Canine Connection Alliance

11/25/2022

Success!

11/16/2022

The Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Treat Maze is a level two game perfect for pet owners needing an solo self soothing self entertaining game to reduce destructive behaviour and boredom for their dogs.

The Treat Maze can be filled either through the top opening or through the side with treats and snacks your dog adores.

Shake and flip over and over the dog toy to release the familiar scent of your pup’s favourite treats or their meals.

10/27/2022

RESOURCE GUARDING: PART THREE

Let your dogs eat in peace. Do not disturb your dog when they are eating. There is no need to place your hands in their bowl, take the food away or play with their ears and tail when they are eating.

If we practice this behaviour at meal time every time, dogs quite quickly can become frustrated when eating - it doesn’t take long for dogs to see humans coming and have negative feelings.

Dogs just like us, enjoy spending their meal times alone rather than being bugged or taunted creating the idea - they need to get used to this.

Dogs enjoy eating in peace. This might also work for families with children by dogs eating in a safe zone such as a kennel or crate, an exercise pen or separate area such as a designate dog room.

10/14/2022

RESOURCE GUARDING: THE TRADE UP GAME

Practice the trade up game by exchanging your dogs current toy they are playing with, with the exact same toy.

You might need three toys of time same to play this fun game.

When your dog is playing with their fun chosen toy, show them the exact same toy and see if they want to switch for the same toy.

Keep swapping. Keep playing. This helps decrease the value of the toy, by your dog thinking there is only one to play with, helping to eliminate toy guarding.

10/11/2022

DOG COLLARS: PART FOUR

There is quite the variety of head harness for dogs, each one typically loops over the muzzle of the dog and around the back of the head, with an attachment to the leash around the bottom of the jaw of the dog.

10/07/2022

CANINE SCAVENGER HUNT CONTEST

Take a look through your pictures, hunt for the ONE BEST PICTURE of your dog. Just. One.

This is WAY harder than is seems 😆

Post or DM your chosen best picture of your dog to enter to win!

10/06/2022

RESOURCE GUARDING: PART ONE

Resource guarding is when a dog reacts when they perceive a threat to a valuable resource in their possession. This can be anything the dog perceives of as a valuable. From a food related item, to Kleenex.

The dog feels they are about to lose something and takes action to keep it - at any cost.

Resource guarding can look like a look that is different than an every day look - you might even see more white in the eyes - a head turn away, sudden stillness and body tension. More recognizable signs are teeth baring, growling, lunging or biting.

Guarding resources is a very natural dog behavior.

While resource guarding is a normal dog behavior, it's not a desirable one. Resource guarding becomes a dangerous problem if a dog is willing to bite or fight to keep an item - in particular with children in the home.

10/05/2022

CANINE CONNECTION TRAINING

Tired of the same old same old? Been down this path seen and smelt it all? Take the same turns on every walk you take?

Time to change it up and explore new places together.

Try connecting on a new walking path, new running space, new sniffing adventure. Even if you need to drive to a new neighborhood to change things up from same old same old.

The more adventures you take to together, the stronger the connection for more positive fun experience.

10/04/2022

COLLARS: PART THREE

Buckle collars for dogs are made from a strong fabric such as leather, nylon or cotton. The buckle collar fits different sizes with punches different holes to fit your dogs neck size.

10/03/2022

Congratulations to Tammy for winning a $50.00 gift card to a Pet store of your choice!

Thanks so much for your engagement and connecting with .

09/30/2022

If you have an active dog, a bouncy dog, a dog who has troubles settling down and relaxing - this 10 a day challenge is for you.

When at home with your dog, if you notice them deciding to lie down and just - relax - reward that behavior.

Some dogs are more active then others, this is where we need to put a little extra work into it.

A down behavior is an excellent behavior for your dog to choose. You can add a verbal reward marker with a down such as ’yes’ or ‘good dog’. If you would like to add a tasty tie bit of a treat - go for it.

The more you reward a calming behavior such as a down body position, the more often it will be offered from your dog.

09/27/2022

DOG COLLARS: PART TWO

A Martingale Collar is a no slip collar, traditionally used on narrow headed breeds - like Greyhounds - and dogs who are prone to backing out of their collar when frightened or startled.

