The DogSmith Blog

Natural selection affects innate behaviors such as reflexes, modal action patterns and general behavior traits. The difference between reflexes and modal action patterns is that a reflex, the relationship between a specific event and specific response, only affects individual muscles and glands.  Modal action patterns are an orderly sequence of reflex behaviors and affect the entire being.  Researchers have argued that modal action patterns no longer exist in human beings as there is such variation across the behavior of the species.  The role of genes in human behavior is defined as behavior traits (Chance 2008).

Natural selection helps species adapt to change across generations but does not help living beings cope with fast environmental change. When individuals need to modify their behavior to adapt to new and changing environments they must learn.   Learning indicates a change in behavior and takes place through experience to events i.e. stimulus.  Learning is essential for survival. Chance (2008 p 24) states that “learning takes up where reflexes, modal action patterns and general behavior leave off”.

Evolution, the change in traits of a population over a period of time is influenced by natural selection and adaptive behaviors. If a species cannot learn and adapt within its environment then it would not survive. There is an interaction of genetics and the environment to mold behavior and ensure survival and reproduction of the species. Genes and learning form equal parts of the same continuum.

Bibliography

Chance, P. (2008) Learning and Behavior. Wadsworth Cengage Learning 

Unconditioned reinforcers are innately reinforcing.  They are called primary reinforcers as they are not dependent on an association with another reinforcer.  Conditioned reinforcers, referred to as secondary reinforcers, are dependent on an association with primary reinforcers.  They owe their effectiveness directly or indirectly to primary reinforcers (Chance 2008 p 135).

Primary reinforcers, though very resilient, have a limited role in training as they can lose their effectiveness easily due to satiation. They still play a critical role as you need primary reinforcers to create and maintain a collection of effective conditioned reinforcers.

Primary reinforcers are also few in numbers. Secondary, conditioned reinforcers tend to be weaker than primary, unconditioned reinforcers but they are more durable, more easily available and less disruptive than primary reinforcements. They are susceptible to extinction if you don’t occasionally pair them with a primary, unconditioned reinforcer.  Conditioned reinforcers can be used in many situations and those that have been paired with many different kinds of reinforcement are called generalized reinforcers (Chance 2008 p 136).

Bibliography

Chance, P. (2008) Learning and Behavior, Wadsworth Cengage Learning 

A great resource for keeping up to date on pet food recalls is Truth About Pet Food. Susan Thixton does a great job of keeping pet owners informed. Subscribe to her newsletters.  There are currently recalls on Taste of The Wild, Natural Balance, Caindae, Wellness, Kirkland.

If you are tired of having to worry about what you are feeding your pets then i suggest you try a free sample of Life’s Abundance. They have never been involved in a recall, the product formulator selects all the ingredients, you can have them delivered to your door and if you have questions, Dr Jane, makes herself available on conference calls.

Learn more here

Taste of the Wild Recall

Written By: Susan Thixton
5-5-2012
Categorized in: Pet Food Recall

The following information is from the Taste of the Wild website…

Diamond Pet Foods, Manufacturer of Taste of the Wild Pet Food, Issues Voluntary Recall of Dry Pet Food
Recall is limited to product manufactured between December 9, 2011 through April 7, 2012 and distributed to 16 states and Canada

05/04/12

Diamond Pet Foods, manufacturer of Taste of the Wild Pet Food, has issued a voluntary recall of limited batches of their dry pet food formulas manufactured between December 9, 2011, and April 7, 2012 due to Salmonella concerns. Diamond Pet Foods apologizes for any potential issues this may have caused pet owners and their pets.

Although none of the products being recalled have tested positive for Salmonella, the company is pulling them from store shelves as a precaution. Diamond Pet Foods is coordinating efforts with federal and state health and regulatory agencies but decided to independently expand the recall to ensure the safety and well-being of customers and their pets.

