Never before has there been more information and resources available to help pet parents live harmoniously with their canine companions. If you surf the net you will discover thousands of training Web sites; the dog training section in bookstores and libraries is inundated with new titles every month; and dog training is a regular weekly feature on some television channels. However, you know what they say about a little knowledge. It’s dangerous, and incomplete and inaccurate information is even worse.

Where has all this abundance of conflicting and misleading information taken us? On one hand it has prompted many people to make more out of things that are really just normal dog behavior in certain circumstances. I receive many calls from concerned puppy parents about their aggressive 12-week-old puppy, only to determine the puppy is just exhibiting normal puppy behavior on its way to learning bite inhibition. And then there are the pet parents who feel their dog is showing dominance by jumping up on them to greet them, and they want to show him they’re the pack leaders like Cesar says. Uggggh. If I had a nickel for every time that term is over or incorrectly used I’d be rich! Well, okay, at least these pet parents are trying to be proactive and prevent issues before they become serious problems, and that’s certainly a good thing.

Unfortunately I also get calls from people whose dogs are struggling with very serious behavior issues like severe aggression but have unrealistic expectations of fixing those problems. Why? Well, they saw a dog with the exact same issue on TV and that dog was fixed in one episode! Make no mistake about it, behavior modification takes time, patience and consistency. There is no quick fix or magic to it, only the magic of television. Having been on the boob tube myself, let me state unequivocally right here and now that you can’t always believe what you see on television, and reality television is anything but real, it’s meant to be entertainment. Even if the genre is supposed to be public education, make no mistake about it, the show still needs to be entertaining. After all, if no one is watching, the show won’t get any sponsors to pay for it! Additionally, everything you see may not have happened in exactly the way it’s been presented, or in the same sequence, or even on the same day!

And what about follow up? Did the owners continue with the behavior modification? Has the dog continued to improve or has he reverted back to old habits? Rarely, if ever, are any of those questions answered on any of the television training shows. We’re presented with quick glimpses that end with the trainer closing up his or her computer or getting in his or her car and driving away. Happy ending? Maybe. Hopefully. But those profound and quick changes we’re presented can be extinguished just as quickly if there is no consistency in the training and behavior modification to follow.

And then there’s the subject of dog training methods. Even if the show instructs the viewers “not to try this at home,” overzealous owners will do so anyway, which can have disastrous and downright dangerous results. I know more than a few people who’ve been bitten when attempting to physically overpower or dominate their dog, like they saw the trainer do on TV. I am always hopeful that most will listen to the part of the disclaimer that tells the viewer to “contact a professional” first.

That’s where I come in.

While I may not agree with or use the same methods a television dog trainer uses, if his or her show helps make people aware of their dog’s behavior and gets them interested in training, that’s a good thing. If it prompts someone to pick up the phone and call me, all the better! Once I get them in the door, I’ll get my chance to show them how real dog training and behavior modification works.

What do you think about TV dog training shows?

What kind of TV dog training show would you like to see?

• Those Greatest American Dogs – 1 Year Later – Where Are They Now?
• Oh Mickey, You’re So Fine
• A Day at a NYC Dog Run
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• Handling the Hair of Many Dogs

Andrew and I, are pleased to announce the winner of the Dogster Dogsterrific Dog Park Contest! The prize goes to Veterans Park in Hamilton, NJ. The dog park was nominated by Arden Townsend because of its wonderful offerings such as agility equipment, a water fountain, and a separate area for small and large dogs.

Says Arden, “My husband and I, and more importantly our animals, love going to Veteran’s Park. We can take advantage of all the facilities including the trails, picnic areas, and especially the dog park. This fun and well-maintained facility has securely fenced separate areas for big and small dogs and features plenty of room to run, agility obstacles, a doggy water fountain, and benches for the people. We have made many friends – both two-legged and four-legged at the park. Our dogs love it – they start getting excited as soon as well pull into the parking lot. We have visited a couple other dog parks in the area, but they fall short of the standard set by Veteran’s Park. A good dog park should be a place where you feel comfortable and welcome. Veteran’s Park is such a place.

Arden Townsend”

As the winner, Veterans Park will receive a wonderful care package from Dogster including brand new, shiny water bowls, and a surprise visit from Andrew and me very soon! We can’t wait! Congratulations Veteran’s Park!

• TV Dog Training – Helping or Hurting?
• At Long Last, FINALLY the AKC says Mixed Breeds Can Play!
• Oh Mickey, You’re So Fine
• A Day at a NYC Dog Run
• It’s Ring Time!

