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: Socialization

Today's Trainer Tip:
Socialization

Proper Socialization:  Is teaching a dog to not react to stimuli by desensitizing him to every day things. 


Related Blog Articles from Such Good Dogs:
Proper Dog Socialization
Socialization
Dog Birthday Party
Wilma Cat
Pack Walk
Dog Friends
Island Dogs
Caravaggio Loves Cats
Dog Parks
Adding a second dog to your pack
Introducing your dog to the cat

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...

A whole new video world...

I have officially decided to start doing more videos with Such Good Dogs.  
Working several jobs has made it difficult for me to make videos on a regular basis in the past.  After a great talk with my husband, we have decided it is time to start having some fun.

I will be doing videos as close to daily as possible.  The goal is to give out little bits of dog training knowledge each day while also showing you some of the fun we are having on Maui on a regular basis.

I absolutely love my dogs.  Walking my dogs every morning is my favorite part of the day.  Many of my videos will include my own dogs, but we will also be filming with all kinds of other dogs as well.  If you have any ideas or things you would like to see covered in one of these videos, please let us know.

Visit our Such Good Dogs Facebook and like our Page.

Breed of the Month--English Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniel

Colors:  Black & white, liver & white, blue or liver roan
Height:  Males:  20 inches/  Females:  19 inches
Weight:  Males:  50 lbs/  Females:  40 lbs
Life Span:  12-14 years

Breed health concerns:  ear infections, hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and epilepsy.

Coat:  Double coat with straight, medium-length, weather-resistant outer coat.
Country of Origin:  England

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

Used to flush game from cover in England, this breed gained the name "Springer" from the way the jumped into the brush.  In the late 1800s, the Spaniel breeds (Cockers, Fields, and Springers) were officially separated.  The English Springer Spaniel was official given breed status in England in 1902.  Today there are two types of English Springer Spaniels, the field and show varieties.

The English Springer Spaniels are very playful and affectionate dogs.  They are quick learners, even-tempered, and respectful of their owners.  Springers make excellent hunting dogs.  Springers are very attracted to water, and will gladly swim in any body of water.  Springers are good with kids and can may sometimes become overly attached to the person they spend the most time with.  Because Springers become so attached, they can sometimes create a barking problem when left along.

Exercise:
To keep a Springer happy and healthy, several energetic walks per day are required.  The more exercise a Springer gets, the better.  Springers are happy to accompany their owners everywhere.

Grooming:
A Springers ears should be kept clean and frequently inspected for signs of infection.  The Springers coat needs regular brushing, and the long fur on the ears must be kept free of tangles and knots.

Training:
Springers very quickly catch on to training because they aim to please their owners.  This breed is very athletic and loves to participate is many activities like hunting, obedience, agility, flyball, tracking, and anything else the owner might want to do.  Springers need good socialization from an early age.