhood.  This will lessen the tenancies of over-the-top guarding.  

10.  Every couple of weeks - move the crate - even if it is just across the room a few feet.  Changes things up for the dog and will lessen the chance of them claiming a part of your house. Remember - YOUR crate, YOUR house, YOUR kids, YOUR food, YOUR toys...your dog is just welcomed to use them.  Until they get a job & move out with their friends - all of those things are YOURS. 

Good luck and give back the crate to your dog!!!!!!! They will love you for it… 
xoxo Kim 

More than dog.  The King.  Beyond dog.  That’s what my mama calls him.  And my mama ain’t just any mama (not that any of them are.)  My mum, to me, is the most remarkable person in the world.  She was a single mom for all of our (me and my sister’s) formative years, a paralegal without a college education (yes), and a breast cancer survivor.  Her opinion is as good as fact to me.  (Did this article just become about my mom?)

When I first adopted SP six years and ten months ago, it was in September.  In fact, it was September 11th.  I’ll never forget it.  He was a 7.7 pound, football-sized ball of confidence, and I loved him from the get-go (obviously).  He was at the Lincoln Rhode Island Animal Shelter and he was five weeks old.

This is how I got him.

It was an extraordinary man named Fred – last I heard, still works for the same company in Canada - who changed my world.  When I made the executive decision to move back home (from ol’ Cape Cod to Hopkinton, Massachusetts) - due to the fact that I was spinning my tires – I ended up at the big box store location in Bellingham.  FRED approached me – while effecting the transfer to Bellingham – and said (I’ll never forget it) “The Bellingham location is looking for a part time trainer, and we think you’d be perfect for it” to which I replied, “Fred, I don’t have a DOG, does that matter?”  He, in perfect protocol big box store sales style, says, “Cassie, we love your personality.  We’ll train you the rest.”  Sold.  (In retrospect... such a Big Box Store thing to say, but regardless, it worked, and off I went from ol' Cape Cod to Bellingham, Mass.)

Bailey was a little teeny brindle mix with a helluva personality.  She was so damn smart, so “willing to please” (I hate that term generally speaking but that’s for another article), affectionate but independent, goofy, funny, confident… and owned by a prepubescent boy named Jake who was a STAR.  I had never witnessed the type of relationship that Jake & Bailey shared, and I wanted it. 

Previous to becoming a professional dog trainer, I didn’t have any pre-existing opinions about “pit bulls.”  There were just like any other dog, albeit an extremely beautiful variety.  (Who could deny that?)  I wasn’t intimidated.  I wasn’t scared.  I wasn’t a fan.  I wasn’t anything.  Bailey changed all that and after her, I wanted my own.

Enter Spark Plug.

Okay… the trainer who trained me had a very big influence on my career and life.  After (her) fostering this little puppy (SP), for one day, I received the following text message: I think you’d be perfect for him.  Sold.  Again.  When you said, “I’ll look,” you basically signed on the dotted line. 

So I went to pick him up.

He SCREAMED in the crate the whole way home. 

I also didn’t tell my sweetheart I was getting a puppy.  What do they say?  Easier to ask for forgiveness than permission? 

Hence, the name.  People ask me all the time… “Where did you get Spark Plug from?”  Well… because I’m about to marry an electrician.  I brought home an unexpected puppy and get this – this is what he says (because he’s the most wonderful man on the planet) – “I love you so much you can do anything you want.”  To which I said (whilst holding up said 7.7 pound puppy like an offering) “You can name him.”  He thought about it for a second, and – ridiculously talented electrician that he is – said “Spark!”  I agreed.  (You wanna know a really freaky thing about that??  A few years earlier I had a dream that I had an unexpected child and named it Sparks M‘Gee.  Go figure.)

Spark knows everything.  He knows EVERYTHING.   I can literally be having a bad dream, and he’ll wake me up by licking my face, and then lay right up alongside me until I fall back to sleep.  He’s amazing. 

