A Christmas Wish List from Your Dog

It's almost Christmas, and if you're like me, you enjoy shopping and getting presents for your dog(s).  The retail world knows this too, and there is no shortage of gifts marketed for your dog, from fancy collars to high-tech toys.  I like those types of gifts (just ask me how many collars my dog has!) but they are often more designed to appeal to the humans rather than the dogs themselves.  For this Christmas Eve, I'm going to offer you a list of low tech, mostly immaterial gift ideas that your dog will *really* appreciate.

1) Take a Class Together

Fun Scent Games is Fun!

It's true I'm a dog trainer, so this might seem a bit self serving, but classes can be really wonderful for your partnership with your dog.  I teach fun classes like Scent Games, but a basic obedience class can also be fun, providing you have a skilled teacher who uses positive reinforcement and is concerned for the dogs' mental wellness.  The bonus is that the homework will give you incentive to spend more time together at home!  And you don't have classes near or your dog isn't suitable for group classes, check out an online class, such as at the Fenzi Academy.

2) Fillable Chew Toys
There are many different kinds of these toys available now, but my main go-to is the classic Kong.  You can stuff almost anything your dog likes in a Kong, and you can make it easier or harder to un-stuff by how tightly you pack it and whether or not you freeze it.  Dogs need to chew, and with a freezer full of Kongs, you will keep them happy and keep your things safe.

3) Learn about Dog Body Language
You can get books on this subject, or you an access any one of a number of excellent internet resources on dog body language.  When you understand how your dog is feeling by observing their non-verbal communication, you can be a better guardian by either protecting them or protecting others by intervening as needed.  Most dogs already have an excellent understanding of human body language, so help the conversation be two-sided by listening to them too.

Do you know what these dogs are saying?

4) Invite Your Dog to Some "People Food"
I've written a blog on the idea of "people food" for dogs before, because I believe this is kind of a non-distinction.  All food is food for dogs and for people, it's up to us to teach our dogs manners around all kinds.  Dogs do have taste buds and they can find it really enjoyable to sample different types of dog-safe foods, from meat to veggies and fruit.  Offer up some new things to your dog here and there and let them tell you what their favorites are!

Photo by Creature Focus
Photography

5) Learn to Play
I love asking my students about games they engage in with their dogs because their faces light up as they describe the ways they play together.  Games with food and toys are excellent, but games you can play with nothing but the two of you are a special type of interaction.  Hide and seek, tag, chase and wrestling are all things that you can try.

6) Tell Your Dog "Thank You"
Pick a day and set aside a cup or so (depending on your dog's size) of small treats or kibble.  Throughout the day, every time you see your dog doing something good (inside or on a walk) offer them a small token of your appreciation.  As humans we tend to focus on what our dogs do wrong, but by setting a "thank you" goal, you'll soon start seeing more of what you like.

7) Be Present on Your Walks
A good present for your dog is your presence - not just physically but mentally.  I see many people walking their dogs but not paying attention to them, or they go to the dog park and ignore their dog while visiting with other people.  Dogs definitely need time to be a dog and socialize with other dogs without us butting in, but when you take your dog outside, it should be another opportunity for the two of you to interact and enjoy things together, not time for your dog to switch you off.  Explore with them, do some short training sessions, play with them, and provide them feedback for good behaviour.


8) Learn Some Tricks Together 
Many tricks are simple and easy to teach, but learning them together is fun and your dog will love the time spent with you!  If you're not sure how to get started, a quick google search will bring up many video tutorials, including some on using a clicker (my favorite way to teach tricks).  "Step Up" as Marlo is doing in the picture, is very simple but he loves it so much!  Tricks can also help shy or reactive dogs gain confidence (Marlo used to be very scared of the goats).


