Your Brand Plan - Blogs

Transition.......Ugh!

Diana L. May, SPHR — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:06:38 GMT

It is difficult to transition positions or careers regardless of the reason; however, being forced into transition is even more difficult. It often leaves people with a sense of failure and/or loss and with any loss, there is a period of mourning. Though sometimes having transition forced upon one may be just the �kick in the pants� one needs to achieve greater success and find a position or career that is a better fit. If you are in transition here are some tips that may help ease the trauma.

Accept that there will be a period of mourning and all the things that come with it; however avoid wallowing for an extended period of time or taking it out on those closest to you. Often transition is equally difficult and stressful for family members. Be nice to each other!

Establish a routine for yourself to create some stability and structure so you can accomplish the things needed to land a great opportunity.

Schedule activities and events each week that you can look forward to.

Approach your work search like a full-time job. Get up, get dressed, get out!

Let people know you are looking and network. It is always better to build your network while you are employed but it is never to late to start.

Determine what you are good at, enjoy doing, and then focus your work search in that area. If you are unsure of what your strengths are, there are many resources to help you determine and leverage your unique talents.

Polish your resume focusing on your measurable accomplishments and really think about what your value to an organization is. Market yourself effectively. If you need help in this area, seek it out early in your search and benefit from the guidance and coaching.

Work on your cover letter. Resumes and cover letters should be customized for each opportunity but it is good to have a general idea of points you would like to highlight in a cover letter so this isn�t such a daunting task when opportunities arise.

Understand that searches are always difficult and take time; maintain a positive outlook. The right opportunity is worth waiting for.

Invest the time to evolve, continue to develop skills through volunteering, consulting, or other activities you find rewarding. This is an activity that is often overlooked while one is employed but one of the most critical to long term success.

Good luck and thank you for visiting!

"Go-Givers Sell More" by Bob Burg & John David Mann - A Book Review

MarkCrowley — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 02:55:01 GMT

Before I get into the book, Go-Givers Sell More, I want to set the stage as to how I was introduced to this and other books by Bob Burg.

It was in the Fall of 2006 and I had just taken the job as Director at The Greenwood Village Chamber of Commerce in Metropolitan Denver. A friend had asked me to go to lunch as he wanted to introduce someone that he thought I should know. He told me that his friend had a great sphere of influence and brought a lot to the table relative to helping me grow this organization I had just joined.

This meeting was intended to see how the three of us could �network� with one another. The unexpected outcome which played out over the next few months (and now years later) came squarely out of �left field� and as a result of �fuzzy influence� � which are key concepts inside the pages of �Go-Givers Sell More�. When you read it, you�ll know exactly what I mean.

Until, this lunch meeting, I had never heard of Bob Burg nor any of his books. However, as the conversation went on, my new acquaintance began talking about a book called �Endless Referrals�. He said that it was probably the best book he had ever found on how to build great networks and as a result, endless referrals. He made a statement that I believe was a powerful endorsement for the content of the book and it is what made me go out immediately after finishing lunch and buying it. He said, �I can always tell within about a week whether someone to whom I recommended �Endless Referrals� actually read it, found value in it, and started doing what the author recommended to build that pipeline of endless referrals. All three of those things are true for me.

Within a week�s time, we had incorporated the strategies laid out in the book in two key areas of the Chamber. First, it became the manual on how to operate our referral groups. By the way, until that book came into my life, they were called �leads� groups. Second, our member retention system is built around a foundation I discovered in this book.

I�ve discovered over time that authors who write books of this nature and really live what they write about are usually pretty accessible. So I wrote an e-mail to Bob. I asked him how I might obtain multiple copies of �Endless Referrals�. I did not get an e-mail response. I got a phone call within about twenty minutes of sending and it was Bob himself. He was gracious and grateful. I liked him right away. He directed me to his publisher and I ordered several dozen books that same afternoon.

Here's where it starts to get good! I asked Bob if he would consider coming to Denver to do a presentation about �Endless Referrals�. As it happened, we were able to fit him just before an engagement that he had on the west coast. On February 8th, 2007, he changed the lives of many people � including mine.

Since that time, we have always been in touch and have become great friends. He came back to Denver for an event later that year � and of course blew the doors off the room again. During that visit, he gave me a manuscript copy of his next book, �The Go-Giver� co-authored with John David Mann. I cherish that unbound, rough copy of that amazing parable.

When I heard �Go-Givers Sell More� was coming out, I told Bob that I would be honored to publish a review.

Like its predecessor, �The Go-Giver�, �Go-Givers Sell More� is an easy read. It is under 200 pages and because of the conversational style that both Bob and John bring to the pages, you�ll feel like they are reading the story to you out loud. Since I have the great privilege of having shared conversations with Bob about such important topics as why we don�t have Dunkin� Donuts in Colorado, there are certain passages throughout the book where I can actually hear Bob�s unmistakable New England accent (although it�s fading since he�s a Florida guy these days) jumping right off the page.

If you have not read �The Go-Giver�, it will not take away from the value that you will glean from this book. However, if you have, it�s just that much better.

�Go Givers Sell More� enhances the Five Laws of Stratospheric Success � Value, Compensation, Influence, Authenticity, and Receptivity. What was told in a story in the first book, Bob and John masterfully put into a context that not only sales people can put into practice but anyone who interacts with other people can use. Every single one of these strategies has a single common thread � it�s never about selling!

If there is a single concept that I could point to that provides a foundation from which every other concept springboards, it is authenticity. As I wrapped up the final chapter, I found myself reflecting and zeroed in on a single thought. If we can all just be who we really are in our interactions with people, it could all be very simple. Chapter 8 is titled, �People�. A simple shift in our vocabulary to replace customer, prospect, etc. with the words people or person would accomplish 66 2/3% of everything we need to be successful not just in sales but in life generally.

Being open for things to come to you from �left field� as a result of �fuzzy influence� as I mentioned earlier is so key to being a go-giver. Bob and John lay out a principle under the Law of Authenticity that make those things possible for you and that�s �listen�. When you read that chapter, it will change what you know about authentic listening therefore helping you be much more open to receive and more particularly aware when things come into your life out of left field � just as Bob Burg came into my life in 2007. Although being a Red Sox fan, Bob would probably say he came out of the �Green Monster� at Fenway.

If you are a goal-setter, this book is about to change your paradigm about planning ahead in a big way. Sometimes we get so focused on our expected outcomes based on our goals, we miss a great deal of opportunity that could change our outcomes completely and in a way we never could have conceived without this mindset.

The final chapter is titled �Trust�. I think it really is a fitting close to the previous chapters. The previous chapters explain the concepts surrounding the five laws in very easy to understand terminology and a really simple way to apply them. Most people, including me, who first read �The Go-Giver� and �Go-Givers Sell More� find that it all goes against so much of what we have been taught about the selling process. These are tried and true concepts based in the nature of humans. The most important thing we can do is let go of what we think we know, put these concepts into action and just trust.

