Follow Me Dog Training

Happy New Year!!!!

Follow Me Dog Training LLC wishes everyone a safe and prosperous 2008!

New year’s resolutions for Renée by Leinie and Pepper:

1. Go for at least one 45minute - an hour  walk everyday.
2. Play Frisbee or ball with us at least once a day.
3. Let us snooze in sun spots with out being bothered (Pepper).
4. Go explore more of Richmond.
5. Continuing education with IACP, E-collarpalooza, and other workshops and conferences.
6. Keep the squirrel invasion at bay.
7. Daily massage and cuddle time.
8. Work on Leinie’s tricks.
9. Find a place to take us swimming.
10. Keep Follow Me Dog Training LLC prosperous and growing so you can buy us dog food!

Make sure your New Year’s resolutions include your dog. Dogs make great workout partners, can help relieve stress, encourage you to get out and meet new people, teach you to cook tasty dog biscuits, and help make the year 2008 a fun and exciting year!

Let Follow Me Dog Training LLC help you keep your resolutions for having a well mannered and fun family dog. Contact us for a Free demonstration and evaluation!

Thoughts of old friends

Although the holidays are a time of great cheer, full of love, family and friends, sometimes we get a dose of reality no one really wants to take in. Pepper and I heard from a good friend on Christmas day that our Beagle friend Stryder had left for the Rainbow Bridge the night before. As I sat and talked to Stryder’s owner, both of us in tears, I held Pepper close and told her. She and Stryder, against all odds were good friends…they had a mutual respect for each-other and loved running in the field together (that is them in the picture at That’s My Dog! Inc). I last saw Stryder in July and as I stuck my arm into the car window, his owner sucked in her breath and reminded me he was aggressive…well Stryder was so happy to see me that he and his brother beagle Tucker tackled me with licks and jumps. I was so happy to hear that the hard training Stryder and his owner had dedicated to help him with his dog and human aggression issues, had paid off. Stryder could now run in the field of the owner’s fiance with Tucker and another dog. He had accepted the fiancee without a problem. He was loving the freedom, exercise and the new path her life had taken her and her dogs, because it had opened up a whole new world for him. Infact, training had given him at least three more years of life that his old lifestyle would not have given him.

Off the phone and walking Leinie and Pepper in the quiet of Christmas day, I thought of Stryder, Noofy, Lutra, Gila, Umbra, Buckeye, Chappie, Boaz, Gracie and some of the other dogs and cats that had passed this year. All friends and all terribly missed, I counted myself lucky that Leinie and Pepper were healthy and happy. We listed them off in our head, and said another quiet goodbye and knew we would see them again on the Rainbow Bridge.

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….

Author unknown…

Follow Me Dog Training LLC can help dogs and owners enjoy a fulfilling life together with clear communication and good training. Contact us for a FREE demonstration and evaluation with your dog.

Walker’s big adventure

Walker is originally from Texas. Ok I admit I did ask if he was named after “Walker, Texas Ranger” I received a very emphatic NO, but who wouldn’t ask? Walker and his family recently within the past year or so moved to the Richmond VA area. Moving causes a lot of disruptions in a consistent schedule and lifestyle that a dog is used to. If you have ever moved, you know what I mean. Having just done the same thing I could relate to Walker. He was moved with his family, across country, a new baby was brought into the house, a new house, his people are all discombobulated, he isn’t getting as much exercise, and many other things. Remember when dogs sense the overall unsettled energy in a home, they feed off it and make decisions that we don’t always believe are the corect ones. Aside from fixing some very bad decision making, Walker needed a healthy dose of confidence building and socialization to new experiences.

Follow Me Dog Training LLC was so happy to see the transformation in Walker’s household. Don’t get me wrong a houseful of three young kids and busy parents is always going to be a bit chaotic. It amazes me everytime when a large family dedicates time in their busy lives to help find a better way to communicate with their dog so the dog can be an even bigger part of the family. This is exactly what happened with Walker. He gets to spend more time inside with his family, rather then so much time at the in-laws or in the back yard. He can walk comfortably with both his owners and a stroller. The neighborhood squirrels are still a bit of a problem, but I told Walker that Leinie was starting a united front against them and we understood that one! He is calm in the house when the door bell rings.