To determine if your pet food is recalled, consumers should check the production codes on the back of bags. Any production codes that have a number “2” or a “3” in the 9th or 10th digit and an “X” in the 11th digit in the production code should be discarded. The best before dates are December 9, 2012, through April 7, 2013.

The recall affects only products distributed in the following U.S. states and Canada. Further distribution to other pet food channels may have occurred.
read more here

Written by Bethany Jordan CVT, The DogSmith Florida Panhandle and Southern Alabama.  Copyright 2012

Download our Heat Index Chart. This does not replace the advice or instruction given to you by your veterinarian.

Summer is when dogs are most at risk of being affected by heatstroke. A dog’s normal body temperature is 100°F to 102.5°F but, unlike humans, dogs do not have sweat glands throughout their skin.  Their only methods for cooling include limited sweat glands on the pads of their feet and nose, and panting. Both of which are inefficient at cooling their body temperature in extreme situations. If a dog cannot effectively dissipate heat, their internal body temperature begins to rise. Once the dog’s temperature exceeds 104° damage to their body’s cellular system and organs may become irreversible. With heatstroke the cells literally cook.

Have you ever said to yourself “I’m just going to run into the store for a minute, my dog will be fine in the car?”  Well, including the time to walk to the store from your car, shopping, and checkout, a minute is never just a minute. A study by the Animal Protection Institute showed that even moderately warm outside temperatures can quickly lead to deadly temperatures inside a closed car. In just a few minutes the internal temperature of a car can easily reach 40° higher than the outside temperature even if parked in the shade with the windows cracked open. Being left in a car is the number one cause of heatstroke in dogs.

Although exercise is essential for a happy and healthy dog, be sure to choose a time of day, during hot months, that is safe for heavy activity and pay close attention to how your dog is responding. Owners with breeds such as Pugs, English Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers need to be especially attentive to their pet’s needs, as they are less tolerant of heat. When you are playing and exercising outside, always make sure your dog has plenty of fresh cool water and access to a shaded area at all times.  Be sure to take frequent breaks and allow your dog to cool down before resuming activity. If you take walks, try to go in the early morning or in the evening and remember to take water with you.

How do you know if your dog may have heatstroke? Some of the symptoms include:

-          A rectal temperature over 104 ° F (needs immediate veterinary attention)

-          A rectal temperature of 106 °F or greater (dire emergency)

-          Excessive panting

-          Bright red gums and tongue

-          Gums feel dry to the touch

-          Thick saliva

-          Excessive shaking

-          Staggering

-          Lying down and refusing or unable to get back up

What to do if you suspect your dog may be affected by heatstroke:

-          Remove your dog from the hot environment

-          Immediately get a rectal temperature if possible

-          DO NOT Submerge or saturate your dog with cold water or ice!! (This may make internal damage more severe).

-          Place cool, wet rags or washcloths on major blood vessels such as the jugular vein (along the neck) and the femoral artery (inside the rear leg). Replace often.

Slightly dampen your dog with lukewarm water and place directly in front of a fan to safely wick away heat- Do not soak!

-          Offer your dog cool water to drink but do not force water into the mouth

-          Most effective treatment is with IV fluids and medications administered by your veterinarian!

-          Call or visit your vet right away – even if your dog seems better. Internal damage might not be obvious to the naked eye, so an exam is necessary (and further testing may be recommended).

Some dogs can fully recover from heatstroke if it is caught and treated early by a veterinarian. Prognosis of treatment for heatstroke is significantly affected by how high the body temperature reaches, and the length of time the dog was exposed to dangerous levels. A delay in treatment for two hours may result in a 70% chance of death. Sadly, many dogs affected by heatstroke do not survive. Prevention is the key to keeping your dog safe during warmer weather so be sure to make proper accommodations.

There are over 71 million dogs in the US.  That adds up to a lot of disgusting waste, spoiling  the beauty of your community, increasing resident complaints and causing  headaches for you and your landscapers, maintenance staff and property management.  In addition to being disgusting pet waste can breed flies, kill grass and transmit disease.

