Rocco was a little bummed about the weather on our last training adventure. Many dogs (mine included) don't want to get out in the rain. Unfortunately, for many people, rainy walks are a requirement. For some of us, we have the luxury of skipping these adventures. If you're looking for some alternative ways to get outdoors, here are some adjustments you could make that might help your dog loosen up and enjoy the experience:
Find an overhang to play under
*Play games or practice tricks then enjoy
*Take breaks to warm up and catch a reprieve from the rain, either indoors or in the car. You can even work on skills inside of the car, like sit, down and even shake!
*Keep your sessions short and sweet, it's all about stretching their legs and enjoying some quality time with you, outdoors.
A little tardy to the Christmas party, but just in case you haven't celebrated yet, here are a few last minute celebration tips to keep you and your pup sane!
1. Prep your space
2. Set your dog up for success with a plan and activities
A little management can go a long way!
Happy Holidays!
Your dog's walk is about your dog, not about you. You can walk anywhere you want, whenever you want. Be sure to prioritize them during the activity. In about 15 minutes, Cardi and I covered only about 10% of this amazing park. She sniffed to her heart's content, then headed back for home. Her walk, her choice. Of course I allow her to make choices within reason, her health and safety come first, but I let her tell me what she needs and coach her along the way.
We like to recycle and we love to keep it simple! Dinner in the bottles. Fun time in separate rooms to maximize comfort and fun. Supervision to keep it safe. Get creative and have some fun!
Recall is arguably one of the most important skills!
Here are a few of the many ways I recall my pups. There are some many awesome variations to use. I protect each cue by always reinforcing and keeping the fun moving. I never want returning to mama to be a bad thing! Kylo LOVED checking out our new neighborhood park. We are really loving our new neighborhood in Dixon! Now get out there and have some fun!!!
-------------------------🪢PS. That's a biothane longline. it's one of the absolute best purchases ive ever made. This orange one is 6+ years only and it's easy to grab, store, see and doesn't hurt your hands! #recall #dogtraining #funwithdogs #trainingbutmakeitfun #positivereinforcement #cookiepusher
Kylo can be a bit of a ravenous eater (likely from his inconsistent meals in his past life) so he typically eats from a Slobowl. The egg carton is a great variation on the same task. Adding his meal allowed him to forage in the carton and the grass. I call it Puppy Mancala! Stay tuned for a twist on this game!
The flirt pole! Looks like a giant cat toy, right? Well it basically is! This one came from @squishyfacestudio but you can easily make one yourself. I prefer theirs because the rope is bungee and my kids love to thrash once they catch it.
Education time! Dogs are born with characteristics a sequences of behaviors that we don't have to train. Some of these characteristics are even selectively bred for, which is how we have created breeds specifically designed to assist with herding, hunting and retrieving tasks. Toys like the flirt pole utilize some of these skills and provide appropriate outlets for these behaviors.
The predatory sequence is as follows: orient> eye stalk> chase> grab bite> kill bite (shake)> dissect > consume
The flirt pole allows our dogs/cats or any other predatory animal to use those instincts. No, I'm not going to make him a better hunter. He already has these skills. So we're using this fun game as a way to practice his self control. Following the cue is rewarded by getting another round of play. We're still trading cookies for the toy because he is still learning, and let's be honest, tugging is super fun all on its own, so I need to provide something he finds valuable to trade and keep the game going.
We cleared out a space in the garage, but you can play this game anywhere that allows for about a 15ft circle, depending on the length of your toy. You won't need long playing this game, maybe 15minutes before your kid is ready to chill.
All size dogs dig this game, but if you have a terrier type breed, I HIGHLY recommend it as a fun enrichment and exercise game!
Enrichment doesn't have to be difficult! Enrichment is all about giving our dogs opportunities to perform the behaviors they were built to do. Foraging and scavenging are natural skills that all dogs are born with and scenting is a full body workout! Remember, dogs can smell a million times better than we can, so resist the urge to help your dog find things and let them work that sniffer!
Holidays can be a dangerous time for our pets. While the fireworks are fun for us, they can be really scary for pets. Be sure to bring your kitties indoors and keep your dogs on leash!
Have you played today? We can create all the excuses that we want, but at the end of the day SOMETHING is better than nothing.
Whether you have 30 seconds or 40 minutes, no yard or a big field, daylight or night time, 45° or 105°, there's always some fun to be had.
Feeling frustrated or disconnected from your dog? Play helps
Does going for a walk sound like torture? That's fine, walks aren't the only way to interact!
No space? Try teaching a goofy trick like jumping over your outstretched legs or a rolled up towel
No energy? Grab a plastic bottle out of your recycle, toss some treats inside and pass it over to your dog.
No time? Well since you're going to feed dinner anyway, turn it into a puzzle or a search game. Split food into 3-4 portions and stash the bowls around the yard or home. Or spread kibble on an old towel and roll it up-that can't take more than 30 seconds!
Still nothing? There are some amazing resources on enrichment but you can always reach out to set up a virtual, in person, or phone session if you're fresh out of ideas!
Keep it safe and healthy but remember there's no perfect way to play, so get up and have fun!
When it's 90° before 10am, you do what you can!
We found a nearby park with wet grass and played some training games. "Find it" is his cue to look for a treat and "Touch" is his cue to target his nose to my hand. A great way to practice your recalls and stick some brain 🧠 and nose 🐽 workouts in! A little morning exploration was just want Kylo needed! Now back inside for frozen KONGs! Stay cool everyone!
Recall is one of the most important behaviors we can teach our dogs. In our household we have a handful of cues that mean Come and we practice them often. For reinforcement, the kids worked for treats, play, opportunities to sniff and access to off leash exploration. Each dog has their preferred reinforcement and gets an adjustment based on their skills and preferences. #dogtraining #comewhencalled #thefutureisforcefree #forcefreetraining #forcefreerecall #vacaville #dixon #vallejo
