January Training Challenge

Beginning in 2010, we will kick of our series of the Monthly Training Challenge! January’s inaugural challenge is from Chris Dignan*.

Beginner:

“Go Home” Teach your dog to RUN to a mat on cue.

This behavior is completed when the dog runs to the mat and then automatically goes into a sit or down stay (trainer choice) for a minimum of 10 seconds. Extra points given for adding in distractions and changing the mat location.

Even if you have trained a behavior like this with your dog, do it again! We want a clean cue and a clean history with this behavior.

Advanced:
Turning a distraction into a cue for a behavior: if you have already trained for a go home or go to your kennel, great! Let’s put it to the test. People knocking on our doors or ringing our doorbells can cause some of our dogs to lose their minds at times. What if a ringing door bell signaled an opportunity for reinforcement as opposed to an opportunity to bark and run around like a mad dog?

Your challenge: teach a dog to RUN to their home, kennel or place when they hear a doorbell or knock. The doorbell or knock MUST be the cue for the behavior without any additional prompting. You can buy a cheap, remote doorbell for under 20 bucks.

Dog must stay in a sit or down stay for 1 minute after the cue was given. Extra points given for distractions on this one as well.

*Chris Dignan
Chris Dignan has been a professional trainer since 1997, of dogs and marine mammals alike. He is the founder of the Dog Saving Network, author of several training manuals and the creative influence of Life’s Ruff, a theater production designed to educate the public about the plight of shelter dogs. He was featured last fall on The Nightly News With Brian Williams and is now using his wealth of knowledge and experience to educate the dog-training public at the new DSN Learning Center. Chris lives in the suburbs with his wife Jill, also a trainer, and their four dogs. They are expecting their first child in June.

Welcome To Dog-Friendly Chicago

by Fran Berry

Chicago is known by many names: The Windy City, the City of Big Shoulders, and the Second City, but did you know that Chicago is fast becoming the Dog-Friendly City too? Even the city’s auto sticker for 2009-2010 has a Yellow Labrador Retriever carrying the city flag in his mouth!

Walk up and down the city sidewalks in Chicago and you’ll find dozens of restaurants that proudly display signs that read “Dogs welcome on the patio.” Many retail establishments allow fido to accompany their owners and you’ll typically find water bowls and treats at the entry way. Want to take a tour of the Chicago River? From July through September, the Mercury Cruiseline Company has a special Canine Cruise at 10:00 Sunday mornings where you can enjoy a scenic boat ride of the city’s wonderful architecture, while the 4-legged one enjoys a tasty biscuit provided by dog-loving docents! If baseball is your thing, Chicago boasts two teams and in April the Chicago White Sox have a Dog Day where you and your fido can share a bleacher seat, while enjoying a brat and a beer!

One of Chicago’s best-kept secrets is the W Hotel, located at 644 Lake Shore Drive. Not only does this boutique hotel allow dogs in the guests rooms, but you can also sip a cocktail and dine in the bar lounge with Fido by your side; they’ll even provide him with a bowl of kibble if he’s hungry!

In addition, Chicago boasts acres of beautiful dog-friendly parks, beaches, attractions, and yearly events. To check out the growing list of Chicago’s dog-friendly places click: www.dogfriendly.com

If you and your dog like the social scene, our Tails Magazine www.tailsinc.com is available at various locations around the city. Pick up a copy or view it on-line to find up to the minute dog-events, ‘yappy-hour’ locations, pet boutiques, veterinarians and informative articles to help keep your pet happy and safe, especially during our unpredictable weather conditions!

And what dog friendly city would be without its dog-friendly guidebook? Just click on www.chicityclerk.com/licenses/dogs.html where you will find answers your dog questions, learn how to register your dog for his license and dog park tag, where you can have him ‘fixed’ and even what to do if he’s lost.

Chicago is a great city that we hope you and your dog-pal will have many enjoyable times exploring. And if you discover something that we haven’t covered, we’d love for you to share it here for other Chicago dog- eccentrics!

By the way-Our friendly Chicago in-home dog trainer is only a click away if you have any questions about your dog’s behavior or would like help getting him adjusted to his new home. www.gofidogoodfido.com