TrainingTips

As a long time breeder and exhibitor of purebred dogs, we have had the privilege of raising many fine dogs. So whenever we send a puppy home we like to share our knowledge and experience to get you started on the most effective way to raise a well adjusted puppy. We start training our puppies from day 1. I am a firm believer that most behavior problems begins with noise

phobias. Each day we play a tape that consists of various sounds such as thunder, fireworks, crowds applauding, sirens, ect. Each week the sound of the tape is increased so that by the time the puppies are 8 weeks of age, the sounds are extremely loud, but the puppies will sleep right though it. We raise our puppies in a home environment not a kennel. They are handled by many people and exposed to many situations that they will face once they leave our home. Our puppies are very confident and out going by the time the leave for their new home.

The first 16 weeks of a puppy's life are absolutely the most critical time for them to develop good habits and learn how to live with people. If new owners fail to make the most of this impressionable period, the puppy will never realize its full potential and may even become a problem dog that is difficult to live with. However, if the puppy's new owners take extra time to introduce the puppy with a wide variety of new experiences (strangers, children of all ages, busy stores, going to the vet, sport games, other safe and friendly dogs that are vaccinated) then the puppy will have a better chance of growing up to be confident in new situations or environments. In addition, the puppy's owners need to take time to learn about dominance exercises and practice them frequently. This will include such exercises as taking food away from the puppy while they are eating and then giving it back to him. Following these steps will help make training your beagle much easier and more successful.

House breaking can also be done in about half the time with the technique of crate training. Start out by taking your puppy outside once an hour and each and every hour thereafter. Praise your puppy when they go outside. If an accident occurs indoors, scold the puppy with your voice then pick of puppy and the mess and take both outside. Place the puppy and mess on the ground and praise the puppy as if the puppy had pottied outside. Do this each and every time. Eventually the puppy will see it gets praise whenever it potties outside. Keep in mind a puppy must relieve itself after each meal, when it drinks and when it first wakes up from a nap. Watch when they start to walk in circles, the tighter the circle the closer the target. It is also handy to keep an empty pop can filled with pennies around. Shake the can and say "no potty" to get the puppy to stop doing the deed and then immediately take the puppy outside. Put the puppy in the crate if you can not be attentive to what it is doing. Never leave the puppy to wander the home while you are gone. This is an open invitation to get in trouble. I just don't allow my dogs the opportunity to get in trouble. Also never rub the puppies nose in its mess, this absolutely has no effect. When you use the word "no", don't just say no. Use a word to go with it such as "no bark" "no bite" " no potty" ect. Just saying no will just confuse your puppy.

Despite rumors that beagles are difficult to train, you will find the beagle eager to please. Once you get past the 'nose factor', meaning they are scent hounds and easily distracted, you will find the beagle to be an avid learner. Beagles excel in agility and rally events. Beagles love to play and as long as you keep it fun and stimulating you can train beagles. Beagles are highly motivated by food, so having small treats handy is a valuable tool for training.. Speaking of food, beagles also have problems with obesity, so it will be important to watch how much they eat and don't get in the habit of feeding table food.

So please follow through and read what you can. Take group classes, such as Puppy Kindergarten or your free 1:1 training with Roylcrest Beagles. Just remember, once the 16 weeks have passed, it will be extremely difficult to make up for lost time. Please feel free to call with any training questions and take advantage of our free lessons. Happy Training!

ATTENTION ALL BEAGLES. TRAINING CLASSES STARTING SOON!!! THESE LESSONS WILL BE HELD ONCE A WEEK STARTING THIS SUMMER. LOCATION IS FRANKLIN PARK (corner of Queen and Division) IN SPOKANE WASHINGTON. CLASSES WILL RUN 6 WEEKS FOR AN HOUR. BRING A 6 FOOT LEATHER LEASH WITH A CHOKE CHAIN. PLEASE RSVP LORNA AT 509-954-1371 TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT. FAMILIES ARE WELCOME. THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR THIS CLASS. CLASSES ARE LIMITED TO 15 DOGS AND ONLY OPEN TO BEAGLES. CALL TO PUT YOUR NAME ON THE LIST. KEEP CHECKING BACK TO SEE WHEN THE NEXT SESSION START. SEE YOU AT THE PARK!

