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No Monkey Business Blog
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Helen Nicholls, CPDT-KA, CDBC: Posted on Wednesday, March 30, 2011 1:52 PM
 A dog park is a great place to let your dog mingle, play, and have some safe off-leash time, especially if they don't have a yard to play in and live in a big city. Dog parks can be found in almost every city in the country, and because more and more places are banning dogs from other public parks, they are becoming a necessity over a luxury in many areas. There are many great things about Concord's dog park, and there are a few things owners should keep in mind when visiting. Here are some tips to help you enjoy your trip! Make sure your dog is fully vaccinated and has the okay from your veterinarian. The dog park does not require any dogs to have had vaccinations before they can enter. Dogs do not have to be up to date on any vaccines, including Rabies, Distemper and Parvo before they can go play with the other dogs. This information is critical for those with puppies who want to take them somewhere to play with other dogs. The dog park may seem like a fantastic place, but because you do not know what dog has had what for medical care, it is not the safest place to play. Have a social dog. Although the dog park is a place for dogs to play and wrestle with each other, your dog may not be right for this kind of social arena. The dog park should be a place for dogs who are already social and playful with each other to go and have fun, so owners with dogs that need remedial socialization should steer clear and seek help from a trainer before venturing in. Exposing your dog to other dogs at levels that he is not comfortable with may only make his situation worse and can be dangerous for the other dogs playing. I should also mention here that small dog owners should use the small dog area to ensure their dog is safe and let them play with dogs their own size or maybe even smaller! Small dogs often look like prey and play with larger dogs can quickly turn dangerous.  Pick up after your pooch! There are few worse things than getting back in your car after a nice outing with your dog and realizing you have poop all over the bottom of your shoes. This is one of the main reasons dogs are being banned from other public places! Pick up after your dog and discard of the bag in an appropriate location. You may also want to consider wiping your dogs paws thoroughly when you return home to ensure he does not bring fecal matter into the house. Save toys and treats for when you get home. Even though it is tempting to bring cookies and the ball to the park, it can cause problems when there are lots of other dogs around. Dogs naturally guard resources that they deem valuable and toys or food can cause fights between even the most social of dogs. If you do want to go to the park to play fetch with your dog, go at a time when it is empty and have some special one on one time. A treat when your dog comes back to you when called is fine, but make sure you give it to him when he is not being crowded by other dogs. Lastly, enjoy watching your dog be a dog! There is nothing better than watching your dog get all his ants out of his pants while you get to sit and relax. Remember that dog play can come in many different forms and allowing your dog to chase, wrestle, and roll around with other dogs is not only crucial in helping develop sound social skills, but a great energy burner too. When you get home, he'll take a nice long nap, and you'll finally get some peace and quiet that you've been craving! |
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Helen Nicholls, CPDT-KA, CDBC: Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2011 8:52 AM
The new facility is almost ready and coming along beautifully! Classes are filling and many people are excited to bring their dogs to check out the new 1800sqft facility where positive training helps both dogs and people live together in harmony. I am so excited I can barely sleep most nights; this is a dream come true.  However, it has prompted me to finally put into place something I have wanted to do for a long time but never had the chance to do. I get calls every so often from families or people that need help with their dogs but cannot afford training. I do my best, and try to find a middle ground so that they get some help but I need to feed my growing family too and it just never seems like enough. So now that I have a facility and things are expanding even more, I am finally going to start a fund to help people who cannot afford dog training get the assistance they need. It is going to be named after dear furfriends named Dazzle and Buster, both of whom have past and are dearly missed. Dazzle was a fantastic dog with many quirks, but with dedication, positive methods, and a great trainer (and friend) - Dee Ganley - she became a dream demo dog and wonderful pet. She lost her brave battle with cancer recently. Buster was an amazing dog, helping to rehabilitate many aggressive dogs, knowing too many tricks to count and loving his owner and wonderful trainer (and friend) Julie Winkelman until his last breath. Both dogs were inspirations in my career.  The Dazzle and Buster Fund will be a fund that people may donate to and I will also add to. It will be set up in a jar at the facility and the funds we raise together will be used for people who need help with their dogs but cannot afford the costs of classes, privates, or workshops. That way everyone can benefit from having a professional, positive trainer help them with their dog and not be forced to use methods that may not be correct, beneficial or humane. To donate to The Dazzle and Buster Fund, you don't need to be a millioniare. Simply stop by NMBDT and donate what you can to help those in need of assistance. |
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Posted on Friday, March 11, 2011 8:30 PM
