Glacier and a small group of therapy Dogs have offered our services to go to Connecticut to work with the families and people of Newtown. Happily they have Therapy dogs already there and on their way however if they need more we are ready and waiting!

Socializing Tips – our world can be a scary place!

If you are planning on a puppy, please start to learn now the right way to socialize the puppy. In an environment with too many stressors can cause as much fear in a puppy as not socializing at all! Help your pup start out right!

http://dogmantics.com/2012/12/18/socializing-tips-our-world-can-be-a-scary-place/

Christmas hike!

Come join us for a nice Christmas walk along the Trinity River! We will stop by Chesapeak Plaza to take pictures with our dogs by all the beautiful lighted trees! After the walk we will caravan back to the facility for hot chocolate and snacks! You must be a current client of Taming the Wild Side or set up an evaluation with your dog to attend. The walk will be Saturday, December 22 at 4:30-7:30. Cost is $10.00. The walk will be limited to 10 dogs!   Sign up Here!

Agility Foundation 1

Classes will be held outdoors in a large enclosed area and will cover the foundation work necessary for agility. The second level of foundation will continue for another 6 weeks after the first level is completed and teams may then continue into Advanced Beginner when they are ready as determined by the instructor.

Sign up Here!

Chokes, prongs and shock collars not only will break down the trust between you and your dog, change your dog's personality but will also cause serious health issues.

http://peterdobias.com/community/2011/07/dog-collars-can-cause-disease-and-possibly-lead-to-cancer/

Need your dog to stay out of the baby's room or any other room that you may not want them in? Here is a great video on how to teach some boundaries!

Dixie and the family participated in the Parade Of Lights last night to help represent Basset Hound Rescue of North Texas! Check out all the great Basset Hounds!! What a wonderful time we all had!

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.451567731569808.102089.109655375761047&type=1

Common Dog Training Mistakes

This is a great article about some things not to do while training your dog. One of my favorites!

http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/10_5/features/Positive_Dog_Training_15931-1.html?s=FB1232012

We had a great seminar with Harris Parkway Animal Hospital! Everyone learned so much and we came away with some great exercise techniques to help our mature and senior dogs! The exercises have done wonders on Dixie's little knee and Glacier's hips! Thank you Dr. Young and Rachel for all the wonderful information! 

Rachel and I want to thank The Elkins of "Taming the Wild Side" for hosting us this afternoon at their fabulous dog training center. We got to share the exciting things that we are doing with canine rehab (physical therapy). Thanks for a great time. Dr Young

Always Treat!

Remember failing to provide treats or some sort of reinforcement for your dog when training is like you going to work without receiving a paycheck. How long will you continue working?

Canine Rehab and Pet First Aid Seminar

Come join Taming the Wild Side and Dr. Robert Young along with Rachel West RVT, CCRA with Harris Parkway Animal Hospital for a seminar about Canine Rehabilition! Learn how range of motion exercises and stretches can help not only the canine athelete but also the family dog before a walk or hike.

 Learn what laser treatment is and how it promotes healing. Learn what exercises are beneficial for senior dogs, hip dysplasia, and arthritis. Learn what exercise equipment to use and what is available for pet owners.

Dr. Young will also touch on supplements and Pet First Aid! This event is without your dog but we will have great demonstrations!

Come join us for this educational and information filled afternoon, Saturday, December 1st from 4:30 to 6:30. $10.00 per person. We will have 15 slots available, reserve yours now!

Sign up here: http://www.supersaas.com/schedule/Taming_The_Wild_Side/T_Touch

Components Must Be fully Trained Before Combining!

Are you trying to train a great stay, a better sit or a better down? Your dog will sit or down on cue but now you would like to add a little distance or distractions, remember if you are working on distractions, don't try to add distance from your dog. If you are adding distance then don't add distractions yet. Each of these components must be trained seperately and they must be strong before you try and put them together and combine them! Trained in small steps you and your dog will enjoy training much more and the behaviors will strengthen faster!!