*Classes will be in session soon. We will also be having our graduation for all who attended our classes. This class included basic obedience plus a couple of trick lessons each week just for fun.

***Remember practice practice. Don't forget the "5, 15, and 10 rule" Warm up for 5 min. Work for 15 min and Play for 10 min each day." *

We are petitioning America's pet owners to remind them of everything that is required to be a responsible dog owner.

The AKC Responsible Dog Owner Pet Promise, created to bring the spirit of AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day to life and adapted from the AKC Canine Good Citizen Responsible Dog Owner's Pledge (http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/index.cfm), reminds us that raising a happy and healthy pet is more than just playtime and pampering.

For more information visit www.akc.org

Petition:

We are petitioning America's pet owners to remind them of everything that is required to be a responsible dog owner. Sure we give our pups lots of playtime, treats and affection, but what about training? Is your dog groomed as often as his breed requires? Is your pup wearing a collar with tags and permanently identified with a microchip to maximize his chances of being returned to you if he becomes lost?

The AKC Responsible Dog Owner Pet Promise, created to bring the spirit of AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day to life, reminds us that raising a happy and healthy pet is more than just playtime and pampering. Owners must ensure their dogs do not infringe on the rights of others, and this includes properly disposing of your dog's waste in all public areas, adhering to local leash laws and training your dog to sit, come when called and to cease barking so to not disturb others.

We signed the AKC Responsible Dog Owner Pet Promise to show our commitment to our four-legged friends and we hope you will too!

AKC RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER PET PROMISE

As a dog owner, I do solemnly swear:

* I will never overlook my responsibilities for this living being and recognize that my dog's welfare is totally dependent on me.

* I will always provide fresh water and quality food for my dog.

* I will socialize my dog via exposure to new people, places and other dogs.

* I will take pride in my dog's appearance with regular grooming.

* I will recognize the necessity of basic training by teaching my dog to reliably sit, stay and come when called.

* I will take my dog to the vet regularly and keep all vaccinations current.

* I will pick-up and properly dispose of my dog's waste.

* I will make sure my dog is regarded as an AKC Canine Good Citizen® by being aware of my responsibilities to my neighbors and to the community.

* I will ensure that the proper amount of exercise and mental stimulation appropriate for my dog's age, breed and energy level is provided.

* I will ensure that my dog has some form of identification (which may include collar tags, tattoo or microchip ID.)

* I will adhere to local leash laws.

2007's Responsible Dog Ownership Day is presented with our sponsors: Invisible Fence Brand by PetSafe and Nature's Recipe.

PLAN ON ATTENDING OUR LOCAL EVENT IN SPOKANE. ALL WELL BEHAVED DOGS ON LEASHES ARE INVITED. IT IS RECOMMENED THAT PUPPIES UNDER 4 MOS OF AGE OR PUPPIES WHO HAVE NOT COMPLETED THEIR VACCINATIONS NOT ATTEND FOR HEALTH REASONS. BRING ALL OF YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS. THERE WILL BE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE.

Spokane Kennel Club

September 29, 2009

11:00a.m. Club & Event Information:

Host Club Name: Spokane Kennel Club

Location: Mirabeau Meadows Park

Event Address 1 E 13500 Mirabeau Parkway

City/State/Zip: Spokane Valley WA 99216

Website: http://www.spokanekennelclub.com

Summary: We will be holding this family event in the park along with Valleyfest. We will promote RDOD by having Meet the Breed (responsible breeders with info on their breed and how to buy a puppy.) Canine Good Citizen tests will be offered along with demos on conformation, obedience, rally, herding, flyball,and agility. There will be information from our shelters on adoption and the importance of spaying and neutering our pets. Clinics on dog safety and activities children can enjoy with their dogs will make this family day at the park enjoyable for all.

Contact Information:

Contact Name: Virginia Ann Utley

Phone Number: (509) 466 - 5056

Email: yzk9s@comcast.net