Today I'm sharing one of my favorite dog tricks, Play Dead. This is one of the first tricks I taught my Siberian Husky, Icy. It's kind of a show stopper!
Like many dog tricks, this one builds on basic obedience commands or easy tricks that many dogs already know. This trick takes Stay/Wait, Down and Roll over and expands them into a fun trick!
Here's how to teach your dog Bang! Play Dead:
* Put your dog into a Stay or Wait * Then give the command to lie Down * Once in a Down position use a treat lure to get your dog to roll, but not completely over, just onto their back.
Once your dog gets Down and Rolling onto his back together, start adding verbal cues. Start by saying "Down, and Roll". Once your dog can do both Down and Roll in one movement, change the verbal cue to "Bang, Down and Roll".
Once your dog gets the movement with "Bang, Down, and Roll" drop the "Down and Roll" and just say "Bang".
Upon giving the "Bang" verbal cue you want your dog to Down, and then immediately Roll onto his back.
It may take a bunch of tries. Revert back to using a treat lure and the "Down" and "Roll" verbal cues if needed to get your dog to perform the motions with only the "Bang" verbal command.
*** REMEMBER ***
> Always use only Positive Reinforcement methods when training, never yell at or hit your dog! If you're getting frustrated that your dog isn't paying attention or getting the trick, take a break.
> Keep training sessions short, about 15 - 20 minutes or so at a time, if you do much more than that your dog may get bored or frustrated.
> Be Patient, training takes time. If you feel your dog just isn't getting it after awhile, the trick may not be a good fit for your dog! Just like people, every dog is an individual, don't push him into something he's not comfortable with or that is too difficult for him - try a different trick!
> And most of all, Have FUN! Tricks training should feel like play for your dog. It's also a great way to strengthen the bond you have with your dog.
Morning walks with my dogs are the best! This beautiful Palo Verde tree is in full bloom.
EARLY MORNINGS ARE MY FAVORITE TIME OF DAY TO WALK WITH MY DOG. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TIME OF DAY WITH YOUR PETS? LEAVE US A COMMENT & SHARE! WE LOVE HEARING FROM YOU.
I read an interesting blog post by my friend Mary Haight, author of Dancing Dog Blog about dog behavior studies. She discussed how studies have shown that peoples' state of mind and how they interact with their dog can impact their dog's state of mind and behavior.
Mary's blog post reminded me of our neighbors Bob and Terry, and their two Boxers. They love the Boxer breed and in the 15 years I've known them they've had 3. All their dogs were incredibly well behaved and well trained. I'll admit I was always a little jealous of that. My dogs are well trained and well behaved but Bob and Terry's dogs surpass mine in terms of exemplary behavior.
2 years ago an interesting thing happened on our street. Two women lived in a cute little house 3 doors down from ours, across the street from Bob and Terry. They had 3 dogs; two Boston Terrier mixes and a Boxer/Bulldog mix. Their dogs were extremely unruly and unpredictable. Like many people, I avoided walking my dogs past their house.
We'd sit in our yard peacefully having coffee when suddenly we'd hear a ruckus break out! Their dogs would start fighting with each other, both women would start screaming at them, and it sounded like world war three was happening in their yard.
And then there was the inevitable dog bite incident.
Bob had been out walking his incredibly well behaved Boxer, with a friend of his tagging along for the walk. As they walked by the unruly dog house, the dogs of course started going crazy like they always do. Their front door was open with only the screen door closed. The larger of the 3 dogs jumped right through the screen and went after Bob and his dog! As Bob's friend tried to help break up the fight he was bitten by the aggressive dog.
Neighbors were up in arms and told the women they'd better do something to get their dogs under control! It was clear they couldn't handle their 3 dogs. They were out of control. While walking Phoebe one day, I saw one of the women attempting to walk the two smaller dogs together and it was a total fiasco! She had no control whatsoever. I snatched Phoebe up in my arms and quickly scurried past them.
I hate having to avoid certain houses or streets because of scary dogs!
