All of us face the challenge at one time or another: how do I exercise my dog in this lousy weather? Many dogs are under exercised on a good day (does your dog get the recommended 2 thirty minute walks a day?). Sometimes there are a variety of obstacles that prevent us from meeting that goal. Here are a few suggestions that might help end that rainy/snowy day boredom for your pooch! Keep in mind – you MUST consider the type of dog you have and make smart (common sense) decisions to keep your dog safe.
Ronan at daycare
DOGGIE DAYCARE. Doggie daycares have become very popular and changed somewhat with the times. There are large public facilities and smaller, more private facilities – sometimes in people’s homes. You need to identify the positives and negatives before choosing one that’s right for your special family member. Examples: some require many vaccines, some have an area to separate large dogs from small dogs, some have constant supervision by more than one person, some have access to pools to swim, some have indoor areas only, some have outdoor areas only, some have both, some allow dogs on the furniture, some advertise cage-free playtime, some have crates for rest-time, some allow you a trial to see how your dog reacts, and the list goes on.
Generally speaking I AM a fan of doggie daycares. If this is a option for you, it is of the utmost importance to do your research and find one that is well suited to YOUR dog. So many humans want their dogs to play with other dogs and have lots of “friends”. Some dogs want the same thing, while many others do not. While it’s important to socialize and help your dog become a safe and well-adjusted member of society, it is equally important to recognize that not all dogs are “daycare material”. Some do not play well with others and some would simply prefer to be with humans than other dogs. Your dog is a unique living being and it is so important to understand him.
Common sense tip: Do your best to learn what type of dog you have, what his needs and interests are, and try not to push YOUR wishes on him! If your dog is really not good around other dogs then doggie daycare is not a good option. Do what’s best to keep your dog (and other dogs) safe!
dog puzzle
DOG GAMES/PUZZLES. These offer a different type of exercise for your dog – mental exercise! Both mental and physical exercise are extremely important for your dog, but often good mental stimulation is overlooked or forgotten altogether. Games or puzzles are a good outlet for some dogs, although they require some human assistance (and supervision). There are a variety of games and puzzles you can easily find to purchase on-line. They usually consist of areas on the puzzle or game where you hide treats and your dog has to seek them out. This can be great because you are getting your dog to engage his sense of smell and then get him using his nose, mouth, or paw(s) to get the reward. Typically they uncover the treat with a removable or sliding part.
Common sense tip: Because some of these games have small parts that are unattached, you must be careful and supervise your dog while playing. This is not a good option for: dogs who will eat anything/everything in site, dogs who act aggressively over treats, toys or food, or dogs who are extreme beggars who will try to get whatever food they want. Dogs need to know their boundaries and if they exhibit any undesirable behavior while playing with these games, they are not good options. We need to know our dogs so we can keep them safe and do what’s in their best training interest.
HIDE & SEEK. I love this game, especially for kids! It can be played where the reward is either a human being, a treat, or a toy. Make sure you have taught your dog to “wait” meaning, remain where I left you & in the position I left you until I give you another command. Then you can hide a treat/toy or the human can hide.
If you’ve hidden a treat/toy command “go find it” and encourage your dog to find the treat. If the human has hidden, they can call the dog using an informal command. When your dog finds the human, he gets tons of praise/petting. You may also reward if you feel it’s necessary to keep him excited in the game. As your dog’s skill level improves continue to challenge him by making the hiding spot more difficult. You can also advance by naming specific toys and on command that’s the one he has to find! You will learn a little about your dog: does he rely on eyesight to seek you out or his sense of smell? Keep it fun with lots of praise!
Common sense tip: If your dog is constantly sniffing the floor for every possible crumb or food morsel, and this drives you cray, you may not want to hide treats. If your dog digs or scratches to get the treats excessively, do not use these games. Only good behavioral outcomes are allowed for these games!
