Ithaca Dog Training Club

Ithaca Dog Training Club IDTC is dedicated to helping members and the general public to build a wonderful working relationship with their dogs. We train you, to train them!

www.ithacadogtrainingclub.org

Free webinar! Offered by the AKC. Studying Epilepsy in Dogs: Research Approaches and InsightsSpeaker: Dr. Karen MuñanaD...
05/29/2026

Free webinar! Offered by the AKC.
Studying Epilepsy in Dogs: Research Approaches and Insights
Speaker: Dr. Karen Muñana
Date/Time: Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 7:00 pm ET
Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disorder in dogs, yet important questions remain about inherited risk and how breed-specific studies can advance understanding of the disease.
This webinar explores how a research team investigates idiopathic epilepsy within breeds, including approaches to defining prevalence, characterizing clinical signs, evaluating heritability, and collecting data to support future genetic studies. The session will include examples from studies involving Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens (PBGVs) and Otterhounds.
Registration required.

Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disorder in dogs. Idiopathic epilepsy— recurrent seizures with no identifiable cause but a presumed genetic basis—accounts for over half of cases. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV) appears particularly affected, with one study estimating a ...

Free webinar! Thursday, June 25th. 6:00—7:00pmRecognizing Neurological Emergencies in Dogs and Cats.Presented by the Sch...
05/28/2026

Free webinar! Thursday, June 25th. 6:00—7:00pm

Recognizing Neurological Emergencies in Dogs and Cats.
Presented by the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center.

https://www.amcny.org/event/neurological-emergencies-in-dogs-and-cats/?utm_medium=paid&utm_source=fb&utm_id=6938175049255&utm_content=52505599629859&utm_term=52505599626459&utm_campaign=6938175049255&fbclid=IwY2xjawSEaZlleHRuA2FlbQEwAGFkaWQAAC_BCNaqa3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4wsvzc-jWiy7erPNTsfg2suRowp5hva9-ScSMZjUsMuTggG7uhORZkWh8nsA_aem_Ll_ujJ-hP16U5fnuvJuSkQ

Join us on Thursday, June 25 at 6PM ET on Zoom as Dr. Zoe Daniels discusses common neurologic warning signs in pets.

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05/23/2026

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1572044251591291&set=a.491425842986476

THE FOUR CORNERSTONES OF FOUNDATIONAL DOG TRAINING
DAY 1 – WHY MOST DOGS AREN’T BADLY TRAINED… THEY’RE POORLY BUILT

By Simon Chapman
🌐 www.k9manhuntscotland.co.uk

Most dogs aren’t failing because they’re stubborn, dominant, or “bad.”

They’re failing because the foundations underneath the training are weak.

Many dogs can:

✔ Sit
✔ Down
✔ Recall indoors

…but completely fall apart outdoors around:

❌ Dogs
❌ Wildlife
❌ Movement
❌ Excitement
❌ Environmental pressure

That’s not always an obedience problem.

That’s often a foundation problem.

Modern dog training has become obsessed with commands whilst ignoring:

• Emotional stability
• Calmness
• Engagement
• Impulse control
• Fulfilment
• Recovery from stress

A balanced dog is not just obedient.

A balanced dog can:

✔ Think clearly
✔ Regulate emotions
✔ Switch off properly
✔ Cope with pressure
✔ Stay engaged with the handler

Over the next few days we’ll break down the four major pillars behind reliable real-world dogs:

1️⃣ Engagement & Relationship
2️⃣ Structure & Impulse Control
3️⃣ Communication & Clarity
4️⃣ Biological Fulfilment

Because good dog training starts long before the sit, down, or recall.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=974881451612771&set=a.102168498884075(Read the post before commenting, pls.)
05/19/2026

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=974881451612771&set=a.102168498884075

(Read the post before commenting, pls.)

Canine Cognition: Ranking Breed Intelligence

Dog intelligence isn't a single metric; it’s a balance of problem-solving, social cues, and working drive. Based on the speed of learning and command retention, breeds typically fall into distinct cognitive tiers.

The Overachievers: Breeds like the Border Collie, Poodle, and German Shepherd are the "honor students" of the canine world. They often master new commands in fewer than five repetitions and obey on the first ask nearly 95% of the time.

The Reliable Workers: Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, and Labrador Retrievers possess high emotional intelligence and focus. They are highly capable but may require slightly more consistency to reach 100% reliability.

The Independent Thinkers: Corgis, Beagles, and Pugs are often motivated by specific instincts (like scent or herding) rather than a simple desire to please, requiring more repetitions and creative incentives.