If I'm on the computer in the office, and he's sleeping on the couch on the other side of the house, and I start to get frustrated - I won't even be moving or saying anything or huffing & puffing - he'll come in and put his head under  my hand to get it off of the laptop while making this  adorable rrarrrarrrrrrrarrrrr sound.  He'll be so adorable and so funny that inevitably I laugh and he won't leave me alone until I'm not frustrated anymore.  Then I continue working and he goes back to his thrown and lays down.  Amazing.

Spark also has a long & extensive training career; not only as a pupil, but as an assistant.  He can be depended on in any situation – and any former client would attest to this.  He has helped in the rehabilitation of countless dogs with his ability to make good decisions.  He can be trusted off leash in basically any situation and, although he’s a “pit bull,” not to engage an aggressor in a fight.  (This comes from his being a balanced dog, genetically & psychologically.)  Spark has been bit once or twice in his life.  (Okay, twice, and the events are very explicitly documented in my mind).  One was by a foster dog (Tug Boat) when Spark was six months old and I knew a lot less than I know now, and one was by a friend’s Australian shepherd, who gave him a nice little “drive-by.”  (We’d been excusing the targeting behavior for too long.)  Spark would rather walk away than engage.  I feel the same way.  When people say our dogs are mirrors of ourselves… there’s truth to that, I think.

Spark changes minds all the time… everywhere he goes.  He may not be world’s most affectionate dog, but that is one of the things I love about him.  You gotta earn it with Spark Plug.  He’ll never be mean to you, but he won’t automatically run up and kiss you either.  Once he knows you, he’ll go bat***t when he sees you – just ask my mom or sister.

We’ve had umpteen foster dogs, and adopted more than five.  (I honestly think SP would rather be an Only Dog.  He can’t be bothered.)  However, despite his own misgivings, he’s helped those dogs become the dogs they were meant to be… he helped bring them to balance.  He’ll always have that legacy.

Spark will be turning seven in August.  I am desperately trying to convince myself that he isn’t “middle-aged” (contrary to popular belief and countless brands of dog food).   I repeatedly state that I will have to be scraped off the ground when he goes.

... To Be Continued ...

Patches... was an asshole.  No other way to say the way a typical layperson would describe him.  When I first met him, he introduced himself by standing back on his haunches and barking defensively.  As an experienced "dog person" (trainer being a better word), I gave him my side, ignored his barking, chatted with his [amazing] foster parents, and tossed treats in his general direction.  (While this was an effective way to meet Mr. Patches in his highly aroused state, the typical "Don't do this at home" waiver applies.)  Within minutes, we were fast friends.  (This had way more to do with my energy than my dog treats.)

Something clicked with Patches & I in the very beginning... something that hasn't changed in the intervening years since we've been together.  That moment at the Hopkinton State Park changed quickly from making fast progress, to Patch showing me what was up when a less dog-savvy friend of mine pulled up late in his vehicle.  Jimmy walked casually to where I was standing (while I was winning over "Kujo") to hand me a collar.  I calmly said, "Don't stare at him; just hand me the collar."  Human nature frequently takes over.  And it did in this situation - and Jimmy was pretty lucky he didn't get within bite range.  I grabbed the collar and dismissed Jimmy boy.

Ya'see, Patches was blessed by having some seeeeeeeeriously wonderful foster parents who were unwilling to accept his "un-adoptable" status as the be-all, end-all, and they were pulling out all the stops and reaching out to give him options.  THAT, my friends, is how we met.  I received the longest email I have ever received from a foster parent, got intrigued, and responded.

I am the fortunate owner & founder of HEX Dog Training & Behavior Modification, blah blah blah - let's spare you my credentials - but suffice is to say, I live my life in bully breed dogs, and that is the capacity in which Patch's foster parents reached out.

Let me reiterate: Patches' foster parents were incredible, especially Kelly.  She is an amazing budding trainer who had Patches very familiar with the clicker, as well as countless other skills positively reinforced, & Patch had some "mad skills" because of her.  (Clicker training is AMAZING I'll cover that happily in a future article).  Patches did not come to me a wild animal with no skills - he had skills.  He just had some major obstacles to overcome, and my situation was better equipped to deal with those, and my techniques able to take him farther.  After we proved that with a "meet 'n greet" with our three dog household crew, the rest may be history... (Who's writing this article?  I adopted him.)

