Chuck-a-Roni

     FOR THE LUCK OF CHUCK

Well it's another beautifully cold day here at Camp Luckybones and with the addition of Chuck we couldn't be happier.  Chuck's family sought me out because they noticed some bad behaviors that he had developed after rescuing him back from some people they "thought" would be good for him as an adoptive family. Turns out there is reason to believe that there was some tail-pulling and abuse goin on.
So Chuck is back with his original family but a little out of hand. He likes to chase the family cat and we don't think it's friendly. Then there was some challenging of the humans as Chuck decided to rule over and protect the families youngest son.
   Anyhow, Chuck has had two nights here and both were spent in a crate for the protection of my trainers, Pixie & Se7en. He showed some serious signs of aggression towards 'Hunter' (the boxer rehab) but only mild interest in Pixie & Se7en. Bathroom breaks and feeding time have been isolated with utmost precaution until today. 
As a safety measure I introduced chuck to a Vibration Collar the same kind I use to get a Deaf dog's attention at first.  This can distract a dog in an aggressive state just long enough to intercept real damage.  Chuck didn't seem to mind the collar but looked around when it vibed like "what was that" which is what I wanted, so we proceeded.

  All three dogs Pixie, Se7en and Hunter were let out first and the I went back in to get Chuck. He was hesitant and suspicious (I think he knew it was test time).  We went out to the back and I kept Chuck on a leash for about 3 minutes, having to shoo Hunter from time to time and then I realized Chuck was ready to run. He played for a second with Pixie and Se7en but when Hunter got close he came back to me for "protection". This part is funny because Chuck could take all three of the dogs and myuself top the butcher. He is a big, powerful loveable sweetheart who might just get to sleep in the bed tonight.
   We are all five going on a two -hour pack run. This should be fun!!!!

                                                      Wolves on the run!





                    ARE YOUR DOGS GOING CRAZY INDOORS?

Well this weather is too cold for a lot of people to want to get out for very long. Most of the dogs in the city are going batty with cabin fever. Here are some tips to get them worn out indoors.

Tug O' War:  SOme of you know the rules and some of you don't but:

rule 1 of Tug O' War is: never let the dog win.
rule 2 of Tug O' War is: NEVER let the dog win.

This is a fun game invented by dogs to gain status through playful domination and the exhibition of not only power, but quick with and agility too. If you have ever played a real game of tug you know that brute strength alone doesn't necessarily win the game. There are many subtleties contained in the game of tug that I teach in the training #2 of i2i Dog Training. So if you remember, use the techniques and if you don't, call me up for a refresher session. If you haven't taken the i2i Dog Training course then keep an eye out for my book: " i2i Dog Training 'Training That Lasts A Lifetime' ".

BONE CHEWIN'.

Dogs release a tremendous amount of energy when chewing. A stuffed Kong or smart toy can add cognitive exercise to the physical act of chewin and even satiate a dogs innate drive to hunt and forrage.
A few of my dogs favorite chewin toys are shown below. They go wild on these for hours.

Stuffed bones and toys are the best peanut butter and meat are the real favorites. As always call me with questions or if you need more ideas.
                                                

                                                        Pressed Rawhide Bone

                                                              Is Better Than

                                                             Regular Rawhide

PACK RUNS:

Why do it yourself when you can pay someone? We are available for pack runs and day-camp any time. So if you know your pooch needs exercise just give Skylar a Call at 515-867-9653.