Saving money on food

In this video you will get a quick look into a helpful hint:  saving money on dog food.

People throw away 100s of dollars in food every year.  Sometimes we forget about something in the back of the fridge, or we just can't eat that same left over any longer.  One easy way to help stretch your food budget is too give your dog some of these left-overs.  Be sure to check that any food you'd like to give your dog is actually ok for them to have before you give it to them.  Also keep in mind to avoid any foods your dog may have an allergy to.

We give our dogs tons of left overs:  from rice and sweet potatoes, to all kinds of fruits and veggies.  This will help stretch your food dollar by not wasting as much food.  Every time you add a little human food to your dog's regular meal, you give them a little less of their kibble.  Everybody wins, plus your dog will love you for the extra yummies.

Related Blog articles:
Trainer Tip:  Human food for your dog.
Picking a good dog food.
Trainer Tip:  Begging.

Below are some examples of some of the things our dogs have gotten recently.

Bananas (& blueberries) are a favorite.

Be sure to mash and mix into kibble.

Cucumbers (excellent any time)

& broccoli (use sparingly)

Green beans, sweet potato fries, & chicken.

Green beans & rice.

Rice & Chicken.

Mmm...green bean :)

Devo is always very happy after green beans.

Trainer Tip Video: Walking a scared or timid dog

Today's Trainer Tip Video:
How to walk a scared or timid dog.  Featuring Sherman, the bulldog.

When it comes to a dog that is scared, timid, or unsure, the most important thing you need is patience.  You must be patient and allow the dog to take extra time in exploring a new place or moving out into the world.  Be sure to encourage the dog with any movement forward or movement towards whatever they may be scared of.  Only use "baby talk" when the dog is doing what you like.  Remember that any time you reward a dog (which baby talk is a reward), you are letting the dog know you like the behavior they are doing.  This is why you should NEVER "baby talk" a dog that is scared.  By saying "its ok, its ok" you are actually unintentionally encoring the dog to continue the scared behavior.  Obviously this is not what you want.
For more information on this, 
please review What's rewarding to Dogs

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3 Things on your body that are Rewarding to Dogs:

1.  Voice

2.  Eye Contact

3.  Touch

Anytime you engage your dog in one of these things, you are rewarding them and encouraging whatever behavior they are currently doing.  This is important to keep in mind so you do not unintentionally reward bad or unwanted behaviors.  

Example:  when a dog jumps up on you to greet you, the proper thing to do is cross your arms and turn your back while saying nothing.  

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When using the leash in training a scared or timid dog, be very careful how you do so.  Never just pull on the leash and drag the dog while not releasing the tension on the leash.  What you want to teach any dog about walking on a leash is that a loose leash is good and pulling or tension on the leash is bad.  So when walking a scared dog, you want to pull the leash just enough until the dog starts moving forward on their own.  As soon as that happens, be sure to release the tension on the leash.  By doing this, we are communicating with the dog that we like that he is moving forward.  However if you continue to pull on the leash and there is always tension, the dog will never learn how to move forward on his own.


Related Blog Links:
Trainer Tips Video:  How to Walk your dog on a leash
Common Training Terms
Training Terms Help

Trainer Tips--Pulling towards an object on Leash

Breed of the Month:  Bulldog
Proper Leadership
Other Helpful Commands
Reward Marker or telling your dog "Good"

Trainer Tip Video: Walk no matter the weather

Today's Trainer Tip:
Get out and walk your dog, no matter the weather.

It is very important for your dog to get good daily exercise.  This does not change just because the weather may not be favorable.  So grab your rain coat or snow suit and get out there and walk!


Related Blog articles:
Video:  How to walk on a leash.
Indoor dog games
National walk your dog day
The Shade Walk

Trainer Tip Video: Getting your dog used to Touch

Today's Trainer Tip:
Getting your dog used being touched/ Dog Exam.

