Big Moose Dog Training

Big Moose Dog Training Helping dogs get more educated owners. Kristin Sandstede CPDT-KSA
AKC CGC & C.L.A.S.S. Evaluator

April is Adopt a Greyhound Month! I highly recommend adopting a retired racer for MANY people who are thinking about ge...
04/23/2025

April is Adopt a Greyhound Month!

I highly recommend adopting a retired racer for MANY people who are thinking about getting a dog, especially busy folks who have never owned a dog before.

Why?

Not because they need to be rescued from a "horrible" life: in order to be a successful athlete you must have proper sleep & nutrition, and you cannot FORCE a dog to chase an object (or pull a sled) they must WANT to. I have known many retired racers, they were ALL crate trained, never had an accident I had to clean up, had the best leash manners of ANY dog I walked, were silent, they were all gentle & friendly, they were top 3 SOFTEST dogs I have ever petted. And because they are sprinters they are perfectly content to veg out All Day Long. If you wanna go for a stroll, that's cool, but you wanna hang & watch tv that's groovy too!

Not everyone loves their looks. And they DO shed A LOT. But regular brushing & professional grooming can help with that. And they probably need some sweaters & jammies for mid-west winters. When I am old(er) & grey(er) and retired from triathlons I totally want a retired racing greyhound!!!!! And I want to do obedience with him/her, mostly to prove wrong the myth that "greyhounds can't sit" Because, you know, tell me I can't do something usually elicits the response "Watch Me"

Why Title A Dog?Not just a brag, not just a stepping stone to a higher title, not just an adjunct to competitive scores,...
04/22/2025

Why Title A Dog?

Not just a brag, not just a stepping stone to a higher title, not just an adjunct to competitive scores, a title is a tribute to the dog that bears it, a way to honor the dog, an ultimate memorial. It will remain in record and in memory for as long as anything in this world can remain. Few humans will do as well or better in that regard.

And though the dog itself doesn’t know or care that its achievements have been noted, a title says many things in the world of humans, where such things count.
A title says your dog was intelligent and adaptable, and good-natured. It says that your dog loved you enough to do the things that please you, however crazy they may have sometimes seemed.

And a title says that you loved your dog, that you loved to spend time with it because it was a good dog, that you believed in it enough to give it yet another chance when it failed, and that, in the end, your faith was justified.

A title proves that your dog inspired you to that special relationship enjoyed by so few; that in a world of disposable creatures, this dog with a title was greatly loved, and loved greatly in return.

And when that dear short life is over, the title remains as a memorial of the finest kind, the best you can give to a deserving friend, volumes of pride in one small set of initials after the name.

A title earned is nothing less than love and respect, given and received, and permanently recorded.
-Sandra Mowery

There’s something for everyone and every dog! Some title categories include:
Therapy dog
Tricks
Dock Diving
Fetch
Agility
Search and Rescue
Rally
Fit dog
Scentwork
Hunting
Obedience
Canine Good Citizen
Flyball
Herding
Barn hunt
Tracking
Confirmation

Get out there and enjoy doing more with your dog! Your dog will thank you for it.

Hey Easter Moosekateers! How are your Crate Games going? Struggling with barking???? Read On 👇👇👇👇Has it always been a...
04/21/2025

Hey Easter Moosekateers! How are your Crate Games going?
Struggling with barking???? Read On 👇👇👇👇

Has it always been a problem?
🔁 YES: Go back to Basics with your crate games, practice crate time while you are home, reward your dog for going into their crate with the door propped open as well as for periods of quiet in their crate, make the crate more fun (check out video for more tips!)
🚫 NO 👇👇 Read On

Did your dog recently transition to a new Developmental Stage?
🌼YES: Puppies turn into Teenagers at around 5mo & get a spike in energy (🤦‍♀️chewing, digging, barking, selective hearing included) Dogs reach sexual maturity around 12-18mo depending on breed (if unspayed are you coming up on a heat cycle?) Dogs become seniors at around age 7-8 & as they age can develop behaviour changes as they start to lose hearing, sight, cognition & develop arthritis)
🚫 NO: Read On 👇👇👇

