You can reduce the risk of damage to occasional ill-gotten items by teaching your pup to exchange toys for treats, using something he loves that he’s allowed to have, such as a favorite chew toy or a food-stuffed Kong.

The key to this game is he learns that if he gives something up, he gets something better in return and he gets the original thing back as well. Two rewards for the price of one! Then, when he has a forbidden object, he’s more likely to bring it to you to trade than to drag his prize to his cave under the dining room table for a leisurely chew. The rare occasion that he doesn’t get “the thing” back won’t be enough to overcome the programming you’ve done by playing the “trade” game with him frequently.

In order for this to work, you have to stop playing “chase the puppy” when he grabs the sofa cushion or some other forbidden object. This is often an attention-getting behavior; he’s learned that grabbing “your” toys and dashing off with them initiates a rousing play session.

Here’s what you do:

1. Offer him his well-stuffed Kong and say, “Take it!” Have him on a leash if you think he’ll run off with it.

2. Give him a little while to get fully engaged in chewing, and then say “Give!” or “Trade!” in a cheerful tone of voice and offer him a handful of irresistible treats, such as small bits of chicken or cheese.

3. Hold the treats under his nose and let him sniff. It may take him several seconds to think about it, but eventually he should drop his Kong and start eating the treats. Don’t let him gulp them! Hold the tidbits so he can only take them one by one.

4. When he drops the Kong, say, “Yes!”

5. While he is still nibbling, reach down with your other hand and pick up the toy.

6. Let him nibble a bit longer, then offer him the Kong again.

7. Repeat the exercise several times. Then end the game by giving him back his Kong and letting him chew to his heart’s content.

8. Play this game at every opportunity, whenever he’s engaged in chewing on his toys on his own, or whenever you feel like initiating the game, until he’ll give up his chew object easily on your “give” cue.

Hi fellow dog lovers, walkers and pet sitters,

I had an issue yesterday I wanted to share. While I was picking up my dogs in my van and during my route when I had a medical emergency. I wont go into ALL the details of but had to pull my van over and call 911. Well, I didn’t but my partner called them when I called her and told her what was going on. They wanted to get me to the hospital fast bc they suspected I was having a stroke. My whole left side was numb and weak and muscles were contracting involuntary. I couldn’t control it. I wouldn’t leave my dogs to go in the ambulance. I was able to call my partner and some one from her work brought her to the van. I wouldn’t leave till she got there. She was able to drive the dogs to the ER where they sat in my van while I was getting medical treatment. We called most the clients and almost everyone came and picked up there dogs at the hospital which my partner took care of. She is so awesome. It was all vary stressful and some what embarrassing.

It got me thinking that I need a better plan then just to call my partner if something like that happens again. What if she was in a meeting or away from her desk. What would I have done then? Who would I of called. All my friends are working during the day. Other dog walkers are with there own dogs. I share this because I thought I could learn from it. I need a back up person to call to take care of the dogs in the event I am Incapacitated. I was still able to talk and communicate with the paramedics but what if I hadn’t been? So I am making a list for emergency personal with my emergency plan and who to call and putting in the glove box. Telling them what to do with the dogs and listing all the dogs addresses.

Long story short. I am ok. No stroke. It was a side effect of a medication I had been put on a few weeks back. Two visit to the ER in 24 hours and they finally got the whole thing to stop but I can’t drive till the Dr. releases me. I am seeing a Dr. today. . Lots of things could of gone south to make the situation a whole lot worse but it worked out ok.

I was having a reaction to some medication I had been put on(I didn’t know this at the time) it was giving me seizures on one side of my body. I had no control over it. One of those things that only happens to like 1% of the population. (of course that would be me). Just a lesson to learn that you can never be too prepared for an emergency. We should all have a plan for emergencies and/or a disasters for our dogs that we love and care for. I thought I had one in my head but it did’t do me much good if I couldn’t communicate with anyone during the moment. Seattle emergency management has a flyer on disaster preparedness for pet owners there is also a program called SNAP to help communities in disaster. See the links bellow to have a plan and emergency kit to have on board. Not something I would want to go though again but WOW never a dull moment as a dog walker! The other thing is I wish I had water for the dogs in the back of the van. At least it wasn’t a hot day…that would of been bad. Maybe nothing well ever happen but it is good to know what to do if it should. I now have a big yellow sign that says DOGS INSIDE Emergency instructions in glove box.

http://www.seattle.gov/emergency/library/publiceducation/supplies kit/Pet%20Preparedness.pdf

http://www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/animals.shtm

http://www.seattle.gov/emergency/programs/snap/

• Have a plan for a kit….
• know who to call and list more than one contact…and have a list not just in your cell phone.
• let your clients know the plan and encourage them to come up with a plan of there own for there pet.
• Have the plan written down for emergency personal to find and follow. Most of those people love animals too so they are willing to help.
• Have the number for Seattle animal shelter/s on your list and Seattle Animal Control is (206) 386-7187
• Make sure all dogs have tags and identification and wear them.
• Have extra food and water in a non-spill bowl. A few bottled waters work great and keep for a long time.
• Always have a plan “B” for getting dogs back to there owners as soon as possible.
• Understand that dogs may react differently to emergencies or disasters. Be prepared to confine them. (the dogs knew something was wrong with me and where freaking out)
• Have enough leashes for as many dogs as you have.
• Current photo of each dog in case it bolts or runs off.
• Have some first aid for both dogs and people on board.
• Don’t be a dork like me and ask for help when needed.

