When I start a new class I always teach the first lesson without dogs present. This gives me the opportunity to have little to no distractions and focus on teaching and answering questions.
Our dogs work the same way...when teaching something new make sure to be in a comfort zone (living room, kitchen...) with no distractions. Make sure your dog is hungry if you're using food treats and a bit tired. Training after a short walk seems to work well. I find you can keep your dog's attention a bit better. Make each training session short (3 to 5 minutes) and fun! If you have fun so will your pup. If training is bland or frustrating, you and your dog won't want to practice!
Keep it simple, fun and use lots of praise.
Mike
A tired dog is a happy dog
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Photos 02/14 & 02/15
Hi! Wasn't it a lovely warm weekend? The kids and I enjoyed our time outside. We even rolled up the large playroom door to try and get some of the warmth into the building. I saw Mike wrote about his new classes. Let me tell you, as members of the new rally-o class Darwin and I are having a blast! By the end of the hour we are both totally wiped out. I find it is a great way to use Darwin's skills creatively. As a former teacher, I know the students always remembered more if I taught creatively so this fits.
I have been taking photos but I'm sure you've all seen more of a lag time. With Jim B. as the YLD receptionist, I often can't get on the office computer until late evening. I've wanted one computer where I can put ALL the photos. To this end, the business has leased a laptop for me. Now, I am not a technophobe but it takes me time to decipher new technology. We also have a new editing/storing system. I've been caught learning how to use the both new items which has caused a lag. Time will help me familiarize myself and I'll speed up again. Please bear with me as I get up to speed.
Enjoy the evening.
Peace,
Wendy
Lazing Around
The Bear enjoying a sun bath.
Lady beagle and Apollo enjoy a quiet moment together.
Apollo and Darwin say hi!
Jasper, a german shepherd mix, enjoys a weekend without his human baby brother. Maybe he's thinking "Dogs Rule, Babies Drool."
Nadia putting on her pretty face for the camera.
Zoey enjoys scratching her itch back on the warm rocks. What a cutie!
Ronin usually has a goofy grin on his face because he's still in that goofy under a year old stage of life.
Playing with Pea Gravel
Summit's favorite game is to "herd" pea gravel. He digs it up then pounces on it and tries to put the pieces back where they were. Kind of futile to my thinking but Summit has a great time!
What's that succulent scent I smell?
Nadia finds something wonderful to sniff.
Gracie G. getting ready to sniff something yummy.
Stella Bella sniffing something interesting.
I have been taking photos but I'm sure you've all seen more of a lag time. With Jim B. as the YLD receptionist, I often can't get on the office computer until late evening. I've wanted one computer where I can put ALL the photos. To this end, the business has leased a laptop for me. Now, I am not a technophobe but it takes me time to decipher new technology. We also have a new editing/storing system. I've been caught learning how to use the both new items which has caused a lag. Time will help me familiarize myself and I'll speed up again. Please bear with me as I get up to speed.
Enjoy the evening.
Peace,
Wendy
Lazing Around
The Bear enjoying a sun bath.
Lady beagle and Apollo enjoy a quiet moment together.
Apollo and Darwin say hi!
Jasper, a german shepherd mix, enjoys a weekend without his human baby brother. Maybe he's thinking "Dogs Rule, Babies Drool."
Nadia putting on her pretty face for the camera.
Zoey enjoys scratching her itch back on the warm rocks. What a cutie!
Ronin usually has a goofy grin on his face because he's still in that goofy under a year old stage of life.Playing with Pea Gravel
Summit's favorite game is to "herd" pea gravel. He digs it up then pounces on it and tries to put the pieces back where they were. Kind of futile to my thinking but Summit has a great time!
What's that succulent scent I smell?
Nadia finds something wonderful to sniff.
Gracie G. getting ready to sniff something yummy.
Stella Bella sniffing something interesting.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Puppy Class!
Just a quick reminder...I have a new puppy class starting Monday, Feb 16th. That's this coming Monday night at 7pm here at YLD! We will be meeting for one hour for six weeks. The first class is humans only, no pups. We will be going over proper socializing and handling, sit, lay, stay, recall, loose leash walking, and problem solving common issues such as house training, nipping, crate training, teething, feeding schedule and more! I still have a few spots available...if you're interested let me know. I'm limiting this class to six puppies!
Included in this group class is a private home visit to make sure you and your new pup get off on the right paw!
Class cost is $115
Mike
a tired dog is a happy dog
Included in this group class is a private home visit to make sure you and your new pup get off on the right paw!
Class cost is $115
Mike
a tired dog is a happy dog
Rally-O
Hey everyone,
Just wanted to give a bit of an update on the Rally class. This past Tuesday was our third class, second with dogs. Everyone has been having lots of fun and going home tired! I don't think us humans realized how much mental stimulation this class would be for us as well. The dogs are picking up on things very nicely, I've been impressed. In addition to the Rally course, we have been working on general manners. We have been working on loose leash walking, paying attention with other dogs around, walking close to other humans and dogs and my personal favorite....musical chairs. Henry was kind enough to work with Summit this week as his parents are off on ski trip. They did very well together! I wasn't surprised as Henry has done a great job raising Mabel the corgi. I'll update again soon, hopefully with pictures.