Of course, the very first thing to do is get this book and dive in! You�ll be glad you did.

You can find �Go-Givers Sell More� and all of Bob�s great books and tools at Bob Burg | Endless Referrals, The Go-Giver, and Go-Givers Sell More. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook

Thank You, Bob!

What conversation are you listening to?

Diana L. May, SPHR — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:19:19 GMT

Often when people are interviewing there are two conversations. The conversation you are having with the interviewer and the conversation you are having with yourself. Unfortunately these two conversations are often in conflict. Even though the conversation you are having with yourself is silent, the interviewer is probably hearing the message loud and clear through your body language and physiological changes.

Often our self talk is negative and if you are beating yourself up during an interview, it isn't going to go well. Consider the following points when interviewing:

Every negative thought you have will be relayed in a nonverbal manner and your words only count for about 7% of your overall communication.

Clear your mind and actively listen to the interviewer. Ask questions to clarify what the interview is looking for and answer questions thoughtfully. The tendency is to rush through an answer and miss the mark.

Prepare, prepare, prepare! Understand what behavioral interviewing is and think of some good examples to demonstrate your skills and accomplishments.

Let go of the burden of past mistakes. Determine what you learned, embrace the nugget, and move on.

Good luck out there!!

Dead Man Walking - Death Warrant Signed For Colorado Business

MarkCrowley — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:11:34 GMT

March 8th is a sad day for the entrepreneur in Colorado!

In just over a month into the new legislative session, Colorado lawmakers sent around a dozen bills to Governor Ritter's desk that impose just south of a half billion dollars in new taxes most of which land squarely on the backs of Colorado business. Translated, that means that you and I will be paying higher prices. As a result, one of many "lethal injections" was administered today.

In an email today, Amazon.com said that it was shutting down all of its Colorado Affiliates. Amazon said, "Colorado government recently enacted a law to impose sales tax regulations on online retailers. The regulations are burdensome and no other state has similar rules. The new regulations do not require online retailers to collect sales tax. Instead, they are clearly intended to increase the compliance burden to a point where online retailers will be induced to "voluntarily" collect Colorado sales tax -- a course we won't take." The entire e-mail text is at the end of this post.

I'm not sure that in any economy private enterprise should be "induced to 'voluntarily' collect" any tax that it is not legally required to pay.

Affiliates of Amazon.com are allowed to put Amazon advertisements on a website and when someone clicks through that ad and buys something, they get paid. It's not very much money but when you add up all of the other Colorado Amazon Associates it's real money that flows directly into the state economy. Because Amazon has no physical presence in Colorado - meaning a "brick and mortar" location, they are not required to collect sales tax. However, affiliates who earn money are required to file income tax returns and when they earn over $600 in a year, they are issued a 1099 which is filed with IRS.

The net effect of Amazon closing down Colorado affiliates is two-fold. First, the Amazon affiliates from other states who have wesbite visitors from Colorado will now be paid the money for selling Amazon products and that business revenue that up until today was subject to Colorado income tax will no longer be earned in Colorado. Consequently, that takes money out of the business person's pocket that will not be available to take vacations, buy goods and services, go to restaurants, buy gas and so much more - all of which would be subject to sales/use taxes that will no longer be paid. Second, Amazon has already declared that they will not "voluntarily" collect sales tax so the State of Colorado will not receive any sales tax revenue from Amazon.

I'm sure that there were projections made as to how much revenue would be derived from internet retailers. When a company the size of Amazon pulls out of the state because they won't be bullied, it will put a major dent in that projection. Now add on top of that that the Colorado entrepreneurs will no longer be earning income so they won't be paying income tax since they aren't earning any income from those sales. So rather than fill the coffers with internet sales tax, the plan has backfired and actually has exacerbated the problem!

Did I mention that Overstock.com is implementing the same policy for Colorado affiliates? They will soon begin to fall like dominoes.

This particular bill passed out of the legislature by only one vote. This demonstrates how important it is to be contacting your representatives on Capitol Hill and letting them know that what they are doing isn't always the best for business. A single vote could have averted this economic disaster.

A spokesperson from Governor Ritter's office called Amazon's actions "outrageous" even though this was foreshadowed during the debate yet it passed out of the legislature and onto the Governor's desk where it was immediately signed into law.

Presumptive Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper - thought to stand on the side of business given his extensive business history in Denver did not step into the fray and was quite noticed by his absence.

In a press release I received this afternoon, Republican gubernatorial hopeful Scott McInnis said, �This continues the drumbeat of a wide range of companies from across Colorado that are being hurt by these job-killing tax increases. From manufacturers to soda and candy companies to software and now to online retail, the dire prediction for the nasty nine tax hikes are unfortunately, coming true.�

If you would like to express your views of Colorado's new law to members of the General Assembly and to Governor Ritter, who signed the bill, click on the respective links here and you will be redirected to their websites.

The far reaching consequences of this punitive action - not on the part of Amazon but on the part of Colorado Lawmakers - are yet to be seen.

I contacted the legal department at Amazon.com today in an effort to get an estimate of a) how many affiliates are impacted and b) what is the dollar amount of affiliate income that will no longer be flowing into our state. I'll update this post as soon as I know.

As of now, Colorado is the only state that has implemented this tax collection policy. However, you can bet that other states have been considering it. I think with the bold move by Amazon, followed by Overstock and who knows who may be next, the other 49 states are likely to take a pause before trying
a high altitude maneuver like this one

Here's the e-mail from Amazon

Dear Colorado-based Amazon Associate:
We are writing from the Amazon Associates Program to inform you that the Colorado government recently enacted a law to impose sales tax regulations on online retailers. The regulations are burdensome and no other state has similar rules. The new regulations do not require online retailers to collect sales tax. Instead, they are clearly intended to increase the compliance burden to a point where online retailers will be induced to "voluntarily" collect Colorado sales tax -- a course we won't take.

We and many others strongly opposed this legislation, known as HB 10-1193, but it was enacted anyway. Regrettably, as a result of the new law, we have decided to stop advertising through Associates based in Colorado. We plan to continue to sell to Colorado residents, however, and will advertise through other channels, including through Associates based in other states.

There is a right way for Colorado to pursue its revenue goals, but this new law is a wrong way. As we repeatedly communicated to Colorado legislators, including those who sponsored and supported the new law, we are not opposed to collecting sales tax within a constitutionally-permissible system applied even-handedly. The US Supreme Court has defined what would be constitutional, and if Colorado would repeal the current law or follow the constitutional approach to collection, we would welcome the opportunity to reinstate Colorado-based Associates.

You may express your views of Colorado's new law to members of the General Assembly and to Governor Ritter, who signed the bill.

Your Associates account has been closed as of March 8, 2010, and we will no longer pay advertising fees for customers you refer to Amazon.com after that date. Please be assured that all qualifying advertising fees earned prior to March 8, 2010, will be processed and paid in accordance with our regular payment schedule. Based on your account closure date of March 8, any final payments will be paid by May 31, 2010.

