Adding to the Pack – Toys/Bones

When you bring a new dog into your house with other dogs, you have the opportunity to help the transition go smoothly. For the few first weeks while the relationships between the dogs are new, it’s wise to keep toys and bones put away. High valued items can cause fights, especially while the dogs are getting to know each other.  In multiple dog households, there typically is a more dominant dog than the others. They tend to guard their toys and bones and even take them away from the other dogs.

Whether you have one dog or multiple dogs, it’s important for them to respect all items as yours first, so by keeping toys and bones put away and giving them out at your discretion you are exercising your leadership muscle. Take it one step further and use the “nothing for free” approach which means before giving your dog something she wants, ask her to work for it by sitting or giving a paw. This is a great way to practice all the basic commands or an opportunity to teach your dog a new trick.

Once you are comfortable introducing toys or bones, keep in mind if you want to avoid potential conflicts make sure you have multiple resources. If each dog has a toy or bone to play with, the likelihood of a fight breaking out will be lessened. This doesn't mean you have exactly two of everything but use your judgement.

Judique and Effie learn to share

Effie has been with us now for 5 months. It took me a couple of months before introducing toys and bones inside the house. And I still pick up all toys at the end of the day. I've learned how my dogs interact with toys, especially bones. And I've learned who likes which toy the best! My senior Bear has no issue with toys or bones with either dog. As far as my young Huskies, there are times that even putting out multiple toys, one dog inevitably wants what the other dog has.  Effie’s sister Judique is the boss and nearly always gets her way, unless of course I feel the need to intervene. Again use your knowledge and judgement.

Clicker Plus

We all have to take the time to train our dogs. But it doesn't have to be chore. Training should be fun.  Almost every interaction with your dog can be a training opportunity. So instead of trying to find a block of time to train your dog, “Click anywhere. Train everywhere.”

Clicker training is a method that uses a clicker which makes a mechanical noise to capture a desired behavior from your dog. Because your timing is crucial, often people find the ease and speed of a clicker favorable to use. The sound is easily recognizable and reinforces to your dog they've done the right thing and will be rewarded. This training method is considered very effective and humane.

The Clicker Ring is taking things to another level. This clicker is in a ring shape designed to fit on your index finger so you can treat with that same hand and have your other hand free to hold your leash. In today’s world we are all about conveniences.  I can’t think of a more convenient place to keep a clicker than on my finger!

If you believe in clicker training and would be interested in the Clicker Ring, join the Clicker Plus Campaign. You can read more about the product and campaign and see what else is in the works.

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Happy training!

German Shepherd Puppies

I love German Shepherds. They are beautiful, fearless and deeply loyal.

Many years ago I adopted a German Shepherd/Collie mix named Mika at age 8 from my local shelter. Within two days she was completely bonded to me and never wanted me out of her sight until the day she passed away in my arms at the age of 15. She was an amazing dog and I still miss her and think of her often.

If you are planning or have already started your adventure with a German shepherd puppy, you will probably want to know all there is to know about this wonderful breed.  “Shepherd Puppies” is a website for people who want only the best for their German shepherd puppies.

Here you can read articles or watch videos on finding, caring for and training your puppy.

When you bring a puppy into your life, you are making a commitment to give them the necessary care, exercise and stimulation so they live a happy and long life with you. In return, you will be given unconditional love, devotion and companionship.

We are so fortunate to have unlimited resources to help us along the way.

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