Harmony in the Kitchen
Look at this little bundle of joy! Arlo, a 7-mo (or so) Dachshund-Cattle Dog mix has been with us for about a month now as our foster until he finds his forever home. We have a few fun tricks to keep him happily entertained while I'm busy cooking up a storm in the kitchen!
First, I introduced him to the magic of a lick mat (see photo in comments)! It's amazing how something so easy can keep him so content and out from being under-foot while I’m busy in the kitchen. Plus, it's a fantastic way to keep his mind engaged and his taste buds happy!
And then, there's his newfound fascination with ice cubes! Who would've thought that something so mundane could be so entertaining? Watching him chase those slippery cubes around the kitchen floor is such fun. The crunchy cubes satisfies his need to chew as well.
Arlo also loves to chase tennis balls, so having one or two around to kick around in the kitchen also works great!
With these little tricks up our sleeves, Arlo gets to hang in the kitchen without being a pest. It's a win-win for both of us!
Got the sniffles and need a tissue? Well, little Lina is the dog for the job!
Got the sniffles and need a tissue? Well, little Lina is the dog for the job!
Check out this trick Lori and Lina prepared when they graduated from Therapy Dog Academy class!
Great job!!
I’m Not Scared!
In order to help our dogs build confidence and teach their humans how to support them when encountering new experiences, in this video from our group classes, we’re having fun meeting an odd-sounding, fast-moving, erratic toy! These pups have already been prepped for the experience by learning how to approach objects on cue while their humans leverage an understanding of dog body language to productively and safely guide their dogs through the encounter.
What fun!
Remember: Never force your dog into an interaction s/he is not comfortable with!
Learn more about the technique by taking one of our classes or downloading the free lesson from the Gold Star Dog Training Library: https://www.goldstardog.com/visit-the-library (look for the “Pseudo-Socialization” course under the free mini course section)
Charlie the Leonberger knows how to read!!
Check out this amazing trick from Patty and Charlie! They prepared this as part of their graduation project for Therapy Dog Academy class.
Isn't Charlie so smart and Patty such a great teacher?
Check out this amazing trick from Courtenay and Lola! They prepared this as part of their graduation project for Therapy Dog Academy class.
Each graduate of Therapy Dog Academy prepared a trick that they can use during therapy dog visits. Having a trick ready to show off can help break the ice, entertain, and offer something to someone who may not be able to actually interact with a dog (due to infection control, allergies, etc.).
Way to go Lola and Courtenay!
Achoo!!
Sweet little Lina is always ready to grab a tissue when she hears a sneeze!
Her person Lori taught her this adorable (and useful!) trick as part of their graduation homework for Therapy Dog Academy. Great job Lori and Lina!
Try the “Something New!” Game
Too cold to play outside? Need to Burn Off Your Dog’s Energy? Try the “Something New!” Game
Dogs need to exercise their minds as well as their bodies. This game helps your dog use his brain by becoming engaged in the training process, thinking up behaviors to offer—as opposed to being instructed what to do. This game can burn a lot of y our dog’s energy. Most of all, it’s pretty darn fun!
Game instructions:https://static1.squarespace.com/static/590a60cc9f7456ef737a9a55/t/5a246581652deacb41b3cc66/1512334731131/Something+New+Game.pdf
Video of German Shepherd Mya playing the game:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3z1IbkJ8h1k
I’m Not Scared!
In order to help our dogs build confidence and teach their humans how to support them when encountering new experiences, in this video from our group classes, we’re having fun meeting an odd-sounding, fast-moving, erratic toy! These pups have already been prepped for the experience by learning how to approach objects on cue while their humans leverage an understanding of dog body language to productively and safely guide their dogs through the encounter.
What fun!
Learn more about the technique by taking one of our classes or downloading the free lesson from the Gold Star Dog Training Library: https://www.goldstardog.com/visit-the-library (look for the “Pseudo-Socialization” course under the free mini course section)
Show me the love! Guest day at Therapy Dog Academy
Show me the LOVE! Guest Day at Therapy Dog Academy class
We love to have guests come to Therapy Dog Academy class to get some TLC from our therapy dogs in training. These very special guests help our therapy dog teams practice all of the skills they have been learning!
Check out the video!
Read more about Therapy Dog Academy and view course schedule: https://www.goldstardog.com/therapy-dog-academy-1
Wait for it...
ZOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!
Sweet Cocker Spaniel Tucker shows off a trick his humans taught him. He shows such impulse control waiting for the ball!
Nice work Tucker, Anita, and family!
We’re having fun practicing a more advanced version of “stay” in “Beyond Basics” class—ask your dog to stay and then go to another person’s dog!
Therapy dog skill building: Working around other dogs
Therapy dogs should be able to work calmly around other dogs. Check out this video of Goose and his handler, Emily, nailing this exercise in Therapy Dog Academy class! And, just as important, all of the other dogs and handlers are able to wait patiently while each dog practices weaving around the other dogs.
This is just one of many key skills we learn and practice in Therapy Dog Academy. Learn more/sign up: https://www.goldstardog.com/therapy-dog-academy-1
I’m Not Scared!
In order to help our dogs build confidence and teach their humans how to support them when encountering new experiences, in this video from our group classes, we’re having fun meeting an odd-sounding, fast-moving, erratic toy!
These pups have already been prepped for the experience by learning how to approach objects on cue while their humans leverage an understanding of dog body language to productively and safely guide their dogs through the encounter.
What fun!
Learn more about the technique by taking one of our classes or downloading the free lesson from the Gold Star Dog Training Library: https://www.goldstardog.com/visit-the-library (look for the “Pseudo-Socialization” course under the free mini course section)
Lola does the Limbo!
In all of our classes, we encourage students to teach, and show off, a trick for graduation.
Check out Lola doing the limbo! What a great family team effort--and Lola is having so much fun!
Nice job Team Lola!
Show me the LOVE! Guest Day at Therapy Dog Academy class
We love to have guests come to Therapy Dog Academy class to get some TLC from our therapy dogs in training. These very special guests help our therapy dog teams practice all of the skills they have been learning!
Check out the video!
Read more about Therapy Dog Academy and view course schedule: https://www.goldstardog.com/therapy-dog-academy-1
11-year-old Julia takes her Yorkie Spartacus through some advanced exercises in the Therapy Dog Academy class. The exercise calls for each handler to weave among other dogs—a good test of a dog’s ability to walk nicely on leash and work calmly around other dogs. Julia does an excellent job demonstrating these key skills!
Way to go Julia and Spartacus!
Homemade Brain Game
In this video, Willa and her big brother Xander are having fun figuring out this puzzle their human Dede designed for them.
They are simply adorable as they try to figure out how to get to the treats--and you can see how Xander is thinking!
What ideas can you think of for some home-grown intellectual enrichment for your pups?
Bouncy Doggie Play!
Seeing Yellow Lab Maple and Border Collie mix Kane bounce and romp in the snow will put a smile on your face.
Not only are these two having lots of fun, they are showing us what healthy dog play looks like. In the video, notice how Kane and Maple:
--Have relaxed bodies and bouncy, playful movements
--Take little breaks--regulating the energy level and giving each other time to signal if they want to continue the play (with play bows)
--Alternate who is chasing and being chased--lots of give and take
Great job Kane and Maple!
