Thinking Dog LLC - Dog Training

09/05/2023

Our next puppy/all ages class starts soon!

Manners al Fresco:
Thursdays at 6:30pm starting Thursday, May 18 in Glendale. This class is Basic Manners that meets outside in parks and other 'in real life' settings. Class meets 6x.

Due to our class sizes being kept small (3-6 dogs) we are able to adjust the class as needed and accommodate dogs of multiple levels and work on what the group needs to work on. Some sessions we sit to the normal sit, down, recall, loose leash walking, ignoring distractions, etc., some groups we will increase the skill level for recall and working around distractions, and yet others add in tricks, CGC work, or Parkour.

Thursday Manners al Fresco meets the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy requirements for dogs who are under 1 year old. Please not all ages are welcome in this class, but only dogs up to 1yr can qualify with AKC for the STAR puppy program.

If you're interested in the Thursday class reach out ASAP since registration is open!
------------------
We will also have a Sunday min-classes that'll start in June and be in Cedarburg which will be Manners al Fresco, Patio Pups, and Parkour

Contact us for more information and to register.

13/04/2023

With more people out walking here's something to keep in mind.

Thank you Reisner Veterinary Behavior Services, LLC for a nice graphic.

Barking at other dogs on leash walks does not translate to "hello". Another nice poster from Miki Saito at markandreward.com and Lili Chin at doggiedrawings.net

10/03/2023

We're a sucker for junior (youth/kid) handlers and dog trainers over here at Thinking Dog LLC - Dog Training. Check this out from Crufts!

07/02/2023

Being thanked by a client for helping them or being sent a referral is the human equivalent to a dog finding a good stick while hiking. 🙃
Thank you to everyone who has tossed sticks our way; they are greatly appreciated 🥰

11/01/2023

Nature and Animals are good therapy 🤷‍♀️🙃

10/01/2023

06/01/2023

Continuing with new year, new training plans and what to keep in mind here's another ace article from our horsey friends.

4 things to remember every time you're working with your dog:
Respond to lighter aides/techniques, not stronger
The release of pressure is what teaches
Reward more than you correct
Focus on the process- the process will get you to the end result

https://www.theplaidhorse.com/2020/12/07/4-things-to-remember-every-time-you-flat-your-horse/?fbclid=IwAR00jRCJZSF0ZdxaJIBoCmx4IAfGGm-NjITegkhHQhbMMSO4UruOvoY0Cpc

02/01/2023

As we kick of a new year and new goals it's time to also reflect on what we need to do to help our dogs (and us) achieve these goals!

This is a horsey article, but the points are the same for what a trainer/handler/partner with your dog should do when working with your dog.

Good learner, good listener, be responsible, show up and work hard, and be brave.

https://www.theplaidhorse.com/2020/05/29/5-things-any-rider-can-do-to-be-successful/?fbclid=IwAR0UvEzzssxx1K9-dhh9ZQhNcIQF8QfQb_nLTJ7784kqpTzaq7EKRWJvg5g

29/12/2022

Behavior (how one behaves and also actions one does) is complicated. Some behavior occurs due to what happened before it while other behavior occurs to elicit a response. There is also an emotional component that is often overlooked when it comes to animals (or with strict Skinnerian behavior scholars).
Sometimes we need to look past the behavior to help.

23/12/2022

Happy Holidays!

13/12/2022

As we head winter here are some great ideas to bond with your dog in a new ways.
⛄️
The article is from the pandemic, but still holds loads of fun reminders and ideas!

🙃
(article has an error in my accreditations. I am not a DMWYD instructor)

https://www.greatpetcare.com/dog-behavior/9-simple-ways-to-bond-with-your-dog-at-home/

If your spending more time at home due to COVID-19, make it count by bonding with your dog. Here are some simple ways to strengthen your relationship.

10/12/2022

Great ending to the 2022 Dog Parkour classes! Fun in the pretty woods!

Parkour classes will start up Spring 2023. We might have intro and advanced PK meet ups before then so stay tuned!

13/11/2022

Congrats to the new STAR puppies!
Great job working around distractions and improving your focus, impulse control, and relationship with your person. You are both great teams 🤩💜💙

03/11/2022

Our next Intro to Parkour class starts Sun Nov 13!

Parkour adds mental stimulation and physical exercise for your dog, you can earn a title, plus it helps train your dog safe ways to get fun photos while you're out and about!

For more info contact us or click below

https://www.thinkingdog.org/events

02/11/2022

MKE dog lovers a great new space is on the horizon!
This will be between the Milwaukee River and Plankinton.

Mequon-based pet food company also announced as title sponsor of Downtown Dog Park.

01/11/2022

Very true!

Adapting to your dog and helping him learn in a way he understands is the best thing you can do for your dog's learning and your relationship with your dog.

🐾🐑✨

20/10/2022

Fall is a fun time to explore the parks around us and no better way to do that than adding in Parkour!

Our next Parkour class starts in November.

https://www.petmd.com/dog/pet-lover/how-turn-anything-parkour-dog-agility-course

Parkour can be a fun bonding activity for you and your dog. Learn how to turn your average walk into a parkour dog agility adventure.

