Skijoring With Your Dog

Since I wrote an article on Winter Activities With Your Dog I will be taking the next few days to write about each activity in more detail here on my blog. The first one we mentioned is Skijoring.

In my article I gave a very general idea of what Skijoring is, perhaps it would be a little more helpful to actually see what Im talking about. Take a look at this video.



As you can see, Skijoring can be very fun for your dog! This dog seems to live for it! Heres another-



Skijoring can be a lot of fun for you too. If you get joy out of doing things with your dog, take up some Skijoring and enjoy the winter!

Not enough snow where you are? How about some Urban mushing?



You can do this with roller blades, bikes, anything your dog can pull you on.

If your interested in learning more about Skijoring, take a look at Skijor With Your Dog.

Heres a book that can help you on your way to Skijoring with your dog- Ski Spot Run: The Enchanting World of Skijoring and Related Dog-Powered Sports

Their are many online sources to learn more about Skijoring, along with equipment for you and your dog. Here are a few to get you started;

• Skijoring with your dog
• Skijoring Information
• Ultra Paws

Now get out there and have fun with your dog!

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Finding Time with your Furry Friend

Finding time to actually spend with your dog can sometimes be a challenge. Dogs can need a lot of exercise, attention and stimulation to get them through the day and between work and/or kids it can be extremely hard to fill those needs. Not having time for a pet is also a big reason people place their pets for adoption but think of some of these alternate methods before making a choice such as that.

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Before getting a dog do research about the breed and the requirements that they will need, some dogs need more exercise than others and if their requirements are not met they can turn into "problem dogs". Make sure the dog you get suits your family. Not all dogs live up to their breed reputation but most research you do will give you a good guideline to follow.
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1. Schedule them into your free time - Whether that is once you get off work or during nap time, try and take them on a walk (for those moms that dont mind a napping child in a stroller). Taking them to a nearby park in the afternoon, after work or maybe when your significant other comes home, so that they can run around and play fetch is a great way to get some energy out and let them settle down before bed time. If your yard is big enough to throw a ball around back there that will also work and would be extra convenient for you! My husband will usually watch the kids when he gets off work so I can take the dogs on a walk or have some uninterrupted training sessions and it is an excellent little break for me!

2. Wake up a little earlier than normal - If you wake up at three because you work incredibly early or have a really long commute then you should probably disregard this option. If you work around 7,8 or 9 try waking up early enough to get them on a walk around the block or at least twenty minutes earlier to spend some time with your dog working on or refreshing basic training cues. Dog training is a simple way to give your dog some mental stimulation and can actually wear them out so after a quick little session in the morning they should be ready for the first nap of their day! I try to get out of bed before the kids so I can do some morning exercises and have a quick training session with my dogs. 

3. Find more "Dog people" to get together with - You can meet "dog people" at local parks or out on walks (assuming their dog is "dog friendly"). Dog people love their dog (or dogs) as much as you do and if you get a long (and your dogs of course) then try and schedule a time to get together with them for playdates or walks. This helps get you motivated to actually get you out of the house at a certain time to meet up with them. This choice is a great option since it also gives you an opportunity to make new friends. Having two dogs and two kids and a husband who works from before the sun rises until 4 daily, also throw in a couple days of him going to school during the week and not coming home until 8 at night, turns our little family into a lot on my plate, taking care of the kids, house maintenance, taking care of the dogs, while building a business! Im surely not wonder woman so there is definitely days where Im not as peppy as others, a lot of the friends I had been meeting since our move were absolute wonderful people but werent "dog people" and it almost made me feel like my dogs were more of an inconvenience than anything when they came around. That was until I met another person that loves dogs as much as I do, they made me remember why I got into dog training and how passionate I was about it. Dog people who understand your situation can be especially uplifting and help you find that time to spend with your dogs! Friends are always a must, but when youre a dog person, "dog people" friends are just as, if not more, important! ;)

4. Include them in your weekend plans - Even if your "weekend"(or any day you have off) is at some point during the week then plan a walk to the park or go to a dog friendly hiking trail, a lake or the beach! Bring a lunch and turn it into a picnic! This is something your whole family can do and a great way to get out and enjoy the weather and enjoy some family time!

5. Dog training daily - I used dog training in a lot of the previous recommendations but this really is a good way to bond with your pet and spend some time with them. It is also important! Dog training isnt just a one time deal, you have to continuously work with them and refresh their cues so that they continue to know what it means so even if your dog is fully trained it never hurts to refresh on the basics. When working with a dog trainer they usually have different cues you work on each week, say you spend a maximum of twenty minutes a day working on these cues you should break that training session up during the day, a few minutes in the morning a few minutes at night. Personally, I get into training with my dog and I lose track of time but you dont want to over do it, dogs can get tired and confused if you persistently work on a single or set of cues.

Along with the aforementioned, here are some alternate tips you can do for them while youre busy or away.

