Agility Classes - Gottem!

Cowtown Dog Sports and Taming the Wild Side Dog Training is pleased to announce that we will be starting dog agility classes in July. 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.

Two levels of foundation 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 for the same price 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.

Wednesday Class:  July 18th - August 29th
Time:  7:00 - 8:15 pm

Thursday Class:  July 19th - August 30th
Time:  7:00 - 8:15 pm

Please register online to participate in this class by clicking one of the following links:

Wednesday Class

Thursday Class

Dogs and the Fear of Fireworks

Many dogs are afraid of fireworks. July 4th is one of the most dangerous evenings for a dog. When left outside, they dig out or jump fences trying to hide. Some dogs have become so frightened they have had heart attacks. They will panic and become frenzied and then just run, sometimes for miles. July 5th shelters take in more dogs than any other time. This is a problem that can be easily stopped by being attentive to your dog on this evening, make sure they are inside, have your dog wear their collar with their identification and be sure your dog is microchipped. Here are some training tips that you can do to prepare your dog for fireworks long before the actual event!

Desensitization - Many pets are successfully helped by using desensitization CD's. These simulate the random and unpredictable nature of the firework noise. Start several weeks prior to the evening of the fireworks; begin with the volume low, your dog should just be curious about the noise but not timid or anxious. Play it for several days at this level and gradually increase the volume over several weeks.

Distraction - To help increase the effects of the desensitization, while the CD is playing; train with your dog, play with them, or give them a favorite toy or chew.

Dole Out Treats - On the night of the event, if your dog is still somewhat anxious but will take treats, click every time a sound happens and toss them a treat. You will do this about 40 times. After that you will stop using the clicker and when the firework goes off and makes noise then toss your treat, basically the firecracker becomes the click. Do this until your dog hears the noise then immediately looks to you for the treat! I did this for about 4 hours, the last hour or so my dogs could care less about the fireworks or the treats. Use high value treats and keep them SMALL!

Den - Create a safe, comfortable and quiet area for your pet. This should both hide the flashes and be able to soften the noise. Get them comfortable in an area before the night of the fireworks and teach them that it's a good place to be by training, feeding or playing in that area depending on the size of the area. Look over your home and take some time to think about this - from your dog's point of view. Set up the area where they are likely to be most happy. Where is the quietest place? Some dogs like to lie under the table and you could try covering the sides with a blanket? Or, try a covered crate or a large cardboard box, both filled with comfortable bedding, favorite toys or chews and some water. Also you want them to be able to come and go, and that the place is safe.

DAP - If you already know that your dog is scared, then try a DAP collar, plug in or spray which releases calming pheromones. Plug it in where the dog spends most of its time for about 2 weeks. Their sleeping area is a great spot! Use the DAP products before you start the desensitization work, and then keep it going.

Day of the Event

1. Check that the den area is accessible and prepared - this area will now be a happy safe place for your dog

2. Make sure your dog has been let out to use the bathroom before the fireworks begin and then bring them back in. Do not leave them outside.

3. Feed them an hour before the event, maybe adding a little extra to fill them up and make them sleepy.

4. You can also play "Through a Dog's Ear" music CD in the room. This arrangement of music calms and soothes many dogs as it is playing. Also put a Thundershirt on your dog. This fits snug like a little coat. It makes dogs feel secure and brings anxiety levels down.

5. When the fireworks start, take them to the den area and encourage them to settle there.

6. If they don't settle, try to distract them with a game or an easy training session, click and treat for each firework!

7. Some dogs have been known to find the most unusual places to find comfort - under desks, in closets and even burrowed under blankets! Don't worry about this, just work with your dog and help to make the place feel more secure.

What Do You Do When Your Dog Jumps Up To Seek Attention and Approval?

When dogs jump up to greet you it is basically for attention or approval! Here are some great tips to help with this behavior.

In our puppy and beginner classes we immediately teach a pup or dog to love their mat. As they learn to love their mat, we start to teach the dog to stay on the mat through low to high distractions. When it is time for the dog to move off the mat we use a “release” word. The mat will help to stop your dogs from rushing the front door and jumping to greet people.

You can also teach your dog a great trick such as a spin, bow, play dead or to sit up. Ask them to perform the trick as you walk in the door or as others come inside.

Teach your dog to fetch a toy when you come in! Watch them bring it to you and happily walk around to show it off or ask you to throw it. Take the time to play a couple of games of fetch, then as a bridge to end the game, ask them to get a drink or to go outside.

As you walk in the front door hand your dog a toy. Remember not to hold it up in the air as you give it to them as this will cause them to jump up. Hand it to them low so that all of their feet are on the floor. Watch them carry it around and show it off again! You will have to remember to grab a toy before you leave the house or stop on the way home and pick one up! If you have multiple dogs, you will need multiple toys!

Teach your dog to target the back of your hand or an object when you come in. Click their nose touching your hand or the object with all four paws on the floor.

Some people like their dog to jump up and greet them; they just need to manage it a bit. When your dog jumps up, you can click and reward for the jump and then say a word such as “hugs” to put it on cue. I have one client that did this with her dog and he rarely jumps on her now unless she asks for it. If he jumped up without her asking for "hugs", he was redirected into a different behavior to get the attention and reward.

Your dog is jumping on you to get your attention and approval. You can simply walk in the door, hold their collar gently and bend down to cause them to stand on all fours. Give them the approval and attention they are looking for. This has worked great with my Basset Hound. All I have to do when she raises up to greet me is gently hold her and put her feet back on the floor. I squat down and she stands for petting. Our jumping problem is nearly resolved. For some dogs, your voice can be a trigger to push them into too much excitement. You might just pet or lower the tone of your voice and speak softer to help your dog successfully stand. If your dog is not comfortable with collar grabs, pet your dog as you work towards the collar and when you touch it or gently lift it, click and deliver a treat.

All of these ideas will work. Pick something that fits your dog’s personality then be very consistent in your training. If you only practice this every once in a while, your dog will have trouble understanding what you would like him to do. Be realistic in the time frame, for some dogs this could take weeks, months or even a year. Your consistency will also be a deciding factor in the time frame. For multiple dogs, set up training plans to work with them one at a time. Sometimes one dog is the trigger that sets the rest of them up to jump and get excited. Work with that dog first. Be patient and just enjoy the small steps that your dogs will offer you to help them reach the overall goal!