Calling All Dogs

09/03/2025

As summer winds down and new routines begin, it's the perfect time to help our furry friends adjust and reinforce those good habits! 🐾 This September, we're diving into our "Back to Routine: Reinforcing Good Habits" series. We'll share practical tips and strategies to help your dog thrive with consistency, whether it's refreshing obedience commands or settling into new daily rhythms.

Our goal is to empower you with the tools to maintain a calm, confident, and well-behaved companion, making the transition into fall smooth and enjoyable for everyone. What's one routine you're looking forward to reinforcing with your dog this month?

09/01/2025

As summer winds down and new routines begin, it's the perfect time to help our furry friends adjust and reinforce those good habits!

🐾 This September, we're diving into our "Back to Routine: Reinforcing Good Habits" series. We'll share practical tips and strategies to help your dog thrive with consistency, whether it's refreshing obedience commands or settling into new daily rhythms.

Our goal is to empower you with the tools to maintain a calm, confident, and well-behaved companion, making the transition into fall smooth and enjoyable for everyone. What's one routine you're looking forward to reinforcing with your dog this month? Share below!

08/26/2025

𝐓𝐨𝐫𝐢'𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬: 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐨𝐠 𝐁𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞
As a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Tori Ganino knows that understanding your dog's body language is the key to a deeper bond and preventing behavioral issues. This August, let's learn to speak 'dog' and better understand what our furry friends are trying to tell us, especially during summer activities.

🐾 Relaxed Dog: Loose body, soft eyes, wagging tail (not stiff), open mouth, panting gently.

🐾 Stressed/Anxious Dog: Yawning, lip licking, whale eye (showing whites of eyes), tucked tail, flattened ears, trembling, excessive panting.

🐾 Fearful Dog: Cowering, tail tucked tightly, ears back, avoiding eye contact, growling, snapping (as a last resort).

🐾 Excited/Playful Dog: Play bow, bouncy movements, open mouth, relaxed wagging tail.

🐾 Alert/Focused Dog: Stiff body, ears forward, direct stare, closed mouth.

Learning these signals helps you respond appropriately and build trust. What body language signs do you notice most in your dog?

08/22/2025

Summer is the perfect time for adventures! Whether it's a hike, a trip to a dog-friendly park, or a new walking trail, exploring new environments can be incredibly rewarding for both you and your dog. To ensure a safe and positive experience:

• Leash Laws & Etiquette: Always know and follow local leash laws. Keep your dog under control, especially around other people and animals.

• Tick & Pest Prevention: Consult your vet about appropriate preventative measures for your area.

• Emergency Preparedness: Know the nearest veterinary emergency clinic and carry a basic pet first-aid kit.

• Respect Wildlife: Keep your dog from disturbing local wildlife or their habitats.

• Practice Recall: A reliable 'come' command is crucial for off-leash areas (where permitted) and for safety.

Share your favorite dog-friendly adventure spots!

08/22/2025

This interview was 1 year ago, and the information is just as important.

https://www.whec.com/top-news/expert-warns-that-any-dog-could-bite-after-rochester-infant-mauled-to-death/?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwMVbeJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHh6e6mKm5VoBgFJD9DUXf0FJg7r5n7JHYrEr7xfa6_WASmtLAdfJHqximkCF_aem_U7YqQXBIb1al2Wg8lAeAEA

The topic of dogs with child aggression is on the minds of many after two Rochester parents were arrested and taken to the Monroe County Jail.

08/19/2025

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝
At Calling All Dogs, we believe in the power of positive reinforcement to build a strong, trusting relationship with your dog. Instead of focusing on what your dog does wrong, we teach you how to reward the behaviors you want to see! This August, let's celebrate the small victories and consistent efforts that lead to big transformations.

• Catch them being good: Reward calm behavior, polite greetings, or quiet moments.

• Use high-value rewards: Find what truly motivates your dog – whether it's a favorite treat, toy, or praise.

• Keep training sessions short and fun: 5-10 minutes, several times a day, is more effective than one long, boring session.

• Be consistent: Everyone in the household should use the same cues and rewards.

