…when choosing a dog! Adding a new puppy or dog to the family can be a great addition. However, situations occasionally occur where your new addition becomes more of a negative to the household than a positive. I’m going to mention a few things to consider when YOU are considering adding a dog to your family.
Ronan & Tyson running
Whatever pure or mixed breeds you are checking out, consider the size, and energy level. Sometimes this is more obvious with a pure breed, but there are exceptions to every rule. If you select a dog with medium to high exercise needs, make sure your family understands that this is a life long commitment, not just during the excitement phase of having a new dog.
Reputable breeders know their dogs and can advise you so your expectations are realistic. Rescue dogs can be a little trickier. If you’re considering one that has been fostered you can obtain some valuable information from the foster “family”.
Got sheep?
Many folks start their initial research on the internet. This offers pros and cons. Pictures are great, but that should not be the main reason for your selection. Lots of dogs are cute, but looks aren’t everything.
My last dog, Elsa, was a beautiful German shepherd. We had an amazing bond, and she was a great dog for ME. That doesn’t mean she would’ve been the best dog for some others. I put a tremendous amount of time and energy into training her. She was a challenge who possessed a difficult triple threat: brains, edginess, and endurance. Yes she was SMART – too smart for some people! She could be a little reactive (she loved to bark and scare people who showed fear, although she never bit). And she was quite active (which is how I originally got into sheep herding – she needed a job!).
I loved Elsa and miss her everyday, but if I had been a person with a different lifestyle I don’t think I could’ve devoted the time that she needed to help her become the dog she was. But keep in mind – I knew what I was getting long before I brought her home because I spoke at length with the breeder and visited the mom, dad, and litter numerous times.
Elsa’s last day
Sometimes you can’t get that much information, but try to read between the lines when doing your initial research. For example, if you’re looking at a shelter dog and the description reads: “happy, fun loving, likes long walks” it may actually mean jumpy, overly exuberant with tireless energy. For a very active person, that may be a great fit. For the opposite, it will not.
Chihuahua & Great Dane
Consider size. It’s great when dogs of different sizes get along, but it goes beyond friendliness. I recently went to a shelter to help a client evaluate a dog she was considering adding to her family of 2 kids, 3 cats, and 2 small yorkies. They wanted to add a larger dog. We met the dog and she was very nice. She was friendly to adults, kids, cats and dogs BUT – she was powerful, much larger (about 50 pounds), energetic, and very bouncy. My fear was that one of the yorkies would get hurt by accident. If a large dog pounces on a 4 pound yorkie, even if it’s out of friendliness, chances are too high of a serious injury. Thankfully, my client is still looking for the RIGHT dog. She is very smart and realizes that there is too much at stake to rush out and get a dog that MIGHT fit what she is looking for. I am so glad she wants and trusts my help with this important and life-changing decision! Please let others know that this is a service they could take advantage of:).
I spoke with someone who recently added a young Labrador Retriever puppy to her family. While the puppy and smaller dog were playing, the smaller dog sustained a serious back injury and is basically out of commission for awhile. She is on strict crate rest and the two dogs can’t be together for fear of making the injury worse. The puppy didn’t do anything wrong – just being a puppy. How sad for all!
Tessa as a pup!
We consider our dogs to be like our kids in so many ways. However, unlike our human kids we can choose which dogs to add to our family, and which dogs would be a better match for someone else.
I love when people adopt. I love when people research and choose a good breeder. I love many of the other ways by which people decide to add a new dog to their family.
Regardless of the way a new dog joins your family, please do your very best to make sure it is great for everyone. Remember, the goal is that your home will be the new dog’s FUREVER home!
Stacie & Ronan’s litter
XO,
Stacie & Ronan
Danger! Pet Poison Safety Tips
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by info@royalk9.comStories like this are heartbreaking: A beloved 2 year old Golden Retriever named Luna, dies after ingesting gum sweetened with Xylitol.
A few hours after rushing Luna to the vets they were told that her blood work wasn’t good and she would have only a 25% chance of surviving the treatment that would cost an estimated $20,000. Her owners did not want her to suffer anymore and chose to have her humanely euthanized. I can’t begin to imagine the pain…
How often do you leave a pocketbook, backpack, or work bag on the floor containing sugarless gums or mints without even thinking about it??? These stories are so tragic I think it’s important to spread the word.
Xylitol has risen in popularity as a sweetener used in many human products labeled “sugar-free”: vitamins, toothpaste, dental floss, candy, gum, baked goods, yogurts, etc. Now there’s a new PEANUT BUTTER that contains xylitol!!! I am not trying to play veterinarian here, just hoping that if a little attention and knowledge could save just one pet it’s worth it. In addition to knowing your veterinarian’s hours and where your closest emergency vet is, all pet owners should have easy access to a pet poison hotline.
