Sam's Train, Play and Stay

11/06/2024

I often get asked what I start doing with my puppies or new dogs first. “Do you train sit first or recall? What about potty training? How about no jumping or crate training?”

Simply put, while all of those things are nice to teach as our dogs grow, I’d much rather spend more time building a relationship with my dog and allowing them to teach me how to play with them.

Do they enjoy playing tug with a new toy, or do they prefer a ball, maybe flirt pole? Without a relationship your dog isn’t going to WANT to train, they aren’t going to enjoy doing those things with you.

If you feel like you need help building a relationship with your dog, and an intro to better training there is no better time to reach out than now!

We are offering in home training lessons that are perfect for helping you with your relationship and training with your dog.

(517) 652-3897
samstrainplayandstay @ gmail

📷/ SMC Photography
🐺/ Vom EngelHaus German Shepherds

11/06/2024

11/03/2024

With the holidays almost upon us, most also have extended family arriving soon as well. What does that mean for you and your four legged friends? Apologizing for their jumping? Having to leave your dog outside while everyone enjoys their food? Worrying the turkey will get stolen off the counter? Chasing your dog around as they plow through the small kids out of excitement and endless energy?

Around the holidays, the last thing we sometimes think of is having our dogs trained, but the truth is, between all of the holiday festivities and gatherings it can be incredibly stressful to have an untrained dog. Now is the time to have your dog trained to make for a relaxing holiday season!

We currently have two board and train slots open for November, one remaining for December and Two for January.

We offer several programs, and lots of discount opportunities. If you’re interested in a consultation please call, text or email us today!

(517) 652-3897
samstrainplayandstay @ gmail
samstrainplayandstay.com

📷/ SMC Photography
🐺/ Vom EngelHaus German Shepherds

11/01/2024

11/01/2024

Happy Halloween from Envy and I! 🐶🎃

10/14/2024

Handsome boy Winston stayed for a few days, as always he was a pleasure to have ❤️

10/12/2024

This past week showed our city just how critical they can be✅ Crates.
Either you love them💓 or hate them❌
The past week we had an emergency event in our city and the greater Otago area. Many people evacuated their homes due to flooding either because they were told to or they made the decision to self evacuate.
With the increasing issues with our weather (and because we are a country prone to severe earthquakes) it is a very wise idea to add in a way to crate train your dog.
A well introduced crate is a very wise idea.

✅In an emergency it will reduce stress, not add to it.
✅If an Xray is needed at the vets and sedation is given, they are often put in a crate to recover.
✅Recovery from an illness or injury where a dog must be kept still and confined to help heal.

I know they are banned in some countries and that some people are vehemently opposed to them, but an emergency situation can happen and using a crate ONLY in an emergency can increase emotional distress.

🙂Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters etc. Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for our collection of graphics.
Everyone is free to share these posts on social media, however off social media use is protected.
Screen shots are a violation of copyright.
Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make . All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

10/12/2024

Belly rubs. ✅ or ❌ ?
Flopping on the ground in front of us, showing their belly and wanting rubs may not be what your dog is saying at all....or it could be. Tricky stuff indeed.
This graphic can help a little to decipher what is actually happening.

Generally speaking.....tongues licking noses or poking out, ears flat and back or tight against head, stiff posture with paws tucked in tight can all be signs your dog may not enjoying that rub on the belly.
Another issue is they may only enjoy it for a very brief amount of time and then we may not recognise those signs that it has moved from enjoyment to being uncomfortable....so we may persist WAY beyond a dogs comfort level.
..Just something to think about the next time a dog flops down in front of you.

Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make. Everyone is free to share on social media🙂, however off social media use of these marked graphics is prohibited.
Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters or for personal use.
Screen shots are a violation of the copyright.
Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for unmarked graphics. All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

10/12/2024

We have openings for in home lessons, boarding and our board and train program for November and December! Please reach out to book now, thanksgiving and Christmas fills up fast.

We offer training for foundational obedience, advanced obedience, reactivity and puppy classes🐶

(517) 652-3897 / samstrainplayandstay @ gmail/ samstrainplayandstay.com

10/07/2024

10/06/2024

How do dogs show they just aren't interested or need a break❓
There are many ways, but the ones in the graphic can be some common ways they are communicating to another dog they need a break or are just not interested.
Dogs do not have to meet and play simply because they are dogs.❗
Expecting ALL dogs to like other dogs is a little like saying we (as humans) must be friendly, converse and physically interact with every other human we encounter.

As the great Kiwi saying goes "Yeah....Nah".

Once you start to see these signals it can open up a new way of advocating for your dog, and that is SO important.

Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make. Everyone is free to share on social media🙂, however off social media use of these marked graphics is prohibited.
Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters or for personal use.
Screen shots are a violation of the copyright.
Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for unmarked graphics. All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

10/03/2024

DON’T FORCE ME TO BE SOCIAL!
It may be really disappointing and frustrating when our dogs are not the social beings we expected them to be.

Many believe dogs should just naturally get along with other dogs, after all they’re the same species.

Some believe the “unsociable” dog has a behaviour problem that needs to be “fixed”.

Early, appropriately timed and correct socialisation is vitally important, but sometimes despite all of this, some dogs are just not that sociable.

Sometimes this can be improved, especially if the cause is from a negative experience, but genetics, breed tendencies, individual personalities, health and age all contribute to tolerance and sociability, which also change throughout life.

If we, as a human species, don’t get along with everyone we meet, how can we expect our dogs to?

Do we label every person that has an argument, doesn’t make friends with everyone they meet, doesn’t like every other person, prefers not to socialise - as having a problem that needs to be fixed?

Why is it so easy to accept that every individual person is different than to accept that every individual dog is different?

When we have done what we can to improve our dogs’ social skills, we need to accept and acknowledge our dogs for the individuals they are, allow and respect their choice of whether to be sociable or not and never force interactions that a dog is not comfortable with.