We have enjoyed working with you and other Colorado-based participants in the Amazon Associates Program, and wish you all the best in your future.

Best Regards,
The Amazon Associates Team

tompeters! Brand

David Sandusky — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 01:01:24 GMT

Some professionals create an unmistakable personal brand by simply doing something well for a long time. You could say that is why Tom Peters is so successful but that would not be doing him justice. In the commodity of management gurus and leadership definers, Tom Peters is the one setting his tone for the rest to follow. His energy and passion are consistent across wide subject matter all organized around YOUR thinking of leading values across organization and self.
- photo by Allison Shirreffs

Since we like to highlight people making BIG impact rather than simply surviving, Tom Peters is the next unmistakable personal brand!

I like the Tom Peters brand of management consulting and speaking. He comes off as if he is talking down to us. He is. What Peters often talks about is not hard to figure out. As a matter of fact it is common sense. I think he knows managers and leaders know this but still fail. So he talks as if he is annoyed he has to tell us that you don't promote the best sales person to a leadership role when you need a leader. Companies do it anyway. Tom Peters must keep consistent with his message while innovating ways to inspire new thinking in management; even though innovation has a hint of "duh" to it. His website has many video clips, a blog and we can follow Tom Peters on twitter. DO IT!

The DYNAMIC Buna Dahal on Your Brand Radio

Best of Your Brand Radio — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:38:48 GMT

We love all Your Brand Radio shows. Just like every day is a good day, just some are better than others, well, that is the case with this show. Listen to every word from Buna Dahal. This show produced more feel good comments and thank you messages than usual. We hope you share.

Originally Posted by David Sandusky

Listen Now!

Click -> Your Brand Radio LIVE on Blog Talk Radio every Thursday at 4:00MTN or join us at Espressole Caffe to experience the show and networking

Mark and I are so excited for you to hear Your Brand Radio this week! I am still buzzing about my phone conversation in preparation for the show. This full of life firecracker is so gracious and remarkable! She will steel your heart and empower you to spread your wings!

Born in Biratnagar, Nepal, Buna Dahal has been blind since birth.

She started her academic years in Dharan and Laboratory High School Kirtipur where she completed her 10th grade.

At 18, when she was on her second year of college in Padma Kanya Campus in Kathmandu, she got a wonderful opportunity to participate in the International Program of the Overbrook School for the Blind in Philadelphia PA.

This program provided training in the areas of access technology, written and spoken English, orientation and mobility and leadership development to young blind and low vision students between 16 and 20 years of age from around the world.

She then moved to College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn IL and later transferred to the Columbia College in Chicago, IL and completed her Bachelor�s degree in Journalism in June 1998.

Here she worked as an assistant to the Director of Career Planning and Placement Office at the Columbia College.

At an early age, Buna realized that she had a dream...
A dream, not only to survive, but to truly live life to the fullest!

She had a desire to spread her wings because she knew there was much more to life than just existing.

Today, she fully lives her life with confidence and competence by inspiring others across the globe.
Check out Buna as she "spreads her wings" and descends through the wild blue yonder!

Each Thursday at 4PM MST Mark Crowley and David Sandusky host Your Brand Radio at Espressole Caffe and live online to discuss you, your personal brand, career, business and community strategies. Our guests demonstrate meaning with their involvement in business and community. Come on the show and tell us what you are doing that is interesting. Your business is not unique, but you are! Listen live via BlogTalkRadio at www.YourBrandRadio.com, call in (646) 716-5320 and continue the discussion in this forum!

Questions or thoughts? Discuss in this forum. Follow Your Brand Radio on twitter #ybr and suggest future topics and guests on Facebook.

Okay, Okay, I will Eat My Humble Pie.

Robert Forto — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 21:28:44 GMT

Hello All,

As many of you have read the article that I posted yesterday about me coverage of the trial here in Denver that has now lead to the local news websites. I did not do this for self promotion and I will gladly eat my humble pie. What has turned into a PR meltdown was actually a situation that had me scared to death on several levels. I was sitting in the courtroom with my iPhone in my pocket not thinking anything of it until my daughter called. She never calls me at school. EVER. In light of the recent school shootings here in Denver I was alarmed. Within a minute my wife called and I texted that I can not talk and asked what was wrong at our daughters school. Shortly thereafter I was lead out of the court room.

I wrote the piece for several reasons: one as an exercise to hone my writing skills; and two to report the story as I was involved in it. Of course I never thought that it would make the local news and cause such a backlash from my colleagues and peers. We all learn from our mistakes and this was a big one in my book.

I ask humbly for forgiveness.

Regards,

Robert Forto
Denver Dog Works

Give a Dog a Bone, Just Don't Take it Away!

Robert Forto — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 19:56:05 GMT

Give a Dog a Bone, Just Don't Take it Away!
By Robert Forto, PhD

As a canine behvaiorist at Denver Dog Works I see a lot of dog problems. I deal primarly with canine aggression and nothing can be more frietning than a dog that is possessive. I was had a client whose dog was so aggressive if disrupted their entire family's lifestyle.

The client approached me about two years ago and to this day I will never in my life forget this case: The family consisted of Two Adult Females, two pre-teen girls and two Shiba Inus. One of the Shibas was great but the other was Cujo from You-Know-Where. This Shiba, lets call him Max was so food aggressive that the family litterally had to run upstairs and close the door while he ate. When feeding time came around the family set in motion one of the most elaborate and scary displays I have ever seen.

First they would lock the dogs in the laundry room and one of the adults would prepare the food while Max became more agitated and began to bite and attack the other dog. Once the food was prepared the lady would open the laundry room door with a string attached to the handle and hold a broom to ward off Max. Max would run at the lady full blast with its teeth barring while she fought off the dog with the broom as she fled upsrairs with the rest of the family.

Max did not return to the bowl to eat, instead he would run around the house like the Tasmanian Devil and proceed to tear up anything he could; couch pillows, shoes, chair legs, everything, within minutes.

Max eventually went over to his bowl and ate his food and would calm down. This whole ritual would take about a half an hour. I observed the incident from the deck through the sliding glass doors. I can honestly say that I have never seen a dog more dangerous in my life. Before the feeding exercise Max appeared to be the perfect family pet laying at our feet while we talked and complied a history for the evaluation.

I never heard back from that family and I attempted calling them back several times to no avail.

Possessiveness

Proetecting valued assets is an important part of survival in the wild. While I agree that Canis Familiaris (the family dog) is far from being a "wild" animal they are still intrinsically wired that way deep inside their brains. In the wild, a dog that does not protect its valued assets is more likely to starve to death than one that does. Since possessiveness is normal behavior the owner should not punish the dog for it, instead we need to train the dog to think that good things happen when they give their valuables to us humans.

