Rogues and Rascals Dog Training and Pet Sitting

06/06/2024

Are you a current student that wants to continue training? Are you a former student that wants to bring your dog back for a refresher?

We're having a renewal sale in June! Get 8-weeks for $125!

https://forms.gle/HBfG6mgpW9s7RGUMA

30/05/2024

Our June calendar is out!

We do have our Meet the Trainer and CGC test even this Saturday (June 1st) starting at 10:30. CGC test begins at Noon.

We are also doing a renewal special. Renew your ticket, or come back to class, for $125 for our 8-week training pass!

13/05/2024

ANNOUNCEMENT!

We will not being having classes on Wednesday, May 15th! We will have a normal schedule tomorrow, May 14th and Thursday, May 16th!

Please, email us with any questions! Thank you!

29/04/2024

Our May calendar is here!

Our Wednesday afternoon schedule is changing slightly this month. Levels 1 & 3 will be at 1PM and Level 2 will be at 2PM. We will continue to have the Level 1 & 2 class at 8PM on Thursdays through this month. All other classes remain the same!

We are also having a Meet the Trainer event on June 1st from 10:30AM to Noon. Following that, we will run a CGC Test (open to all interested parties). More information on the CGC Test to follow shortly!

09/04/2024

Alert! We have a schedule addition. Starting next week, on April 18th, we will have an 8PM Level 1 & 2 class. New students will not be able to start at this time, but current students will be able to attend this session just like they would any other.

02/04/2024

The April schedule is here! No big changes as far as the schedule goes, but we will have an Open House on the 13th from 1-4PM! We invited you to join us to see our training space, ask questions about our offerings, and shop our store!

27/03/2024

Lola just wanted to let you know that classes are as scheduled today! We hope to see you there! 🐾

26/03/2024

Due to road conditions (the never-ending cycle of snow) there will be no classes this evening, March 26th! Please contact us via email with any questions!

02/02/2024

Sorry for the delay, but our February/March Schedule is here! There will be no classes during the last week of February, but all students with a current class pass/membership will get a week extension!

Ready to get training? Get registered today! https://forms.gle/HBfG6mgpW9s7RGUMA

18/01/2024

Please, make sure, if you are sending your dog somewhere to stay, that you know EXACTLY what they are doing to them. The methods we use in our training programs are geared toward building a positive relationship between you and your dog and will never hurt them. Our souls are a little more broken today for the loss of this sweet pup.

"A dog owner in Mora is looking for justice after her German wiredhaired pointer died while in training at a kennel."

https://www.fox9.com/news/minnesota-kennel-owner-charged-after-dog-dies-during-training?fbclid=IwAR1IGlTJl23oDorkhqwq9GR-8ORqaIPzHEEbTKfI4RJCzlk1iA5_KGyYzYg

A dog owner in Mora is looking for justice after her German wiredhaired pointer died while in training at a kennel.

10/01/2024

We'd like to give a big shout out to Tris, Captain Jack, Luna, Bella, Rosy, and Salazar completing their first 8-weeks of our Premier Levels Program! We'd also like to give an extra loud shout out to Daisie, Marley, and Bowie of 16-weeks of our Premier Levels Program!

Extra HUGE shout outs to Rocket and Athena, who have completed 72-weeks and 32-weeks respectively!

Ready to get started training your own dog? Our flexible program offers weekly start dates, check out more online at https://roguesandrascals.com/schedule.htm

08/01/2024

Having trouble walking your dog? Our group training classes can help with that!

Our classes are conveniently held at our training space at 807 Main Street N, Cambridge, MN 55008 (the East Central Vet building).

• Cost: $160

• Length: 8 Week Drop-In Class Membership Pass

• Orientation: Online, Self-paced, To be completed before your first class (access given after registration).

• Age Requirements: None! Open to dogs of all ages. All dogs and puppies should be on a vaccination schedule with your vet!