1. Give him toys while youre away - Toys that cant be destroyed easily (anything not stuffed) or that take a little bit of time during the day for them to figure out will give them something to play with while youre away or busy. I use the beehive shaped Kong, stuff it with some wet and dry dog food mix top it off with peanut butter and freeze it over night. This gives your dog something that will keep him busy while youre away and also lasts for a few hours. Another option is to hide treats throughout your house or backyard (if your dog does not stay in a kennel all day), they will either go hunt them down all at once after you leave or  every once in a while pick up the smell and go search for them.
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2. Hire a dog walker or find a doggy daycare - Finding a dog walker/daycare is a little like hiring a babysitter except for dogs, you can hire walkers to come daily during the week while youre working or busy, or even just a couple times during the week, whichever you decide to set up. Most dog walkers charge by hourly rates so if you can work out something you can afford with them then this is a great option to get them out of the house during the day, just be sure to stick to a budget. Websites such as care.com have access to dog walkers in your area and also allows you to post an ad that you are in need of a dog walker. This website can also do background checks for you but of course you will want to schedule an interview with the potential dog walker first and ask for references and experience to make sure they are the right fit for your family and needs. Search your area for reputable daycares and find out if your dog would be a good fit for that instead.

3. Give them a friend - Although this sounds like a step back in the whole "spending more time with your dog" ordeal, this can actually be a great option if you are too busy to give your dog all the attention he needs during the day. Giving your dog someone to hang out with while youre gone or busy can prevent them from feeling bored or lonely. If another animal fits your budget then it would definitely be something to consider. Also consider smaller dogs if you do have a big dog already, or maybe even a cat (if your dog is ok with cats).

If worse comes to worst and you absolutely need to rehome them because having a dog just doesnt work for you, give them the chance to find a real home instead of resorting to putting them in a shelter first. Ask family and friends to help spread word that you need help with them being rehomed. Use websites such as petfinder.com to post an ad or use your local newspaper or penny saver and do thorough checks on the home they could be potentially going to. Dog shelters are too over populated so we need to do our part to keep them out of there!

Also dont forget to spay and neuter!

 Follow my new Facebook page @: www.facebook.com/trainingwithalysia

Tomorrow - Adapting Training into your Daily Routines.

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Are you guys alright with this still

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That was the most understated question of Saturday night.

XPD is creeping up on us. Our team is complete. We were all available for a training session last Saturday night.

We found a 42km walk in Lamington National Park. 21kms between Binna Burra & ORielys.

Rain was forcasted for the weekend. Nobody knew that it was going to be the most rain this area has had in over 100 years!!!

We started our walk at 6:30pm on Saturday night. The first hour was just a few puddles & clouded in. As it got dark we arced up our Ay Up lights. Then it started raining. It got heavier & heavier. Shortly there wasnt any room in the sky for any more rain.

It dumped on our heads non-stop for the next 9 hours! The puddles on the track got deeper & deeper. Then the trail turned into a running creek.

Each of us would have easily had about 20 or so leaches on us at any one time.

The walk took us 11 & a half hours. Lots happened in that time so here is a point summary.

1. Dog is the new team XMO (executive morale officer)
2. Dogs can sing (not)
3. Poetry is awesome on long walks.
4. Walking while sleeping is possible
5. 5 minute power naps do work
6. Goretex renewing conditioner doesnt work
7. Team 145 L-Attitude is awesome
8. Bike nix are not good for long walks
9. A big breakfast, a bacon egg burger, 3 extra strength coffees is the best recovery breakfast
10. Doing something that takes you outside of your comfort zone is very rewarding.
11. Bear Grylls is our team mascot

Until next time.
dog


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Playing Tug With Your Dog

I am often asked if a dog should play tug.  Some people are concerned that their dog will become aggressive if playing tug with a person.  This is not the case if you play by a few simple rules.  A noted study by Dr. Rooney & Dr. Bradshaw confirm this.  No rules can easily cause your dog to become too aroused and not in control of himself.  Played right, tugging is a fun & cooperative came to play with your dog & increases your dogs self control.

Safety first.  You will want to ensure that your dog is physically able to play the game of tug.  According to one chiropractic, if your dog has neck, disc, spine or arthritis, this tugging should be avoided.   You will also want your dog to take the lead in tugging & not to get too carried away.

Soft Fleece Tug

The right kind of tug toy.  Long & soft!  When playing tug with your dog, you want to make sure both of you get a good grip & help avoid those dog teeth on your delicate skin.  Soft.  I prefer fleece tug toys.  These are much softer than rope, and if your dog plays with it himself, he wont bonk his head with a hard rope, or rubber attachment.  Fleece dog tugs are also easy to wash & re-tie.  Here is how to make a fleece tug toy!

Some dog tug rules to play by.  Teach your dog a good drop it.  Only play with specific tug toys (your dogs ball is not a tug toy).  Teach a "get it" and not allow your dog to jump & grab the tug toy unless you give permission.  You or your clothing is not part of the tug game.  Your dog IS ALLOWED & I encourage you to let him WIN the game!  What a great confidence boost for dogs lacking self esteem.

How to play tug with your dog.  Playing hard to get is usually one of the best ways to encourage your dogs interest in something.  Start inside your house without any distractions.  Tell your dog, "get it" as you take the tug & drag it on the floor in a strange & exciting pattern.  If your dog shows any interest, tell him how smart he is & keep encouraging him.  You will want your dog to get a grasp & feel confident in that before putting any resistance on it.  If this step is challenging for your dog, you can reward each attempt with a food treat.

