Beat the heat with an indoor "search" game 1.Prepare by letting your dog watch you place a stinky or high value treat in a small toy like a lotus ball. 2. Place your dog in a stay on a mat, or behind a baby gate. 3.Let your dog watch you place a treat or a baited toy (like a lotus ball) on the ground 6-8 feet from them. 4. Walk back to your dog and release them to “search.” 5. When they find the treat/toy, praise and feed them a few treats one at a time in the spot where they found the toy. 6. Repeat steps 1 thru 5 until your dog understands the format of the game. 7. Increase difficulty by adding distance, starting to place the item around a corner, out of view or at different heights. As long as your dog is actively searching/scenting for the item, you do not need to do anything. If your dog comes back to you or looks confused you can give hints by walking closer to the item and repeating the “search” cue. #dogsofphilly #phillydogsofinstagram #phillydogs #dogsofPhilly #phillydog #phillydoglovers #phillydogtrainer #phillydogtraining #southphillydogs #friskyinphilly #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementdogtraining #forcefree #forcefreedogtraining #dogtrainingtips #dogtrainingadvice #rescuedogsrock #adopteddogsofinstagram #rescuedogsrule #rescuedogsofinstagram
It is important to remember that genetic characteristics like sensitivity to small environmental changes, high focus and alertness, split second reading of movement, explosive responses, etc. are all skills that can make our dogs more likely to become reactive - but these are often also DESIRED traits that many working dogs are specifically bred for. However, many of us parent dogs that end up in environments where those skills do not serve them anymore or we have not found appropriate outlets for those skill sets. This is why I always urge my clients to observe how these behaviors are serving their dogs and what we can do to not only channel those skills into productive outlets, but to marvel at and admire the parts of your dog that can sometimes feel the toughest to work through. Your dog is already amazing - let’s do the work to bring out their best. #phillydogsofinstagram #phillydogs #dogsofPhilly #phillydoglovers #phillydogtrainer #phillydogtraining #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementdogtraining #forcefree #forcefreedogtraining #dogtrainingadvice #reactivedog #reactivedogawareness #reactivedogtraining #reactivedog
When we see behavior that appears “out of control” it makes sense that some people will gravitate towards training strategies that put a lot of emphasis on CONTROLLING our dogs. We might add restrictive equipment, limit movement, invest our time in building obedience/compliance. But the reality is that reactivity often stems from a dog already feeling like they have limited choices - barking and lunging is an “expensive” behavior and is most often the result of the dog feeling backed into a corner and those behaviors are the most efficient way to get the space and safety they need. It can feel counterintuitive to some, but it is so VITALLY important for your reactivity program to include opportunities to share a space with a trigger in a way where your dog feels safe enough to practice low stress information gathering as well as the chance to CHOOSE coping skills that make them feel their best. #phillydogsofinstagram #phillydogs #dogsofPhilly #phillydog #phillydoglovers #phillydogtrainer #phillydogtraining #southphillydogs #friskyinphilly #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementdogtraining #forcefree #forcefreedogtraining #dogtrainingtips #dogtrainingadvice#reactivedogsunite #reactivedogsarestillgooddogs #reactivity
This sweet pup had been struggling with loose leash walking, but not because she was being willful or disobedient - she was just unsure. In this video, after the dog had gathered the information she needs, I reinforce her for checking in and toss a treat on the ground for her to chase - this is a game we play often - it helps lighten the mood and gets her moving towards a space where she might feel more comfortable. Hey- was this helpful? Like and follow us for more training secrets for the sensitive soul ❤️ #puppytrainingadvice #phillydogsofinstagram #phillydogs_ #phillydog #phillydoglovers #phillydogtrainer #phillydogtraining #southphillydogs #friskyinphilly #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementdogtraining #forcefree #forcefreedogtraining #dogtrainingtips #dogtrainingadvice #cavapoopuppy
This is your friendly reminder to make sure that your training doesn’t just look good, but that it serves an actual purpose! This is why it is so important to know exactly what situations are your training these behaviors for. Are you working on a stay behavior with your dog? AMAZING! Now let’s talk about when you might need to reach for this behavior in your everyday life. This could be to build safety around a threshold, keep your dog stationary while you pick up after them on a walk, have them wait while you look around the corner for any triggers, or maybe you need a solid stay for dog sports. After you work on the basic version of this behavior you will want to make sure that you are practicing in the context you need the behavior to work in and folding in appropriate approximations of any distractions your dog may encounter in that environment. If you want to make the most of your training efforts, consider not just what behaviors you want to work on, but HOW you will use them so your trainer can help you train for real-life situations. What manners skills have you found most useful in your everyday life? #phillydogsofinstagram #phillydogs_ #phillydog #phillydoglovers #phillydogtrainer #phillydogtraining #friskyinphilly #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementdogtraining #forcefree #forcefreedogtraining #dogtrainingtips #dogtrainingadvice#minigoldendoodle #doodlelove #goldendoodle #goldendoodlesofinsta #minigoldendoodlesofinstagram #goldendoodlelove #goldendoodleguru #goldendoodlelife #goldendoodlestyle #goldendoodlelovers
