JIMMY'S TRANSFORMATION FROM FERAL TO FORGIVING!
View his transformation here:  https://youtu.be/QXB6fia2McI

Shea's Lounge Book Signing Event at Whitie's Pets 2014

Tower Pet Parade 2014

Tower Pet Parade 2013

When you walk a dog on a leash, you can open a pathway to your dog of complete understanding. Not through anger or yanking,  but with subtle calm and assertive commands and corrections that are carefully applied to help your dog to understand your position on the things you approve of and the things you don't approve of.  From there, you can incorporate sounds and hand signals and your body language to help keep your dogs attention and to built a conduit for the transfer of information. 

When I first found Jimmy, a Pomeranian and Terrier mix at a local shelter, he was the one who ran away and wouldn’t let anyone (except maybe two volunteers) actually pick him up or to even get near him.  He was there for 19 months and probably would have never been adopted.  With the help of a young volunteer girl, we were able to corner Jimmy and throw a blanket over him so I could then hold him steady and put a leash over his snarling, snapping and fully frightened face.  He was quite scary. He bit me numerous times and drew blood every time he bit.  I found out that previous to his 19 months at the shelter, he had been abandoned and living at a local car wash for at least 3 months until he was trapped and taken to the shelter.   

Jimmy is like many...many dogs in America, who for any number of reasons, find themselves dumped on the streets or into shelters, where it is hard for them to get placed into another home.  Unfortunately, people really don't look at dogs as family members, as much as they might look at them as expendables and something they could return or just dump when the dog doesn't perform to their expectations.  Dogs don't simply match peoples expectations miraculously through some sort of vulcan mind meld, or through dog human osmosis...Dogs MUST get their directions and rules and understandings from very clear and concise directions from a caring dog owner who wishes only to build a quality relationship between them and their loving companions.  The dog owner needs to make his/her intentions extremely clear and concise (like a parent teaching a child about safety around cars or strangers etc.)  Like the child, the dog also needs to learn how to listen and understand what it's owner is telling them.  This is where I come in!

Most problems between man and dog occur when absolutely no real direction or leadership from the dog owners are given to the dog...other than "NO",  and so the dogs simply revert to what their instincts tell them to do, and therein lies the rub...BECAUSE when a dog believes he is in charge of himself or that he is the master of his own destiny, then dogs will make bad decisions that effect everyone around them, and thus...end up on the streets or in the long growing line of Euthanasia.  I work directly with dog owners and dogs who have never built these relationships and understandings between them.  Jimmy was afraid of people from the beginning when he was abandoned at that car wash.  He needed to learn to have trust again because all he really knew was that, for some reason, he was thrown out the door of his family home and given low odds to survive on his own.  Something he did or even perhaps a way he may have reacted, caused his owner to say "I'm not going to deal with that crap"...and out the door he goes !  The real problem was that the owner didn't really want to spoend the time, or didn't know how to spend their time, teaching Jimmy how to learn to understand what was acceptable and unacceptable to his owner, in a way that fostered Jimmy's learning and understanding.  No wonder Jimmy ran from people! His own people turned against him and sentenced him to a slow and agonizing death while alone on the mean streets!  

I think most people who have had dogs, discover that dogs can be very hard to train and even harder to catch if they do not wish to be caught.  Just try running after a dog who gets out of your fenced in yard or through the front door, who has not been previously trained to listen to it’s master.  Sometimes the shear joy alone of that feeling of freedon and adventure, is enough for a dog to ignore it's owner's orders to return, as it explores the neighborhood to it’s hearts content…or until you catch him, or even worse.  

In my opinion, Leash training is the cornerstone to all communication between man and dog.  PERIOD!~ Without leash training, (unless you are adept in getting and keeping your dog’s attention with your voice and hand signals alone), you will not be able to train any dog to listen to you.  The leash is like the telephone line that runs directly from your thoughts and straight into your dog’s head.  When used properly, without anger or malice or frustrated bad intent, the leash becomes the way to teach your dog valuable information and to keep your dog in the game of learning what you want and don't want.   