Too Little Sleep Can Cause Behavior Issues

Did you know that dogs that have erratic sleep cycles can be pushed to exhaustion? Dogs require 17 hours of sleep but if it is a restime that continues to be interuppted by small children, multiple energetic dogs, or if your dogs lives in the yard, constant stimulation of sounds, sights and smells from the neighborhood or even wildlife in the area can cause sleep deprivation. Why is this important? Dogs that don't have the time to rest and refuel from play and training will usually become more stressed and may have more behavior problems such as barking, digging, aggression and jumping! Help your dog become stable, balanced and relaxed, allow them to have their area to rest and sleep uninterrupted.

Canine Rehab and Pet First Aid Seminar

Canine Rehab and Pet First Aid Seminar:  Come join Taming the Wild Side and Dr. Robert Young along with Rachel West RVT, CCRA with Harris Parkway Animal Hospital for a seminar about Canine Rehabilition! Learn how range of motion exercises and stretches can help not only the canine athelete but also the family dog before a walk or hike. Learn what laser treatment is and how it promotes healing. Learn what exercises are beneficial for senior dogs, hip dysplasia, and arthritis. Learn what exercise equipment to use and what is available for pet owners. Dr. Young will also touch on supplements and Pet First Aid! Come join us for this educational and information filled afternoon, Saturday, December 1st from 4:30 to 6:30. $10.00 per person. We will have 15 slots available, reserve yours now!

Sign up here:  http://www.supersaas.com/schedule/Taming_The_Wild_Side/T_Touch

Dixie Again!

Teaching Dixie to down on an agility table last night. In the beginning she just wanted to sit on it and wave at me!! Training a basset is so much fun but she did finally get it!!

Interesting Fact!

It's an interesting fact that it takes more effort, more concentration to be angry then it does to be happy. It takes more effort both physical and mental to restrain and control then it does to teach self control.

 What's that proverb? "If you give a man a fish you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish you feed him for a lifetime."

 If all you do is attempt to control your dog, you only control for that moment. If you teach self control you have a dog that can live in your world comfortably and without strife.

        Thank you Jamie Robinson!

One more!

Great Ladder showig how a dog reacts to anxiety and stress.

Coal at Work

Mat work with the aroma of Braums burgers in the air. Love when you send pictures of you doing your homework! Everyone feel free to share photos or video of homework and training! Love it!

Dixie Doodle!

Look who completed her Agility Foundation 1 Course with Cowtown Dog Sports! She learned alot of body awareness!

Prairie Dog Trail Fall Hike

Saturday, November 17th at 9:30. We will hike the Prairie Dog Trail at the Fort Worth Nature Center. It is about a 3 mile hike and considered easy. It will be open to 8 dogs. Once again cost will be $5.00 at the gate and a $10.00 per family charge to be donated to North Texas Basset Hound Rescue. If you are not a client of Taming the Wild Side please email to set up an evaluation appointment terri@tamingthewildside.com.

 Sign Up Here! http://www.supersaas.com/schedule/Taming_The_Wild_Side/Hike

Holiday Dog Gifts

New toys Treats and chewies New leash, harness or collar New blanket or bedding I don’t buy my pet holiday gifts Other read more Source: Karen Pryor Clickertraining

How to Hunt Without Killing Anything

Among the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed groups, the Sporting Group is by far the most popular, and these dogs are bred to hunt. But don't be discouraged if you have one of these great sporting dogs but you're not a hunter. You can choose from a variety of field sports, including both organized and individual activities that will put your dog's talents to good use. read more Source: Karen Pryor Clickertraining

Tips for Helping Pets Weather a Hurricane

As Hurricane Sandy bears down on the East Coast, we want to remind you that it's not too late to make some last minute preparations for your pets. read more Source: Karen Pryor Clickertraining

Taming the Wild Side has lost a sweet friend

She lost her battle to cancer. Many of you remember Diana and Tapper in our classes and all the fun and laughter she brought us. You will be missed so much my friend. Please be in prayer for this family.