On top of the fact that Patch had "Stranger Danger" issues, he also displayed early symptoms of dog-aggression and had been previously returned to his original shelter after proving more than his lovely (no sarcasm) first foster family could handle.

I am proud to say that Patches went on to gain his... ta-dah!.. Canine Good Citizen certification, and has assisted countless foster dogs in their own rehabilitation.  Imagine that?

Alas...  His many successes were not without difficulty and there are many factors that contribute to a dog's developing personality, in particular, what I love to call the "M" Factor ("M" for Maturity).  (Did I mention Patches was around eight months old when I unexpectedly[?] adopted him?)  The "M" Factor is clearly evident in our case study here, Mr. Patch-Tastic.  While true dog aggression is extremely rare, there are dogs that display it - I'd say less than 1%.  It [true dog aggression] is largely genetic, and while someone (qualified) can certainly do a lot to modify behavior, it [the trait of dog aggression] is something that will always be present to more or less degree and have to be managed.  No prob'm.  (That's a New England accent in type.)

So what's he doing here with three other dogs, you say?  Most (even dog-aggressive) dogs can become acclimated to life with their specific pack (under very strong, calm & benevolent leadership).  It is commonly acknowledged that dogs are pack animals, and animals, of any species, "want" to be balanced.  You can cater to that deep-seeded nature with proper exercise, (YES, folks, LOTS of physical exercise - there ain't no substitute), training & management.  (Management is an under-discussed term in the training world, and here we will touch on it.  I'll blog about that specificity later.)

SO, less about the logistics of controversial canine philosophies and more about Patches...

Patches is my third dog.  By third dog, I mean the third dog that I adopted as, myself, an adult (as opposed to participating in the adoption of my family dogs growing up).  (Caruso, a Chow mix, was my first, who passed away to cancer after two short years and spent most of his time with my roommate Emily* - with whom I adopted him.  Spark Plug, APBT, was my second dog, and he is turning seven this August [2015].)

Patches bounded into my life completely unexpectedly after my angel of a [different] roommate set up that first meeting (partially chronicled above) after which Patch came home with us "to try an overnight."  Ya'all know how that ends up.  Regardless of all these facts seemingly to the contrary, Patches is one of the greatest things to ever happen to me.  

Patch-Tastic has taught me so much about love, patience, sensitivity, handling, management, training, and perhaps most important of all - the difference between training & rehabilitation.  I say this all the time, but Training and Rehabilitation are not the same thing.  They go hand in hand, for sure, but are they the same thing?  I say neigh.  Patches taught me that.  Training is easier.  Rehab means months, years, of work and consistency, and training is merely a component of rehabilitation.

Patches is a GOOF ball - and anyone who knows him will attest to that.  (Right Kelly, Mikaela, Randle,  Mum, Ryan, Jame...?).  He is one of the most affectionate dogs I have ever come across, and extremely intelligent.  He does obedience & tricks with the gusto of a fifteen year old girl at a carnival.  He is so intuitive - it's almost creepy sometimes - and he does this crazy thing when you're upset where he comes up to you all slow and gentle and grabs your hand ever-so-sweetly with his paw.  All he wants to do is hold hands, nothing more.  He'll sit like that for two episodes of Keeping Up With the Kardashians.  (Can't help but insert the very linguistic "lol" right here.)

Just recently, a client-turned-friend came by the house. (We'll call her "Jill" for this article.)  She has a freaky and deep-seeded fear of strange dogs.  (It's reasonably understandable if you know her story.)  I made the executive decision that it was time (in her own? rehabilitation) to meet the dreaded Patches.   