Dogs react in many different ways to the leash, from some who immediately submit at the very first tap, to others who scream and holler and fight and bite with all their might just to get out of their feelings of being trapped, or as I like to all it…their view of "Being held down by the man!"  Once the leash is introduced and utilized properly, and the dog begins to realize that they are not trapped and that they actually get good things from responding appropriately to the owners requests, then they can relax and enjoy the ride.  See Jimmy's transformation from fearing the leash to learning how it helped him to connect with me and to all the good things being submissive brings.   This is the video documenting Jimmy's transformation.  https://youtu.be/QXB6fia2McI 

BE WHO YOUR DOG LOOKS UP TO!

www.sheashome.com 

This is an Excerpt from the  earliest ad that I could find that I posted on Craigslist in April of 2011:

"Have you ever wanted to train your dog to do tricks but didn't have the time?  I have many years experience in teaching dogs how to perform tricks.  I trained my own Border Collie Shepherd Mix named Shep, The Wonder Dog to perform many tricks in several musicals on the East Coast like Kismet and George M and Sugar Babies to name just a few.  Your dog's temperment will be evaluated for compatibility and attention level prior to  starting our first training session together.  Old dogs or young dogs.  They are eager to impress upon us what they want us to know about them.  Their enthusiasm for learning can be aquired if it isn't initially present with a bit of encouragement and the proper use of dog treats.  My dog has been reviewed by theater critics, been paid for his role in a National Realtors Association television commercial that was aired nationwide, his original story of rescue  has been published in several dog journals across the country including The Latham Foundation and  La Joie, he has performed to raise money for the Humane Societies in Sarasota and Venice Florida and he has his own website:  www.shepthemusical.com.

Does your dog already know how to listen?
If they are totally wild and without listening skills, then you would most likely end up paying me to bring your dog into a trainable state of obedience before we might ever begin to start to train them for tricks.

I can be reached at  559-394-5398
Joe"
















NOW FOR TODAY...These pictures with me and my dog Shep, the Wonder Dog, helped me to distinguish myself as a valid dog trainer, both in Florida and here in California.  I trained my dog because I discovered that I could train him, once I had his attention...and that's the trick that I still teach today.  As a novice dog owner, you cannot teach any dog anything unless you have their attention!  I believe it's probably the same with children, but I've never raised any of those...just doggies  :))

Like Children (I'm guessing), they have to pay attention to absorb information, and if they are paying attention to something or someone other than you when you are teaching and talking to them, then I would guess that nothing of substance can get into their memory, like when you are talking to them while they are playing video games etc.  Dogs are the same way in that...if you are trying to teach them about not running into the street, or how to sit, or to stay...and all they seem to be focusing on is trying to get away and go after the squirrel in the tree on the other side of the street, then they might not get the lesson about the danger of cars that you were attempting to show them while they were focusing on that squirrel and not on your lesson!  Right? Here are 3 videos that show what I am talking about:  Meet Leea!
https://youtu.be/kNn1SE4S1Zc  https://youtu.be/NL9rJAbfUkc  https://youtu.be/NL9rJAbfUkc

Be their Leader AND their Trainer, and what I mean by that is...EVERY dog owner should be BOTH with their dog(s)!  Anyone who owns a dog should consider themselves a "Leader" and a "Dog Trainer" when they take on the responsibility of owning an animal.  Some dogs will naturally assume the leader role unless it is challenged by the dog owner.  I say take the leadership away from the dog and show that dog what it has been missing in it's life...the joys of following and listening to their leader.

