Frank M. Allison III, APDT Frank Allison started dog training as a very young man under the tutelage of a prestigious trainer in Oklahoma. By 1981 he and his brother Larry had their own dog training kennel where he further honed his skills. He took a four year break in 1984 when he went into military service. In 1996, fifteen years and countless trained dogs later, Frank relocated to Wisconsin and several years ago to the Big Bend area. Frank’s vast experience in dog training encompasses practical obedience, behavior problem solving, personal and professional protection canines, Schutzhund, obstacle work, search and rescue, canine service work and more.
He has specialized in training dogs with aggression and anti-social based behavior problems, in many cases being the dogs’ last hope before euthanasia. Frank has impressed clients with his work involving dog socialization including but not limited to using his personal group of dogs to encourage behavior modification. In the recent years he has worked with many breed rescue groups to rehabilitate and relocate homeless dogs.
Over the years Frank has redefined dog training methods to develop a system of “practical obedience with positive control.” He has taken the best of both main styles of dog training, compulsion and induction, and combined them into his own “Allison Method” of dog training. His common sense approach to canine communication makes it easy to see from the dogs’ point of view and combined with a “hands on” training style and a positive attitude he will help your dog and you live happily ever after. Frank offers both private and group lessons.
When you decide to add a canine companion to your life make sure it is a household decision.Coming home with a “surprise” may excite kids but your spouse or roommate may have another idea.Looking at puppies can be fun but remember that cute little fluff you’re holding in your arms will go home with you and piddle on the floors, chew up the leg of your favorite chair and cause all sorts of havoc if you’re not on top of things.
Before you choose a canine companion you need to do your homework.Are you going to use your dog for work, play or for competitive canine activities?Different breeds are known for different personality characteristics .If you are a laid back couch potato, or if you’d rather be taking a hike in the woods, you’ll want to have a dog that enjoys doing the same things you do.The size of dog, type of hair, grooming needs and cost of veterinarian care are all things you should think about.Another very important consideration is the amount and type of exercise that’s best for your breed of dog.Some of your sporting and herding breeds will not be satisfied with leash walking exercise only.They’ll need room to run loose and chase a ball or Frisbee once in awhile.Too may times that darling puppy you picked out turns out to take too much of your time, money, energy and space and then what?
I often recommend providing a loving home through adoption.Your Humane Societies try very hard to evaluate a dog so it can be placed with a suitable family.Another great avenue to explore is adoption through a rescue organization.Most of these dogs are not only evaluated and up-to-date with veterinarian care but they often live in “foster” homes for awhile and if there are any behavioral problems they can be identified ahead of time.When you take the route of adoption you often pass those stumbling blocks of house-breaking , teething, etc.Never get a canine from a “puppy mill”.
Whether you get a puppy or adult dog, a purebred or mixed breed, a large one or a small one, one thing you all need to do is train that dog.Obviously you take a different route with puppies than adults…but you still need to train and socialize your new canine companion from day one.You need to be the alpha your canine respects.
Remember;
“Every reaction you have to your dog’s action is a training experience.”
…..Frank M. Allison III
Next….bringing your new canine home.
BRINGING YOUR NEW K-9 COMPANION HOME Dog Training
Once you have picked out your new canine companion the task of bringing him home can make a person both apprehensive and excited.You want everything to go as smooth as possible so you and your dog are off to a good start.
The first thing you want to do is give your home a safety check.Dogs of all ages are notorious for their deadly desire forsweet anti-freeze that may have dripped onto the garage floor.Check the plants both in and around the house…manyare toxic to animals.If you have a fenced in yard you may want to check for “escape” holes.And remember…puppies are especially interested in chewing things they can choke on.Depending on the season, make sure you have used animal friendly fertilizer on your lawn or ice melt on your walkways.
Whether you have just adopted an older dog or a puppy you want to show your new pet his surroundings.While the dog is on a leash let him investigate the inside of the house.Show him where the water bowls will be located and show him his crate.Take your dog outside and let him investigate here too.Be sure and use the door your pet will be using when he goes outside for bathroom breaks…start that association right away.I always recommend a crate for a puppy or older adopted dog.If used properly the crate should represent a quiet place for your pet in addition to keeping them safe when you aren’t around to supervise them.Both puppies or newly acquired adult dogs may whine, bark or cry the first few nights you put them in their crate.This is normal and really doesn’t take long for them to get over.I suggest using some “white” background noise, soft music or talk radio to help them adjust.Begin your housebreaking using the crate and a schedule.Even puppies adjust to schedules in a short time.From there it’s just a step away from your dog “asking” to go out.Remember puppies have small bladders!
I feel introducing your new pet to other animals in the house should be done as soon as possible.Keep your new pet on leash so you can control him and humanely let him know if his reaction or play is inappropriate behavior.
Your family is probably anxious to show off your new dog to neighbors and friends but please give them some settle in time…especially the older adopted dog.You know the dog will be loved and cared for but the dog needs to learn they are safe in their new environment with their new people.
Remember;
“Every new dog needs time to settle in.”
