Tuesday June 22

February 12, 2002 - June 5th, 2010

Some sad news to report, Jackson, Harvey's 81/2 year old Rottweiler passed away on June 5th due to cancer. Jackson appeared on several episodes of the show and was truly an amazing dog.
He will be sorely missed by everyone here at BPEC and of course all those who met him, both human and canine, but at least he won't be alone in Doggy Heaven- he has been reunited with his pals Max, Dez and Mia.

On a brighter note, I am very excited to be shortly launching my new Hustle Up™ Puppy Line. Essentially it is still the martingale style of training collar and 6 foot leash, but, it is smaller, fitting necks 4-8", the chain portion is lighter and the width being only 1/2" wide. Hard to imagine any dog fitting in it, but I know there are a lot of you out there with either puppies or the toy breeds:)

It will be available in both red and blue design, but not for another few weeks.

Other news:

If you havn't read some of the other posts, I will be in Toronto on July 3rd as Honorable Chairperson for the Canadian Cancer Societies Bark for Life Run/Walk.
For information on how to participate with your canine buddy, please click here. Its a great cause and will be tons of fun!

I will be returning to Ontario on July 17 and 18th, Hamilton to be exact, for a Weekend Workshop where you can bring your dog! To pay/register for your spot, click here.

Viewer question of the week:

Q: Brad: My boyfriend, Chris, got me a flat coat retriever about a year ago named Rex. Rex has gone to training classes and passed both classes. Rex is rather over excited dog. He lives to jump on people and use them as a chew toy.
 
When Rex sees another dog he'll run towords them and does not listen when we call him. He listens when he really wants to but most of them time he doesn't.
 
When Rex does something bad Chris and myself punish him but my sister always says good boy or call him and pay attention to him.
I keep telling her that she shouldn't be doing that but she won't listen plus she loves to give him treats and allows him to get away with everything.
 
Chris at times can't deal with Rex and gets really frustrated with it.
 
What can Chris and myself do to get Rex to listen to us?
 
Thank You,
 
Nickky.

A: Dear Nikki,

I am surprised first off that your dog passed both classes, if it jumps on people and doesn't come when asked...hmmm... I would first rethink what a pass truly means or is the standard of the training that low. 

With your sister I would tell her the dog is off limits if she will not abide by your rules. It may be a tough thing for you to do but I am sure you would have no problem telling a stranger to bugger off. Tell your sister the same thing. Your particular breed of pup is still in the puppy stage. Get Rex onto the umbilical training starting by working a couple hours a day and start to impliment no talking to Rex for the next couple of weeks. You are on the right track about not using treats for training so give yourself a hug on that one. Take a look through the Certified Educator Trainers Page to find a proper trainer in your area, you will need that for sure.

Understand your dog my not settle down for a few years. Celebrate your dogs crazy antics and do not get mad, get help so you stay happy. Lots of dog buddies and socialization on top of everything.

Cheers, Brad