The Leadership role should be fairly well understood as a goal by most dog owners, but it is easier said than done!  That's the part I mostly end up training the owners specifically about...how to be the "Leader".  The "Dog Trainer" aspect of dog ownership comes when the dog owner begins to discover the need to connect with their dog on the most basic levels of their being, in order to pass on vital and sometimes very useful information the dog should know about...like speeding cars, or who is allowed into the home, and where and when the dog eats, and where and when does the dog sleep, and which piece of furniture is acceptable for the dog to lay on, and which pieces of furniture are not allowed to get on, and where it is acceptable to go to the bathroom, and where it is not acceptable... and when the dog goes on a walk, what is acceptable for how that dog acts and reacts when it comes across others in the neighborhood, whether human or animal while on that walk, and what the dogs responses are to them that are acceptable and unacceptable...are you seeing the picture and pattern here?  You can't pass on any Vital Information or otherwise, that might make your relationship better and your animal safer,  until you have your dog's attention...Period!

Take on the responsibilities of both Leader and Trainer when you have a dog, and your world will be much better for it  :))  Let me help you to "BE WHO YOUR DOG LOOKS UP TO"

www.sheashome.com

In the back of my book, Shea's Lounge, I included some tips on                                                             how to prepare your home for your new dog.  I would like to give those tips to you again:

Things to think about when preparing your home for a new dog.

1. Give your dog a place of his own. It can be a dog bed or a selected piece of your furniture to designate for your new best friend. Cover with a washable fabric.

2. Determine where your dog will sleep. Will it be in your own bed, or in a crate or in a dog bed next to your own bed? Is your dog going to be living indoors only, or outdoors only or both? You must clearly establish this area, then prepare accordingly. You must spend time showing your dog where the bathroom area is, then making sure they can get to it when they need to go. If outdoors, which door will it be, and if a dog door is installed, how to get through that door. If indoors, then you must prepare all necessary pads etc. and then give your dog all access to that area and encourage them to use it at any time. These areas need to be constantly kept clean and sanitary.

3. Beware of curtains and blinds that have cords that can get entangled around your curious dog.

4. Think carefully about electric wires and multiple outlets behind TV’s etc. where dogs may explore, or worse, bite or chew on.

5. Household chemicals, cleaners, poisons etc. need to be above dogs reach or locked in closets or sheds etc.

6. Long Toenails may tear up Leather or fabric couches unless you maintain their length with walks or grooming.

7. Be careful giving your dog things to chew on that are similar to the things you do not wish them to chew on…like an old sock or shoe or anything that has your scent on it . They won’t know the difference when they’re ready to find something else of your’s to chew on.

8. When using rugs in dog areas, make sure they are washable and non slip.

9. Think about the height your dog may be able to reach items of their interest on coffee tables etc. and rearrange your entire home accordingly. Breakables and Food Items need extra scrutiny. Think “Baby Proofing” your home and you’ll be close.

10. Any items on the floor will be deemed fair access by your dog unless you can either: a. Change or preempt their behavior yourself or with a professional dog trainer; b. You remove any and all things you do not wish to be chewed or urinated on; c. You actively redirect your dog’s interest in those certain items to those things they can have that you approve of for them.

11. Nice wood floors and the like may be subjected to scratches. You may need to be able to keep certain areas of your home off limits to your dog, and do it without barricading or fencing it off if possible.

12. Your dog bedding, water and food areas need to be kept clean and in areas where water and dirt may rapidly accumulate, but will not be a problem cleaning.

13. Only specialized enzymatic urine removing cleaners should be used to clean up messes, as most rugs and carpets will retain fluids and smells, and will not stop dogs from reusing those areas.

14. When your dog is continually well groomed with brushing and baths, your home will have less pet hair and dander floating about.

15. Plan on purchasing a dog poop scooper and commit to a weekly pick up of your dog’s waste in the yard. Flies flourish in and around the excrement so your backyard experience will be enhanced without the fly bother and mess’s to smell and step around.

16. Plan on purchasing or designating the: Dog Food, Food and Water Bowls, Chew Toys, Treats, Grooming Supplies, Bedding, Collar and Leash, Carrier, Distemper Shots, ID tags, Veterinarian, Emergency Vet, Location of Dog parks, and local Dog Trainers.

17. Decide whether or not your dog will be allowed on your furniture, in only certain rooms, where he is allowed and not allowed, who feeds, waters, House trains, takes for walks, trains, picks up after them etc.?

