"Bark 'n' Scratch"
Newsletter

Volume I - Issue 1:  October 4, 2003
 
Published by:
Christopher Aust, Master Trainer
Master-Dog-Training.com

Please send comments on the BARK 'n' SCRATCH Newsletter to:
BnS-comments@Master-Dog-Training.com


A warm, "WELCOME!" to all of our new readers!

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In Today's Issue ...

=>  Christopher's Drool
=>  Commitment to Your Best Friend
=>  Breed of the Week
=>  The Mail Bag
=>  Letter to All Dogs


Christopher's Drool


Since I was first "advised" I would be launching a web site and ezine, I have experienced untold amounts of anxiety, fear and loss of what was already thinning hair.

It probably didn't help having jl scott of www.i-Cop.org as a mother. Not only did I have to put up a site, it had to have substance too. Holy crap!

I want to send my extreme gratitude to those who have helped me in this venture. They have put out the "word" about my site and offered their support, for which I am extremely grateful. Joe Robson of www.newbieclub.com, Chuck and Sue Defiore of www.homebusinesssolutions.com and Patti Ballard. I can't say enough about these wonderful people. They're great!

Finally, and most importantly, I want to thank jl scott. My mommy. She has stood behind me my entire life. Sometimes with a very large stick, but she was always there. Thanks, Ma!


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Commitment to Your Best Friend


I've worked with many people who tell me their dogs are the center of their lives. They take them to work, let them eat from their plate and even allow them to sleep in their bed. Do these people love their dogs? Absolutely.

Are they doing their dog any favors? No, not if they aren't also treating them like dogs. Dogs are dogs!

Many, and in fact most, behavioral problems exist as a result of not being consistent with pack protocol and a dog's natural instincts. In a family pack, dogs must always be at the bottom of the ladder. No ifs, ands or buts about it.

If we allow our dogs to eat off our plates, sleep in our beds or dictate, in any way, how we go about things, we're telling them they have a higher pack status than we do. When this occurs, we have failed in our personal obligation to the dog.

When we bring a dog into our home, we make certain commitments to the dog. I'm referring not only to veterinary care, training, food and water, but also to ensuring we are raising them in ways consistent with their natural instincts. Unfortunately, we tend to blow off the dog's instincts and try to replace them with human ones. This is a losing battle.

Now, because we have ignored their instincts and pack protocol, our dog is misbehaving and making us nuts. This is the time when we must double our commitment to our dog in order to restore order, and make our dog feel comfortable with their pack position.


I often deal with clients who don't realize the things they're doing for their dogs are adverse to their behavioral growth and development. They like to think of the things they do for their dog as "pampering."

I explain that some of the very things they're doing to pamper their dog could very well be the cause of the dog's behavior. Yet, they often tell me they simply can't stop the pampering because they, the owner, will feel bad.

While they may love their dog, they're not showing the commitment to the animal that he so richly deserves. They're also basically saying they are willing to put up with the bad behavior for the sake of their own feelings of accomplishment, love or whatever.


When I give this type of advice, I don't do it to take something away from the dog or owner. Quite the contrary. I do it because I know what is instinctually correct for the dog.

Sometimes, the pampering can be reintroduced at a later date. But, behavior needs to be directed first, pack protocol established and, then, the pampering needs to be properly reintroduced. This is the only truly successful way to go about it.

When we try to circumvent the process, it simply leads to failure. It also demonstrates a lack of true commitment to our best friend.


Whenever I take on a new dog, I take my commitment to that dog very seriously. I view my clients and myself as partners in the welfare of their dog. I want you all to realize this, and know it comes not only from my heart, but also from years of experience and study.

I believe our dogs deserve the very best, and if this means we have to adjust our schedules/lives a bit to benefit the dog, or help them through a difficult situation, then so be it. They give us unconditional love and deserve to have it returned. It's the least we can do.


This article may be republished using the following attribution box:
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Copyright ©2003 Christopher Aust, Master Dog Trainer & Creator:
The Natural Cooperative Training System (NCTS) for Dogs
The Instinctual Development System (IDS) for Puppies
Subscribe to the BARK 'n' SCRATCH Newsletter: subscribe@Master-Dog-Training.com
VISIT NOW: http://www.Master-Dog-Training.com
------------


Have a question you would like to see answered in this newsletter? I'd like to have your questions be the primary focus of future articles. So, come on. Send them in! Click below to send your question.

question@Master-Dog-Training.com


Blessed be the man, who, having nothing to say, abstains from wordy proof of the fact.

