I like to use food to train dogs whenever we can for many reasons. First, food is what's known as a primary reinforcer. That's a fancy way of saying "the dog needs it to survive." Think about it, dogs (or us, for that matter) can't live without food. So it's pretty important to a dog. Second, food is usually a really nice reward for a dog. It tastes good. It smells good. They like it and will work hard to earn another tasty tidbit.
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I've seen the pictures of the dogs who like to bathe in the mud. I didn't really believe those pictures, I thought they were set up. I know dogs who don't mind getting wet and muddy, but I've never met a dog who would actually wallow in the mud.
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Everyone knows that dogs need food, water, and shelter to survive. I’m here to tell you three more things you can provide for your dog that will take their life with you from good to GREAT! Your dog needs you to teach, to play, and to love. You’re probably already doing some of these, but this newsletter will give you new ideas for ways you can truly meet your dog’s needs.
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Our names were called and Nemo and I walked toward the start line. Our first element was Vehicles. There was a nice breeze and Nemo's nose was working long before it was our turn to come from behind the visual barrier and begin working the hide.
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I'm a practical girl; I don't want a lot of stuff taking up space. If I have something, it’s because I use it. A lot. This article was born when I realized that over the past year, I've found myself recommending the same things to clients, both in-home training and in my group classes. These are the things I simply couldn't live without, things I use every day with my own dogs. This month, I'll give you an inside look at the three things I can't live without (and I recommend you don't live without them either).
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Part of dog training involves teaching your dog to be calm, quiet, and relaxed. Because January is Train Your Dog Month, I wanted to share my ideas for how you can use food-stuffed toys to teach your dog to relax and enjoy being alone.
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Fetching! Teach Your Dog to Bring You Anything January 2013
What Is It? Fetching, retrieving – whatever you want to call it, having your dog bring something to you is not only helpful, but it’s also a cool way to exercise your dog and impress your friends! So what exactly does it mean when your dog fetches something? It’s pretty straightforward: you throw something and your dog brings it back for you. When trained to it’s highest level, you can name the object you want him to retrieve and just tell your dog to go find it and bring it to you.
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It's no secret that Tango's my favorite. Over any other dog. (Talos runs a very close second.) I'd rather spend time with him, or travel with him, or work with him, or just hang with him. So when opportunity came callin', Tango and I went running straight for it!
An entire weekend away. Together. Alone. Without any other dogs. It's been a long, long time. I realize I might sound a bit odd: "escaping with my dog," "time together alone." I'm not maladjusted, I DO love my husband just as much as I love my dogs, I'm not a crazy-lady.
However.
Tango and I have this special thing. We're cool just hanging out together. He enjoys hanging out with just me as much as I enjoy hanging out with just him. We're sympatico.
[How do I know this? That he loves it as much as I, you wonder? Easy. He's a different dog when we're together alone. He smiles more, I swear! He's got a pep in his step, he'll frolick like a pup again. Take my word for it, the dog is happy!]
Anyway, we had the chance to escape last weekend, just the two of us. And we ran like the wind. Actually, we sat in the car for 7 hours, two of those hours stopped dead in traffic, but who's really counting...
Off we went to Karen Pryor Academy's first ever reunion! [KPAs Dog Trainer Programs is the flagship course for people who want to become dog trainers or who want to take their business to the next level.] Tango and I were the first group to graduate way back in 2008. KPA was great for Tango and I: it was a terrific excuse to work with him every day - we had exams to pass together, for goodness sake!
I love traveling the road with Tango. He's a master traveler - sleeps the entire way, quietly passing the time, and is ready to roll whenever the car stops. He'll pee just about anywhere (believe me this is a useful trait - you never know what the road will bring] and is happy just hanging out whether we're going at-speed or if we're stuck in a traffic jam.
He's easy-peasy at meetings and conferences, even when there are other dogs around. He solicits attention by flipping onto his back, rolling around, and grunting. Works like a charm. I usually slide from my chair onto the floor with him, egging him on. I'm telling you, we have fun together!
It wasn't all seminars and meetings. No way. Saturday night we had a grand time -- dogs and people -- at our host's house in southern NY state. And Sunday morning held a two-hour (pretty strenuous) hike that rewarded us with spectacular scenery and ice cold streams for Tango to cool his belly.
