We always have so much fun seeing our program graduates for our monthly group walks. This is a great time for us to check in, help with anything you're struggling with, and push you just a little bit outside of your comfort zone.
Our trainers are here to make sure everyone is having fun, staying safe, and feeling confident and successful at the end of our walks.
Can't wait to see everyone next month!
We are unfortunately already seeing reports of missing dogs this 4th of July holiday weekend. This is incredibly common every year, as dogs panic and try to find safety when the loud and booming fireworks start up.
But you can take this one easy step to prevent your family from losing your dog.
Grab a leash, ideally a slip leash if you can, and KEEP YOUR DOG ATTACHED TO YOU all weekend. Even if you have a fenced in yard, or if you have the best trained dog in the neighborhood, it's not worth the risk. Dogs can and will do what they need to in order to escape when they are afraid, including backing out of collars and harnesses, jumping fences, and hiding in places we wouldn't think to look. This one tool can save you so much heartache.
And please, leave your dog at home when you go watch the fireworks.
We often hear "That dog is so well-behaved! My dog could never do that!" I'm saying, no way! Any dog can learn how to be calm and relaxed around distractions if you take the time to show them how.
Here's Kasha, a 6 month old doodle, learning for the FIRST time how to relax around another dog. He absolutely loves people and dogs, so without boundaries, he would be in everyone's faces trying to play and get attention. As cute as that is, it's also pretty annoying. And rude. So we're using the place command to teach him that he doesn't get to be involved with everything going on around him.
Is this mean or unfair? Nope! It's teaching him how to respect others' space. And it's giving him the manners he needs to enjoy life out in the world with his family.
Can you imagine bringing a dog out on a walk that is pulling and jumping and barking every time it sees a potential friend? Actually, I'm sure many of you can. But it doesn't have to be that way. It can be so much better (and so much more fun) if you put in the work to teach your dog appropriate boundaries. Here's how!
It was too beautiful not to get outside yesterday. We spent a lot of time working on recall, sit-stays, and down-stays with Evie, which are critical skills for enjoying the outdoors with your dog. Practice, practice, practice, until both you and your dog feel confident in these new skills. Then get out and enjoy your world!
Moira and Meatball. Such an unusual pair.
Moira is full of energy, always looking for adventure, always asking for more.
Meatball is a follower. Of good or bad behaviors, he doesn't care. But he also likes his space and loves people.
Getting these two out today could have been a big challenge because of their extremely different personalities. But we set a solid foundation, we kept everyone calm, and we made the expectations crystal clear. And these two made me so proud.
From our lovely 30 minutes walk together, to waiting patiently to order our coffee at @javacatcoffee, to resting quietly on the patio while I read for a bit. Today didn't feel like work, it felt how life with a dog should feel. Fun. Relaxing. Like I want to do it again. 🥰
#madisondogs #coffeedate #doglife
Did you know that @biergartenatolbrichpark allows dogs now?!
If your pups are signed up for a program with us this summer, there's a pretty good chance they'll become a biergarten pup. We love this beautiful space.
This video is from Wednesday, just three days into Bentley's training. We've already started taking him on field trips, which is pretty atypical this early on. But in this case, he needed the extra challenge. He's an anxious little guy and if we only work where he's comfortable, we're not doing our part to help him.
Listen in as I talk through why we're going on outings this early and I show you how we're working him through some of his anxiety. It's all about building this guy up and showing him that he can do the hard things.
*Please ignore the slight time lapse in the first clip. Several edits later, and technology is still working against me 🤪
Dogs don't need exercise to be calm!
We have two dogs with very different behaviors and needs, but both are starting their days the same way: with the place command! Calm is becoming the standard for them every day. We'll allow fun and play later, but we don't want that to be their default mindset.
*Please excuse my shaky camera skills.