Many people ask me what type of dogs I have, so I figured here is where I will talk about my fur gang and all their many quirks. After all, you can still have challenging dogs and be a dog trainer, in fact, that's part of the fun!  First, there is Merlin, my eldest Papillon. (see him in the bottom right) Merlin is my best demo dog, and put simply, my soul mate of a furry companion. He and I have a friendship unlike any other dog I have ever known. He is outgoing but not obnoxious, sweet but not pushy and very smart.  Second, there is Sweet Pea (up top on the sofa), the perfect example of a little sister. Sweet Pea is much more vocal than Merlin, and although she sometimes drives me loonie, she is very smart and willing to please. She is the most affectionate dog I own, a lap dog through and through, but give her a task and she can't wait to get working!  Thirdly, and LARGELY, there is Atlas (can you spot him??) My very scary looking but wonderfully social German Shepherd. Atlas was bred to be a working dog but due to health complications could not achieve this and so is my worker bee. He lives for the tennis ball and although he needs constant stimulation and exercise, his sweet nature, unswerving loyalty and incredible intelligence make him a beautiful addition to our gang. |
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Helen Nicholls, CPDT-KA, CDBC: Posted on Wednesday, March 09, 2011 7:33 PM
So many new and exciting things are happening with NMBDT this year and here are a couple that are starting right away. Many more to come but I can't quite blow the secret yet! :)  I am thrilled and honored to be the new Assistant Director to The Family Paws Programs, Dogs and Storks and Dog and Baby Connections. These international programs are designed to increase awareness and promote safety and  harmony for both expectant families with dogs and families with young children and dogs. I am very passionate about these programs and working side by side with their creator Jen Shryock is a fantastic opportunity and a dream come true!  NMBDT is all about preventing bad behaviors before they even start. That is why Helen Nicholls has paired up with Russell Animal Hospital to offer a groundbreaking program that will help new puppy owners get off on the right paw with their new pup! Every new puppy that is seen at Russell for vaccines will automatically get a complimentary 30 minute consult (at a different time and date) with me to help address any initial concerns they may have, talk about proper socialization, positive training methods and so much more! This program has been long in the making and is finally starting this month. Every consult will be custom fit to that puppy and his individual needs.  The consult will be held at Russell. The goal is to help new puppy owners get informative, helpful tips that will guide them through the confusing, sometimes frustrating, but always fun job of raising a puppy. It will not replace a training class, but will help get owners and puppies started on the right paw until they can get into a class. This service will hopefully expand to adult rescues too! Please contact me for more information on this program. Keep your eyes peeled for more exciting news from NMBDT and as always, happy training! |
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Helen Nicholls, CPDT-KA, CDBC: Posted on Monday, March 07, 2011 4:15 PM
Life is getting harder and harder for dogs. They are being forced out of public places, locked away, and even euthanized because of one thing, us. We are the sole reason for so many bad things happening to dogs, and if we all changed a few aspects in our lives with our dogs, maybe life would get a little easier for them. Training, owner-education, management, and responsibility are the answer to having a society that co-exists happily with dogs.  Training a dog takes work, believe me, I do it every day with some very naughty dogs. However, I do know this - that it can be done. Training your dog should be the most important priority next to getting proper vet care. Learning how to communicate with your dog in an effective and positive way sets you and your dog up for a lifetime of success. Not only that, but training opens doors to your dogs mind, and gives him something to do rather than destroy new shoes! It should start the second you bring your new puppy or dog home, and should not end with one set of classes. You should try to always be teaching your dog something new, like a fun trick. Not only will your friends be impressed, your dog will have mental stimulation and a strong bond with you.  Owner education sort of goes along with training our dogs, but as many of my clients say, "it's really more about training people than it is training dogs." That is exactly right. As a dog owner, I not only need to train my dogs, but I need to understand why I am training them, and why what I am doing works. If every dog owner knew why their dogs do what they do, and how to effectively communicate with them and help them, so many dogs would be saved. Owners also need to be aware of their dogs psychological and physical development, so that they understand why puppies need puppy classes, or why they chew everything in sight for the first few months of life. Talk with local trainers, ask your vet, and read dog training books by qualified professionals in the field! Management and responsibility can be any number of things when it comes to dog ownership, but it basically means, keep your dog and other people safe. Do not let your dog off leash in areas that aren't designated or permitted. Pick up after your dog when they go to the bathroom on your neighbor's lawn. Make sure your dog is up to date with vaccines and medical care. Sounds simple, but it's amazing how many people don't do it, which brings me to my final point.  If all of us dog owners and lovers did even a small part of some of the things mentioned here, dogs may not have to die every day because of our mistakes. Being a good representation of a responsible dog owner is the best thing you can do for your dog because it shows that dogs can and do mesh well in society. If every dog owner picked up after their dog, there may be more public areas for them to play. If every dog owner got their dog proper training and learned how to communicate with them appropriately and without violence, there may be less dogs being euthanized for bad behavior. Making the world a better place for dogs and for dog owners is up to us, and it's about time that we got started trying to show people how great dogs can be! |