My good pal Louie works beauitfully for food 90% of the time, but his ma reported that towards the end of their walks, this handsome boy would switch gears and start grabbing at the leash. This behavior can be caused by all kinds of things, including frustration, boredom, to initate play, or as a way to blow off some steam. Instead of supressing the behavior we can give the dogs what they want! In this video we worked on reinforcing some awesome engaged walking with a little game of tug— we get to build the leash skills we want, and he gets to play the game of tug he has been asking for- everyone wins! Training is all about finding common ground in a way that meets both the handler and the dogs needs ❤️❤️❤️ Was this post helpful? Follow us for more trainjng tips! #acctphillydogs #phillydogs_ #phillydog #phillydoglovers #phillydogtrainer #phillydogtraining #friskyinphilly #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementdogtraining #forcefree #forcefreedogtraining #dogtrainingtips #dogtrainingadvice #looseleashtraining #looseleashwalking #looseleashskills #boxerdog #boxersoftiktok #boxerpuppy
Dissection is an important enrichment activity for a lot of dogs and can be used to help your pup relax, recover from stress, or get some excess energy out. Tired of your dog ripping up their bed, their stuffies, or shredding your carpet? Try these cheap dissection alternatives:
Hit the recycling bin: You can try hiding treats in empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls, crumpled up paper bags, pizza boxes, cracker boxes and amazon boxes, Your dog gets to rip apart the packaging to get to the treats - for many dogs this is an incredibly fun and satisfying way to hunt for food, and you get to recycle your cardboard! Since this can get messy you may want to confine your dog to a part of the house where you can easily clean up the scraps with a broom (like the kitchen).
Hit the produce aisle: If your dog tends to consume the items they shred or your cardboard stash is low, you can try buying a cheap cabbage from the grocery store, cutting it in half, and stuffing treats in between the leaves.
Recycle your dog’s toys: Many dogs will pull the stuffing out of their toys and leave the “carcass” intact. You can try restuffing the outer shell with butcher paper and sprinkle a few treats in here and there. Your dog gets to methodically pull out the insides again :)
** As with any enrichment activity, closely monitor your dog to make sure they are interacting with these items safely.
How do you meet your dog’s dissection needs? Comment below!
#phillydogsofinstagram #phillydogs_ #phillydog #phillydoglovers #phillydogtrainer #phillydogtraining #southphillydogs #friskyinphilly #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementdogtraining #forcefree #forcefreedogtraining #dogtrainingtips #dogtrainingadviceandtips
Got a dog that is ready to play just as you are ready to wind down for the day? Doing relaxed may work (NOT down stays) with intentional handler disengagement and reinforcment for relaxation responses may be just what the doctor ordered! Tie this mat work to context cues (like laying on the couch, watching tv, scrolling through your phone or reading a book) and your dog will start to automatically link those activities to mat time. Looking for more training tips for the restless dog? Follow or give us a hollar ✌️. ##dogtrainingadvice #dogtrainingtips #dogtrainingvideo #dogtrainingvideos #trainingdog #australianshepherd #aussielovers #australianshepherdsofinstagram #aussiesdoingthings #australianshepherdpuppy #australianshepherdworld #phillydogsofinstagram #phillydogs_ #phillydog #phillydoglovers #phillydogtrainer #phillydogtraining #friskyinphilly #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementdogtraining #forcefree #forcefreedogtraining
Got a dog that is ready to play just as you are ready to wind down for the day? Doing relaxed may work (NOT down stays) with intentional handler disengagement and reinforcment for relaxation responses may be just what the doctor ordered! Tie this mat work to context cues (like laying on the couch, watching tv, scrolling through your phone or reading a book) and your dog will start to automatically link those activities to mat time. Looking for more training tips for the restless dog? Follow or give us a hollar ✌️. ##dogtrainingadvice #dogtrainingtips #dogtrainingvideo #dogtrainingvideos #trainingdog #australianshepherd #aussielovers #australianshepherdsofinstagram #aussiesdoingthings #australianshepherdpuppy #australianshepherdworld #phillydogsofinstagram #phillydogs_ #phillydog #phillydoglovers #phillydogtrainer #phillydogtraining #friskyinphilly #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementdogtraining #forcefree #forcefreedogtraining
How do you work through a reactivity program with TWO reactive dogs?