I will most likely be running this class again seeing how much fun it's been.
This weekend the weather might not be so great. Take some time out to work your dog's brain. teach him something new like spin, roll over or crawl. Also make sure your dog sits nicely to be fed, this is a great time to work on the "stay/wait" cue.
I like to wait until a dog is mature to teach shake. Sometimes puppies develop a bad habit of poking you in the leg for attention if you're not careful!
Have a great weekend!
Mike
A human that works with it's dog, has a dog with good manners.
Just wanted to give a bit of an update on the Rally class. This past Tuesday was our third class, second with dogs. Everyone has been having lots of fun and going home tired! I don't think us humans realized how much mental stimulation this class would be for us as well. The dogs are picking up on things very nicely, I've been impressed. In addition to the Rally course, we have been working on general manners. We have been working on loose leash walking, paying attention with other dogs around, walking close to other humans and dogs and my personal favorite....musical chairs. Henry was kind enough to work with Summit this week as his parents are off on ski trip. They did very well together! I wasn't surprised as Henry has done a great job raising Mabel the corgi. I'll update again soon, hopefully with pictures.
I will most likely be running this class again seeing how much fun it's been.
This weekend the weather might not be so great. Take some time out to work your dog's brain. teach him something new like spin, roll over or crawl. Also make sure your dog sits nicely to be fed, this is a great time to work on the "stay/wait" cue.
I like to wait until a dog is mature to teach shake. Sometimes puppies develop a bad habit of poking you in the leg for attention if you're not careful!
Have a great weekend!
Mike
A human that works with it's dog, has a dog with good manners.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Photos 2/11 & 2/12
A Photo Series of Ladybug and Peyton
Ladybug (golden) and Peyton (english golden) had great fun today. They are well suited and had a blast. Look below for a few more photos to see all the fun!
Morning Meditation...
Nadia leads some of the pack members in morning meditations. She looks
deep in her quiet zone!
Jackson O
Daisy S.
Portraits
Stanley, the akita mix puppy, is still looking for a permanent home. Please spread the word!
One of the cutest little dogs around. Marley P. says, "Hi Mom! I'm having a great time! See you later today."
Rae receives some individual scratching time from Lauren.
Braveheart, a wonderful german shepherd, whose mom works at a local veterinarian's office.
Ying and Yang also known as Charlie and Memphis.
Lucia, boar hunter, looking for her next playmate!
Joy waiting for Rae, her sister, to wake up from her nap. (See below!)
Rae taking a break from running laps around the play yard.
Ladybug (golden) and Peyton (english golden) had great fun today. They are well suited and had a blast. Look below for a few more photos to see all the fun!
Morning Meditation...
Nadia leads some of the pack members in morning meditations. She looksdeep in her quiet zone!
Jackson O
Daisy S.Portraits
Stanley, the akita mix puppy, is still looking for a permanent home. Please spread the word!
One of the cutest little dogs around. Marley P. says, "Hi Mom! I'm having a great time! See you later today."
Rae receives some individual scratching time from Lauren.
Braveheart, a wonderful german shepherd, whose mom works at a local veterinarian's office.
Ying and Yang also known as Charlie and Memphis.
Lucia, boar hunter, looking for her next playmate!
Joy waiting for Rae, her sister, to wake up from her nap. (See below!)
Rae taking a break from running laps around the play yard.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Photos 2/10
Hey everyone! Yesterday and today have been beautiful spring days. Our forsythia is starting to bud and I actually saw some tulips pushing through the soil. I'm sure we'll see more cold weather before February is over so enjoy it while you can!
Everything is wonderful here at YLD. The dogs have been ecstatic and energized with the warmer weather. There are some great photos below. Thanks for viewing the blog and taking such good care of your canines!
Have a great evening!
Peace,
Wendy
Roscoe turning around to watch the group of playing dogs he just passed.
Abby chow with four paws off the ground plays with her best friend, Philly, the keeshound.
Sydney, a miniature herding dog, wonder, "Why is Wendy taking my photo again. I'm just trying to take a nap!" (Look closely at those expressive eyes!)
Rae, the chocolate, and Joy, the black, labs enjoying a sunning session. These two are sisters visiting while mom & dad soak up some sun at the beach.
Lauren surrounded by the small dog group. We see Charlie, Clyde, Sydney, Maggie, Coco all craving attention.
Maggie S. and Coconut pausing during play. Aren't they cuties?
Coconut's brother, Chestnut. When we see these two coming through the YLD doors we now announce, "Here come the nuts!" We love these little guys.
Dogs recognize their breeds. In the back is Bella B. (beagle mix) and in front is Layla (full bodied beagle).
Sophie, the yorkie, has a great personality and the best small dog ears. I love to call her name because the ears become horizontal to the ground! That's an unusual talent.
Neo, looking away from the camera 'cause he's not sure he wants his picture taken!
Bonnie (Clyde's sister) watching him play in the other group.
Duncan, yellow lab, in back and Stanley in front, relaxing after completing several hours of play.