….Frank M. Allison III
Next…10 commandments of training.
TAKING YOUR ADOPTIVE DOG HOME Dog Training
There are several things you should and shouldn’t do when you take your newly adopted dog home.I have listed a few here for your reference.Remember your new companion has no idea that you have nothing but his best interests at heart.To him you are a stranger taking him to a strange place.If you try to adhere to these suggestions your chance of having a successful transition period are much greater.If you have any questions don’t hesitate to call our office.
1.When you arrive home leave your dog on a slack leash and let him examine his water and food bowls.Remember:slack in the leash!
2.While on the slack leash allow the dog to investigate his new home quietly.Introduce him to other pets in the household.
3.Do not invite visitors over to meet your new family member or drive him somewhere like a friend’s house or park.Let him get used to his own environment first.
4.Let your dog sleep in his crate so he knows it is his own place of sanctuary.Using your crate along with a good schedule is optimal for house breaking.
5.Remember your new pet, although house broken, will not know where to go out when necessary.Put him on a slack leash and take him in and out the door he will be using for the first several days you have him.Take him to the area of your yard you prefer he uses.Praise him quietly and gently.
6.If your dog goes to the door you have taught him to enter and exit by, he may not bark for your attention.Depending on where your dog has come from he may not be used to barking to be noticed.
7.Do not be overly affectionate with your new arrival.Your dog will not understand your actions and will become fearful of things he does not understand.
8.Do acknowledge your new pet with a slight, gentle pet now and then but do nothing surprising or loud.
9.Put your dog in his crate the first few days rather than involve him in loud, animated activities like a remodeling project or large party at your home.
10.As your dog becomes more relaxed and involved in his surroundings expand your family activities accordingly.For some dogs this may take several days, for others longer.They have all come from a different background and that has to be taken into consideration along with breed personalities
11.It is always a wise idea to take your dog to a few practical obedience classes so you can learn to communicate with positive control and work together right from the start.Remember you are training your dog everyday by your action or reaction to his behavior.
TEN COMMANDMENTS of Dog Training
1.Socialize your friend as soon as possible.This means to everything…making sure it is a positive experience from the canine’s point of view.
2.Never feed your canine at the table.It’s best to prevent the begging than to correct it.
3.PRAISE, PRAISE and more PRAISE.Praise should make up 90% of your entire communication with the canine.
4.Correct your canine fairly by making sure he knows why he’s being corrected.
5.Be CONSISTENT, be CONSISTENT, be CONSISTENT.
6.Remember your responsibility to him is to be his “alpha.”It is the natural order.
7.Never let anger guide your communication.
8.Remember the three T’s.TEACH, TRAIN, TEST.They are constants.
9.Remember the three P’s.PRACTICE, PRAISE, PATIENCE.
10.Have fun.You owe it to him.
Remember;
“your responsibility to him is to be his “alpha”…..
….Frank M. Allison III
Next….training starts on day 1.
TRAINING STARTS ON DAY ONE
From the first day home your new canine companion must learn that you and all other humans in the house are his “alpha” or pack leader.This is a position ingrained in your canine through heredity.Being an alpha does not mean being cruel, pushy or belligerent.Your pet must learn in a human, patient way that you are the leader and what you say is law.You must be consistent with any corrections you make and use praise to guide his behavior.
With an older adopted dog your best bet is to start some obedience classes as soon as possible.You need to learn how to communicate with your adult dog and his history may not be available to advise you how this was done previously, or if it was done correctly.That’s why a trainer could be necessary to put you and your dog both “on the same page.”This will enhance your relationship.
Whether you are starting with a puppy or adult dog, it is important that all humans in the household that will be interacting with the dog do so in the same manner.A good example of this is the command “down.”Down means lay down, it does not mean stop jumping on me.You must all use the same language so your dog understands what is expected of him.
In regard to a puppy, there are some very bad habits owners let their cute little darlings get in to.NEVER let your puppy nibble or nip at your fingers or toes.If you don’t want your pet on the furniture or bed then NEVER let them start going there in the first place.NEVER feed your puppy from the table.It’s much easier to prevent begging than to correct it.NEVER let your puppy chew or play with anything that is not “theirs.”Be sure and purchase some age/size appropriate toys for them.NEVER play tug of war or keep away games with them at this age.I personally do not believe in puppy classes that are offered these days.Often they are billed as socialization lessons but all they are is a playing free for all.Your puppy needs to be on leash during socialization at this age so that you are in control to correct inappropriate play.Puppies have a limited ability to learn but you should start with their name recognition and the commands “no” and “good.”No should be used as a positive command.It should mean stop what you are doing and then you should redirect their attention to something more appropriate.Watch for teaching the “no” coming up soon.
Remember;
“any training is better than no training, we are talking general rules not specific training methods”
….Frank M. Allison III
Next….naming and how to teach name recognition.
ROCK’S POSITIVE K-9 TRAINING LLC
W224 S8416 Industrial Avenue
Big Bend, WI53103
262-662-4160
Frank M. Allison III
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