Follow Me Dog Training

Hello 2010!

It is the end of another year, the end of a decade even! Some fun was had the past year! We lost some good dogs. More dogs in Richmond Virginia lived happier lives because their owners called Follow Me Dog Training LLC for help. Leinie went on numerous adventures and made Where’s Leinie? a blast for us and for those that found him. We learned about leaving dogs in hot cars, Bloodhounds and how much fun group class can be. Leinie, Pepper and I hope to have as much fun in 2010 and we hope you do as well.

Follow Me Dog Training LLC is making some resolutions for the New Year. We all know how hard it is to keep resolutions going…how many years in a row is it now that I resolved to start running with my dog again…..? So therefore, many of our resolutions are pretty easy to maintain and we hope you will join us.

• We will continue to take at least one 45 minute walk a day….rain snow or sunshine!
• Leinie and Pepper will have their nails cut every couple weeks, brush out/groom every day, suffer a bath when stinky!
• We will continue to learn new things…perfect a new trick, read a book about dog health, work on holding a sit with the squirrels going by.
• We will support our US MWD’s through constant reminders of their unselfish work and sacrifice and through groups like Space Coast War Dog Association.
• We will schedule regular vaccinations and check ups for the dogs. Also keeping them up to date on their heart worm meds and flea/tick preventatives.
• We will continue to see Dr. Lord for holistic care for my gung ho Malinois and my aging Irish Terrier.
• We will take the time to enjoy a walk in the woods or a snooze in a sun spot because dogs help lower our stress level and they obviously know all the tricks.
• The dogs will get both mental and physical exercise daily aside from their 45 minute walk.
• I will continue to be the Pack Leader in my house and with the dogs I am around!

These shouldn’t be too hard to keep! If one of your resolutions for the New Year is to have a more well behaved dog or to build on the communication between you and your dog, contact Follow Me Dog Training LLC for a FREE evaluation. We’ll lead you to success!

Have a safe and happy New Year!

Woody finds Leinie!

The December 2009 Where’s Leinie? picture proved to be a difficult entry. 29 days and a couple hints later, Woody found Leinie sitting in front of the Daughters of the Confederacy building.

Way to go Woody! I don’t know if it was all the rain, or the massive amount of snow that kept people from finding this location, but I hope Woody had a good walk on N. Boulevard in Richmond VA, finding it. And to think, Follow Me Dog Training LLC thought this was an easy location!

We’ve done a year of Where’s Leinie? Traveling all over Richmond, finding unique places for Leinie to hang out. We are far from done exploring though. I hope everyone continues to find the fun places in Richmond with their dogs! Stay tuned for the January 2010 Where’s Leinie? picture.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

The holiday season is upon us and boy did we ever get a White Christmas. I know my dogs and their friends had a wonderful time in the snow. I hope yours did as well. The holidays can be a stressful time in our lives. I encourage you to take a moment and learn a lesson or two from our dogs this holiday season because they are the best form of therapy.

Go play in the snow! We don’t get it very often here in Richmond VA, but this year we were blessed with a large amount that turned the landscape into a beautiful picture! Playing in the snow is also good exercise for both you and your dog!

Take a moment to bask in the sunlight. Dogs know how to make the most out of a perfect sunspot. What better time to take a deep breath, remember what you are grateful for and become recharged. And if you are really lucky, take a nap in that sunshine it will make a world of difference!

Don’t forget to keep your sense of humor through out the holidays! What better way to relieve stress then to have a good laugh. Leinie and Pepper provide that service for me almost everyday!

Say a little prayer for our K9’s, men and women that are serving in the United States Armed Forces. They keep us safe and free. Thank them as you pass them in the airports and if you are lucky enough  to have one home for the holidays give them a hug from Follow Me Dog Training LLC!

Stretch out and get a good back scratch. You can’t just sit around all day and become stiff and sore!

Hang out with good friends.

Play hard and have fun while you are doing it!

Spend time with family!

Have a beer if you need one. Drink Responsibly and have a designated dog with you.

Share your toys, you’ll have more fun.

Be sure to check out Leinie’s letter to Santa:      http://tapintoleinie.wordpress.com/

Happy Holidays to everyone from Follow Me Dog Training LLC.

Little dog - Big attitude

Louis is a Chihuahua. He is a little dog with alot of attitude. 6 years of being spoiled rotten, bad decision making on his part, too much love, a biting habit, not enough exercise and being allowed to potty in the house contributed to his owners calling Follow Me Dog Training LLC for help.

Follow Me Dog Training LLC took Louis in for a board and train program at the beginning of December. Louis has made a bunch of tremendous changes since he has been here. He has had to change some habits and accept that he is not the leader. It isn’t his RIGHT to tell people where to go, where to sit, and who is going to touch him.