9) Work on Husbandry Skills
The veterinary, grooming and training worlds are realizing more and more how important it is to make medical and husbandry procedures as low stress as possible for our animals.  A huge number of dogs are stressed at the vet or for procedures such as nail trims.  Instead of the mindset that dogs should just be held down and forced to deal with it, many of us are now taking time to teach our dogs to be comfortable with and even enjoy such things.  Considering how vet care is an inevitable part of every dog's life, we owe it to them to help them cope.

Marlo likes to hang out
no matter what I'm doing ;) 

10) Just Hang Out Together
We sometimes worry that our dogs are bored, and try to fill every minute with activities, even if those activities are not with us.  However, just being with you is sometimes all your pup wants, especially as they get older and less active.  Snuggle on the couch while you watch TV or read (yes, it's OK for your dog to be on the couch), have a bed for them in the kitchen while you cook, hang out in the yard and enjoy some coffee, or take them for a car ride.  Having your dog with you even when your activities aren't dog-centered is good for bonding and for fulfilling your dog's need for social contact.


 Bonus Gift Ideas for Dog People!

What to get that dog person in your life who has anything?  Perhaps you could buy them a gift certificate for a class, online or in person.  Maybe you could pay for them to do a project, like get a Trick Dog Title through Do More With Your Dog.  What about baking them some healthy but delicious dog treats? (you can never have too many treats!) And of course if you're really stuck, a dog person can never have too many Kongs ;)

So what is Marlo getting for Christmas?  He's definitely a bit spoiled this year.  He's getting some new Kongs, and a book on trick training because he really loves that.  We're working on nail trims with an online class, and of course we spend a lot of time hanging out together at home.  What are your pups getting this year?

Is it People Food or Dog Food?

I often hear from clients that they don't want to give their dogs people food.  What that usually means is that the don't want their dog to beg from them or be annoying while they are eating.

This is a perfectly reasonable thing to want from your pet dog!  But what if I told you that you could, and should, give your dog (some) people food, and that you could still eat your meals in peace?  I give my dog people food all the time!  Here are some reasons why you should too:

1) It's Yummy

For training, I recommend that, at least in class sessions, people bring the most tasty food they can find.  There are a lot of good dog treats out there,  but most of them pale in comparison to meat, cheese or fish.  These are smelly, flavourful, and your dog will work hard to get them!  

2) It Doesn't Have to Create a Monster

If you don't want your dog to bother you while you're eating, I don't blame you!  There are many ways around that.  You can train your dog to lie on a mat while you eat.  You can feed them their own food in another room.  You can gate them out of your kitchen.  Most importantly, don't feed them from your plate or otherwise reward begging behaviour.  Once your dog thinks it might pay off, even once, the behaviour will be hard to change.  

3) It Won't Create Problems (Necessarily)

I once had a student who said that after they took a class with me, their dog stole a chicken off of a counter, and it was because I had asked them to use real food rewards in class.  The fact is that dogs have been surviving as scavengers and garbage eaters for thousands of years. If something smells like food, and they are determined, they will go for it, no matter if *you* have given it to them before or not.  Set up the environment for success by not leaving food around for them to scavenge, and they won't practice bad habits. 

4) It's (Usually) Healthy

Some dog treats are healthy, no doubt about it.  They have primarily meat or single ingredients, minimal preservatives and no added colour or sugar.  Those treats are awesome and you should use them.  But you know what else is healthy?  Cooked beef.  Or chicken.  That's as natural as you can get!  Cheese can be high in fat, but in moderation it is great.  Hot dogs are probably the least healthy people food treat I use, but even then you can get natural ones and low sodium ones.  

5) It's Economical

Buying up cheaper cuts of meat or cheese on sale and chopping into small pieces can actually work out to be cheaper than store-bought treats.  There is some extra labour, and there's no denying that the convenience of dog treats is a winner (I should know, I buy a lot of them) but overall, dog food =/ cheaper food.  

6) Food is Food 

At the end of the day, food is food.  Your dog doesn't know that cheese is for people and the wet stuff in a tin is for dogs.  After all, what are the ingredients in high quality dog food or treats?  Meat, veggies and fruits...people food!  Teach your dog good manners around *all* kinds of food, and you'll both be winners.  