PLASTIC VINEGAR BOTTLE. (or similar toy). This is my personal favorite! When Ronan was young, I gave him used plastic water bottles to play with. He never chewed and swallowed pieces so for HIM it was a good toy. One day I finished the vinegar from a large (2 gallon) plastic vinegar bottle and was headed toward the recycling can in the garage. Ronan looked interested. We were in the basement (old-fashioned, unfinished, cement floor) so I tossed the plastic bottle toward him on the floor.
I never realized what a wonderful thing I had just created – a wonderful game that Ronan could play by himself! He ran after that bottle pushing it, carrying it, just having a blast chasing it all over the basement! I watched and laughed as he entertained himself. The basement is pretty “dog-proof”, so I wasn’t worried about him hurting anything.
One day I tossed the vinegar bottle in the back yard (fenced in). Ronan took his game to a whole new level! He would run and chase and pounce on his bottle – sometimes he really covered great distance! It was dumb luck for me that Ronan learned how to play with his big bottle before the harsh winter hit last year. Like other dog owners, the ice-covered snow that wouldn’t leave presented an exercise challenge for Ronan and me. Enter the good old vinegar bottle! He would push it on the icy snow and have so much fun while getting great exercise! I was so lucky to have a way that my dog could get some exercise during last year’s harsh winter.
I have observed Ronan with plastic bottles since he was a young pup and knew that he was a dog that didn’t chew the bottles and swallow harmful pieces. He knew how to play with them. Because I watched and guided his behavior as a young pup I was confident that he could play with the bottles without harm to himself. Ronan does not represent EVERY dog. Use your best judgement to keep your own dog safe!
Common sense tip: A plastic bottle of any kind could be dangerous to your dog if your dog is the type to chew and swallow things. Please use caution and make sure that your dog can play with such a toy SAFELY! Don’t take chances if you’re not sure. It is not worth risking a surgery (or death) to find out! Warning: Not all dogs are as agile as Ronan. I wouldn’t encourage any dog to play on a slippery surface if there was any danger of them getting hurt. We need your dogs to be happy and HEALTHY!
Final take away: our dogs need to be exercised both physically and mentally. Be creative and find ways to challenge your dogs in a good way. ALWAYS make sure your games are SAFE for your dog.
As always, give your dogs a hug from me! In fact, hug them as you watch Ronan with his vinegar bottle! (mute sound) ~ Stacie & Ronan
Westminster Pt. 2
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by info@royalk9.comSo…I’m simply going to build on what I spoke about last week. You should check out the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show concluding this evening on USA Network. Last night they featured dogs from the Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding Groups.
What you see on these televised shows are the breed winners from the day’s competitions, which then compete in the Groups. You can see the actual breed competitions on AKC.org which has videos for each one.
Please tune in. Tonight you will see the Sporting, Terrier, and Working Groups, as well as Best In Show. It’s a great learning experience as well as great fun!In the meantime, a winter-faced Ronan.
Hugs to the pups, Stacie
2015 Westminster Dog Show & Masters Agility Championship
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by info@royalk9.comTibetan Spaniel Being Shown
It’s almost here! The 2015 Westminster Dog Show is next Monday & Tuesday (2/16 & 2/17) and the group competitions will be televised at 8pm. If you’ve never seen the Westminster Dog Show (or any dog show for that matter), don’t miss it – this is a SPECIAL one to see!
Westminster is considered the most prestigious dog show IN THE WORLD, and is the 2nd oldest continuous sporting event in the US! Westminster differs from other shows in a few ways: 1) it’s the fanciest show around. Exhibitors are all dressed up and judges are often seen in long gowns and tuxes. 2) All of the dogs showing already have their AKC (American Kennel Club) championship. 3) It is considered a “benched show” meaning that there are designated times when the dogs are available for your close-up admiration and often owners, breeders, and handlers will happily answer questions in hopes to educate the public about their chosen breed.
