It’s You, Not Them

Have you ever just need to get away? To take yourself on a vacation away from work, your home and even your dog? Well please know that it is very healthy to do so!  I recently went on vacation back home to the east coast.  I brought my partner of almost three years home for the first time and it was an overall amazing trip. What was truly amazing about it is that I got to take a little break from the dogs. I know, that sounds horrible. Well, honestly it shouldn’t . We live in a world where dog memes and social media pages such as “The DoDo” stream nothing but humans and their adorable dogs and all the adorable things they do with them. We are forced to sallow a pill of “you should be doing everything with your dog”. What I found out about myself after vacation is that I came back refreshed and happy to see them. I am prepared to dive back into their training, rested enough to properly exercise them and reminded of all the love I have for them.

We are a fast-paced society that tends to burn the candle at both ends. When you don’t take time for yourself, without your dog, you may actually be too tired and worn down to truly be there for them. How many walks have “waited till tomorrow” because you were too tired to do it. How much one-on-one time do you put aside for them besides just cuddling on the couch at the end of the night? Taking a weekend away, for yourself without mans best friend is still good for the soul. Once you have established a trust-worthy pet sitter (please refer to a previous blog post on how to do this) leaving your dog for an allotted amount shouldn’t be stressful either.

The most important thing about taking some time off is that you learn to reorganize your days and how much effort you’re putting into your dog. When you return home, begin a new routine of possibly taking extra long walks every other day. I would even consider taking a summer class together. You could even simply just plan a special hike that you would normally be too tired for.

Remember to create room for yourself so it allows more room for your dog!

Happy Training,
The DogLadies

 

What is your Dog’s story?

I took a wonderful dog training seminar a few weeks ago that peaked my interest in a subject that we all talk about, our dog’s story. Our dog’s story tends to define them or at least many of us think so. For example I adopted my dog Otis nine years ago and he was for a lack of a better term a menace. Otis ran away from home many times, fought other dogs when given the chance, got into everything including rat poison and when over excited would hump anything and everyone. Honestly, an entire blog post could be written about how naughty Otis really was. I even find myself when relating to clients bringing this story up over and over again. I actually find myself talking about his story all the time (even now I’m rambling about it!).  What I lack to communicate is how far he has come in training and how well rounded of a dog he is. Many of my clients have seen Otis in their lessons when he is helping their own dog. He is also wonderful around large groups of people and children and loves the dogs in our home daycare and pack hikes. Why as dog guardians ( I hate saying owner) are we always willing to revert back to “my dog was so bad”, or ” he was abused thats why he’s the way he is”. Whether our dogs were so naughty when they were young or have had a troubled past we need to start recognizing how wonderful they are now.

It is our job as dog guardians to build our dogs up not constantly bring them down. By repeating your dog’s story over and over again without adding what chapter in their life they are in now does not set them up for a successful future. Just because your dog used to bark at strangers and only does it every once and awhile now, start celebrating that particular every once and awhile that they did not bark. Just because Otis still gets into the trash when he can and barks at the doorbell, does not mean that he isn’t one of the easiest dogs to clicker train, and an amazing assistant in my training lessons. I personally cherish the moments when I see his growth so why don’t I start talking about them more?

Begin letting go of what your dog was, and celebrate when they’ve become. Try not to just celebrate to yourself, share it on social media, tell family and friends and be proud of the dog you have put so much work into. If your dog has had a rough past and can be fearful, try not to blame every time they are fearful on their past. Instead of saying “My dog is nervous of men because she was beat by a man”. Try approaching it as “She can be nervous but she has come so far and we are so proud of her attempts!”. Simple steps in recognizing you and your dogs hard work will bring you closer in the end.

Now go love on your dog and tell them how wonderful they are!

