Is it Time for a Peticure?

Too most folks, one of the least favorite things to do to their dog is TRIM their Nails!I agree! It can be daunting but I believe doing it yourself is so beneficial in many ways.

Click, click, click is the sound you hear as your dog crosses the non-carpet floors. Perhaps your dog's nails get worn down naturally on a daily walk or run on sidewalk. Lucky dog! But most pooches need a "Peticure" more often than believed.

I know you are terrified!
1. You think you will hurt your dog
2. Your think you make your dog bleed.
3. Maybe you think your dog will bite you?

I will tell you it is going to be a Wrestling Match! Get ready to Leg Wrestle your dog to be able to hold him steady and grab those paws. My tool of choice is the Guillotine style but there is the Scissor style and the Dremel: which is a motorized sanding drum tool. And if your dog is a biter, get professional help.

It is easier to see the blood vein or Quick in white/clear nails. Look for the pink triangle part of the nail. Black or dark nails are a little trickier but learn what to look for and be conservative in your trimming. I found this link online that has a good photo illustration. http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/ClientED/dog_claws.aspx

With a little courage and instruction you can do it! And those benefits I mentioned? First and foremost is Trust! You will learn to trust yourself and your dog will learn to trust you when you do a good job. Other benefits? Wouldn't a dose of Confidence and Happiness that you did it your self be nice?!!

So, if your dog's nails are looking like a Parrot's Beak it is time to get a "Peticure"!

Out of the DogHouse LLC website www.ohiodogtrainer.net
Contact Dru Therrian 440.286.9070

Door Busters

Ever get knocked over by a doggie tornado? Just tell your dog it's time to GO and open your door! Chances are you will spinning around like a toy top when your dog goes blowing by!

Keep in mind "He who controls the door has the keys to the Kingdom". Regain control by being in charge of the doorway. You can slow down your dog's approach to the door by using a leash. The leash will help "put on the brakes". Walk your dog up to the door.

The second tool is YOU! Keep your back to the door and face your dog. Use your body to block the doorway and do not allow your dog to pass through until you give the A-OK. Make your dog sit. Practice having him stay in that position while you open up the door. If your dog moves tell him No and to Sit again. When you are ready, doesn't matter whether you go out first or send your dog through, your dog needs to wait until told to move.

I am adding a little video of the dogs I have here in training. Here is my cast: Jasper is the German Shepherd, Henry is the Red Fox Lab and Daisy is my Lovable Mutt. A lot of door work has already been practiced so I have now progressed to no leashes. They do a great job and now that the dogs know what to do and how to behave, we are all ready to Go.



Out of the DogHouse LLC website www.ohiodogtrainer.net
Contact Dru Therrian 440.286.9070

How about a Walk?

Did you forget something? I am sure your dog will tell you. OH yeah! I need to walk the dog! Some days it's like that. Life is super busy and you barely have a moment to just sit down. Well, there's your dog in front of you. You may be looking into "Puppy Dog" eyes or you may be seeing your dog bouncing off the walls, running  over your furniture like a roller coaster! Either way, a 10 minute walk may help you out.

Walking the dog is just part of owning a pet. And really, it is the best way to interact with your dog. Why? Dogs are pack animals and it is inherent in them to move as a group. You and your dog make up the "Pack".

Now, your dog may walk beautifully! No pulling ahead, sniffing or peeing on every mail box, tree or bush. But if your dog doesn't walk nicely and that is what's keeping you on the couch, especially when you are dead tired, you can change that.

1. Proper Equipment:

• Prong collar worn high on the neck behind their ears.
• 5' or 6' leash. Soft and supple in your hands.

2. Proper Position:

• On your left side preferably. Or right! Choose one and stick with to it.
• The dog's head slightly behind your leg.

3. Proper Attitude:

• Be confident.
• Move with a Mission.

click to see larger

Now you are ready! Go wipe the dust off your leash and take your dog for a walk. Or teach your dog to Fetch it for you!

Out of the DogHouse LLC website www.ohiodogtrainer.com
Contact Dru Therrian 440.286.9070

Expectations

 

You remember this game don't you? "Mother May I?" All us kids would wait our turn at the opposite side of the yard to ask the "Mother" if we could do 25 baby steps or 15 bunny hops.  We would wait hopefully for her answer of Yes or No. Then the "Mother" would tell us what we could do. Once we heard her reply we knew exactly what we were to do to get closer to win the game.

Somewhat like the game, our dogs do things that require a specific answer of Yes or No. It is up to us to act like the "Mother" of the game and let our dogs know if they may or may not do "it".

We can build our dog's expectations and help them predict what will happen with the words we use. At Out of the DogHouse, all dogs learn Marker Words. These are words we will say to our dogs after they hear a command based on if our dog chooses to do it or not. The words will "Mark" the moment the dog is right or wrong.

We teach our dog that Yes (getting it right) will result in food or non food reward when they follow the command. If the dog does not follow the command, you say NO. Your dog will understand they made a mistake, they are not getting a reward, there will be a consequence coming and then the dog has to do the command anyways. Trust me, dogs will learn to like hearing Yes and respond willingly based on their expectation of what happens because of the Marker word.

You can help your dog make better choices with a consistent response of Yes or No. Knowing what to expect helps to build trust for both you and your dog. Be honest and fair with your dog and then you can expect a happy outcome.

Out of the DogHouse LLC website www.ohiodogtrainer.net
Contact Dru Therrian 440.286.9070

The Best Command EVER!

Of  course, a rock, solid, recall such as "Come" is essential for every dog to know. But the command "Place" will add Peace and Harmony to you and your dog's life.

And guess what else? It doesn't take much to get this command right!

What's it like when Company comes over? Do you lock your dog up in the spare bedroom? Is your dog crated then let out after your guests have settled in. Do you have rules for your guests? Don't look or touch the dog. Do you find your self apologizing for the dog before your guests even enter your house.

Wouldn't this be a dream come true? Dogs laying still, not jumping all over your guests!

 



Let me tell you dreams can come true. With this "Place" command, dogs are taught to stay until released.

Here is how you teach the Best Command Ever.

1. Choose a comfy dog bed.

2. On leash, walk your dog on to the dog bed.

3. Wait for your dog to settle.

4. Tell your dog "Good".

5. Say "Let's Go", then walk your dog off the dog bed.

That's it! Alright, so yes, you must practice! You must build duration. You can make "Place" the greatest ever by rewarding with food while your dog is on it. But the deal is, your dog doesn't have to be in any position such as Sit or Down. Just STAY on it!!! Also your dog needs to understand there will be no getting off of it until you say so.

So get ready to teach the Best Command EVER and you will have Peace of mind and a Place for your dog to be when the door bell rings.

Out of the DogHouse LLC website www.ohiodogtrainer.net
Contact Dru Therrian 440.286.9070