Fun Idea's & Tips
by The Walking Dog Trainer
Skateboarding Storm
A skill Kel taught Storm, a blue staffy who loves to watch the world go by. She learnt, 'why walk when you can skateboard'. Storm is proofed to skateboard in many areas under high distraction. It took Kel about 1 hour to train Storm over a 2 week period.
The National Dog Training Federation were so impressed with Kel's training video, they requested the use of it in the course to show future students. Kel was more than happy for them to use it. Storm is owned by a friend of Kel's.
Skateboarding Jazzy
Jazzy is a female pug X, Kel rescued in 2011. Born in 2006, Jazzy started skateboarding late in her life proving you're are never to old to learn. She has many other skills to come and loves to learn and make people happy. Many dogs and kids love her as she's a confident independent girl who loves life.
A popular easy to make game for your dog.
This one's better
Here's a better version I made.
It's much more durable, weather proof, safe and has many benefits for your dog. It promotes confidence in problem solving, is mental stimulating and relieves boredom. Use as part of your dog's daily food intake. It's very entertaining watching your dog mentally focus.
TRIMMING YOUR DOG'S NAILS
Firstly, it is a good idea to have a vet or dog groomer show you how to trim nails. You don't want to stress your dog out as this can make it more challenging the next time you attempt to trim again. Someone who does it often will offer tips on what not to do. Then you will be more successful in getting the job done. Not all dogs need their nails trimmed. Many will naturally wear the nails down, or the dried ends of the nails will simply flake away. Depending on the breed, size of your dog and activities, you'll need to clip your dog's nails anywhere from once per week to once per month.
MAKE DOG WALKING FUN
When out walking your dog, why not do a few training activities in different areas and situations? Practise when on and off the lead. i.e. recall, sit, stay, release. Make it worth their while between each request with excitable verbal praises, stimulating physical massages and offer mid to high value treats. Mix it up and vary the rewards depending how well they do or how distracted they are. Release them back to continue to explore the many different exciting stimulants the environment offers them. You’re not only strengthening your dog's behaviour but you are refining your training skills.
TRAIN WITH CONSISTENCY
It is essential to be consistent when training your dog. Not only with your training but other family members who also interact with the dog. Involve other family members when training so your dog does not become confused and frustrated when you give your dog a command. This helps improve your dog’s training and does not undo all your good work training. Use the same commands / hand signals and praise when a good behaviour is offered. If you train your dog to not jump up on people while other people encourage them to jump up, then all your good training becomes undone. Consistent training saves frustration and time for everyone.
Training can take time and patience
Be realistic in your expectations when training a new or better behaviour. Your dog may have learnt a behaviour over many times in the past and believes that is a normal behaviour. For example, when your dog was a puppy, they were allowed to jump up onto you and into your lap. But now your dog has grown into an adult, is much bigger and not as manageable. If your dog has been doing a behaviour from a pup to the present, it may take a little longer for them to learn a new behaviour. The good news is it’s never too late to learn a new behaviour. The rewards and benefits for performing the wanted behaviour is well worth the time.