Mike Reed and “Frankie”
Border Collie
You may think you don’t have any interest because maybe you don’t have a pure breed dog, but whether your beloved canine is a pure breed, designer cross, or a “Heinz 57 mutt” (I mean that most affectionately) they all go back to at least one of these foundation breeds. You may notice a trait in your dog that you just can’t figure out, and the explanation my lie within the background stock.
Westminster also gives you a chance to try your skill at picking the winners! Keep in mind – each dog is not compared to the next. They are judged against the “standard” for that breed, as set forth by the AKC. What you get to see on TV are the group competitions, which are the winners from that day’s breed competition (which is why you will only see one of each breed). There are seven groups – Herding, Working, Toy, Terrier, Sporting, Non-Sporting, and Hound.
If you are truly interested, you can find out the judging program for each breed during the day, buy your ticket(s) and take a trip into NYC to see the breed competitions in person! Then make an entire day out of it and stay for the groups at night.
Golden Clears Agility Jump
The Masters Agility Championship is live Saturday 2/14 and airs Sunday 2/15 from 12-2. What you get to see on TV are the winners (10) from each of the size groups. The dogs are amazing works of art in motion, and are true athletes. Agility is very different from the breed competition in that the dogs & owners are scored on their abilities to get through the courses accurately and quickly, with no emphasis on their looks. This is purely a performance event, and an extremely exciting one at that – I am often on the edge of my seat!
There are other types of dog shows, trials and competitions to attend: obedience, herding, earth dog, field… just to name a few. I hope you will investigate and expand your horizons!
Mike Reed & “Ben”
Tibetan Spaniel
I hope you will check out these up coming events – there’s so much to see and learn! Sometimes they update the rules, sometimes they allow new breeds – whatever the case, you’ll never see the same show twice! Go to: http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/2015/show/info.html to get all of the details for watching on TV or going there in person.
To all of my friends showing at Westminster – best of luck, especially Mike & “Ben” (and Sue) and Mike & “Frankie” (and Stephanie)!!!
Stacie & Ronan
PS…have you hugged your dog today???
The Importance of an Attention Command (“LOOK”)
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by info@royalk9.com8 week Henry practicing “LOOK”
All dog owners should teach and master a command that gets their dog’s attention. I like to say “LOOK” but anything that is used specifically for this command is fine. This command is not to be confused with your dog’s name, as their name has no actual meaning – it’s not a command. Some dog training instructors take the time to help owners to teach their dogs name recognition. I have never done this. I’d like to think that my dogs are smart enough to learn their names on their own (hee hee), but I do instruct clients to teach their dogs a “LOOK” or similar command.
“LOOK” means “Give me your undivided attention immediately for as long as I say.” By saying the command quickly, sharply, and with a positive tone your dog will usually look in your direction. I train them to look at my eyes by using a treat. I don’t say their name first, but that’s my personal preference. I think it’s important that they are focusing on the command itself, especially in the beginning.
There are times I’ll be working with someone and when their dog doesn’t look they start using their name, unaware that they’ve changed what they are trying to teach. It goes something like this: “LOOK. Charlie LOOK. Charlie…Charlie…CHARLIE…”. That’s not what we’re aiming for. We want the dog to learn the command.
The “LOOK” command is important for many reasons: it can get their attention when they are playing with another dog, it can get their attention when they are about to chase after a squirrel or groundhog, it can build your dog’s trust and respect, and can be a calming exercise (when practiced regularly where the “LOOK” is held longer and longer.)
Don’t overlook this important command, and don’t forget about it as your dog gets older. Remember, dogs are like a continuous work in progress – they need reminders to keep them on their toes!
Hugs to the pups,
Stacie & Ronan
Winter Safety
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by info@royalk9.comRonan snow face!
With the first (and hopefully only) blizzard of the year upon us, I thought I’d talk briefly about winter safety for our dogs. It’s so much fun for our dogs to romp and run in the snow or go for a nice long walk in the beautiful winter wonderland, but there are a few things to keep in mind to keep them safe.