18. Do you have other pets your dog will be interacting with? Are they either a predator or maybe other prey to a dog? Are you willing to take the time to help them properly interact or will you ignore them and let them make decisions on what to do with each other?

19. Find time in your schedule to pay quality attention to your new family member. Build a strong trust bond between you and your dog(s). Play catch or chase or any game the dog may like to play outdoors. Be engaged in your dogs welfare and happiness as you would your own child…just don’t raise them as if they are your child. They are animals and must be viewed as such.

*Please note: Some professional advise may be required for implementation of any and or all of the above suggestions . Do not expect to attempt dog ownership without taking professional advise on some or many of these suggestions. All dogs and home living situations are different, so don’t be overwhelmed or embarrassed to ask for help. Online resources are plentiful and most shelter’s have volunteers or staff that can be very helpful.

www.sheashome.com

                                              Welcome to my Blogger Page!

           

This page is dedicated to all of my many endeavors with all the dogs and people that may cross these pages. I am a dog lover and an advocate for their better more relaxed mental state of mind. My present work involve's "Behavior Training for dogs and their People".                                                        I call myself, the Dog Fixer'er! 

Invest TODAY in your dog's mental state! DON'T LET THEM RULE YOUR ROOST!
Don't let your beautiful dogs cost you hundreds or thousands of $$$'s when they bite a neighbor or another dog or get hit by a car running out of your front door, or chew up your new furniture or any number of bad behaviors that dogs can perform when left to their own devices! 

My name is Joe Ozier, and My Company, Way of a Dog, is all about helping dogs and their owners find a link of peace and communication between them. I specialize in "Behavior Training for Dogs and their People", which means that I teach One-on-One classes in the homes of my clients, where the "Issues" present themselves. I work as much on training the dog owners as I do on training the dogs.

My current program involve's 6 hours of training that can be administered in either 3 x 2 hour classes at $80.00/class ($240 total) or 2 x 3 hour classes at $90.00/class ($180 total). Each program is paid in advance on the first day of the first class.  I give lots of information for the owners to use in connecting to and understanding what goes on in their dogs heads, and I demonstrate on their dogs how my techniques work, and I show how my method works on their dogs right then and there, then I show you, the dog owners, how to redirect the bad behaviors or issues that may come from getting a stubborn dog to actually give you the time of day...in short, to listen to you.

Most dogs, when left to their own devices, will make bad decisions that effect everyone around them.  You see, a dogs most basic nature is that...dogs want to do, what they want to do, when they want to do it. When a typical dog owner questions that principal, the dog will typically respond with the attitude..."How dare you stop me"!  My method is to teach you to... "Dare to stop them" and do it in a calm and assertive manner.

For those on a budget, I have what's called "The Dog Day" for only $100.00. Basically, I have your doggie for the entire day with me in my home. I pick up or deliver your doggie one way for free ($10-$25 additional charge depending on how far I go IF I pick them up and also drop them back off), and they spend the day with me undergoing the "art" of learning to listen. I give them training when they don't even know it, because it's more of a calming state of mind that I am attempting to reach and to keep them in during their stay.  They get breaks, treats and lots of love... and if they are really good, then I let them play and interact with Jimmy, who is my loving former Shelter dog.  I spent 3 days rehabilitating Jimmy from his near ferrule state of mind into the sweet and wonderful little chicken man he is today. He also is my "Dog-o-Meter" regarding your dogs state of mind. He tells me lots about the mental state of your hound when it's around him...either good or bad  :))

Let me help you with your Dog(s).
Call me before you dogs issues cost you much more than the cost of my training.  
                                             
                                            BE WHO YOUR DOG LOOKS UP TO!

   

www.sheashome.com

 :))

Having been a dog behavior trainer now for just over 4 years (I started Professionally training people and their dogs in April of 2011), with my first Craigslist post.  I am posting that next.