A Solid Recall with Seconds to Spare

"It’s scenarios like that one, that I wish every dog owner could see. Those precious moments that make the difference between an interesting story and a tragedy are the answer to the questions, “Why do I have to practice calling my dog to me so many times?” and, “What happens if I don’t have food with me?”" Thanks Mary Penny for Sharing.


http://wildewmn.wordpress.com/2012/10/24/a-solid-recall-with-seconds-to-spare/

Are You Ready for Halloween?

Awesome Gift I received from my wonderful friend Michele Hines! It will be part of our decorations for Canine Game Night tomorrow night! We will also have a drawing for two great dog beds and give out some great dog prizes for our games!

Canine Game Night Teaser!

Photo teaser- We had an absolute BLAST at out Canine Game Night! We played the funniest games, the dogs were excited and played. Stay tuned to find out what happened in this photo!! More pics will be coming! Come join us for the next one!! It was a spectacular day with therapy dog evals this morning and game night tonight!

Chase with your items?

Does your dog grab your items and run away for a game of chase?!! Some great tips from the Whole Dog Journal to help with this behavior!!

http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/14_1/features/Dogs-Grabbing-Belongings_20161-1.html

Canine Game Night is Tomorrow!

A great night of games with your dog! Does your dog have a great sit, test out with musical chairs, loose leash walking skills? Test it out while walking during an egg race! Join our cake walk, and many more games with prizes and a dog bed give away! $20.00 registration fee and limited to 8 dog! Come join the fun!

 Sign Up Here: http://www.supersaas.com/schedule/Taming_The_Wild_Side/Game_Night

Dog Gear of the Year!

Whole Dog Journal has put out a list of some of the Best Dog Gear available! This even includes flushable potty bags!I may have to order that interactive toy for my gang!

http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/15_01/features/Best-Dog-Gear-2011_20436-1.html

Meet Roxy!

Meet Roxy, our newest client! Roxy was rescued and adopted from Dog Town USA! Many of you have watched Dog Town USA on the National Geographic Channel and saw all the wonderful work that they do! We welcome Roxy to the Taming the Wild Side Family!

FYI - Sago Palm

FYI - Sago Palm is a common ornamental plant around this area and ALL parts of the plant are highly toxic. It causes profound liver failure and approximately 75% of the dogs that ingest it will not survive.

Going to the Vet!

http://www.clickertraining.com/node/3704

Doorbell Distractions

This class teaches your dog to move away from the door when the door bell rings. This class designed for the dog that is friendly with people at the door but gets over excited in their greeting. You will teach your dog to find their mat, place or crate when the bell rings.

WARNING: This is an extremely fun class!!

 NOTE: This class will be limited to six dogs

 Date: Wednesday, October 17 Time: 6:00 to 7:00pm

 Location:  Taming the Wild Side Training Facility

 Cost: $100 for a six week class.

 Cash or checks only please.

 Equipment: Easy to eat treats for your dog, water bowl, six foot leash.

To sign up for this class, please click the following link: http://www.supersaas.com/schedule/Taming_The_Wild_Side/Doorbell_Distractions

Chill Out Fido

This class is designed to teach your dog a hand greeting instead of jumping up, relax on a mat, sit and down and stay there until released with a release word and many more exercises to help build calm behavior.

 NOTE: This class will be limited to 6 dogs.

 Date: Tuesday, Oct 16. Time: 6:00 - 7:00pm
 Location: Taming the Wild Side Training Facility
 Cost: $100 for a six week class
 Equipment: Easy to eat treats for your dog, water bowl, six foot leash.

Please register online to participate in this class by clicking the following link: http://www.supersaas.com/schedule/Taming_The_Wild_Side/Chill_Out_Fido

"Look At That".... Horses!

Coal is relaxing on his mat playing the Look At That Game with horses that are across the street. When Coal passes horses on a walk or sees horses he decides to bark at them. Mary Beth sent pictures of her training session with him. She will eventually work him closer to the horses however this looks like he began to relax wonderfully at this distance! Great Job and thanks for the photos!