***Side Note*** Ya see, Patches doesn't often come to work with me at HEX, nor does he participate in every dog-friendly event that occasionally the rest of my crew does.  It stresses him out and he isn't into it, nor is it safe beyond a shadow of a dog, for the rest of the K9 participants.  Let's clear it up by saying this: I walk him in my public neighborhood wearing a muzzle because, while we could walk by you and your dog - and you'd have NO idea anything was "wrong" with  him, if he was nozzle-less ("nozzle" is the favored term for "muzzle" around here) and Fluffy ran up on him off leash and jumped him, Fluffy wouldn't make out so well.  My neighborhood is a normal neighborhood and while they're all sweet and generally under control, there is the occasional loose dog.  Can't do anything about THAT so I choose to nozzle my non-dog-loving dog while walking the neighborhood because I am aware of what his reaction can be to the unexpected (and well-intentioned) miscellaneous "friendly" dog.  I've gotten over the "oh my gosh, what will the neighbors think!" bullsh*t with regard to the nozzle.  It doesn't matter.  I am protecting my dog.  I'm being responsible.  They [the neighbors] appreciate that.  Whether they know it or not.

So Jill's in my kitchen.

I walk Patch out of his crate by his collar, and lead him through a quick obedience routine as Jill's color drains from her face... and then returns three shades redder.  I keep Patch busy and - I admit - showed off a bit.  (Did I mention how effing smart Patches is?)  You'll never guess what happened next...

Patches goes up to Jill very gently, circles her - no petting him; she was too scared - and lifts his paws ever so slightly to jump up (which I haven't vehemently put time into correcting over the last several years because it took long enough to get him to want to approach anyone) - which freaks her out.  He recognizes his jump (however gentle.. still a jump) isn't welcome.  So... instead... 

Patches drops to the floor. On Jill's feet. And then he rolls onto his back with his paws folded in the air!  (You know the move??)

It was right there in that moment that he made it impossible for Jill to be afraid of him.  She started laughing, reached down and scratched his belly (just like he wanted!) and we all laughed.  It was simply amazing to see Patch's intuitiveness really show.

Ya see, this is the dog that Patches was always meant to be.  He has that beautiful intuitive nature, desirable of therapy dogs.  In Jill's moment, they both had a chance to shine.  He felt her anxiety, and reacted to it in a way that even I couldn't have predicted.  

Given, let's be clear - I am a professional dog trainer & instructor (have been for almost eight years at 30 years old), and I regulated this entire situation.  I would NEVER put anyone in harm's way, and this wasn't a "Let's see how it goes" situation. I was aware of every moment and I orchestrated the interaction... like a conductor.  The rest was up to Jill & Patches.  And it was totally beautiful.

So here, folks, is my tribute to Patches.  He is an my angel, my "cuddle-buddy," my protector, my sweetheart, my teacher... and it means a lot to me to unveil this great guy.  Because he doesn't frequently come to work with me doesn't mean he doesn't do his job to change perceptions (to the positive).  Just ask Jill. 

It is my pleasure to release the second (revised) edition of this article about dog backpacks. IMO, dog backpacks are one of the training world's (strangely) best-kept secrets, so here we are to bring some more awareness to a super cool tool that can help you and your K9 in ways you probably never imagined.

A dog backpack, for those of you who aren't familiar with it, is a piece of equipment that looks like saddlebags.  (See pic above of Spark Plug modeling his.)  The dog wears it - (as opposed to is carried in it!) - and the bags, which come in many different styles, can be used to carry everything from actual weights, to cell phones, leashes and poop bags!

Dog backpacks can work wonders in a training program, as there are psychological reasons to use one, not just physical.  The psychological benefits of this tool far outweigh the physical benefits.  Here is what I mean by that: 

Picture you're the dog for a paragraph. 

A weighted backpack is sized to you.  (Sometimes one takes the step of acclimating the dog to wearing the pack with NO weight in it first, but not always... it depends on the sensitivities of a particular dog).  You're aware of the pack on your back.  You have to compensate for it in your movement.  You have to adjust your balance a little bit.  It can shift the focus from panicky & scattered to more stream-lined and focused.  

Often, and sometimes immediately, you see the dog relax.  Less "scattered," I call it (scanning ahead or around them with their eyes, looking back 'n forth, setting themselves up to over-react to whatever is on the horizon, that kind of thing).  The backpack helps channel their focus & helps them "settle" or feel more grounded.  

(I found out recently they do similar things with child behavior modification programs... using weighted vests to help with that "scattered" feeling of anxiety.  I am in no way, shape or form an expert on child behavior modification, but countless clients that work in those fields have a light bulb go off in their heads when we are having the "doggie backpack" conversation, and repeatedly, that is the feedback that I get.)  