After your dog builds confidence in grabbing the toy(this may take weeks for some dogs who are unsure about play), start to add resistance by holding the tug still, so your dog has to pull the tug.  Again, encourage your dog for this pulling so he knows its ok & fun.  Build this sequence until your dog is readily & happily grabbing the tug toy (after you say, "get it").

Once you have built your dogs confidence in grabbing & tugging the toy, throw in your drop it cue & rewardfor dropping.  For a refresher in drop it, you can put a smelly dog treat by your dogs nose, or bring the tug in close to your body & hold tight until he drops.

Quick Tips:

·        Get It-gives your dog permission to grab at the dog tug.  If he goes to grab before you give his cue, quickly bring the tug toy up to your chest & wait for your dog to stop grabbing & jumping.  When he does, try again.

·        Dont forget to teach a good drop.  If your dog usually drops, but is not in the game, slow down the tugging energy, less time before a drop.  You can also add food to boost the speed of the drop in the beginning.

·        Over Arousal issues.  If you are not able to get your dog to do his basic behaviors like sit & drop, then the game is too stimulating.  Slow it down, dont play as long.

·        Youre NOT the toy.  Any dog teeth on your skin or clothing abruptly ends the game.  Stop immediately & bring that tug to your chest.  As soon as your dog stops, play again.  I usually give a dog 3 times in a session to get it before calling it quits for the session.

·        Vocalization.  Some dogs are very vocal, particularly in tug.  If your dog is vocal during tug, that is ok.  But re-read the over arousal tip.  As long as that is good, no worries.  If the vocalization changes (gets louder, or more intense), I slow the game down a bit.

·        Guarding.  If your dog has issues with resource guarding (not wanting you to take prized items) please speak with a qualified dog behavior counselor first.

Stuffed Kong

·        All done.  When you are done playing, tell your dog, "all done" so he knows you are finished.  Feel free to allow him to keep his prize, or put it away if you are trying to keep tug very motivating.  If putting away, please give your dog a stuffed Kong or similar to chew on.  End on a high note.

If your dog is unsure how to play, I love Play Together, Stay Together by Dr. Patricia McConnell.  And Play With Your Dog by Pat Miller is another good one.

Enjoy playing with your dog!

Need some extra help?  

I offer both in person & online, web, video instruction!

Please feel free to contact me for details.

  
   

Tonya Wilhelm-Global Dog Training http://www.globaldogtraining.com

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Outdoor Activities With Your Dog

As some of you probably already know, I am a big advocate for keeping your dog on leash when out in public, or even in  your own yard unless it is securely fenced.  Some people may think Im a bit nuts, or too cautious, but I feel I am only being safe & most importantly ensuring the safety of my own dog.  I do not appreciate or tolerate unleashed dogs coming up to my dog or me when not invited.  I even wrote a blog post on how to keep your dog safe in this situation.  You can read that article here.  Just because my dog Dexteris friendly, social, appropriate & under verbal control does not give me the right to break the leash law.  Its that simple.  Ok, time to get off this rant.

This post was prompted by some Facebook friends who asked me what kinds of things they could do with their dogs outside if they do not have a fenced in yard for exercise, are avoiding dog parks & doggie day cares.  These ideas may not be suitable for all dogs depending on their health & behavior.  So choose which options work for you and your dog & edit as needed.

1.      Take your dog to the park as often as you can.  Taking your dog to various parks on his harness& 6 leash is great exercise both physically & mentally.  Dont forget to bring the high value organic dog treats for keeping his attention on you & for training along the way.  I love to mix it up by visiting different parks and taking different trails.  The goal is to not be boring & predictable.

Hugo is just starting to bike with his Mom.

Thanks Tar for submitting  your photo!

Please let us know how the new dog boots go

2.      Take your dog for a bike ride!  There are a few options in this selection.  The first is to use a bike attachment made exclusively for dogs that hooks to the core of your bike & has a metal arm that goes out with a leash that you attach to your dogs BACK clipping harness.  Of course you will need to slowly build your dogs confidence & conditioning before going out for a full run. 

·    The second way to bike with your dog & what I do with Dexter is to use a dog  bicycle trailer that hooks to your bike.  Dexter  really loves this adventure & we can go for longer rides since he wont get too tired.  Perfect for senior dogs, puppies, or dogs with medical conditions.  Read our review of the Trackr Houndabout Dog Bike Trailer 

30 Leash

3.      Games outdoors with your dog on a long leash.  When I say long leash, I mean you can get a 30 cotton dog leash for your activities.  You can attach this long dog leash to your dogs harness to ensure safety when playing in your unfenced yard, on the beach, field, or open area in a park.  With this leash attached Dexterhas the freedom to move around, fetch, run, sniff & I have the security of him being on leash.  We can pretty much do anything this way!  I tend to use a 20 or 30 or more lead depending on what Im doing.

4.      Swimming is great exercise for dogs and a nice way to cool down.  Again, you have a few options.  First, you can get a childs swimming pool and allow your dog to wade in it, or for some even swim!  They now even have portable dog pools that can fold up for the winter!

·   The second way would be in a regular size pool, lake, or pond.  But just keep in mind that a lot of dogs need help in learning how to swim, even our retrievers & water dogs!  You can purchase a dog life jacket to help your dog learn & to give you a little security as well.  Dexter  always wears his when we are boating. 

