Happy New Year!
We hope everyone enjoyed their Holiday's and New Years.
It's been a busy time here, and I realized I still have yet to make my first blog post, so here it is! A new blog will be posted at least once a month. If you have any topics you would like me to address, please send me an email and I will do my best to start a blog on that topic. I'm hoping to address some simple behavior issues, add some basic training video's, and discuss health and safety.
The weather here in the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania has just received it's first cold snap of the year. We are taking this time to figure out when to begin outdoor group training classes, free consults, and even offer some discounts for when the spring weather arrives. Not having an indoor location yet, as well as the unknown of what the weather will bring, can be difficult planning and advertising in a timely matter when classes and events will take place. At this time, we are looking at starting up group classes in April. Check back often, and keep your eye open on our Facebook page for these events to be posted.
At this time, I am still offering private consults and lessons, as well as board and train. I have been updating the events calander with Obedience and Agility Trials in the area if any of you are interested in getting more involved with your dog for competition. Pikey and I have been busy training for these competitions, so you should see us begin trialing Obedience in about a year and agility in two.
With the cold weather, it may be difficult to safely exercise your dog outdoors. During this time, it is important to engage your dog mentally to prevent destructive behaviors. Here are some mentally stimulating exercises you can do with your dog:
Play hide and go seek - throw a toy and run into another room to hide from your dog. Your dog will be inclined to look for you. When your dog finds you, you can get all excited with a loud 'found me' and play with your dog.
Scent work - hide treats throughout the house, or you can poke a hole in the bottom of plastic cups. Hide a treat under one of the cups and have your dog search for the treat.
Buster Cube / Treat Ball - these types of interactive toys taps into the hunting instinct of your dog, and makes them work at getting the food. Most dogs enjoy the challenge.
Use meal time to train your dog - instead of just giving your dog food, consider doing some training exercises during this time. Even if your dog does well with basic commands, you are increasing your bond by doing some training, and giving your dog some mental stimulation. Change up the way you do things. Ask your dog for sits and downs from a distance or while your dog is in heel position.
Thank you for following PANT Dog Training Services. We look forward to working with you and your dog!