Not all types of dogs can withstand the cold air or snow to the same degree. Some breeds were domesticated to work for long periods in the cold air and snow. Others were streamlined to work in the hot sun. There are also the types that weren’t meant to work much at all, since they are lucky enough to just be our companions! Learn what type of dog you have and treat him accordingly.
Find out if your dog needs help staying warm. Yes, there are many people who dress their dogs up just because it’s fun (for them or the dogs???), or trendy, but some dogs really need extra help staying warm. Dogs with smooth, very short, single, or no coats may need a sweater or coat. Sometimes people overdue it, I know, so if there is any question whether your dog needs a coat or sweater check with your vet. Remember, it’s about what your dog needs!
Some dogs may need some time to build their tolerance to the cold. If your dog is healthy, start with short sessions at first and bring him in to fully warm up before going out again. Gradually increase the length of time REASONABLY. Ask your vet for guidance as to the recommended length of time in the cold for your dog.
Wash your dog’s feet if he has walked on roads, sidewalks, driveways, or any surface where a non-pet safe de-icing agent has been used. The non-pet safe products often contain harsh chemicals that can be dangerous to your dogs. They can irritate your dog’s feet and cause sores. This often leads to your dog licking, and eventually ingesting the chemical and becoming quite sick. A quick rinse is all it takes!
Avoid letting your dog near antifreeze – it can be deadly!
Closeup Ronan’s foot
Be mindful of the possibility that snowballs could form in between your dogs pads. When this happens it is very painful for them – can you imagine walking in the snow in bare feet? Sometimes they limp, cry, or just lay in the snow. Ask your groomer to shave the hair under the feet and in between the pads. This will help prevent the snowballs from forming and help keep them from slipping on icy surfaces.
Keep up good grooming habits. Brush your dog often especially in the winter. It helps spread the oils on the skin and get rid of dirt, dander, and dry flakes – all things that help keep your dog’s coat healthy. Plus – brushing keeps mats at bay which is especially important when your dog is in the snow. As the snow melts it causes the mats to tighten up. As this happens and the mats get closer to the skin the only remedy is to shave the off very close to the skin. Keeping your dog tangle-free is important any time of the year!
Ronan in snow
Please, please, PLEASE – use your common sense with every dog who spends time outside during any time of year. Don’t leave your dog unattended for any unreasonable length of time. Look for signs that your dog may be uncomfortable and react immediately if you think something is not right.
Stay safe – Blizzard Juno isn’t finished with us yet! Hugs to all of the pooches!
Stacie & Ronan
Snowflake on Ronan
Can you see the beautiful snowflake on Ronan’s head?
Rainy/Snowy Day Activities
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by info@royalk9.comAll of us face the challenge at one time or another: how do I exercise my dog in this lousy weather? Many dogs are under exercised on a good day (does your dog get the recommended 2 thirty minute walks a day?). Sometimes there are a variety of obstacles that prevent us from meeting that goal. Here are a few suggestions that might help end that rainy/snowy day boredom for your pooch! Keep in mind – you MUST consider the type of dog you have and make smart (common sense) decisions to keep your dog safe.
Ronan at daycare
DOGGIE DAYCARE. Doggie daycares have become very popular and changed somewhat with the times. There are large public facilities and smaller, more private facilities – sometimes in people’s homes. You need to identify the positives and negatives before choosing one that’s right for your special family member. Examples: some require many vaccines, some have an area to separate large dogs from small dogs, some have constant supervision by more than one person, some have access to pools to swim, some have indoor areas only, some have outdoor areas only, some have both, some allow dogs on the furniture, some advertise cage-free playtime, some have crates for rest-time, some allow you a trial to see how your dog reacts, and the list goes on.