Some simple exercises to work on possessiveness are (not to be used with the example with a dog like Max, but maybe a dog that wont give up his ball, or looks at you "funny" when you take his bone, etc.):

1. Alow the dog to greet guests only when he is sitting. This is one of the tests in the AKC CGC Test, Accepting a Friendly Stranger.
2. Teach the dog "Give it or Drop it" and "Take it."
3. Teach food bowl exercies (except with a dog like Max, of course) where you can take up the food bowl while your dog sits, you can put your hand in the bowl while he eats, etc.
If you have any questions on canine training or behavior, please give us a call at Denver Dog Works at 303-578-9881.
_________________________
Dr. Robert Forto is a canine behvaiorist and the training director of Denver Dog Works. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at Denver Dog Training - Denver Dog Works

Go Big or Go Home

Robert Forto — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 23:04:21 GMT

Go Big or Go Home:
The Trials and Tribulations of a Citizen Journalists� First Assignment
By Robert Forto, PhD

Several weeks ago I contacted the National Association of Citizen Journalists (Welcome to NACJ) about the possibility of working toward a press credential to use in Anchorage to report on the start of the Iditarod sled dog race the first week of March. I will be covering the Iditarod race for my radio show Mush! You Huskies (teamineka on Blog Talk Radio)

I completed my assignments, met the requirements, and received my press badge just last week and I decided that my first assignment will be covering the murder trial of Bronco�s player Darrent Williams.The angle on this story that would allow me to report on my first day as a journalist in one of the biggest trials of the decade. I wanted to cover this story for a few reasons: one to see if I could actually get in to the courtroom as a citizen journalist. Two to hone my skills that I learned in training and three to be a part of the biggest trial in Denver in a very long time. I will get into that in a bit.

Darrent Williams was killed on the early hours of New Years Day 2007 on a snowy night at a nightclub in Denver. Williams, an up-and-coming star with the Denver Broncos was shot and killed allegedly, by a member of the Crips street gang when an argument spilled into the streets and and the gunman opened fire on a Hummer limousine where Williams was inside.

10:05

I arrived at the Denver City and County Building at 10:00 am and walked the halls of the courthouse have dispensed justice for more than 100 years. I found the courtroom, at the far end of a long hallway that was literally crawling with security. I was told I could not enter the courtroom until there was a break and was told that I could listen in on the proceedings in the City Council chambers.

Inside of the City Council chambers were row upon row of benches filled to near capacity with reporters and citizens. I noticed very quickly that the press were reporting on dinosaur (aged) laptops, busily typing notes on iPhones and Blackberrys. I was in my element.

While in the City Council chambers I listened intently to the cross examination of the prosecution�s key witness, Felix Abram. Abram, a federal prisoner who was a friend of the defendant, Willie D. Clark and at the New Years Eve party that preceded the shooting. Abrams, has reached a plea deal on a drug case is exchange for testimony.

10:50 am

The court was in recess and I was allowed to go to the courtroom. Again security was very tight and I had to clear a second metal detector before entering. In courtroom 10 of the District Court was where this human drama would play out. The courtroom, very small by TV drama standards, was packed with media that had claimed the first three rows and on the left were seats for the defendant's supporters, and on the right, seats reserved for attorney�s and other government officials.

Do I feel out of place in this environment? Absolutely not! I thrive on stuff like this!

11:09

Shortly after I arrived, the Defendant, Willie D. Clark, 26, was lead in and placed at the defense table. Clark, a small man in stature, wearing a very conservative blue sweater and white collared shirt, was framed by two deputies as he spoke to his attorneys.

The judge entered the courtroom followed by the jury. The jury, young by my estimation, was equally divided by men and women and ranged in age from early 20�s to probably mid-40�s. The judge made an announcement about cellphones being prohibited and that no media devices what-so-ever are allowed to be used.

Within minutes testimony started in one of the greatest dramas in human society. Being on trial for murder of a major sports star and a budding celebrity is not like you see on television. The defendant, on trial for his life looked very scared. I can�t help think what Clark�s mother might be thinking. I can only imagine what is going through her head--bringing back memories of Clark as a boy, now twenty years later on trial for his life.

11:35

I was listening intently to testimony of the lead homicide detective on the case when my iPhone began to ring. First it was my daughter, then my wife, then my daughter left a voicemail. I texted back saying: �I can�t talk right now� and within a minute I was told to exit the courtroom and a deputy grabbed my arm and escorted me to conference room. The trial stopped an all eyes were on me! I was let into a room, flanked by two deputies. My iPhone was confiscated and told to produce my drivers license to run a wants and warrants check. I was told to sit down and be quiet and I will be detained until the court takes a break and the judge wants to talk to me.

As I sat in the room, which I learned was the judge�s break-room, I tried to make small talk with the deputies from the Denver Sheriff's Office. Frankly, I was scared to death. I asked questions but the deputies had no answers. You see, the Denver Sheriff's office is like no other department in the country. The Sheriff's office�s job is primarily court security at the Denver and County building and to operate the jail several miles away. Denver does not have a mobile sheriff's office with squad cars and a presence on the street like most communities across the U.S.

I sat in the break-room for almost an hour until I heard the court called to recess and as they led the defendant down the hall, they closed the door of the break-room. My heart rose to my throat. Judgement day in minutes. Will I go to jail for this?

12:40

I was led into the still packed courtroom and told to stand at the podium and the judge addressed me by my full name and date of birth. I was told that I was being charged with contempt and reprimanded for using my cellphone when I was warned not to. I explained to the judge that my daughter had called and she never does and I was worried about her safety. The judge told me that the rules are the rules and I was told that I can not attend the trial after today. The judge told the deputies to look at my iPhone at the text messages, call logs, and pictures and if nothing was on there that compromised the trial I would be released. Thankfully, it was just my wife and daughter.

I mentioned to the judge that this was my first assignment as a citizen journalist and what a way to learn the ropes. I did and I did quick.

You see, I don�t do anything without doing it big! Today was no exception. Somehow I managed to get my name on the official transcript of the court record of the biggest trial in Denver in a very long time.

What a day what a life in one of the greatest cities in the world, Denver, CO. I will see you next week in Anchorage.

