Playtime on The Beaches

Waiting Patiently to run on the Beach.

Does your dog enjoy running along the beach, digging in the sand, chasing the birds and playing with other canine friends?  If so, GREAT, you have something your dog wants! This is a great opportunity for behavior training!  Before you let them off leash to dash in any direction, how about asking for a few behaviors first?  

Great Fun!!

Developing good emotional control takes practice, by incorporating training into your daily routine, your dog will learn to comply in a consistent fashion.

So why not ask your dog for a  simple "wait" in the car while you attach a leash, a "sit" once out of the car, how about 3 or 4 sets of sit/stay while you hold onto a long 15 foot leash in safe areas of the parking lot?  Ask for a few "waits" then call your dog "come" and reward!  When on the beach, ask your dog to "wait", remove the leash and say "go play"-- for many dogs this is more rewarding than food!!  

So use this awesome reward of freedom, to get your dog to comply to a few behaviors first!  With practice your dogs will wait patiently like the 3 above!

Outdoor Adventure Class - Rewarding to Dogs and Humans

Outdoor Adventure Class

What I love about this photo is that both of these dogs LOVE people!!  They frequently love to say hello to everyone they see but are using good emotional control here at Back Cove Trail!  As you can see both dog handlers are asking their dog to make a choice, the dogs have learned that when they comply a reward is coming!!  What reward?  What ever the handler chooses is rewarding to their particular dog.  Some dogs love play, affection, food, a good scratching, a special toy or even a good sniff in the grass can be rewarding to a particular dog!

Rescue - Small Male Scottish Terrier

This handsome boy is a character, as he loves all dogs!  He adjusted to my home very quickly showing no fear about the new environment.  He is very friendly with all my dogs, is crate trained, comes when called and rubs on you like a cat.

He is sleeping in his crate and is happiest if he can see one of my dogs.  He has met 9 new dogs since I have had him and loves them all!  Walks well with a harness, did great with his bath and really loved the towel rubbing.

He needs to be reminded where to potty, but other than that he is a joy!

Let me know if you are interested in meeting this handsome little boy!

Toys

Many of you have asked me about interactive toys to help keep your dog busy when left alone.

Below are some of the toys I use to create positive associations for many dogs in many different ways.  For example, when I leave I often say "Kong Time" and leave each dog with a stuffed toy. The sound of a delivery truck is often another "kong time" as I want my dogs to be excited not fearful when this sound occurs.

 If I am training a foster dog to use a crate, I only feed them using these toys, and, again, happily say "crate," and toss a yummy toy or two in the crate so the dog associates it with something good!

These are simply a few ideas to help enrich your dogs life.

Premier Tumble Ball, assorted Kongs, Everlasting Toys, Squirrel Dude, Planet Dog, Rip and Tug.

To get started be sure to make the toy easy for your dog to receive a reward, otherwise they will lose interest.  The balls are great for beginners using dry kibble mixed with a few treats.
For the experienced dog, pack the Kong with a variety of goodies!  For example, begin with a bit of peanut Butter, next add some raw meat or pieces of hotdog or cheese, followed by some kibble, dry treats, and repeat the process!  It is like a party every time as your dog works hard to get to his favorite goodie!  Be sure to use a cue like "kong time", your dog will begin to salivate rather than pant when you are leaving!

New Classes

New Session of Classes begin tonight:

5:00 to 6:00 we have our Small dog Leash Lungers held at Tender Touch Veterinary Hospital.

Puppy Socialization Class also held at TTVH from 6:15 to 7:15.

Looking forward to helping our dogs become more balanced and happy!