Hampton Roads Obedience Training Club (HROTC)

11/02/2024

Breed Spotlight: Siberian Husky 🐺

The Siberian Husky is a majestic and independent breed known for its striking blue eyes and love of the outdoors. ❄️

Temperament:

• Independent & strong-willed: Huskies are known for their independent nature and can be stubborn at times.
• Energetic & athletic: They have incredible endurance and need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
• Friendly & gentle: Huskies are generally friendly with people and other dogs, but they may have a strong prey drive.
• Vocal & talkative: They are known for their distinctive howls and "talking" sounds.

Training Needs:

• Early socialization and consistent training: Expose them to different people and dogs early on and establish clear rules and boundaries.
• Plenty of exercise and mental stimulation: Huskies need daily walks, runs, or hikes, as well as enrichment activities to prevent boredom.
• Positive reinforcement: Use reward-based training methods to motivate and encourage them.

Fun Fact:

Huskies were originally bred by the Chukchi people of northeastern Asia to pull sleds over long distances. 썰매

If you own one of these amazing dogs, post a pic in the comments!

10/31/2024

🎃👻 Keep Your Furry Friends Safe This Halloween! 👻🎃

Halloween is a fun time for humans, but it can be scary and dangerous for our canine companions. Here are some tips to keep your pups safe:

Stash the Treats: Chocolate, candy, and even sugar-free gum can be toxic to dogs. Make sure all treats are out of reach, and tell trick-or-treaters not to give your dog any candy.

Decor Dangers: Keep decorations like jack-o-lanterns, candles, and electric cords out of reach. Curious pups can easily knock things over or get tangled up.
Costume Caution: If you dress up your dog, make sure the costume is comfortable and doesn't restrict movement or breathing. Avoid costumes with small parts that can be chewed off and swallowed.

Doorbell Stress: The constant doorbell ringing can stress out some dogs. Consider putting your dog in a quiet room or crate during peak trick-or-treating hours.

ID is Key: Make sure your dog has a collar with ID tags and is microchipped, just in case they escape in the excitement.

Have a happy and safe Halloween with your furry friends! 🐾

10/30/2024

Breed Spotlight: Doberman Pinscher 🐕

The Doberman Pinscher is a sleek and athletic breed known for its intelligence, loyalty, and elegance. 🖤

Temperament:

• Intelligent & alert: Dobermans are highly intelligent and quick learners, making them excellent candidates for obedience and working dog training.
• Loyal & protective: They form strong bonds with their families and are known for their protective instincts.
• Energetic & athletic: Dobermans need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
• Elegant & proud: They carry themselves with a sense of pride and confidence.

Training Needs:

• Early socialization and consistent training: Expose them to different people and dogs early on and provide consistent training throughout their lives.
• Firm but fair leadership: Dobermans need a confident owner who can provide clear guidance and direction.
• Positive reinforcement: Use reward-based training methods to motivate and encourage them.

Fun Fact:

Doberman Pinschers were originally bred in Germany by a tax collector named Louis Dobermann to protect him on his rounds. 💰

If you own one of these amazing dogs, post a pic in the comments!

10/30/2024

Huge CONGRATULATIONS to our member Silke Satzinger and her talented boy BOSKO, THE DOG THAT CAN DO MULTIPLE EVENTS IN ONE WEEKEND!
Summary after 536 miles round trip
10/25 (Nose Work) NACSW – 82.5 points towards his ELITE 3 with 2 1st places
10/26 (Draft Test) Bernise Mountain Dog Club – New Title NDD
10/27 (Graduate Novice) AKC Obedience – New Title GN

10/23/2024

Session 7 begins next week and there are still open spots in almost all of the classes.

Monday: Rally Novice/Intermediate 4:30pm
Rally Advanced/Excellent 6pm
Wednesday: CGC Prep and Basic Skills Reinforcement 6pm
Thursday: Scent Work Buried Advanced 7:30pm
Friday: Puppy Kindergarten 6pm
Basic Obedience 7pm

Sign up at https://hrdogclub.org/current-session and come have fun with us!

10/20/2024

What should the caption be?

1. "Our volunteers not only work hard, but they have fun too"

2. "Is this a Temperament Test or a demonstration to dogs how weird humans can be?"

Or, you make one up!