·   Keep in mind, if you are still not in a fenced in area, you will want to keep your dog leashed. Dexter  his own long leash that floats that I made out of boat line & a lobster claw clip.  Unlike the  30 cotton dog leash which gets bogged down with water & sinks, the boat line keeps afloat! 

Boat Line

I hope you find some of these ideas helpful.  Just keep in mind the games you can play with your dog outside or inside are endless!  I will work at teaching you some games in future blog posts.  There are just so many to choose from!

Tips:  

·        Always keep weather in mind.  Dogs can get overheated or too cold very quickly.  Have lots of fresh water for both  you and your dog.  I prefer to use a stainless steel water bottle for Dexter. 

·        I am a fan of cooling jackets for dogs too!  I made Dexters but there are some nice ones out there on the market. 

·        Build  your dogs tolerance for exercise slowly.  Just like we need to slowly start an exercise program, so does  your dog.  Dogs under 2 years of age are still developing & growing their bones and muscles.  Talk with your veterinarian prior to starting an exercise program.

·        Bring organic dog treats for attention. 

·        Have a dog first aid kit in your car or in your backpack. 

Need some extra help?  I offer both in person & online, web, video instruction!

Please feel free to contact me for details.

     

   

   

    

Tonya Wilhelm-Global Dog Training http://www.globaldogtraining.com

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Surviving the Winter Blues with Your Dog

Brrrr its cold out there! Today in Ohio, its a balmy 8 degrees. The only good thing about that is there isnt much snow on the ground. I thought, since Dexter and I are staying mostly inside today, it would be a nice time to offer some winter precautions and fun things you can do with your dog outside and inside.

Safety first. I am hoping that my readers do not keep their dogs outdoors.

Keep them warm

Dogs are companions, and offer us so much, we at the very least can offer them a warm home. However, they should go outside for potty breaks, physical and mental exercise. When its freezing outside, outside outings should be limited.

• Feet-Dog foot pads are not boots! A dogs feet get cold just like ours do. For quick potty breaks, toddler socks work well. They are easy to put on, and no worries when the fall off. If you get dark colors, you can find them in the snow. Dog boots are perfect for longer outings and walks. Out of all the dog boots Ive tried with Dexter, Satsox by far are our favorite. The runner up is Pawz, they keep the snow and ice out but they dont keep a paw very warm.
  • If your dog goes outside without boots or socks, please make sure you clean the salt and ice from his foot pads. A warm washcloth or pet wipes work well.
• Scoop-Unlike us (I hope), your dog needs to do his business outside. Scoop a nice, large walking area for him, the bigger, the better. If your dog likes to walk around before doing his business, make sure you scoop walking trails. Keep his potty area clean, or he wont want to eliminate there!
• Dog Coat-A must! Our dogs need to stay warm too. Look for a dog jacket that offers full-range of motion and covers their bottom.

• Sweaters-Yes. If you have a chilly dog, even indoors can be drafty. If you find your dog curling in a tight ball, or seeking the sun rays, a nice sweater will make all the difference in the world. Dexter is an odd-shaped dog, long and lean. We tend to have our sweaters custom made by MeekByDesign. She does amazing work! Dont forget to tell her Dexter sent you. You can also check Amazon for off the rack dog sweaters.
• Dog Hats-Why not? Dexter doesnt typically where a dog hat, but he has on occasion. It most definitely helped with the snow build up on his ears. He has long, long, spaniel ears that are a magnet for snow, and anything thing else they touch.
• Dry and Cover-When your dog is ready to come inside from playing, dont forget to dry him off. My favorite two towels are the Aquis microfiber towel and Mugzys Mutt towel. If your dog tolerates it, a dog hairdryer can feel oh, so good! While you are drying off your dog, toss your dogs favorite dog blanket into the dryer. After drying off your dog, remove the dog blanket from the dryer and cover up your pooch, or allow him to lay on it. Toasty!

Outdoor fun with your dog. During winter, dont miss those days that are actually sunny! Although, the weather still may be cold, it feels great to get a little vitamin D from the sun. Keep safety in mind, but sunny days are a nice time to get outside with your dog. Below are a few games you might be able to play with your dog.

• Snow Maze-Depending on the depth of the snow, and the height of your dog, a snow maze can actually be a really fun game. While your dog is inside staying warm, scoop various paths, leading to scooped open areas and treat filled toys. In the beginning, place the filled treat toy at the end of an easy path. Let your dog outside, and encourage him to sniff around. In the beginning, you will likely need to “help him” find the prize at the end. But, after a few sessions, your dog will get the idea, and your can make the paths more difficult.
• Snowball Fight- OK, maybe not a snowball fight, but what about a game of catch? Pack a little clean snow and toss it up in the air to the side of your dog. Dont toss it right at his face, he probably wont appreciate that until he realizes he can catch it. If your dog isnt much of a catcher, but more of a chaser, toss the snowball like you would a ball. Dont worry if the snowball blends with the other snow, its about chasing. When he gets to where you tossed, repeat with a new snowball.
• Find It-If there is a nice amount of snow, tossing a ball into the snow so that it buries itself can be loads of fun for some dogs. If the ball is brightly colored, it will be easier to find. You can also toss treats into the snow too.
• Skijoring and Sledding-For some people and their dogs, winter is their favorite time of the year. These are two dog sports for the active dog and owner. A quick Google search will teach you how to safely get started.
• Walking-It doesnt have to be fancy. Just because its winter, doesnt mean you and your dog have to be hermit crabs. Bundle both you and your dog up, and hit the park. A nice walk can be just what the doctor ordered. Dont forget to bring something to dry your dog off with.