Did anything change in the daily routine?
📅 YES: people switching work schedules, new babies, elderly parents moving in, the flu, kids going back to school, vacations all effect the schedule & whether our dogs are getting regular walks, or meals & potty breaks at a specific time.....which can lead to barking
🚫 NO: Read On 👇👇👇

Has anything changed in the environment?
🚫NO: Consult with your 👩‍⚕️vet to rule out a medical issue (UTI, Ear infection, arthritis, seizures, tick borne illnesses)
🔎 YES: Recently changed crate location, new neighbors, neighbors get a new noisier vehicle, neighbor dogs barking, wildlife taken up residence in your yard, small furry animals taken up residence in your house, new crate, weather (wind banging gutters or scraping trees against house) all can cause dogs to suddenly start barking in their crate.

Once you know the 🔍 WHY you can address the core issue & solve the problem!! In the case at my house it's a new problem......someone is behind on FitBark points thanks to the weather & my schedule this week. A new crate in a new location in the house has provided more traffic & visibility out the window when the curtains are open--so I suspect more visual stimulation combined with being behind on regularly scheduled exercise are the root cause of the barking....
So a sheet was added to 3 sides of the crate to reduce visibility & the exercise routine was bumped up, including fun kong chews IN his crate & breakfast in a Boggle Ball. And as always with Click + Treat [tossed into crate] anytime resting quietly during crate time to reward the Desired Behavior of laying doing "nothing" in the crate.

Happy Easter, Mooskeateers!!Remember....🚫 No Chocolate Bunnies 🐇🚫 No Easter Lilies 🌾✅ YES to a dog friendly Kong🧊 Fresh ...
04/20/2025

Happy Easter, Mooskeateers!!

Remember....
🚫 No Chocolate Bunnies 🐇
🚫 No Easter Lilies 🌾

✅ YES to a dog friendly Kong
🧊 Fresh or Frozen?

Happy Easter, Mooskeateers!!Remember....🚫 No Chocolate Bunnies 🐇🚫 No Easter Lilies 🌾
04/19/2025

Happy Easter, Mooskeateers!!

Remember....

🚫 No Chocolate Bunnies 🐇
🚫 No Easter Lilies 🌾

To Celebrate Adopt a Greyhound Month here are the many colors of greyhounds!
04/17/2025

To Celebrate Adopt a Greyhound Month here are the many colors of greyhounds!

Yesterday I talked a lot about Stress Signals. Stress isn't "All Bad" or "All Good" but you DO need to pay attention t...
04/16/2025

Yesterday I talked a lot about Stress Signals.

Stress isn't "All Bad" or "All Good" but you DO need to pay attention to where your dog is at & adjust accordingly.

It's not surprising that a few of these are also Calming Signals. Dogs use Calming Signals to calm themselves (think about how you take a deep breathe before you have to get on stage & give a speech) as well as to calm the other person (if someone is yelling at you, you tend to turn your body sideways & lower your voice....assuming you aren't itching for a fight yourself) A paw lift is also a VERY common stress sign.
Any guesses which of these are also Calming Signals?

This spring weather has us all excited to spend more time outside!! Keep in mind if your dog spent the deep freeze curl...
04/14/2025

This spring weather has us all excited to spend more time outside!! Keep in mind if your dog spent the deep freeze curled up under a pile of blankets jumping right into outdoor exercise can result in injury.

But you can prevent injury, increase your dog's fitness level AND earn a Fitness Title all in one class!! K9 Cardio focuses on: endurance, coordination, balance, flexibility, & strength. Canine athlete or couch potato everyone has areas we can improve about our fitness.