Celebrate National Dog Week

http://www.clickertraining.com/node/3651

School for Puppies: Positive or Negative Experience?

http://www.clickertraining.com/node/308

Therapy Dog Evaluation

We have scheduled another Therapy Dog Evaluation!

 Prerequisites: To sign up for a Pet Partners Team Evaluation, it is a requirement that you have either attended the in-person Pet Partners Handler Course, or completed the online Pet Partners Handlers Course.

Date: Saturday, 20th October, 2012 Time: Beginning at 10:30 AM [Assigned Times] Location: Taming the Wild Side (training facility), 9940 Calf Meadows Lane, Ft. Worth, TX 76126 Fee: $25 for each Team Evaluation Team Evaluators: Andy Germann and Jean Ann Jones.

To make an appointment, and for more information, please contact Jean Ann Jones at jeanannjones@hotmail.com or (254) 744-8240

Fall Hike!

It is time for the first Taming the Wild Side Fall Hike! It is October 13 at 9:00 a.m. We will hike the River Bottom and Marsh Boardwalk Trail at the Fort Worth Nature Center. This is a beautiful easy approximately 3 mile hike. Meet at the Training Facility at 9:00. Cost is $10.00 per family which will cover snacks, drinks and all other proceeds will be given to Basset Hound Rescue of North Texas! There is an additional $5.00 entry charge at the gate! **The hike is open to clients of Taming the Wild Side, if you are not a client and would like to attend that would be great upon evaluation of your dog. We will have 8 slots available, come and join the fun!! Sign up here!

Elfie!

Remember our video "Calming the Aggressive Dog Through Taking A Breathe"? When we filmed that video Elfie could not come out of her crate when I was there due to her aggression. Here is the next step in her training. She can now come out with me and without the muzzle. She is however, aggressive on a walk. She has not been walked in a long time because Margeret was afraid she could not handle her and that she would bite someone. We have desensitized her to the basket muzzle over the last 3 weeks and today was her their first walk together! The use of the muzzle is not a negative because Elfie associates it with training and rewards. She gets excited when she sees it! Our next step, is to begin helping her with distractions and people. Watch for the update!  

Elfie does not mind the muzzle, we have worked for several weeks with it before putting it on her. She connects the muzzle with training and rewards!

Body Language Page 2

One more page about body language with a video of a dog bite. Can you spot the warning signs before the bite? I highly recommend bookmarking to look back on if needed!
http://www.petprofessionalguild.com/DogBodylanguage

Facial Expressions

Want to learn a little bit more about body language that your dog may offer and what it means? Here is another nice outline describing some basic behavior to watch for. The better you get at watching for these behaviors the faster you will be able to help your dog!
http://dogtrainer.quickanddirtytips.com/dogs-facial-expressions.aspx

The Shocking Truth!

Haven't we thought this at times!! LOL!! Even my Basset Dixie listens pretty well but we have played lots of attention games!!

Teach Your Puppy to Play Tug of War

http://www.clickertraining.com/node/3620

Coconut Oil Benefits!

Wow look at all the benefits of coconut oil for your dog! It may even help with those hot spots!!!
http://dogingtonpost.com/benefits-of-coconut-oil-for-dogs/

Nice outline of the different types of aggression dogs may display and what causes it. In order to help and aggressive dog we must first find the triggers! http://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/the-10-types-of-canine-aggression

Fun Fact!

Hunters & fishermen while cooking their food over the campfire, (many foods were cooked breaded & fried) would fry up some breading to toss to the dogs to quiet them. Hence the name... Hush Puppies =)

Back To School!

This morning is Glacier's first day back at school! Yep he starts the READ program at Star Point School again today! Can't wait for the new kids to meet him!

A Breakthrough!

I had another session with Elfie this past week and she was able to come out of the crate for the first time and work with me one on one. Another step closer to building her confidence around people! She loves to train!!