Write down the information and keep it handy – time is of the essence when dealing with many poisons. There are a few organizations out there, but one I have used is www.petpoisonhelpline.com. They have a $49 per incidence fee and are available 24/7 (855) 764-7661. They may direct you to your vet or tell YOU what to do if there isn’t enough time. Pet Poison Helpline also has an extensive list of things that are poisonous to dogs and cats.
We love our pets like family. Holidays become times of confusion – we’re rushing around tying to accomplish so much that we often forget details. But everyday life can be hectic as well, and we must be mindful that a random chance meeting with some sugarless gum could end in tragedy for our beloved pets. Spread the word. It can’t be repeated enough.
RIP sweet Luna. Your unfortunate and untimely death was not in vain – it is helping to educate and spare others from a similar tragedy.
Please hugs your dogs after this one!
XO,
Stacie & Ronan
Disclaimer: not intended to treat, diagnose, or offer veterinary advise
What Do You Say? (Part 3)
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by info@royalk9.comPuppy down!
Down? Off? Lay? Rest? Settle? Lie down? Drop? And the list probably continues…
Look at that list. You may wonder why I grouped all of those commands together. The point is, are you being consistent with your commands? What are you trying to convey to your dog?
I use the command “Down” to mean that I want my dog to get into a relaxed down position on one hip. This is useful when about to execute a “Down. Stay” because the dog is in a more settled position – not spring loaded as though he’s anxious to pop up.
I’ve used the command “Drop” to mean collapse quickly into the down position so that the dog is upright like a sphinx. (This is used in
Down stay
advanced obedience when doing a drop on recall. You want your dog to be able to get up quickly when you call him out of that position.)
All dogs down stay
I use “Lie down” when Ronan and I are sheep herding and he is challenged to follow my command immediately because he is afraid his sheep are getting away. The rules about commands in herding are totally different than in obedience. There are very different objectives in herding. In obedience you and your dog are expected to perform commands as accurately as possible and points are lost for not properly executing them. In herding you are really working on controlling the dog so he doesn’t progress further. If the dog doesn’t actually lie down on command you are not penalized! Often in herding things change at a moment’s notice (sheep get away) and it’s all about maintaining control (of the sheep through the dog). A little confusing, I know…)
Down stay
So why did I put “Off” on the list? Because I often see someone trying to correct their dog for jumping using the command “Get Down”. Can you imagine how the dog can be confused if he hears that and “Down” should mean “Lie Down”??? Just some food for thought, as the saying goes!!!
Try to be clear and not confuse your dogs! Dogs can learn so many (hundreds if not thousands) of commands. Remember KISS? (keep it simple, stupid!) Humans are confusing by nature. Let’s help our dogs as best as we can!
Hugs to the pups!
Stacie & Ronan
What do You Say? Part 2
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by info@royalk9.comkeep then safe!
The words you use to train your dog are totally up to you. After all, the most important reason for training is to keep our beloved dogs safe. Your dog having an understanding of what you mean (and following through) is all that matters.
For example, what command do you use for the informal recall? Some say “come”, “here”, “now”, etc. No matter what command you use, your dog should run to you urgently, sit, look, and not move until he is released from the exercise.
I like the word “front”. Why, you may ask? It means “front and center”, it’s a strong word, and not many people will be using it when they are speaking with my dog. I can also make the word sound sharp without sounding angry. I believe that training the dog to the tone of the word is as important as training to the word itself, especially with the recall.
I create urgency when teaching the command and I work hard to make sure my dog responds urgently for the rest of his life (sometimes a challenge). Some people say “come”, but I caution against using “come” as your urgent, life-saving command. The reason being, when a friend or family member enters your home and wants to interact with your dog they will say “come” in a happy, singing tone of voice.
Chances are that your dog may respond by sauntering over casually, not sitting, and start to be petted without the ending that you have worked hard to achieve. This will weaken your “come” command, because your dog will learn that responding urgently is not longer important.
Don’t get me wrong, I will still say “come” and similar other similar commands, but I do not expect the urgency, sit look, and waiting to be released. It’s a more casual type of command. Having a special word (that other people won’t mess up) is strongly recommended in order to achieve a reliable recall.
In my opinion, the recall is the MOST important thing you can teach your dog! If you need help teaching your dog a solid, reliable recall, call to set up an appointment. Over the years Royal Canine Dog Training LLC helped thousands achieve their goals!