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Helen Nicholls, CPDT-KA, CDBC: Posted on Monday, February 28, 2011 6:01 PM
I had a thought this morning after receiving an email from a past client, thanking me for my help when she and her family came to the conclusion that the dog they had adopted did not fit into their family. I realized that I really should address something that many trainers may think of as career suicide - the fact that some cases don't or can't always be fixed. Here is what she wrote -  "Hi Helen! It was so nice to see you at For Love of Animals! I can never express how much it meant to us to have you helping us with Toby and supporting us when we realized we could not keep him. That has to be one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make and I cannot thank you enough for being there for us. People do need to see both sides and know that sometimes it is ok to let go, when you have tried hard and done the right things. It doesn't make it easier, but helps to know others have gone thru it and been glad with their efforts and decision. I think it helps to know there are trainers out there who won't force you into making the wrong decision for you, but will work with you and help you, no matter how things go. That was huge for me-that you did not make me feel inadequate, like a quitter, or like a fickle pet owner who simply changed her mind when the going got rough. That was truly a fear of mine, that you would look at me and say "You took him, now you deal with him." I don't know that I could have! The jumping, the anxiety, the hyperness, yes, I could deal. It was his behavior toward my kiddo that I could not deal with. How on earth would I  have felt if he bit her in the face because I could not let go??? So, yeah I am rambling and I am sorry, but thank you so much and if using our story helps others, go for it!!!!!
We would recommend you to anyone, we have recommended you, in fact, based on the help you gave us. Thank you for what you did for us!!!!
Thanks for your email, your support and what you do for our lovable dogs!!!! You are appreciated! Hope to see you again sometime, God bless, Margaret" The media, and certain TV shows can make many people think that with the wave of a magic wand, a couple of simple tasks, and in around 30 minutes, PRESTO, their family dog is fixed 100%. The truth is, this is far from a reality. Modifying a dog's behavior takes lots of patience, consistency, and effort from all parties involved. Most times the results are wonderful, but I would be lying if I said that all cases have a happy ending where dog and family live together in peace and harmony. Is it often? No. But it does happen. Either due to the fact that the dog's behavior is not compatible with the family it lives with, or because the family's lifestyle does not support the type of behavior modifcation required to have both dog and family live in harmony. The behavior problem can vary from aggression to anxiety to simply that the dog has more energy than the family can cope with at this time. My job as a trainer is not to pass judgement on why the family is making this choice, or make a family feel like they have failed; it is to help find an appropriate solution to these cases that both dog and family feel comfortable with, because (as I tell the clients) I don't have to live in the situation - they do. As a side note, Toby is doing great in his new home, and although he still has some of his quirks, he is in a situation and living enviroment that his new owners can help work with him and manage it as needed. Thus setting Toby up for success and not failure, which is the most important thing of all. I also want to thank Margaret and her family for being brave enough to allow me to share their story. Although it isn't what most people would label a "happy ending" I think it is pretty close, because both dog and people are happy and stable, and that is what it's all about. |
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Helen Nicholls, CPDT-KA, CDBC: Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 8:44 PM
 My husband took this picture of myself, my 7 month old daughter, and one of our dogs Atlas on a stroll this afternoon. It's a great photo of the three of us, but looking at it reminded me of how hard both my husband and I worked to get to this point. As a licensed Dogs and Storks presenter, and as a Licensed Dog and Baby Connections presenter, I educate expecting families on how to help prepare their dog for the arrival of a baby. I also assist families after the birth in helping the dog adjust through the many stages of development babies and young children go through. Teaching proper supervision techniques, body language, and management skills that are imperative in helping both dog and baby grow up together safely and happily. I had to employ these skills with my three dogs in my own family through my pregnancy and now through the development of my daughter as she grows from a tiny newborn to a toddler. The amount of work it took to get Atlas to walk on a leash next to the stroller and be able to withstand distractions was no easy task. It is these minor everyday adjustments that the dog will have to make that many families do not think of and sometimes struggle with after the baby is born. Dogs that chase, dogs that bark, dogs that like to constantly be in your lap... these all seem fine and livable (and to some owners even funny) until a baby is in the house. The proof is in the pudding as they say. The hard work that we have done and still do everyday is making raising a baby with dogs an absolute joy. There are certainly challenges, but knowing how to work through them appropriately and safely is crucially important. It takes work, but it can be done and it is so worth it! I can't wait to see what the future will bring and hope that one day it will be my daughter educating people on building lasting relationships with dogs based on trust, respect, and friendship. If you or someone you know is pregnant, has a baby or young child, and needs advice on how to help prepare their dog for their new baby, please contact me via email or phone! I would be delighted to help! Please visit my Dogs and Storks page for more information or call for upcoming workshop dates. |