Breed restrictions and weight limits won’t fix your pet waste problems and rules requiring owners to pick up after their pets are hard to enforce often straining relationships within the Community.

“Put The DogSmith Pet Waste Program to Work Saving You Time, Hassle and Money”

Let the DogSmith help you get rid of your pet waste headaches.  The DogSmith will provide you with a custom pet waste program designed to suit your community’s need and budget.  You will never have to think about pet waste again. Pet Waste Stations are available in a wide variety of models and price ranges but normally consist of a waste bag dispenser, stocked with biodegradable bags, mounted conveniently with a waste bin.  Your DogSmith pet waste cleanup professional can assist you in determining what type of station would be most appropriate for your facility and can advise you on placement and a complete installation program.  More importantly, your DogSmith pet waste cleanup professional can regularly service your pet waste stations on a schedule customized to suit your particular needs, replenishing bags and cleaning the bin, to ensure your pet waste station remains an effective and attractive tool in your community maintenance program.

How Biodegradable Pet Waste Bags Help You Create a

Happier, Cleaner and Healthier Environment

Our comprehensive program gives your residents the tools they need to conveniently clean up after their pets and to keep your property clean and attractive.  The DogSmith can provide anything from regular cleaning of high use and neglected areas (where stray dogs roam or owners don’t pick up after their pets) to strategic placement of pet waste stations as part of a comprehensive program.

Call The DogSmith Today!

We sort through the many options available on the market to help you decide which equipment is appropriate for your needs and budget.  We then design your custom program, install AND service your pet waste stations at a lower cost to you than if you simply bought the stations on your own.

Your residents will be thrilled that you’ve provided them with the tools they need to hygienically pickup after pets.  The cost of installing and servicing pet waste stations on a DogSmith program can easily be recovered from pet deposits and fees.

Contact your local DogSmith today and get your free pet waste program quote!

1.888.DogSmith (364-7648)

Are your loved ones tired of the same old Valentine’s Day gifts? Are they bored with the usual bones, squeaky toys or stuffed critters? Show them how much you care! Your pets give you unconditional love and devotion every day so give them the pampering and romping good fun they deserve!

The DogSmith Valentine’s Day special gives you 10% off ANY service reserved between February 14^th and the 21^st or a complimentary ‘Fluff & Spiff’ spa treatment package.

And with the money you’ll save why not take someone out for a romantic meal?

Click here to schedule your DogSmith consultation and make your reservation now or use our DogSmith Zip Code Locator above! Limited number of specials available.

The Use of a Clicker versus ‘Yes In Dog Training

By Niki Tudge Copyright 2012

There is always lots of discussion and debate about the use of clickers versus verbal markers such as ‘yes’ when training dogs. I actually use and recommend both, not at the same time as this weakens the conditioning effect through either blocking or overshadowing, but for different applications they  each have their place.

When I work with my dogs I can either use ’yes’ as a conditioned reinforcer or a clicker. What is important when using either of these tools is whether the conditioning has been done correctly and how their ongoing use is employed?

A conditioned reinforcer is a secondary reinforcer that has acquired reinforcing properties because it has been paired repeatedly with a primary reinforcer. A clicker or the word

‘yes’ becomes a conditioned reinforcer by being paired with food through repeated trials, click-treat, click-treat or ‘yes’-treat, ‘yes’-treat. The number of trials required will vary from dog to dog and will depend on the value of the primary reinforcer, the environment the training is being done in and the timing and presentation of the “click-treat”

Each of these tools has advantages and disadvantages. There have been scientific papers written about the efficacy of clickers versus a verbal marker. One of those papers was written by Lindsay A. Wood, MA, CTC titled “Clicker Bridging Stimulus Efficacy” data from this study provide strong evidence that the rate of novel behavior acquisition is significantly faster for dogs trained with the clicker bridging stimulus in comparison to dogs trained with the verbal word “good.”