Worth a thought: many many MANY people own working breed dogs and don't even realize it. When I say "working" I am referring more to a personality type than a specific breed.  A working dog wants a job to do, and for lack of education, a large percentage of owners don't give their working breed dogs that respect.  Carrying both of your parcels via the backpack on a structured walk can be a form of a job, and once acclimated, so many dogs flourish with this change in their routines.

The backpack also has obvious physical advantages - it's like you running with weights.  Tires ya out more because you are working harder, and I definitely feel that any amount of anxious energy one can alleviate is a good thing!  (They apparently make similar things - vests - for working out as well, which I learned from a client that is very into physical fitness & the gym & that kind of thing.. who knew! Makes total sense.) 

I am not saying that getting the backpack and weighing it down will solve every (or any) behavior (or weight!) problem, but this is a safe product with safe advice that I can safely give over the internet. Sometimes, the change in a dog is remarkable and immediate in just adding the backpack alone to a well-planned training/rehabilitation program - no guarantees, of course.  Dogs are individual and independent-minded.  No matter what any trainer tells you, you cannot guarantee the behavior of a living creature any more than someone can guarantee your behavior.  The backpack, however, can be a very valuable tool in a well thought-out rehabilitation, behavior-modification, or simple exercise program.  Almost every HEX client has one and many will tell you what a life-changer it can be.

As far as adding weight goes, you generally start with minimal weight (like cans of tuna fish or soup, depending on the size of the dog), and get to about 10-12% of the dog's body weight; hardcore "backpackers" approach 20% of the pet's weight.   (Some packs - or vests - like the LaGuard fitness vest, actually don't have "saddlebags," per se, but allow long thin weights to be slid in to compartments. This makes it possible to adjust the weight in small, consistent increments without the bulk of a traditional doggie backpack.)

The backpack can be a huge asset to part of an overall rehabilitation/training program: no more, no less.  Any tool sitting on the dining room table is just that: an inanimate object that has no power behind it on its own.  I am a huge fan of the backpack for what it is, and just like anything else, it isn't for every dog, every situation, every time.  Check with the vet first if there is any reason the physical weight could be a problem.

Here are links to some of my favorite models and searches:
   http://www.laguardvest.com/
   http://www.petsmart.com/dog/backpacks/outward-hound-dog-backpack-zid36-7323/cat-36-catid-100303
   http://www.ruffwear.com/Products/dog_packs
   http://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Pet-Supplies-Dog-Backpacks/zgbs/pet-supplies/2975314011
   (In my opinion, the version they carry at popular PetCo isn't worth getting... there is a reason it's so cheap; our fell apart rapidly.)

Please visit HEX Dog Training on facebook at www.facebook.com/hexdogs and check out our actual website www.hexdogs.com!  Contact us at hexdogs@gmail.com or here.  Thank you for reading, and HAPPY TRAINING!

Cassie-Leigh Stock, ABCDT, CTDI, AKC-CGC, CDT, TPU, All-Star TC
Owner & Founder, Higher Expectations Dog Training & Behavior Modification

Time and time again, HEX gets the call, the email, the frantic message… “I don’t know what the hell has happened to my dog!  Everything has been smooth and then all of a sudden, he/she is starting to act like a total ass!”  And we reply and ask…. “Sir/Ma’am, how old is your dog?”  Response, “He/She is just around 18 months old!”  SHOCKER!  Winner, winner, chicken dinner!  Could have guessed that!  

Let’s think about this for a moment.  If it is true that for every one year of a dog’s life, roughly equals to 7 years of a human = BINGO!  What you have on your hands is the most obnoxious 10-13 year old pre-teen!  Anyone with kids, those who remember being that young or know kids in this wonderful age group can attest…..this is by-far one of the most challenging time periods.  Hands down!