Indoor games with your dog. When its just too cold, too snowy, or just too dark to go outside, you can still have fun with your dog. It is important to keep your dog both mentally and physically fit. I love playing with Dexter, and the cold weather just bumps up our indoor game repertoire. Below are some of my favorite games to play with my dog indoors.

• Find The Treat/Mommy-Its always a fun game to have your dog find a specific person, toy or even a treat. A great game for dogs of all ages and activity level. Read how to teach this trick in my other article-Find The Toy.
• Indoor Fetch-Who said you cant play ball in the house? Sure you can. You just need to modify it a little by not going crazy. A few, light tosses down the hall or living room can do the trick. Do you need a little help with the drop? Read how to teach your dog to drop or give here.
• Playing Tug-Maybe your dog is more of a tugger. Tug can be a nice indoor
  

  

  game. Playing a good game of tug can help your dog learn how to control his arousal, have a good drop, and listen. Learn how to safely play tug with your dog by reading this article.
• Indoor Obstacle Course-Grab some sturdy books, broom, boxes, a tall kitchen chair and even some mixing bowls. Make a fun doggie obstacle course for your dog to navigate. Place two books across from each other and place your broomstick on top=dog jump. Next, put your kitchen chair a few feet from the jump=tunnel. Line up your mixing bowls in a straight line about 2 apart=weave “poles”. Next, take your boxes and toss some treats inside=jackpot. Now, grab some treats and guide your dog through the course. This is fun, so dont worry about “doing it right.” Laugh, praise, treat and laugh some more.
• Food Puzzles with a Twist-In my article, How To Stuff a Hollow Dog Chew, I taught you the foundations of a good, filled dog toy. I like to bump it up a notch by hiding the dog food toy, or tossing the filled treat ball in a pillow case, inside a box, or in a laundry hamper. This puts another layer onto the game. For dogs who lack confidence, this is a nice confidence boosting activity.
• Dog Training and Tricks-Dogs are so smart, and when taught in a positive and fun manner, teaching your dog new tricks and behaviors can be a life saver in the winter. You can work on anything from obedience behaviors like stay, come when called, name game to fun tricks like hand target, spin, rollover or retrieving games.

Food For Thought. Energetically, all food will either warm or cool your body. In

Learn More

the winter, your dog may need to have more “warming foods” to combat all the coldness. This might be a time to add warming foods such as chicken, goat, lamb or venison to your dogs meals. Not sure how to start? Check out my book, Whats For Dinner, Dexter? to learn more.

Dexter and I have learned how to continue to have fun and exercise in the winter months, but we would prefer to spend our winters on a warm, sandy beach. :) When that time comes, you can check out my post on outdoor activities with your dog. Until then, stay warm and safe.

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Do you need extra dog training help?  I offer in-person,  phone consultations, weekend dog retreats and public seminars.  Contact me today for details. 

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Tonya Wilhelm-Global Dog Training http://www.globaldogtraining.com

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How To Play With Your Dog Class

Play is important & underused as a training too. Playing the right games with your dog helps improve your relationship & understanding of your dog. However, the wrong games can be detrimental to your relationship.

In this 4 week class, we will teach you how to properly play with your dog. We will introduce you to ways to start play with a dog who hasnt learned how to play with their humans. And even teach you new games to play!

Prerequisite: Current Vaccines (DHPP, Rabies & Bordetalla), Pass A Toledo Dog Training Class

Topics Covered: Motivation, Good Games, Bad Games, Starting Games & Ending Games

4 Weeks 1hr Classes $75-Includes Play Together, Stay Together Book. (continuing education discount already applied)

Class Day/Time/Dates 2009
Mon 6pm (1-5; 1-12; No Class 1-19; 1-26; 2-2)
Thur 7pm (6-25; 7-2; 7-9; 7-16)
Thur 6pm (11-12; 11-19; No Class 11-26; 12-3; 12-10)

Tonya Wilhelm-Global Dog Training http://www.globaldogtraining.com

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4th of July With Dogs

Need a little help with your dog this 4th of July season.  It can be quite scary.  Contact us today for assistance in helping your dog over come his anxiety about noises.  In the meantime, here are some helpful tips to keep your dog safe this fireworks season.  For a great prevention plan, visit our post on how to prevent thunder phobia in dogs.  This will be similar in  how to prevent noise phobias in dog.

Tonya Wilhelm-Global Dog Training http://www.globaldogtraining.com

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Games With Your Dog!

Game of the week:

Ive decided to make Thursdays, Game Day! This week is Hide & Seek. This is a great game to play with your dog, and even better if you have kids! This game is an excellent way to build on your dogs stay command and also work on their recall (come command)! If your dog doesnt know how to stay, then you can simply have somebody hold your dog. Play this inside the house or outside in a fenced in area.

