DCMO Boces Dog Obedience

11/20/2023

Howdy handlers!

It is with big, sad Otto eyes that I announce that the Fall 2023 session will be my last with DCMO BOCES. I want to thank all of the handlers for joining our classes over the last six and a half years for putting the time, effort, and energy into building a better relationship with their puppies and dogs.

As always, feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns, and keep up the good work! Keep engaging, luring, and rewarding!!

11/15/2023

Somehow it’s been eight weeks already!

Congrats to our Puppy and Dog Basic Obedience classes!

11/08/2023

❄️🌨️❄️

Classes are still on with the winter weather advisory but please use your discretion on if you’re comfortable making the drive in, and home, tonight for class.

❄️🌨️❄️

10/27/2023

🧡🖤 Happy Howl-ween weekend! 🖤🧡

As much fun as we have on All Hallow’s Eve, it can be more trick than treat for our canine companions. As we head into the weekend, be sure to review these tips to help keep everyone safe and happy!

Halloween can be the spookiest night of the year, but keeping your pets safe doesn’t have to be tricky. The ASPCA recommends taking these simple, common sense precautions to keep your pet happy and healthy all the way to November 1.

10/19/2023

Don’t forget, you can practice obedience anywhere! We didn’t get a lot of play time in today so after classes tonight, Otto and I played some retrieve games with our trusty tennis ball then some sit-down-sit and recall… thanks in part to a conveniently empty garage!

As you practice your new skills, the more places and situations you practice in, the more accustomed you and your dog will become to using those skills!

Remember, change happens with set expectations, clear communication, and rewarding our dogs when they get it right with praise, affection and tokens of gratitude (for Otto tonight it was the jerky stick I had in my pocket leftover from class!)

Keep the dedication to making your bond with your dog better and stronger , so proud of everyone making so much progress already!!

10/11/2023

Otto says get your sillies out while you can, it’s back to school tonight for Class Two!

We are going to warm up with the same exercises as last week and will be introducing down and release tonight as well!

We are also going to test our lure from the squares to a straight line 🐾

Remember, bring treats, toys, water dish and wear comfortable clothes and shoes!

10/06/2023

Lick Mats are a great mental activity for your dog to give them a task to focus on while releasing endorphins as they lick.

They can also work as a temporary distraction in difficult situations such as visiting the vet or getting a bath. Otto was happy to watch me make three new mats (but sad to see them go right into the freezer). He will enjoy them over the next few days, one every morning 👅

ALWAYS use small amounts of treats and offer lick mats in moderation, if it’s something new for them be sure to monitor for any GI disruption.

There are a lot of healthy options for lick mats, served fresh or frozen, use one or as Otto prefers, a little assortment! You can also do the same and put small amounts of food inside of rubber toys such Kongs (be sure to wash daily after your dog has had its fill of fun!)

- your dog’s canned food
- smashed bananas
- plain Greek yogurt
- low sodium chicken or beef broth
- puréed watermelon
- unsweetened applesauce
- pumpkin purée (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
- peanut butter (no xylitol, natural is best!)
- puréed blueberries

10/05/2023

What a GREAT first night of classes!

I always love seeing how the puppies, dogs and their handlers work their way through Class One from the first exercise to the last. It can be challenging and even frustrating to learn new things and approaches and everyone gave it their all tonight!

Keep up the good work at home with engaging with your dog, using lure to walk short distances and to guide them into a sit force-free.

See everyone back next Wednesday!

10/04/2023

Otto wants to know how are those “eye exams” going at home?

Keep practicing lure with your four legged friend along with being exciting and engaging as to draw their attention to you!

Our first class we are going to use lure in a variety of exercises and work on getting the attention of your puppies and dogs with a new environment. We will also be testing out our first sit on command and handling exercise… a busy night is in store!

Remember to:
- Bring treats, leash, collar, and water bowl for your dog
- Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes
- And bring any questions you may have!

09/28/2023

We made it through orientation, so that means we are on to homework for Class One!

Make sure you review the handling work sheet and do an honest assessment of how to score your dog from 1 (can’t do) to 5 (perfect!). Feel free to share below what ones you found they scored the highest (and lowest) on.