When I was in Paramedic school and met my ex-husband…(ha-ha, yes, he is my ex! But still my best friend and partner in crime for parenting our beautiful daughters)…it was the year 2000 and I was the awesome age of 22!  Yup, I knew it all, loved my life, loved my freedom, loved living in my parent’s guest house in Sherborn, loved having a $500 Z71 truck payment that I could actually afford because I had no real bills to pay…life was good….but damn, it was about to get complicated! 

So on about date #4, my ex breaks the news to me….which I didn’t find all that shocking, because at 22 I was still a baby and now looking back, I didn’t know a thing about life.  “Ummmm, Kim….I was married for 10 months when I was 20 because I had a baby girl the summer after my senior year of college….” At first, I was more pissed that he had been married before and felt that rage of jealousy come through me.  I really didn’t react to the fact that I was dating an older guy who has a soon to be 10 year old girl.  Hey, no big deal right????!!!???  WRONG!  

We got engaged 2 months after we started dating, we married 10 months later.  I was married at 23 and a “Step-Mom” to an 11 year old girl.  NO PROBLEM! Lol…and with all the love I have for my beautiful stepdaughter, I think most people reading this knows how this story goes.  (Mind you she will be 24 in a few weeks.)  She went from playing with Barbie Dolls to an absolute boy-crazy freak with the biggest attitude in the world overnight.  One weekend she was sweet, and then next time we saw her…absolute monster.  Hormones kicking in, know it all, nasty, didn’t listen, no respect for authority, was playing her mom against her dad, was using me to get around her parents….she was a nightmare!  BUT…we LOVED her.  We started to “feel bad” for her, her dad tried to buy her affection with gifts, we didn’t punish her, no consequences for bad behavior.  What she really needed was for an adult figure to stand up and say...."Stop Your Bull Sh*t With Me!"  

Hmmmm…what does this sound like? YES! Pretty much exactly what is going on with the “18 month old” dogs we get frantic phone calls about time and time again.  Same story, same complaints, same issues… But where do the problems stem from?  Perhaps stopped training after a simple basic-obedience for puppies because they passed with flying colors at 12-16 weeks old….sorry to tell you people…most of them do!  Perhaps has allowed unstructured walks and has allowed the dog to pull and treat the owner with absolute disrespect? Perhaps felt “bad” to correct unwanted behaviors, felt “bad” to use a crate even though they destroy the house when at work or out, felt “bad” being a respected authority figure in your dog’s world?  Starting to get where I am going with this?  What you have is a 10-13 year old “pre-teen” who has zero respect for boundaries, authority, discipline and consequences!!!!!....and the owners in turn are like my EX who feels “bad” changing unwanted behaviors out of love.   Your dog has put their “BIG BOY/GIRL PANTS” on…and it won’t be easy to take them off.  It is going to take time, patience, consistency and a calm, can-do attitude.  

Pity is not love.  Pity is an enabling action which in turn escalates unwanted behavior.  This goes for both humans and dogs alike!  Just as kids need structure, reward, discipline, consequences, balance…so do our dogs.  And it needs to start the very moment you bring them home.  Coddling is not love.  Coddling is an action that the “coddler” uses because they don’t want to see their child/dog grow and be independent…the “coddler” feels the need to be needed and wanted.  

As a step-mom to a child who felt lost in the world and very insecure, I have learned these lessons along the way.  Ups and downs, BUT, she always knew what to expect from me.  Every time, all the time.  When I said no, I meant it.  When I promised her something, I delivered.  When I had to punish her and take her beloved cell phone away as a punishment, I did that and didn’t give in and give it back even if she cried and said her life was over without her precious phone.  Now I have my own girls who are 7 and 9 years old, and they also know what is expected and tolerated and what is not.  Mind you, my 9 year old is on the autism spectrum and house rules apply the same to both girls. My goal as a mom is to create a world that is not in “chaos”.  People think I am nuts that I put my kids into bed every night at 7:30 even when they are out of school and that I don’t allow havoc to rule my house over the summer months and allow them to stay up till whenever.  I also really believe that you can’t expect a child (or a dog) to just behave 10%-20% of the day because you have company over – they need to be aware of the rules and boundaries 100% of the day to actually get results that last and are ingrained.  My girls may appear to be spoiled, and maybe they are, but they EARN rewards from me, I just don’t hand them away.  Rewards aren’t just toys and dolls, they are memories.  We travel, we go get our nails & toes done, we do a special girls lunch, they can have sleepovers, we have tons of fun.  

