June 2024 – Dogs Life Blog

Brain Training for Dogs – An Online Training Course

Develop your dog’s “hidden intelligence” to eliminate bad behavior and create the obedient, well-behaved pet of your dreams… This course by Adrienne Farricelli, how you can quickly eliminate behavioral problems… no matter how badly you think it is ingrained and no matter what kind of dog you have. Who needs this secret to using your dog’s natural intelligence to stop bad behavior? You need to train a new Puppy Your dog barks uncontrollably Your Dog is pulling on the leash Your Dog is reactive Your Dog is chewing things he shouldn’t Your Dog is digging all the time Your Dog is Jumping up You’re frustrated with your dog You tell your Dog ‘no’ with no success Your Dog gets over excited and is hard to settle down Your dog has a fear of certain sounds or stimuli or suffers from anxiety Almost ANY behavior problem you can think of can be quickly and easily cured with the simple techniques shown in this course by Adrienne Farricelli. Introducing: Brain Training for Dogs – Unique Dog Training Course Once you learn the simple techniques for Unlocking Your Dog’s Natural Intelligence you will be amazed at how quickly problem behaviors will disappear and your dog will start to obey you. This course includes 7 modules to train your pet from your own home or location. Here is a peek inside: MODULE 1 PRESCHOOL This is the foundation for the whole course. Here your dog will learn how to tap into his awesome brain power to become super obedient to your every command. Inside you will discover the following… How to ‘Target Train’ your dog so he/she keeps their attention on you. (You can even use ‘targeting’ to get your dog to open doors, ring bells or turn off lights). The ‘magic little way’ to get your dog to look into your eyes so the communication is strong as a foundation for super obedience. A very simple ‘airplane game’ to get your dog looking into your eyes and paying attention to you as the source of reward and pleasure. MODULE 2 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Now that your dog has mastered foundational training it’s time to improve his skills and use his senses to complete your commands. You will get games covering the following… The ‘treasure hunt game’ that gets your dog back to his evolutionary roots and relieves the ‘boredom’ that leads to so many problem behaviors. ‘The muffin game’ to keep your dog mentally stimulated and out of trouble. ‘The ball pit game’ to drain your dog’s energy and make him easier to work with – all while they have a ton of fun and exercise. MODULE 3 HIGH SCHOOL Here your dog will learn about patience and impulse control with the following games… Inside ‘jazz up and settle down’ you will learn how to settle your Dog down quickly after being hyped up with activity for a while. The bottle game will help provide mental stimulation plus a small amount of exercise so they behave better for you. Bobbing for treats will give your dog the excitement and reward he needs to behave well, while helping to remove any fear of water. MODULE 4 COLLEGE Here you will develop your dog’s motor skills and his ability to concentrate on your commands. Inside you will discover: The shell game to develop his mental agility. The open sesame game to develop patience and calmness despite an open door. The magic carpet game to develop even more patience and dexterity. MODULE 5 UNIVERSITY Here you will develop your dog’s intelligence and patience. You’ll also be focusing on helping him with his impulse control to become a better behaved dog. Inside you will discover: The hide and seek game to create a strong bond between you and your dog, and helps dogs who have trouble being alone. The look at that game to stop dogs barking at other dogs or people from the window. The hot and cold game to boost your dog’s ability to learn and build his confidence. MODULE 6 GRADUATION Here your dog will develop advanced level motor skills and intelligence…to obey your commands. Inside you will discover: Advanced leg-weaving skills to impress your friends. The Serpentines and spirals game to help your dog stick by your side and follow your movements -no matter how erratic. The name recognition game where your dog will learn to pick out toys by their name, to boost his cognitive ability MODULE 7 EINSTEIN Your dog is now at ‘genius level’. Why not impress your friends with your dog’s ability to stack rings, tidy his toys, and even play the piano? Inside you will discover: The tidy up game so your dog can tidy up after he is finished playing, A very impressive and useful trick. The ring stackers game to develop skill and patience. Play the piano game – that’s right. Your dog will actually play the piano on cue. Plus so much more is included in the course to continue the education of your dogs. Get more information and order here: Click here

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Woof Woof! Help a Pup Pick the Perfect Father’s Day Gift for Their Dad!