Ever since its formation in 1884, the American Kennel Club (AKC) has banned mixed breed dogs from being registered and competing in any of its performance events. Last week, after several years of contemplation, the non profit organization finally announced its plans to implement a Mixed Breed program allowing mixed, hybrid, and breeds not recognized by its registry to become registered and compete in obedience, agility and rally events. Mixed breeds will not be able to compete in conformation events, the “beauty pageant” type shows you see most often on television.

Well, it took 125 years, but I guess as they say, better late than never. Or maybe not. The proposed program is receiving mixed reviews and at best has garnered a cool reception by many mixed breed dog parents. While mixed breeds will be able to compete, they will be entered in a different class, separate from the purebred AKC breeds and will only be competing against other mixed breed entries. Additionally, the mixed breeds will earn different titles, identified by a -M suffix. In other words, the AKC Companion Dog (CD) title will be designated CD-M when a mixed breed dog earns it. This has become a major bone of contention for some. Says one mixed breed owner, “the AKC has always been elitist. They just don’t want some mixed breed showing up their precious dog with the champion bloodlines.”

Adds another, “They still want to treat our dogs like second class citizens. I can just imagine how they’ll treat us.” But there are others who are looking forward to the chance to finally enter their dog in an AKC trial.

One owner beamed, “I have both a Labrador and a Heinz 57. I can’t wait to enter them both in the same trial.”

There are other venues that have been welcoming mixed breeds in their performance events for quite a while, like the APDT, UKC, USDAA, and ASCA, but because of its size and prevalence, the AKC offers many more trials throughout remote areas of the country, making it the only game in town for some.

Registration opens up in October, and the registered dogs will be invited to start competing in April 2010. Time will tell whether or not mixed breed owners embrace this program. I know if I had a mixed breed I’d be one of the first to sign up! Although they’ll be in a different class, the mixed breed dogs will still be judged in the same ring, under the same judge and criteria. And when it comes to performance events, it’s all about the scores. How cool would it be for the mixed breeds to outscore the purebreds? I say, GAME ON!

I’d love to hear from mixed breed dog owners out there. What do you think about the AKC implementing this program? Will you register your dog and compete in its events? Do you think putting the mixed breeds in a different class is a slap in the face?

• TV Dog Training – Helping or Hurting?
• And the Winner is … Veterans Park!
• Oh Mickey, You’re So Fine
• A Day at a NYC Dog Run
• Behind the Scenes at the Westminster Dog Show

Andrew and I really wanted Mickey Rourke to win this year’s Oscar for Best Actor. His portrayal of Randy “The Ram” in The Wrestler was so heartwarming, and you could tell he poured every bit of his heart and soul into the performance, but more importantly, he’s really into dogs! Maybe Sean Penn has a dog(s) too, but we researched and couldn’t find a thing. So our guess is probably not. One thing is certain, you can’t get through an article about or interview with Mickey Rourke that doesn’t mention his pups! He thanked them in his Golden Globe acceptance speech. He is almost always accompanied by one of them on the red carpet, most notably his beloved sidekick Loki who recently passed away, may she run in peace. So Mickey’s not just a dog owner, he’s a dog lover. His dogs are a part of who he is and everything he does.

Rourke about Loki: “She’s the love of my life. She made it until six days ago. She left me at a time where, after 18 years, she knew I’d be all right.”

If I were keeping score that would make it Mickey Rourke, perfect 10, Sean Penn, zero.

And as if he needed any more points, have you seen Mickey’s dogs? He’s a big, burly guy, former boxer and proclaimed Hollywood bad boy. What kind of dog would you imagine him to have? Well I will confess when I heard his Golden Globe speech and imagined his dogs, I pictured Rottweilers, Boxers, Pit Bulls, Bulldogs or anything “bull.” Not so. Much to my delight his menagerie includes Chihuahuas and various Chi mixes, all small dogs, and some of whom wear clothes and jeweled collars. You go, Mickey! To me, it takes a strong, confident guy, secure in his own manhood to publicly display his love for his “girly dog.” In my book, that’s a slam dunk, home run and a touch down all wrapped up in one making Mickey Rourke the winner by a landslide.

While it’s probably not fair to favor celebrities with pets over all the others, on the other hand, I believe people who share their lives with animals have specific qualities that set them apart from the rest. It takes selflessness. When you get home from a hard day’s (or night’s) work and want to just plop down on the couch and kick up your feet, if you share your life with a dog or demanding cat, this is rarely an option. They want and need your attention and because you love them, you comply. It definitely takes some latitude and compromise in many areas. Let’s talk about housekeeping. Animals have no regard for cleanliness, this we know. Let’s be honest, dogs can be smelly at times, and sometimes downright foul. They sometimes drool and don’t care where it falls, like to roll in yucky things, lick their private parts and eat things off the floor. While cats are viewed as cleaner, ask any doctor and he or she will tell you that their mouths contain the most germs and bacteria of any domesticated animal. If a cat bites you, it’s almost a sure bet you’ll need a tetanus shot. And litter boxes? Enough said. So let’s just say, animal lovers, by design, are a lot less uptight when it comes to spilled milk, literally.

