As the new owner of your pet, you may have some challenges that you were not expecting.  Even veteran pet owners can be suprised by the reactions of their new family member.  Just as any parent can tell you that no two children are the same, no two pets are the same.  We always invite you to contact us if you have any questions or difficulties.   You may e-mail questions to our professional dog trainer at training@petrescuebyjudy.com.   We are also happy to make available this online training video,  Petvideo.com, created by the founders of Petfinder.com and Petsincredible.  As in all things, preparation is the key - watch the videos before you have a problem so that you can enjoy the days to come, enriched by the addition of your new pet.  Another wonderful resource are a series of articles found on Dog Breed Info.  They incude topics such as Separation Anxiety, Housebreaking, Jumping Up, Transforming The Rescue Dog and Leash Training.  Read them all ~ you'll be glad you did!

And, of course, we strongly encourage all dog owners to enroll in obedience classes and to take their dogs with them!  Most Petsmart and Petco locations offer classes in the store.  In addition, we count ourselves fortunate to have several dog trainers who work closely with both us and our adopting families.  We unhesitatingly recommend the following trainers:

Bark Busters ~ Bark Busters trainers come to the owner's home where a dog is more relaxed and not distracted by other dogs in a group setting, and, thus, the dog learns quicker. Owners are taught how to train their dogs through the use of voice tones and body language, all geared toward putting the owner in control through effective leadership.  The one-time fee comes with a lifetime warranty ~ should there ever be a new or recurring problem, a Bark Busters trainer will come work with you and your dog free of charge.  www.barkbusters.com

Bowser College ~ "Training both ends of the leash"  That's the motto of Susan Kendrick.  Her goal is to help humans and dogs live a happy, content life together.  Both individual and group classes, in your home or at the school, are available. 321-689-2239  www.bowsercollege.com

Pack Life K-9 Behavior Solutions ~  Recognizing that dogs communicate through energy and body language, Todd will show you how to change your dog's behavior using these techniques garnered through the study of packs.  Todd has trained with an apprentice of the Dog Whisperer.    407-913-2750 todd@ocpacklife.com  www.ocpacklife.com

University of Doglando ~ With many years of exprience in dog training, behavior modification and managment, Teena offers both individual and group classes, along with opportunities to socialize your dog with others.  407-574-3160  info@universityofdoglando.com  www.universityofdoglando.com

Outside of the classroom, you may have an occasional question that you would like answered.  Precious, a dog trainer who works with Search and Rescue dogs, has made herself available to answer these questions.  You may e-mail her at training@petrescuebyjudy.com.  You will find some questions others have asked and the answers listed below.  We hope that this service leads to a happier home environment for you, your family, and your pet.  And, as always, thank you for supporting Pet Rescue By Judy!

Ralph is an 18 month old Bassett Hound/Black Lab mix, and he is a chewer.  Last week he ate three shoes (don't tell me to put my shoes away - I already know that).  Yesterday he laid on the couch and ate a decorative pillow while 14 teenage girls were gathered around a table in the same room.  I just walked into my bedroom to find him laying on the bed chewing my reading glasses.  Also, when he plays he likes to nip - he gets a bit of skin between his front teeth and nips down - very sweet..... I'm open to ideas. - Holly R.
Well, first off he is a Bassett, some say the untrainable, but not so - they just need a little more attention than most other dogs. The chewing is a problem with most dogs. it just means they are bored.  Find him  a toy or a good big bone that he really enjoys then pick out a spot just for him. Then watch him like a hawk. When you catch him chewing give him a firm "NO" (only 1 or 2 no's; you are mom - don't repeat yourself) grab him by the collar and pull him over to his spot and give him his toy/bone and give him a good boy! This will teach him that his toy/bone is a good thing and chewing on anything else is bad!  As for the nipping when he does it very quickly grap his collar pull it down (his head should go down too) and say "NO" you can even follow that up with a "SIT" (remember you are in charge so mean it when you say it and DON'T repeat yourself). Good luck with Ralph! - Precious