• Celebrate progress: Every step forward, no matter how small, is a triumph!

What's one positive behavior you're celebrating with your dog this week?

08/14/2025

𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲: 𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐬 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧
Is walking your dog more of a tug-of-war than a relaxing stroll? You're not alone! Leash pulling is a common frustration, but with the right techniques, you can transform your walks into an enjoyable experience for both of you. This August, let's master the art of loose-leash walking!

• Start in a low-distraction environment: Practice in your home or a quiet backyard first.

• Reward loose leash: When your dog walks beside you without tension on the leash, mark the behavior and reward immediately.

• Stop and go: If your dog pulls, stop walking. Only resume when the leash is loose again. Consistency is key!

• Change directions: Randomly change direction to keep your dog's attention on you.

• Use appropriate gear: A front-clip harness or head halter can provide better control and comfort.

Imagine stress-free walks! What's your biggest leash walking challenge?

08/12/2025

𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 & 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐝𝐬
August often brings more outdoor gatherings, festivals, and unexpected noises like fireworks. For many dogs, this can be overwhelming! If your dog struggles with reactivity or anxiety in busy environments, you're not alone. Here's how to help them thrive:

🐾 Create a safe haven: Designate a quiet, comfortable space at home where your dog can retreat.

🐾 Desensitization & Counter-conditioning: Gradually expose your dog to mild versions of triggers while pairing them with positive experiences (e.g., treats, praise).

🐾 Practice calm greetings: Work on polite leash manners and focus exercises in less stimulating environments first.

🐾 Consider a Thundershirt or calming aids: Consult with your vet or a certified behavior consultant for recommendations.

🐾 Seek professional guidance: If anxiety is severe, our reactive dog training programs can provide tailored strategies for a calmer companion.

How do you help your dog stay calm during summer festivities? Share your tips!

08/08/2025

𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤: 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐧𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐬
Walks are great, but mental stimulation is just as important for a happy, well-behaved dog! This August, let's explore fun and enriching activities that go beyond the usual stroll. These ideas can help reduce boredom, prevent destructive behaviors, and strenWalks are great, but mental stimulation is just as important for a happy, well-behaved dog! This August, let's explore fun and enriching activities that go beyond the usual stroll. These ideas can help reduce boredom, prevent destructive behaviors, and stren your bond:

🐾 Frozen Kongs & Lick Mats: Perfect for hot days! Fill them with dog-safe treats, peanut butter, or yogurt and freeze.

🐾 Scent Games: Hide treats around the house or yard and encourage your dog to sniff them out. This taps into their natural instincts!

🐾 DIY Agility Course: Use household items like pillows, blankets, and chairs to create a fun obstacle course in your living room or backyard.

🐾 New Tricks & Brain Games: Teach a new trick, or invest in puzzle toys that challenge their minds.

🐾 Safe Water Play: If your dog loves water, a kiddie pool or sprinkler can provide hours of fun and exercise.

What's your dog's favorite summer enrichment activity? Tell us in the comments!

08/07/2025

Does anyone in the Elba, NY area recognize this friendly guy?? He showed up in my yard looking for love and food.

08/06/2025

We shared a reminder earlier today about protecting your dog’s paws from the summer heat, and boots are a great tool for just that. They're also especially helpful for traction on slippery surfaces.
trained correctly

Here’s Fisher at this past weekend’s nosework trial, confidently running in his boots. When introduced and trained correctly, dogs don’t mind wearing them at all!

08/05/2025

☀️ Summer fun is in full swing, but the heat can be dangerous for our furry friends! Did you know asphalt can reach scorching temperatures, burning paw pads in seconds? Keep your dog safe and cool this August with these essential tips:

• Walk during cooler hours: Early mornings or late evenings are best.

• Check the pavement: If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for their paws!

• Hydration is key: Always carry fresh water for your dog.

• Never leave them in a parked car: Even with windows cracked, temperatures can rise rapidly.

• Know the signs of overheating: Excessive panting, drooling, weakness, or vomiting require immediate veterinary attention.

Let's make this a safe and enjoyable summer for every dog! What are your go-to heat safety tips? Share below!