Marlo lies on his mat with a bowl of turkey and a bowl of kibbles...they're both food to him
 and he has been trained to behave politely around both! 

*Note!  There are definitely some "people food" items that your dog should not eat, because they may be dangerous.  Before sharing anything with your dog, or using food packaged for people during training, check the ingredient list carefully. The ASPCA's List of Foods Toxic for Dogs

3 Tips for Distracted Dogs

Whether your dog is newly adopted, a curious puppy, an exuberant adolescent or a reactive-in-recovery, the concepts of working around distractions are invaluable!

Here is a video of Marlo encountering a deer on my driveway the other day.  We have put lots of work into the idea that the best response to suddenly-appearing prey animals is to turn back to me, even without a verbal cue.  

There are many excellent dog trainers working with force-free, proactive methods for helping distracted dogs and I learn all I can.  Probably the most influential source I have drawn upon recently is Denise Fenzi and her methods for working with obedience dogs.  Pet dogs can absolutely benefit from these techniques as well, and, recognizing this, Denise has published a book called "Beyond the Backyard: Train Your Dog to Listen Anytime, Anywhere!".  This book is awesome for pet dog owners and has also led to the creation of Beyond the Backyard classes all over the world.  

Using the book, provided instructor curriculum, and my own experience and knowledge as well, I've been having a great time teaching this class.  As a sampler, I'd like to offer you here 3 Tips for Distracted Dogs.  I hope you can find use for them with your dogs!

1) Control the Environment or Control Your Dog

When you're teaching your dog to cope appropriately with distractions, you *have* to practice.  When you practice, you need to set up or find distractions, but your dog can't have the opportunity to self reward, or you're just practicing teaching your dog to ignore you.  Have your distraction inaccessible, such as a cookie in a sealed container or in a hand.  Or, have your dog on a leash so they can't help themselves.  In the real world where you have less ability to control the distractions, the leash is the unsung hero.  Use it!  I promise you can still have fun with your dog. 

2) Don't Be Upset That You're Not as Exciting As A Squirrel

Some dog training advice says that you have to work full time to be the *most* exciting thing in your dog's life.  This is exhausting.  And I promise that for a lot of dogs, there are things in the world that are just more exciting than you (at that moment).  Let your dog look at things (if they are scared or aggressive, only from a safe distance), and let them figure out that turning to you is the best response, and will pay off big time!   


3) Give Your Dog Time to Process and to Think

One thing that I have had clients comment on that they found unique about my classes is how I teach them to respond to their dog being distracted or if their dog doesn't respond to them right away.  If a dog is too interested or distracted by their environment, our tendency is to nag them by repeating our cues over and over again, or to bribe them by showing them food (or if you're a correction trainer, to apply something unpleasant to get them to "pay attention).  

There are certainly some instances where I will use food to get or keep attention, but for a dog who is just checking out sights and smells, you are better off to just stand still and wait.  When they are ready, they'll check in with you, and then you can make a big fuss and begin your training.  And yes, with a young or distractable dog, you might repeat this process a lot. But it gets easier as your dog learns that a) they *can* explore if they need to and b) playing with you is super fun.  

After all, what's the alternative, really?  

Enrichement Round Up: Friday, October 23

Yes, it's been a while,  but there's a lot of enrichment out there that needs to be rounded up!  You are all welcome :)

A TED video on how dogs "see" with their noses...truly their most enriching sense organ!
http://ed.ted.com/lessons/how-do-dogs-see-with-their-noses-alexandra-horowitz

How much sleep does your dog need?  Maybe more than you think!  Having enough rest is an important part of having a balanced day.
http://www.dailydogtag.com/lifestyle/let-sleeping-dogs-lie-but-how-much-sleep-do-dogs-need/

Becky and I are actually working on learning some new tricks.  Old dogs often need more mental enrichment as their bodies may be not up to what they used to be!
http://www.kristibenson.com/blog/2015/9/10/old-dognew-trick

33 whole activities!  Never an excuse to be bored again, no matter the weather!
http://www.puppyleaks.com/easy-ways-to-keep-your-dog-busy-indoors/

Have an enriching week together!

My dogs enjoy exploring a new yard: at my parents' house on vacation.  So many smells!

Sept 25 - Friday Enrichment Roundup

As the rainy weather begins to set in here on the Island, certain dogs (Marlo, cough cough) like to spend less time outside :)  So, indoor enrichment becomes even more important!

Outside? No thanks...

A quick review of my favorite online training resources!

Fenzi Dog Sports Academy
Primarily for dog sports competitors but plenty for everyone if you choose carefully!  I have taken several courses and enjoyed them all.

Wag It Games
Wag It Games has an online academy.  I've taken Indoor Agility and a Beginning Find It class.

Cyber Dog Online
If you're looking for beginner clicker training skills, but can't attend an in-person class, this is the place to start!

Cyber Rally O
If you're interested in Rally Obedience at home, you can earn titles through this venue!

VALOR Agility
Interested in agility but can't attend regular trials?  Earn titles through Virtual Agility!

Do More with Your Dog!
Teach tricks, earn titles!  What could be more fun?

BONUS CAT ENRICHMENT

This brilliant guy built an interactive feeder for his cat, to allow his cat to "hunt" for his dinner!
http://benjaminmillam.com/cat-geek/monkey-the-cat-hunts-for-dinner/

Sept 11 Friday Enrichment Round-Up

I didn't get a whole lot off of the good old Interwebs this week for enrichment, so I thought I'd post a few pics of some enrichment my own dogs have had in the past few week.  (Or maybe it's just an excuse to spam you will pics of my dogs!)   Because Becky is getting older, and Marlo is reactive, we try to give them lots of new experiences other than long walks.

Marlo and Becky got some cookies, which I soaked in chicken broth overnight to add some flavour and make them softer.  A new treat for them both!

Our neighbour turned up a bunch of the bottom field.  What a fun sniffing excursion that was for the dogs!

We took  Becky for a walk in a local bird sanctuary (on leash dogs only!)  She enjoyed the new sights and smells very much.   

Marlo had a play-fest with a bunch of different toys.  There are always toys around because he likes to carry them to greet us, but I rotate through the stash. 

Becky got  to go to her favorite, Nosework class!  

Marlo meets a kitten!

Becky took a trip to the Ferry Terminal to meet Timo.  

Becky got a new toy: a durable soccer ball! 

Becky also got to go visiting, to a friend's house.  Meeting new people is not as enriching for Becky as it is for Marlo, but she did very well.

There you go!  My dogs being enriched.  Please send along enrichment things you find on the web, and I'll include them in the Round Up!

Sept 5/15: Friday (er, Saturday) Enrichment Round-Up

Not only am I a day late, I'm about 3 weeks late with this blog entry!  Primarily this is due to some medical concerns with my older dog that I'll be discussing later on (she is doing well right now). But enrichment marches on!  So here's what I've found lately:

Don't Feed from a Bowl!  From the Pet Professional Guild:
http://ppgworldservices.com/2015/09/04/free-feeding-from-a-bowl-can-be-costly/

Hamsters with enriched environments are more optimistic:
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/d-brief/2015/07/29/hamsters-happier-toys/#.VesPlhG6fIU

If you've got parrots, here's a link to an Activity Book, also from the Pet Professional Guild:
Facebook Link to a PDF

A fun and easy enrichment toy idea from Nando Brown and Fizz
Facebook Video Link

Another awesome enrichment infographic, this time from All Dogs Go To Kevin:

And finally, a great pic about creating digging spaces for your dog (especially if they're digging in your yard/garden) from Conscious Companion:

Have a great weekend everybody!