Top

Menu

Smart Dog University

Professional training by a puppy expert

Video

The Aftermath of Blizzard 2010 – Talos and Tango [Video]

The Mid-Atlantic has been hit with some serious snow this winter. I hate winter, but I love snow. I figure if it's got to be cold, we might as well have lots of snow. And this year, I've been a happy camper. We got about 30" of snow over the weekend and the dogs turned into puppies again in the snow. And we're expecting 10" – 20" tomorrow. When did I move to the Arctic Circle?!

Talos, naturally, had the easiest time getting around in the snow because he's the tallest. But Tango could keep up if a path had already been created. Here's a little bit of video of Talos and Tango playing in the snow. 

Simple Way to Get (and Keep) Your Dog’s Attention [Video]

Ever feel like your dog doesn't even know you're at the other end of the leash? I see lots of dogs who are oblivious to their people.

Frustrating? Yes.

Hopeless? No way!

I'm working on Talos' attention to me. I use my clicker and some really yummy treats and we start in a really low distraction environment (my driveway). Watch this video and then go out and try it yourself!

Calling All Door Dashers! (Video)

Remember last month when Talos escaped the gate? I vowed to teach him to wait at the gate at that very moment, but the weather here has been wicked cold. Record-setting cold. So no training got done…until now.

In this video, you'll see how you can use the clicker to teach the dog to wait before going out the gate. Talos already knows that the word "wait" means to pause. (Check out this video to see how we taught that cue + behavior.)

Because I already had defined the word and behavior for him, we only needed to apply it to a new situation. Instead of waiting for his food bowl, he was now waiting at the gate.

Snow Hounds (Video)

We love the snow! This is Talos the Great Dane's first big snow. And because he's a service dog in training, we'll have to return him to Service Dogs of Virginia before next winter. So every snow's important to us! Enjoy watching the dogs romp…

Fear Not (Video)

We're always on the lookout for ways to expose Talos to new and unusual sights and sounds. When we were at the Christmas Tree farm we had the chance to get our Christmas tree bundled. The bundler is loud and big. And there was plenty of room to move away if Talos showed any fear or avoidance of the crazy contraption.

The key to introducing your dog to something novel is to do it incrementally, to do it systematically, and to always (and I mean always!) go at your dog's pace. If you see signs of anxiety (tucked tail, ears back, lip licking, hiding behind your legs), STOP! Move further away, speak calmly and quietly to your dog, and try to feed some extra yummy treats. If your dog isn't eating those delicious treats, you know he's still too stressed. Move even farther away. Keep moving away until the dog's body language is more relaxed and until he's able to take treats.

What NOT to do: Don't reprimand your dog, don't boss your dog, don't pull your dog closer, don't stay there and expect your dog to get used to it. That's not fair to the dog and proves to the dog that you're not on the same team.

Take a look at what a really good relationship (developed through clicker training) can get you…a dog who's a little uncertain, but who trusts that everything's ok as long as he's with you.

Talos’ First Snow (Video)

Anyone with a new dog loves the first snow. Watching a dog run out into the new fallen snow for the first time is like watching your kid taste something new for the first time – it's not to be missed!

We got about three inches of snow over the weekend and Talos got his first taste. There's nothing better than a dog giddy with delight at his transformed backyard.

Subscribe to Email Updates

Stay up-to-date on training advice, upcoming classes and the latest news from Smart Dog University. We promise — No spam!
Testimonials

What People Are Saying

Smart Dog U really helped me deal with my first puppy and help me grow her (Etta) into a sweet little girl. Without that training from SDU this would have been a tough journey.

Ingrid Copeland

We did in-home training and group classes which helped us welcome Ember into our family. Her understanding of both dogs and busy families made the training easy and guilt-free.

Beth Schillaci

Thank goodness I discovered Smart Dog University! Laurie’s methods quickly made me realize that I was the one in need of training. The end result: A well behaved pup (Kasey) who is a true companion!

Matt Church

Laurie is someone Your Dog’s Friend depends on for good information on dog behavior and training presented in an engaging, understandable way. She has done free workshops for us; we have used her articles in our newsletter; and she is a trainer whom I can refer people to with total confidence.

Debra Ekman, Your Dog’s Friend

Laurie is a very knowledgeable and experienced trainer. She does a wonderful job with both the dog and owner. She is easily approachable and genuinely wants to make sure you and your dog are getting the most out of her classes.

Suzie Brown
Read More Testimonials