Selasa, 31 Mei 2016

Weekend Retreat

I had the joy of attending a 4-H retreat with my raiser this past weekend and boy was it bundles of fun!!
I was suppose to attend two 4-H retreats with her in March, but due to the serious medical issues I was having earlier in the month... I ended up spending my weekend at the specialist, instead of with her at the 1st retreat.
So my raiser was very happy when her 2nd retreat came up, and I wasnt having any medical issues.
She knew this retreat would be such a good experience for me, and didnt want me to miss it the second time around... thankfully, I was able to attend!
We both had a blast, and this is one of the first times Ive been in this kind of setting (cabins - tie downs - camping stuff - etc).
My raiser and her 4-H friends took LOTS of pictures during the retreat... and I happened to star in most all of them, guess Im very popular with the camera :)
I met lots of new people at the retreat and my raiser was impressed with how well I worked; and I  even got to attend some different workshops & a dance with her (including "team building" & hip-hop classes!).
Enjoy the enormous amount of pictures below...

-Brandon


Taking a break during the dance...
Picture of Brandon laying down, resting his head on my legs (Im sitting beside him)

My raiser & I rocked out the dance floor!
Picture of Brandon and I dancing

Had to take a quick break from the dance, to give my raiser a kiss!
Picture of Brandon giving me a kiss (Im kneeling down)

And my raiser had to pass along a furry awesome hug to me...
Picture of me holding Brandon in my arms, during the dance

Group shot with some 4-Hers!
Picture of Brandon and I with some other 4-H ers, were all pointing & staring up at the sky

Another group shot with more 4-Hers!
Picture of Brandon and I with some more 4-Hers

Workshop time!
Picture of Brandon in a sit-stay during a workshop, you can see some 4-Hers behind him

I was even able to watch some 4-Hers play a interesting game...
Picture of Brandon in a down-stay watching other 4-Hers play a game that includes hitting foam balls everywhere...

Lunch time = nap time!
Picture of Brandon asleep beside our table during lunch

Man do 4-Hers pack a lot...
Picture of Brandon in a down-stay, you can see a huge pile of luggage behind him

Never knew you could fit into the cubbies...
Picture of Brandon, another 4-Her and I all sitting in the cubbies in our cabin

So I have to sleep here???
Picture of Brandon sniffing the spot between 2 different bunk beds

Dog Training Lessons for Your Pet

If you own a dog, you should consider dog training lessons. These lessons are very important for your pet since they will teach it how to respond to different situations. Without the training, it will be very hard for you and the pet to coordinate well. This might lead to very serious problems especially when the response involves dangerous conditions. If you have a puppy, then you should also consider puppy training. With the training, your young pet will grow knowing how to behave and respond to different situations. Puppies learn very easily and thus they should be trained when they are a few months old. Talk to a professional and ask them when it is okay to train the puppy.

Dog training involves training the dog on basic commands. The dog will be learning how to respond to basic commands that you issue. This includes commands like sit, heel, stay and down. The basic commands are very crucial since they will serve as the foundation for teaching the dog other commands. For example, after that you can teach the pet to catch the ball when you are playing. Basic commands are also taught in puppy training lessons. Once the pet is fully conversant with the basic commands it can then be trained to respond to others.
Another importance of dog training lessons is that it teaches the dog to take commands from the owner. The dog will be able to take commands only if you enforce them well. In obedience school, you will learn how to take give and enforce commands on your dog. The training is both for you and the dog. It will only be effective if you take the time to train together with the dog or puppy. With the adequate training, the dog will be able to recognize that you are the one in charge and thus do as per your commands.
With the right dog or puppy training lessons, you will have a better time when you hang out with your pet outside. For example, when you are taking a walk, you will be able to command the dog on what to do when you stop. The training will help the dog to adopt a good pace while walking. If your dog is always dragging behind you when you are walking, then you should consider taking the classes. After the training you will not have to pull him so as to put up with your pace.
It is advisable to initiate the dog training lessons immediately you bring the dog home. This will help you get rid of any unacceptable behavior that he or she has and train him to take your commands well. You should take this seriously as the dogs behavior will be based on how well he is trained. If you do not take the lessons, you will be allowing him to continue with the unacceptable behavior. After the lesions, you should be consistent with the commands otherwise the dog or puppy will go back to its old bad behavior.
Brooke McMillan is the author of this article on Dog Training.
Find more information, about ProTrain Memphis here


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7729413

Do you see what I see

The guide dog schools blog has done a few posts recently with pictures of some of their dogs in the training kennel.