• Who Can Attend?: Up to two people from each family! Children who are old enough to participate in training are welcome (all minors must be accompanied by a guardian). All attendees must complete the online Orientation first!

• What Behaviors Taught?: Class tasks can include behaviors such as Attention, Recalls, Greetings, Leash Manners, Impulse Control, Station Training, Stays, and more!

• About The Program: Our Premier Levels Program is designed for convenience and focuses on competency. Every student starts in Level 1 and progresses at their own pace as their dog accomplishes the required tasks for each level. When they graduate out of Level 1 during their membership period they then start attending Level 2 classes at no additional expense. Classes are drop-in. Students are welcome to attend more than one class per week, but should always attend classes of their current level. Students do not need to attend the same class every week, but are required to choose a starting class when they register. Their membership begins on the date selected and expires 8-weeks from that date. Students are welcome to continue with the program by purchasing more membership renewals until they have reached their training goals, or indefinitely if they just enjoy working with their dogs (our more advanced levels incorporate a variety of fun and complicated tricks). The program focuses on family dogs and includes the elements required to complete the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Test. It is also a good starting point for future therapy and service dogs.

• What Methods Do You Use?: We train with positive reinforcement methods using a marker signal and/or word (often referred to as clicker training). We use mainly food in our training sessions - which can include your dog's dinner and a variety of treats, but we'll also teach you how to use other rewards, such as toys and the environment. Our focus is to help you teach your dog what you want them to do you in ways that are fun for both you and your dog!

• What Vaccines Are Required For My Dog?: A current rabies vaccination is required for all adult dogs and for puppies old enough to get the vaccine (all dogs over 6 months of age). We also require dogs be current on distemper/parvovirus vaccines and bordetella vaccines. Puppies should be started on a vaccine series with your vet. Proof of vaccines will be required to attend class - it should be emailed prior to the beginning of your class.

Ready to get started? Register today! https://forms.gle/HBfG6mgpW9s7RGUMA

07/01/2024

Did you know that Rogues and Rascals offers virtual Trick Dog Testing? You can submit videos or schedule a Zoom live session to get tested for your AKC Trick Dog Certifications!

The Novice Level requires the completion of ten tricks that can include behaviors like fetch, shake, spin, paws up, kiss, and high five! Find the complete list of qualifying tricks, as well as more info on all the AKC Trick Dog tests at www.akc.org/sports/trick-dog/

You can also contact us for more info! bit.ly/rrmncontact

06/01/2024

We generally use food for reinforcement in class, but you can also use toys and play as reinforcement.

We generally use food for reinforcement in class, but you can also use toys and play as reinforcement. Here are some tips from the Association of Professional Dog Trainers on teaching your dog toy motivation!

Teaching Your Dog to Play With Toys

Having a dog that loves to play with toys is a great benefit when training your dog. Many dogs, however, have trouble playing with toys. You can teach your dog to enjoy playing with toys and use them to motivate your dog in training.

First, choose your toy. You are not going to allow the dog to have this toy at any time, except for when you and he are playing with it. When you are not playing, keep the toy someplace where your dog can see it, but can’t get to it, such as on top of a refrigerator or on a bookshelf.

A good toy is one that can be thrown around but won’t roll like a ball. Braided rope toys, tug toys (ball on a rope or Kong on a rope, etc.), squeaky stuffed animals, or even a ball in an old sock are good choices. Another good toy to use is rabbit skins, which can be purchased from trading post-type stores.

Tease your dog with excited, goofy chatter about the toy – i.e. “Where is it? What is it? Do you want it? Do you need it? Where’s the toy?“

Go and get the toy, while continuing to chatter to him excitedly, and show the toy to your dog – be real dramatic, like you just pulled out a big beef sirloin or a rabbit out of a hat!

Start to play with the toy yourself, throwing it in the air, swinging it around your body, teasing it in front of the dog’s face, swinging it between your legs, etc. Act excited and goofy, this is no time for maintaining one’s self respect!