It is very important to be able to touch your dog on any part of their body.  If your dog becomes injured you and/or your vet will need to be able to exam your dog and also potentially apply medicine to an area.  This also includes getting your dog used to being groomed or brushed.


Related Blog articles:
Trainer Tips:  Dog Exam
Trainer Tips:  Dog Care Essentials
Trainer Tips:  Lavender Oil
Trainer Tips:  Shedding
Trainer Tips:  Puppy Nipping
Trainer Tips:  Avoiding Injury

Trainer Tip Video: How to Claim an Object

Today's Trainer Tip:

How to Claim an Object from your dog.

Trainer Tip Video: Is Human food okay for your dog?

Today's Trainer Tip:
Is Human food okay for your dog.


Related Links:
Trainer Tips:  Picking a good dog food.
Trainer Tips:  Begging.

Trainer Tip Video: How to Walk your Dog on a Leash

Today's Trainer Tip:

How to properly walk your dog on a Leash.

Loose Leash Walking:

Loose leash walking (LLW) means that a dog walks nicely, not pulling on the leash, and not completely all over the place.  LLW is not the same thing as Heel.  To teach a proper Heel, you must first teach LLW.

Consistency is very important when teaching LLW.  Doing this technique is actually very easy, but does require a LOT of patience.  Remember to stay calm.  If you are calm and consistent, your dog will be walking nicely on a leash in about a week.

To begin, go out for a walk with your regular 4-6 foot leash and buckle collar properly fitted to your dog’s neck (so they can’t slip out).  As soon as there is tension on the leash, you have two options:

When the dog pulls:  1)  Stop and wait for the DOG to move in a way that releases the tension.  When s/he does, continue walking.

2)  Say “Let’s Go!” and walk off in the opposite direction.

It is best to try and do option #1 as much as possible.  Be sure that when you stop and wait, you do not move in a way that is releasing the tension on the leash…the dog must do it.

REMEMBER:  Patience!  Patience!  Patience!

Trainer Tip Video: Dogs who like to Dig.

Today's Trainer Tip:

Dogs who like to dig.

If you have a dog who likes to dig, find an outlet for that digging.  The best place you can do that is at the beach.

Trainer Tip Video: Beach Fetch

Today's Trainer Tip:
Enjoy a game of fetch at the beach with your dog.

Fetch:

Fetch is very helpful game that every owner should teach their dog.  It is an excellent  way to exercise your dog without wearing yourself out. 

Rules of Fetch:

1. Dog must Sit.
2. Dog must Look.
3. Fetch.
4. Dog returns toy.
5. Dog drops toy.
6. Repeat.

To start, we must have a toy that the dog likes.  Get the dog interested in the toy, then throw it a 2-4 feet away.  Say “Fetch” as you throw the toy in a very energetic, excited voice.  When the dog reaches the toy, praise if he touches it with his mouth.  Encourage the dog to pick up the toy.  When he does, say your “Good!”  Use Come when Called to encourage the dog to return to you with the toy.  If the dog drops the toy along the way, give your “Uh-oh,” return to the toy and encourage the dog to pick it up again.  When the dog returns with the toy, DO NOT REACH OUT TO GRAB IT.  The dog must learn to bring it to you.  Once the dog is within one foot of you, grab the toy and encourage the dog to drop using your “Drop It” command.  When he does, give your “Good!”  Have the dog Sit.  Good!  Wait a few second; use the toy to practice “Look.”  Once the dog looks in your eyes, throw the toy and say “Fetch.”

Trainer Tip Video: Having your dog Off Leash

Today's Trainer Tip:
Having your dog Off Leash.

Trainer Tip Video: Adventures near home

Today's Trainer Tip:
find an adventure near home...

Trainer Tips--5 seconds of quiet

When dealing with an anxious dog that barks and whines to get out of his crate, kennel, or room...
WAIT for 5 SECONDS OF QUIET before releasing your dog.  This reinforces to the dog that only quiet behavior will get him what he wants.