Our neighbors Bob and Terry offered to adopt the Boxer mix from them to help the situation. We thought they were nuts to take on one of those dogs! But they liked the dog and wanted to help so they took him in.
I worried about Bob, Terry, and their own wonderful Boxer, but I shouldn't have. Within a few weeks I started seeing them calmly walking both dogs together two to three times a day! The dogs calmly hang out with Bob (on leash) in front of their house too. I'm so amazed, not only have they gotten this dog totally under control, but he looks so happy and relaxed with them!
I'm really lucky that Icy & Phoebe get along so well
Bob and Terry's two dogs have been living calmly and happily together as siblings ever since. The women unfortunately continued to be unable to keep their remaining 2 dogs under control. Thankfully, they finally moved out of the neighborhood!
I agree that a dog's environment and owner's personality can have an impact on a dog's behavior. Sometimes a dog and owner or home environment just aren't the right fit. Of course, that's not to say that every dog with behavior issues probably lives in the wrong home environment. Dogs can develop behavior issues for so many different reasons, but it was amazing to see the change in this dog's behavior and life once he moved to a different home environment. Lucky dog, huh?
Have you seen examples of a home environment creating negative behaviors in a dog or cat? Leave us a comment and share, we always love hearing from you!
It's been a long Winter, hasn't it? Phoebe and I are ready for Spring, I bet you are too! Although we live in Phoenix, it can get pretty cold on Winter nights so I let Phoebe's fur grow out to help her stay warm.
In just a few months however, she gets what I call the Woolly mammoth look! Her coat is overgrown and she really needs a nail trim. That's when it's time for expert dog grooming at thePETSMART®GROOMINGSALON!
One of our favorite PetSmart groomers, Brittany, worked her magic and took Phoebe from WOOLLY MAMMOTH...
After just a few months, Phoebe gets that Woolly mammoth look!
... to DOGGIE DIVA!
Every dog deserves a fresh new look for Spring!
Can you believe Phoebe's transformation?! She hardly looks like the same dog! I can always tell that she feels as good as she looks the way she prances out of the PetSmart Grooming salon like she's Miss America!
This post is sponsored by PetSmart® and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about PetSmart Grooming Salons, but we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. PetSmart is not responsible for the content of this article.
Whether your dog needs a bath and brush, a quick nail trim, or a full spa treatment with haircut, nail trim/grinding, deshedding or special add-on treatments, PetSmart grooming salons do it all! I know they'll make my dogs look and feel fabulous!
Every few months Phoebe gets her PetSmart spa day which includes a beautiful haircut, a nail trim, and teeth brushing.
This time I decided to do something extra special for Phoebe and get a PetSmart Pet Expressions stenciling. They have lots of designs but I thought the Daisy was perfect for Spring. It looks so cute on her furry little butt, I just love it!
Every few months Phoebe gets a spa day at the PetSmart Grooming salon
If your dog needs a nail trim, ear cleaning, or teeth cleaning these services are available on a walk-in basis. It's a great convenience to be able to pop in and get these services for my dog while I run a few errands.
PetSmart groomers are incredibly caring, dedicated grooming experts. I can bring my dogs there with confidence. Their passion for pets and their grooming expertise really shows!
*All PetSmart salon associates acquire annual safety certification and take additional course-work to learn about dog anatomy, signs of stress, and common pet medical conditions.
PetSmart salon groomers receive hundreds of hours of hands-on training!
*PetSmart salon groomers that give haircuts also receive an additional 400 hours of hands-on training! PetSmart groomers not only have the passion, but the knowledge and expertise to take excellent care of my dogs and consistently do a great job.
Expert PetSmart dog groomer Brittany gently trims around Phoebe's sensitive paws
*PetSmart groomers always take the time to discuss my grooming goals. They're also helpful in recommending the right cut for my dog and add-on services like nail trimming and teeth brushing. I love the way they interact with my dog, taking time to greet her and give her some TLC.
*The grooming process is so easy and flexible. I can make my appointment online and choose my favorite groomer, the services I want, and the day/time that fits my schedule. I can also call or make an appointment in person, whatever works for me!