Tags: #denver #broncos #citizenjournalism, robert forto, denver broncos, citizen journalist, denver dog works, dog training denver. your brand plan,

_________________
Dr. Robert Forto is a citizen journalist for Twine Group Media. Dr. Forto is also the training director of Denver Dog Works and the host of a weekly radio show, The Dog Doctor Radio Show. Dr. Forto can be reached through email at mediahound@twinegroup.com

Raw Food Diet for Dogs

Robert Forto — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:23:06 GMT

Learning to Feed Bones and Raw Food to Boxers
By Leah Morse

This will be the first of a series of blogs that I want to share my experience with learning to feed raw diet to my dogs. It is a controversial way of providing nutrition for your dogs. I am not suggesting that anyone follow these guidelines that I have chosen to do for my own dogs. I am just simply sharing the information that I have found and where I found it. I have seen some amazing changes in the health of my dogs but this is, by any means, a simple way to feed your dog. It takes planning and work. The days that you are tired and don�t feel like preparing an extra meal, or paying for it, for that matter, you still have to do it. Your dogs can�t feed themselves. I have gotten creative at saving on the cost but again this creates more work. I am thankful to own a Vita-mix blender (High performance blenders from Vitamix Corporation.) which saves me time and blends down the veggies, raw eggs and shells to liquid if needed. I am simply sharing my experiences. I am not a veterinarian; I am also not a health care professional. This theory of feeding raw species appropriate diet can have serious health risks associated with incorrect handling, preparing and feeding. NEVER EVER FEED COOKED BONES! Cooking bones changes the molecular structure, they become brittle and may splinter which would injure or kill your dog! Do not feed bones that are frozen either, as they can and will ruin your pet�s teeth. All bones must be thoroughly thawed before feeding. Mixing raw meat with cooked meat can cause digestive problems. If feeding raw diet is your goal read as many books and literature as possible. Find people who are already feeding and have experience to have as mentors. Use your own good judgment, when in doubt, don�t do it. The ideas and opinions in this blog are my own and come from feeding my dogs this way since 2008, unless otherwise credited. I am by no means an expert, just sharing my own acquisition of information and observations from my own dogs. Take any ideas that I present here at your own risk and discretion. I, for one, have found it worth it.

After suffering through the agonizing cancer and liver disease deaths of my late great boxers Bohdi and Leelu, I vowed to dedicate myself to being part of finding a solution rather than just a victim of diseases that plague boxers and many other breeds for that matter. I have tried many different top brand highly nutritious dog foods only to be somewhat satisfied. I have gone to many dog food nutrition seminars put on by Iams, NutroMax, Science Diet and others. I experimented with adding supplements and veggies to these great foods. Then the great dog food recall of 2007 happened and Melamine (Melamine contaminated Pet Foods - 2007 Recall List) seemed to be the main problem. In my opinion it seemed that outsourcing their manufacturing to other countries (or at least procuring ingredients from them), quality control is not the same as in the United States to save on their bottom line. I spent thousands of dollars on drugs and medications for a variety of ailments. Though there are many theories out there I, for one, believe that environment and nutrition quality play a huge role in keeping our furry children happy and healthy. I know that when my husband and I started eating healthier and incorporating more fresh nutritious choices into our everyday meals, we began to feel much better and we did not have trouble with as many ailments.

So I made my decision and decided to experiment with raw diet, B.A.R.F diet (Bones and Raw Foods) with my dogs. I was terrified at first. After being a veterinary assistant for 10 years, 20 years in pet retail and now as a professional dog trainer, where I preached to never feed people food, I was going to go against everything I had once believed. Although the bird nutrition classes have always pushed to feed fresh as it was the best. Still grieving from the loss of Leelu (just shy of 10 years when we lost her to the horror of hemangiosarcoma) I wanted to do everything that I could for the eight year old rescued boxer and the eight month old boxer puppy that we had left. I had noticed that Bohdi�s health was starting to go downhill. So I did due diligence and scoured the internet, I ordered books (Dr. Billinghurst�s book �Give Your Dog a Bone� and �Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats the Ultimate Diet� by Kymythy R. Schultze C.C.N., A.H.I. I joined B.A.R.F chat networks and groups on Facebook. I found these to be quite informative.

I had read that I should keep track of the health of my dogs. In the beginning, both had moderately shiny coats. Bohdi�s energy level seemed to be declining and Story had a normal puppy energy level. Bohdi was on a thyroid maintenance prescription drug, a Glucosamine supplement, pepcid (prescribed for his daily struggle with a sour stomach) and a daily pain relief prescription drug. Both dogs, as many boxers do, suffered us with their flatulence. Bohdi had stained teeth but had just had a dental cleaning done. Much to my surprise the puppy started to show signs of a small amount of tarter building up on her Carnasal molars. I was feeding Blue Buffalo brand food to both, one of the better and more expensive processed dog foods. One of the things that really bothered me about feeding such expensive processed food was that I seemed to feed the same amount that I was picking up afterward in the dog run. I thought that feeding premium foods was supposed to give you less to pick up. I seemed to feed forty pounds of dog food and then I seemed to pick up the same forty pounds in stool.

I finally broke down and purchased chicken wings with the purpose of feeding them to my dogs. I had found that non wait bearing bones were the best and that chicken wings backs and necks had just about the right ratio of bone to meat. I split the dogs up and gave them each a raw chicken wing. It was a strange experience to feel both the excited anticipation of healthier dogs and also the pit in my stomach that said �What did I just do?� I intently watched as the older dog, Bohdi, cautiously sniffed the wing picked it up and gave it a little shake only to drop it again. He then picked it back up and started to chomp through it. A couple of cracks and smacks and the chicken wing disappeared down his throat as he licked his lips. Bohdi looked at me as if to say �Is that it?� I wasn�t comfortable with giving more until I saw how he handled it. Meanwhile, out in the dog run, Story, the puppy, was shaking and licking her chicken wing. It took her much longer to figure out that it was something she could touch and then that it was more than just a toy but she finally got the job done. I kept my eye on both of them the rest of the evening and as gross as it may seem I kept a close eye on their bathroom habits. The morning after my initial feeding of the chicken wings I was anxious to see what the end result would be. I was terrified and had a rough night of sleep, envisioning a quick trip to the local veterinary hospital to extract the bones from my poor dogs. On the contrary, both dogs were fine and had normal stool, yet smaller amounts and much to my surprise I could actually see the digested bone. White dog stool that literally disintegrated as you tried to shovel it up. Another added bonus was that it did not smell nearly as bad. Third bonus was that Bohdi, who usually has an easily upset stomach, was having no digestive issues that I could see, at all. Last but not least, our dogs did not seem to have foul smelling gas. Day one of feeding Raw Diet appeared to go well. Their next meal would, again, be chicken wings with the addition of pureed celery. Now I would start planning meals and start keeping track of the cost. Research where to get the ingredients cost effectively. I wanted to come up with a system that lowered my risk of contamination in the kitchen and that would be the most sanitary for our dogs. I was also going to really educate myself about supplementation. My experiences will follow in future blogs.

If you have any questions for Leah or would like to learn more about feeding a raw diet to your dogs from someone that has first hand experience, please give us a call at Denver Dog Works at 303-578-9881.