I have helped many dogs and owners get through the rough times when dogs don't  listen to their owners or when the owners don't know how to get and keep their dogs attention.  Most dog owners want to have better relationships with their dogs but they have either:

#1. Never had a real connection with their dogs in the first place,

#2. They have lost their ability to keep their dogs focused on what the owners require of their dogs, like stay off the furniture, or don't tear that up or go pee outside and not inside... or

#3. The owners have never given their dogs any rules to guide them by, from the very beginning of both their times together.

Any or all of these situations causes friction in the Dog and dog owner relationships, and the dogs end up just living in and around their owners, doing what they want to do when they want to do it and the owners learn to just deal with it.  As you can imagine, this will cause great problems and issues for themselves and their friends and family and neighbors who get to deal with the outcomes that follow that kind of reckless dog engagement.

From the dog's point of view, it's a one dog pack surrounded by humans trying to harsh it's mellow...per se.. It's version of "The Man is Holding me down!"  LOL  So, then when owners step up and place guidelines and limitations on their dogs activities, and demand in a calm way that the dog hears them and understands and acknowledges them, and the dog begins to react according to the owners commands, then the rules are set and the repetition begins to move forward, and in two months or less, depending on how dedicated or lax or uninterested or overwhelmed or afraid you are, you and your dog(s) will find yourselves firing on all cylinders, and your connections will be opened and established, and you'll discover that sweet harmony and understanding and respect that then falls gently upon the land...(Your Home).

Always remember that Dogs will be dogs...it's what they do, so expect that the dog(s) may initially put up resistance to the change that you seek, and depending on how much they fight and scream and whine etc, they will all tire and will relent in their own sweet way and time. The dogs will eventually give up their quest to remain independent or dominant, and when you stay firm to your commitment, your dog will soon fall in line with the new program that you offer them.  It is then imperative that the owner, reminds their dogs(s) of it's new position as a Follower and not the Leader.  The dog owner must maintain the "top dog" position in the home from that point onward and must remember to always lead with a calm and assertive nature going forward.  All the time.

You can't fake being a leader.  Dogs can see through a nervous Captain, it can spy a teeth chattering Chief, or can be turned off by a Dictatorial Director.  Don't be those kinds of a "Leader".  Learn to become what I call being a "Benevolent Dictator".  Be Firm and Fair and loving!  Believe you are the leader and your dog will believe that you are a leader too. This method, in my opinion,  is how to have the best chance at a loving and learning experience between you and your beautiful animal!

BE WHO YOUR DOG LOOKS UP TO!

www.sheashome.com

Author Joe Ozier Biography

                      Joe Ozier Biography

Credit to smashwords                                                                      

Joe Ozier has been a writer since his early teens, having dabbled in Science Fiction, Poetry, Lyrics and Haiku’s. He graduated with a degree in Geology in 1981, then turned his focus to Video production for the next two decades. He began writing Stage Plays and Musicals after moving to Florida in the late 1990’s, to pursue acting. Joe’s career as a Stage, Film and Television Actor, as well as Print Model, gave him an invaluable education in the importance of presentation to one’s audience. Joe has produced nine original stage plays and musicals to date.

Joe’s love for dogs and his developing knowledge of their behavior began with his family dogs. From his childhood experiences, this led into his first show and a ten year endeavor entitled, “ Shep The Musical”. Joe spotted Shea at the local Humane Society and realized that Shea had “that something special”. Shea was a runaway that was caught just a week earlier. As he quickly discovered, Shea was also an escape artist. Shea’s savvy street smart spirit became the true story of Shea’s Lounge. In 2011, Joe began professionally connecting dogs to their people under the name…Way of a Dog. Joe loves going to work and teaching dog owners how to get into their dog’s heads. Shea’s Lounge, a Family and Children’s book, is Joe’s first professional publication.

Where to find Joe Ozier online

Website: https://www.Sheashome.com
Facebook: Facebook profile
Blog:  http://wayofadog.blogspot.com/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/SheasLounge1

Google+ :  https://plus.google.com/117286099888646042062/posts

Where to buy in print   

Blog created by Robert Vaughan 04/20/15