10/19/2024

Breed Spotlight: Boxer 🐶

The Boxer is a playful and energetic breed known for its boundless enthusiasm and love of life. 🥊

Temperament:

• Playful & energetic: Boxers are always up for a game of fetch, a run in the park, or a good wrestling match.
• Intelligent & eager to please: They are quick learners and excel in obedience and agility training.
• Loyal & protective: Boxers form strong bonds with their families and are known for their protective instincts.
• Patient & good with children: They are often described as "the Peter Pan of dogs" due to their playful and childlike nature.

Training Needs:

• Early socialization and consistent training: Expose them to different people and dogs early on and establish clear rules and boundaries.
• Plenty of exercise and mental stimulation: Boxers need daily walks, playtime, and enrichment activities to prevent boredom-related behaviors.
• Positive reinforcement: Boxers respond best to reward-based training methods.

Fun Fact:

Boxers get their name from their tendency to use their front paws to "box" during play. 🥊

10/18/2024

Quick tip

"Tired of your dog jumping on guests? Teach them a solid "sit" and reward them for keeping all four paws on the floor! Consistency is key!

"

10/18/2024

All hands on deck needed!!!!!
Our Thanksgiving weekend Scent Work trial needs volunteers!
The trial is at Camp Grom at 1181 Prosperity Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
We need set up on Friday 11/29/24 from 1-4pm
Saturday & Sunday 11/30 and 12/01 - ½ day AM & PM and/or all day
Friday set up and ½ day workers will get $10.00
Full day workers will get $25.00 & lunch
Clean up, loading and unloading the van $5.00
Please contact volunteer coordinator Lisa Bell @ [email protected]

10/17/2024

Tasty Treats & Healthy Snacks🍖🥕

We all love spoiling our furry friends with treats, but it's important to choose healthy options. We'll share recipes for homemade dog treats, highlight nutritious store-bought snacks, and discuss how to avoid overfeeding. Remember, treats should only make up a small portion of your dog's daily calories!

10/16/2024

Breed Spotlight: Australian Shepherd 🐶

The Australian Shepherd, or Aussie, is a high-energy herding breed known for its intelligence, loyalty, and striking coat patterns. 👁️‍🗨️

Temperament:

• Intelligent & work-driven: Aussies are highly intelligent and thrive on mental and physical challenges.
• Energetic & athletic: They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
• Loyal & protective: Aussies form strong bonds with their families and are known for their herding instincts.
• Versatile & adaptable: They excel in various dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding trials.

Training Needs:

• Early socialization and consistent training: Expose them to different people, dogs, and environments early on and provide consistent training throughout their lives.
• Plenty of exercise and mental stimulation: Aussies need daily walks, playtime, and enrichment activities to prevent boredom-related behaviors.
• Positive reinforcement: Use reward-based training methods to motivate and encourage them.

Fun Fact:

Despite their name, Australian Shepherds were actually developed in the United States.

10/16/2024

Facial Expressions - The Doggy Emoji Guide 😃🙁

Dogs have a wide range of facial expressions that can tell you how they're feeling.

• Relaxed mouth: Contentment, happiness
• Panting: Hot, excited, stressed
• Lip licking: Nervousness, appeasement
• Yawning: Stress, anxiety, displacement behavior
• Showing teeth: Warning, aggression

Decode your dog's facial expressions to better understand their emotions and needs.

10/16/2024

November Thanksgiving weekend Scent Work trials opens today at 12:00pm

10/15/2024

Tug of War 💪🐶

A good game of tug of war is a fun way to bond with your dog and give them a workout. Use a sturdy rope toy and let your pup pull and tug to their heart's content. Remember to supervise playtime and give your dog a break if they seem tired.

10/14/2024

Weight Management for Dogs ⚖️🍖

Is your dog carrying a few extra pounds? Obesity can lead to serious health problems in dogs, including joint problems, heart disease, and diabetes. Help your dog maintain a healthy weight, including choosing the right food, portion control, and exercise.

10/12/2024

Breed Spotlight: Beagle 🐶

With their playful personality and keen sense of smell, Beagles are known for their love of adventure (and food!). 👃🍗

Temperament:

• Friendly & curious: Beagles are social butterflies who love to explore and make new friends.
• Energetic & playful: They have a high energy level and need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
• Intelligent but independent: Beagles can be stubborn at times, requiring patience and positive reinforcement during training.
• Vocal & scent-driven: They are known for their distinctive baying howl and love to follow their noses.

