Top Posts of 2011
It’s hard to believe that another year has come and gone already, and what a year it was! Not only did we move into our new training center in Leander, but we started some new training programs like K9 Scent Games, Dine with your Dog, and a Puppy Board and Train Program, we held a contest to redesign our t-shirts, and we worked with even more incredible dogs and their owners!
We have also expanded our dog training blog with a lot more informative, useful, and educational articles. Check out the 10 most popular posts of 2011.
10. Why is Crate Training So Important?
9. Do You Use an Emergency Recall Word?
8. New Dog Park Opens in Cedar Park
7. Indoor Summertime Training Ideas
6. What’s the Big Deal with Hand Signals?
5. A More Detailed Look at Black Dog Syndrome
3. 7 Steps to Improving Your Relationship
2. How to Introduce 2 Dogs on Leash
1. Denial Aint Just a River in Spain
Feel like taking a stroll further down memory lane? Be sure to check out the top 10 Posts of 2009 and 2010.
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Top Twitter Pics of 2011
We are constantly taking photos during our training sessions, private lessons, down time, and pretty much all times of the day, and we use our twitter account to post the photos on a daily basis. We accumulated a lot of photos during the year, in no particular order, here are some of our favorites.
The photo above was taken by a client who was observing class. I love this one, it’s just one of our favorites. Everyone seems to be paying attention.
No attempt at a witty or funny comment here, just a shot capturing a sweet moment between Jay Roy and his friend Walter.
Maybe with enough interest, synchronized sleeping will be included in the next Purina Incredible Dog Challenge!
Here’s a shot of Bruno showing his version of planking, which was very popular earlier this year.
I’m not sure if he got lost looking for his dog bed, but here’s Winston snuggling up in the dryer. It must have been cold that day.
Above is a pic of Pippi and her human. Check out the excitement in Pippi’s face!
I think this photo was taken a few days after Pippi’s hard core recall (in the photo above). Maybe she’s still trying to recover; Rudy is there for support.
We got a call to come and see if we would be able to work with a pig. Here’s Tracey working on sit with some cereal, the pig’s favorite treat!
Border Collies are known for their intense stare and incredible drive. Here’s Dakota focused on the ball; he does this a lot.
I know she’s a Labrador and she loves water, but drinking from the pool is discouraged. Anyway, here’s Cali drinking from the pool.
Great Dog Available for Adoption
UPDATE 12/20/11: Westin has been adopted!! Thank you everyone who shared this post for helping to get Westin into a great home!
For the past few weeks we have been fostering a 2 year old male Doberman Pinscher named Westin. During that time we have temperament tested him and spent a lot time watching how he interacts with other animals, people, and we must say – he is terrific!
Westin is part of the A Doberman Adoption Placement Team (ADAPT), which is based out of Houston, and would make a great pet for the right family (he’s a pretty nice dog for a first time dog owner as well). Socially Westin is fantastic with dogs and people; very playful and confident. He’s up to date on shots and is on a heartworm preventative, neutered and ready to find a great home. If you or anyone you know wh=ould be a good match for Westin, check out his profile on the ADAPT website.
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Santa Sacks are Here
It’s that time of year again and it’s very important not to forget your furry friend this Christmas! To make things easier on everyone, we have assembled gift bags for your dogs; all you have to do is click here and your shopping is done!
Each Santa Sack comes pre-wrapped and contain a huge 1lb box of Holiday Buddy Biscuits, a dog dish (it’s always great to have another one of those laying around), a limited-edition red Twiz toy and an unstuffed Ginger soft toy with squeaker (both toys are made by Westpaw Design).
If you are a local Austin Dog Training client and would like to pick up your Santa Sack at our North location (or check out other great gift options) feel free to do so. Everyone else can either contact us to arrange drop off or order directly from our website by clicking here. Regardless of what option you choose, act fast because we have a limited supply. Happy Holidays!
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Highlights from Tricks 2
We just wrapped up another trick training class last week and it was a blast! Take a look at some of the video highlights taken during the last night of Tricks 2.
