Learn from Cesar!!

6 Tips for Mastering the Dog Walk

By Cesar Millan
Here are 6 dog training tips on how to walk your dog and master the dog walk. When I’m out with my dog pack, I often walk about ten dogs at a time, sometimes even off-leash if I'm in a safe area. People are amazed by this, but it's simple: the dogs see me as their pack leader. This is why dogs follow me wherever I go.

1. Walk in front of your dog.

Walking in front of your dog allows you to be seen as the pack leader. Conversely, if your dog controls you on the walk, he’s the pack leader. You should be the first one out the door and the first one in. Your dog should be beside or behind you during the walk.

2. Use a short dog leash.

This allows you to have more control. Attaching the leash to the very top of the neck can help you more easily communicate, guide, and correct your dog. If you need additional help, consider the Illusion collar. Always keep your dog's safety in mind when giving corrections.

3. Give yourself enough time for the dog walk.

Dogs, like humans, are diurnal, so taking walks in the morning is ideal. I recommend setting aside thirty minutes to a full hour. The specific needs of each dog differ. Consult your vet and keep an eye on your dog's behavior to see if his needs are being met.

4. How to reward your dog during the walk.

After your dog has maintained the proper state of mind, reward him by allowing him to relieve himself and sniff around. Then you need to decide when reward time is over. It should always be less than the time spent focused on the walk.

5. Keep leading, even after the walk.

When you get home, don't stop leading. Have your dog wait patiently while you put away his leash or take off your shoes.

6. Reward your dog after the walk.

By providing a meal after the walk, you have allowed your dog to "work" for food and water.
And don’t forget to set a good example by always picking up after your dog!

Basic Commands for Bird training

Basic Commands
A few basic behaviors that every companion bird should know are:
STEP-UP COMMAND: The most important behavior you can teach your bird is the Step-up command, in which your bird reliably steps onto your finger, wrist or onto a hand-held perch. Your bird should automatically offer a foot when you say “Step up” (or whatever cue you use) while you simultaneously offer the hand or perch.
A reliable Step-up makes it easier to retrieve your bird in an inconvenient or even dangerous situation. It also ensures that other people can work with or retrieve the bird without either party feeling nervous or threatened.
To get your bird stepping up, gently offer your wrist, finger or perch at the spot where your bird’s abdomen meets the top of its legs, and give the cue, “Step up.” Most birds will naturally raise a foot to step onto the offered object. Praise and reward the bird, and then repeat the step up a few times.

Keep your hand or wrist steady, so your bird feels confident stepping onto it. 
STEP-DOWN COMMAND: You can also train your bird to step down onto a playgym or its cage. If your bird likes hanging out with you, you’ll have to make it worth its while to step down.
CONTACT CALL: You are your bird’s flock, so naturally it wants to keep track of where you are. Teach your bird a special whistle, word or phrase to use when it wants you to respond. If taught correctly, this contact call can replace that ear-piercing shriek that your bird likes to use when you leave the room.

If your bird has already learned that screaming seems to make you reappear or respond (i.e. yell or admonish), it will take much more persistence and patience to change the behavior.
To teach your bird a contact call, use a consistent phrase – “Be right back” – each time that you leave the room. Call frequently to your bird while you are out of sight. This will let it know that you are nearby.
If your bird makes the desired contact call, respond immediately by either calling in return or poking your head into the room. Do not respond when your bird is screaming.
Consistency is crucial in this training. It might not seem like such a bad idea to occasionally respond to your bird’s screams, but resist the urge. You’ll be rewarded later on.

Bird Training

The Basics
Training with your pet bird should be fun. Here are some training tips to keep you both happy.
1) Keep your sessions short. Two or three 10-minute sessions every day works best to retain your bird’s attention.

2) Let your pet bird get used to props by leaving them near the cage for a few days. Play with the items to pique your pet bird’s interest.

3) Find a quiet place free of distractions to work together. Keep the cage out of sight, so your pet bird’s attention is on you during the training session. The exception to this rule is a frightened or insecure re-homed bird that might need to see its cage for reassurance.

4) Find a special reward that you only give to your pet bird during training. A food reward should be something small and easily consumed within a few seconds. Or, if your bird enjoys praise or a head scratch, offer these instead of food.

5) Train at the same time every day, so your pet bird can look forward to your new routine together.

6) Keep it positive and offer lots of praise if your pet bird gets even part of the trick or training correct.

The HSUS Supports the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Proposed Rule to Protect Pets on Planes

Greater safeguards for animals ensured with stronger reporting requirements

The Humane Society of the United States praises the U.S. Department of Transportation for proposing to strengthen regulations regarding the transportation of animals on airplanes.

Under the parameters of a proposed rule, 36 airlines would be required to report any companion animal incidents that happen in their cargo holds, up from 15 airlines currently required to provide annual reports to the DOT.  Carriers also would have to report the number of animal losses, injuries and deaths and the total number of animals transported each year.

The HSUS often receives complaints of animals in airplane cargo areas dying or suffering from injuries, often because of excessively hot or cold temperatures, poor ventilation, scarcity of oxygen, and rough handling. Animals have also been lost during commercial flights. 

“We applaud the Department of Transportation for proposing to expand this rule because it will keep dogs and cats safer on planes,” said Inga Fricke, director of sheltering and pet care issues for The HSUS. “Requiring stronger reporting requirements of airline carriers will force carriers to better handle animals during transport, providing the oversight needed. It would also give consumers clarity when choosing an animal friendly airline, and travelers would be able to compare carriers’ rates of animal deaths and injuries.”

Another significant change to the rule proposed is that the regulations also would apply to dogs and cats being shipped for commercial sale. Because of the growth in online sales of animals, particularly dogs, many operators of inhumane commercial breeding facilities, or puppy mills, transport dogs to pet stores and to new owners via airplanes. The rule would also cover dogs and cats being shipped and sold for experimentation. The proposed requirements for tracking and reporting data on animals shipped for commercial sale will provide vital data on the scope of these industries, and should improve the handling and welfare of those animals.

The HSUS recommends that pet owners avoid traveling by air with their pets. If air travel is unavoidable, it is best to carry the animal on board in a pet carrier kept under a seat in the passenger area. Pet owners should avoid flying pets as cargo unless absolutely necessary. The HSUS has tips for pet owners who must travel with their pets at humanesociety.org/airtravel.