Tags: Denver Dog Works, Dog Training Denver, Colorado Dog Trainers, Leah Morse, Canine Nutrition, Raw Diet for Dogs, Robert Forto, Dog Works Training Centers, Rocky Mountain Classic Canine, Your Brand Plan
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Leah Morse is a canine trainer and the owner of Rocky Mountain Classic Canine in Colorado. Leah also is a contract trainer for Denver Dog Works and a former student. Leah can be reached through Denver Dog Works at http://www.denevrdogworks.com

Denver Dog Works Dog of the Week: Gina

Robert Forto — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:01:25 GMT

Denver Dog Works Dog of the Week: Gina
By Michele Forto

Gina came into my life as a potential service dog candidate. She was chosen by my husband and had many possibilities for a two and a half year old female German Shepherd dog. When Robert brought her to our kennel we immediately introduced her to our dog Qyain. Gina and Qyain were fast friends. But we quickly realized that Gina did not like other female dogs. Sadly we had to keep her separated from the other female Boudica.

One day I arrived at work to find that the kennel technician had placed Gina in a kennel right next Boudica. They were fence fighting uncontrollably. I moved Boudica quickly and returned to calm Gina down a bit to discover that she had managed to catch her eye on the kennel. I knew I had to act quickly or this could result in disaster for Gina.

`I utilized my Canine First Aid training by quickly assessing the situation and remaining calm. Gina wasn�t moving but as I moved closer to her she would start pulling and since her skin was caught she couldn�t free herself. I told her to sit and then to stay. She did exactly what I told her to do. She was crying very loudly and breathing hard. As I moved in closer I was able to touch her head and she immediately got still. While talking to her calmly I put my arms around her and gently lifted her up and was able to release her eyelid where it was stuck on the kennel latch. I then carried her inside where I laid her down placed a blanket over her since I knew she was in shock and then proceeded to flush her eye with luke warm water making sure there was no debris inside. I was also able to see that her eye was fine, bloodshot and bruised but not cut or punctured in anyway. Her third eyelid was very bruised and swelling was beginning. I placed an ice pack over her eye and carried her to my truck and the two of us proceeded to the vet�s office where it was determined that she would be just fine. The vet said I had done a great job and wanted to know how I did everything. I told him that I have been working with animals and dogs in particular for over 20 years and that I had taken several canine first aid and CPR courses over the years and that my husband and I teach a certification workshop.

Gina did not need antibiotics and healed nicely in about a week. She gave birth to two sweet females about nine months later. Gina know competes in Schutzhund and is living out her life with her pups in the mountains near Colorado Springs.

I share this story with you because I feel it is very important that every pet owner take a course in canine first aid and CPR. Just as I feel every parent should take the same course to save their child. If you are active with your pet in any fashion or your pet just likes lying around the house, knowing first aid and canine CPR could save your pet�s life in an emergency situation.

If you would like to learn how to take my Canine CPR/First Aid course please contact me via my website at Denver Dog Training - Denver Dog Works or become a fan of Denver Dog Works on Facebook and check out the events page for upcoming workshops. The next Canine CPR/First Aid class is scheduled on March 21, 2010 and is an all day event.
________________
Michele Forto is the business manager for Denver Dog Works and the co-host of the Dog Doctor Radio Show. Michele can be reached through her website at Denver Dog Training - Denver Dog Works

Dog Sledding Pre-History

Robert Forto — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:33:30 GMT

Dog Sledding Prehistory
By Robert Forto, PhD

The art of dog driving started with early man. The area in northern Asia known as Siberia, is the location of some of the most brutal weather conditions on the face of the planet. The bone chilling temperatures produce almost frictionless snow and ice that covers everything for the majority of the year.

The next natural step from dogs pulling firewood along the beaches, or dragging home spoils from the hunt across the frozen, snow covered tundra, was to pulling toboggans and sleds. From ancient bone runners dug up at Savoonga on Saint Lawrence Island, we know that the sled was used between four and five thousand years ago. The dog sledding that these prehistoric people started became a crucial tool for the tribes of the north in the fight against Mother Nature for survival.

The Chukchi and Samoyed tribes of Siberia developed dog driving into an art over the centuries. The Chukchi, according to experts, are the first people that depended seriously on the dogs in order to survive. The Russian scholar, Dr. Robert Crane, wrote, �climatic changes and displacement of the Chukchi by a more powerful southern people combined to force the Chukchi to base their economy on sled dog transportation in order to survive."

In the long winters of the northern region the sled dog�s contributions were the most prevalent. Time and time again the Chukchi people suffered from the scarcity of food that continually threatened their very survival. This reality was the catalyst that drove the tribe to develop the sled dog. With this development, the Chukchi had trumped the other arctic tribes who competed fiercely for the limited resources. The native people of the north were able to extend their hunting ranges in direct correlation to the added mobility that their dogs enabled them to achieve by pulling sleds of supplies.

The original canines that the Chukchi used were likely descended from the domesticated dogs of their competitors from the southern latitudes. The dog of the north scarcely resembled its southern ancestors a few generations later. They were larger, more rigorous, wolf�like and of course very furry. Their thick outer coats were supplemented with a life sustaining undercoat that helped the canine to retain heat, and fight off the bitter cold of the arctic regions.

These early dogs did more than pull sleds; they were hunters, protectors and companions. The sled dog was to become an important part of history, figuring predominantly in a plethora of history changing events. Most assuredly, without the sled dog many things would be different.

By Robert Forto PhD Tags: dog training denver, denver dog works, team ineka, mushing, puppy obedience classes, dog doctor radio, your brand plan

A Chance To Be A Big Time Giver!

MarkCrowley — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:03:05 GMT

As so many of you know, Bob Burg's Go-Giver philosophy is a cornerstone
of what we stand for as we support business in my Chamber where I
am the "Chief Encouragement Officer"! Every once in a while something
happens in someone's business where you say, "How Cool Is That?"

Read on as I proudly introduce to you Melanie Romero - my friend
and soon to be a QVC superstar - with your help!

You can count on me Melanie - I'm there this Wednesday!

If you�ve been to any Chamber events lately, you know that Vino100
is a store that subscribes to the Go-Giver philosophy - they
give much more than they ever expect in return. They have
provided many hundreds of dollars in wine and staff time at our
events!

Now it�s our turn to support them in this once-in-a-lifetime
dream come true on QVC this Wednesday at 1PM MST.

Many of you have met Melanie Romero pouring wine or just
generally being a great friend of Greenwood VIllage Chamber.

What many of you don�t know is that she is a brilliant inventor!

Here�s what Owner Cynthia Asensio told me on Saturday
at their weekly wine-tasting:

Melanie is attempting to realize a life�s dream
and she needs YOUR help! Those of you who know either of
us well know that we rarely ask for help, but we absolutely
need help from each of you now. Melanie has done everything
possible to help me with the Vino 100 wine store dream, but
the past year has been an overwhelming challenge for our
store due to the poor retail economy. Many of you have been
great support to the store and to our efforts.

Now I want to ask for your help to fulfill Melanie�s dream THIS week on QVC.
Since childhood Melanie dreamed to invent something for others.
She finally did it! In 2008 she received a patent on her baby -
the SnapBagger Ultimate Yard Clean-Up Tool.

Check it out at www.SnapBagger.com.