The ideal when working with reactive pairs is always to walk them separately, but sometimes that is not feasible with certain people’s schedules (ahem, guilty as charged) or my clients reach a part in their training journey where they can start to work their dogs at the same time. Here are some ideas to consider on your reactive pair journey
1. Commit to walking your dogs separately for a time: It doesn’t have to be for forever, but this is TIME WELL SPENT as it will allow you to really attend to and learn each dog’s sensitivities, body language cues, and thresholds.
2. Train essential skills separately: this ensures that your dogs will be responsive to your cues instead of feeding off of each other.
3. Work your dogs at the threshold of your more sensitive dog. If one dog reacts, the second dog will usually follow, so use your more sensitive dog as your barometer.
4. Lean into those management skills: - there are less likely to be as many low arousal “counter conditioning moments” on walks with two dogs, so you will be utilizing your management skills a LOT. Get real cozy with those :)
5. Take plenty of “vacation days”- take your dogs somewhere where they are unlikely to run into triggers so everyone’s nervous system gets a reset and you can enjoy each other’s company :)
Are you working with a reactive pair? What works well for you?
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#reactivedogsofinstagram #reactivedog #reactivitytraining #reactivedogsofinsta #reactivedogtraining #reactivedogsunite #reactivedogs #reactivityisfear #reactivedogsunite #phillydogsofinstagram #phillydogs_ #phillydog #phillydoglovers #phillydogtrainer #phillydogtraining #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementdogtraining #forcefree #forcefreedogtraining
How do you work through a reactivity program with TWO reactive dogs? The ideal when working with reactive pairs is always to walk them separately, but sometimes that is not feasible with certain people’s schedules (ahem, guilty as charged) or my clients reach a part in their training journey where they can start to work their dogs at the same time. Here are some ideas to consider on your reactive pair journey: 1. Commit to walking your dogs separately for a time: It doesn’t have to be for forever, but this is TIME WELL SPENT as it will allow you to really attend to and learn each dog’s sensitivities, body language cues, and thresholds. 2. Train essential skills separately: this ensures that your dogs will be responsive to your cues instead of feeding off of each other. 3. Work your dogs at the threshold of your more sensitive dog. If one dog reacts, the second dog will usually follow, so use your more sensitive dog as your barometer. 4. Lean into those management skills: - there are less likely to be as many low arousal “counter conditioning moments” on walks with two dogs, so you will be utilizing your management skills a LOT. Get real cozy with those :) 5. Take plenty of “vacation days”- take your dogs somewhere where they are unlikely to run into triggers so everyone’s nervous system gets a reset and you can enjoy each other’s company :) Are you working with a reactive pair? What works well for you? .....#reactivedogsofinstagram #reactivedog #reactivitytraining #reactivedogsofinsta #reactivedogtraining #reactivedogsunite #reactivedogs #reactivityisfear #reactivedogsunite #phillydogsofinstagram #phillydogs_ #phillydog #phillydoglovers #phillydogtrainer #phillydogtraining #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementdogtraining #forcefree #f
Happy senior pet day!
This is my strange but lovely old lady, Tuki. Even at 13 years old she can still command a room, soothe a weary heart with her snuggles, and is tiny but tough as nails.
