Giffy dog

07/11/2024

If you haven't checked out Instinct Dog Training yet, you should. They have great online resources, and I strongly recommend their newsletter. Case in point: Relaxed Observation. This is a great skill for all dogs to practice. https://mailchi.mp/3810b3f7f7ae/relaxed-observation-in-dogs-natural-behaviors?e=a8dad7793b

06/10/2024

UPDATE: Given the response, I think we can add a class. We'd start at our St. Paul space for 2 sessions and then head to water. Would Sundays at 5:45p work in St. Paul? If you'd like to reserve a spot, email [email protected] to let me know.

Any interest in a class teaching you how to train your dog to ride in a kayak?

06/03/2024

This is charming. Have any of you tried this with your dogs?

3.5M likes, 19.8K comments. “we are a family💖💖💖💖"hands in" ゚viral ♥️♥️♥️Video is used from many sources. I'm really sorry if I bothered you♥️♥️♥️”

05/28/2024

CLASSES STARTING SOON: Confidence-building (great for new adoptees and fearful dogs), Clicker Foundations (similar to level-one obedience), and Out and About (leash-walking skills). Most classes are offered on Sundays, but we plan to add two additional days. Interested? Please email [email protected] for details.

04/14/2024

More free content from Karolina Westlund's Advanced Animal Training class. This is 41 minutes of information, including start buttons! (I believe it is available until April 25th.)

Exploring Advanced Animal Training Concepts

03/20/2024

Sarah Beth Photography is amazing! So thrilled with these photos of my senior pals. Thank you for being so patient with us, Sarah.

P.S. She has two remaining openings for mini-sessions tomorrow (Thursday). https://book.usesession.com/i/XQWX4QuiAj/session-type/155131

02/22/2024

This article has some great information about the value of walking your dog. Check it out!

Walks are about more than exercise — for dogs, only hanging out in a backyard is like reading the same book again and again.

02/09/2024

UPCOMING CLASS--Level 1: Clicker Foundations Sundays at 7:00p. This is a 6-week introduction to obedience limited to 6 dogs. Cost: $160. Email giffydog.com with questions or to register.

01/05/2024

If you've been following Giffy dog for a while, you know I'm a huge fan of Karolina Westlund's work. Beginning next week (week of 1/8, I believe), she'll be rerunning her FREE Emotions, Learning, and Animal Training course. Check it out! I guarantee you'll get some great information.

Limited time access

08/02/2023

Check out this blog post from Sniffspot offering an introduction to clicker training. When I offered some feedback on their original post, they invited me to review their revisions. I love how responsive they are! https://www.sniffspot.com/blog/dog-training/how-to-clicker-train-a-dog

04/08/2023

Sodapup is doing a give away this month--with some other really interesting companies, too. I use Sodapup toys more often than any other brand. You can enter using this link: https://bit.ly/3KiIhAc (And I'll get extra entries when you do, as well!)

Simply enter your name and email below. Complete extra actions to unlock BONUS entries. P.S. By entering, you agree that your email address can be added to DogTips and to their brand partners' email newsletter.

04/07/2023

Karolina Westlund will be opening her advanced animal concepts master class. Before she does, she is making three chapters (of well over one hundred) available for free. Check them out!

Exploring Advanced Animal Training Concepts – the Masterclass returns! the Masterclass returns! In this short and free masterclass you’ll learn things that will improve your relationship with the animals in your care, as well as sharpen your animal training skills! Get your free access pass by s...

02/28/2023

Last day to vote! Sniffspot Top Dog Trainer contest is now open. Last year, your votes led us to be voted Minnesota's top trainer (Cheryl Gfrerer), which was a huge honor in a state with many great positive reinforcement trainers. Please consider voting and/or sharing again. NOTE: Vote for Cheryl Gfrerer (Minnesota), not Giffy dog, which is not on the list.

Participate in the best dog trainers contest from Sniffspot and win new customer and industry recognition and an inclusion on the exclusive lists!

02/24/2023

Did you know that February is pet dental month? Do you brush your dog's teeth? What tips, tricks, or challenges do you have to share?

Photo by Cierra Voelkl on Unsplash

01/23/2023

Mounds of snow provide great enrichment opportunities. Following are my favorites:

Toss kibble or dog-safe frozen vegetables into a suitably-sized snow drift. Place a sealed (and ingredient-labeled) container on the boulevard in front of your house for neighbor dogs. The smell of the dogs will also provide enrichment.
Create snow paths for your dog to follow--over and under landscape features like benches or decorative rocks. Hide favored toys and chews along the way.
Make a snow-filled digging space using a wading pool. Hide tennis balls, cheese, or other treats to encourage appropriate digging.
Let your dog frolic and sniff on a long leash (15’ or longer, not retractable) in a snowy field.
Hold positive reinforcement training sessions indoors on cold days, or modify these challenges using furniture or household items. For safety, always supervise.