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Picking a Running Dog
One of our Austin dog training clients was nice enough to send over a link to an interesting article about different things to consider when selecting a dog to be your running buddy and/or using your current dog’s strengths to make your runs more enjoyable. I wanted to share the article with our readers because not only does the article bring up a lot of great information, be sure to check it out if you get a chance, but with the many great hike, bike, and jog trails in Austin, our local readers will definitely benefit from the information. Here are a few things that stood out most for me…
Different breeds of dogs are suited better than others for different physical demands, and that’s why there is no one universal breed of dog that is going to make the best running buddy. Because there are so many different styles, speeds, terrains, and distances of running to consider, it’s best that you find a dog that is suited for your style of running. For example, if your running style consists of slow, long runs then you may be best matched up with a Labrador Retriever or a Catahoula, which have a bigger body that can handle the distance—if you go slow. If your style of running consists of going all out (7 minute miles) you may be better paired with a dog that has a lean build and a mental aptitude for running, like a Vizsla or a German Shorthaired Pointer.
Climate will also play a big part in choosing the best breed of dog to be your running buddy. The stockier bodies and heavier coated dogs, like the Malamutes and Siberian Huskies, will do better in colder climates. Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Vizslas, which have a long nose, a short, sleek coat, and a svelte body that are better suited to handle hot climates.
So what’s the best running dog to have in Austin? Well even though we can eliminate a few breeds, just based on climate, there is still no right answer – it all comes down to your style of running.
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Upcoming Fall Classes
The weather here in Austin is finally starting to maybe think about cooling down for just a bit, and it’s a great time to do something new with your dog! In addition to our regular dog training classes in Austin, we are adding two more extra curricular classes to our fall schedule.
Things are going to get real smelly starting on October 15th! Check out K9 Scent Games which focuses on teaching you different games and scenarios that can be used to encourage your dog’s natural scenting abilities. By utilizing our dog’s search skills, we build confidence, burn off mental and physical energy, and a positive working relationship that develops between you and your dog when you both are out “hunting” together as a team.
If Scent Games isn’t your thing, check out our latest installment of Trick Training. Teaching your dog new tricks is a great opportunity to kick back and have some fun and by exposing your dog to new instruction, you’re actually making it easier for them to learn new things later down the road – and it’s a lot of FUN!! Tricks 2 (Tricks 1 is not a prerequisite for this class) begins on October 27th!!
Click on the following links to sign up or learn more about our Trick Training and K9 Scent Games classes. Hope to see you out there!!!
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2011 Donkey and Doggie 5K Dash
The Donkey Dash and Doggie Dash are back in Austin for 2011! The USATF Certified 5k course is a flat user-friendly course will take you on a tour through beautiful Sunset Valley. There will be two aid stations on the course with water for you and the dogs, and the finish line will be a welcome site with plenty of food, drinks, prizes, and entertainment for the family!
Not only are well-behaved dogs welcome to run the course, but VCA Ben White Animal Hospital will be on site to provide any necessary event day veterinary care for the canine participants. Mark off Saturday, October 22, 20011 on the calendars and get out there with your dog! Isn’t Austin a great place to own a dog? Be sure to visit the event website for all sign up information and other details.
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2011 AIDS Walk Austin
If you are looking to raise money for a great cause, get some exercise, and do something new with your dog – we’ve got a great event for you! This year Unleashed Unlimited is putting together a team and walking in the 2011 Austin AIDS Walk. The walk, which is going to be held on Sunday, October 16th at 2:00, is a dog-friendly (dogs must be social and remain on-leash) 5k walk that takes place right in Austin’s beautiful downtown area!
If you and your dog, just you, you and a friend, your co-worker, you and your uncle, your cousin’s roommate’s brother, or anyone you know is interested in joining our team, click here and walk with us on October 16th. If you can’t make it to the event and still want to donate, just click here to join the team and contribute as a “virtual walker.” The money you help raise goes to AIDS Services of Austin and the fundraising teams of Austin’s other outstanding AIDS service and education providers, so be sure to give anything you can; every penny helps!
If you have any questions about the Austin AIDS Walk, please contact us or visit their website more more details. We will be communicating more details to our team members as the event gets closer. Hope to see you out there!!
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