Solutions to Behavior and Training Problems

Behavior & Training Aids

About Patricia McConnell, PhD

Patricia McConnell, Ph.D., a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, has made a lifelong commitment to improving the relationship between people and animals. She is known worldwide as an expert on canine and feline behavior and training, and for her engaging and knowledgeable books, dvd's and seminars. Patricia has seen clients for serious behavioral problems since 1988, and is an Adjunct Associate Professor in Zoology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, teaching "The Biology and Philosophy of Human/Animal Relationships." She dispenses advice on behavior problems, and information about animal behavior research, on Wisconsin Public Radio's Calling All Pets , which is heard in over 90 cities around the country.

With all the basics from potty training to socialization, this little book can prevent many serious behavioral problems and make your first year together even more fun than you ever imagined. $12.00

Written to help you maximize the joy of living in a multi-dog household, it emphasizes the use of Ethology and Positive Reinforcement to teach your dogs to be polite and patient instead of demanding and pushy. Filled with practical ideas about keeping life fun in houses that have two dogs or many more than that. $8.00

For owners of dogs who are aggressive to other dogs on leash. Chock full of practical solutions to a common problem, the ideas within will help you change an out-of-control barker, lunger and growler into a polite neighborhood citizen. $8.00

A treasure chest of ideas for keeping your dog happy in your absence, this booklet can help prevent and treat both minor and severe behavioral problems related to dogs being "home alone." $6.00

If you want to be a natural leader to your pack and teach your dog that being polite is fun, this book tells you how to be a benevolent leader and avoid aggression related to fear or dominance-- based on the way dogs communicate with each other. $4.00

How to Help Dogs Conquer Their Fears
So much aggression in dogs results from fear, but fear-based problems can become worse if treated incorrectly. This booklet provides step-by-step solutions to help you solve minor behavioral problems and prevent serious ones.
$6.00

How to Housetrain a Dog of Any Age
This clear, concise booklet can help your puppy or adult dog learn a lifetime of good habits. $4.00

The Galileo Bone is designed for large, powerful chewing dogs. Made of super-tough virgin DuPont nylon, Galileo is more than 10 times as tough as other nylon bones. Souper Size - the largest size made is 8.25". This bone lasts up to 6 months or more as a group bone in our daycare with the large dogs. We've been using Galileos at Canine Capers for over 10 years.

In 1976, Kong established "the standard" for dog toy performance and durability. Today, Kong toys are enthusiastically used and recommended by veterinarians, trainers, dog professionals and pet owners around the world.
Kong's exclusive, super bouncy, red, natural rubber compound is irresistible for most dogs. The red Kong's a designed for a typical chewer, if your dog is a more enthusiastic chewer check out the black Kong Xtreme toys.
Vets and trainers recommend stuffing the Kongs with food and treats to keep your dogs busy and deter misbehaviors. We use peanut butter to stuff kongs at Canine Capers. Made in the USA.

STRONG KONG TOYS FOR FUN, BOREDOM, OR CHEWING

The ultra-strong black Xtreme Kongs are exclusively formulated for large tenacious chewers. Used worldwide by police, drug enforcement, and military K-9 teams as well as Schutzhund and AKC competition trainers and many more. Supervised use is strongly recommended for power chewers. Made in the USA.
Kong products are the only bouncing toys durable enough for our daily daycare use. We use both red and black varieties, but black holds up well for our larger spunkier breeds!

bitter apple

GRANNICKS

NYLABONE GALILEO

Red Kongs ( for average chewers)
Small    3"     $6.95
Medium    3.5"      $9.95
Large   4.5"      $10.95
X-Large    5"     $13.95
King     6"       $16.95

Black Kongs (for aggressive chewers)
Medium    3.5"     $9.95
Large       4"        $10.95
X-Large     5"      $15.95
Ultra King      6"      $19.95

Bitter Apple Spray leaves an unpleasant yet harmless taste on your dog's fur
to discourage licking, chewing and biting. Keeps dogs from licking wounds
and hot-spots, so they have a chance to heal properly. Spray can be applied
directly to fur, hot spots, or furniture.

Bitter Apple Spray - 8 oz Bitter Apple Spray

$6.95

$17.95

$24.95

Petite size   3.75"    2 pack   $9.95
Wolf size   5.75"    $12.95
Souper size    8.25"     $22.95

...

Recommended sizes for sample breeds
Small ... Bichon, Chihuahua, Miniature Dachshund, Maltese, Min Pin, Papillon, Toy Poodle,
        Yorkie.
Medium ... Miniature Eskimo, Boston, Cairn, Jack Russell, Lhasa, Miniature Poodle, Pug,
       Schipperke, ShihTzu
Large ...  Beagle, Corgi, Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund, Scottie, Sheltie, Staffordshire Bull
       Terrier, Westie, Whippet
X-Large ... Airedale, Australian Cattle Dog and Shepherd, Basset, Border Collie, Boxer,
        Brittany,Chow, Collie, Bulldog, Golden Retriever, Husky, Setters, Keeshond, Lab, Pit Bull,
        Standard Poodle, Wheaten, Vizsla, Weimaraner
King ... Akita, Bernese, Bloodhound, BullMastiff, Chesapeake, Coonhound, Doberman,
        German Shepherd

Millions of dog owners today enjoy the benefits of stress-free walks thanks to the Gentle Leader Headcollar. Designed so that owners can communicate with their pet in a way they instinctively understand, the Gentle Leader painlessly and effectively removes the dog’s natural tendency to pull by placing gentle pressure on calming points and eliminating uncomfortable pressure on the throat. In addition to reducing a dog’s desire to pull away, the Gentle Leader is also a very effective tool in combating lunging, jumping, excessive barking and helping to calm an aggressive and/or anxious animal.

Gentle Leader ® Headcollar

The Easy Walk Harness is designed to gently discourage your dog from pulling while walking on a leash.
Wh y it works: Traditional harnesses can actually encourage dogs to pull harder because of the “opposition reflex.” That’s the reflex that makes sled dogs do what they do. The Easy Walk Harness' unique front-chest leash attachment stops pulling by tightening slightly across your dog's chest and shoulder blades. The gentle pressure steers your dog to the side and redirecting his attention back towards you. The Easy Walk Harness never causes coughing, gagging, or choking because the chest strap rests low across the breastbone, not on the delicate tracheal area.

Easy Walk ™ Harness