Take the toy and throw it. If your dog runs after it, run with him and grab it before he can get to it, and repeat teasing him and playing with it. Another way to do this is to attach a cord or fishing line to the toy, so that when you throw it, you can pull it back away from the dog before he can get to it.

Continue the above for about 2-3 minutes, and then take the toy and put it away. You want to end the fun before the dog gets tired of the game, and while he is still building anticipation getting for the toy.

Repeat the above a few times a day as you have time. Always give a good amount of time in between intervals, so that the dog has relaxed, calm, “bored” time between each play session.

As you play the game, slowly allow the dog to get the toy. You will be allowing him access to it in tiny increments, i.e. first time he might get his mouth on it for a second before you take it away, second time he might get his mouth on for 2-3 seconds, before you take it away, etc. Work on building this up until the dog is holding the toy in his mouth and you can engage in some tug play.

Remember to act particularly excited and goofy when the dog does get his mouth on the toy. You want to work on hyping him up at these moments so he builds up a desire to have and hold the toy in his mouth.

Always end the game while the dog is still active and happy. Again, the idea is to leave the dog always wanting more and anticipating more, rather than ending when he feels like it and is tired and bored.

Ready to start training? Register today! https://roguesandrascals.com/schedule.htm

05/01/2024

We hope you're enjoying Train Your Dog Month!

Here are some Uses For Sit from the Association of Professional Dog Trainers.

25 Uses For Sit

1. Sit at the door when guests enter (no jumping up!)
2. Sit to have leash and collar put on before going out.
3. Sit when front door opens for walk until released to move forward.
4. Sit in the kitchen to avoid counter surfing.
5. Sit while food is being served at the dinner table.
6. Sit while bowls are being put on the ground to prevent rushing and spilling the bowl.
7. Sit before getting in the car so you can load it first.
8. Sit when you open the car door so your dog doesn’t jump out into traffic.
9. Sit at sidewalk curbs to wait until it’s safe to cross the street.
10. Sit and look at you instead of barking at other dogs on a walk.
11. Sit to prevent your dog from running off.
12. Sit while you get your keys out at the front door.
13. Sit to clip nails on front paws.
14. Sit at the top/bottom of a staircase so you don’t trip over your dog.
15. Sit before owner throws favorite toy. Repeat for each toss.
16. Sit before taking down the baby gate or other management barrier, or before coming out of the crate.
17. Sit calmly to have front feet dried off in rain/muddy weather.
18. Sit patiently while owner pets or treats other dogs in the household.
19. Sit stay while owner pays for items at the pet supply store.
20. Sit stay while others pass by when you’re on an off-leash hike.
21. Sit stay to keep dog from getting over-stimulated by any exciting situation.
22. Sit to give a “high 5” trick.
23. Sit to do the “say your prayers” trick.
24. Sit to do the “sit up and beg” trick.
25. Sit stay on a walk when you stop to pick-up after your dog.

Ready to strengthen your sit? Get registered today! https://roguesandrascals.com/schedule.htm

05/01/2024

Welcome to Fun Fact Friday!

Did you know that cats sleep about 70% of the day? While sleep times can range from 12-20 hours, on average they'll see about 17 hours of sleep in a day. According to PetMD, there are a several reasons for this including energy conservation, illness, boredom, and stress. Find out more at https://www.petmd.com/cat/behavior/why-do-cats-sleep-so-much

Need a sitter for your feline friend while you're out of town? Check out our pet sitting offerings at https://roguesandrascals.com/petsitting.htm

04/01/2024

January is Train Your Dog Month!

Do you have specific training goals? Are you having a hard time breaking down specific behaviors you'd like your dog to perform? We can help with that! From group classes to private training, we can customize your learning experience!

Some tips for developing training goals: Using Jetsam's training goals, we'll explain how to keep your eye on the prize!

