Speak Fido Dog Training

16/06/2024

06/04/2024

In this class, you and your furry friend will embark on an exciting journey to reinforce essential skills and strengthen your bond along the way. Class is held at WVHS. Enroll now for Speak Fido Dog Training at https://www.wenatcheehumane.org/upcomingtrainings
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18/12/2023

Do you have an older puppy or a newly adopted adult dog? Join us in January for Intro to Obedience class at Wenatchee Humane Society! This class is for any dog 5 months and up that would like to get started on the right paw. This class is offered on Sundays from 1-2pm or 6-7pm starting January 7th. This is a one hour class meeting weekly for 6 weeks. Class enrollment is $150.

Class schedule: 1/7, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11

All dogs must have current Bordetella, DHPP/DA2PP and Rabies vaccinations. Vaccination records required for enrollment.

In this class we cover basic obedience skills of sit, down, stay, recall (come-when-called) leash walking, polite greetings, drop it and settle (go to mat). We cover discussion topics of marker training, positive reinforcement, working around distractions, and improving focus and communication between you and your dog.

For enrollment or questions reach us at speakfidodogs.com or 509.393.2715
Happy training!

18/12/2023

Does your dog bark and jump on guests when they come in your door? If you are worried that the upcoming holiday visits with friends and family will be challenging with your dog follow these steps!

Before the greeting - Management
- leash your dog, use a baby gate or an x-pen to keep them contained while guests arrive

During the greeting - Reinforcement
- reward calm behavior with treats
- guests should turn away from jumping dogs

After the greetings - Enrichment
- keep your dog on leash or put your dog in a confinement space
- give your dog an enrichment toy like a stuffed Kong, lick mat or bone

Happy holidays!
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28/09/2023

Bring your pup and join us for a great event! Pawtoberfest celebration will have it all. Beer, brats and cute pups everywhere!!🐾🍺🌭

PAWTOBERFEST 2023!!!!🍺🍻It's back, Dogs, Beers, Brats, and featured local artists Black Market Blues Band and Eden Moody! And of course, most important dog and people events and fun competitions! SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 30TH 1pm-6pm @ LOGE CAMPS COURTYARD 321 9TH STREET LEAVENWORTH, WA! 🐕🍺🔊🌭🍻

14/08/2023

Is your dog muzzle trained? Have you seen a muzzled dog walking down the street and wondered if they were dangerous? There is a ton of stigma out there about muzzles and a ton of misinformation too. This summer alone I have seen 3 different dogs on walks with soft muzzles on (on 90 degree days). So lets talk muzzles!

1. There are 2 main types of muzzles. Basket and soft (occlusion) muzzles. Basket muzzles are for longer term use, if your dog is going to be muzzled more than 10 minutes. Baskets are made from a variety of materials, for a variety of behavioral issues. The basket has room for the dog to pant, drink water and take treats. These three things are key to make the muzzle safe for long term wear!
Soft muzzles are for short use like grooming, vet visits or emergency medical events (think porcupine attack on a hike). Dogs cannot open their mouth, cannot pant or drink water with a soft muzzle on. This is dangerous for them for more than 5-10 minutes as they cannot regulate their body temperature. They should be taken off frequently and given a break if the dog is undergoing a long grooming or vet visit. Very importantly about soft muzzles, a dog can still bite with one on, its just more difficult for them to do so.

2. Training is required to acclimate a dog to a basket muzzle. This will make a dog much more comfortable wearing the muzzle for long periods.
Little training is required to acclimate a dog to a soft muzzle as it is worn for short durations and the material makes it more comfortable.

3. Dogs wear muzzles for a variety of reasons, not just biting. Muzzles keep a dog from doing dangerous things with their mouth, including biting, picking things up the shouldn't and eating poisonous things.

4. Dogs guardians may use a muzzle in their management plan for the life of their dog. Not all behaviors can be changed through training. Using humane equipment to give your dog more safe access to the world is a great option.

23/07/2023

Not sure if your dog or their friend is playing safely and your not sure what to look for? That's one of the most common questions I get from clients.
Dogs use body language cues to indicate when they are comfortable during play and when they need a break. Use these to tell if you need to play referee or sit back and watch the fun.

Meta-Signals - These gestures, actions and behavior patterns all communicate that a dog is pretending and not serious, that “what follows is play”. Look for play bows, bouncy motion, inefficient movements, and play faces that offer goofy expressions like grinning.

Activity Shifts. When dogs play, they should not get stuck in one activity, such as chasing. The play should periodically change and be punctuated with meta-signals to communicate that what follows is just play. Dogs may go from a game of chasing, to wrestling, to keep away with a stick.

Role Reversal. In good play the roles often, but don’t always reverse. One dog may chase, then become the one being chased. In wresting one might be on top, and in the next moment be the one on the bottom. There is not always perfect role reversal when dogs play. Some dogs may prefer to be on the bottom when wresting or be the one being chased when playing tag.

Self-Handicapping. When dogs play in a healthy manner, they reduce the level of force as to not injure their play mates. Behaviors such as biting, body slamming, etc., are inhibited to allow the play to continue and not cause harm.

These are the 4 Pillars of Good Play, and their presence is vital to ensure that all participants are actually playing and having fun.

How does your dog play? Let me know in the comments!

15/07/2023

Another fantastic group of Intro to Obedience class graduates! Sophie, Motts, Obi, Quennie, Chocolate, and Rua all did a great job and learned a ton!

13/07/2023

Ready for summer school?! July classes start this weekend at Wenatchee Humane Society. Sign up now to save your spot. Enrollment closes Friday!
https://speakfidodogs.com/speak-fido-dog-training-group-classes/

12/07/2023

Ready for summer school?! July classes start this weekend at Wenatchee Valley Humane Society. Sign up now to save your spot. Enrollment closes Friday!
https://speakfidodogs.com/speak-fido-dog-training-group-classes/

28/06/2023

rush off the cobwebs and step into spring with our Intermediate Obedience class at Wenatchee Humane Society! If your dog has taken our Intro Obedience class or another basic training class this is the next step on your training journey.

This class is on Mondays from 6-7pm starting July 17th. This is a 1 hour weekly class meeting for 6 weeks. Class enrollment is $150. Class schedule: 7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8/7, 8/14, 8/21

All dogs must have current Bordetella, DHPP/DA2PP and Rabies vaccinations. Vaccination records required for enrollment.

In this class we continue to develop your dog's obedience skills, working toward the Canine Good Citizen evaluation standards. Skills covered are all at an increased level of distraction in the training room. Stay, wait, leash walking, calmly passing distractions, leave it, recall, polite greetings and settle. Many of these exercises are done off leash in the training room, depending on each dog's distraction threshold.

For enrollment or questions reach us at [email protected] or follow this link for additional class info https://speakfidodogs.com/speak-fido-dog-training-group-classes/

Happy Training!