Happy Training,

The Doglady

Back to School

The DogLadies have some wonderful news for this up coming spring, summer and fall seasons. We will be teaching three different classes multiple times throughout the next six months. The DogLadies have prided themselves on being able to provide personal one-on-one lessons giving close attention to you and your dog. We now want to expand your and your dogs abilities by being able to work around real life distractions. With Erin and Angyl teaching the class together we will provide a safe, educational and fun atmosphere for you.

Listed below are the three different class descriptions, prices and dates. If you are interested in signing up for the classes please contact DownToEarthDoglady@gmail.com or call 610-812-2880

Canines in the City

A four week class dedicated to helping dogs and their handlers properly communicate using positive reinforcement methods in different locations throughout Portland, Oregon. We will be working on “leave-it” , “watch me”, loose leash walking , and being around large crowds of people. Locations include, Hawthorne Blvd. , Orchard Hardware supply, Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Saturday Market

Price : $180.00
Capacity : 6 Students 2 Teachers
Duration : 45 minutes

• 4/22/18 Week 1- Down To Earth Doglady Training Space 833 SE Main Street Portland OR

• 4/29/18 Week 2- Down To Earth Doglady Training Space + Hawthorne Blvd. and adjacent neighborhoods
• 5/6/18 Week 3- Water front Park
• 5/13/18 Week 4- Water front Park + Saturday Market

This class is not for dogs with leash reactivity. If your dog does have some reactivity in these situations we are more than happy to schedule a private lesson to build up going to the above locations.

 

 

Local Park Etiquette

A four week class dedicated to helping dogs and their handlers properly communicate using positive reinforcement training in busy local Portland, Oregon parks. We will work on “Watch me”, “stay”, “leave-it”, and loose leash walking skills.

Pricing : $180.00
Capacity: 6 Students 2 Teachers
Duration : 45 minutes

• 5/30/18 Week 1- Down To Earth Doglady Training Space
• 6/6/18 Week 2 – Mt. Tabor
• 6/13/18 Week 3- Gabriel Park
• 6/20/18 Week 4- LaurelHurst Park

Adventure Training

A four week class dedicated to educating dog handlers on proper safety, and training that’s needed when going hiking with your dog. We will be training  “leave-it” , “watch-me”, “stay”, working on a check-in behavior, and practicing basic recall skills.

Price : $200.00
Capacity : 6 Students, 2 Teachers
Duration: 1:15

• 6/17/18 Week 1- Down To Earth Doglady Training Space
• 6/24/18 Week 2 – Stub Stewart Park (when open, otherwise Rooster Rock)
• 7/1/18 Week 3- Rooster Rock or (Rooster Rock pt.2)
• 7/8/18 Week 4- Salmon River Trail

 

 

We hope you spend your summer with us training, and having fun with your dog!

Happy Training,

The DogLadies

 

What Motivates your Dog?

I recently listened to a pod cast that got my dog nerd brain thinking about an interesting subject. In Hannah Brannigan’s “Drinking from the Toilet” she spoke on the topic of Motivating Operations. For all of you non over-the-top dog nerds let me explain.  In reward-based training we typically use items that motivate our dogs to reinforce a behavior. These items usually present themselves in the form of different kinds of food or toys. With these motivators however it seems that they  fluctuate in different circumstances. For example, your dog may love their “special cookie” that you give them at home. At home, they can roll-over, sit, down, whatever you ask just for a chance to get that “special cookie”. Now you take them to their first dog training class and all the sudden that cookie isn’t so special anymore.  With all the new distractions in the room such as other dogs, other people and so much more the value of your “special cookie” motivator just plummeted. When this happens, what do you do? How can you gain your dogs attention back by having something that it truly desires in any situation?

Always change your “special cookie”
     It is very important to always remember to change your food motivators. If you stick to the same “special cookie” for every situation without accounting for distractions or other stimulus’s your dog finds desirable, you are setting your dog and yourself up for failure. In my training pouches I make sure to carry High, Medium and Low value treats. This may be a variation of string cheese, turkey dogs, jerky treats, and kibble. If you were to continuously eat pizza for every meal, every day after seven days pizza would not be as motivating to have compared to ordering it on a Friday night after a long work week. Keep it interesting for them!

