Many dogs across the country are suddenly getting to spend a whole lot of extra time with their favorite person...YOU! Now is a great opportunity to teach your dog new tricks. Does your dog know how to give paw, spin in a circle, or even get into a box? These are just some of the Novice level tricks your dog can learn and earn an AKC title in Trick Dog. Unsure of how to get … [Read more...]
Winter Weather Safety Tips
The temperature is dropping and there may be snow in the forecast. Everyone knows this is the time of year to bundle up, stay inside when the weather is bad, and do what we can to keep warm. But what about our dogs? Is your pet ready or even able to adapt to the cold winter weather? Some breeds hold up better than others, but all dog owners must monitor their pets closely … [Read more...]
The Value of Consistence & Inconsistency in Training
When learning something new, it helps to first experience the new material under the same conditions. This is called "consistency". Think of your experience on the first day of school. You don't know what to expect from your new teacher and this new environment. Over time, consistent routines helped you learn when to sit at your desk and pay attention, how to raise your … [Read more...]
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Dog owners know that keeping their canine friends protected from pests such as ticks is very important in preventing serious diseases. While Lyme disease is the most well known, there are other tick-borne diseases owners should watch for. One of the deadliest in the Americas is Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF). This is a bacterial disease spread through the bite of an … [Read more...]
Can you read your dog’s mind?
Is he asking to play? Or is he scared? How do you know what a dog is trying to say? Dogs tell us how they are feeling through their body language and vocalization. Some cues are easy for us to understand while others can be confusing. Is she barking because she's excited or because she's upset? Is he standing still because he's relaxed or because he's afraid? 4-H dog … [Read more...]
Dog Themed Tourist Destinations
Summer vacation can take us to new places where we can discover towns, cities, and states that we haven't seen before. Summer can also be a perfect time to do some discovering with our favorite four legged friend or to see things that relate to our interest in dogs. Here are some ideas. Planning a trip to New York City? Be sure to check out the American Kennel Club's (AKC) … [Read more...]
Dogs in Cars: What do the laws say?
Part of the fun in having a dog is being able to go places together. Most dogs love any excuse for a car ride, even if it is just down the street to the local shops. In their mind, it's an adventure with their best friend (you!). But, what happens when your destination does not allow dogs? How many of us have left Fido in the car for just a quick minute? It's a common … [Read more...]
A Nose for Scent Work
Scent work: What is it? And who can participate? Answer: Anyone can participate with their dog! The American Kennel Club introduced this new canine sport in 2017 based on the job working detection dogs do to locate and communicate the location of the 'hide' back to their handler without disturbing the environment. This is a game dogs love to play as they are born with … [Read more...]
Showcase Your Dog’s Talents with Trick Dog!
What's the first fun trick you taught your dog? Was it paw, shake, or "high five"? What about "speak"? Maybe you taught your dog to spin in a circle, jump through a hoop, go through a tunnel, or sit in a box. All of these tricks can now earn your dog a title in the AKC Trick Dog class. If your dog can perform 10 of the listed tricks, then a Novice Trick Dog title is in … [Read more...]
My First Seeing Eye Puppy
Raising a puppy can be both a delight and a challenge. It's fun to watch them learn and grow, but hard to meet all their developmental needs to become well-rounded, happy adult dogs. For some 4-H dog project members, the focus of their work is entirely on raising puppies that will one day serve as guide dogs for the blind. After a year of hard work, their puppies return to … [Read more...]