So I ask, what do you say?
video-Ronan-park
Stacie & Ronan
Thanks for a Special Award (and Bottle Hill Day!)
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by info@royalk9.comRoyal Canine Dog Training LLC won for Best Pet Service!
Words alone can’t express my feelings of excitement, but thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for voting! It was a thrill to read the news that for the second year in a row Royal Canine Dog Training LLC won the Daily Record’s READER’S CHOICE AWARD for Best Pet Service for 2015!!!
I am blessed and honored to have this amazing job where I get work with such awesome dogs and people every day! I will always do my very best to maintain your trust with not only your dogs, but the many referrals you give. Without these referrals and without YOU there would be no Royal Canine Dog Training LLC and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
even Ronan was chilly!
I also want to thank all of you who stopped by this past Saturday to visit Ronan and me at Bottle Hill Day in Madison. It was a chilly start to the day but warmed up (a little). There was a great turnout of both humans and canines.
I met some new people who, I am happy to say, have chosen Royal Canine Dog Training LLC to help their dogs and them with training. I always look forward to gaining new clients, but when they approach my table and tell me that they’ve heard about my business from their friends, well, it just takes my excitement and pride to a whole new level!
Ildi & Ronan at Bottle Hill Day
An extra special shout out goes to Ildi and Kim for offering their assistance at Bottle Hill Day! I don’t know how I could have made it through this wonderfully long day without your help, and the help of the friendly strangers I hadn’t before met. Thank you!
This event truly defines community spirit, and I’m happy to be a part of it!
Thanks for YOUR support!!!
Stacie & Ronan
Think With Your Head Not Your Heart…
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by info@royalk9.com…when choosing a dog! Adding a new puppy or dog to the family can be a great addition. However, situations occasionally occur where your new addition becomes more of a negative to the household than a positive. I’m going to mention a few things to consider when YOU are considering adding a dog to your family.
Ronan & Tyson running
Whatever pure or mixed breeds you are checking out, consider the size, and energy level. Sometimes this is more obvious with a pure breed, but there are exceptions to every rule. If you select a dog with medium to high exercise needs, make sure your family understands that this is a life long commitment, not just during the excitement phase of having a new dog.
Reputable breeders know their dogs and can advise you so your expectations are realistic. Rescue dogs can be a little trickier. If you’re considering one that has been fostered you can obtain some valuable information from the foster “family”.
Got sheep?
Many folks start their initial research on the internet. This offers pros and cons. Pictures are great, but that should not be the main reason for your selection. Lots of dogs are cute, but looks aren’t everything.
My last dog, Elsa, was a beautiful German shepherd. We had an amazing bond, and she was a great dog for ME. That doesn’t mean she would’ve been the best dog for some others. I put a tremendous amount of time and energy into training her. She was a challenge who possessed a difficult triple threat: brains, edginess, and endurance. Yes she was SMART – too smart for some people! She could be a little reactive (she loved to bark and scare people who showed fear, although she never bit). And she was quite active (which is how I originally got into sheep herding – she needed a job!).
I loved Elsa and miss her everyday, but if I had been a person with a different lifestyle I don’t think I could’ve devoted the time that she needed to help her become the dog she was. But keep in mind – I knew what I was getting long before I brought her home because I spoke at length with the breeder and visited the mom, dad, and litter numerous times.
Elsa’s last day
Sometimes you can’t get that much information, but try to read between the lines when doing your initial research. For example, if you’re looking at a shelter dog and the description reads: “happy, fun loving, likes long walks” it may actually mean jumpy, overly exuberant with tireless energy. For a very active person, that may be a great fit. For the opposite, it will not.
Chihuahua & Great Dane
Consider size. It’s great when dogs of different sizes get along, but it goes beyond friendliness. I recently went to a shelter to help a client evaluate a dog she was considering adding to her family of 2 kids, 3 cats, and 2 small yorkies. They wanted to add a larger dog. We met the dog and she was very nice. She was friendly to adults, kids, cats and dogs BUT – she was powerful, much larger (about 50 pounds), energetic, and very bouncy. My fear was that one of the yorkies would get hurt by accident. If a large dog pounces on a 4 pound yorkie, even if it’s out of friendliness, chances are too high of a serious injury. Thankfully, my client is still looking for the RIGHT dog. She is very smart and realizes that there is too much at stake to rush out and get a dog that MIGHT fit what she is looking for. I am so glad she wants and trusts my help with this important and life-changing decision! Please let others know that this is a service they could take advantage of:).