1. Recall - For recall, Jetsam's handler has two goals: coming off-leash from low distractions and coming from other dogs. We always want to set our dogs up for success, so we'll start working on the recall on a long line or inside of a fence area without distractions. We'll build from there while always setting him up for success.

2. Stand Stay - For a stand stay, we'll all duration, then distance from handler, then we'll work in in a variety of handler and environmental distractions.

3. Wait At the Door - Like with stand stay, we'll work on our door behavior one criteria at a time. First, we'll need to decide what position we'd like him to wait in (sit, down, stand) and then will add duration and distraction little by little.

4. Boundary Training Stairs - The goal with this behavior is to have Jetsam learn not to cross an invisible boundary (the stairs) unless indicated he is allowed to by a cue. We'll use temporary visual markers to indicate the invisible boundary line and we'll use positive reinforcement to make sure he knows that staying on his side that line is highly valuable. Once he's learned that, we'll add in our other criteria.

5. Object Targeting - Touching objects can be a simple task, but sometimes reaching objects can add a bit of a challenge for our dogs. Jetsam's owner would like to eventually train him to target light switches to turn them on/off and push handicap door buttons. To get there, we'll start by developing a solid touch cue to a variety of objects (sticks, lids, cones, push lights, etc).

6. Retrieve Items - Retrieving can be a difficult task for some dogs, so how you start these types of behaviors will vary from dog-to-dog. The idea is to break down the steps. For example, carrying an item item is a different task from going to get an item. We need to make sure each task on it's own is strong, so that they can successfully linked together.

Ready to get help with your training plan? Contact us today! https://bit.ly/rrmncontact

03/01/2024

We offer pet sitting for all your vacation needs! We also offer our services for long weekends or overnight trips. For your convenience, our pet sitters are also available on all major holidays!

Find our more about our pet sitting drop-ins at https://roguesandrascals.com/petsitting.htm

03/01/2024

Having a hard time finding the best training treat for your pup? Here are some of our favorites!

Lucy's Pet Food Roll:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KP17WW7

Bark Shop Treats:
https://barkshop.com/collections/treats

Farmina Dog Food Mini:
https://chuckanddons.com/collections/dry-dog-food?view=products #/pfilter:tags_brand:Farmina$2520Pet$2520Foods/pfilter:tags_breed_size:Small$2520Breeds$2520(13-24$2520lbs)

Vital Essentials Treats:
https://www.vitalessentialsraw.com/collections/dog-treats

Haven't started on your training journey yet? Check out our offerings at https://roguesandrascals.com/schedule.htm

02/01/2024

January is Train Your Dog Month, presented by the Association of Professional Dog Trainers!

Here are just a few of the notable benefits of dog training!

Puppy classes provide the opportunity for getting your new family member started off right. Puppy classes provide the experiences and opportunities for your puppy to develop interaction skills with other puppies, with people, and in new environments.

Puppy socialization has been found to be critical to the psychological health of adult dogs. Puppy classes provide the opportunity for this important facet of your puppy’s upbringing.

>>>We have a puppy class beginning Saturday! Get started today! https://roguesandrascals.com/puppy.html

Training classes provide dog owners the skills and knowledge for dealing with common, normal dog behaviors—starting with puppy behaviors such as house-training and chewing.

No matter what age you start training your dog, foundation training provides the basis for any activity, behavior or job you want your dog to do.

Training provides dogs with the basic good manners we all want—from polite greeting when guests arrive, to walking nicely on the leash, to coming when called.

A trained dog is a fully participating member of the family—what a gift for all of you!

A trained dog joins in the fun when company comes, accompanies the family to the kids’ sports games, goes with you to visit friends and relatives, goes for hikes, swims, and everything else the family does together.

Training enables you to choose from among a broad range of activities and dog sports to participate in and enjoy with your dog such as dog agility, Rally-obedience, dancing with your dog, tracking, search & rescue, skijoring, sledding, water rescue trials, obedience, carting, reading programs, therapy work, and a nearly endless range of fun and philanthropic things to do!

