Jackpot Animal Training LLC

02/21/2025

Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region

Multiple cases of Strep Zoo at the Colorado Springs animal shelter. They have a robust plan in place to ensure that they contain this bacterium that impacts dogs.

In many cases, dogs pass away from this infection, however, they have not experienced this.

Streptococcus Equi Subsp Zooepidemicus, also known as Strep Zoo, is a bacterium that is commonly found in horses, cattle, and pigs and rarely causes disease in these animals. Because it is zoonotic, it can be transmitted between animal species and (rarely) humans. When it affects dogs, it is highly contagious and can cause severe respiratory disease. It is a relatively new pathogen present in animal shelters and there are still many things they do not know about this bacterium.

Strep zoo is transmitted primarily by direct contact, contact with contaminated fomites and by inhalation. It can also be spread during the sanitation process and survives in wet environments.

This bacterium is effectively killed by deep cleaning, scrubbing, and power washing surfaces.

02/18/2025

Seriously good boy!!!

Dakota got to come out today and show off his skills. He's been working hard on his job and multiple other things. Dakota is our working dog in training. He's our peer dog, assistant, demo dog, and working on service tasks.
After he helped me work on a reactive case I took him out to work on his stuff. He went to big R, office Depot, pet smart, the eye glasses place,.... And Walmart!!! He was virtually perfect the entire time. At Walmart there was a little Yorkie looking dog in a cart. 🙄 We are not fans of people who take dogs into places they shouldn't be, let alone put them in a cart where people put their food. 🤮 The little dog saw Dakota and lost it's mind. What did Dakota do?
He quietly sat down and looked at me (the cheese lady)for direction. Not once did he make a peep. I told him to wait. We let them pass, then I told him to "let's go" and we started to walk another direction.
A couple people clapped and one guy yelled out "great service dog! She did perfect."
People often mistake that Dakota is a girl when he pulls off pink so well, Our business color, And that's ok! I don't correct them. I just give them a smile and concentrate on my dog. Dakota's vest is clearly marked "working dog in training. Ask to pet. " Today I gotta say EVERYONE respected that. I even gave props to a dad with a toddler. The toddler said oooh doggy!
Dad quickly grabbed her hand and said no touchy. That dog is working.
Good for him!!! Children should be taught early that you never approach a strange dog. Just like you never talk to strangers. 😉

Dakota did amazing today. The main tasks we worked on...
Walking loose leash heel.
Ignoring people and animals around us while working.
Right, left, around, wait.
Staying focused around a lot of moving distractions.
Down and stay while talking to strangers (cashier's, random people, employees.)
Staying on all fours unless otherwise asked. (Big R let's him put paws on the counter to get a cookie if he's been a good boy.)
Staying down and calm when strangers ask to pet him.

Would you like to see your pet do amazing things too?
Just give us a call!!!

01/31/2025

We are so proud of Boomer!!!
He's January's pet of the month.
He's been diligent about keeping appointments, doing his homework, and squashing those goals!!!
Here Boomer is practicing his doggy yoga on a snowy day.
That's right! Not only do we work on behavior issues but we do fun things too!!!
Tricks, enrichment, agility, and YOGA!!!
COME HAVE FUN WITH US!!!!

01/16/2025

Here in Colorado springs we are approaching some very cold temperatures this weekend. Like crazy, stupid cold. Let's keep our pets safe. Outside time should happen more often but much shorter. Basically they potty and come back in. Frost bite can happen quickly. Make sure they have access to water and a warm area.
Do NOT put blankets in dog houses! They will freeze. Straw only.
Provide enrichment activities for them in the house to avoid boredom that can lead to destruction. Lick mats, puzzle boxes, stuffed kongs are some good ones.
This is a great time to practice basic training cues! Even if your animal is advanced! Going back to basics are fun for them and reinforces those skills. Come warmer weather? Your animals will be better at those basic skills like: recall, heal, wait, leave it, sit, down, off,.. we could go on.
While you're curled up with a movie on a bitter cold day, practice your table manners! Those that have been in our program know what we mean by that.
For those of you with huskies, or breeds alike ,malamute, Pyrenees.... Like the cheese lady, our thoughts are with you while you try to get them to come in. 🤣

01/07/2025

This is a long but important one so bare with us.

Today we had a consultation that we want to share.
Today we did a consultation for a dog in foster care with the potential adopter. The potential adopter claims that the dog "has a mind of his own." They would like to work on basic skills and manners.
When I came into the home, (cheese lady here) I noticed that the dog was considerably calm and curious about me and the environment. During consultation I learned a lot about the animal that they really don't know anything about. Because he's a shelter rescue from New Mexico and that's all they really know. I learned within minutes that he is crazy smart, food motivated, and wants to please. He's super calm with guidance and doesn't react to typical triggers.
I spent a few minutes making friends with him, which wasn't hard because I came armed with nitrate free hotdogs and dog friendly peanut butter cookies.
Once I got the animal to accept me I sat down with my notebook to ask questions and take notes. The potential adopter stated that he has a mind of his own and doesn't listen.
"I can tell him no, don't, heal, stay, and he doesn't do it."
That's where I had to ask "how long have you had the dog in your care? 3 days.
In those 3 days did you teach him what the cue means? Or did you assume he just knew?
You could see the light bulbs going off in the room. Not only was the potential adopter there but so was the foster mom.
The local foster moms for the local humane society are starting to talk about us. The cheese lady in particular.
So I started to demonstrate some things. This dog is crazy smart, food motivated, and respectfully calm.
Honestly if he could pass my temperament testing, which I didn't do, I'd pick him up as a potential service animal.
So in 10 minutes I just taught him to... Sit when approaching someone, not jump on me, come when I call, and lay down when I ask. The behaviors that you are asking? He hasn't learned. Can you solve a math equation that no one has taught you? You can't expect a shelter animal 3 days in to know place, stay if you haven't worked on it and built it up. You just can't. Can he eventually do it? Oh I'm confident he can. Keep in mind rule of 3. I'm not a huge fan of the rule of 3. Each animal is different but the sentiment is the same.
It takes TIME for them to decompress. It takes TIME for them to learn your schedule. It takes TIME for them to become comfortable with you.
To expect a new Mexico rescue shelter dog, that you know nothing about, to know your cues, and do the things? In 3 days? You're setting him up for failure.
When I bring a new animal into my home they don't often meet anyone for days. They aren't allowed on furniture, in the kitchen, definitely not interacting with children. They are in decompression mode. I establish a schedule. This is feeding time, potty time, and training time. I'll often keep the newbie either tethered to me or in eye sight. They don't know the rules of the house! Because they just got here!
Can I get Charlie to eventually do the things? Absolutely! No question in my mind. If Dad doesn't adopt him, id consider turning him into a service animal.
Don't expect too much and don't set them up for failure!!!