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Helen Nicholls, CPDT-KA, CDBC: Posted on Monday, February 21, 2011 5:19 PM
 The hardest time of year for dogs has to be winter. It's cold, it's icy, and we humans can't stand the thought of going for a 2 mile walk with our dog when the wind chill is so cold your eyes freeze over. Dogs end up sitting indoors desperate for some way to release their pent up energy, and we usually find that they do it by chewing, barking, running madly throughout the house, or generally being much pushier for attention than usual. What's worse is when you finally do decide to take your beloved dog out for a walk, he is so excited and full of beans, that you run the risk of ending up in a full body cast from being dragged in the snow and ice. Well, here are some tips to help you and your furry friend survive until spring. Firstly, get the right tools to walk your dog with. If your dog is a puller already, it will be very dangerous to walk him on icy roads and sidewalks. Although a leash a collar might be fine for general control, it is not the best tool for getting an immediate handle on the pulling and giving you some control back while on your walk. There are many different tools made now to reduce pulling dogs, like the Gentle Leader or Easy Walk Harness by Premier. Both aid in giving you quick control over your dog safely. There are other tools out there too, and I suggest researching and finding the right one for your dog. If you don't know where to start, ask at your local pet store, and consult your veterinarian or trainer. I also highly suggest taking a class or meeting with a trainer to work on loose leash walking to help you and your dog enjoy walking together! Next, there's what to do inside the house on those days that are impossible to go out in. Games like tug of war, hide and seek, or fetch are great options for you and your dog to play when you are both struck with cabin fever. Tug of war is simple, but should be controlled, and broken up with mini obedience sessions in between. Hide and seek is a great game for families and couples. Have someone in the house go hide in a room behind a bed or chair with a great treat or toy, and call the dog. The other person then encourages the dog to go find them and when the dog does, he gets a big reward. Then start over with the other person. Gradually hide in harder places to find, like in closets. This will also really help your recall too! Fetch is easy, but some dogs just aren't into it. However, you can toss low calorie treats, like cheerios, down a long hallway for your dog to chase and eat. A few reps of that usually tires them out a little. Furthermore, remember to have some interactive toys, like Kongs, on rotation to give your dog something to do! Fill your Kong with wet dog food and freeze it, or use healthy leftovers mixed with dry kibble. You can also get creative with your dog and take an old empty milk jug, poke some holes in it and put some kibble in that for him to work on. The point is, anything that relieves him of boredom is going to relieve you too. However, I will make a point to mention that if you are going to be giving your dog a treat filled toys, and he will not be getting as much exercise, you can use his regular meal rations mixed in with the treats or cut back on his daily food, so he does not put weight on during the winter.  If all else fails, and you are at your wits end, enroll your dog in doggie daycare or hire a dog walker to get you through the season. It doesn't have to be every day, but just a couple of times per week can make a world of difference in your dogs demeanor, because they are getting the exercise they so desperately need! |
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Helen Nicholls, CPDT-KA, CDBC: Posted on Sunday, February 13, 2011 7:27 PM
 It doesn't take more than a second for someone to answer one of the reasons they love their dog so much, so this week, I thought I would share some of the wonderful things dogs do for us in our lives. These come from not only my personal experiences in living with my own dogs, but from my daily interactions with clients and their dogs. The first thing that dogs give us that really isn't hard to guess, is unconditional love and friendship. Dogs have been with living with man for over 10,000 years. There is even a burial site where a man and dog were buried together, which dates back nearly 12,000 years ago. Though there are many theories as to how we became such good friends (hunting, survival, or protection) there is no doubt that the bond between mankind and dogs is unlike that of any other two species on the planet. Dogs give us a kind of love that cannot be found anywhere else. It is a partnership of loyalty and affection that has kept our bond so strong for thousands of years. Dogs don't judge us. They could care less what we look like in the morning, or how we dress. Dogs also find joy in everything! Every morning is like Christmas morning to them, and every mealtime like Thanksgiving dinner. They can't wait for us to walk through the door just so they can greet us, and going for a walk with us is one of the best things in life. Dogs find joy in even the smallest things, and are happy to celebrate anything