As a foster mom to many bully breeds over the past 2 years, I have used a lot of these “parenting” techniques with dogs that come into my home.  We have had great success.  Every dog, no matter what the story or background gets a clean slate when they come to me.  Every dog knows from day one what is expected.  Yes, the first 2 weeks we have our adjustment periods and we crate/rotate/separate…however, the rules and expectations remain the same.  Remember, any dog will get away with what YOU allow them to get away with!    

Here are my Top 10 rules that I live by with my dogs & fosters:

1.       Wait politely for your food

2.       Do not cross a threshold without my permission and NEVER before me

3.       Keep your energy level at a “5” max – so we never get to a 10

4.       Walk politely on a loose leash, every time, ALL the time

5.       Never approach another dog for a nose-to-nose greet on-leash.  I simply tell other people, “sorry, not allowed, they are in training…” it works & you don’t come across as rude 

6.       Sit politely to be petted

7.       Never jump up on someone

8.       When I say “leave it” you leave it (I use this universally for ‘drop-it’ as well…so essentially means to stop)

9.       We are still working on these…but striving for rock solid DOWN STAYS!

10.     More freedom comes from MY trust in you through good choices & actions

When we get to training these “18 month old” dogs…more often than not, MOST if not ALL of these rules are NOT being instilled within the dog’s world and in the home.  Attacking just 3 of these rules at first can work magic on any dog.  From day one…to the end of the dog’s life.  Impulse control is by far one of the most important things to get down.  A dog that can do a solid down stay is a dog that respects, trusts and has confidence in their pack leader, and that is you!  Training, socialization, mental stimulation does not stop after a basic obedience class…it is forever.  Dogs that are left to navigate through this crazy world on their own are not happy dogs.  They need that constant, that security, that authority to allow them to relax and enjoy life.  Find what makes your dog “happy” and use that with training.  Remember rewards are not always a food treat; a reward can be your undivided attention and making memories together! 

Happy Training to you! Let us at HEX know if we can be of assistance in helping you reach your goals with your dogs.  We have lots of cool drop-in style classes happening now to squeeze in some training and socialization into your busy schedules!  www.hexdogs.com 

Be sure to "LIKE" HEX on Facebook for the latest happenings in our training world! https://www.facebook.com/hexdogs

I've read this article several times, and the thing that stands out to me are the parallels between successful CHILD parenting & successful DOG parenting.  Honestly, it is challenging concept in many ways for me, as I'm just a "dog mom" myself.  

I especially like the "10 commandments" & the honesty & rawness with which Kim talks about those things.  I will say that in my house, we maintain all of those, especially these items: (#1:  Wait for your food, is a GIVEN at my place!)

2.       Do not cross a threshold without my permission and NEVER before me

3.       Keep your energy level at a “5” max – so we never get to a 10

... with some exceptions.  I believe there is a time & a place for a maximum energy level, so long as it is initiated by me, and constructive.  Examples would include a raging game of tug-o-war (rules apply), Spark flying off the dock (he's a former dockdogs competitor - may come back after injuries last year), or working high energy obedience.  I am the proud owner of four "pit bull type" dogs and in their play, I ABSOLUTELY agree with the intensity level staying below a 5.  I am huge on this, and largely BECAUSE of this, I never have dog fights occur in my pack.  (Don't misunderstand me here: there are MANY factors that play in to whether or not intra-pack fights occur... I simply avoid this one.)


Each of my four dogs has their own release word.  I can't tell you how valuable this is... In fact, I may write a whole separate article about it.  (Just in case you were wondering, Daria's is "vas" - French for "go ahead," Patches is "free," Spark is "break" & Dually is "at ease.")  They are plenty easy to remember, yes.  Every single time we exit the house - we have four different entrances/exits - they are required to sit and wait to be released.  I vary it by sometimes standing beside them before issuing their release word, and going in front of them.  I do not make a habit of releasing them from behind,  Poor practice.