Everyone who has purchased one already through our website or in
select ACE stores nationwide just loves it! It is quick, clean,
ergonomic and practical - a real "no-brainer" once you have it
in your hands.

QVC - the premier home shopping channel on TV - will feature
the SnapBagger THIS Wednesday, Feb. 24th at 1pm Mountain time in a
Spring Patio & Garden Show. Melanie will be on TV herself to
demo the product and needs your help to spread the word for
people to purchase through QVC - this is a huge break on TV
and we want people to buy from QVC THIS WEEK so that they hopefully
invite Melanie back on TV again this Fall. We expect the QVC price
will be approximately $19.99, which is lower than on our website or
in a store.

Who needs this great year-round tool?
Everyone who loves their yard! Who do you know?
Friends, Family, Neighbors
Your professional Yard Guy or Gal
An HOA that maintains facilities and common space
A residential or commercial landscape/maintenance company
A business or non-profit that Adopts-A-Highway
A generous soul who just wants to help a stranger fulfill a dream
Help spread the word to anyone you know! E-mail, Facebook, Twitter, whatever.
Ask the following of them:

On WEDNESDAY, Feb 24th please visit QVC.com: Online Shopping for Jewelry, Beauty, Apparel, Home, Electronics and more on-line and search
for "SnapBagger" or watch the Patio & Garden show live on TV in the
afternoon in your appropriate time zone (3pm EST). Anybody can purchase
the SnapBagger from QVC on Wednesday and for probably a couple of weeks
longer on-line.

Anticipated QVC price is $19.99. QVC will track all
sales (whether placed by phone at 800-345-1515 or on-line at QVC.com: Online Shopping for Jewelry, Beauty, Apparel, Home, Electronics and more)
and every single one counts!! Let�s get folks around the country who love
their yard to purchase and make this dream come true!

How Cool Is That?!

I told Cynthia - Count on me and count on our members!

You can literally help launch what I believe is one of those
truly breakthrough inventions that the minute you use it you�ll
say, "Why didn�t I think of that?"

I�ve had a behind the scenes view of some of the really tough
struggles of patent search, manufacturing, shipping, fulfillment
and QVC hoops that Melanie has been through to reach this
moment - it�s her time!

I first saw the Snapbagger at DaVinci Institute's Inventor's Showcase
last year and said, Wow! The Denver Business Journal saw it too
and did a full page story on Melanie and this great invention.

I so believe in Melanie and this product that I am going to buy one
for each household on my block on Wednesday!

Visit SnapBagger.com and you�ll instantly know why.

Please let everyone you know to log on or tune-in to QVC
this Wednesday and help make a lifelong dream come true!

After you read this, please drop Melanie a line at
mjr@snapbagger.com and let her know she has your support!

Let�s really show her what it means to be a Chamber community!

Wait til you see what she's got coming out next! I promise that you or someone you know
needs it!

Culture of Denver Dog Works: Self Development

Robert Forto — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:56:38 GMT

Culture of Denver Dog Works: Self Development
By Robert Forto, PhD

This is the sixth installment in a series on the Culture of Denver Dog Works. I am not only doing this to give our readers an idea of what we are about at Denver Dog Works but also as an exercise for us here at the training center to make sure we are all on the same page and delivering exceptional customer service and training a client's dog to be one of the best trained dogs in the world.*

The 10 Elements of Culture as defined by Denver Dog Works are:

Integrity
Professionalism
Development
Service Availability and Belief
Character
Self Development
An Event Culture
Structured Activity
Leadership
Fun

Self Development at Denver Dog Works and our Culture:

If you want more you have to require more from yourself--Dr. Phil

Being a business owner is tricky business. It takes a tremendous amount of time and even more risk. It is not for the faint at heart or the ill-prepared. It takes a decade of learning in every decision you make every day but you don�t have time to hit the books or research a topic before making a decision that could mean the difference between success and failure of your business.

At Denver Dog Works we pride ourselves in allowing everybody involved to be creative and chase after what they want in business while we give them the tools to make them the best dog trainers in the world. Its hard to share your trade secrets with others. Many even ask me why I do it. It�s simple. I want to be the best dog training school not just in denver but in the world.

We do this in seven key areas: they are: Working Toward Success, Building a Better Team Acquiring New Skills, Giving Back and Getting Back into Focus, Strive Forward to Fulfill our Company Purpose, Help Others with Professional Development and Balancing Work and Life.

Working Toward Success
Our main goal at Denver Dog Works is to continue to work toward success. Not only in business or in our industry but personal achievement as well. If we continue to build our success through our strengths and recognize and correct our weaknesses we will be a much stronger company in the next year. Our goal is to continue to learn from those who have walked a mile in our shoes and to teach those that are looking for guidance.

Building a Better Team

First and foremost my goal as the training director is to build the right team to grow our business. By training most of our team from within in our canine career courses we harvest new talents to complement our business in different training disciplines and philosophies.

Acquiring New Skills

Our business manager�s mantra is: Learn! We continue to learn everyday from our clients, attending seminars, lectures and CEU�s but also from each other. We strive to coach our team in all aspects of business not just dog training. We encourage daily discussion of challenges and issues and offer advice and guidance on these matters.

Giving Back and Getting Back into Focus

At Denver Dog Works we have a service dog training program. This is one way that we give back to our community but it is also how we get back into to focus. A service dog training program takes approximately two years to complete and in that two years you have to be totally focused on the goals that you want to achieve. By training service dogs it brings everything in our culture to the forefront so we can be the best that we can be.

Strive Forward to FulFill our Company Purpose

At Denver Dog Works we strive to improve communication in every way we can. We strive to have organization amongst our team and complete an ambitious list of projects, maintain a high level of customer service, and coach our clients in training their dogs to be the best.

Help Others with Professional Development

At Denver Dog Works we help our team preserve with integrity and to always encourage continual learning as they strive to reach their goals and vision. This is done by working closely with our team and helping them see what they don't know and helping them over come.

Balancing Work and Life

This is the most important area of Self Development in our culture at Denver Dog Works. There has to be a clear boundary between work and personal lives. If one of our trainers, or even us as the owners, work non-stop it will kill any personal goals that we have. You have to have fun and you have to let loose every once in a while because constant work will burn you out. It will become more difficult to muster the energy to work. If you don�t have the energy to work you wont fill inspired and don't have time to enrich your soul. Work affects life and life effects work.

I encourage any feedback you may have and of course share the culture of your business as well. I can be reached anytime by email at train@denverdogworks.com*

Next Week: An Event Culture

__________________
Dr. Robert Forto is the training director of Dog Works Training Centers and the host of a weekly radio program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show which can be heard every Saturday at 9:30 am in the Rocky Mountain West or download it anytime. Dr. Forto can be reached through his website at Denver Dog Training - Denver Dog Works

Dog Aggression and Biting

Robert Forto — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 22:45:33 GMT

Dog Aggression and Biting
by Robert Forto, PhD

My name is Dr. Robert Forto and I am the training director of Denver Dog Works and The Ineka Project in Colorado. I specialize in canine aggression and have worked with violent dogs for most of my career. In this article I would like to explain to the average pet owner that dog aggression is serious business and most likely your trainer that you worked with in basic obedience does not have the experience to deal with this very serious problem that is often a life and death situation for your dog. If your dog is aggressive or if you know of one, I encourage you to give me a call and we can develop a treatment plan that will allow you to manage the situation in a scientific way not by bribery, treats, or yank and crank methods that so many inexperienced or under-educated trainers attempt to use.