To start, show your dog something fun such as their favorite toy or a favorite treat. Get them excited about it. Now tell them to stay or have somebody hold them and go hide! If this is the first time playing this game with the dog, make finding you easy the first few times. Gradually make it harder over time. Call your dog. Stay quite for a bit, if your dog is having trouble you can call them again or make a sound. When they find you, praise them like they just did the best thing in the world, play with their toy or give them their treat! Now repeat! Great exercise and training practice!

Book of the Day: Raising A Champion : A Beginners Guide to Showing Dogs

If your into showing dogs, or thinking about getting your first show dog, this book is a great read! It covers a lot of ground, heres a list of contents;

• Introduction
  
• Understanding Your Goal
  
• Getting Started
  
• The Perfectly Stacked Dog
  
• Stacking a Dog
  
• Teaching a Puppy to Stack
  
• The Moving Dog
  
• Teaching a Puppy to Gait
  
• More About Gaiting
  
• The Exam
  
• Teaching a Puppy to be Examined
  
• Putting it All Together
  
• Adding Some Polish
  
• Matches
  
• Picking Your First Show
  
• Premium Lists
  
• Entering a Dog Show
  
• Entry Confirmations and Judging Schedules
  
• Before the Show: Time lines and Planning
  
• Before You Enter the Ring
  
• Showtime!
  
• Counting Championship Points
  
• Minoring Out and Finding Majors
  
• Keeping Dog Show Records
  
• A Well-Balanced Dog
  

Like I said, it covers a lot. It is a fun and easy read, yet very informative. If your into showing, check into it!

Question of the Day: How to find a breed of dog, best suited for our lifestyle?

Answer: Finding the right breed of dog for you takes a lot of research. You should first think about what type of lifestyle you live. Are you active? Do you go jogging & Biking a lot? Perhaps you love to hike. Or would you rather just relax at home? You also need to look at where you live. If you live in a small home with no yard, a smaller dog will probably suit you better. If you live in a small home with no yard, but your active Everyday by jogging, biking, hiking and can provide daily exercise in these ways to the dog, then perhaps a medium or large dog would be okay for you. If youd rather relax on the couch, then a medium or large, hyperactive dog probably wouldnt be the best choice. A good website to check into would be the American Kennel Club. They list all of the recognizable breeds that are registrable. Keep in mind they do not list any of the designer breeds that are popping up now a days. When looking at breeds, take note on how much grooming & exercise they will need. How big will they get, and is the breed known to get along well with other dogs and/or kids? Write down any breeds that interest you, then research them further. Look up info online, research good, reputable breeders and ask them any questions you might have. Dog shows are another great way to get to know the breeds! Youll meet many knowledgeable people here and can learn a lot. Do your research! Good luck on finding the breed best for you!

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Tuesday Tip Day Training with Food Treats

Food or Treats are a fantastic motivator for dog training! However,

    Many people are weary when it comes to training with treats. As far as I understand they believe a few different things when using this type of reward/motivator for training. One of the reasons is because they dont want their dog to "get fat". Here is the thing, when you are training your dog with treats or food then you need to proportion their meals to how many treats they received during that day of training, in other words, just feed them less food at their meal time, this prevents the excess calories and weight gain. 
    The second reason, to my understanding, is that some people feel as if their dog is only responding to your cues to receive that tasty treat your holding. Let me get into the dogs learning theory real quick. Dogs learn by association, when a dog responds to a cue or lure using a treat or piece of food then they are rewarded with the treat for doing as they were asked. Since dogs love food using them for rewards during training makes training become a more enjoyable experience! The more you practice certain cues your dog will be conditioned to understand what you are asking without having to use a food reward every time. Let me say this again, Yes, you start by training a dog with treats but when done properly, and overtime, you will wean your dog off responding to cues solely for treats and he will start responding to you because he understands that this is something good and that it is something you had asked of him. Should I say it one more time?

Treats are ONLY TEMPORARY.

   Lets look at two different motivators to train loose leash walking. Now these are only two examples to put both sides into perspective for you and you can decide which way of training is right for your own use. First is positive reinforcement which instills a good correlation into training and the second is positive punishment which instills avoidance and fear into training. There are many variations to train loose leash walking, again, these are just two examples.
   Positive Reinforcement with food treats - Start in your house or in your backyard with limited distractions, then move to the front of your house and repeat session gradually increasing distractions. When you start training you will have your hand or pocket full of treats. Start with your dog next to you and give him a treat. Then start walking forward, say "good" or click and give your dog a treat as he is keeping slack in the leash. If he gets to the end of his lead as you see the leash is about to get tight you should stop walking. As soon as he walks towards you again and lets slack back in the leash continue walking and give your marker cue "good" or click and reward with a treat as long as he is keeping slack in the leash.
    Positive Punishment with prong collar and no treats - First make sure your prong collar is properly situated and sized before starting any training. You can start training session in backyard or in house with limited distractions. Start by having your dog besides you. Walk forward, if your dog is walking besides you perfectly say "good" and move to an area of increased distractions. If your dog gets to the end of the leash and starts to tug give the dog a sharp quick yank on the leash which applies a hard pinch on the neck, this correction should be strong enough for your dog to realize that it had just did something inappropriate. Limit the corrections to two in a training session, if you have applied two corrections and had no results then you may have to try a different technique for training.