Space is important!

This idea is really starting to catch on. Attaching a yellow ribbon to your leash is a wonderful idea if we get the word out on what it means and that is to give this dog space! The biggest problem on walks that I see are people who do not have their dogs under control and they want to walk them off leash. Ultimately what happens is their dog will run up to other dogs that are on leash and then an altercation starts. Somehow the off-leash people are usually the ones upset. Let me clarify, the on-leash people are doing it right! If your dog does not stay with you or will not recall back to you without visiting then your dog is not under control and should not be off leash. On leash people, do not let your dog visit other dogs that are on leash. Yellow ribbons would help remind people that some dogs just need space!

Do You Know What You Are Clicking?

5. Be aware of what RESPONSE you are rewarding each time you give out a cookie or toy.What did you click—did you see eyes? Did you want to see eyes when your dog is performing that skill? What did you intend to reinforce? Does the dog know? -Susan Garrett Are you going to click when this dog looks at you or when his paws hit the floor? When all four paws are on the floor, will you click stepping back from the plate, a sit or a sit and a look at you? What is your ultimate goal to have him sit and look at you or have him relax, lay down or even move to mat? Have a plan, know what your are clicking! -TTWS

Use your RECALL, to evaluate your relationship with your dog

 Be diligent at making improvements each day in the level of intensity your dog has for working with you. Work at building a better relationship with your dog rather than making excuses for his performance. Work with the dog on the end of your leash -- and turn him into a dog other people wish they had!  -Susan Garrett

Reinforce EVERYTIME your dog comes to you or checks in with you! Praise, treats, games, toys and attention! It is the simplest thing ever and the outcome is phenominal!

Cool, Calm, and Confident Starting soon!

Cool, Calm, and Confident is a class that is all about building up your dog's confidence, through the use of tunnels, arches, ramps, wobble boards and stairs. We will also do a small amount of scent work, which will allow your dog to build confidence by using his or her natural ability to succeed in finding the scent source. This class will help you with desensitizing your dog to sounds such as thunder and fireworks. You will also be introduced to tools that you can use in your home to help release stress a

nd anxiety.

Date: August 28th - September 9th

Time: 7:30

Location: Taming the Wild Side Training Facility

Cost: $125 for a seven week class (Cash or checks only please.)

Equipment: Easy to eat treats for your dog, water, water bowl, six foot leash

To sign up for this class, please click the following link:

http://www.supersaas.com/schedule/Taming_The_Wild_Side/Cool,_Calm_and_Confident

All about Reinforcers

Lets talk about reinforcers! If food is reinforcing to your dogs, why would you go anywhere without it? It is a question we are asked alot, when can we stop using food? Nice article how and when to use food as a reinforcer! 

http://clickertrainingtoronto.net/2012/08/18/when-can-i-leave-food-away-from-training-my-answer-is-never/

Training Tip - List of Reinforcers

Behaviours are shaped by CONSEQUENCES. Be aware of what is reinforcing your dog. Review and alter your list of reinforcers as your dog grows up, especially the “activities that reinforce” section. There are many things besides treats that are reinforcing to your dog! Some of the best reinforcers can be sniff games, find it games, puzzle games, they chase you games, reinforcers change all the time so check and update your list. Remember reinforcers are what keep behavior going, good behaviors and unwanted behaviors, watch what you are reinforcing!

Tunnel 1 Wednesday Sign Up!

Tunnelers class is a numbered course made only of tunnels. We will teach your dogs to move in and out of tunnels and respond quickly to your directional cues while you are moving along the course! This class is great for confidence building and teamwork between you and your dog. This is a fast paced class, you will be moving with your dog! The Tunnel class will fill up quickly - it is one of our favorites!

NOTE: This class will be limited to 6 dogs.

Location: Taming the Wild Side Training Facility

Cost: $100 for a 6 week class. Cash or checks only please.

Equipment: Easy to eat treats for your dog, water bowl.