19/10/2022

Mid-week funny! :)

Thankfully, Thinking Dog students are excellent so this look is rarely practiced 😎

15/10/2022

What did you work on in your puppy/manners class?

Sit, down, stays, recall, checking in, loose leash walking with these distractions: car horn, truck rumbling, car alarm, dogs barking, creek water moving, people talking, motorcycle, blow up yard decorations, Irish music, walking on pavement, tree trunks, bricks, dirt, cobblestone, stone wall, stairs, crossing bridges, and more!

🎃

13/10/2022

We have been blessed with many amazing clients to be able to support via donations or sponsorship various community events!

We are happy to support the 2022 Beglan Feis (Irish Dance competition) happening this weekend at the Hyatt in Milwaukee, WI and are looking forward to enjoying some great dancing and music. If you're there say hi! ☘️

Thank you to our 2022 Beglan Feis Sponsors!

☘️

Carla Lemminger - Off to Neverland Travel
Straub Dentistry
CableCom
Shamrock Club of Wisconsin
The Mooney Family
The Brick Pub and Grill
Milwaukee Marble & Granite
Tabak Law, LLC
Feis Fit
The Dave Didier Team
Thinking Dog LLC - Dog Training
Gerhards - the Kitchen & Bath Store
Peridot CM LLC
Irish Milwaukee
The Irish Boutique of Cedarburg
Ansay & Associates, LLC
Melanie VandenBerg, Mary Kay Cosmetics Independent Beauty Consultant
Burghardt Sporting Goods
Greg and Laura Lester

16/09/2022

Our next puppy/all ages class starts soon!
Oct 1 at 930am in Glendale.

Join us to build a nice relationship with your dog, have fun, teach useful skills, and work around real life distractions.

This class meets the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy requirements for dogs who are under 1 year old. Please not all ages are welcome in this class, but only dogs up to 1yr can qualify with AKC for the STAR puppy program.

Contact us for more information and to register.
Class meets 6 times and is $100

11/09/2022

A wonderful visual to help guide you into optimal performance when competing (and training) with your dog.

THE YERKES DODSON LAW 📣

Increasing generalized arousal is essential for optimal performance BUT excessive arousal impairs performance. 🤯

This is commonly seen in the dog sports world, but is also an issue in for the average pet. This can look like hyperactive behavior, over excitement, and/or reactivity. 💥

What is important is that our dogs do have the ability to regulate their arousal, but for some dogs this is a challenge. 🐾

There are many things that you, as the trainer or pet guardian, can do both passively and actively to help your dog learn how to self-regulate. Allowing a dog time to process the environment and encouraging sniffing activities are two ways you can support your dog learning to regulate their arousal. Incorporating these activities in your training plan are essential for those dogs that struggle with arousal regulation. 🙌🏼

(Permission to repost granted from Barking Brains.)

26/08/2022

Rushing to celebrate National Dog Day!

Make it a full weekend and have fun with your dog!
🥳
🐕
❣

25/08/2022

Be in it for the long haul with your dog. Sometimes it's slow and steady and other times just steady. Lasting behavior change often takes more time than people realize.

03/06/2022

As we all gear up for summer here is great info incase you or your dog find yourselves in a situation with heat.

pment or staff prevents immersion, a continual dousing with cold water provides an effective cooling modality. We refute the many criticisms of this treatment and provide scientific evidence supporting cold water immersion for exertional heatstroke....

10/05/2022

Nicknames can be so much fun (and amusing)!

We have some that don't make much sense also. I wonder what secret conversations our dogs have about their nicknames. What about yours?

29/04/2022

We are thankful that we have a lot of adept and eager learners!

"There is no such thing as teaching, only learning. No teacher can push information into an unwilling brain." - Monty Roberts

20/04/2022

Working dogs are amazing!
Detection dogs, dogs working on ranches, protection, service work, etc. so many dogs helping humans

Two-year-old Patron works with rescuers in the northern city of Chernihiv, where he sniffs out Russian bombs (in addition to warming laps, nipping sleeves and generally being a good boy).

28/03/2022

Great advise and not just for herding.
Let go of your expectations and meet your dog where it is and work from there accepting them for who they are.
Adjust your training and work together as needed for not just that dog, but where that dog is at that moment; you might be adjusting throughout the dog's life.

One of the best gifts you can give your dog is letting go of the expectations of what you want him to become, and accepting him for who he is—

Your role as his teammate includes helping him through what he finds difficult.
With each dog we train we may adjust, the type and number of sheep we use as well as the duration and frequency of training sessions based on his excitability, sensitivity, amount and type of eye, natural width and so on.
Handling/working style can also play a role in your dogs mental fortitude and excitability.
We may change our working style from an on-going style, a stop and flank style or a walking style with method, not only from dog to dog, but within an individual dogs development (considering how he changes and matures).

Every dog learns at a different speed, requiring it to take the time it takes, for your dog to understand and enjoy a new concept.
Accepting your dog for who he is and making adjustments in consideration of his individual characteristics empowers learning and enjoyment.
It fosters a true partnership, enhances your bond immeasurably and your dog gives you his heart. macraeway.com