Generally speaking I AM a fan of doggie daycares. If this is a option for you, it is of the utmost importance to do your research and find one that is well suited to YOUR dog. So many humans want their dogs to play with other dogs and have lots of “friends”. Some dogs want the same thing, while many others do not. While it’s important to socialize and help your dog become a safe and well-adjusted member of society, it is equally important to recognize that not all dogs are “daycare material”. Some do not play well with others and some would simply prefer to be with humans than other dogs. Your dog is a unique living being and it is so important to understand him.
Common sense tip: Do your best to learn what type of dog you have, what his needs and interests are, and try not to push YOUR wishes on him! If your dog is really not good around other dogs then doggie daycare is not a good option. Do what’s best to keep your dog (and other dogs) safe!
dog puzzle
DOG GAMES/PUZZLES. These offer a different type of exercise for your dog – mental exercise! Both mental and physical exercise are extremely important for your dog, but often good mental stimulation is overlooked or forgotten altogether. Games or puzzles are a good outlet for some dogs, although they require some human assistance (and supervision). There are a variety of games and puzzles you can easily find to purchase on-line. They usually consist of areas on the puzzle or game where you hide treats and your dog has to seek them out. This can be great because you are getting your dog to engage his sense of smell and then get him using his nose, mouth, or paw(s) to get the reward. Typically they uncover the treat with a removable or sliding part.
Common sense tip: Because some of these games have small parts that are unattached, you must be careful and supervise your dog while playing. This is not a good option for: dogs who will eat anything/everything in site, dogs who act aggressively over treats, toys or food, or dogs who are extreme beggars who will try to get whatever food they want. Dogs need to know their boundaries and if they exhibit any undesirable behavior while playing with these games, they are not good options. We need to know our dogs so we can keep them safe and do what’s in their best training interest.
HIDE & SEEK. I love this game, especially for kids! It can be played where the reward is either a human being, a treat, or a toy. Make sure you have taught your dog to “wait” meaning, remain where I left you & in the position I left you until I give you another command. Then you can hide a treat/toy or the human can hide.
If you’ve hidden a treat/toy command “go find it” and encourage your dog to find the treat. If the human has hidden, they can call the dog using an informal command. When your dog finds the human, he gets tons of praise/petting. You may also reward if you feel it’s necessary to keep him excited in the game. As your dog’s skill level improves continue to challenge him by making the hiding spot more difficult. You can also advance by naming specific toys and on command that’s the one he has to find! You will learn a little about your dog: does he rely on eyesight to seek you out or his sense of smell? Keep it fun with lots of praise!
Common sense tip: If your dog is constantly sniffing the floor for every possible crumb or food morsel, and this drives you cray, you may not want to hide treats. If your dog digs or scratches to get the treats excessively, do not use these games. Only good behavioral outcomes are allowed for these games!
I never realized what a wonderful thing I had just created – a wonderful game that Ronan could play by himself! He ran after that bottle pushing it, carrying it, just having a blast chasing it all over the basement! I watched and laughed as he entertained himself. The basement is pretty “dog-proof”, so I wasn’t worried about him hurting anything.
One day I tossed the vinegar bottle in the back yard (fenced in). Ronan took his game to a whole new level! He would run and chase and pounce on his bottle – sometimes he really covered great distance! It was dumb luck for me that Ronan learned how to play with his big bottle before the harsh winter hit last year. Like other dog owners, the ice-covered snow that wouldn’t leave presented an exercise challenge for Ronan and me. Enter the good old vinegar bottle! He would push it on the icy snow and have so much fun while getting great exercise! I was so lucky to have a way that my dog could get some exercise during last year’s harsh winter.
I have observed Ronan with plastic bottles since he was a young pup and knew that he was a dog that didn’t chew the bottles and swallow harmful pieces. He knew how to play with them. Because I watched and guided his behavior as a young pup I was confident that he could play with the bottles without harm to himself. Ronan does not represent EVERY dog. Use your best judgement to keep your own dog safe!