Cheryl Gfrerer, MA, KPA-CTP #59197
Originally posted in SHAR*Tribune, Safe Hands Animal Rescue, 1/23

01/16/2023

If you haven't checked out any of Karolina Westlund's offerings, now is the time. She is currently offering her mini-course, "Emotions, Learning, and Animal Training" free until January 26th. https://illis.se/en/emotions-learning-animal-training-signup/

(In the upcoming weeks, I also hope to post a link to her full online course, "Getting Behavior - The foundations of animal training" with a $100 discount for Giffy dog followers. If you're interested in learning more about animal training, this could be a great introduction. Don't want to wait? Drop me a line, and I'll send you the link: [email protected])

08/13/2022

Want to learn more about Giffy confidence-building and enrichment classes (in Minnetonka)? Check out our drop-in sessions tomorrow (Saturday, 8/13) at 12:30p (human/dog reactive) or 2:00p (puppies and adolescence). Price $30. To get registered, email [email protected]

07/03/2022

I know! I know! Fireworks can be so hard for some dogs. Hang in there, and do what you can to make your dogs comfortable and safe. For some extra tips, I'm reposting a School for the Dogs podcast Annie Grossman, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP recorded with me. I hope it helps! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-help-your-dog-not-freak-out-about-fireworks/id1355439730?i=1000526889355

‎Kids & Family · 2022

06/27/2022

If your dog stresses out with fireworks, you might want to check out Pawnix--noise cancelling headsets for dogs. I purchased them for Owen. Now to train him to love wearing them before the 4th. (So far, he seems very comfortable with them.) https://pawnix.com/

Noise Cancelling Headphones designed for dogs that are scared of thunderstorms, fireworks, alarms, the vacuum. Good to use when traveling and in hotel rooms to keep your dog quiet from noisy neighbors. Relieve anxiety with swaddling compression. Play your dogs favorite music to soothe them.

05/22/2022

Check out our enrichment and confidence-building classes in Minnetonka! [email protected]

04/28/2022

Congratulations to our first graduating puppy class! We offer puppy confidence-building and introduction to training on Saturdays at 3:30p in Minnetonka. You can start anytime. We'd love to have you there. Email: [email protected] to register.

04/15/2022

Want to try a drop-in class at our new Minnetonka location on Saturday? Email us at [email protected] to join. We'll have classes at 12:30 and 2:00p, and you can join for 1 session (to see the space) or 6 weeks. Classes will focus on enrichment, distractions, and confidence-building, and with our small class sizes, you can continue to work on individual goals, as well! Email [email protected] to set it up.

03/30/2022

Feeling such gratitude to all of you! The results from the Sniffspot top trainer contest are in, and Giffy dog ranked #1 in Minnesota! As you know, we're a community here, and we would not have accomplished this without all of you. Thank you so much! By the way, if you haven't checked out a Sniffspot yet, you should. I'll happily share my favorites with you if you'd like to know, too.

03/24/2022

For fun! https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1056980171698083&ref=sharing

03/18/2022

Looks like I may have some drop in spots available in my 12:30 and 2:00p classes tomorrow. This is a one-time opportunity to get socialization, work in the presence of distractions, and learn some tips and tricks. Cost: $30.

03/18/2022

There is still space in our puppy class beginning tomorrow (Saturday, 3/19, at 3:30p). Please email [email protected] if you'd like to join.

03/11/2022

IT'S OFFICIAL: We're offering an in-person puppy (and adolescents) "Enrichment and intro to training" class in Minnetonka. Class will run Saturdays at 3:30p. Want to join us? Email [email protected]. Class will be limited to 4 students, cost $150. (P.S. We will also have some drop-in spots at our adult enrichment class on Saturdays at 2:00p.)

03/02/2022

Today was the first day I've taken a dog on a therapy visit since 2018 with Sarah. Today, I visited with Owen for the first time. He was a champ! Thanks to all of you who helped Owen learn good manners and taught him that people are the best--especially Beatrix and Vinnie.

02/21/2022

Please consider voting for our Giffy dog community! (P.S. The voting is set up by personal name--Cheryl Gfrerer.) https://form.jotform.com/220466155218049

02/16/2022

We're back! Same training philosophy at a new (to us) space in Minnetonka: Confidence-building and enrichment begins this weekend (Saturday, 2/19, at 12:30 and 2:00p). We've got three spaces left. Let us know if you'd like to join, share the time(s) you can make it, and tell us a bit about you and your dog: [email protected].