Im never sure if Rudy is one of those dogs in the pictures they post - but the few photos below sure look like him!

Hopefully Ill be receiving his 4th report card in a few weeks.

I did get a "slight" update on Rudy, Tuesday evening. I got to talk briefly with one of SEGDIs trainers (that traveled up here to attend one of our puppy meetings) and, though shes not worked with Rudy on training - she did tell me Rudy was on her "feeding schedule" and hes doing good.

Ill be posting a PUPPY update shortly...


Rudys Raiser








Senin, 30 Mei 2016

GoodBye to All

If I dont get a chance to post tomorrow (once Im in FL), this will be my LAST post.
Im leaving it picture free, as you will then have more to see later on, once Im gone.
Ive yet to see my raiser cry, about me returning to the school - but I know shell be in tears, once she hands that lead over.
I know Ill miss her terrible - but I dont know how shes going to live life without me.
I really hope a wonderful trainer down at the school, will happen to snap lots of pictures of me - so then my raiser will be able to see how well Im doing.
I cant believe how soon these posts Im doing will be coming to a end. Im going to miss running a blog, and I know Ill try with all my might to get my new owner to let me run a blog.
A furry tearful goodbye to all, and Im sooo sorry Ive not been able to stop by your blogs lately - Ive been trying to save my time for my wonderful raiser.
I do hope to blog tomorrow while in FL, but if not - Goodbye!

Rudy - The dog with a blog

Dog Training Online How Good Are Home Dog Training Courses

Dog Training From Home

Dog training with an obedience instructor can vary in price and it usually takes place in a class. If you do the dog training yourself it is usually free and you can do it from your own home. You will soon see for yourself how effective a crate will make your dog training easier!. Many people find this part of dog training to be more common in puppies.

Should You Scold Your Dog?

Reprimanding is a type of dog training that should not be done unless necessary. It is possible that reward training for dogs has been around as long as there have been dogs to train. Early humans probably used some informal kind of reward training when taming the wolf pups that eventually evolved into modern dogs. Dogs are very much like small children and have short attention spans. See http://www.dogtraining-online.us/know-your-dog/opting-for-a-purebred-dog.html

Dogs are Simple Creatures..

But the dog is simply following its basic programming. Some collie owners acquire a family of ducks for their dog to "boss around;" this satisfies the dogs herding instinct and the ducks dont mind. Establishing yourself as pack leader to your dog is very important. Each dog pack only has one leader and in your case it must be you the human. Simple dog obedience training will not solve your dogs aggressive problems only some serious dog training will do the trick. Dog aggressiveness doesnt just mean biting; it means barking and lunging at people as well. Within a week your dog should sit when you tell him to.

Can Dogs Be Controlled?

Experts say that dog behaviors can be controlled through proper training. Dog behaviors are actually responses that are mostly triggered by environmental and social factors. Your best bet would be to maximize training of your dog when it decides to bark. Provide Adequate Food and Water - Provide food suited to your dogs age size and condition. Walk Your Dog - Your dog will let you know when it needs to be walked.


By: Beverley Brooke

Drama Diva Queen Featuring Capall

Meet Capall!

Capall is a 2 year old Bouvier DeFlanders! Hes a bundle of love, with a big heart, big paws, and big teeth! He has a habit of getting "mouthy" when playing with his family. Our job was to teach him that polite dogs dont put their teeth on humans!

With dogs over 5 months, we recommend you do not allow any teeth on humans. Some people like to rough house with their dog, however, a child playing with a mouthy dog might jerk her hand away, causing a scratch which may be mistaken for a vicious bite! Also, a dog who learns to communicate with his teeth could take it too far and hurt someone!

Dogs are very aware of what their teeth are touching -- they can feel even the slightest graze of a single tooth touching human skin. We use this to our advantage and teach that -- no teeth to human contact will be tolerated by playing a game called Drama Diva Queen!

Drama Diva Queen is a shun game. To play -- start a regular play session with your dog. 

