GailsDogRules

01/01/2024

Some dogs just aren’t outdoor dogs, but they still need exercise for body and mind. We humans can use a play break now and then, too.

20/10/2023

Hide & Seek! The perfect “inside” game for autumn and winter. I have 3 spots (bed, treat spot, and kennel/crate) that I put my dogs on a “wait” then run and hide and release and call them. When they find me, it’s a treat party. I do this at night, usually before bedtime, to help them use up leftover brain energy. It’s a great game anytime and it always helps them settle down. Tonight I hid in a spot I’ve never used (after 5 or 6 easy spots) and it took them several minutes to find me. Try it before bedtime and help them sleep happier🥰 …it’s a fun “wind down” game. Helping your dog(s) use their hunting/tracking “dogness “ is always a great way to end the day!

07/05/2023

A common problem people have with their dogs is leash pulling. Here’s some useful advice in a rather long post.

Consider this: when your dog pulls you in a direction, if she gets to keep going in that direction, YOU are rewarding her for pulling. Over time, even the pressure on her throat from the tight collar becomes part of the reward. The first thing you have to do is forget your destination. Until your dog can walk nicely on leash, she shouldn’t go for walks - she should learn to walk on leash. Start inside your house where distractions are low. Keep her attention on you and her at your side by holding a small irresistible treat or toy in your hand exactly where you want her nose to be - take a few steps, have her sit and give her the treat. Don’t forget to praise when she is exactly where you want her to walk. Repeat at least 3 times and then add the word “Heel!” When she’s next to you. Then start adding steps to the “game”. Only when you can walk her all through your house on a perfect heel, take her to the back yard and repeat the exercise. Since there’s more distractions, you might have to back up to a few steps at a time and upping the value of the treat. As she gets better, add steps and be generous with praise for doing it right and start backing off on treats. Then repeat the exercise in the front yard. If she gets ahead of you, simply turn the other way, tap your thigh and give the “Heel” cue. If she can’t handle the front yard, go back to the back yard and practice some more. Work on this for 5-10 minutes a few times/day. Don’t worry about her exercise - walking at human pace is NOT physical exercise for dogs. However, her focus on you and “working” will use up her energy. 5 minutes focus uses up a dog’s energy as if she ran 2 miles (her speed, not yours). Reward her for good behavior by allowing her to have a little “snifari” and read the pmail now and then. This could take hours,or it could take weeks, it all depends on your consistency and practice. Set her up for success and don’t burn her out. Keep sessions short and fun. Dogs will always repeat behavior that rewards them. It’s on you to make sure she’s being rewarded for behavior you do want! Remember, most dogs just need a clearly defined job and a well-trained human😊 Now you have knowledge for free that people usually pay me for.

02/05/2023

Found a shaggy dog with no collar snooping around my ponds between Spring Drive and Autumn Way in the Four Seasons Ranch subdivision east of Blackfoot. Super nice, well behaved dog! If you’re missing a dog, message me on Messenger or text me at 208-244-1886 with a description and s*x of your dog. A picture will help. This is a great dog, I’m sure someone is missing their pal! I’m keeping your friend safe and will take into town tomorrow to scan for a chip.

08/07/2022

This is a great article for anyone looking for a dog trainer. Special thanks to Jeannie Peña for sharing it!

https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/what-you-should-ask-a-dog-trainer?fbclid=IwAR1izgtnzopFvCFy8fpp8OHrLXhPhmGxww_G5p7XCi7GLidy5fg5OqF8GVA

Learn what you should ask a potential dog trainer – and what they should answer – before hiring them to work with you and your dog.

29/03/2022

To anyone who has a puppy….please consider that this is your dog’s first Spring on the planet. As the sun warms the earth, the most incredible never before experienced smells rise out of the earth and every single thing everyday. For a puppy, this sensory overload is psychedelic. Don’t expect too much focus on your wants….As you’re trying to get your puppy’s attention, recognize your competition and give your pup some empathy. We don’t remember our first Spring, but we can relive it through our pup. Let’s have fun with it and share the wonder - it will help strengthen your bond in the long run!

31/01/2022

I’m a strong proponent of crate training for life. Consider this: your dog’s crate is the only place s/he is truly safe and “off duty”. Since all dogs are “watch” dogs, they really do need to have restorative times “off watch”. An adult dog needs around 12-14 hours/day of deep restorative sleep. If your dog sleeps with you, s/he may be dozing, but the ears are listening and the dog might be napping on the job, but s/he’s still on the job.

If Your dog has been having new or strange behaviors, seems nervous, distracted, or easily overstimulated, and doesn’t sleep all night in a crate in a quiet part of the house, try adding a couple of good 1-2 hour crate naps during the day. The problem might be sleep deprivation. We all do better when we get the rest and restoration we need. Dogs do too!

01/11/2021

11/09/2021

I’ve been playing a fun game with my dogs before bed at night: Hide ‘N Seek in the dark, they love it! I put them on a “Wait” on their rug near the kitchen, and hide in various spots in the house in the dark. Then I call them with their release word and”Come!” When they find me we have a really fun string cheese party. We always end the game with me hiding in the laundry room (where their kennels are) and a final “Wait” and release to their kennels for the final treat. They seem to really like this new routine.

27/07/2021

Here’s how to tell if the sidewalk or pavement or sand is too hot for your dog’s paws: slide off your sandal or flip-flop and put your bare foot on the surface you expect your dog to stand on. If it feels too hot for you, it is too hot for your dog. If you can’t use your bare foot, use your bare hand. Please protect your best friend from heat and hot surfaces!

29/06/2021

Keep all of your pets safe and cool as we endure this heat!

As temperatures continue to rise, please take extra precautions to keep your pugs safe from the heat.

31/05/2021

Remember!!! Dogs DON’T speak English (or any other human verbal language). They do eventually learn what some sounds mean, but mostly they are watching our body language and listening to tone of voice. They learn when they’re being praised and when they’re being scolded, but if I tell Bouncer he’s a stinking little naughty heathen in my praise voice while giving him freeze-dried liver, he interprets that as a positive experience. My words have no intrinsic value. Pay attention to your body language and hand signals and use your words as “markers” for desired behaviors.

09/03/2021

I’ve had my 2nd COVID vaccine and am ok to do in home training again using masks and distancing. I’ve been doing video call sessions, and will continue to, but I’m looking forward to actually being with the doggies and people again! Message me if you’re interested.