that seems to make us happy. One of my favorite things about dogs is their ability to make us laugh. Whether you find it disgusting or not, the things dogs enjoy in life are sometimes downright humorous. Why my dogs find rolling in something dead delightful I will never fully understand, but I have to laugh when I watch them do it because I cannot possibly comprehend why they find this activity to delectable. Dogs that drink from the toilet, shred newspapers, or raid trash cans to me are sometimes the best dogs around, because they give you memories you will never forget! I will never forget coming home to the mess my shepherd puppy created out of boredom, and I still laugh about it to this day. It is a memory that will outlive him and keep him forever in my heart. Enjoy your dogs crazy antics (up to a point of course) because one day you will look back and laugh thinking "what I wouldn't give to have him doing that right now." Lastly, something else I love dearly about dogs is their ability to change in order to benefit us. Humans ask so much of dogs. We ask them to live indoors, not bark, jump, bite, and to walk perfectly with us on a leash. We ask them to behave at all times, and get along well with everyone and everything; whether human or other animal. All of this in return for love. We can mistreat them in the worst ways possible, but they will still take the deal. They will gladly lay beside us when we sleep, dance with us in the rain, and make us feel better when we are down. They accept our crazy demands and love us still, without hesitation. It is such a gift that we have been given and we take it for granted every day. So today, take a moment and look at your dog. Before throwing him the ball, or taking him on a walk, or even feeding him dinner, look deep into his eyes and say thank you. |
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Posted on Monday, February 07, 2011 10:37 AM
I am bringing this subject up because of all the recent snow we have gotten and also because of numerous phone calls I have received from worried parents about their family dogs behavior when their children are sledding. So I thought I would address the issue here to educate people on the subject and hopefully prevent accidents from occurring. From your dogs perspective. We have to remember that dogs are predatory animals, and although most don't act on that instinct all the time, it still lies there, sometimes appearing in the form of enjoying chasing the ball, or shaking a stuffed toy when it squeaks. These behaviors are dumbed down versions of predatory behavior, that humans have redirected into playful games. However, it is not uncommon for even the most docile family pet to see a squirrel and take chase, or even sometimes kill a small animal. As humans, we are horrified, but in actuality, it's all part of being a dog. Some dogs are much more predatory than others, either because of breed, or just because of their characteristics. Therefore, considering all that, let's look at why some dogs may chase, bark at, or sometimes even bite a child on a sled. A child screaming down a hill, moving very fast, with bright colored hats with pom poms, gloves, and even a scarf waving in the wind looks very appealing to a dog. The kids are also low to the ground and because of all the winter apparel they have on, they are a different silhouette and shape too. This looks like a lot of fun to a dog. Allowing your dog to chase after the kids while they are sledding can spell disaster. Many dogs do fine at first, happily running next to them, but some get over-stimulated and begin grabbing at the children with their mouths. This can turn into a dangerous game, especially if the child then screeches and pulls away. This then can seem like a reinforcement to the dog ("hey, we're playing tug!") and the grabbing and biting can escalate. The more a dog practices this behavior, the worse it can get. Your dog may do beautifully the first couple of sledding trips, but then start to get more and more excited over each trip, and soon he is a nightmare. Chasing and biting at the children, then barking nonstop if he's on a leash and restrained from the "fun." Then the dog is simply left at home and out of the winter wonderland fun with the family. So what can you do? Here are some things I suggest when you first take your dog with you and the children are going to go sledding. Firstly, bring some delicious treats and a fun toy for your dog. Secondly, have your dog on a leash and collar at a safe and comfortable distance for both you and him. When the children start sledding, ask your dog to do some obedience exercises and reward him plentifully for staying focused. You can allow him to look at the kids, but then redirect him back to you and reward him for doing so. Long down-stays are great, and even giving him a stuffed Kong to play with helps keep him busy during the commotion while still keeping everything positive. After a few minutes, retire your dog to his crate in the car and cover it with a blanket so he doesn't see things through the window and get over excited. You can give him something yummy to enjoy during this time too. As your dog gets better and calmer around sledding children, you can start increasing his exposure time. Something that parents should also remember is to make sure that if other children want to approach your dog, that they act appropriately and do not crowd your dog. If it seems like your dog is uncomfortable with their strange shaped clothing, or even overly excited by it all, be an advocate for him and simply tell the children that your dog would rather not be petted right now. It may be difficult, but it is best for both you and him. There are many other tips you can use to help your dog, and these are some suggestions. As always, consult help of a qualified trainer if you feel that your dogs behavior is a problem or if you are having difficulty controlling your dog. We are here to help! |
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