If he nips or bites you (any bit of a tooth touches your skin) -- say "Ouch!" and dramatically turn your back! 

Shun your dog -- withhold all attention -- break any eye contact (dont even look at him) young children can cross their arms and turn their body away. Do not touch or scold your dog, just wait silently.

After 5-10 seconds return to playing with him as before. Repeat as necessary.

If you play this game correctly most dogs will get it in as soon as 2-3 training sessions!

Some tips on playing Drama Diva Queen:
  • A drag line or tether are effective management tools to use during this game. They prevent your dog from trying to follow you or jump up while you are shunning him. 
  • Try this game 3-5 times in a row. If your dog isnt getting the message, you may need to try a more advanced game like Out of the Pack, which you can find on Zen Dog Training Online. 
  • Allow minor playbiting with puppies under 5 months, play biting is an important learning stage. 
  • Use volume control -- for minor playbites a low level "Ouch" may be in order, but harder bites should result in a more dramatic "OUCH!" and you might result in you leaving the room for 30 seconds!

For more tips on how and when to use Drama Diva Queen and Out of the Pack, please visit Zen Dog Training Online

My Beautiful Boy

*(Written by Rudys Raiser)*
Hey guys, Rudys Raiser here... I was planning on letting Rudy post today, but when I checked the SEGDI guide dog trainers twitter page, I thought youd rather have a "different" update.


Most of you know, that my last guide dog puppy "Toby" returned to the guide dog school in April 2010 - he was "career changed" in October 2010. (He had severe allergies, and couldnt be a working guide dog). And in November/December 2010 Toby decided to try out life as a Search & Rescue dog, and last I heard, he loves it!

I was very happy to see a picture of my beautiful boy "Toby" (in his new career uniform) on the twitter page this morning.
He looks just like I remembered him, I cant believe its almost been a whole year since I turned him in!
For some more good news - the "3 month no contact" is almost up, and I will be (trying) to get in contact with Tobys handler next week.
(The school doesnt allow contact for 3 months, once the dog is placed in a new home - as they want the dog to "bond" with his/her new owner).
Ill be sure to update you all on him, once I hear more :)

BTW - Tobys 2nd birthday is coming up, hell be turning TWO YEARS OLD on March 27th.
(and Rudy is turning ONE year old on March 17th!).

Enjoy the picture below (of TOBY),

Rudys Raiser

Picture of Toby in a sit-stay wearing his service jacket, the front says Service K-9, you can see his handler standing beside him

Giveaway ends TODAY We Need YOUR Help Picking The Winners!

Hey furry friends - Happy 1st day of March :) I think it feels like Spring already.
If you arent like... totally ignoring our posts, then you should know by now, that MY Valentines Giveaway ends today... yes, TODAY.
March 1st 2011 is the LAST day to enter... so make sure to do so, remember - treats ARE involved :)
**New followers are welcome to enter.
Enough about entering the giveaway... on to how the WINNERS will be picked.
We need your ideas, my raiser is just planning on doing the boring "random.org" thing... but I want to do something cool.
Have an idea?? Feel free to leave it in a comment!
Some things weve tried before... that didnt work:
-Popping balloons (Um... I picked to many to pop)
-Picking a numbered piece of paper (since Im in training to be a guide dog... I know Im not suppose to touch paper - so that doesnt work!)
-Putting comment numbers on exact toys and me picking just 1 (haha... seeing from my last giveaway/contest - I wanted EVERYONE to win... as I picked up all the toys)
-Putting comment numbers on treats (everyone knows that you have to eat ALL of the treats)

So, excluding the above ideas... let me know what youve got!
Remember, 2 winners will be picked - if we dont decide a "cool way" to do it... my raiser will just go with the "random.org" thing.