Kim is spot on when she states the typical frantic phone call that HEX receives.  Let's collectively try to change that by sharing education.   Visit the rest of the website at hexdogs.com or email hexdogs@gmail.com for more information or to schedule your appointment... especially if your pups DON'T have their big boy/big girl pants on yet!

To Be Continued...  Stay tuned to the website www.hexdogs.com for Part II.

Why should you teach your dog to catch?  Catch what?  I am referring to a treat (or ball, toy, etc.) in this article.

I ALWAYS teach my K9 crew to catch...  There are several benefits, not the least of which being you can reward at a distance.  Spark Plug (my right-hand man, pictured about) and I are phenomenal at this, and therein lies another reason to teach this skill.  We play off of each other - if my throw is a little off, he'll compensate.  If he is in a compromising training position, as will I.  It's really fun & convenient to be able to treat your dog by throwing a treat.

Benefit #1: the ability to reward quickly and "fun-ly" at a distance!

Benefit #2: coordination & training practice for you both

Benefit #3: challenging your smarty-pants K9 kid - this is a great game for a rainy day!

So... the benefits have been established, now here's a few ways you can teach it!  I promise you, your dog IS capable of learning this - we don't give them enough credit sometimes.

***This requires that your dog NOT act aggressively when food hits the floor or you take food away.  Watch it with involving the kids in this, but involving the kids with this trick CAN be extremely helpful & fun!***

ONE WAY THREE WAY!

Grab a couple friends (kids, neighbors the dog is cool with, buddies) and stand in a circle with the dog in the middle.  Toss him a treat - make it EASY, Superman, with either an underhand toss or a drop from hand about a foot from the dog's mouth.  If Dog doesn't catch it, someone else picks it up and the game begins again!

HAVE A REALLY GOOD "LEAVE-IT" CUE

This one seems self-explanatory to me.  If your dog knows "leave it" and the treat hits the ground, cue "leave it," pick it up, and start again.  ***Be mindful not to sound MEAN or MAD when doing this exercise.***

Have a blast, and believe me, we'd love to see your videos!  Check out the rest of the website at www.hexdogs.com.

The "Find It!" Game is an awesome, fun, training game that also serves as a great indoor energy burner in inclement weather!  (After all, here comes winter in New England!)

Teaching the Find It Game is easy & fun!  The only prerequisite is your dog's ability to perform a simple sit or a down!  Here are the steps..

Prep Work:

Get yourself a handful of smelly, yummy treats that your dog loves & won't make a mess of your carpets or window sills!  Set your dog up in one area of the house.. living room, perhaps?

Steps:

1) Ask your pit to sit!  (Put a leash & collar on him if you are worried about him holding the position.)

2) While he is in the sit, ask him to wait.  Place the treat on the floor about 4 feet in front of him, in obvious view.  (If your dog breaks position before you release him, use his leash & collar to lead him back to the same exact spot & put him in the same exact position.)

3) Once you have the treat placed on the floor (about four feet in front of him to start) and you've stood ALLLLL the way back up, tell your dog in an excited voice to "FIND IT!!" and encourage him to go get the treat.  Yayyyy!  That was easy, right? ;)

4) Now, put him in a sit and ask him to wait in a DIFFERENT part of the house, and place the treat a LITTLE further away from him, or possibly around the corner.  

5) Again, once you've placed the treat on the floor and stood ALLLLL the way back up, go back to your pup, and excitedly tell him to "FIND IT!!"  Encourage him to get the treat - you see how this works? :)

6) Repeat steps 1-5 progressively making it more & more difficult to find the treat!  (I have hidden them on window sills, closets, under laundry, in the ottoman...)  Encourage him and help him if he needs it but resist the urge to help him TOO much.  We WANT them to use their brains!  It's very cool to see those gears turning!

***You can play this game with toys or other articles, as well!  This is an awesome training exercise (sit - or down, wait, attention, tracking...), and it's also an awesome energy burner.  Whose pit bull couldn't use a little more exercise??  This is mental exercise with structure!***


Thanks for reading, and definitely check out the rest of the website at www.hexdogs.com.  Visit us on facebook here!