Common sense tip: A plastic bottle of any kind could be dangerous to your dog if your dog is the type to chew and swallow things. Please use caution and make sure that your dog can play with such a toy SAFELY! Don’t take chances if you’re not sure. It is not worth risking a surgery (or death) to find out! Warning: Not all dogs are as agile as Ronan. I wouldn’t encourage any dog to play on a slippery surface if there was any danger of them getting hurt. We need your dogs to be happy and HEALTHY!
Final take away: our dogs need to be exercised both physically and mentally. Be creative and find ways to challenge your dogs in a good way. ALWAYS make sure your games are SAFE for your dog.
As always, give your dogs a hug from me! In fact, hug them as you watch Ronan with his vinegar bottle! (mute sound) ~ Stacie & Ronan
January – National Train Your Dog Month!!!
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by info@royalk9.comRonan retrieving the paper at 8 1/2 weeks old!
Yes it’s TRUE – January is National Train Your Dog Month! What a great reminder of what we should be striving to do each and every day.
Training doesn’t need to be long and drawn-out. Simply try to take advantage of a few free moments you can find throughout the day to practice. Commanding your dog to down/stay before meals, or sit/wait at the door before going out are a couple of examples of how you can easily incorporate a little training into your daily routine.
If you feel ambitious teach your dog something new like to sit up and beg, down/head down, or Ronan’s favorite – to retrieve the daily paper! (see above video!) Dogs really are happy to work for us. When they’ve done something well and we praise them, there is no better sight than to see the tail wag and that glorious eye contact! Some people (including me) actually think there are times when we see our dogs smile:)
Training is fun. Training is smart. Training is important. Training not only keeps our dogs safe, but it also promotes a strong bond between dogs and humans. So…what are you waiting for??? Show your dogs how much you love them. Take some time today, tomorrow, and every day to train your dogs!
Give them all a big hug from me~
Stacie
The Things We Do for LOVE…
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by info@royalk9.comgoing to VOSM
Remember that song? It’s a great one and still appropriate. I thought I’d talk briefly about my friends’ dog, (although…if I helped to name her can I say she is partially mine???) Tessa!
Tessa is now 2 1/2 years old, and one of Ronan’s BFFs. I went with my friends, Sarah and Paul, when they picked her up. She is a German shepherd, although not like some you may have crossed paths with: she’s calm, sweet, laid-back, loves other dogs…she’s a real gem as far as canine companions go. Ronan and Tessa experienced love at first sight: the play bows, the soft growls and gentle grabbing at each other’s jowels as they play. Although ALWAYS playful and careful, one slight yelp and the other is quick to make sure the other is not the slightest bit injured.
So, for the last few visits Tessa was a bit gimpy on that right rear leg. UUUGGGGHHH! If only rest could have solved it. So after a month or two, and the gimp getting worse, it was time for the experts.
Ronan and I were lucky enough to be visiting when their number on the waiting list was called for an earlier appointment. We happily joined them on their ride to see the specialist. Yep, the knee ligament was totally ruptured. Surgery was the only option. Not words any dog owner wants to hear. But since we have committed to caring for these wonderful creatures to the best of our abilities, there isn’t much of an option. Yes, an expensive surgery, but Tessa is a young healthy dog and to most of us, there is no other option.
Fast forward: they were lucky enough to have her scheduled at the very next surgery opening! I am so happy to report that it was today, and Tessa has made it through with flying colors. Plus, her other knee looks good! It will take a little time, recuperation, and therapy, but Tessa is expected to make a FULL recovery. We cannot be more thrilled! We LOVE you Tessa, and because of that, this is one of the things your guardians did for LOVE! XOXO
Stacie & Ronan
Make Training a Part of Everyday Life…with GREAT Rewards!
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by info@royalk9.comTraining should be a part of everyday life, and if we commit to making it a part of everyday life it is easy and very rewarding. I work with lots of clients with lots of doggie dilemmas. If you could focus on a few of the things that are having a negative effect on YOUR every day life, those problems would be history before you know it.