Lots of new pictures of ME, coming furry soon :)
Tickling Tuesday kisses,

Rudy - The dog with a blog


Picture of Rudy in a down, with his face right at the Valentines stuffie

Minggu, 29 Mei 2016

A New Chapter in Life

*(Written by Brandons Raiser)*
We traveled down to FL this past weekend, and Brandon was turned In For Training "IFT" at the guide dog school on Saturday morning (October 13).
Brandon was extremely happy and excited to see all the other dogs and I know hes enjoying himself down there.
He started his new chapter in life on Saturday morning; this is a very exciting moment in time, not only for me as a puppy raiser - but also for Brandon, as he learns more and moves further along in his training.
It will be about 4 weeks before I hear any news about Brandon, but I will be sure to post all information on the blog, and keep you guys in the loop!
I will miss my furry yellow shadow, that went everywhere with me. Brandon was a joy to raise, and though he had some "hard times" it all ended well.  Im looking forward to seeing how Brandon progresses down at the guide dog school, and excited to see how it turns out.  GOOD LUCK BRANDON!
Enjoy the pictures below,

-Brandons Raiser



Picture of Brandon in a sit-stay beside me, at the FL welcome sign

Up close picture of Brandon & I at the FL welcome sign 

Picture of Brandon & I beside his "sign" at Southeastern Guide Dogs

Up close picture of Brandons sign - it even has a picture of Brandon, when he was 6 weeks old!

Picture of Brandon being handed over to one of the guide dog trainers - he sure seems excited! 

Picture of Brandon "hopping" away with the guide dog trainer

Picture of me doing a blind fold walk with  one of the "class ready"  dogs (a female black lab , named "Betty Jean")

Picture of Betty Jean & I doing a forward walk (with the guide dog trainer  on her left side, holding the leash)

After all the dogs were turned in... we soon headed to the PUPPIES... to do some much needed "puppy hugging"!
Picture of me holding a little yellow puppy

Picture of me holding a small black puppy, who is licking my face

Using a Confinement Area featuring Monroe


Meet Monroe!

Monroe is a 13 week old Puggle mix with a lot of things in life to love; his new family, his bed, his treats, and the couch (which he isn’t supposed to go on)! When you bring a new mischievous puppy into your house, its often hard to teach them our rules!

Zen Dog Training helped Monroe quickly learn the rules of house and rules of the world outside with an In Home Visit. Successful puppy training depends on having the proper Management Tools. With a new puppy full of innocent curiosity, a confinement area is a must!

A confinement area is a small, gated off, puppy-proof area where your dog can be restricted from wandering unsupervised. You should find a room with easy-to-clean floors and decide how best to puppy proof. For smaller or younger dogs an exercise pen or plastic play area works great!

In some cases we put up baby gates around the kitchen (a high-traffic area). It helps to remove books or anything low to the ground. Be careful with wooden furniture, wires -- remove anything tempting for a puppy who loves to explore the world with his mouth!

Confinement Areas bring many benefits. They prevent mischief by restricting your puppy to an area without too many things for him to destroy. They also prevent house-training accidents because we can more easily watch him. Finally, mistakes can be quickly cleaned and easy to see since they are limited to just one room.

Having a confinement area also helps teach independence, as soon as you bring a new puppy home you should start leaving him alone in his  confinement area for short intervals of time while you are home to get him used to not being the center of attention all the time. 

Finally, having a confinement area is a MUST if you have small children or other animals, like cats. Play can be limited to the confinement area and if rough puppy behavior gets out of hand -- small children can simply leave the room!

The idea is to encourage good behaviors by preventing them in the first place! Monroe now stays in his confinement area at times when it is difficult to monitor him, like: when answering the door, getting ready for work, or cooking dinner.
The best part is that housetraining, home alone training and even rough play with children can be managed with little effort from our part! 

For more information on Confinement Areas, Management Tools, and Puppy Training, visit Zen Dog Training Online.

Olive the Pit Mix

Meet Olive!

Olive is one energetic and joyful pup. She just about wagged herself to pieces when she met us, and continued the entire time we were there. We had to ask her owners to send us a picture because she was just too excited to stay still! While she was thrilled to be with us people, when around other dogs happy, bouncing Olive unfortunately became very unsure of herself.

When Olive would see a dog from a distance, she would first get very tense. As the distance grew smaller she would continue to stare and start to bark, and if the dogs met, Olive would run straight up to the other dog. This may not seem like a big deal to us, but in doggy language, Olive was being very, very rude. If she were human, it would be similar to pushing her way through a crowd, stomping up to a stranger, and yelling in their face “HI! MY NAME IS OLIVE! WHO ARE YOU?”

That doesn’t sound like someone you’d really want to stick around and meet, does it?