One of the things we make sure to point out to every dog and owner we work with is that consistency through clear communication is the key to everyone’s happiness. Walker’s owners have to keep him well exercised. They learned that Walker hanging out in the back yard all day isn’t enough to keep Walker happy and calm. Walker has to follow the new house rules and continue to build confidence in himself and show his owners that he deserves to spend more time in the house with them and the kids. The whole family needs to continue to challenge themselves to exercise more, lay more foundation rules down and stick to them, and to seek new adventures.

If you just moved, your dog is acting a bit willy nilly and you would like to find out how to gain a bit more control, contact Follow Me Dog Training LLC for a FREE demonstration and evaluation.

Happy Holidays everyone! Keep your dogs safe, well exercised, away from the pie, and use them for stress relief!

A great Christmas story!

Every once in awhile a book comes along that keeps you laughing from beginning to end. This is definitely one of them. My mom gave The Shepherd, the Angel, and Walter the Christmas Miracle Dog by Dave Barry to me and said “You must read this before Christmas and read it out loud to your dogs, they’ll appreciate it as well.” I don’t often read out loud to my dogs, I swear! Both Leinie and Pepper knew I was amused with this book, I was laughing out loud, rolling around in hysterical tears! If I could I would buy everyone I know a copy of this book. Instead of that…I will just mention it here and implore you all to go out to your local library or bookstore and pick up a copy of this book. It is a quick and fun read that the whole family will love. I admit, I am known as the family Scrooge and this book managed to put me in the Christmas spirit.

Follow Me Dog Training LLC wishes everyone a safe and happy Holiday Season! Fill your Christmas with laughter and go read the book! I promise you won’t be disapointed.

Catching Elves

Leinie caught an elf in the house. He tried to question him about presents, Santa and what happens if Leinie is at grandma’s house on Christmas, and if he could have one of them squirrels for Christmas. The elf was reluctant to say anything but managed to write something down about naughty and nice. I warned Leinie and told him to let him go, he didn’t want to end up on the naughty list just because he caught an elf doing recon.

Dog safety tips for the holidays:

• Don’t let your dogs eat elves…they taste funny.
• Watch your Christmas tree and your dog’s tail…many a tree have gone down because of an excited dog tail!
• If your dog happens to eat a glass ornament, soak a cotton ball in heavy cream and have your dog swallow the cotton ball. The glass will stick to the cotton ball and the cream will make it pass easier and without damage!
• Mistletoe, Poinsettia plants, and chocolate are all a big part of Christmas…..but can be very dangerous for your dog!
• Keep your dog well exercised through out the holiday season! A tired dog is a good dog and Follow Me Dog Training LLC wants you to be able to include your dog in all the festivities.

Keep your dog from jumping on the counters and tables and eating Christmas dinner. Walk your dog everyday to help you and your dog keep off holiday pounds. Explain to your dog about Santa coming down the Chimney. Keep your dog safe and relaxed amungst the holiday chaos. Remember that the simple act of petting a dog can lower your blood pressure. Contact Follow Me Dog Training LLC and give the gift of  training to the whole family! We offer FREE demostrations and evaluations in your home with the whole family. Happy Holidays!

Home Made Treats

Follow Me Dog Training LLC would like to thank our friend Rachel for helping us make home made dog biscuits. They are awesome and Leinie has given them to some of his friends. Word got back to Leinie that everyone loves the biscuits and has been asking for the recipe. So here it is folks. Rachel originally found it here.  http://www.bullwrinkle.com/Assets/Recipes/Everyday%20Biscuits.htm

I’ve added in a few comments and changes from Rachel.

2 teaspoons dry yeast
1/2 cup lukewarm water
2 tablespoons dry parsley
2 tablespoons minced garlic 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
3 tablespoons honey
1 egg
5-6 cups whole wheat flour

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 ° F (180 ° C).

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Stir in the parsley, garlic, broth, honey, and egg. Gradually blend in flour, adding enough to form a stiff dough.

Chill the dough before you roll it out! Transfer to a floured surface and knead until smooth (about 3-5 minutes). Shape the dough into a ball, and roll to 1/4-inch (6 mm) thick. Using small bone-shaped cookie cutters, make biscuits! Transfer to ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 1/4 inch (6 mm) apart. Gather up the scraps, roll out again, and cut additional biscuits.

Bake for 30 minutes.Or until lightly brown on both sides. Let cool …the longer you cool the more crunchier they are. My dogs like them a little softer so I can stuff them easier into a kong ball. Makes several dozen small bones that keep and freeze well.