Right off the bat the first thing we did with Louis was start treating him like a dog. It is really easy to give a Chihuahua a home and assume that they can’t do much because of their size, that they should be spoiled and protected. Well that needed to change so I could get Louis to start thinking about his body, his teeth and his reactions. The AKC describes the Chihuahua temperament like this: “Alert, projecting the ‘terrier-like’ attitudes of self importance, confidence, self-reliance.” They do have an attitude that is for sure, and Louis lived up to this standard. So although a small dog, Louis started right off the bat going for a 45 minute walk with myself, Leinie and Pepper in the morning. What a change more exercise made in Louis! Not only did it help his behavior but it helped his housebreaking schedule!

Louis also needed to learn how to be handled. He was under the impression that only the people he could rule over could touch him. It took a bit of patience, trust building and consistency from me but he soon learned that affection only came when earned. No more furniture time, no more lap time, no more belly rubs until he accepted my putting a leash and collar on him without a fight. The evening when I leaned over my chair to him as he slept in his bed, and he rolled over and offered me a chance to rub his belly was a big step in the right direction. Before he would have never allowed it by attacking the hand, or demanded it from the people he loves. He will also let me pick him up and that is his biggest reward!

Louis is learning to enjoy the company of other dogs and the beauty of snoozing in a sunspot, not barking at the people outside or needing to be on the back of a couch. He attended group class this past weekend with 5 other dogs…all of them twice his size and were not used to having a little dog like Louis around. He did fantastic with his obedience and keeping up with the big dogs and was rewarded with a cuddle time afterward.

Right now Chihuahuas are a very popular breed. The movie Beverly Hills Chihuahua made them even more popular last year. Celebrities have chosen the Chihuahua for their small size also making them popular. In fact Chihuahuas are overrunning California right now!

There are so many Chihuahuas at some shelters that they have started shipping the dogs out of state, said Megan Webb, director of Oakland Animal Services.

Actress Katherine Heigle (Greys Anatomy) had her foundation help transport 25 adoptable Chihuahuas from LA to New Hampshire because they have so many in California!

The Dog Whisperer (Cesar Millan) has done numerous episodes on Chihuahuas that need rehabilitating. One such episode, Chihuahuas From Hell, was on this morning. I made Louis watch it with me so he would understand he doesn’t need to be like those dogs anymore!

Louis will be returning to his family very soon. Along with him, the owners will receive a new set of house rules, an exercise schedule, a house breaking schedule and a training schedule. I know they love their little dog because he has really grown on me while staying here. Part of loving him for his owners has to now include some structure in his life and a whole lot less spoiling!

Louis has proven to me that he can do so much more then be a little terrorist. He can sit at the doors, walk nicely, and be handled. I’m proud of this little Chihuahua!

If your dog is causing frustration in your household akin to what Louis was doing to his family, contact Follow Me Dog Training LLC for a free evaluation.

Looking for a gift for your dog?

The holidays are fast approaching. In fact, Hanukkah begins this Friday at sundown. Then the Winter Solstice comes through, followed soon after by Christmas and Kwanzaa. People are out buying gifts and making preparations for the holiday they celebrate. So tell me is your dog on the gift giving list?

Here’s a list of a some things that would be great gifts for your dog, or in honor of your dog:

• A new dog tag from www.boomerangtags.com These are the best dog tags around. I love their collar tags for adjustable nylon collars. They fit on just about any style of dog collar, stand up to a lot of wear and tear and look good. Be sure to put your mobile phone number on the tag!
• A dog bed for their crate or kennel from Primo Pads. I love these, they are virtually indestructible, easy to clean, provide comfort in any weather, light weight, waterproof…the list goes on. My dogs love theirs and I even put Leinie’s large one in the back of my car for long car rides. Oh and they come in a lot of cool colors too.
• A new toy from the Kong Company, Planet Dog, or Nylabone. These are my top toy company suggestions for your heavy chewers, bored dogs or ball obsessed dog. The favorites in my house are the traditional red or black medium sized Kongs, a dental dyno from Nylabone, and an Orbee from Planet Dog. As a bonus, when you open a box from Planet dog, it will smell like peppermint!

• A backpack for your dog is a great gift to help burn some extra energy while on your walk. It makes them work harder and concentrate more on using their whole body. There are many different kinds for sale, pick one that is built for your dog’s specific size. Add only weight that is between 10-20 percent of your dog’s body weight. Usually a bottle of water on each side or a can of soup on each side will do the trick.
• A high quality food that is WITHOUT corn, by-products, coloring, wheat products, and artificial flavors. Food affects behavior in dogs as it does in human. Have you read the ingredients list on your dog’s food lately. Check it out, the best gift for your dog is good health!
• Time is a great gift for your dog. it is cheap too and your dog will love you unconditionally for it. When planning out your holiday schedule, plan out time for your dog. Daily walks help both you and your dog and help relieve the stress the holidays can sometimes create.
• Considering giving a monetary gift in your dogs name to groups like Fetch a Cure (to help cure canine cancer), The National Animal Interest Alliance (The mission of the NAIA is to promote the welfare of animals, to strengthen the human-animal bond, and safeguard the rights of responsible animal owners), The Space Coast War Dogs Association or  The United States War Dog Association (help purchase much needed cooling vests and supplies for our Military War dogs and their handlers), or find a LOCAL rescue group or rescue group to help support.
• Training…any kind of training for your dog is a great gift for dog and owner. Contact Follow Me Dog Training LLC and we’ll set up a free evaluation with you and your dog.

