Bath Time!

I love seeing the green buds on the trees and the flowers pushing up through the dirt. And isn't it great to have warmer temps outside! But you know what that also means?  Not only is it Spring but Mud Season too! Muddy paws and stinky dogs are going to be the norm for the next couple of months.

Now, I understand what a chore washing your dog may be to you. It is for me too! Especially when there is more than one muddy dog! Yikes!! By the time I am done washing two or three dogs my back is killing me. Sure there are raised tubs available but I don't have one. What I do have in my tub is a wash cloth bar. By leashing my dog and tying it to the bar,

my dog can't jump out of the tub. If you don't have a bar perhaps you could figure out how to tie it to the faucet or handles.  

This I can't do without! I absolutely love is my hand held sprayer. I attach it to the sink faucet and can easily rinse my pup. You can find this at most pet stores and online. Having this sprayer will make the job easier and less messy.

Lastly all shampoo is not alike; especially for dogs. I have found the ingredient that makes the soap lather, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), is not so good for dogs. I don't know if it is fact or fiction but when I used regular dog shampoo I caused more problems with my dog's skin. So now I look for SLS free shampoo and Daisy's skin is no longer red or itchy.

Washing your dog may not be your favorite thing to do but it has huge benefits in the relationship department. It builds trust and confidence in both of you.  Don't want any mess? Take your pup to a Doggie Wash. You will still be able to enjoy a squeaky clean pup and when your dog shakes get ready for your shower.

Click to view larger......her face is hilarious!

Out of the DogHouse LLC website www.ohiodogtrainr.net

Contact Dru Therrian 440.286.9070

Gotta Walk

You know you need it and so does your dog. But the view out your window doesn't look appealing, in fact it looks rather dreary. If you have one of these hanging around you may as well dust it off (like me) and put it to good use. What am I taking about? My treadmill of course! And making sure I walk the dog even when it is Yucky out. Getting outside can be difficult especially when the promise of Spring means rain and SNOW...well here in northeast Ohio anyways!!

Depending on your dog's sense of adventure, you may have to get him use to going on the treadmill. I find, if it is possible, to go on the treadmill with your dog to have your dog walk by your side. Once your dog is comfortable you can stand next to the treadmill while your dog walks alone but hey! why not get some exercise yourself?

It may take a bit of practice to have your dog like going on the treadmill. I do have a written step by step process. If you are interested write me at dru@geaugadogtrainer.com and I will send it to you. 

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

Is Your Joy Ride a Nightmare?

Does your dog love or hate the car? Most dogs love it, can't wait to go and will be at your door the minute they hear your keys jingle. Other dogs may be afraid due to motion sickness, road noise or even claustrophobic! Then there are the few dogs that take the car ride as another opportunity to control the world by racing across the seats, jumping at the window or having their head out of the window barking at everything they pass.

This topic is too large to cover everything so let's stick to getting dogs in and having them stay put.

Back when my kids were little, a McDonald's Happy Meal always helped get through a long car ride. And what's in a Happy Meal? Food and a toy. You can do the same thing with your dog, especially when they are nervous and afraid. 

Feeding your dog in the car could help them adjust by creating a Happy Atmosphere. If your dog won't even go near the car you can feed them next to it or play with their favorite toy. Using food and toys can help your dog overcome their fear.

Remember this is an emotional problem and it will take a while to help your dog become more comfortable while riding in the car. The goal is to create a calmer state of mind. We want Happy not Crazy. 

Honestly, I want Quiet and Content. Safety is a real issue as well. So another way to stop our dogs from bouncing all over the car is to tether them. Sure you can buy a doggie seat belt but the leash will work quite fine.  You can anchor your leash by tying it to the car head rest or you and shut the door on it and secure it with a knot on the out side.

You don't even have to move your car out of the garage to practice. Just get in the car, buckle up (puppy too) and take advantage of the time to make phone calls or send your texts; Your dog will learn to wait patiently. When you are ready to start the engine then you will be less distracted and the road will be safe for everyone.

Out of the DogHouse LLC website www.ohiodogtrainer.net

Contact Dru Therrian 440.286.9070

Mission Dog-Possible: The Hunt for Squirrels

 Meet Benny: 

A Sweet , Lovable, Snuggle-pup
and Notorious Squirrel Chaser. 

Here is his Archenemy: The Squirrel

Our Mission: To teach Benny not to Chase Squirrels 

or to Come When Called.

Our dilemma has been not finding any Squirrel Distractions. You would think in a city known for Maple Syrup we would be overrun with squirrels!! Not our luck and we have tried! I have taken Benny numerous places to practice with not a sight of any squirrels. So as not to waste our time we practiced Coming when Called. Benny is now a champ at that.

So what do you do if you can't find a squirrel? You build one!

Remote Control Motorized Squirrel

Prologue: 

1. Dogs must get use to strange Squirrel like item. 
2. Dogs must not be afraid of crazy sounds and movement.
3. Dogs need to be interested enough to chase it. 

Check this out!

Now Benny gets his chance!




Epilogue:
Benny finally gets the chance to chase a squirrel. Interesting turn of events: maybe the lack of squirrel chasing over the past few days has decreased Benny's desire because in the video clip it takes a bit of prompting for Benny to even go after the squirrel. Once he does, I let him check out the situation, call him Come and he returns a Hero!

This film is not edited and I let Benny do his own acting.

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