But all in all, I’d say the celebrities with pets are perhaps the most open and approachable as well. During the past two or three months I’ve seen Mickey Rourke in more photos and interviews than I could ever count. He even stops to talk to TMZ! As for Sean Penn, we all know how he views the paparazzi. He’s gotten into more than a few high profile scuffles with them. Who can blame him? They certainly are more than annoying, however Mr. Penn has also been known to snub fans as well. One thing I’ve found that unifies pet lovers is our willingness to talk about our pets. In fact, we seize almost every opportunity. Unfortunately, this doesn’t translate to questions about human children, particularly with celebrities. Most of them are far too guarded about them, and rightfully so. However when it comes to their pets, we have an “in.” It comes at no surprise that in nearly every interview I’ve seen with Mickey Rourke, he is asked about his dogs. Smart move, journalists! As for Sean Penn, et al, you’re on your own!

Which celebrities do you feel are the best dog parents?

• TV Dog Training – Helping or Hurting?
• Those Greatest American Dogs – 1 Year Later – Where Are They Now?
• Let’s Make Every Week Bite Prevention Week!
• And the Winner is … Veterans Park!
• At Long Last, FINALLY the AKC says Mixed Breeds Can Play!

I have to be honest and admit I’m not a huge fan of dog parks, in general. In theory the concept started out as a very good idea. Who wouldn’t want to give dogs an opportunity to run, play and interact with each other? However, in practice the concept hasn’t always translated quite so well. But on my most recent trip to New York City with Andrew, our good friends David and Elvis convinced us to accompany them to their favorite dog run, as they are called in the Big Apple.

If New York is a city with a million stories, I’d be willing to bet at least half of those stories are about dogs! You can’t get more than a block without passing someone with one, two or more dogs in tow. The day we arrived at the dog run, it was packed. And though the Westminster Dog Show was a few blocks away at Madison Square Garden, you’d have thought it was going on right there in Stuyvesant Square Park. There were Frenchies, Aussies, Goldens, Labs, Shepherds, Terriers, Poodles, Bichons, and lots of good old Heinz 57’s too. Large, small, and in between, all thrown in together, oh my!

Andrew was his usual independent self, sniffed around, and then found a group of other little dogs to hang out and trade butt sniffs with. After he’d had his fill, I sat him on the bench with me and sat back and observed. What I witnessed was some of the dogs having a lot of fun, some dogs behaving completely inappropriately, some dogs practically holding up neon signs declaring they didn’t want to be there, and some dogs barely avoiding physical injury at every turn. But what I saw the most was a bunch of owners who were completely uninvolved and oblivious to anything their dogs were doing or trying to tell them. And therein lies the problem with dog parks – the humans!

The dogs that do the best in an off leash environment are the ones with humans who remain involved and supervise all interactions. The dog park shouldn’t be a place where your dog learns how to ignore you, but rather a place where the two of you can share in the experience of dog and human play! A dog that interacts appropriately with other dogs and remains aware and attentive to his human will have the best dog park experience ever!

Let’s hear about your dog park experiences, good and bad. How do you rate your local dog park?

• Those Greatest American Dogs – 1 Year Later – Where Are They Now?
• TV Dog Training – Helping or Hurting?
• Is Your Dog Park the Best? Enter the Dogsterrific Dog Park Contest!
• Yo Stumpy, You Did It!
• 2009 Westminster Dog Show… If We Picked the Winners

At no other time in recent history has it been more exciting to be a dog and dog lover than right now. We have an insatiable curiousity about everything canine, and that’s what this new blog is all about.
As two of the stars on the hit CBS reality show Greatest American Dog, Andrew and I certainly know how to take chances and have a good time! We’ve been very fortunate to have participated in many different dog activities together both before and since GAD, and that’s what has been instrumental in enhancing our relationship. Now we’re making it our business to share the wealth and report all the latest news in the world of conformation show dogs, agility, obedience, rally, flyball, and even exotic dog sports like skijoring and lure coursing. But that’s not all. We’ll also give you the inside scoop in dog entertainment and even some juicy celebrity and show dog gossip such as, have the President and his family already chosen the first dog? Who’s the odds on favorite to win the Westminster Dog Show this year? What A-list celebrity is starring in the next big dog movie?

If you want to find out, sit, stay and find out! Get ready, it’s Ring Time!

• TV Dog Training – Helping or Hurting?
• And the Winner is … Veterans Park!
• At Long Last, FINALLY the AKC says Mixed Breeds Can Play!
• Oh Mickey, You’re So Fine
• A Day at a NYC Dog Run