01/03/2025

Pet of the month for December is Tako!!!!
Tako's family did a fantastic job at keeping appointments and practicing homework. The entire family is consistent with training and participation. They take direction well and ask great questions. Today we saw Tako after the holiday break and he was right on track!!!! We were able to advance to harder tasks and he hit it out of the park!!! Tako is smashing goals.
A perfect example of how much improvement can be made in a short time with positive reinforcement, consistency, and PRACTICE!!!
WAY TO GO TAKO!!!! You'll get a special prize when we see you next week.

12/31/2024

12/23/2024

During the holidays let's keep our pets safe!!!!
Never feed your pet cooked bones!!! They become brittle and splinter. Do NOT give them those fancy rawhide gifts!!! Rawhide is packed with chemicals, glue, and isn't digestible. It causes blockage and leads to very expensive surgery. Here's a list of NO NO'S and ok treats to give.
Of course! If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to us!
We hope everyone has a safe and wonderful holiday week!!!

12/07/2024

The cheese lady put a post in a local group. After 400+ supportive comments they shut it down. Unanimously people agreed.

12/05/2024

During this holiday season while we are decorating and gift giving be mindful of what you are using. Typical "holiday" plants are toxic to your furry friends. Keep your pets safe! And have a wonderful holiday season.

Stay tuned for our post on toxic foods before you give them leftovers.

12/03/2024

Pet of the month for November is Tuli!!!!!
Tuli did a great job of keeping her appointments and worked REALLY hard on her skills. She even had guests over for the holiday and didn't eat them!!! (Totally joking but she did great keeping her mouth to herself and not scaring them off.)
Tuli has been working so hard on not being reactive and her parents have been fantastic at doing homework.
Next time we see her she gets a special prize.
Congratulations Tuli!!!! You're such a good girl!!

11/29/2024

Happy turkey day!!!
Have a great holiday and keep your pets safe!!

11/22/2024

Today while working out in the field ( house calls) we got a surprise.
The cheese lady showed up to work with Tako and had a plan in place.
I, the cheese lady came in and mom said she needed to talk to me. 😳
"Hey Chris I need to talk to you real quick. So we made a spontaneous decision and have a new addition. We got a new puppy and are hoping you can help with him also."
😍 Typically I'm not a fan of clients surprising me like that. If we are working on behavior issues bringing another dog in could derail our progress. However, Tako is working on leash pulling and recall. The family are fantastic pet parents and experienced dog owners.
So my planned session went out the window and we worked on introducing a new puppy to the house.
The family had great questions and take direction well. Dad said the cheese lady could move in 😂 but I assured them that they didn't want that. I come with a small zoo.
So SURPRISE!!! We are adding Bo to the roster.
Also something that sets us apart from other trainers. Just because we aren't there doesn't mean we aren't available!!! Our clients can absolutely message us anytime!

11/15/2024

We are bringing it back!!!
We used to give prizes for the clients and animals that do a stellar job. We stopped for a while due to multiple factors but we are bringing it back! We are now going to start highlighting and giving prizes to the pet of the month. To qualify you have to keep your appointments, do your homework, (oh the animals will tell us if you haven't.) and do a stellar job during sessions. Once a month we will highlight the pet and give a special prize to them. We've now decided to include a special prize for the parents as well!!!
We do this to encourage you to do your homework, be the best for your animals, and get successful results. We like to reward those who put in the work to accomplish the goals they have.
Currently we have an Ace, Tako, and Tuli in the running.
Do your homework!!!

11/14/2024

Welcome our new trainee tako!!!!
Tako has been through classes before and has some really great basics. However, tako is SO excited to meet his triggers that are other dogs and 🦌 deer. So excited in fact that he is dragging the family on lead. During consultation we were so surrounded by deer that I was concerned that mom was going to get taken down. 😬
I, the cheese lady, took over and he responded very well. He also needs help with recall, especially off leash.
Welcome to the family Tako!!! We are excited to have you.

11/08/2024

Due to weather conditions we are cancelling all sessions for the rest of the week. Stay safe and practice homework. We'll see you next week.
Here's Dakota being depressed that I made him come inside for dinner. Huskies are so dramatic. 🙄

11/05/2024

Our newest trainee Roxy!!!!
Roxy is joining our puppy program.
Welcome Roxy!!!