I have a special place in my heart for those graying faces- here are some reasons to adopt an older pet:
1. Calmer temperament and less demanding: Senior pets often have lower energy levels and require less exercise and playtime than younger dogs, making them great companions for those seeking a more chill friend.
2. Fewer surprises: With a senior pet, you have a clearer understanding of their personality, behavior, habits, and even size. This can help ensure a better match between the pet and your family’s lifestyle.
3. Helping a vulnerable population: Unfortunately, senior pets are often overlooked in shelters and have a harder time finding forever homes. By adopting a senior pet, you are giving them a second chance at a happy life and providing them with the love and care they deserve.
4. Your old dog CAN learn new tricks: Dogs of any age can be trained as long as we take any physical sensitivities into account. It is a great way to provide enrichment and improve your bond!
Visit the awesome folks over at @cityofelderlylove if you are interested in adopting an older pet and feel free to comment below on what you love about your Gandalf the Grey <3
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#dogoftheday #adoptseniordogs #instagramdogs #seniordoglove #oldbutgold #phillydogsofinstagram #phillydogs_ #phillydog #phillydoglovers #phillydogtrainer #phillydogtraining #friskyinphilly
#adopteddogsofinstagram #rescuedogsrock #rescuedogsrule #rescuedog #beaglechihuahuamix
Working through a behavior modification program can be exhausting sometimes for dog and human alike! Don’t forget to work “vacation days” into your program so you and your dog-partner can tap into the parasympathetic nervous system and get a much needed “reset” before continuing your work. Kids need recess, adults need trips to the beach, and your pup needs to spend time enjoying their environment with zero pressure.
#phillydogsofinstagram #phillydogs_ #phillydog #phillydoglovers #phillydogtrainer #phillydogtraining #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementdogtraining #forcefree #forcefreedogtraining #reactivedog #leashreactivity #reactivedogsunite #fearfuldogs #reactivedogs #reactivedogtraining #dogintraining #reactivedogsarestillgooddogs #aussieshepherd #aussielove #australianshepherd #aussiesofig #aussielovers #aussiesdoingthings #triaussie #aussiesofinstagram #aussie
Fireworks can be terrifying for many dogs and can cause them to bolt. As a result, more pets are lost on the Fourth of July then on any other day of the year. Follow the tips below to help you keep your pup happy and safe during the holiday. 1. Make sure your dogs ID tag and microchip are up-to-date: if your dog gets loose, this will ensure that they are returned to you quickly.2. Create a calm, safe space for your dog: set them up in a small, quiet room, with an enrichment activity, like a long lasting chew, a bone, or a frozen Kong. Consider also playing music, or using a white noise machine to drown out some of the scary sounds.3. Keep your dog at home: being outside during the holiday increases your dogs flight risk, so it’s best to help them Stay safe at home.4. Talk to your vet: if your dogs fear of fireworks is significant, talk to your vet about natural calming supplements or fast acting medication to help reduce your dog stress......#fireworksafety #dogsafety #dogwellness #phillydogsofinstagram #phillydogs_ #phillydog #phillydoglovers #phillydogtrainer #phillydogtraining #southphillydogs #friskyinphilly #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementdogtraining #forcefree #forcefreedogtraining
Fireworks can be terrifying for many dogs and can cause them to bolt. As a result, more pets are lost on the Fourth of July then on any other day of the year. Follow the tips below to help you keep your pup happy and safe during the holiday.
1. Make sure your dogs ID tag and microchip are up-to-date: if your dog gets loose, this will ensure that they are returned to you quickly.
2. Create a calm, safe space for your dog: set them up in a small, quiet room, with an enrichment activity, like a long lasting chew, a bone, or a frozen Kong. Consider also playing music, or using a white noise machine to drown out some of the scary sounds.
3. Keep your dog at home: being outside during the holiday increases your dogs flight risk, so it’s best to help them Stay safe at home.
4. Talk to your vet: if your dogs fear of fireworks is significant, talk to your vet about natural calming supplements or fast acting medication to help reduce your dog stress.