They typically do not have a closure but instead slip over the head and then are tightened after being put on.

If a dog does get startled, the chain closed together upon itself decreasing the es at point dog.

You typically find these collars used for rescue dogs.

09/26/2022

Enrichment treat ball = approved ♥️

09/25/2022

Show me dogs that LOVE fall weather 🍁

Post a picture in the comments of DM for sharing. I captured this picture of Casper last fall around this time.

09/23/2022

SNIFFARI: PART THREE

Let your dog lead the walk. They can zig left zag right stay front or wonder behind. They can sniff anything they want and p*e on whatever suits their fancy.

Reward for check ins when their eyes connect with yours or when they turn their heads toward you. Work recall training from time to time with the cue ‘go sniff’.

Take the time to watch your dogs choices. What do they like to sniff? Where do they like to go? Are you receiving enough connection or would you like to reward more?

Dog led walks are one of the most fulfilling walks for any dog. And way less stress for the human.

09/22/2022

Canine Scavenger Hunt Contest

What are your dogs three favorite toys?

Post or DM a picture to enter our end of month contest for a $50.00 gift certificate to a pet store of your choice.

09/21/2022

Your previously taught dog training techniques might be based based on communicating the answer NO to your dog. NO, don’t pull on the leash or NO don’t sniff that. The results can visually show up as a very obedient dog, but in reality - the dog has just given up being a dog.

The training term used to identify this state of mind from your dog is called Learned Helplessness. In many cases Learned Helplessness is incorrectly identified as Calm Submission. The reality is, the dog in question has acquired learned helplessness due to their inability to determine the consequences of their behavior and have perceived an absence of control over the outcome of a situation.

Why not try something a little different. Instead of telling your dog what you don’t want them to do, tell them what you do want the to do. When they are walling nice on a leash, praise and reward. Let them be a dog, sniffing is an excellent outlet for dogs.

CHALLENGE: Add YES to behaviors you would like to see inside and outside the home.

Can you reach 50 X YES word with reward and praise a day with your dog?

09/20/2022

DOG COLLARS: PART ONE

A side and release dog collar sounds like a fancy name, but it’s actually the most common type of collar.

As the name suggests, it has a plastic inserts on the sides that you squeeze to attach and release the collar.

The slide and release collar is a great everyday collar for your furry friend. It’s incredibly easy to take on and off, and with an almost endless variety of colors, styles, and sizes.

09/19/2022

Toy Enrichment Analysis

Nina Ottosson Treat Tumble Level One

Fill this rolling treat game with your dog's favorite kibble or treats to beat boredom and exercise your dog's mind and body.

TREAT DISPENSING FUN: The Nina Ottosson Small Treat Tumble is perfect for treating and training your dog. Just fill this treat feeding ball with your dog’s favorite treats and/or kibble and give the ball to your dog to watch them play with the puzzle and figure out how to release the treats.

• Fights boredom by keeping your dog busy – Boredom Busters.

• Helps reduce destructive behavior by exercising your dog´s mind.

• Strengthen the bond with your dog.

One of my personal favorites!

Nina Ottosson Treat Tumble, Small Fill this bouncing and rolling treat game with your dog's favorite kibble or treats to beat boredom and exercise your dog's mind and body.

09/18/2022

Sunday FUNday: Show me dogs that love the water.

I will go first. Post or DM pictures. Harvest just before hitting the water 💦

09/17/2022

Did you know this platform is 100% led by YOU?

I’m starting us off with a few training topics and events. YOU get to keep the momentum going.

What training topics would you like to see❓

What canine connection goals would you like additional help and guidance with❓

Drop a comment below to request topics for our upcoming event calendars. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

09/16/2022

Feels like a perfect Friday for a random draw for a Starbucks Gift Card. ☕️

Congratulations Susanne! 🎉

You have won a $5.00 Starbucks Gift Card. Check your email for your awesome gift - from us to you!

09/16/2022

Sniffari Part Two: Equipment Needed

When practicing a sniffari or what is also known as a ‘dog led walk’ – you do not need too much equipment.

A Long Leash: I use a 15 ft lead for sniffari - attached to a collar or harness – depending on how much your dogs pulls, breed and your comfort level. For more room, you can also tie or link two 15 ft leash or drag lines together for a total of 30 ft.