Wednesday Class:  August 29th - October 3rd

Time: 6:00 - 7:00 pm

To Hug or Not to Hug....?!

One of the most common causes of bites to human faces, especially children, is hugging dogs. Dogs don't really like to be hugged, especially by strangers. Within my own dogs, out of the seven I have thress that really seem to like to be hugged but again only by us. It has also taken a couple of years to build the trust and comfort that a hug is non threatening to them. They ask for the affection now. However, the other four a hug is clearly uncomfortable for them and not an option at all from a stranger. Bond with your dog through training and play, learn what your dog is telling you through body language, everyone will be safer and happier!

Puppy Class 1 Starting This Sunday!

Puppy 1 is a six week course in which puppies will learn sit, down, leave it, recalls off of distractions and loose leash walking. You will also learn crate training, teaching your puppy bite inhibition and getting them comfortable being handled. Puppies will be able to socialize and play with other puppies. This is very important towards good manners as they grow through adolescence. We will also teach targeting exercises and confidence building exercises.

Please Note: This class will be limited to 6 puppies. This cl
ass is only open to puppies 8 to 16 weeks old. Proof of vaccinations will be required - please bring your vaccination records to the first class session.

Date: Sunday, August 12th - September 16th

Time: 3:15 - 4:15 pm

Location: Taming the Wild Side Training Facility

Cost: $100 for a six week class. Cash or checks only please.

Equipment: Easy to eat treats for your dog, water bowl, flat collar or harness, six foot leash

Please register online to participate in this class by clicking the following link:
http://www.supersaas.com/schedule/Taming_The_Wild_Side/Puppy_I

Elfie is an adult dog that is aggressive towards people, especially around her house. I have worked with her in her crate because she would lunge and bark at me when I entered her home. After several sessions I can now come in and she is better and I have been able to pet her. I have taught her to take a breath because she becomes anxious when she sees people. When she begins to get anxious, I can cue her to "breathe." She will take a breath and we can see her begin to relax as she exhales. As in people, when we take a deep breath and then exhale we release endorphins and it makes us feel better. This can also occur in dogs. I have noticed that she will now do it without the cue if she is in a stressful situation. Taking a breath is just another tool to help heal the aggressive dog.

Teach Your Dog To Check In Around Many Distractions!

In this video we are teaching Trew to check in with Kara around distractions. We have already strengthened his default down and played many sessions of the "Look At That" game from the book "Control Unleashed". Basically, he can look at a distraction, get clicked for looking at it and then receive a reward. We can cue him to look at distractions and now they are not a surprise! Scary distractions become valuable and not scary anymore because they are associated with a reward. He no longer lunges or jumps at people for attention and stays focused on Kara! This is a great game to practice with your dog, Begin with low level distractions and work your way to higher level distractions, using distance to keep your dog under threshold or from reacting to the distraction. 

NEW CLASS: Agility Foundation 1

Cowtown Dog Sports and Taming the Wild Side Dog Training are pleased to announce that we are starting dog agility classes! Agility is a fun and challenging sport where the handler and the dog must work together as a team to negotiate an obstacle course. Whether training for competition or just for fun, we at Cowtown Dog Sports believe that training should be fun for both you AND your dog. Our goal is to strengthen the bond between you and your dog using force free methods. Private lessons are also available upon request.

Foundation 1 classes will be held outdoors in a large enclosed area (with some shade available) and will cover the foundation work necessary for agility. The second level of foundation will continue for another 6 weeks after the first level is completed and teams may then continue into Advanced Beginner when they are ready as determined by the instructor.

Trainer: Robin Barber

Location: Cowtown Dog Sports

Cowtown Dog Sports is located on four acres at 205 Crestview Dr, Hudson Oaks, TX 76087 - just 20 minutes west of downtown Fort Worth

Cost: $120 for a six week class. Cash or checks only please.

Date: Thursday, Sept. 6th - October 11th

Time: 7:00 - 8:15 pm

Please register online to participate in this class by clicking the following link:   Sign me up!