I’d say – this is amazing!!

To call your dog to come to you every time!

Start out with short distances at first in the house.  Tell them “Rover Come” in a cheerful and encouraging voice.  As soon as they look at you (even for a split second) strongly encourage them in.  Turn your body to the side and possibly kneel down to help encourage them in.  Reward with food or 30 seconds of praise when they come to you and do not ask for the sit at the beginning as then they will be rewarded for the sit and not the come.   Once they are coming to you in the house with short distances then when you call them, take the collar and reward them to prevent the Hi, Goodbye situation.  Once they come to you in the house reliably then the next step is bring them outside on leash.  Once they are coming to you on leash every time then take them off leash with no distractions.  With the goal to increase with distractions and distance to be reliable on and off leash. 

Remember to reward which will reinforce the wanted behaviour!

In the spirit of the coming season, Bark Busters, the world’s largest dog training company, offers helpful holiday tips for dog owners on how to keep their dogs safe and happy during the holidays.

In planning for this season’s holiday festivities, it’s important to keep your pets in mind. With a little thought and preparation we can make sure we all enjoy the holidays. While most of us welcome the sights, sounds and smells of the season, holidays can also be chaotic—especially for dogs. Holiday festivities can interrupt a dog’s routine and present a potentially unsafe situation. But by following a few common-sense tips, the holidays can be cheery for everyone—including the family dog.”

Holiday foods can be harmful

Many holiday foods can be harmful to canines, causing symptoms as mild as an upset stomach or as severe as vomiting and diarrhea. Avoid giving your dog fatty or spicy foods, bread dough, fresh herbs, alcohol beverages, caffeine and sweets of all kinds—especially those with chocolate or xylitol, a natural sweetener.

Particularly dangerous are cooked poultry bones. Cooked bones easily splinter, and the bone shards can cause choking, get stuck in your dog’s gums or possibly damage his intestines. Instead, treat your dog to “dog bones” specifically designed for him to chew. Ask your veterinarian for suggestions.

Discourage your dog from foraging in the garbage—secure lids on all trashcans.
It’s natural that you’d want to share holiday treats with your dog. While a little taste of turkey or sweet potatoes can make your dog happy, don’t overdo it—too much of a good thing can make him sick.

Decorations are not playthings

Keep your pet away from holiday plants, many of which are poisonous, such as holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and amaryllis (a type of lily). Also be sure all potpourri is out of your pet’s reach.

Snow globes can contain antifreeze, which is toxic to dogs. Whether it’s in the garage or in a snow globe keep antifreeze products away from your happy, tail-wagging dog. If there is an antifreeze spill, keep your dog out of the room while you clean up the liquid. Dilute the spot with water and floor cleaner to ensure your dog does not lick the area later.

Keep electrical wires and batteries out of your pet’s reach. Chewing or biting anything electrical can cause him shock or burns. Don’t leave lighted candles unattended. A lit candle knocked over by a swinging tail can burn your pet or cause a fire.

Christmas trees can be hazardous
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Here are some great videos shared by Dianne and Richard from Bark Busters East Ottawa.
They note: “You can teach your dog anything when using the right techniques.”

Roll the Barrel

Top of the Barrel

Their two dogs Stryker and Fence on a dreary rainy day, still getting their exercise.

Snoofy, a client’s dog learning to walk and loving it.

Snoofy was just a guest who learned to love tunnel runs

(Ottawa Dog of the Week for October 25th/10)

“This is Rory, she turned 3 years old on August 28th. She is a Bernese Mountain dog, and is the sweetest little girl. She loves attention, especially from men, but will sit on anyone’s feet if they will give her a good rub. She has a few hobbies which include Carting, learning tricks (we are working on “play dead”) and doing obedience just for fun. She loves to chase Squirrels, birds and ducks. She likes to wade in the Rideau river but will not swim. She is a fantastic girl and I am so lucky to share my life with her.” – Rory’s mom, Shoshi.

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(Ottawa Dog of the Week for May 17th/10)

“Peanut is our family dog. She is 10 years old and half shi tzu, half bichon frisé. Born on November 30th, we picked her up in the early weeks of the following January when she was just 3 pounds (she’s about 15 pounds now). I still remember travelling home with her, and my sister, parents and I trying to decide on a name. We finally decided on Peanut and it seemed to suit her just perfectly. Over the years, we took Peanut to obedience classes and taught her various ‘tricks’ (shake a paw, sit pretty, speak) but she certainly wasn’t the most cooperative dog. 10 years later she still has a huge stubborn streak and is quite independent but has a great cuddle side to her and enjoys being picked up and carried (mind you, she’s quite happy to walk herself thankyouverymuch). I cannot imagine our lives without Peanut, but know that someday it will be a reality. She has brougth so much joy to our lives and like most dogs, has become a family member.” – Peanut’s Human, Amanda

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