Training has been shown to be the single most important thing that keeps a dog in his or her “forever” home.

Training builds your mutual bond, enhances the partnership and enriches the relationship you share with your dog. Is there anything better?

Having a trained dog is a joy for both you and your dog!

>>>Ready to join us? Drop your 2024 training goals below and get registered today! https://roguesandrascals.com/schedule.htm

02/01/2024

Our January calendar is here!

We still have availability in our Puppy Class that starts this Saturday morning! Sign up here: https://forms.gle/Eiz77otoafqRbXvK6

01/01/2024

Happiest of New Years to You from Us! ~Rogues and Rascals

31/12/2023

What is the AKC CGC?

AKC stands for the American Kennel Club and CGC stands for Canine Good Citizen (Test). This program is designed to highlight manners and responsiveness skills that a dog-handler team has developed together. The test contains ten tasks that showcase a dog's good citizen skills!

Our dog training class program helps to build the skills that are required to pass the AKC CGC Test. Join us today! Find out more about our classes by completing our contact form at https://bit.ly/rrmncontact

30/12/2023

One week until our January puppy classes!

Here are the details!

• Cost: $60

• Length: 4 Weeks

• Location: 807 Main Street N, Cambridge, MN 55008

• Age Requirements: Puppies 8-18 Weeks at the Start of Class (Pick the appropriate time option for your puppy.)

• Can Children Attend?: Yes! Children who are old enough to participate in training are welcome (all minors must be accompanied by a guardian).

• About The Program: Our Puppy Class focuses on some basic training, enrichment games, and socialization. We'll also answer any of your puppy questions!

Find out more and get registered at https://roguesandrascals.com/puppy.html

29/12/2023

There are many benefits to hiring a pet sitter, here are just a few!

1. Keeps Your Pet(s) At Home
While some pets do well in outside boarding, others really do enjoy the comforts of home. Pet sitters that provide daily visits can help keep your pet in their favorite space.

2. Continues A Regular Routine
Your pet has to undergo less change to their routine if they stay home - while the schedule may vary a bit, there is not change in location, food bowls, or sleeping arrangements.

3. Can Collect Mail and Packages
As an added convenience, your pet sitter can collect and bring in mail and packages.

4. Less Adjustment When You Return
While you may experience some jet-lag, your pet won't! You'll be able to easily return to normal without having to add extra travel time to pickup your pet at boarding!

Ready to find out more? Check out our offerings at https://roguesandrascals.com/petsitting.htm

29/12/2023

Welcome to Friday Fun Fact!

Did you know that puppies have 28 teeth? Referred to as deciduous teeth, these sharp little razors begin to fallout when puppies are around 12-16 weeks old. Most adolescent dogs will grow in their full set of 42 permanent teeth by about 7-8 months of age.

However, serious chewing and teething behaviors can continue for many more months! Make sure to check out all of our class offerings so you can set you and your puppy up for the most success! https://roguesandrascals.com/schedule.htm

28/12/2023

Did you know? We offer pet care visits for exotics too! We have experience caring for a variety of reptiles, amphibians, fish, birds, small mammals, and more!

Pet care visits start at $25 for 30 minutes. In addition to animal care, our friendly pet sitters can bring in mail and water plants as time allows.

Check out our website for more information! https://roguesandrascals.com/petsitting.htm

27/12/2023

We're offering a January Puppy Class!

Here are the details!

• Cost: $60

• Length: 4 Weeks

• Location: 807 Main Street N, Cambridge, MN 55008

• Age Requirements: Puppies 8-18 Weeks at the Start of Class (Pick the appropriate time option for your puppy.)

• Can Children Attend?: Yes! Children who are old enough to participate in training are welcome (all minors must be accompanied by a guardian).

• About The Program: Our Puppy Class focuses on some basic training, enrichment games, and socialization. We'll also answer any of your puppy questions!

Find out more and get registered at https://roguesandrascals.com/puppy.html