~ Unknown ~


BREED OF THE WEEK


Chongqing Dog of China

The Chongqing Dog (CQD) is an ancient breed dating back to the Han Dynasty. The CQD is quite different from many western breeds. It's known that many western breeds are "man-made," but the CQD is a truly evolutionary breed. They bred for centuries with little regard for conformation, but solely for their working capabilities.

In the old days, geographical isolation ensured the breed remained pure, without the interference from the outside influence. They are shaped by the forces of natural selection, which has successfully eliminated undesirable traits in the breed. Therefore, no known major health problems exist in the CQD.

The breed is a compact dog of medium size, nearly square in profile, strongly built, and muscular. The CQD is a masterpiece of nature, unique in his coat, tail, and appearance of the head. They are active, alert, fearless and loyal.

Males will be 16-19.5 inches at the withers, and weigh 44-54 pounds. Females range from 14-16 inches at the withers, and weigh 33-44 pounds. Length of the neck and legs should be proportionate to length and depth of body.

The head should be strong, moderately large in proportion to the size of the dog. The CQD should have a flat and broad skull, pronounced cheek muscles and a distinct end to the snout. They should also have sufficient play of skin to form wrinkles between the eyes, beginning at the base of the muzzle and extending up the forehead.

The CQD has been used as a scent hound and guard dog throughout the years. They can be aloof to strangers but with proper socialization, this is easily corrected.

They will do well in an apartment setting, provided they are given at least thirty minutes of exercise daily. They are known for being a good dog for children due to their gentle nature towards the family pack.

Currently, there are no CQD's in the United States, however the first ones are scheduled to arrive in the spring of 2004. I will be working with the Chongqing Kennel Club of America as the Director of Training and Breed Development to ensure all is being done to preserve the integrity of the breed.


Have a breed you would like to see featured in the newsletter? Give me a holler and we'll get it featured as soon as possible.

breed@Master-Dog-Training.com


The Mail Bag


Hi Christopher,

Just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed the AR series, and am looking forward to the release of your books. You did a great job with the Auto responders. You even made a die heart dog lover like me want to buy your books.

All the best with the site. With your permission I would like to mention your site and how much I liked the series in the HBS Digest when I do the September issue next week. Remember, I told you we have a section "On the Lighter Side" which I feature stories about dogs (mostly ours, once in a while others).

Thanks again for a great series,

Sue DeFiore

------------

Hi Mr. Aust,

I went to your site a bit ago on the advice of Joe Robson in his latest Newbieclub Newsletter. I like the crisp look and loved the pictures! Congratulations on a job well-done! I signed up for your newsletter and am looking forward to that next month.

Fanchon Smith

------------

Hey Christopher, what's with the 'Mister' stuff? :-)

Glad to be of help. I did it because you have a great site and it will benefit my members.

Besides, we all need a leg up when we start out.

Good luck with your venture.

Joe Robson

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Once again, I would like to most sincerely thank all those who have been such great support in helping me launch the Master Dog Training web site. And, to those who have shared their thoughts with me - what a boost! Thanks for everything!

Chris


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Letter to All Dogs


Dear Dogs:

When I say to move, it means go someplace else, not switch positions with each other so there are still two dogs in the way.

The dishes with the paw print are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Please note, placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by Nascar and is not a racetrack. Beating me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help, because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king size bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue to sleep on the couch to ensure your comfort.

Look at videos of dogs sleeping, they can actually curl up in a ball. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space used is nothing but doggy sarcasm.

My compact discs are not miniature Frisbees.

For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, try to turn the knob, or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door I entered. In addition, I have been using bathrooms for years and canine assistance is not required.

The proper order is: kiss me, THEN go smell the other dog's butt. I cannot stress this enough. It would be such a simple change for you.

Your assistance is appreciated.


Next week: The Dog's Response


* To submit your joke to us: Joke@Master-Dog-Training.com


Thank You For Reading!  Have a Terrific Week!

Don't forget to send your comments, questions and suggestions on the BARK 'n' SCRATCH Newsletter to:

BnS-comments@Master-Dog-Training.com


Ezine Archive:  Master-Dog-Training.com/archive/


The BARK 'n' SCRATCH Newsletter is published by Christopher Aust Copyright © 2003 All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the express written consent of the publisher or contributors.

We accept no responsibility for your use of any contributed information contained herein. All of the information presented in BARK 'n' SCRATCH is published in good faith. Any comments stated in this newsletter are strictly the opinion of the writer or publisher.

We reserve the right to edit and make suitable for publication, if necessary, any articles published in this newsletter. We reserve the right to publish all reader comments, including the name of the writer.

Christopher S. Aust, Master Dog Trainer & Creator:
The Natural Cooperative Training System (NCTS) for Dogs
The Instinctual Development System (IDS) for Puppies
http://www.Master-Dog-Training.com

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