They are people friendly as well. Rachel’s husband, Todd, and I were official tasters (while they were too warm for the dogs to try)and we decided a little ranch dip would have been perfect for them.

Leinie and Pepper have been enjoying them when I have to leave them at home in their kennels.

Dog treats in moderation can help any training situation as well as make a fantastic reward for a job well done. I like the homemade kind, even though I am not much of a cook! I know they are fresh and if I can eat them, so can my dogs!

Please contact Follow Me Dog Training LLC if you are interested in a FREE demonstration and evaluation with your dog.

Sam I am!

Rhodesian Ridgeback’s like Sam are also known as African Lion Hounds because of their ability to harass a lion and keep it at bay while awaiting their master to make the kill. How cool is that? You can spot a Ridgeback by their characteristic ridge of hair along its back running in the opposite direction to the rest of its coat. There are some that are born without ridges, but you don’t see them very often. They were bred as hunters, guards and companions. They require a good amount of exercise and because they are intelligent, when they don’t get enough exercise they turn rather mischievous or will become overly protective.

Sam doesn’t keep wild lions at bay, not here in Richmond VA anyway. So he took up protecting his house, yard, neighborhood, people…you get the idea. He also wasn’t so sure that paying attention to his owners was in his best interests. Opening up the lines of communication between Sam and his owners has made a world of difference. We went out for a walk and enjoyed the Christmas lights and passed a few dogs and Sam did awesome. He was even passed by a couple of small snack like dogs that wanted to see if they could fit their whole heads into his mouth and Sam did fantastic by listening to his owner, avoiding the temptation and moving away without his normal hound baying. I have to give congrats to his owner who kept her cool and listened to her dog and helped him make the right decision to not to bark or lunge at the other dogs. When you are so used to a dog that makes a loud, obnoxious scene when they see other dogs, it takes a lot out of a person to learn to take a deep breath and concentrate on communication. To tell the dog what to do, not what not to do.

Sam is an older dog and has had some health issues and regularly goes to a holistic Veterinarian (Dr. Lord ) for chiropractic care and rehabilitation for multiple surgeries. While he was sick, his owners didn’t notice that his aggression issues and lack of communication were that big of a deal. Working with a vet and now working with Follow Me Dog Training LLC has helped Sam’s health improve on every level…mentally and physically!

We are challenging Sam to be a better dog by making him think about the actions and decisions he makes. And we are challenging him physically to learn how to use his body again.

Sam is a cool dog I can imagine him running through the African Veldt, chasing down a lion or taking a snooze under a baobab tree. But he can only dream of those things snoozing in front of the fire.

Are you having a behavior problem with your dog? Do they chase the neighbor’s cat, drag you down the street, or just have way too much energy for their own good. Contact Follow Me Dog Training for a FREE demonstration and evaluation. We know we can help!

Happy Hanukah!

Happy Hanukah to all our friends!

Holiday shopping

Leinie and I went to do a little holiday shopping today at Stony Point Fashion Park . Thanks to Sophie and Sam’s owners for telling us about it. Our first stop was the Three Dog Bakerywhere Leinie got to try some amazing carrot cake, try on a festive collar or two, sniff the Planet Dog stuff and generally make a Christmas list for himself.

I love that if the store is dog friendly, they have an oval sticker on the store door. This is great! Leinie and I went into a couple different places to browse and Leinie was a perfect gentleman.

Outside, the Fashion Park has set up a couple of dog stops where your dog can get water or relieve themselves if needed. There are also stone dogs lying about. I told Leinie to behave or he might get turned into one. So Leinie helped pick up some trash and gave some love to some weary shoppers.

There are rules of course, you can read about them on the Stony Point website: Pick up after your dog, please have your dog on a three foot leash (yeah no flexi leads!), please keep your dog out of restaurants. All very reasonable and I was happy to comply to be able to take Leinie with me!

Don’t leave your dog out of your holiday celebrations, they are a big part of the family! Follow Me Dog Training LLC says thanks to places like Stony Point Fashion Park that are dog friendly! We also want to say thanks to the responsible dog owners that help show more stores and public places that dogs can be a welcome addition.

Contact Follow Me Dog Training LLC for a FREE demonstration and evaluation. A well behaved dog can a help relieve stress and make your holidays bright for your family this holiday season.