Ithaca Dog Training Club

06/08/2026

There are still one or two openings in all the seminars except the recall / drop on recall seminar. Get your registration form in soon!

06/03/2026

Published by the AKC.
Can I Leave My Dog in the Car If I Crack a Window?
You should never leave a dog alone in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked. Opening windows does not prevent dangerous temperature increases, and dogs can develop heatstroke in minutes. Heat, humidity, and poor airflow make cars unsafe environments for pets, and in many states, leaving a dog unattended in a vehicle is illegal.

Never leave a dog in the car, even with windows down. Learn the risks, how fast cars heat up, and what the law says.

06/01/2026

The AKC Canine Ambassador Program is great for all purebred dogs - especially seniors! It's a low-stress way for them to engage in the world.

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 ...

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.