Treats or Food Rewards: I never go anywhere without rewards. A treat pouch or pockets are just fine. I will load up with kibble and higher value treats. Take more then you need – you do not want to run out.

Walking Shoes: Wear good hard soled walking shoes, dog led walks take extra steps – both human and canine.

09/15/2022

Crate Training: Part One

What is a crate? A dog crate is a metal, wire, plastic, or fabric enclosure with a door in which a dog may be kept for security or transportation.

A crate can be a really tough thought for some dog owners, thinking it as a place of punishment. It. Is. Not.

Dog crates are designed to replicate a dog's natural den and as such can provide them with a place of refuge at home or when traveling to new surroundings. All my dogs are crate trained from puppy hood. Crate training is a hue asset for behavior training such as uncertainty when people come inside the home or working on arousal and over excitement levels.

The crate is a safe zone, a place of solitude, a place to relax, a place to decompress. Except. How do we get to that feeling with our dogs? How to we create this crate as a safe zone?

Over the next month, I will teach you how to create a safe place for your dogs to decompress and relax.

09/14/2022

Ten A Day Challenge

Do you have a specific behavior you would love to see more often from your dog? I know I sure do.
Your 10 x A DAY CHALLENGE kicks off with the behavior SIT.

Every time you capture your dog practicing a SIT behavior, provide them with a reward. That can be a verbal good dog or a tiny tid bit or treat or dog kibble. You can even place your chosen food reward system in a small container on the counter helps as a friendly reminder when you see 10 rewards just sitting there.

Capture the SIT behavior at a wide variety of home environment teachable moments such as:

• At the front window.
• When people come over.
• When you come home for the day.
• Before attention such a petting.
• Any chosen random time your dog decided to sit.

A SIT behavior is a great calming behavior and thinking position from your dog.

Can you capture the random SIT behaviors 10 x A DAY?

Post a picture or DM to enter into our contest for a $50.00 gift certificate to a pet store of your choice.

Happy SIT capturing!

09/13/2022

Tuesday Training Tips: Collars Part One

So. Your new puppy needs a collar or your current dog needs a new one. No biggie. Right?! You just head to your local pet store and purchase a new collar.

Well. Let me ask. Have you been to a pet store lately?! If you head over to their equipment section - it’s a little overwhelming.

The variety of collars that are offered for purchase - it’s a lot. Even myself, as an experienced dog owner find it overwhelming.

The most common collar for dogs is what’s called a flat collar. But. They come in different material such as nylon, boot habe and leather. They also come in different styles - clip, buckle or breakaway.

Wowza!

The purchase of a new collar is not as simple as it seems. You can easily waste a lot of money purchasing collars that are not the right collar for your dog.

Over the next few weeks, together we will dig deep and evaluate collars in a step by step knowledge based age old question to be answered - which collar is right for my dog?

09/12/2022

Canine Enrichment

If your own a dog, you might have heard a new phrase called ‘enrichment’. We are going to pick this apart piece by piece and dig deep into what this term means and why this can be of benefit to your dogs.

Enrichment is defined as anything that modifies an animal’s environment to encourage physical activity and mimic behaviors that animal would do to satisfy their physical and mental needs—think herding for Border Collies or digging for Terriers. In order for animal enrichment to be effective, it must be done in a way that doesn’t cause any stress or anxiety.
So. Really. What exactly is the point?

Dogs may find enrichment beneficial to help reduce stress, provide choices in their environment, keep them mentally occupied in constructive, non-destructive ways. When you engage your dog behaviors with dog enrichment toys or other activities, your dog can satisfy their need for mental and physical stimulation in appropriate ways that will promote positive health and well-being.

Enrichment activities can also help to promote the human-canine bond and choices will always build confidence in dog training.

Enrichment Mondays provided us the opportunity together to create an open back and forth discussion, evaluating enrichment toys and activities.

09/11/2022

Sunday FUNday! Show me your dogs. Post a picture in the comments.

I will start...

⭐️ Drop a picture in the comments to enter a draw for a $50.00 gift certificate to a pet store of your choice ⭐️

09/10/2022

The last thing my dog ate: _____________.

Was my runner that I left on the deck. What was the last thing your dog ate?