Hey there, dogs of the world! Father’s Day is coming up on Sunday June 16th, and us pups want our Dads to feel super special. But what do you get the human who gives the best belly rubs, throws the most epic fetch sessions, and always shares their fries (well, sometimes)? Don’t worry, I’ve got some paw some ideas to help you sniff out the perfect present! Gifts for the Dog-Obsessed Dad: Matching Shirts or Sweaters: Let the world know your Dad’s your best bud with matching human-and-doggo tees or cozy sweaters. You can find some with funny slogans, cute paw prints or even a Hawaiian shirt personalized with your dogs face! Custom Dog Portrait: Dads love showing off their furry companions! A custom portrait captures your doggone good looks and makes a unique and thoughtful gift. This can be on a canvas or digital print to print at home. Dog Dad Mug: A classic for a reason! Help Dad fuel his coffee (or tea) obsession with a mug that declares his love for dogs or his favorite dog breed. Bonus points if it features your adorable face! Gifts for the Dad Who Needs Some “Me” Time: Subscription Box for Dog Lovers: Give Dad the gift of relaxation with a monthly box filled with dog walking essentials, grooming supplies, or even treats for him (not you…well, maybe a few to share!). Dog Training Session: Is your pup a bit of a handful? A professional training session can help Dad brush up on his skills and make walks in the park more enjoyable for everyone. Weekend Getaway Pet-Friendly Hotel: Sometimes Dads need a break too! Find a pet-friendly hotel and plan a relaxing weekend getaway for the whole family (including you, of course!) DIY Gifts from the Pup: Paw-painted Picture: Get creative with some non-toxic paint and your paws! There are kits that include directions to make your own paw masterpiece for Dad to hang on the wall. “Coupon Book” for Doggy Duties: Construction paper, some paw prints, and a little love can create a coupon book Dad can redeem for belly rubs, walks in the park, or extra playtime. Record a “Song”: Okay, this one might require some human help. But imagine the look on Dad’s face when he hears a recording of his favorite pup “singing” him a special song! Most Importantly, Show Your Love! No matter what gift you choose, remember that Dads love spending time with their furry best friends. Snuggle up for a movie night, go for an extra-long walk, plan a hike or just shower Dad with those puppy dog eyes – he’ll know just how much you appreciate him! Happy Father’s Day to all the Dog Dads out there! Woof!

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How to Introduce Your Puppy to Your Older Dog

Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time, but it can also be nerve-wracking for your existing dog. After all, they’ve been the reigning champion of your love and attention! To ensure a smooth introduction and a harmonious future for both pups, some preparation is key. Preparing Your Champion: Brush up on obedience: Before the puppy arrives, refresh your older dog’s training on basic commands like sit, stay, and come. This will help maintain order when the new arrival throws things into a tizzy. There are several books that we recommend for training on our site (click here). Create a safe space: Set up a crate or a puppy playpen for the new arrival. Before the puppy comes home, your older dog can have a chance to explore this “new” addition to the home before. It can give them an idea that change is coming and then will feel less overwhelmed with the addition of a puppy and all of its things. Once the puppy comes home, the playpen will provide a space for them to feel secure and allow you to control interactions with your older dog. Sniffing with a Barrier: Before face-to-face greetings, let the dogs sniff each other through a baby gate or a closed door. This allows them to get accustomed to each other’s scent in a controlled way. The Big Introduction: Stay Calm: A calm demeanor from you sets the tone for the interaction. Do not raise your voice or use an excited voice when talking to either. Anxious energy can make your older dog feel threatened. Neutral Territory: If possible, have the first meeting on neutral ground like a park, keeping both dogs on leashes. This can help establish a more playful and less territorial vibe. We recommend introducing them in a safe space with the ability to be off leash after the initial sniff test. Respectful Greetings: Allow the dogs to approach each other cautiously. Let sniffing happen naturally, and avoid forcing any interaction. If the sniffing starts to become aggressive or one of the pups looks distressed then separate and wait before reengaging them. Living Together: Separate Meals and Snuggle Time: Feed the dogs in separate bowls and supervise playtime. This can help prevent resource guarding and ensure both pups feel secure. Focus on spending time one on one with each dog to make sure they feel connected and important. Crate Time for Solo Breaks: Schedule crate time for both dogs throughout the day. This provides each pup with some much-needed alone time to relax and de-stress. Puppies need plenty of rest as they are growing so allow for nap times during the day. Supervised Playtime: Supervise all play sessions, ensuring it stays gentle and playful. Separate the dogs if things get too rough. Listen to them as they play to notice if their sounds are getting too escalated. For instance, if one of them starts to snap or growl out of too much excitement or trying to tell the other to stop. What if They Don’t Get Along? Don’t Force It: If your older dog seems fearful or aggressive, don’t force interaction. Separate them and reintroduce them slowly over time. This can take several weeks for the older dog to welcome the new one to their home so remember be patient with both. Seek Professional Help: Consider consulting a certified animal behaviorist for guidance on creating a positive and safe environment for both dogs. Remember: Introducing a new puppy takes time and patience. By following these tips and creating a positive atmosphere, you can help your furry family members adjust and become the best of buds.