I spoke with someone who recently added a young Labrador Retriever puppy to her family. While the puppy and smaller dog were playing, the smaller dog sustained a serious back injury and is basically out of commission for awhile. She is on strict crate rest and the two dogs can’t be together for fear of making the injury worse. The puppy didn’t do anything wrong – just being a puppy. How sad for all!
Tessa as a pup!
We consider our dogs to be like our kids in so many ways. However, unlike our human kids we can choose which dogs to add to our family, and which dogs would be a better match for someone else.
I love when people adopt. I love when people research and choose a good breeder. I love many of the other ways by which people decide to add a new dog to their family.
Regardless of the way a new dog joins your family, please do your very best to make sure it is great for everyone. Remember, the goal is that your home will be the new dog’s FUREVER home!
Stacie & Ronan’s litter
XO,
Stacie & Ronan
Fun Video – Ronan & Siblings!
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by info@royalk9.comRonan & siblings
click to watch
Enjoy!
Stacie & Ronan
What Do You Say?
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by info@royalk9.comRonan & Jake sit/stay
Often a client will say to me “I can change my command to what you use.”, to which I explain that it doesn’t matter what words you use as long as you don’t confuse things by speaking in sentences, using a command for different meanings, and not following through and making sure your dog properly executes that command.
You and your dog will have a lifelong relationship and YOUR communication is what matters most. After all, you can adopt a practice they use in Schutzhundt and give commands in a foreign language! I don’t go that far, but I do use a command other than “come” for my urgent recall (stay tuned – I’ll explain in an upcoming post!)
All dogs down stay
So I ask – what do you say? It really doesn’t matter as long as your dog understands and reliably responds.
Whatever reasons you have for training your dogs, keeping these precious animals safe should be the MOST important reason! video-ronan-park
Hugs to your dogs,
Stacie & Ronan
Bottle Hill Day
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by info@royalk9.comRonan & Cheyenne – sweet dog couple
It’s fall festival season! Ronan and I have been crazy running around to different events and there is one more (I think only one!) to go.
This Saturday please come and visit us at Bottle Hill Day in Madison! The event is from 10-5 and attracts lots of vendors. Typically there are 10,000-20,000 visitors!
This is not a dog-only event, but there is so much to see, buy, and do: the car show, the beer garden, arts, crafts, food, bands, and more!
Look for our table or you can text me the day before to find our exact location! Ronan & I will be waiting!
Stacie & Ronan
Great News for 2 Local Shelters!
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by info@royalk9.com72 shelter dogs got new homes!!!
A big shout out to 11th Hour Rescue and Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter! They both had gorgeous weather and fabulous turn outs for their largest fundraisers.
Saturday lots of money was raised and 72 dogs were adopted at 11th Hour Rescue’s annual event, Puptoberfest!!!
Sunday was Mutts Mania, which benefits the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter. They too had a hugely successful day with adoptions and donations!
Ronan and I are so happy to be a part of these two fundraisers each year. Thanks to all who came out to support the events! We appreciate those who stopped by to say hi!
Have a great week!
Stacie & Ronan
How We Said Goodbye to Summer
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by info@royalk9.comsandy dog face
I’m always a little sad to see summer end – especially after a rough winter like the one we just had.
feet in the sand
To enjoy a few remaining warm days, Ronan and I (and a few human friends) spent a few days at the beach this past weekend.
We were lucky enough to find a place to stay that happily welcomes dogs. Bonus: after Labor Day dogs are allowed on the beach!!! We had so much fun!
cool frisbee dog
Ronan acted like he was raised on the beach. He ran off-leash chasing his frisbee, frolicking at the surf, and meeting new friends (human and dog). I tried to teach him to ride the waves
surfer dog
on his new boogie board. He rides the boogie board on the sand, but is not a fan of the waves coming near him (yes, he can swim). Let’s just say it’s a work in progress:)
dog sun break
When he was tired he hung out in the sun repellent tent I bought him. I looked like one of those parents with tons of stuff for their kids on the beach, except my kid was the furry kind!
It was all worth it. I couldn’t have imagined he’d love it so much and be so well behaved. Moral of the story: if to train your dog to listen to commands, socialize them, and prepare for their
paw prints on the beach
needs on the beach, you too might enjoy a fabulous beach experience like we did.
Goodbye summer – see you next year!
Stacie & Ronan
PS – this Saturday is Puptoberfest on Horseshoe Lake 11-5. It is a fund raiser for 11th Hour Rescue. This Sunday is Mutts Mania at Lurker Park 12-4. It is a fundraiser for Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter. Dogs are welcome to both events. Look for our table: Royal Canine Dog Training LLC – Ronan & I will be waiting for you!