What I present here is anecdotal evidence not on the efficacy, to that I have no apposing position, but on the practical ease of using a verbal marker “yes” versus the use of a clicker for novice dog trainers and pet dog owners.

 The Clicker

As a training tool the clicker can be hard for new dog owners and trainers to grasp; it is just another thing in their hand they have to focus on. In a new puppy class or a beginner dog training class when an owner has their dog on a leash with a treat bag around their waist and they are surrounded by lots of distractions, the clicker can be that “one too many item” they have to coordinate that throws them for a loop. Throw into the mix that they are also learning prompts and hand signals that need to be clear, consistent and concise, timed correctly with verbal cues and then the click, it is not hard to imagine a comedy of errors with clicks and treats coming from all angles, food falling on the floor and dogs performing all kinds of behaviors and being inadvertently reinforced for them during the coordination debacle.

Not to say this is always the case. I have seen, in my many years of dog training, pet dog owners pick up a clicker for the first time and immediately, through great hand-eye-coordination and manual dexterity, get it right. The clicker does offer a unique sound and when paired correctly with food it can become a very powerful training tool.

‘Yes’ The Verbal Marker

Now the ‘yes,’ or verbal marker, can be easier in some cases for pet dog owners and new dog trainers to grasp. Everyone knows how to say ‘yes’. Concentrating on using the word ’yes’ correctly can help prevent nervous dog owners second-guessing what they are doing, confusing their dog in the process, and does not need to be held or coordinated with the leash, treats etc.

It is best to practice saying the word ‘yes’ in a neutral and unique way, so when delivered it is consistent and cannot be used by mistake when interacting with your dog throughout the day. Keep it as a training tool, condition it correctly and it can be a great option.

On that note I have observed that when the ‘yes’ is used correctly it tends to delay by a second the delivery of food to the dog ensuring that the condition process is not done simultaneously or backwards. To be most effective the click or ‘yes should be started and finished before the delivery of the treat, this is called trace conditioning and is the most effective conditioning method. For those of you who perform with your dog or attend competitions ‘yes’ is that one tool you can take into the ring with you unlike the clicker that remains with your treat bag and dog gear by your crate.

We created The DogSmith for pet owners like you who are looking for a real relationship with their pet and for pets to be an integral part of their daily life.  We are dedicated to solving the same problems you have with your pets and providing for your concerns and their needs.  In fact, I started training dogs many years ago because, to be honest, like you I was frustrated and confused by the lack of good information on dog training and pet care and the ineffective training methods that seemed to be everywhere.  Some of these training methods made popular by TV either didn’t work or were dangerous for me and my own pet dog – harming our relationship.  None of these ‘fashionable’ training methods were based on modern research in scientific learning.  So I was very frustrated and didn’t know where to turn but I knew I wanted more from my relationship with my dog.  I wanted my dog to be a true member of my family.  Since I had many accomplished years of training corporate executives in the work world I somehow knew that I needed to learn to truly communicate with my beloved dog in a way my dog would understand and that would strengthen my relationship with it and not be physically or mentally damaging.  But most of all the methods had to be easy to learn and teach and could be effectively included in our busy daily lives with NO negative side effects if my husband or a child misused the techniques (imagine the damage to a dog if a toddler got a hold of the control for a shock collar and started playing with it).

The DogSmith MTR training method is the result of years of training and study combining the most advanced research in learning theory with everything we know about teaching people and animals. And the training is fun for you and your dog.  Learn more about The DogSmith and our MTR system on our website 

Although you may think all pet food manufacturers have your pet’s best interests in mind, this is not always the case. Current pet food regulations allow manufacturers to use ingredients that you would never knowingly give to your pet. In fact, you may be shocked to learn what some brands of pet food really contain. Watch this short presentation before you commit to a brand of food for your loving companion. Click on the video icon to see this important message!