Everything is wonderful here at YLD. The dogs have been ecstatic and energized with the warmer weather. There are some great photos below. Thanks for viewing the blog and taking such good care of your canines!
Have a great evening!
Peace,
Wendy
Roscoe turning around to watch the group of playing dogs he just passed.
Abby chow with four paws off the ground plays with her best friend, Philly, the keeshound.
Sydney, a miniature herding dog, wonder, "Why is Wendy taking my photo again. I'm just trying to take a nap!" (Look closely at those expressive eyes!)
Rae, the chocolate, and Joy, the black, labs enjoying a sunning session. These two are sisters visiting while mom & dad soak up some sun at the beach.
Lauren surrounded by the small dog group. We see Charlie, Clyde, Sydney, Maggie, Coco all craving attention.
Maggie S. and Coconut pausing during play. Aren't they cuties?
Coconut's brother, Chestnut. When we see these two coming through the YLD doors we now announce, "Here come the nuts!" We love these little guys.
Dogs recognize their breeds. In the back is Bella B. (beagle mix) and in front is Layla (full bodied beagle).
Sophie, the yorkie, has a great personality and the best small dog ears. I love to call her name because the ears become horizontal to the ground! That's an unusual talent.
Neo, looking away from the camera 'cause he's not sure he wants his picture taken!
Bonnie (Clyde's sister) watching him play in the other group.
Duncan, yellow lab, in back and Stanley in front, relaxing after completing several hours of play.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Photos 2/09
What a gorgeous day, huh? I hope you all got out and about in the warmth. A little vitamin D will go along way these next weeks of winter. All the staff is glad of a respite from the cold wet winter we've experienced. I'm glad to be back in the groove. Here are today's photos - I think they are the best ones I've taken recently. Have a great afternoon and evening.
Peace,
Wendy
Action shot - Laying down from left to right are The Bear, Jackson H., Rae, Ladybird. Joy is walking away from the camera. Bo doodle is racing behind everyone because he just go sprayed by the HOSE! Yippee!
When Hennah (Mike's dog) gets wet (which she really enjoys) she likes to "dry" her face on the warm rocks. Here she is scrubbing her face back and forth pushing rocks around with her nose! Funny dog.
Jim B.'s baby Carly.
Best friends Miles and Cammie. They are panting because they just completed a chase game.
Jackson H. and Stanley playing gently together. When Jackson first arrived I would never taken him as one who would enjoy the puppies but he does a great job being a big brother!
Jack D. rubbing his back on the warm rocks while Daisy S. watches.
Max B. and Mike's lower legs. Max likes to play the rock game which happens when Mike buries a rock under his shoe. You can see Max is very focused!
Cinco E. making the happiest face I've seen all weekend! Good boy!
Two new best friends - Charlie the black cocker and Memphis the spitz. These two are like long lost brothers they love to roll, chew, wrestle and run.
Summit is visiting this week while his parents are skiing. He'd just been playing with the hose. First hose session of the season means happy times are around the corner for water dogs!
Archie the mastiff on the ground begging Jackson H. to play with him instead of the rock. Ultimately Jackson did play with Archie.
Meg's dog Violet and Ladybird.
The boys (Jon & Aaron) told me last Friday that they would rake all those leaves on the side of the building and the only payment would be hamburgers. I took them to Red Robin for lunch. After nap Jon, Aaron and my nephew Ryan raked and shoveled those leaves. It took them almost three hours but it looks like they had a blast!
Peace,
Wendy
Action shot - Laying down from left to right are The Bear, Jackson H., Rae, Ladybird. Joy is walking away from the camera. Bo doodle is racing behind everyone because he just go sprayed by the HOSE! Yippee!
When Hennah (Mike's dog) gets wet (which she really enjoys) she likes to "dry" her face on the warm rocks. Here she is scrubbing her face back and forth pushing rocks around with her nose! Funny dog.
Jim B.'s baby Carly.
Best friends Miles and Cammie. They are panting because they just completed a chase game.
Jackson H. and Stanley playing gently together. When Jackson first arrived I would never taken him as one who would enjoy the puppies but he does a great job being a big brother!
Jack D. rubbing his back on the warm rocks while Daisy S. watches.
Max B. and Mike's lower legs. Max likes to play the rock game which happens when Mike buries a rock under his shoe. You can see Max is very focused!
Cinco E. making the happiest face I've seen all weekend! Good boy!
Two new best friends - Charlie the black cocker and Memphis the spitz. These two are like long lost brothers they love to roll, chew, wrestle and run.
Summit is visiting this week while his parents are skiing. He'd just been playing with the hose. First hose session of the season means happy times are around the corner for water dogs!
Archie the mastiff on the ground begging Jackson H. to play with him instead of the rock. Ultimately Jackson did play with Archie.
Meg's dog Violet and Ladybird.
The boys (Jon & Aaron) told me last Friday that they would rake all those leaves on the side of the building and the only payment would be hamburgers. I took them to Red Robin for lunch. After nap Jon, Aaron and my nephew Ryan raked and shoveled those leaves. It took them almost three hours but it looks like they had a blast!
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