Hope this helps. Have a great Friday.  I guess I get a three day week-end.

Robin
Woofadventure.com

 
Getting my blog all setup, new fire hydrant and all. Check back soon for more updates!

What is skijoring??

Skijoring is one of the fastest growing sled dog sports!

Although skijoring has been very popular in Scandinavia and Alaska for years, its popularity is rapidly spreading to other regions of the world. And well it should! As more races and tour companies feature skijoring, dog enthusiasts recognize it as an activity they can participate in with a couple of dogs and minimal equipment.

Skijor competitions associated with sprint races are often 3 to 10 miles in length, but in recent years there has been interest in longer, distance events.

You don’t have to compete to enjoy skijoring with your dog–with minimal skijor equipment, an eager dog and a pair of cross country skis, you’re on your way! Just be sure dogs are welcome are the trails you use. As with all sled dog sports, with a little digging you can probably find a mentor who will help you get started in this exciting sport. In the meantime, the following resources can help get you headed in the right direction!

If you are new to sled dog sports, I highly recommend that you review the Sled Dog Care Guidelines at the P.R.I.D.E. web site. The Exercise & Training section is particularly informative if you’re new to conditioning a skijor team.

Just  for fun….

Copied from mushing.com

Getting ready for the ski season..or skijoring…or mushing in general!

The following list was developed for skiers….but there is definitely some overlap for dog mushers

16 steps to follow in preparation for this year’s ski season :

16. Visit your local butcher and pay $30 to sit in the walk-in freezer for a couple of hours. Afterwards, burn two $50 dollar bills to warm up.

15. Soak your gloves and store them in the freezer after every use.

14. Fasten a small, wide rubberband around the top half of your head before you go to bed each night.

13. If you wear glasses, begin wearing them with glue smeared on the lenses.

12. Throw a $100 bill away – right now.

11. Find the nearest ice rink and walk across the ice 20 times in your ski boots carrying two pairs of skis, accessory bag and poles. Pretend you are looking for your car. Sporadically drop things.

10. Place a small but angular pebble in your shoes, line them with crushed ice, and then tighten a C-clamp around your toes.

9. Buy a new pair of gloves and immediately throw one away.

8. Secure one of your ankles to a bed post and ask a friend to run into you at high speed.

7. Go to McDonald’s and insist on paying $6.50 for a hamburger. Be sure you are in the longest line.

6. Clip a lift ticket to the zipper of your jacket, zip it up, and ride a motorcycle fast enough to make the ticket lacerate your face.

5. Drive slowly for five hours – anywhere – as long as it’s in a snowstorm and you’re following an 18-wheeler.

4. Fill a blender with ice, hit the pulse button and let the spray blast your face. Leave the ice on your face until it melts. Let it drip into your clothes. Do this in the walk-in cooler if possible.

3. Dress up in as many clothes as you can and then proceed to take them off because you have to go to the bathroom.

2. Slam your thumb in a car door. Don’t go see a doctor.

1. Repeat all of the above every Saturday and Sunday until it’s time for the real thing!

YouTube of Simicha and friends. It is so fun to watch the dogs playing like puppies and when one is a huge Ridgeback.  So with only a few more sunny days in Seattle the dogs are taking it all in. Take a look at how the dogs are celebrating fall.

• Dogs don’t know the rules of living with humans until you teach them what is expected.
• Training provides your dog with the social skills so your dog will get along with people and other animals.  Then you can happily take him places.
• Teaches dog to Respond to cues that could save your dogs life.
• Allow a greater amount of freedom for your dog.
• Promotes teamwork and increases bond between Pet Parent and their dog.
• Training can solve just about any behavior problem.
• Training gives your dog a good foundation to build on for things like Agility, Rally O and other dog sports.
• Your dog learns what acceptable behavior is.
• Builds Trust between you and your dog.  So your dog understands what it is to have solid leadership with mutual respect.

We include training in all are Outdoor Adventures.

WOOF Smart dog training foundation includes sit, down, stay, come, and wait.

1. We pick your dog up from your home in our service area.
2. We transport them to our outdoor adventure for the day and spend at least 90 minutes romping with other doggy pals.

Yes, we include Training!

Contact us to get started today!