Wanted to have a little fun with my girly tonight at feeding time. My guys get raw beef, raw chicken and raw organ meat. My Miley lives for food (lab side of her!) and she loves makin her momma (me) happy! Training doesn't just need to happen during walks or in classes.... you don't need to dedicate hours... spend time challenging your dog and having fun! This was the first time I ever tested Miley like this. I always make her wait for food but I have never got her to stop eating between pieces. She wasn't perfect, but I will never expect perfection. All I expect is for her to try her best and be happy. No treat bribes or physical force needed. Just pure love and willingness!
My advanced class last night working on proper socialization skills. Socialization doesn't mean dogs have to physically be playing with each other. Simply teaching your dogs to be calm and respectful around other dogs is key. About a dozen people and their dogs -- all of which are extremely happy and excitable dogs -- are able to work on their calmness and control. Two dogs who are reactive to each other because they don't really get along, are laying next to each other, showing that dogs do not need to like each other to be calm, happy and respectful. Two other dogs next to each other are very high energy and very excitable always trying to get at each other, again teaching them that they don't always get what they want and it's not always play time. Practice control, respect and calmness with your dogs -- you will be happy and you are less likely to have to deal with reactivity or aggression issues in the future! Great job everyone!!
Hands down happiest dog ever!! Storm the staffy, my lil love bug! His tail is uncontrollable and smiles infectious! Known this guy since a wee baby and now hes all grown up and in his 4th class with me, this is tricks class -- all about fun!
Advanced class working on their shadow handling :) all 4 dogs are easily distracted and highly sociable ... all 8 pylons have treats on top of them including real liver. Such a huge improvement from their beginner class days! Makes me proud! Great work guys!
Time for a little fun freestyle!
Some fun "amateur" video from the tricks class! Owners having fun with their dogs showing off their best tricks from the course! Lots of doggy friendships were made this class ;) If you think this looks fun, you too can join in the fall! For all up to date classes you can visit my website www.tessdogtraining.com
Let's take a bow!
My tricks class showing off their bows! Let's all give then a round of applause ;) Tricks class will be offered again in the fall, so stay tuned!! This is all about fun, fun, fun with your dog. Shaping whatever you feel is their best motion, that's why it is more of a freestyle type class :)
Lucy saying her prayers!
In April, I offered my first ever tricks class as there was demand from clients. It was so much fun and the dogs did great! We shaped many fun behaviours over the course of the 6 weeks in this freestyle type class. I will be offering this class again in the fall for those who are interested! Here is Lucy mastering the PRAY trick! This was all done in stages over the 6 weeks before getting her to pray on the chair. Lucy has the best "Dad" for the job and they both know how to have fun in class!
3rd class in for the advanced class from last night. First time trying the off leash walking! Thought I'd keep the distractions out and they all did quite well :) great job guys! Classes are all about having fun! Proper leash skills are not about forcing your dog to stay next to you, it's about teaching them to follow. That is how both dog and handler go about respecting each other β‘
Lil Peanut and his Mom Stacey! Peanut was first being fostered and cared for by Stacey because he came into Jenns Furry Friends Rescue severely injured and skinny a few months ago. After an amputation, some good food and lots of TLC Peanut has excelled through his beginner obedience class with me and is one smart happy lil man! Love happy endings!