We just got a year old a small terrier mix about 6 1/2 pounds.  He is really good, except for a few problems that we are already noticing and we would like your help.  First, we have noticed that if he is lying next to any of us and another member of the family gets near, he starts to bark and growl at them, like he is protecting his sleeping partner.  He has done it to each member of the family, depending on who he is next to at  the time. What we have done is put him on his back to show that he needs to be submissive to us, and we have been telling him "no".  Is that the correct way of handling it? Also, when we leave for work we have been putting him in the screen room.  He starts pawing at the window and barking constantly.  Should we crate him inside the house instead?  We also have the same problem with him barking all hours of the night.  Lastly, we have 3 indoor cats that do not seem to like his hyperness.  He seems to just want to play, and they have been standing their ground and hissing at him, sometimes even chasing him down.  Are the cat trying to show him that they were there first, and that he needs to submit to them, or do you think that they just need more time to cozy up to him. - Nicole B.
You are absolutely doing the right thing by rolling him over when he growls and giving him a no! As long as it is the person he growled at! He is a possessive dog and he views his sleeping buddy as a toy. I do think your should crate him in the house while you are away. It is weird but dogs actually like to be confined in smaller areas than big. Make sure you get a crate that he can: get in completely, stand fully up - no hunching) and that he can turn around. The night problem is hard but put him in the crate at night in your room if you would like (you don't have to) then tell him "good night" or "it's bed time" something along those lines then cover the crate with a blanket so he can't see. He might protest for a week or two but keep on it and be consistent and it will pay off. As for the cats since he is about there size let them fight it out! Only step in if it gets too bad, some one has to come out on top or it will ever stop!

I have a pit/chow mix, his name is Marley and he is 7 years old.  Marley seems to be a very nervous dog.  He whines constantly and barks a any and every little noise, a lot of the time it's noises my husband or I can't even hear.  We don't know what to do about the excessive barking and all the whining.  Do you have any suggestions?  Just so you know our situation, we live in a quiet neighborhood, on a golf course, and we have one other dog (Booker - an equally loveable, 3 year old lab/shepherd mix), and we also have two cats.  All the animals get along.  Marley, of course, is the alpha dog and tends to guard the food and boss the others around from time to time but he is never mean or aggressive with them, he is a very gentle and loving dog and we'd love to be able to help him relax and be happier.  Thank you so much for any suggestions you may have. - Jen T.
Nervousness can be brought on by many things, past experiences or even just the personalty of the dog. Make sure he has a routine - that is very important. You might look into building his confidence; he may be the boss at your house but he isn't too sure about anything else. To build confidence in a dog it is as easy as teaching him a game like fetch for just you and him (no other dogs), nightly walks with just him, or, my recommendation, obedience training. He may be a good dog and not need it but just to do it will give him one-on-one time he needs. You can even take it a step further and do agility training. There is also a homeopathic remedy called "Rescue Remedy" that can calm his nerves (only for a temporary fix) you can get it at any vitamin store. You might also want to stop by the library and get "Getting in Touch With Your Dog" -  it has a few more methods.  If none of these suggestions work (remember to give it time may take 6 months or more)you can talk to your vet aboutmedication for him. Try the hard way first - it is easier on your wallet and better for him! Good luck and keep me posted!  - Precious

Why won't my dog eat until I get home? - Jeanette S.
It is not just lore, it is fact that dogs are loyal. It shouldn't be a problem that your dog doesn't eat until you get home. It happens often that many dogs when kenneled while there owner is on vacation won't eat for a few days. It is programmed into them that if they don't know were their mom (alpha)is, then they will wait for her to get back to make sure everything is good before they can be content. One thing you could try is to entice him with some Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top of his food or peanut butter mixed in. If you are extremely concerned then talk to your vet. - Precious

I am fostering William and he has  to mark his territory everytime we go outside.  We don't just pee, we mark about every 15 feet.  Any ideas on how to break him of this habit? - Darlene
When you take William outside make sure he is on a leash with a choker preferably and, let him pee, then every time he lifts his leg to mark after he has already peed then pull on the lead and give him a "NO" very firm. You will have to keep at it for a while but it's a bit like "boys will be boys".   If he wasn't fix until recently he might take a few months to stop.  I think that you might want to take him for a walk around the block before you expect him to pee. Try walking him around while making him heel for about five minuts and then letting him pee right before you go inside. While making him heel, if he starts to pull on the lead, turn around and walk in the other direction while giving the lead a big tug, and when I say tug, I mean TUG with all you might! You have to let him know who is in charge! If he doesn't respond, do it harder!Eventually he will give in. But remember - don't pull on the lead unless he is. Then it's the you-pull-I'll-pull rule, and remember: make sure you pull harder! One last thing - make sure you have the collar on correctly. When you put the chain on make,  it look like a "P" so the circle of the "P" is around his neck. I hope I helped a little.  - Precious

