Kula friends

We had a lovely time visiting friends upcountry in Kula.

Ahsoka trying to get Nalu to play.

Caravaggio chilling on our friend's deck.

Dog accessories

Today's video goes over some basic dog accessories you can get for your dog including, leashes, collars, harnesses, head collars, dog backpacks, swimwear, muzzles, and a treat pouch.



Related Blog Articles:

Come when Called:  Off Leash
Puppy Supply Check List
Choosing an Anti-Bark Collar
Trainer Tips:  Dog Care Essentials
Trainer Tips:  Puppy Potty Pads
Shock Collars
Trainer Tips:  Alternatives to Shock Collars
Chewing Deterrents
Dog Crates & Kennels
Retractable Leash
Slip Collar
Prong & Pinch Collar
Head Collars

Dog Friends

Some of our dog friends.

Flap, Ahsoka, Caravaggio, & Devo having some fun in Launiupoko.

Athena with Devo, Lucy, & Ahsoka.

Devo & Flap.

Flap.

Lola & Devo.

Caravaggio & Luna.

Bambu in her bicycle basket.

Spin: Trick Training

Teach your dog some cool tricks to show off to your friends and neighbors.  Today's trick is Spin.  To teach this we will be using a food lure.  Place some good smelling food in front of the dog's nose and slowly move it so that the dog follows it and spins in a circle.  Once the dog is again facing you, initiate a sit.  When the dog sits, give your "Good" and reward.  Continue practicing until you are able to move your hand further and further away.  Eventually you should be able to the hand signal while standing upright and your dog will respond.  This is one fun and easy trick you can teach your dog.  I also like teaching them to spin both directions.  I call one way "Spin" and the other "Back Spin."  Some dogs may only want to spin one way at first, that's ok.  Get them used to spinning that one way until they really get the idea of it, then try again to spin them the opposite way.  If your dog is not getting it, try slowing down and moving the food very, very slowly to get them to follow it.


Related Blog articles:

Dog Training:  Heel
Indoor Dog Game:  Go Find

Homemade Dog Treats--Pumpkin & Peanut Butter

Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Treat One:

1 cup pumpkin puree
2 eggs
1/2 cup oats
3 cups flour
3 tablespoons peanut butter


1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2.  In a small bowl, stir together the flour and oats.
3.  In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin, and peanut butter until combined.  
Stir wet ingredients into dry.
4.  Pour onto a floured surface and roll dough out to 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.  Cut with cookie cutter.
5.  Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
6.  Let completely cool before giving to dog.  Store in airtight container in freezer.


Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Treat Two:

1 cup oats
1/3 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup peanut better

Note:  We quadrupled the recipe in order to use a full can of pumpkin puree.

1.  Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
2.  Add the oats to a food processor and grind until they reach a fine powder.  Add in the pumpkin and peanut better and blend until a sticky dough is formed.
3.  Roll out on a floured surface.  Cut with cookie cutter.
4.  Bake for 25-30 minutes.
5.  Let completely cool before giving to dog.  Store in airtight container in freezer.

Important Note:  Be sure your peanut better does NOT contain Xylitol as this is toxic to dogs.


Other Helpful Blogs:
Home made Dog Treats:  Applesauce & Carrot
Home made Dog Treats:  Chicken & Yogurt
Summer Dog Snack
Trainer Tip:  Human Food for your dog
Trainer Tip:  Picking a good dog food
Trainer Tip:  Save money on dog food
Trainer Tip:  Begging 

Launiupoko Hike

Fun hike in Launiupoko today.

When your friend pushes you down the water slide.

Ahsoka.

Caravaggio & Ahsoka.

Water fun with Caravaggio, Luna, & Ahsoka.

Remember to get your dog their Lepto shot (and all other shots) if you're going to do hikes like this.

Don't forget to randomly practice your recall on hikes to keep your dog coming back to you every time!

Ahsoka, Luna, Caravaggio, & Devo.

Puppy Ping Pong

Puppy Ping Pong, a game to practice and build up your training of Come when Called.  This video features Charlie, a 5-month-old King Charles Cavalier.

When teaching your dog "Come when Called" it is helpful to play a game that we call Puppy Ping Pong.  For this game you need at least two people and one dog.  The main part of this game is to practice the Come command.  Always reward when your dog comes to you, then practice one or two other commands, such as sit, down, look, or any tricks you may be teaching your dog.  Then the next person will call the dog.  Start off about 10 feet away from each other.  As the dog improves, start moving further away and then around obstacles like a wall or tree so that you are out of sight and the dog has to find you.  It is important that if it is not your turn to call and interact with the dog, that you ignore the dog.  It will much harder for the dog to run to the other person if you are looking at them, smiling, or otherwise engaging the dog.  Communicate with your partner during this game so they know when it is their turn to call the dog.

Come when Called:

The Rules:

1.  Always have a leash (or fenced-in area).

2.  When you say come, you have to see it happen.

3.  NEVER punish a dog for coming to you.

The Steps:

1. Say the dog’s name, and Come.  ONE TIME ONLY.
2. Have a party.
3. Lure the dog back to you.

When first teaching a dog Come when called, we start with step 1 & 3.  Standing directly in front of the dog (No distance), put the treat in the dog’s nose, say the dog’s name and Come (one time), then quickly back up a few steps.  When the dog follows, stop, say “Good!” and give the treat.  (See video:  Come when Called Part One).

Other helpful articles:

Come when Called:  Part One

Come when Called:  Part Two

Come when Called:  Off Leash

Come with Distractions