Also start introducing your LURE hand. Warm up with your “eye exams” and then put things in motion (check out the video link for what’s coming up next!)

Also, practice engaging with your dog, make exciting sounds, move around, get them focused on you and most importantly… praise them when they do! Use that high positive voice, reward with trays and toys and lots of physical affection.

And don’t forget, read through the orientation section at least once before next week and mark anything you have questions on 👍🏼

See you next Wednesday handlers!!!

Heel Games are a series of fun games and exercises to teach puppies a heel position.Heel Games - The Lure uses treats or toys to lure the puppy into a heel p...

09/27/2023

See you tonight, handlers!

Puppy Obedience Orientation at 600 PM
Dog Obedience Orientation at 700 PM

Remember, do not bring your puppy/dog to orientation! This is a handler only session so we can review the course, tools, expectations and exercises, and share what we all look to achieve over the next two months.

Please bring your current proof of Rabies (certificate or dog license) and Distemper/Parvo vaccine (vet reminder dates, receipts, etc)

09/25/2023

Check your voicemails, handlers!

If I wasn’t able to connect with you via phone today, I left you a reminder message

Our fall session orientation is this Wednesday, September 27th!

Puppy Obedience Orientation at 600 PM
Dog Obedience Orientation at 700 PM

Remember, do not bring your puppy/dog to orientation! This is a handler only session so we can review the course, tools, expectations and exercises, and share what we all look to achieve over the next two months.

Please bring your current proof of Rabies (certificate or dog license) and Distemper/Parvo vaccine (vet reminder dates, receipts, etc)

Otto and I can’t wait to meet all of the handlers later this week (he’s already picked out what bandana he is going to wear!)

09/23/2023

One of the most important things stressed in class is that no one can train a dog in seven one-hour sessions.

Improving obedience and unwanted behaviors doesn’t result from the time you spend working with your dog in class, it happens with every single encounter you have with your dog, all day, every day.

Consistency is what helps your dog learn and grow, once you set an expectation, it’s the handler’s responsibility to follow through and direct the dog to meet that expectation and to reward them when they meet it, every single time.

We know our dogs are already dedicated to us; it’s our job to make sure we are dedicated to making their lives better as well 🐾

09/19/2023

Otto is resting up for
🐾 Dog and Puppy Obedience Orientation 🐾
next week!

While we have handlers come to orientation WITHOUT their dogs, Otto attends to demonstrate some of the skills and exercises we will use throughout the course.

Otto, a six year old Weimaraner, is fairly new to the “demo dog” life but is more than happy to welcome everyone with kisses and his tail wiggles before he gets down to business.

Remember for orientation
✔️Complete registration with Adult Leisure Learning
✔️Bring a copy of current Rabies vaccination
✔️Bring a copy of current Distemper/Parvo vaccinations
✔️Bring any questions or concerns you may have

Can’t wait to kick off the 🍂 fall session 🍂!

09/12/2023

Are you as excited as I am for obedience classes kicking off soon?!

Check out our quick tips for a successful start!

09/01/2023

It’s going to a beautiful, warm Labor Day weekend!

When you have a chance, be sure to refresh yourself on tips to make sure your canine companion has a safe holiday weekend as well!

It’s time to say goodbye to summer! Before running off to block parties and barbecues with your four-legged friends, make sure you know these tips and tricks for keeping them safe during Labor Day festivities.

08/28/2023

Rain, rain, go away, we want to go outside and play!

Not able to have fun outside during inclement weather, you can always check out these indoor activities to keep your dog’s mind and paws busy!

Rainy days can make for antsy dogs and frustrated people stuck inside together, without a way to burn some energy. But, you’re in luck! We have so many ideas of how you can make the most of your time inside together! Read on for your rainy day boredom busters!

08/20/2023

Otto says it’s time to put your game face on…
New classes are on the docket!

September 27th will kick off our next round of puppy and dog basic obedience!

To register of For More Information - 607-335-1208

Obedience Classes are a great way to have fun with your canine companion, improve your dog's ability to respond quickly and reliably to cues, and develop social savviness through interactions with other dogs and people.