Training Needs:

• Early socialization and consistent training: Expose them to various environments and use positive reinforcement techniques to overcome their stubborn streak.
• Plenty of exercise and mental stimulation: Beagles need daily walks, playtime, and enrichment activities to prevent boredom-related behaviors.
• Secure fencing: Their strong scent drive can lead them to wander off, so a secure fenced yard is essential.

Fun Fact:

Beagles are often used as detection dogs due to their exceptional sense of smell. 🕵️‍♂️

10/11/2024

Photos are up for purchase from our recent Scent Work trials!
https://www.facebook.com/100063596111339/posts/1080296540766873/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

Photo proofs from the Hampton Roads Obedience Training Club (HROTC)'s Scent Work Trials are now online!

If you see a past gallery you would like reactivated send us a message and we will try to easily get it back up.

https://www.4thedogsphotography.com/?r=666190

10/11/2024

🎯 Mark Your Dog's Success: The Power of the Clicker and Marker Words 🐶

Did you know that you can supercharge your dog's learning with a simple tool?
Introducing the clicker (or a marker word like "yes!"): your secret weapon for pinpointing and rewarding desired behaviors!

Why Use a Clicker or Marker Word?

• Precision Timing: It acts like a camera shutter, capturing the exact moment your dog performs the behavior you want.
• Clear Communication: It signals to your dog, "That's it! You did it right!"
• Positive Reinforcement: It paves the way for rewarding your dog, strengthening their understanding of what you want.

How Does It Work?

1. Charge It Up: Associate the clicker sound or marker word with something your dog loves (like a treat).
2. Mark the Moment: When your dog does something you like, "click" or say "yes!" at the precise moment they're doing it.
3. Deliver the Reward: Immediately follow the click or marker word with a treat or praise.

Tips for Success:

• Be Consistent: Use the same clicker sound or marker word every time.
• Be Timely: Click or mark the exact moment your dog performs the desired behavior.
• Be Generous with Rewards: Make it worth their while!
Benefits of Using a Clicker or Marker Word:
• Faster Learning: Your dog quickly understands what you want, accelerating their training progress.
• Clearer Communication: You're communicating with your dog in a language they understand.
• Stronger Bond: You're building a positive and rewarding relationship with your dog.

Want to learn more about using a clicker or marker word in your dog training? Contact us today!

Elevate your dog training game with the power of the clicker or marker word!

10/11/2024

Some pictures and videos from last weekend's Scent Work trial are now available in our Photo Gallery. More to come!

https://hrdogclub.org/photo-gallery/

10/10/2024

For those who've been asking, Session 7 classes just went up on the website!
https://hrdogclub.org/current-session

10/10/2024

"What's the funniest or cutest thing your dog has ever done? 😂

Share your stories and pics in the comments!

"

10/10/2024

Size Matters: Feeding Your Dog Based on Breed and Activity 🏋️‍♀️🐕

A Chihuahua and a Great Dane have very different nutritional needs! Adjust your dog's diet based on their breed, size, age, and activity level. Whether you have a couch potato or a marathon runner, find the perfect feeding plan for your unique pup.

10/09/2024

Breed Spotlight: Yorkshire Terrier 🐶

The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, is a tiny toy breed with a big personality and a love for attention. 👑

Temperament:

• Affectionate & energetic: Yorkies are lively and love to play, cuddle, and be the center of attention.
• Independent & confident: They are not afraid to express their opinions and can be a bit bossy at times.
• Loyal & protective: Despite their small size, Yorkies are fiercely loyal to their families and can be quite protective.
• Vocal & alert: They are known for their tendency to bark at strangers or unfamiliar sounds.

Training Needs:

• Early socialization and positive reinforcement: Expose them to different people and dogs early on and use reward-based training methods.
• Consistent training and firm boundaries: Yorkies can be a bit stubborn, so consistent training and clear expectations are essential.
• Be mindful of their small size: Avoid rough play and be cautious around children, as Yorkies can be easily injured.

Fun Fact:

Yorkies were originally bred in Yorkshire, England, for catching rats in clothing mills. 🐀

10/09/2024

Canine Calming Signals - The Subtle Language of Dogs 🐾

Dogs have a subtle way of communicating their discomfort or unease through calming signals.

• Turning head away: Avoiding conflict, seeking space
• Licking lips: Nervousness, appeasement
• Yawning: Stress, anxiety, displacement behavior
• Sniffing the ground: Avoiding eye contact, de-escalation

Recognizing these signals can help you create a more comfortable environment for your furry friend.