Get Along Little Doggie Blog

New Classes at Houston Dog Ranch!

 

Hi Friends!

It’s Back to School time again!   We are very excited to announce that Get Along Little Doggie is offering two new classes at Houston Dog Ranch.  If you have not seen this beautiful facility, you must check it out:   http://www.houstondogranch.com/

*Canine Good Citizen

  6 Classes

  September 9^th – October 14^th

  7:30-8:30 PM

  $210

 

*Tricks 101 / Fido Fun Games

  6 Classes

  October 5^th – November 9^th

  7:30-8:30 PM

  $210

 

*Both classes will begin at 7:30. However, arrive at 7:00 for 30 minutes of off-leash play time!  Come let your pooch play, run, and burn off some energy before class. Yipeeee!

 

*Class size is limited to 8 dogs per class!

 

*Requirements for both classes:

   -Basic Obedience Foundation

   - Proof of Rabies, DHLPP/DA2P, and Bordatella

 

 

Class Descriptions:

 

Canine Good Citizen

 

Back by popular demand and in honor of Responsible Dog Ownership Day.

The AKC’s Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program was started in 1989 and it is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.

The Canine Good Citizen Program has begun to have an extremely positive impact in many communities. This is a program that can help us assure that the dogs we love will always be welcomed and well-respected members of our communities.

During the first 5 classes, we will concentrate on practicing the 10 test items in order to prepare for the actual CGC test which will be given during the 6^th class. Take a look at the test items here: 

http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/training_testing.cfm

 Don't let the word "test" scare you away from this great class.  It is really a just another fun activity to do with your dog:  More physical and mental stimulation for both of you!   

Check out this write up from Houston Dog Blog for a review and pictures of our last CGC class:

 http://www.houstondogblog.com/blog/2010/04/isabellas-canine-good-citizen-update-graduation.html

NOTE:  In order to practice in the community, the 5^th & 6^th class (Oct. 7^th & 14^th) will take place at Mid-town Park at 7PM. 

Tricks 101 / Fido Fun Games

This class is going to be a blast!  Now that you have learned the basics, it’s time for some real fun.  Hello Stupid Pet Tricks! 

Not only will we learn some fun tricks like:

 

~Bang! (Play dead)

~Wave (Hi!)

~Take a bow

~Jump

~Spin

~Hustle (Figure 8 through legs)

 

We will also play some hilarious games like:

 

~Musical beds / chairs

~Loose leash relay race

~Doggie Dash

~Hide & Seek

~Simon Says

 

To sign up or for more information, please call:

Get Along Little Doggie: 713.DOGGIE.9 (364.4439)

-or-

Houston Dog Ranch:  713.465.BARK (2275)

 “The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog… When all other friends desert, he remains.

~George Graham Vest

Speech in the Senate, 1884

Skidboot The Dog

An oldie, but goodie.  Truly amazing. If you have never seen this segment on Skidboot the Dog,  get ready to experience that crazy emotion that lies somewhere between crying and laughing.  

Super Trick Star!

Khloe McCaskill was the Super Star of Get Along Little Doggie's Trick Training class.  Check out her medals!  Wow!  She learned over 10 tricks including:

1. Bang! (play dead).

2. Wave (Hi!).

3.  Spin.

4.  Touch (Target).

5.  Hustle (Figure Eights through walking legs).

6.  Nice to meet you (shake).

7.  Jump through Hula-Hoop.

8.  High five & High ten.

9.  Jump over!

10.  Take a bow!

Congratulations to Khloe and her parents, Debbie and Jim.  Amazing work.  Thanks for helping make the class so much fun!

Trick Training Tips

Trick training is a really fun way to build your bond with your dog and keep her mentally and physically stimulated. 

Check out these trick training tips:

1.  Have a good basic obedience foundation.

2.  Reward with small, soft, delicious treats. 

3.  Timing. Mark the exact moment your dog is in the correct position. You can mark the moment with a clicker, a word, or a treat. Remember that dogs live in the moment and you have about 1.3 seconds to catch them in the act. 

4. Be100% consistent. 

5.  Set your dog up for success.  Remember that your dog doesn't speak your language. What if someone was asking you to do things in a language you didn't understand? If you see her struggling or becoming discouraged, take a step back to an easier step and let her succeed.

6.  Always end the training session with success and while your dog still wants more.  Short, frequent intervals of training are best. 

7.  Motivate with a jolly routine and happy voice.  Act like a fool, be a Silly Willy! 

8.  Be patient and take it easy!   All dog training is a life long process.  It doesn't happen over night.  If you get frustrated or impatient, your dog will pick up and may go into shut down mode.  Take a breath and take a play break.

9.  Practice a little bit every day.  Repetition is key. 

10.  Have fun!

"You may have a dog that won't sit up, roll over or even cook breakfast, not because she's too stupid to learn how but because she's too smart to bother. "

~Rick Horowitz