While Olive learned to be more confident and proficient in dog communication, we decided to teach her and her owners how to Leash Tango. The dance is simple:

When you see another dog, walk briskly towards him while keeping your own dog relaxed with Jolly Talk. If your dog pulls ahead, stop, take a step back and turn your dog back around to face you. Once you’ve spun your partner, head briskly back towards the other dog. Repeat this as often as the leash goes tight until you reach the other dog. A brisk walk-to-jog does help, but you want to avoid your dog rudely meeting strangers, so make sure to Leash Tango once or twice.

Playing Leash Tango accomplishes many good things at once. First of all, it keeps your dog from going straight at a stranger, and teaches them more appropriate behavior. It also helps the dog you are meeting; for dogs, turning to the side and not approaching straight on is the polite way of saying, “I’m friendly and I would like to meet you!” On top of that, Leash Tango keeps your leash loose. Since the leash is a direct line of communication, a tight leash signals tension. If the leash is loose, your dog is more likely to be relaxed as well. The first step of proper play is a good greeting, so use Leash Tango to help your pup get off to a good start!

To learn more about Leash Tango, as well as how dogs communicate, check out Zen Dog Training Online!

The long Awaited Email

As most of you know, Rudy headed IFT on May 30th, and Ive been "excitedly" awaiting the email/call letting me know if Rudy has passed his medicals and moved on to training.
Below is the email I found in my inbox this morning:
Subject: Al and Rudy
Hi - Your boys both passed their hip and medical evaluations, and will continue into guide dog training. Congrats!
Im so excited to finally know Rudy has passed his medicals, and Ill soon be receiving his report cards!
Fingers crossed for a good first report card! Best of luck Rudy & Al!

Rudys Raiser
Picture of Al (left) and Rudy (right)

Letter to New Dog Owners

Congratulations on the newest addition to your family!

Whether you have adopted a dog in need or purchased a pedigree pooch, owning a dog is a journey filled with love, excitement, and responsibility. If you’re reading this, then you’ve already taken the first step towards being a responsible dog owner by recognizing the need to teach your dog good manners.


Zen Dog Training is based on the idea that dogs communicate and learn differently than humans. In the past, this language barrier has made the training process frustrating for both dog and human partners. That’s why we created Zen Dog Training Online. Members have access to over eight hours of videos in 2-3 minute clips that cover everything from separation anxiety and housetraining to “The Six Puppy Essentials” and why it’s so important to start training as soon as your puppy arrives in his new home.

In our Theory section, we break down how to teach commands in a way that has been scientifically proven to be the fastest and easiest way for your dog to learn. By watching videos, reading our eBooks and playing our games, your dog will learn to understand you faster than you imagined possible!
With Zen Dog Training Online, we have provided you and your family all the tools you’ll need to create a training program that is simple, effective, and dog-friendly:
  • Printable eBooks to read and share with other members of your family
  • Videos to help you learn subtle training secrets
  • Our Five-Step Solution to Problem Behaviors
  • Over 45 specific solutions to common problems!
Our website is dedicated to teaching people how to humanely and gently communicate with their dogs to simply and effectively reach their training goals. We hope you join, learn new ways of understanding your dog and discover how to peacefully get the behaviors you want from your dog. Go ahead, log in, sit back, relax and start watching!

Have fun training,

Gordon


p.s. Although all dogs speak the same language, your dog is unique. If at any time you feel threatened by your dog or just think your dog may need special attention, contact a professional.

p.p.s. If you are lucky enough to live in the Boston area, call us to set up an In-Home appointment!

Sabtu, 28 Mei 2016

Happy Easter!!

Hey furry friends!
Im doing a quick post, to wish all of you a Happy Easter!
I just logged into my account... and found out that Ive just reached 300 followers!! (My "goal" before heading down to the school... was to reach at least 300 followers) - so today is a very Happy day!
I do have some "sad/exciting" news about ME... which Ill be posting soon.
Fur now, have a wonderful Easter and enjoy visiting with all your family/friends!

Rudy - The dog with a blog

Picture of Rudy staring at our little ducklings
Picture of Red & Rudy beside our ducklings

Chewy the Yorkie

Meet Chewy!

I know what youre thinking: what a shy little dog!

