Waggin' Tails Dog Training

12/31/2017

Because saying "thanks for the memories" just doesn't cut it. ~Trace, Dozer, Otis, Tank & Pearl

06/27/2017

Been in the throes of puppy parenting, client overload, gardening, replacing plants devoured by Pearl, Tracy's B&T for clients, puppy parenting, watching birds, watching the 'hood, watching Pearl, painting particular patio pieces, spending more money at Milaeger's, watching the 'hood hawk watch the birds, watching Pearl watching the hawk watching the birds, working-out with Otis, working with Pearl, Tank cool-down, Dozer stroll, working, watching the Kidz watch me while I leave for work knowing they'll watch the house while I'm gone, cherishing the moments I can wallow in the in the wonders of Lake Wustum once again. I'm exhausted. Take a deep breath, smile, and say "Aaaaaahhhhh." (If I had peeps to put the party together, I'd invite y'all over; I may be a lot of things, but hostest with the mostest I'm not.) Woof.

04/23/2017

This is only one reason I preach against using retractable leashes. "Convenient, easy-to-use, let your dog enjoy being walked..." tool? Think again, folks. Woof.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FOR NOVEMBER.

THROW AWAY YOUR RETRACTABLE LEASHES.

Besides the fact that they can break and do not provide adequate control over your dog, they are also dangerous. Mechanical issues, lack of control and breakage are just a few of the many problems. These devices are not recommended by the vast majority of people in the animal community I have been outlawed in some areas of the world. And as a secondary note comma DO NOT EVER ALLOW A CHILD TO WALK A DOG, ESPECIALLY A LARGE DOG, ON RETRACTABLE LEASHES.

~~~end of PSA~~~

03/24/2017

Kelly LIVE just showcased another bunch of pups while celebrating National Puppy Day this week. They had a segment with a "reknowned trainer," and posed several puppy-training questions to her. Clients sometimes tell me how they saw this or that person on a show and that they were saying exactly what I've been saying to them all along--imagine that! The difference being I'm far more personable, and much more fun! And, to think the trainers on TV are making boku bucks. I missed my calling, but better late than never. Woof. (Mention this post, and I'll give you a discount.)

03/18/2017

Too funny.

03/17/2017

Say hey to Yukon, a strapping young Alaskan Malamute that at 4 months tips the scale at 50 lbs. (Legs closely resembling tree trunks.) He's part of a very active family that includes a 14-yr. old sibling, two young boys and parents always on the go. He'll be Mom's training partner when he's old enough. Basic pup stuff is going smoothly, except you'd think we're pulling his canines trying to get him "down." He finally succumbed and we rejoiced. All family members have been paying close attention to my teachings, and I'm impressed with everything retained! Don't see many Malamutes around these parts and Yukon is a really nice one. I can see him going nuts when the snow is thigh-high and he's loose on the farm next winter... Woof!

03/17/2017

Meet Kelsey (and Mom), a gorgeous five-year old Rottweiler. Kelsey was unfortunate enough to spend FOUR YEARS kenneled in a Chicago animal shelter until her Rottie-rescue loving Mom-to-be took a chance on her. It's obvious that this girl has had some training along the way, but at a very powerful 95 lbs., needs much more. We've worked on "sit as default", anxiety when left alone, giving her jobs to occupy her mind, ignoring those behaviors you want to see extinguished, and rewarding those you want to see repeated. In other words, ignore more, respond less, and be quick to reward her good-dog behavior. All too often, a dog gets plenty of NEGATIVE attention for those things we get angry over, yet no POSITIVE attention for simply being good. (Think about it, folks.) So Kelsey is working on her stays, downs, she's started sitting-up and digs learning to army crawl. But she's also heavy-handed, so we must be careful or she'll dig into us. Not bad for a confident, assertive girl who's led a very sheltered life. Woof!

03/17/2017

So, just how cute is Baylor, a Mini-Australian Shepherd? This little guy is adorable, and lucky enough to have a first-time mom who is willing to do whatever it takes to get him well-trained. With her commitment, he progressed rapidly, even riding the elevator from his condo like a pro. He's eager to offer his paws for wiping off as soon as he enters the door, sits perfectly when leash and sweater go on, and waits patiently for Mom to put his meals down in front of him. In this case, Mom's biggest challenge is getting her hubby on-board so he doesn't undo everything she's working so hard on--sadly, not an uncommon problemo. Woof!

03/17/2017

Meet Benny, a highly intelligent, energetic, and good-looking poodle. His parents needed some direction on how to control him, not only on walks when he was highly reactive, but to curb his enthusiasm in the house. He was great and responded well to training, plus he had basic obedience already under his belt. The bigger challenge was getting mom and dad to agree to work together consistently. (I think I got through to them.) Following through with basic skills in the home, and using a leash-wrap (as me about it), Benny was easier to live with, and he's getting a lot more walks as a result. A tired pup is a contented one, and allows Mom and Dad to breathe a little easier. Nice going, Benny! Woof.

01/28/2017

And you thought putting your pup in a crate was difficult. Woof.

01/15/2017

Yes, I believe all my veteran Kidz have passed this along to the newest family member(s). And, they pick it up SO fast! Amen. Woof.

Dog lovers...this belongs on the fridge