Have Multiple Motivators
Motivators are very important in dog training. We would all love to be our dogs main motivator but lets be honest, we aren’t. Pick things out that your dog really enjoys. For example playing ball, engaging in a game with you, taking a walk together, etc. You do not always have to have food or toys as motivators. My dog Otis loves to be able to sniff anything. Many times after he as worked for me I will take him to a new field or wooded area just to let him sniff everything for a few minutes. Now when comparing Otis to his sister, Dahlia they’re completely different. Dahlia enjoys to work her motivator is food and to work (typical herding breed). If she is stressed in a situation I will go ahead and ask her to do her favorite tricks to relieve some tension. Ask yourself, do you go to work just because you LOVE your boss that much? Or do you go to work because their is a paycheck after every two weeks?

“Gamify” your dog training
Now of course you can build yourself to be the most motivating thing in your dogs life. By doing this you can “gamify” your training, walks and everyday life by making it fun. In Terry Ryan’s “Gamify Your Dog Training” she gives an entire book’s worth of advice and examples on ways to make training fun by simultaneously practicing fundamental skills. One example that I tend to do frequently with my deaf dog fosters is to place hide and seek to practice check in behaviors. Other times I may set up obstacle courses to build confidence and heeling. I know I personally get goofy  in training sessions. I let loose, find my happy place and just enjoy the quality time with my dog.

Look for Signs of Stress
Always remember to look for signs of stress when trying out new motivators for your dog. Not every dog would enjoy 80’s music and their owner dancing around for motivation. If your dog is drooling (especially when in a new situation), they’ve stopped taking food, and even shut down physically go ahead and take them to a safe space because in that moment that will be their biggest motivator. Never push your dog too far for a motivator that actually turns and shuts them down.

Have fun exploring new ways to make training fun for you and your dog. Keep things interesting, spice things up and make sure not to over do it!

Happy Training!
The Doglady

Picking the Right Pet Sitter

When you go on vacation, travel for the weekend, or take a business trip do you have someone you truly trust with your dog? When leaving your dog in someone else’s hands it’s important to know that they will be taken care of so you won’t have to worry while you’re away. Here are some tips when looking for the right pet sitter or boarding facility.

1.Prepare in Advance 

Once you’ve planned your vacation or weekend getaway, make sure to pre-plan your pets care as well.  This will save you plenty of last minute stress and it will set up your dog for success while you’re away. Before you leave, give your dog about a month or two to get associated with a new person or establish a relationship with a daycare/boarding facility. If you choose to go with a pet sitter you should set up a meet and greet weeks before your trip. This will allow you to get a good feel for the person and see if your dog feels comfortable too. It’s even a good idea to also have a trial sleep over to better ensure this person is a good fit! If you choose to use a boarding facility there are a few things to do beforehand as well. Always make sure to tour the business, ask about their boarding and over night policies, and allow your dog to visit for daycare or playgroup a couple of times a week before your trip.  Just because you may be going on vacation to a new and exciting place does not necessarily mean your dog will find their new place just as exciting. Sometimes we have to leave our animals in the care of others for circumstances that may not be vacation oriented, for instance during the arrival of a new baby.
Note: When expecting a new baby give your pet sitter a few weeks time around the delivery date. A good boarding facility or pet sitter will block out a few weeks time frame and will be accepting of the situation. The dogs should be the one thing you should not have to stress about…. so don’t forget to pre-plan!