Well, I hate to tell you that youre wrong as wrong could be. This little girl is as bold as brass. She just looks shy because I happened to snap her photo as she took a breather after running round the grassy garden while Gordon and I spoke with her parents.

(Before you complain about the lack of full-frontal puppy cuteness, let me just say this: you try taking a picture of a nine-week-old Yorkie thats not out-of-focus and get back to me.)

Chewys parents had a lot of "New Puppy" questions, but something they were especially interested in was teaching their girl things like sit and down. Lucky for them, we had just finished updating Zen Dog Teaching Commands notesheet — after our editing spree, Gordon and I still had all of our tips and tricks fresh in our heads.

With a frisky pup like Chewy, finding something that will hold her focus is key; for her, it was a meaty treat. We showed her mom and dad how to turn that treat into a food lure that will help them coax Chewy into sitting, lying down and rolling over. After a few minutes of practice, this smart little girl was showing us how eager she was to learn, and showing her parents how consistent training is key. In time, shell be ready to move on to understanding hand signals and verbal commands.

To learn more about Teaching Commands and food lures, visit Zen Dog Training Online.

Jumat, 27 Mei 2016

Fresh Air

Fresh air is wonderful!
With this amazing weather outside, Rudys Raiser has been taking me on lots of furry fun walks. (Not only to visit with animals - but down the road too!).

On our last trip down the road, I got a whole new FUN exposure... walking beside a stroller - with a baby in it! (A family member was baby sitting).
She was soo cute, but I did very well at ignoring her while we walked down the road... though I did want to give her lots of kisses :)
Rudys Raiser thinks Im doing much better with not pulling (as you can see in the video clips below), and she really enjoyed taking me on the walk.
She did decide to walk me in harness most of the time (I did get to do a "fun walk" - out of harness for a little while), as she wanted me to work "both styles" (in/out of harness) and I needed some more exposure with the harness.
All in all, she said I behaved very well - she did take some pictures (see below) that I hope you enjoy :)
Have a wonderful Thursday!

Al - Rudys Brother

P.S. Rudy comes home THIS Saturday... which is when his Valentines Giveaway ends - so make sure to stop by and enter!




Picture of Al in harness in a stand-stay beside the stroller & baby. My sister is holding him

Picture of Al in harness walking beside the baby stroller (Im walking him - my sister is pushing the stroller)


Rudys Raiser working me...

(Movie of Al & I walking down the road, Al is in harness walking beside me. We are walking away from the camera, but I then tell Al "Right about" and we then walk toward the camera - Al does very well at not pulling)



(Movie of Al (in harness) & I walking beside the baby stroller my sister is pushing - Al ignores both the stroller & baby)

Irresistibly Cute!

Brandon is doing great, his house training is coming along wonderfully and he attended his first college class (slept right through it!) with me this morning.
But on to the furry cute PHOTOS...
I did take Brandon outside (with a camera!) yesterday and took a few nice pictures; he really didnt care to "sit still" for long, but I managed.
I will be doing the drawing with the "name game" contest winners (hopefully!) tomorrow; dont think I forgot about it!
Enjoy the furry cute pictures below, and dont worry, Ive got lots more to come :)
Brandons Raiser


Photo of Brandon walking towards the camera

Photo of Brandon in a sit-stay on the grass; hes staring right at the camera with a very cute face!
Photo of Brandon staring at the camera while laying in the grass
Photo of Brandon laying on his back asleep

Templeton the Hound Mix

Meet Templeton!

This little guy was adopted at four months old and now lives happily in Arlington. Gordon and I got to spend a couple hours with him to work on his leash-walking and overly-excited greetings.

See, Templetons the kind of dog whos so thrilled to meet new people that he jumps up all over them with the hopes of planting a kiss on their faces. Unfortunately, not everyone enjoys a sloppy lick hello as much as Templeton — not to mention fresh pawprints across a nice article of clothing. We needed to show this guy that hes more likely to be greeted enthusiastically himself if he behaves calmly and politely with friends, guests and people he meets on a walk.

Speaking of going on walks... Templeton may look small and unassuming, but hes actually 100% muscle. He particularly enjoys resistance training... especially when hes building strength by pulling his owner down the street with his leash.

