Puppy loves water

So I was extra excited to come to work at Hot Dog Walking for doggie daycare recently.  A cute little puppy had joined us for the day.  I was never told his breed, but he's a Labrador Retriever is I ever saw one.  True to his breed, this little guy, named Bosco, was very excited about water.  He stayed rather close to the dog's drinking water all afternoon, even while napping.  What a wonderful, cute little guy!  I very much enjoyed watching him have a good time.

I really like water!

This is puppy Bosco playing one of my favorite, well-mannered regular dogs, Meeko.

Trainer Tips--The Game of Chase

Some trainers will tell you not to play the game of chase with your dog.  This is not necessarily true.  If you have a dog that is a runner and likes to escape and you end up "playing chase" to try and catch them on a regular basis, then the game of chase really isn't for you.  Otherwise, if your dog enjoys playing this game, it is okay to do.  Just keep in mind a few simple rules for the game of chase.

Rule #1:  ALWAYS end a game of chase by having the dog come to you.  We want the dog to understand that running from you is only part of the game.  If you always end the game with the dog coming to you, he will not make a habit of just randomly running away from you.  If your dog has a poor recall or does not come when called at all, do not play this game!

Rule #2:  Never play the game of chase for more than a few minutes.  Chase can be fun for getting out a few extra spurts of energy, but you should try and focus most often on interactive games with your dog, such as fetch.

I'm gonna get you...

Run!

When the game is over, the dog(s) must Come to you.

Good dogs!

LOTS of petting and praise for coming to you after the game is over.  

We always end all playtime games (chase, fetch, etc) with the command of "All Done."

Breed of the Month--Swedish Vallhund

Swedish Vallhund


Color:  Steel gray, reddish yellow, grayish yellow, grayish brown, reddish brown, white markings.
Height:  Males:  12.5-14 inches/  Females:  12-14 inches
Weight:  20-35 lbs
Life Span:  13-15 years


Breed Health Concerns:  Hip dysplasia, renal dysplasia, cryptorchidism, patellar luxation.


Coat:  Double coat.  Dense, soft, woolly, undercoat/ close, harsh, tight, water-repellant outercoat.
Country of Origin:  Sweden

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.

Closely related to the Corgi, the Swedish Vallhund, meaning "forest dog," has worked as a multipurpose farm dog for years.  The Swedish Vallhund was known for his abilities to be a good watchdog, ratter, and cattle driver.  The breed declined in the 1930s and was revitalized by a breeder named Count Bjorn von Rosen.

Alert, energetic, watchful, and fearless, the Swedish Vallhund enjoys vocalizing his happiness and is a natural showoff.  When properly socialized, the Vallhund does well with other pets and children.

Exercise:
A brisk daily walk will keep the Swedish Vallhund physically and mentally fit.  This breed is naturally active.  It is important to keep the weight of a Swedish Vallhund monitored as he is a hearty eater.

Grooming:
Normal weekly brushing is necessary and extra brushing during shedding times.

Training:
It is vitally important for the Swedish Vallhund to be socialized early on to all kinds of situations, animals, and people.  This breed is devoted and responsive and is easily trained with positive reinforcement.