Game of Bones Dog Training

23/07/2024

We offer in-your-home pet sitting and dog walking all year round! Check out GameOfBones.me or send us a message!

07/06/2023

Training Tip: Management is the key to changing/preventing behaviors!

Maverick loves spending time in his exercise pen during playtime breaks!

If you have a puppy or young dog, look into getting an exercise pen to set up as a comfy, cozy area for your pup’s down time. Letting your puppy have free roam of the house can mean that your dog can find all kinds of trouble to get into! Not only does an exercise pen keep your dog safe, but it teaches them how to self-soothe, settle down and relax.

Exercise pens allow your dog to be free to move around, play with toys and chew on appropriate items when you can’t keep an eye on them 24/7. These can easily be purchased from Amazon, Chewy and Petsmart.

07/06/2023

Its a good day to play at Game of Bones Dog Training! Bernie, Maverick, Odin, Crash and Snickers are all loving the summer weather in our play yard here in New Baltimore, NY!

Got a dog-friendly pup who loves to play and run? We’d love to have them come and play!

08/03/2023

Looking for dog training classes? We got you covered!

(Located in the New Baltimore/Hannacroix NY area, which is just 30 minutes south of Albany between Coxsackie and Ravena)

12/02/2023

Run with your dog they said. It’ll be fun they said. They never said you had to wear 20lbs of extra stuff around your waist to do it, though. 🥴😂

05/02/2023

Check out GameofBones.me for services and pricing. We do a lot of sit. Like, a lot.

05/01/2023

Need some dog training but don't have the cash? Apply for our 2023 Dog Training Scholarship!

17/12/2022

11/12/2022

We know things are crazy during the holidays, so that's why we offer in-you-home pet sitting. We offer drop-in visits on all holidays, including Christmas Day and New Year's Day!

24/10/2022

Please leave us a review to help grow our business! 👍

13/10/2022

Ruby the Portuguese Water Dog has been working with Game of Bones to address her jumping behaviors as well as her separation anxiety. Her mom says she's doing great and there have been lots of improvements. We love forward progress!

08/10/2022

07/10/2022

Mention this add for 10% off your first training session.

03/09/2022

22/08/2022

Greeting a new dog is all about how you approach it. :)

20/08/2022

If you need help with your new rescue dog, send us a message!

18/08/2022

Juno is the sweetest little Cavalier King Charles Spaniel we’ve ever seen! She spends the day at Game of Bones to have fun, socialize and work on her manners. 🥰

15/08/2022

Looking for some help with your dog? We offer help with obedience, socialization, behavior issues and much more!

10/08/2022

Cooperative Care is amazing! Vet visits don’t have to be torture. https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRUo1WpN/?k=1

A beautiful collaboration between , owner and the Reactive Referral Center!

30/07/2022

If you and your dog are struggling with reactivity, send us a message. We're here for you!

REACTIVITY MISUNDERSTOOD
Reactive dogs are often misunderstood. A dog that is reacting to a situation is not trying to be difficult, they are having a difficult time coping with that particular situation and are trying their best to make the scary thing go away.
Reactivity is generally triggered by the emotion of fear. The fear of whatever is scaring them, a fear of a valuable possession being taken away or a fear of a strange person or animal coming into their territory. Anxiety, stress, over excitement, over stimulation, feeling overwhelmed, trigger stacking, or a dog that is tired, in pain or even has chronic itching will often feel irritable and may be reactive in certain situations. If their reactivity is successful in making the scary thing go away, it becomes a rewarding behaviour because it’s something that works for them and it makes them feel better.
It’s not easy to be the owner of a reactive dog. One of my dogs is reactive and I know first-hand how dogs like this can leave you feeling embarrassed, ashamed, angry or frustrated. Why do they have to be so difficult, why can’t they just behave normally? Everyone is looking at me, judging me, thinking that I’m a bad owner, have no training skills, can’t control my dog or have a vicious dog that shouldn’t be taken out in public.
As hard as it may be, we need to take the focus off how we as owners feel about their reactivity and focus on how our dogs are feeling and what is causing their reaction. Whatever it is, it’s not something our dogs can overcome on their own and we need to take steps to help them cope. Reactive dogs need compassion, understanding, management, force free, positive reinforcement interventions and decompression – (a return to a normal, more relaxed state after a period of intense stress, psychological pressure, or urgent activity). These techniques take time and patience but are so important in helping our dogs to feel safe and learn more acceptable ways of coping.
I have learnt through many mistakes, to recognise what triggers my reactive dog and take steps to either avoid those situations, provide enough distance, or provide her with an alternative choice where she feels safe and in control of her environment. There will always be unexpected triggers around the next corner that are not within our control, but doing all we can to manage these triggers has immeasurable benefits.

24/07/2022

21/07/2022

Is your dog part of the Itty Bitty Pittie Committee?! Show us your pitties!

20/07/2022

Guess what? Adult dogs need socialization, too! We offer semi-private "play dates" with up to 4 other canines during our summer and fall Doggy Daycamp. For more information and pricing, check out our website: gameofbones.me

09/07/2022

At Game of Bones in Hannacroix, NY we combine a fun and enriching environment with scientifically proven positive reinforcement training methods. If you and your dog could use a little help, contact us today or check out: GameofBones.me

26/06/2022