Though Templetons a special dog, his issues are actually quite common — which meant that we had easy Zen Dog solutions to help him drop his bad habits. By doing a few simple exercises every day, Templeton can learn to behave properly with people, even if he meets them on-leash.

Wordless Wednesday No Biting Allowed

Picture of Al and Liberty playing together...

Al - Rudys Brother

Trust me... she used the "NO" command, after snapping this picture :)

Kamis, 26 Mei 2016

Stella the Yellow Lab

Meet Stella!

A four-month-old puppy and, as we were told, a bundle of Lab-ish mischief. Before we arrived at their home, we pictured the typical lab greeting: incredibly excited puppy anxious to jump all over us, smothering us with attention... then trying to chew off our shoelaces.

When we arrived, Stella’s dad came out to meet us; we had a fantastic “nice to meet you” chat and slowly made our way inside. Immediately, we realized that something was wrong! Where was the whirling dervish? Why were our shoes still tied? And why was it so darn quiet and peaceful?!

We took a look around the living room and finally saw a pair of emerald eyes looking at us from a crate next to the couch. And even though she was dying to meet us (and boy was she excited when we let her out) Stella knew that during crate-time she was expected to be calm, settled and quiet. Wow! What an easy, fun visit it turned out to be! The hard work was already done for us!

Starting from her first night home, Stella had been introduced her to the crate and understood the ground rules. The crate was to be her happy place. She was fed meals in her crate. Her crate had a towel to block out the light. Inside she had a soft washable bed, her favorite chewy, and a food dispensing toy (Busy Buddy).

Since dogs are den animals, they tend to want a safe, quiet place to call their own. By properly introducing Stella to her crate, her family had created a place for her to feel safe and — best of all — those "tough" new puppy problems were easier to solve!

  • Housetraining becomes a breeze since you know when your dog is full. If theyve just had water, then went to sleep in their crate for 30 minutes....than you know they probably have to go pee? Now you can show them where you want them to go and reward them when they do!
  • Independence training, the most important (but often overlooked) skill to teach a young puppy is almost effortless if you practice sometimes leaving your dog in the crate — while you are home. That new puppy over-the-top, nervous, attention-seeking, whining and crying for attention can be safely ignored.
  • Destructive chewing becomes easier to stop because you dont have to think about your dog all the time. With puppy in the crate, you can put in a movie or make dinner without worrying if your dog is chewing the cable wire or peeing behind the couch.
  • Separation anxiety can be avoided because your dog learns that when you are around they are not always the center of attention. Of course, crating a dog who already has Separation Anxiety can be harmful! (Call your Zen Dog Trainer for help!)

Bottom line, the crate is an invaluable tool when living with a puppy — or with a dog of any age. It is instrumental to house training, and a place where a wound-up, over-tired, puppy can learn to settle-down and take a nap.

To learn more about crate training your dog check out our Separation Anxiety or Housetraining eBooks at Zen Dog Training Online.

Shopping

Brandon has been quite busy lately; and has a WHOLE lot of updating to do - but fur now Ill update you on Brandons shopping experience...
For just having Brandon for a little over 1 week, he has really been busy going places. Not only did he attend college classes with me; and some random stores around us - he took a trip with (some) of my family & I, to go surprise some awesome friends of ours, that were a few states away.
Brandon & I stayed at their house for a few days (he did GREAT!) and we did a LOT of shopping while we were there. He went to a HUGE mall with us, and went in about every store imaginable! Of course Brandon is a little young to be doing lots of walking, so he was carried from store to store - but once we went into a store, he was put on the ground to do a "little" bit of exploring. Leaving all the distractions alone, Brandon did amazingly well!
We also went down-town shopping were our friends lived, and Brandon got to visit cute jewelry shops, clothing stores, museums and much more!
All in all, Brandon is doing wonderful with his training, and has met more people than I can count!

Brandons Raiser


What Brandon does best while I shop: SLEEP!

Picture of Brandon sleeping on the floor - far in front of him is some jewelry

Picture of Brandon sleeping on the floor; while one of my friends holds a pair of blue earrings beside him - doesnt seem like Brandon cares much! But hey, they do match his coat!

Picture of Brandon sleeping in the shopping buggy - behind him you can see the CANDY section! (My boy knows how to shop!)

Picture of Brandon sitting up in the buggy; behind him you can see aisles of food