The Specialized Sovereigns: Afghan Hounds, Chow Chows, and Bulldogs rank lower in "working intelligence" not because they are "slow," but because they were bred for independent roles that didn't require human direction.

Intelligence is rarely about a lack of capacity—it’s about alignment. A breed’s history dictates how it thinks; while a Shepherd lives to follow, an Afghan Hound lives to lead itself. Success depends more on the owner's leadership style than the dog's IQ.

Hookworms are parasites that can cause serious illness in dogs, especially because they feed on blood. For many years, v...
05/19/2026

Hookworms are parasites that can cause serious illness in dogs, especially because they feed on blood. For many years, veterinarians have had medications to treat hookworm infections, but emerging resistance is making this familiar parasite a growing concern.

In their Canine Science Showcase, the AKC shares CHF-funded research from Dr. Jeba R. J. Jesudoss Chelladurai at Auburn. Her team developed a PCR test designed to help veterinarians identify which type of hookworm is infecting a dog and whether medication-resistant genes are present.

Hookworms are parasites that live in the soil and can infect dogs. Dogs can get hookworms in different ways: by swallowing them, through skin contact, or, in the case of puppies, through their mother’s milk. Using hook-like mouths with sharp cutting plates, they attach to a dog’s intestinal wall...

AKC article!Canine Communication: Deciphering Different Dog SoundsSome dogs vocalize more than others, and many can expr...
05/06/2026

AKC article!
Canine Communication: Deciphering Different Dog Sounds
Some dogs vocalize more than others, and many can express several interesting sounds. Common ones we all know include barking, growling, whining, or crying. Determining when dog sounds are communicating pleasure, pain, excitement, or anger is something owners can work to accomplish.

Besides barking, there are several different dog sounds that canines use to communicate. Understanding when and why sounds are made is important for owners.

Should you purchase pet insurance for Fido or Fifi? Here’s a link to an AARP article that can help you answer that quest...
05/06/2026

Should you purchase pet insurance for Fido or Fifi? Here’s a link to an AARP article that can help you answer that question.

Key details about coverage types and costs can help owners plan ahead

Another in AKC's 2026 Canine Health Discovery Webinar Series.Understanding Chronic Gut Disease in Dogs: New Molecular an...
05/05/2026

Another in AKC's 2026 Canine Health Discovery Webinar Series.
Understanding Chronic Gut Disease in Dogs: New Molecular and Microbiome Finding Shelter
Free & open to the public.
Speaker: Dr. Albert Jergens
Date/Time: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 7:00 pm ET
Chronic gastrointestinal disease remains a persistent and challenging disease to manage in dogs. Research has shown that imbalances in the gut microbiome are linked to intestinal inflammation, yet the mechanisms by which therapies such as probiotics improve gut health remain unclear.
This webinar will explore whether probiotics benefit dogs by modulating microRNAs, small molecules that regulate inflammation and the immune system. How probiotics change both these molecules and the mix of bacteria in the gut may help explain how they protect dogs from ongoing digestive problems.
Join us to learn how this research may lead to a more targeted, effective approach to probiotic therapies.
Register here:

Chronic intestinal disease is a common cause of persistent diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss in dogs. Research has shown that imbalances in the gut microbiome are linked to intestinal inflammation. Probiotics—live microbial cultures—are believed to help restore microbial balance, but the exact...

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1548176753978041&set=a.491425842986476
04/28/2026

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1548176753978041&set=a.491425842986476

DAY 1 – ENGAGEMENT: WHAT IT REALLY IS

Most people think engagement is:

• the dog looking at them
• the dog taking a treat
• the dog walking nicely for a few seconds

It’s not.

Engagement is relevance.
It’s your dog choosing to stay mentally, emotionally, and behaviourally connected to you — not just when you’ve got food, but as a general rule.

A truly engaged dog:
• notices you
• tracks your movement
• checks in
• reconnects
• stays available

Here’s the key point:

👉 Obedience without engagement is fragile.
A dog can “do commands” and still be mentally elsewhere.

Real engagement has three layers:
• Mental – the dog is thinking about you
• Emotional – the dog feels good about interacting with you
• Behavioural – the dog shows it through actions

Most people only look at the last one… and wonder why it falls apart in the real world.

Quick test:
Take your dog somewhere mildly interesting and say nothing for a minute.

Ask yourself:
• Do they check in?
• Do they notice you moving?
• Do they reconnect… or are you just mobile furniture?

No judgement. Just information.

Because when you understand engagement properly, everything else in training starts to make sense.

Engagement isn’t a trick.
It’s your dog seeing you as relevant.

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The Shops At Ithaca Mall, 40 Catherwood Road
Ithaca, NY
14850

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