*I love that I can receive a text message or email to confirm my appointment, and to let me know when my dog is ready for me to pick her up.
I love that I can get a text message or email when my dog is ready to come home from the PetSmart grooming salon
PetSmart even offers their Look Great Guarantee, their promise that you'll be happy with your pet's service. If not, they'll do whatever it takes to make it right or it's free. Now that's a great service guarantee!
I've been using PetSmart dog grooming services for years and I've never been anything but thrilled with the results. That's why I'm happy to be able to share with you how great their salon services are and how wonderful my experiences with PetSmart grooming have been!
Our PetSmart groomer Brittany puts the final touches on Phoebe, adding purple bows and a bandana. She looks adorable!
Check out their full line of pet grooming services by visiting the PETSMART GROOMING SALON web site. To make a grooming appointment online, enter your Zip code to find a grooming salon near you and book your appointment.
NOTE:All pets need current rabies vaccinations and proof of vaccination from their Veterinarian. Rabies vaccination must be administered at least 48 hours prior to service. Pets must be over 8 weeks old to receive salon services. For the safety of our pets and associates, customers may not go behind the double doors separating the Salon lobby from the grooming area.
When we adopted Phoebe in 2011, the shelter estimated her age to be approximately 3 years old. It felt like in the blink of an eye suddenly she was a senior dog!
Phoebe was always a feisty little dog and very smart, but as she got older I noticed some changes in her. It's like she wasn't as.... sharp as she used to be. My Husky Icy, on the other hand, is two years younger and was always sharper and quicker, especially when learning new things.
Sometimes I felt bad for Phoebe when we played games with treats. Icy was right on it but Phoebe needed some coaching and a bit more time to "get it" and join in. By that time Icy had usually gotten nearly all of the treats!
How do we play this game again?
Don't get me wrong, I think senior dogs totally ROCK, but sometimes they rock a little slower! According to the experts at Purina Pro Plan®, around age seven the glucose metabolism in a dog's brain begins to change. That can have a negative impact on a dog's:
** MEMORY
** LEARNING
** AWARENESS
** DECISION MAKING
This actually made me breathe a sign of relief, at least I know the changes I was seeing in my dogs as they age are normal!
This post is sponsored by Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated for helping enrich the lives of senior dogs, but we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND is not responsible for the content of this article.
If you have a senior dog who isn't quite as sharp as his or her younger self, don't worry! I have some great news to share with you.
Purina Pro Plan has discovered a way to promote alertness and mental sharpness in senior dogs, 7 years and older, through nutrition with BRIGHT MIND Adult 7+® dog food formulas. I love the idea of achieving improvement in my dog's mental sharpness through quality nutrition!
> BRIGHT MIND 7+ was created with enhanced botanical oils shown to promote alertness and mental sharpness in dogs 7 and older, with visible results in 30 days. When added to the daily diet of dogs 7 years and older, formulas that contained enhanced botanical oils promoted memory, attention and trainability. > BRIGHT MIND 7+ contains glucosamine to help support joint health and mobility. > BRIGHT MIND 7+ contains vitamin A and linoleic acid for healthy skin and coat. > BRIGHT MIND 7+ contains high quality protein as the first ingredient!
These are all really important for an aging dog!
Purina Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND 7+ promotes alertness and mental sharpness in dogs 7 years and older
By feeding Phoebe and Icy a daily diet of Purina Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND I hoped to see some positive changes:
** I hope to see more of an interest in interaction and play. ** I'd like to see Icy catch on to new games and other things as quickly as she used to, so she doesn't feel frustrated. ** I'm hoping to see a continued interest and enjoyment in our adventures.
You can purchase Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND at PetSmart, Petco, Chewy.com, Pet Supplies Plus and other quality pet food supplies stores.
Remember to do a slow transition whenever you change your dog's food! Transition your dog from his or her current food to Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND over the course of 7 to 10 days, following the instructions on the side panel of the package:
