You are viewing entries tagged 'games'.
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Father’s Day is this Sunday, so there’s still time to find a thoughtful gift for your the dog dad in your life, and here are just a few ideas:
1. Honor dad’s generous spirit with a donation to an animal shelter or rescue in his name. 2. Give a dog dad the gift of time: wrap up a custom-made coupon for dog washes or grooming, dog walking, or even a photo shoot. 3. Celebrate the love of a pup with a framed photo – perfect for the mantle or a dog dad’s desk. 4. Surprise a dog dad with a photo mug or keychain featuring his best friend. Find a website with photo gifts, upload a photo and you’re set. 5. Plan a special outing (you, dad and dog), pack a picnic and enjoy an outdoor day of summer fun.
Woof Report is a free weekly email newsletter with pup-perfect dog care tips, news, products and more. Sign up at www.WoofReport.com. |
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While many dogs love water and swim well, pools are always a special consideration for dogs in backyards each year. New dogs will need to be observed to make sure they can get in the pool and out on their own and older dogs, even older dogs with a history of happy swimming, will need to be observed to make sure they are as spry in the water as they were the previous year. (Older dogs with dim eyesight are a special safety consideration, especially at night by the water.) All pool owners should invest in a dog ramp and make sure their dogs know how to find and use it.
Helen Fazio and her dog Raja are world travelers. Click here to visit their blog, and click here to follow them on Twitter. |
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I do not like to only train from a standstill, because I want the dogs to know that they can pay attention to people even while they’re moving. I arm myself with goodies, wait for the dog to look at me in my face and then give a few treats while praising, then I take off at a quick pace. As soon as the dog catches up to me and looks at me, I praise, feed a few more treats and move in a different direction again. It’s like you are constantly trying to get away and the dog is always trying to catch up. It’s like the game many dogs are playing already, but the role is reversed! If you are playing outside, you will need a leash for safety reasons. As this goes on, you will let the dog take more steps with you and should be looking at you longer before you pay out.
Tammy Reinarz, CPDT-KA and a Professional Member of the APDT, has been training dogs of all breeds within the Central PA area since 2005. |
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This is another good game, one that I see circulating around the trainer world, made popular by the author of “Control Unleashed.” This game is GREAT for distractions as it starts teaching the dog the general concept of a trade-off. Here’s the treat, distraction, toy…now how do you get it? By giving you attention. It works simply like this: take a treat, something you know your dog likes, and show it but don’t give it up. Bring the treat straight up to your side. Your dog will likely either start barking or jumping or sitting and staring at the treat. You wait. You tell the dog nothing. After a period of time, you will see the dog’s eyes flick at you, even briefly. Praise and then bring your arm down and treat. Repeat!
Tammy Reinarz, CPDT-KA and a Professional Member of the APDT, has been training dogs of all breeds within the Central PA area since 2005. |
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An important point to remember with attention is that most dogs look at what they are interested in, and you want to be that thing that your dog finds interesting. Games are a great way to retain that learning. If you enjoy it, it’s more than likely the dog will too! When it comes to the treats that you use, make sure that you use the appropriate treat for the specific environment that you are training in. The kibble that works in the house will probably not work on walks or at the vet’s. Be imaginative. A reward’s value is dictated by the animal that accepts it. So if your dog doesn’t accept your treat, then you have too many distractions or your rewards aren’t good enough for that setting.
Tammy Reinarz, CPDT-KA and a Professional Member of the APDT, has been training dogs of all breeds within the Central PA area since 2005. |
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Most dog owners know about the many online photo contests where you upload a picture of your dog and the public votes for the cutest canine. But there are live dog beauty contests, too! It started with Haute Dog, an organization that throws beauty contests in Long Beach for breeds such as the Bull Dog and the Chihuahua. There are contests all over now and mixed breeds are included in many.
If you want to enter your dog in a contest, be ready to help her primp, prance and perform. A good bath is essential and a good grooming is better. Pick out a collar or a tutu that makes your dog stand out and be ready to explain what makes her so special. There tend not to be judging guidelines so it’s usually the dog with the most personality who wins. Remember to smile!
Kelly is a pet writer. She lives in the Boston area with her three pit bulls and one neurotic cat. |
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Winter trips with dogs require additional planning – beyond the customary packing, special cold weather considerations must be taken. When walking your dog, put on booties to prevent snow and salt damage to delicate paw pads. Remember to stop frequently to let your pooch stretch his legs but beware of overexposure to the elements. If the trip will involve an overnight stop, make sure to plan ahead to ensure pet-friendly sleeping quarters. Also, your own meals and pit-stops must be considered well in advance as a dog cannot safely be left in a cold vehicle. Be sure to bring extra water as well as blankets and dog sweaters. An unexpected foray into a winter storm can turn your car into overnight accommodations.
L. Hope Hesano tweets all-natural dog-supply promotions and information via the Fido Dog Treats Twitter feed |
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Through the bustle of the holidays, a small gift for our dogs often ends up on the bottom of our lists. But the holidays are about giving after all and our dogs give to us all year. Your pooch may certainly enjoy a new dog toy following Santa’s visit to your place. West Paw Design offers recyclable rubber toys that can actually be returned for a replacement toy should your dog destroy the first one. Canine Genius interactive toys keep your pet challenged by making him figure out how to reach the treat that you place inside. Planet Dog offers floating rubber balls that can be flung using their innovative Wood Chuck which keeps your hands slobber free. And unlike your mother-in-law, your dog won’t mind if the gift arrives a day or two late.
D.P. Hesano is a co-founder of the all-natural, online dog-supply shop FidoDogTreats.com |
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As the cold sets in, many of us are reluctant to take our dogs for a bone-chilling visit to the park. But our pets require exercise to maintain proper physical health and emotional balance. Fortunately, indoor dog parks continue to proliferate while expanding their offerings and level of service. As with any occasion where our dogs will be socializing, we need to make sure that our pets mind their manners. Remember to bring a record of your dog’s vaccinations upon your first visit to a new indoor park as most will require that this information is kept on file. Leave sick pets at home as doggie illnesses will spread quickly in this environment. All owners must respond quickly to any distasteful doggie behavior. And don’t forget to clean up after your pooch to keep the park smelling fresh.
D. P. Hesano is co-founder of the all-natural online dog supply FidoDogTreats.com |
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Consider what type of play excites your dog. Does he like to chew, fetch, tug or hear strange sounds? Choose an appropriately-sized toy for your breed. And make sure that the toy is large enough that it won’t reach the back teeth where it can fall victim to those powerful canine jaws. Be sure the toy is both durable, easy to wash and well constructed. Perfectly round toys are the best shape for strong chewers and elongated shapes work well with the casual chewer.
Regularly inspect their toys for safety, and also rotate them to ensure maximum playtime fun. Heavy chewers should not be given toys that have stuffing, ropes or seams as they can easily come apart. Consider earth friendly dog toys for sustainable doggy fun.
L. Hope Hesano researches new products for the dog shop FidoDogTreats.com |