In the first scenario you are training your dog that keeping the leash loose means that something good will happen. The second scenario implies to your dog that if he doesnt listen to your cue he will receive a correction and will loose leash walk solely to avoid receiving a correction. My preference and goal is to keep dog training fun and exciting for both you and the dog and that is why I  avoid positive punishment techniques such as choke or prong collars.
There are also problems with training tools such as prong or choke collars, some times they produce instantaneous results, however, when not used properly your dog can actually desensitize itself to the corrections. If you dont use them correctly, and for training right from the start, they can get used to the tightening around the neck which renders them useless for training purposes. I will say this a thousand times, I avoid the use of these training methods unless we have exhausted every other training option with no results.

Using food treats keeps your dog involved and interested in training.

??
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homemade peanut butter
and pumpkin treats

You can use a variety of different food treats in your training and use them as a "grade system" for how well they did! Your dog will decide which treat he values the most so test out a few different treats to see what gets him the most excited and use that one for perfectly completed cues!
If your dog has  a sensitive stomach or cant eat "people food" you can look for grain free treats in your local store and also just use a variety of dog food such as the food they normally eat for breakfast or dinner. You can also mix in wet food as a high value reward and let them get a lick of it every time the do a perfect cue.
Other items such as baby food meats, shredded chicken, and homemade treats are all great options for training and things that your dogs may go crazy for!
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Wet food in a bottle for
easy yummy reward

Pro Tip: My  personal preference is to use things that have a potent smell to them such as salmon or beef based treats, they usually work well as high value rewards. You can find these in wet food variations also and can use a tube or small container to let them get a lick from every time they complete a perfect cue. In my experience using a tube or container where they can only get one lick from keeps them intrigued and wanting more so when you use them as high value rewards there will be a greater chance your dog will repeat the cue to receive that as a reward.

Training your dog, no matter what the situation, takes time, consistency and commitment, results are not instantaneous although you may see some changes instantly. You need to continue to work with your dog daily improving on cues learned until they can perform that said cue 10 out of 10 times. Even after they know the cue you will need to maintain it for the rest of their life, this is easier than it sounds since you can accomplish that by learning how to adapt training into your daily routines.

Once again, after your dog knows what you are asking of him you can completely take away food based rewards and your dog will learn to respond to you solely because you asked him to.

Food is not the only motivator for dogs but its usually at the top of the success charts. You can also use toys however using them can some times get complicated especially when your dog does not know a proper "drop" cue. Petting and affection can be used as a reward also but only if your dog enjoys affection, which a lot of dogs do, however it is usually not as rewarding to them as a piece of food. I personally like starting training with food, then once my dog has a cue almost understood we switch to toys as a reward. I will then give my dog a series of cues  followed by throwing a ball, rope or Frisbee. This type of play maintains cues that the dog has learned while also having fun and getting out some excess energy!

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Cooking With Dogs

Cooking with your dogs can be an excellent bonding experience and fun for both you and the dog! Your dog might not be able to actually help, but hes just fine with eating them after you do all the work. No worries! There are several dog food recipes and treat recipes you can cook for your dog.

While cooking your recipe, to let your dog feel included in this process, you talk to them and even let them have a taste of the ingredients before they are done. Your dog will love this! If your worried about your dogs picking up begging after this, just be sure there is a fine line between when your cooking for him and when your cooking for yourselves. Have a good, out of the kitchen, command or a Go lay down command. When cooking with your dog, invite him over and let him in on the fun. Hell love these times!

Cooking with your dog isnt only fun for you and the dog, its also beneficial. Most dog food recipes or treat recipes are much healthier for your dog than the store bought ones. I bet they are a better tasting too! If you want to really feed a healthy food to your dog, Cook for them!

There are some great books out there with good recipes, such as; The Healthy Dog Cookbook: 50 Nutritious & Delicious Recipes Your Dog Will Love, Another great one is Woofing it Down: The quick & easy guide to making healthy dog food at home. These two alone will have your on your way to cooking with your dog and enjoying extra time together. Two others to check into would be Raw and Natural Nutrition for Dogs: The Definitive Guide to Homemade Meals and Everything Cooking for Dogs Book: 150 Quick and Easy Healthy Recipes Your Dog Will Bark For (Everything: Cooking). All of those will get you on your way to feeding your dog healthier food. Start out with one and see what you think or if its really something your into, check into them all.

To top this off, since Tuesday is Recipe day, heres a fun treat recipe and actually my favorite to do with my dogs;

Dig NCheese

Youll need;

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  
• 2 tablespoons softened margarine
  
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  
• 1/2 cup milk
  

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cream together cheese and margarine. Add milk and flour. Mold mixture into ball and roll dough to 1/4" thickness. Cut dough with cookie cutter and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until edges start to brown.

Makes 1 1/2 dozen

This recipe is from the book: The Small Dogs Doggy Bone Cookbook

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Training with Rusty Toys Tricks Frisbees

    So I might be fabulous at basic obedience and fixing problem behaviors but Ive been slowly stepping out of "just sticking to the basics" and moving forward into the world of trick training.  I have been watching multiple stunt dogs perform over the past few years and the way those dogs work with their trainers absolutely blows me away! Those duos are incredible! 