Let’s start with our “leash-crazy” dog. Try to desensitize your dog to the leash and take the excitement down a notch. It’s nice to know that your dog enjoys his daily walks, but when you have trouble just putting the leash on – now that’s a problem. Bring out the leash – DO NOT look at your dog. Carry it close to your body for a few step and then put it down (on a table, chair, whatever). Do NOT look at your dog. Pick up the leash again and move it somewhere else. Continue this process until your dog is no longer in his “over-the-top” excitement phase because of the leash. When you have accomplished this, put the leash away, still not looking at your dog.
You have now accomplished a few very important things 1) you are the owner of the leash. 2) you have started to desensitize him to the over-excitement of the leash. 3) just because the leash comes out, it doesn’t mean that your dog is going for a walk. 4) now that the excitement of the leash is down to a manageable state, you can tell your dog to sit (calmly) while you attach the leash. If you try this step a few times and your dog cannot sit nicely for the leash being attached, put it away (out of site) and try again in a few minutes. Throughout this process your dog will learn to behave calmly while in the presence of the leash and show good manners while you put it on.
All you have to do is 1) keep calm, 2) repeat in the same calm manner, and 3) do NOT put the leash on and go for a walk when your dog is overly excited and you are in a hurry. You’ll be surprised how quickly things will improve if you show your dog that this is the only way things will progress to a walk. It WILL work. Be patient and repeat. YOU have all the power to set the bar as high as you want it to be!
Now let’s address the dog who barrels out the door, taking anyone and anything down in his path. Calmly make your dog sit & wait at the door. Reach for the door handle. If your dog moves, move your hand away and start again. This is a process that must be repeated calmly – I mean really CALMLY. If you start to get frustrated he will know and you will eventually cave in and let him out before he gives you what you expect. Once you can touch the door knob, slowly start to open or slide the door. If he moves, quickly shut it before he has even reached it. Repeat sit & wait and try again. You do this until he can sit while you fully open the door. As long as he is still calm, give him a calm command like “out” as you point. Some people like to say “ok”, which may be fine, but if “ok” represents too much excitement change it to something calmer (you don’t want to undo all the hard work you just put in). It will get easier and faster over time.
Once you start to implement a few mannerly rules to everyday activities, your dog will start to respond and turn on his “training gene”. All dogs have it, and it’s up to you to bring it out. I can’t imagine why anyone wouldn’t want to – dogs are so happy working for us, and we are so happy when they accomplish a few new training skills. Once you start it’s contagous. Just a little time and consistency and you will have the dog you always wanted! Train them, challenge them and love them. Hugs from their biggest fan, Auntie Stacie.
Happy New year!
Stacie & “Ronan”
Merry, Happy, Joy to All!
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by info@royalk9.comRonan and I want to wish you and yours Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings, and the best wishes for 2015!
Please stay safe and enjoy your time with your loved ones, especially the furry ones!!! Give them all hugs from us.
Stacie & Ronan
Holiday Treats – Good for You, NOT for Them!
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by info@royalk9.comPets visit emergency rooms and vets offices more often this time of year than any other. Let’s try to help prevent some of those visits! Here are a few suggestions:
1) Remind your family to stick to your pup’s regular diet during the holiday season.
2) Make sure guests know NOT to feed your pup the goodies that are provided for the humans.
3) Have all family members help keep an eye on your pup so that food and drinks are not in your dog’s reach.
4) Feed your dog some of his own food before guests arrive so he is not hungry when the human goodies appear.
5) Have a small bowl of very tiny dog treats (or kibble) available in case someone “insists” on sharing a holiday treat with your dog, and make sure it is just one! Imagine a party of 30 and each person gives the dog a treat? My stomach hurts just thinking about it!
It is our responsibility to keep our pets safe and if we can help prevent a visit to the emergency room we’ve done a good job!
Give your dogs lots of hugs & love this holiday season and always! (And don’t forget some safe presents!)
Stacie