Rainy Day Hike

Just a personal video of a rainy day of hiking with a few of our dogs! Just a reminder, play with your dogs, get them outside, let them run, sniff and be curious. It is just as important as training to keep a very balanced dog! Enjoy!

Proofing your recall off of a toy

Recall class already learning how to proof their recalls! Here is Dixie practicing a recall off of a high value toy! Good proofing! Can your dog do this?? If not, COME TO TRAINING at Taming the Wild Side!! — at Taming The Wild Side.

Release Cues and Leave It With High Distractions

This is a video on a hike I took with the dogs and Dixie had picked up scent from an armadillo that we saw a little later. We are always talking about the power of a release cue. Release cues not only end good behavior, sits, downs, in and out of cars... but they can end behavior off of distractions or unwanted behavior. The dog only knows that when given a release it means you can stop what your doing. In the video I have attached the release cue of "ok" to "leave it" I have told Dixie to quit scenting and leave it alone, it is time to go. Notice that I give her a little time and even cue the sniffing. I built the release in training by asking her to sniff, then releasing her and then allowing her to sniff the same spot AGAIN if she wanted to. Many repetitions of this game strengthened the release cue, using it in a high distraction area is the pay off.

Rear End Awareness

Teaching rear end awareness to Dixie in this video! This is important for agility and balance, good muscle tone and joint mobility! Dogs are not very good at using their back legs individually. Teaching this is great for dogs that participate in dog sports! It is also good mental stimulation and a cute trick! Love watching Dixie trying to find the squares with her paws!

Millie's First Swim!

This is Millie swimming for the first time a couple of weeks ago. The swimming part is not near as important with Millie as is the bonding with us and the trust that is established since she has come to us with so many trust issues where people are concerned. She is doing so good and steals my heart a little more everyday. Her face has really softened, I love her droopy eyes. She is becoming a real snuggler.

The More You Know

Please share! The more we educate the faster we can put an end to such a horrific sport.

A Great Idea!

The Yellow Dog Project is starting to catch on! This is a great idea!

http://www.care2.com/causes/what-to-do-if-you-see-a-yellow-ribbon-on-a-dogs-leash.html

Sweet Days of Summer!

It is important to continue to give your dogs exercise in the summer however, with the Texas heat upons us our hiking days are finished for a bit. Outside activities are limited. In the summer our dogs get to swim! Some like the water and some are not so sure, putting them in life jackets has helped their confidence in the water. We also see a great improvement in the dogs that deal with hip dyplasia and arthritis, knee replacements and we have one that has shotgun pellets in her hips! Swimming helps with flexibility! Here are three out of the nine dogs that we have, more photos later of some of our senior dogs swimming! The best part is we are in the with them, helping them feel safe, working together and bonding a little more!

Crazy basset shake after a swim!

Dixie ready to get into the pool!

Dixie swimming up for a little attention and rest! My chance to love on her a minute!

Dixie uses her tail like a rudder and whips it back and forth in the pool! You can see the line of water off her tail!

A swimming recall!

Dixie wanting some of  dad's attention!

Glacier beginning to get used to swimming again! Great for his mild hip dyspepsia! 

Glacier's turn again!

Tyler giving glacier a good rub before going into the pool!

His legs look so skinny when wet!!

Do I have to go back in!?

Penny trying to figure out the pool drain!

Penny out of the pool resting!

Trying to dry off!

Penny is a little apprehensive in water, she will get more comfortable after a few more lessons!

Last swim of the morning penny!

Penny starting to kick all four legs very nicely here!

A little drink!

Penny looking a little tire here!

Trigger Stacking..

Trigger stacking, we have it in our own lives but not something we think about for our dogs. The truth is, it happens all the time. We just need to be aware, it does effect their behavior!
Click here for the full article!

Here is another explanation about Trigger Stacking.

We encounter Foxtail on many hikes and walks, please keep your dog away from it! My dog when I was a kid had to have ear surgery because of it!

http://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-health-foxtail-ask-a-vet