    When my husband and I first brought Rusty into the family, towards the end of October 2014, he was quite literally afraid of everything! Even my hardwood floors! The littlest noise would send him running across the room, tail between his legs. This wasnt because the previous owners had abused him but because he had been an outdoor dog for the first year and a half of his life. He didnt know what a hardwood floor felt like or even what a hallway was and he was absolutely terrified of stepping on it. In a little less than a week of having him as part of our family I had helped him build enough confidence to walk casually down that hardwood hallway. Today we have a spectacular bond and I have no doubts about being as great as those other duos I have been watching. My main goal is not only to have Rusty be well rounded in basic obedience so he can show everyone the how-tos of dog training, but to be able to expand our knowledge, together, in new tricks and sports!

    Lately Rusty and I have been playing around with Frisbees. He had never seen one before a few weeks ago and didnt know what to do when I rolled it in front of him for the first time but after a little encouragement he would soon fetch and return it. After taking him to the park it was then that I realized, my dog is completely out of shape. I had figured he would be full of energy, rearing to go but after about seven throws he let me know he was done. Over the past few weeks we have been slowly building up his stamina, and improving my throwing capabilities, we are finally getting somewhere! He jumps, leaps and soars through the air after the Frisbees and every time he catches one I can tell he gets overwhelmed with excitement! His ears perk forward, he gets a pep in his step and a wiggle in his butt. He brings that Frisbee right back to me and drops it at my feet as if saying "throw it again". When he misses he just picks it up, and walks in the opposite direction from me as if to say "learn to throw mom".
I deserve it.
     When working with Frisbees at a training stand point and not just a "im throwing this and your retrieving it because its fun and it wears you out" stand point you really learn how hard some trainers work with their dogs to get where they are today! Im sure some of you are saying "oh I can throw a Frisbee" but when you go out and try to set up the perfect throw and youre calculating every one of your dogs next moves, will he have to jump?, was that throw too low?, will the Frisbee take off in a different direction and come right back to you instead like a boomerang?, it becomes so much more complicated than "just throwing a Frisbee". You really have to set the dog up to succeed in catching your throws and that involves a lot of practice on your end.
Working with Frisbee dogs definitely takes an incredible amount of time, patience and skill!
    For now, Rusty and I are just enjoying learning new things as we go when it comes to tricks but I know together we can achieve anything as long as we work our hardest and best at it! We will be there someday, and sooner than we may think!

 And to all those who follow us on our journey, I hope you enjoy watching our progress!  

Click here to watch Zoe and Patrycja, the two that started it all for me!

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Games To Play With Your Dog Game 1 Find The Treat Toy Mommy

Dogs are very playful creatures and continue to enjoy play throughout their lives.  I would imagine that is one of the reasons you brought a dog into your home: to have a companion to spend time with and enjoy. Building a good play relationship with your dog can greatly enhance your relationship and bond.  By becoming a good play partner, you will become more important and valuable to your dog.  In turn, they will prefer to be with you and will listen better. 

Play sessions ideally will be short and sweet and speckled often throughout your day.  By asking your dog to play often, he is less likely to be demanding about getting attention.  Play is a great way to teach your dog emotional control.  During your play sessions, take frequent pauses in order to teach this important life skill to your dog. 

Inappropriate play relationships can have the opposite effect on the relationship.  You will want to teach your dog ways to play with humans.  Those ways are different than the ways two canines play together.  Inappropriate play behaviors between dogs and humans include body slamming, biting, mouthing, jumping, wrestling or teasing.  Playing and spending time with your dog should be the highlight of your day, not a battle. 

Here is one easy game to get you started.  Find The Treat, Toy, or Mommy.  Ok, Daddy would work too.  ;)

Find The Treat-Start by grabbing a handful of healthy, tiny treats, or your dogs food.  Ask him to Sit/Stay and place one treat about 5 from him and say, "Find It!"  Repeat this process, but you can start placing more than one treat around, and in harder to find places.  If your dog does not have a Sit/Stay with distractions, you can start by tossing a few treats in one direction, then placing a few in the opposite direction and tell him to find them.  You can build on this game by tucking the treats in harder to find places.  Just remember, your dog will go to those places, so dont hide them in spots you dont want him investigating.

Find The Toy-Start by playing with one of your dogs favorite toys.  Get a nice game going.  Ask him to Sit/Stay (or hold him back if he does not know it), and place the toy 5 from him and say, "Find It!"  Once he grabs it, start playing again.  Build on this game, putting the toy farther away.

Tip:  If your dog can stay while you leave the room, place the toy in another room as you tell him, "Find It!"  You can encourage him as he looks for the toy.  But dont start out of room finds until your dog know hes suppose to look for a specific toy.

Find You-Ask your dog to Sit/Stay as you leave the room and tuck yourself behind something.  Once you are hidden, quickly say your dogs name in a sing-song voice, then be quiet.  Let him look around for you.  Give him a chance to find you.  If he has a real hard time finding you, make a little noise.  When he finds you, make a big fuss and play.  If he does not have a stay, you can hide when he is not paying attention, or drop a few treats on the floor and run away and hide.

Remember, these are GAMES and are meant to be fun.
You dont have to have strict rules, and you can easily improvise.  Have fun~
Need some healthy treat, or toy ideas?  Click here for some fun!

Tonya Wilhelm-Global Dog Training http://www.globaldogtraining.com

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