What is K-9 in Focus?
I recommend reading Suzanne Clother’s book on relationship building: If A Dog’s Prayers Were Answered, Bones Would Rain From the Sky. “You will discover how our dogs see the world from their uniquely canine prospective, how we can meet their deep need for leadership without using force or coercion, and how the ‘laws’ of canine culture often put our dogs at odds with us and our very human world."
Positive Reinforcement [P+] is a rewards-based, dog-friendly training technique which uses things your dog wants to affect behavior. P+ can be treats/food, toys, play sessions, praise and/or tactile stimulation [petting, massage, chest or belly rubs]. The key point is that the reward must be something your dog desires. Food is generally the easiest reward for a dog but some dogs are not particularly motivated by food. Dogs that enjoy retrieving [object-driven dogs] can be rewarded by throwing a ball or Frisbee. For more info, visit 
What is K-9 in Focus?
K-9 in Focus is the Granberg Training Center’s newsletter exploring the many ways to build a better relationship with your dog. Each issue will provide information on training tips, communication between the human and canine species, reading resources, websites, and seminars by respected authorities. Making your dog “the best that it can be,” which means training for good behaviors as well as understanding the needs and desires of the dog, is a journey. Behaviorist, trainer, and author Patricia McConnell states that we must “learn about learning: training animals is not intuitive, and we’re not taught how to do it in school. Don’t assume you know how just because you love your dog.”
Happy Training!
Judy Granberg CPDT
Rocky’s Story
Rocket (also known as Rocky) is a seven-year-old bi-black Shetland Sheepdog belonging to Clif and Terry Gary. A rescue dog from NorCal Sheltie Rescue, Rocky was two years old when adopted. He spent the first two years of his life living with his breeder and thirty other Shelties in a rural kennel prior to being donated to Sheltie Rescue. When adopted, Rocky was very shy, to the point of refusing all food unless it was placed in his crate and avoiding all contact with humans....
Marley & Me
With the Christmas release of the movie Marley & Me, the Association of Pet Dog Trainers [APDT] states that "Marley & Me Highlights the Positive Impact of Training".
Professional dog trainers agree that the upcoming movie is a wonderful opportunity to promote the benefits of positive, science-based dog training. Working with a professional trainer and learning about your dog’s physical and mental needs can eliminate potential behavior problems in the home.
The APDT, the largest educational and professional association for dog trainers in the world, believes the movie Marley & Me, is a great opportunity to promote reward-based training for all dogs. The movie, based on the bestselling book of John Grogan, depicts an exuberant Labrador Retriever whose behavior creates turmoil in his owner’s lives.
Dogs with the size, energy and behavior issues of Marley often end up in shelters because their owners do not know how to work with them. Labrador Retrievers are one of the top five breeds that are relinquished to shelters. This belies their image as a favorite family dog.
APDT members have provided training tips for living with “unruly” dogs on the APDT website: www.apdt.com