Statistics

There are approximately 65 Million dogs in the US. 1
Thirty-nine percent of U.S. households (or 40.6 million) own at least one dog.1
Of the approximately human 25 deaths by dogs per year, half are to children. 3
Injury from bites are highest in boy children from ages 5-9. 3
In 2001 an estimated 368,000 dog bite injuries were treated in emergency departments. 3
Dog bites rank second (after baseball/softball) in annual emergency room incidents for children. 3
The majority (80%) of dog bites incurred by persons aged 18 and younger are inflicted by a family dog (30%) or a neighbor's dog (50%) 4
Why are dogs aggressive?
Dogs are predators. Aggression is a survival skill required by all canines. The difference is dogs who can justify aggression and those who misjudge it.

What counts as a "bite"?
The courts have held that a dictionary definition of a "bite" shall be used. A typical definition of "bite" is "to seize with the teeth so that they enter, grip or wound."2

To quantify the degree of severity, Dr. Ian Dunbar, has created the following chart/guide on bite "levels". Each of the six levels are bites and all, even number one, are an indication you and your dog need qualified, professional help quickly.

Dr. Ian Dunbar's Six Levels (degrees) of Bites:
Level 1: This bite does not touch the skin. The dog is air biting or snapping.
Level 2: This bite makes contact with the skin, but doesn't break the skin. Pain and bruising may result, but no abrasions will be visible.
Level 3: This bite ranges from a one to three punctures in a single bite with on puncture less than � the depth of the eye-tooth (fang) with or without some tearing.
Level 4: The dog is putting great pressure into the bite. 1 to 4 puncture wounds with or without tearing, more than � the depth of the eye tooth. This is usually accompanied with bruising and likely to require medical attention. These injuries suggest the dog grabbed and shook what was in it's mouth.
Level 5: Multiple level 4 bites. This dog is usually beyond the ability to reason and may feel his/her life is threatened.
Level 6: The dog has killed.

Why do dogs bite?

Dogs bite for many reasons. Over the past two decades it has become "trendy" amongst dog trainers and behaviorists to attempt to resolve and eliminate dog aggression. However, scientific data on a cure still eludes the profession. Too many variables exist and too many trainers are not well versed canine ethology to remedy the problems which develop.

Do all dogs bite?

All dogs react differently to stimulus (very exciting or scary situations). The four most common stress responses in dogs are: fight, flight, freeze and fool around (if you've ever owned a Golden Retriever, you've experienced fooling around!) Typically most dogs will simply leave when the stress gets to be too much.

This may be why some dog's appear obstinate. Imagine telling your off leash dog to lay down while he's at the dog park in the mist of many bold dogs at play. This may seem very threatening to him and he may disobey you not to be "bad" but rather to avoid use his "flight" instinct to avoid confrontation with the other dogs. If he doesn't lay down and you attempt to physically force him, he will be forced to make another decision of how to deal with his stress because you didn't let him "flee" (flight) instinct. Instead, he may move into "fight" mode and defend himself by snapping at you as you force him to lay.

Biting can also result when the dog is highly aroused/excited when chasing people along a fence line or from a tie out/chain. When the dog is restrained his natural "prey drive" or instinct to chase can occur. Problems can result when the dog is restricted from chasing. This is called "barrier frustration" and it can (and does) occur commonly though most dogs don't bite. Bites usually occur when the dog's owner/handler attempts to physically control the dog. The dog is so aroused, he indiscriminately bites the person. This is called "displacement aggression" and is quite common.

Which breeds are most likely to bite?

According to the CDC, Rottweilers and Pit Bulls were involved in 60% of the 27 dog bite fatalities that occurred in 1997 and 1998. Rottweilers were involved in ten deaths, and Pit Bulls were involved in six.5 This certainly doesn't mean other dogs produce fatal bites, but it is a reminder to be aware that most large powerful breeds can cause more severe injuries than small dogs. Keep in mind that it is mixed breeds and not pure bred dogs are the type of dog most often involved in inflicting bites to people. The pure-bred dogs most often involved in bites are German shepherds and Chow chows. 6

In a study reported by a retired professor from California State University at Chino, Robert Plum, it was found that one dog in 55 will bite someone seriously during the course of a year. With respect to breed differences in the tendency to inflict serious injury, Plumb estimates that when a pit bull bites a human, one in 16 (e.g. 1/16) will inflict serious injury; this contrasts with a ratio of 1/296 Dobermans, and 1/156 German shepherds. Certainly more studies and research is needed.

Warning signs of aggression and biting may be possible:

Any health change or long term health problem (especially dysplasia)
Anxious or hyper behavior (fear of new or certain people or places)
Biting or a history of biting (past behavior is a predictor or future behavior) Growling (growls are warnings take them as such)
Guarding (things or people)
New behavioral changes
Obsessive fence/kennel running/chasing
Severe separation issues
Uncontrollable lunging at people or dogs while on leash
Is my dog likely to bite?

The list of breeds most involved in both bite injuries and fatalities changes from year to year and from one area of the country to another, depending on the popularity of the breed. However, if your dog is obedience trained, maintains a social life (regularly gets out of the house & yard), is neutered or spayed, healthy and is female, your dog is less statistically likely to bite. BUT, that doesn't mean he won't. After all, anything with teeth can bite!

I'm thinking of keeping my biting dog. What should I know?

According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bites accounted for about one-quarter of all claims on homeowner's insurance, costing more than $321 million in 2003. In 2002, the latest year for which numbers are available, the average claim for a dog bite was $16,600. You should consult your insurance company for any restrictions they may have against future claims.

Sources:
1. American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) 2003-2004 National Pet Owners Survey cited by the HSUS.
2. Webster's Third New International Dictionary (1993) at p. 222.
3. CDC MMWR Weekly 6/4/03 Nonfatal Dog Bite--Related Injuries Treated in Hospital Emergency Departments --- United States, 2001
4. Beck AM, Jones BA. Unreported dog bites in children. Public Health Rep 1985;100:315--21.
5. CDC; Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Dog-Bite-related Fatalities - United States, 1995-1996 (MMWR, Vol. 46/No. 21, May 30, 1997).

_______________________________

Dr. Robert Forto is a canine behaviorist and the training director of Denver Dog Works and The Ineka Project in Colorado. He can be reached through his website at
Denver Dog Training - Denver Dog Works or by phone at 303-522-1727