🐾 Open to all breeds and ages

🐾 Class sizes are limited to 8

🐾 A comprehensive study guide included

🐾 In and out-of-class instructor support

🐾 Proof of current rabies and distemper/parvo vaccination required

🐾 All students must attend the initial handler-only orientation the first night of classes

08/06/2023

Otto says summer is going by too fast…

Have you had any fun adventures with your canine companion? Share them below in the comments!!

07/09/2023

Looking for a quiet place to practice your leash walking and obedience skills?

Check out Patsy’s Riverview located at 82 Sheldon Street in Norwich! Dogs must remain on leash as please pick up after them as you navigate the pathways.

As part of the Chenango Greenway Conservancy, it’s located conveniently near downtown but offers quiet trails and scenic views of the river. This part of the trail also offers a lot of great things to sniff and see for your dog as well. Feel free to check out the other trails offered as part of the Greenway, including the new Quarry system!

07/06/2023

Stay cool today, handlers!

07/05/2023

Happy graduation to our Basic Dog Obedience Class!

🎉Congrats to🎉

Avis
Bella
Bennett
Greta
Peanut
Ralphie
Rosie
Zoey

07/05/2023

Happy graduation to our Basic Puppy Obedience Class!

🎉Congrats to🎉

Denali
Douglas
Elwood
Juju
Mason
Sawyer

06/10/2023

Otto wasn’t too keen on the forecast this morning but we ended up having a great “sniffari” after this rain.

Twenty minutes of just passive walking and sniffing outside is an excellent mental and physical form of exercise!

06/07/2023

🔴 CLASS PUPDATE- 6/7/23 - 4:30 🔴

Many handlers have elected to stay home tonight messages have been left with those I have not heard from on if they plan to attend. We likely are going to have to cancel tonight and tack a make up class on at a later date.

If you have not contacted me or have not spoken with me yet today, please feel free to message here or call 607-226-0712 🐾

Be safe everyone!

06/07/2023

🔴 PUPDATE🔴: as of 4:30’we are looking to cancel and reschedule

Classes are still scheduled for this evening but with our worsening air quality alerts, please don’t hesitate to stay home if you don’t feel comfortable traveling in the current conditions.

05/26/2023

Otto says if you plan to go on any adventures with your canine companion this weekend, set them up for success with these key steps! We use them every weekend before we hit the road to visit local music, dog-friendly locales, and hiking trails.

-Play hard and work on key obedience before leaving the house

-Make sure they have ample time to potty, drink and have independent play time (bone, Kongs, puzzle toys, etc.)

-Check that their leash and collar are in good repair and good fitting, and that they have their identification tags on securely

-Pack a puppy bag! Toys, treats, kibble, water bowl, water, blanket, p**p bags, wash cloth, and anything else that can help make your pup at home while away (we never leave the house without a stuffed animal to snuggle with!)

-Have a plan to get out of the sun intermittently as to not expose yourself and dog to direct sunlight for long periods of time.

- Let them have a potty break and stretch their legs when you arrive to your destination stop, once settled in, revisit getting their attention, luring and obedience cues.

Have a safe weekend everyone, enjoy the sun and your furry friends!

05/25/2023

I just had two final words after classes tonight:

05/16/2023

Are you ready for our first class tomorrow night, handlers!

Remember to bring the following:
- dog or puppy 🐶
- the collar you are currently using
- flat leash - no retractable leashes
- training treats and rewards
- water bowl

Remember to do the following:
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes
- Bring a drink for yourself - water dispenser is available
- Let your dog get their sillies out before class with some play time (see Otto for example)
- Do not feed a full meal prior to class (partial meal is okay)
- Take them for a potty break before leaving for class and when you get here
- To set yourself up for success, practice the Name Game and Lure tonight and tomorrow 👍🏼

We can’t wait to see everyone!

05/11/2023

Thank you everyone for joining orientation tonight, excited to see you and your puppies and dogs next week!

Someone did leave a white thermos behind, I’ll be sure to bring it to class next week 👍🏼