I am fostering Jess, the Katrina Rescue.  She is 11 years old with no teeth, not alot of energy, but plenty of aggression when she wants to.  I have two other dogs, both male and young.  Recently I found out that she is very protective of me.  She follows me around the house and when people, particulary men, come over to the house she snaps at them and growls, showing her teeth.....if she had teeth.  I'm not worried about her biting anyone since she has no teeth, but this is scaring my guests and scares me too.  How do I get her to understand that my guests are not going to hurt me and get her to lighten up and not be aggresive toward them?  She is not aggressive when I take her for walks and we meet other people and/or dogs.  Thanks.  - Amanda W.
There might not be anything you can do as she is 11 years old and aggressive behavior is ingrained, especially for small dogs!  Try this: first, don't show you are afraid - it will make her worse.  Second, every time she growls at a guest, pick her up right away, roll her on her back (like holding a baby) and have your guest rub her belly - since she has not teeth she won't hurt anyone.  If she growls or snaps, tell her "No!" and don't put her down until she calms down.  If your guest is willing, have him pet her until she stops growling.  Always keep a close eye on her when she is around the other dogs - it only takes a split second for something to happen.  If she is aggressive in certain situations, like feeding, make sure they are not around.  I hope things get better for you all. - Precious

Two months ago we adopted Chloe, a Lab/Shepard mix from Judy.  We love her dearly.  She is sweet & very friendly.  But she as a problem that has us really worried.  If she hears thunder, she goes nuts.  Shaking violently, trying to squeeze under a bed or behind a couch.  She pants for hours.  She hears the storm a half hour before we can.  Her fear us unlike anything I have ever seen.  What can we do when she is in this state to help?  We can't take seeing her like this.  Sincerely, Robin & Kevin P.
Don't worry this problem is very common. I would try a product called Rescue Remedy it is a natural product that you can find in any Vitim store like GNC. Put a few drops on a cookie and maybe try crating her with a blanket over the crate. After about 10 min if the crate is making it worse then try running the washer and keeping her in the laundry room until she
calms down. If that STILL doesn't work then consult your vet for some medication but some of the medications do have side effects so be cautious, but your vet will warn you about them. I hope Cloe does better please let me know how every thing works out or if you need any more help. - Precious

We are fostering Jack who is a 2-year-old lab/shepherd mix (50 pounds).  He is a wonderful dog all around.  However, our one big problem with him is his "mouthing" when he greets people and when he is playing with us.  He does not bite down hard but it really makes us very nervous as we have two small children.  We know that Jack is not being aggressive and this is his way of being friendly and playing.  How can we stop or replace his mouthing with licking? - Daniel C.
Well, I actually have spent time with Jack.  Just to reassure you, you have nothing to worry about with him.  He comes from two breeds that are just mouth.  They will grab your hand in their mouth and just tap their teeth on it.  Strange, I know, but it just instinct.  He is probably mainly doing this to the children.  This is because they are his to protect now and play with.  That is a good thing - it means he will do anything for those kids.  Stopping it is easy: every time he is starting to be mouthy, just simply wrap your whole hand around his jaw starting from the top of his nose down, and pull his head down and say "NO!" very sternly and in a deep voice - not yelling, just loud.  If you are consistent with it, he will stop.  Give Jack a hug for me!  I love that guy!!! - Precious

I'm fostering Haley for Judy.  We've been working with her but have never got "down."  Even with a lure she will not lay down.  I've even tried the hand on her back.  With the treat down, her nose will go to the floor, but as soon as I start moving it to get her to slide down or pet her on her back, she stands up to move closer to get it.  I've had other dogs we've trained but she is the hardest to get to lay down.  Any suggestions? ~ Stephanie B.
If her sit is solid, I wouldn't bother.  Some dogs don't feel comfortable in the down position.  You can force the issue and physically make her go down and consistantly do this over and over again until she does.  If you do the down, make sure you pull her head down first; her body will follow.  Good Luck! ~ Precious

We are fostering an Australian shep mix and she constantly digs out under our fence and also pees in the house any time she gets excited or we tell her no. She is 8mths old. How do we handle this? Thanks, ~ Cathy M.
The reason she digs is she is bored. You need to give her something to do ~ try walking her around the block or playing fetch in the backyard. At 8mnths old she is like a 2 year old child ~ they need supervision. The peeing can be fixed by teaching her the sit command. Then have her sit, say, when you know she is getting excited.  The sit will give her a focus for all that energy.  Aussies are working dogs and need an outlet for all that energy.  Have fun with her. - Precious