There's still time for Big Moose Grads to sign up & participate in Canine Fitness Month!

https://www.bigmoosedogtraining.com/events/event/k9-cardio-35/

A guy came up to me at the Union Pacific Build Your Best Life Fair & said, "Now what if I want a dog that's already trai...
04/12/2025

A guy came up to me at the Union Pacific Build Your Best Life Fair & said, "Now what if I want a dog that's already trained, doesn't mess in the house, walks on a leash..." I recommended adopting a dog 2yrs old or older as adult dogs tend to be "what you see is what you get " as they are through the puppy potty training stage & through the teen stage.... I also recommended adopting a retired racer as they are housebroken, crate trained, have good leash manners, & are perfectly content to sit on the couch & watch Oprah.

Not everybody likes the way they look but the make great pets, especially for people who want a low key dog who only needs a leisurely walk. April is

When people hear "more exercise " they automatically think the high impact repetitive type: running, longer walks, more ...
04/11/2025

When people hear "more exercise " they automatically think the high impact repetitive type: running, longer walks, more fetch.

But MENTAL exercise is in fact MORE tiring than physical! And takes up less time! What are some examples?

A food puzzle instead of meals in a bowl. Teaching your dog to put their front feet on an object (an exercise ball, a step stool, a overturned bowl, a laundry basket). Having your dog go around an object (a chair, a trash can, a large flower pot), make a tunnel with chairs & a sheet.

Try one of these today! Comment with how it went.

Hip Hip Hooray for beautiful weather!!! Don't we all want to get out & enjoy it??Let's take a moment to refresh on the ...
04/10/2025

Hip Hip Hooray for beautiful weather!!! Don't we all want to get out & enjoy it??Let's take a moment to refresh on the important points of Bike Trail Etiquette.

⏭ If you are going to pass someone with a dog, please announce your passing enough in advance that they have ample time to react. Some people have their dogs across the center line, some people have reactive or fearful dogs---so give the a chance to: get their dog's attention, reel them in, &/or get off to the side. Don't call "Left" when you are already on top of them, or say nothing at all & startle them!!
🚴‍♀️ If you are passing on anything besides on foot please make that part of your announcement "Bike on your left!" Some dogs are reactive to wheels---it is in YOUR best interest to give them a chance to clear you a path unless you like the idea of eating concrete. (& I am looking RIGHT AT YOU, Cyclists/Bikers because you are THE BIGGEST violators!! Charging down everyone on the trail; if you are so big & bad get out on the streets with the traffic! And if you need a little help The Big Moose can show ya' how it's done.)
🐶 If you are passing & YOU have a dog make that part of your announcement "On your left with a dog!" Some people are trying to rehab reactionary dogs, you charging up on their 6 isn't going to help anybody.
🚸 If you are meeting someone head-on, please keep to your lane.
🤦‍♀️ If you meet a dog for the love of God, don't lean down & in and reach for them, shout at them, bark at them! If you don't want some stranger doing it to your child don't do it to a strange dog.
🛑 Leash Laws! Leash Laws! Leash Laws! Yes they DO apply to YOU! Want your dog to have an off leash run? Perfect, go find yourself a nice gravel road NOT a public bike trail.
💩 Pick Up & Pack it out. Kids Walk here. And I don't want it on my shoe or in my car----sometimes we all step off into the grass next to the trail so pick it up there too

So now we have refreshed on etiquette, get out & enjoy the weather! Have fun!

Next week is Dog Bite Prevention Week so let's test your knowledge.Rate in order from least likely to most likely to bit...
04/09/2025

Next week is Dog Bite Prevention Week so let's test your knowledge.

Rate in order from least likely to most likely to bite (all dogs purchased from reputable breeds who utilize a socialization protocol from Day #3 to 8 Weeks of age) All dogs are 3 years in age with a clean bill of health. Scenario takes place in a public location in an interaction similar to the "Accepting a Friendly Stranger" portion of the AKC CGC Test. Also include why you rated risk the way you did.