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#fireworksafety #dogsafety #dogwellness #phillydogsofinstagram #phillydogs_ #phillydog #phillydoglovers #phillydogtrainer #phillydogtraining #southphillydogs #friskyinphilly #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementdogtraining #forcefree #forcefreedogtraining
When you are working on building a dog’s confidence you have to first meet then where they are at and then build a solid baseline to work from - ONLY once the dog feels SAFE can we ask them to try something new or to find brave moments. Ms Lous isn’t ready to tackle the sidewalk on her own just yet- so while we build her skill set and coping strategies, the stroller is a great way to meet her enrichment needs and get her to a location where counter conditioning can be successful ❤️
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#minipoodlesofinstagram #minipoodlesofinstagram🐩 #instapoodle #miniaturepoodle #minipoodles
#adopteddog #adopteddogsofinstagram #rescuedogsrock #rescuedogsrule #rescuedog #phillydogsofinstagram #phillydogs_ #phillydog #phillydoglovers #phillydogtrainer #phillydogtraining #friskyinphilly #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementdogtraining #forcefree #forcefreedogtraining
Just a friendly reminder that the same care and patience you put into raising your puppy should be available to your adult dog too. Training is a lifelong commitment that can deeply enrich and inform your relationship with your dog- keep going!! .....#dogtrainersofig #trainyourdog #aussiepuppy #aussiesdoingthings #australianshepherd #australianshepherdpuppy #australianshepherdsofinstagram #blacktriaussie #aussielovers #aussies #aussieshepherd #australianshepherdlove #australianshepherds #australianshepherdworld #aussielove #phillydogsofinstagram #phillydogs_ #phillydog #phillydoglovers #phillydogtrainer #phillydogtraining #southphillydogs #friskyinphilly #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementdogtraining #forcefree #forcefreedogtraining
My kid and I have been doing recall work with my Aussie TOGETHER so our dog is responsive to not just me but each member of our household. Not only is it fun for both of them, but it helps build their bond, is empowering for my kiddo and builds safety skills. #blacktriaussie #aussielove #aussielovers #australianshepherd #aussies #australianshepherdsofinstagram #kidsanddogs #freegrooming #positivereinforcementdogtraining #rplus #trainwithoutpain #forcefreetraining #positivetraining #trainyourdog #positivereinforcementhorsetraining #clickertraining #rewardbasedtraining
Just a little ✨serotonin boost✨ for a rainy day- here’s Yoshi, Max, and Reese at one of our *free* Saturday Socials- link is in bio!
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#puppyoftheday #puppiesoftheday #puppylife #puppyplaytime #puppiesrule #puppylove #puppiesofphilly #puppygram
#corgisgonnacorg #instacorgi #corgirules #dogoftheday #corgismile #corgipuppies #corgis_of_instagram #corgipuppy #doglovers
#bernersofinstagram #bernesedaily #berneselove #bernesemountaindoglovers #bernesemountaindogs #berneseofinstagram #bernese #berneselife #bernesemountaindog #bernesemountaindogpuppy #bernesemountaindogsofinstagram #bernesepuppy #bernerpuppy
#positivereinforcementdogtraining #positivereinforcement #phillydog #phillydogs #friskyinphilly #phillydogtrainer #phillydogtraining
Us humans expect a lot from our dog walks! We often want them to fulfill enrichment, training, exercise, socialization and pottying needs in one shot- but for some dogs the walks just don’t cut it! For my Aussie, even the longest of walks do not even touch his exercise needs, He needs to move his body freely and wildly- so I often exercise him beforehand and use our walks solely as an enrichment activity. For other dogs that might be anxious, walks around the neighborhood might just for pottying and their enrichment, social, and exercise needs are met elsewhere. What do your dog’s needs look like and how do you meet them? #dogsofinstagram #dogtrainingtips #dogtrainingadvice #trainyourdog #dogstagram #happydog #dogtraining #doglovers #dogtrainingvideos #aussiesofig #aussielovers #australianshepherds #aussiesdoingthings #australianshepherd #australianshepherdsofinstagram #aussieshepherd #aussielove #positivereinforcementdogtraining #rewardbasedtraining #forcefreetraining #positivetraining #trainwithoutpain #positivereinforcement #clickertraining #canineenrichement #looseleashwalking #looseleashtraining #looseleash #phillydogs #phillydogtrainer #phillydogtraining