Forcast…Rainy!

Record Report

00
SXUS71 KAKQ 011015
RERRIC

RECORD EVENT REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WAKEFIELD, VA
513 AM EST TUE DEC 1 2009

...RECORD NOVEMBER MAXIMUM RAINFALL SET AT RICHMOND VA...

A RECORD MONTHLY MAXIMUM RAINFALL OF 9.60 INCHES WAS SET AT RICHMOND
VA IN NOVEMBER 2009. THIS BREAKS THE OLD RECORD OF 7.64 SET IN 1959.
 From the National Weather Service

So November was a little rainy. December hasn’t been too great for us either so far. I know my dogs are feeling the effects of the rain. And I can officially say that I am pretty sick of the smell of wet dog. Lessons have been rescheduled and group classes have been canceled.

Follow Me Dog Training LLC receives a larger amount of calls and emails when the weather is poor or turns a bit colder:

• “My dog is getting into the trash”
• “My dog is running around the house like a loon”
• “My dog won’t go outside”
• “My dog won’t stand still to have his paws dried off”
• “My dog is having accidents in the house again.”

It is true that many dogs don’t like to get wet, but that isn’t an excuse for them to start peeing in the house. Also true that electrical storms can freak a dog out, but we create the behavior by not acting normal around them. And true that being dried off with a big towel isn’t most dog’s favorite activity, but they can learn to stand in place.

Follow Me Dog Training LLC has a few suggestions to get through the rainy days:

• Buy some rain gear for you and your dog and go for a walk! It won’t kill either of you, you won’t melt (I hope) and you both need the exercise! I just purchased new rain gear for me, pants and a jacket I can put over warm clothes. They are a life saver! Your dog can also get a raincoat and boots to wear in the inclement weather. Teach them how to walk in them before the next rain though!

• Don’t coddle or feel sorry for your dog if you need to go out in the rain. Follow Me Dog Training LLC is working with a 8lbs Chihuahua named Louis. Big wind and rain are not his favorite but part of learning confidence and how to be a dog means going out in all weather, tromping through puddles and going to the bathroom outside! He shivers and high steps until I tell him “Lets go Louis” and we are off on a long fun walk and wouldn’t you know, the shivering goes away and he is walking through puddles up to his chest. He isn’t happy with the toweling/drying off part when we get home, but he is learning!

• Put on some boots and rain gear and go play with your dog in the rain, let them know that it is no different then any other day! I love playing with my Irish Terrier in the rain, it is something we have been doing since the day I got her. I think she enjoys tromping through puddles and getting meas wet as her.

• Utilize a ‘place’ command when you bring dogs inside. When I bring dogs in, they immediately place on a rug, towel or blue place board. They are held accountable to staying on that place so I can dry them and their paws! This prevents them from running willy nilly all over your house spreading muddy paw prints on the clean rugs! It also helps on non rainy days to teach your dog how to be toweled off!

• Find some games to teach your dog during those crazy inside days. Teach them to catch, to play hide and seek with the kids, to search for food or toys, work on their long sits, downs or place command. Work on recall games around the house. Teach a new trick! I sometimes set one of those flexible shower curtain rods up in my long hall way and do jumping exercises with my dog.

• If you have a treadmill, have Follow Me Dog Training LLC come out and teach you how to get your dog on it and get their exercise! Every dog is different and it is important they learn a fun safe way of running on the treadmill, it is not an over night learning curve. It is a great way to exercise your dog though!

• If you let your dogs out in the yard to potty themselves on a rainy day, make sure you see them actually go. Many dogs will get stuck looking for a dry place and not do anything. Or just want to come right back in…and guess what, then you have some housebreaking incidents. The dogs do not come back in my house unless I have seen them do something. And if they choose to do nothing, well they sure don’t get the privilege of running around the house. Supervision is key on nasty weather days!

Rainy days are a part of life. Hopefully Richmond VA will see a few more sunny days in December! If you want your dog to learn how to walk better int he rain or sun, want them to learn to be toweled off and brushed out, want them to learn a place command, or would love to teach some new games to your dog, contact Follow Me Dog Training LLC for a free evaluation!

Sasha & Leinie watching the rain fall

Where’s Leinie? December 2009

December 2009 finds Leinie posing in a new location. Do you know where he is? Follow Me Dog Training LLC encourages you go for a walk with your dog  and find Leinie’s favorite spot this month.

Here’s the challenge; find where Leinie is posing, take your dog’s picture in the same spot, or as close as they can physically get.  Send the picture and the exact location to renee@followmedogtraining.com. Please send your pictures as an attachment so I can post them!

The first picture I receive with a dog in the correct spot, will win a prize from Follow Me Dog Training LLC, have their dog’s picture posted on the blog and get bragging rights for a month.

The current month’s picture will always be on our Where’s Leinie? page!

Be safe and responsible, please pick up after your dog. Now go out and explore Richmond Virginia with your dog!