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Don’t Let Fireworks Frighten Your Fido: Tips for a Calm and Happy Fourth of July

Ah, the Fourth of July! A time for barbecues, backyard gatherings, and of course, fireworks. But for our furry companions, the booming sounds and flashing lights of fireworks displays can be a terrifying experience. They either love it or despise it and we worry about how they are handling the day. Here’s how to help your dog stay calm and content during this loud celebration: Preparation is Key: Before the Fireworks Begin Talk to Your Vet: Discuss your dog’s anxiety level with fireworks and explore potential solutions. Your veterinarian might recommend anti-anxiety medication or calming aids. There are options that they have that would work for your dog’s breed, personality and size. Consider Boarding: If your dog has severe anxiety, boarding them in a quiet location away from firework displays could be the best option. This option provides a safe space for them and if you have a fear of them running away, then this is a good option as long as the boarding is contained. Desensitization Training (Optional): It is estimated that about 45% of dogs have firework phobia, so we recommend starting to desensitize your dog to loud noises well before the Fourth of July. Play recordings of fireworks at a low volume and gradually increase the volume over time, pairing the sounds with positive reinforcement like treats or praise. Creating a Safe Haven at Home: Stay Indoors: Keep your dog inside during firework displays. Close windows and curtains to muffle the noise and create a dark, calming environment. If necessary, stay with them and turn on a movie or sit with them during the loud noises to keep them calm and comfortable. Provide a Safe Space: Create a designated safe space for your dog, like a crate covered with a blanket or a quiet room in the house. Provide them with familiar toys and bedding. This is one of the many reasons to consider crate training for your pup to help provide them with their “safe” space when they need it. Stay Calm & Comforting: Your dog picks up on your emotions. Stay calm and reassuring throughout the evening. Avoid yelling outside or at others setting off the fireworks. Offer cuddles, soothing words, and distractions like chew toys or puzzle feeders. Additional Calming Techniques: Leash and Identification: Even the most well-behaved dog can bolt in a scared state. Ensure your dog is wearing a well-fitting leash and collar with updated identification tags. Keep the leash on your dog at all times during the day if you are outside at an event. You do not know if one type of sound will set your dog off running. It can be unpredictable but by keeping a leash a bolting episode can be prevented. CBD Products (Consult Your Vet): Discuss the use of veterinarian-approved CBD products with your vet to see if they might help alleviate your dog’s anxiety. If you are on the fence about trying CBD products on your dogs, here is more information on using CBD products from the American Kennel Club. Thundershirts: These snug-fitting garments apply gentle, constant pressure, mimicking the feeling of swaddling and promoting a sense of calm in some dogs. These are a good choice and can help with other loud episodes like construction noise or thunderstorms. Over-the-Counter Calming Aids: Consult your veterinarian about calming aids formulated with natural ingredients like chamomile or L-theanine. There are many to choose from at different price points. We suggest trying them out beforehand to make sure that it works for your dog and that you know what to expect from their reaction. Remember: Never medicate your dog without first consulting your veterinarian. The appropriate solution will depend on your dog’s individual needs and anxiety level. By planning ahead and creating a safe and comfortable environment, you can help your dog enjoy a stress-free Fourth of July. So, celebrate responsibly, keep your pup safe, and have a happy holiday!

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