1. No obedience classes taken. Lives in a single-owner home at a remote location with few visitors
2. No classes taken since Puppy Kindergarten (prior to 18wks of age). Lives in a busy two family home in a very small town very few visitors.
3. Only Obedience class taken. Enrolled in Basic Obedience at 7 months of age.
4. Multiple classes & multiple levels of classes taken, has one obedience title
5. No classes taken, has a Champion title in conformation.
6. No obedience classes taken. Lives in a city home with a large family who has extended family close by.

Also running on the assumption that all life experiences have been pleasant.

April is Canine Fitness Month! Did you know Big Moose Grads can earn FITNESS titles in K9 Cardio??!!! Everyone thinks ...
04/09/2025

April is Canine Fitness Month! Did you know Big Moose Grads can earn FITNESS titles in K9 Cardio??!!!

Everyone thinks fitness & thinks endurance but strength, balance, coordination, & flexibility are also important pieces of the puzzle! This class is for any Big Moose Grad that.....

🚶‍♀️ Wishes their dog got more exercise but going for a walk is NOT their Jam.
☀️ Wants their dog play outside in the warmer weather with less risk of injury!
⚽️ Already competes in dog sports & wishes they did more cross training
🦆 Is already looking forward '25 hunting season w/ their dog
🌡 Is always looking for creative indoor exercises during extreme weather
🥇 Loves hardware because YES medals are involved!

Registration is open exclusively at Dutch Dogs!

April is Adopt a Greyhound Month! I highly recommend adopting a retired racer for MANY people who are thinking about ge...
04/07/2025

April is Adopt a Greyhound Month!

I highly recommend adopting a retired racer for MANY people who are thinking about getting a dog, especially busy folks who have never owned a dog before. Why? Not because they need to be rescued from a "horrible" life: in order to be a successful athlete you must have proper sleep & nutrition, and you cannot FORCE a dog to chase an object (or pull a sled) they must WANT to. I have known many retired racers, they were ALL crate trained, never had an accident I had to clean up, had the best leash manners of ANY dog I walked, were silent, they were all gentle & friendly, they were top 3 SOFTEST dogs I have ever petted. And because they are sprinters they are perfectly content to veg out All Day Long. If you wanna go for a stroll, that's cool, but you wanna hang & watch tv that's groovy too!
Not everyone loves their looks. And they DO shed A LOT. But regular brushing & professional grooming can help with that. And they probably need some sweaters & jammies for mid-west winters. When I am old(er) & grey(er) and retired from triathlons I totally want a retired racing greyhound!!!!! And I want to do obedience with him/her, mostly to prove wrong the myth that "greyhounds can't sit" Because, you know, tell me I can't do something usually elicits the response "Watch Me"

Bored in the house? Are ya 🎶 in the house bored? 🎶 I have some solutions! All you need is....🐶 Your dog🥣 their kibble...
04/05/2025

Bored in the house? Are ya 🎶 in the house bored? 🎶 I have some solutions! All you need is....

🐶 Your dog
🥣 their kibble
🪑 your kitchen step stool

What will we be learning?

🏅 Tasks towards a Trick Title
💪 April is Canine Fitness month
🎖 Tasks towards a Fitness Title
🐖 Slow down speedy eaters
🧩 Brain Games for bored dogs
🌳 Exercise for dogs missing the park
💍 Engagement for better listening

Ask me about how you can join the Step Stool Challenge!

REMINDER MOOSEKATEERS!!! Took K9 Cardio? Did you submit your Fitness Title? (I would be happy to resend your paperwor...
04/04/2025

REMINDER MOOSEKATEERS!!!

Took K9 Cardio? Did you submit your Fitness Title? (I would be happy to resend your paperwork if it got lost with life. All Moosekateers who have submitted their Fitness Titles are automatically added to the Big Moose Fitness Sparks Group.

This is Canine Fitness Month & we are doing something new in the Moose Sparks Group to celebrate this year!

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New York, NY
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Tuesday 11am - 9pm
Wednesday 11am - 8:30pm
Saturday 9am - 1pm
Sunday 3:30pm - 7:30pm

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