2.  Picking the Right Pet Sitter 

A. In-Home Pet Sitter
An In-home pet sitter is someone who will take your dog into their home and care for them. I am usually an in-home pet sitter on the weekends for my clients. When dogs stay at my house they are instantly a part of my family. I stick to the dogs general routine (times they eat, potty break, etc.) while also integrating them into the routine of our three dogs at home (play time, exercise, etc.). They are never left alone for more then three hours and often travel with me if I go out. I do not take a pet sitting dog that I have not already established a bond with prior to any sleepover. Each client must fill out a pet sitting contract listing their vet info, feeding schedule, health concerns and sign a waiver. This agreement allows me to take them in to the vet if I can not reach them or the emergency contact in the event that their dog needs medical attention. When interviewing people to take your dog, the main rule is that you want to feel absolutely comfortable that you’re leaving them with a trusted friend who will know how to properly handle any situations that may arise while you’re away.

B. In-your home Pet Sitter

An In-your home pet sitter is someone who comes to your house to stay with your dog. All of the general “rules” stated above in in-home pet sitters apply here as well.  You will want to schedule a “meet and greet” weeks before hand and feel comfortable leaving this person with your dog, especially in your home. It is always a great idea to do a trial run, possibly even an over night stay to see how it goes. Did the pet sitter clean after themselves? Does your dog seem relaxed and comfortable after the stay? If  all goes well then you’re likely to establish a long term relationship with this person! So whether you’re leaving for an emergency, a business trip, or heading onto a week long vacation, you’ll know your dog will be happy, healthy and well taken care of.

C. Boarding facility 

Many dogs thrive in social environments such as a daycare or boarding facility. If you are most comfortable with this route then there are some rules of thumb when finding the right one. Make sure to call ahead of time and set up an evaluation weeks in advance. Facilities should have an evaluation for any new dog to ensure their comfort and safety. Ask if you can take a tour of the facility, as it’s important to get an idea of where your dog will be sleeping, playing, and eating. Take your dog to the facility for play group four or five times before your trip so the staff can get acquainted with your dog and what their needs are. Things to ask the facility are if they have web cams, what their injury policy is, and what their dogs daily schedule will be. One of the most important things when bringing your dog to a boarding facility is to make sure that he or she is up to date on all of their vacations especially Bordetella. This vaccine is not 100% but it is a precaution for “kennel cough”.

3. Packing a bag 

When your dog is heading out to a boarding facility or to in-home pet sitting it is a smart idea to pack things for them. Always make sure to pack appropriate amounts of food! In the past when I worked at a boarding facility some parents would only bring the bottom of a dog food bag and expect that to last the entire week… Measure out their food or buy a brand new bag! Pack something that smells like home, a small blanket or maybe a favorite toy. Do not go over board, when packing this dog bag always remember less is more. Some bigger facilities may misplace the blanket or toy, so try not to have a huge attachment to these items. If your dog has to take medication make sure to go over the directions with the pet sitter in detail,  never assume things are self explanatory.

4. Make sure you pick someone who made you feel comfortable in the meet and greet AND while your away

You may not get daily updates from your pet sitter but you should feel comfortable enough to check in and see how things are going. A picture sent every once and a while and a fun “cuddles on the couch” text are those extra special touches that makes your pet sitter one of your (and your dogs) favorite people.  Little check-in’s like “he’s not eating as much as I’d like”, or “she seems a bit anxious so we took an extra walk” are also really great ways your pet sitter can give you that extra comfort while you’re away.

5. Try to not “heckle” your Pet sitter

If you had a great consultation and wonderful trial sleepover, then enjoy your vacation! Do not stress on what’s going on with your dog. Not preparing ahead of time brings on tons of anxiety. Asking questions like “have they pooped this morning”, “send me a picture every couple hours” can be stressful for your pet sitter. You want to make sure they’re giving their attention to your dog and not their phone. Cute photos, and check in texts from your pet sitter are what you should be looking forward too, not demanding. A good pet sitter will initiate these kinds of check ins. Picking a pet sitter can be a process. Make sure you feel 100% comfortable, but also set them up for success. Leave them a proper emergency contact, your veterinary info, where you’ll be, how to get a hold of you and basic care instructions. When you pick the right sitter for your dog, your dog will have just as much fun as you will while you’re away.